The regularly scheduled meeting of CSM Governing Council was called to order at 6:40 by Curry Miller, President, on Tuesday, June 23, 2015.

ROLL: (P=PRESENT, A=ABSENT)

P Rev. Philip Brockett,  Pastor
P Curry MillerPresident P Bythelda Davis P Willard Hill P Ellen Pecoul
P Richard TimptonVice Pres P Norman Robinson A Bryant Turner P Andrea GibsonDiaconate
P Arlean FermanisSecretaryChristian Ed P Milton CheramieBoard of Trustees A  Community  Svc. & Mission A  Communications & Outreach

Also Present: Treasurer,Ed Urrutia

Opening prayer was offered by Rev. Brockett

Open mike: Ed Urrutia reported that he has been involved in a job search and it looks like he will be relocating to Dallas in 45 days.  Brian, our Assistant Treasurer will need help counting after Ed is gone as we always have 2 counters.  We also need to fill the position of Treasurer Trainee.

Minutes:  The minutes of the May 26th meeting of the Governing Council were reviewed.  Arlean moved acceptance, Andrea seconded and the motion passed.

 Financial Report: – Ed Urrutia – reports attached.

  • Income – we are eleven thousand dollars over the income that had been projected
  • Expenses – We are doing well on the expense side as we are under budget through May
  • We have had a few months with a positive cash flow which is very encouraging
  • The treasurers are working on having the values of the property reflected on the balance sheet.

Andrea moved acceptance, Willard seconded and the motion passed.

 Pastor’s Report:  – Reverend Brockett

  • Joe Simpson passed away this past Saturday.  There will be a memorial service for him most likely on July 17th.
  • Reverend Brockett will be attending Synod this coming weekend and then he will be on vacation for two weeks.  He will be returning the evening of July 13th.  Rev. Cheryl Crammer will be preaching this coming Sunday, Rev. Maggie Schneider will be preaching on July 5th and Rev. Ernest Salsbury the Chaplain from Dillard University, will be preaching on July 13th.  The pastor will be speaking to Rev. Cramer about standing in for pastoral care while he is away.
  • The pastor was pleased to take part in and have our church host a combined service of the New Orleans Association for the victims of the murders in Charleston, SC.  Members from the community also attended the service.
  • The Chair person of the Central Carrollton Association had lunch with Rev. Brockett and they discussed ways in which the association and CSM can work together.
  • The Take Action Committee is working hard meeting every Monday.  The committee has developed mission and vision statements and also a list of CSM’s core values.  They have developed a strategic plan as well and are beginning discussions on where we will want go as far as our property situation is concerned.  Ed Urrutia is working with the Board of Trustees on property appraisals and offers.  The committee is remaining open minded about our options.  The letter that will be going out to the congregation is being worked on.
  • Mike Engelbract and his wife approached the pastor concerning putting a memorial plaque on the pew in which Al and Ethel have always sat.  The council believes that this is something that is usually done when a donation is made and that if we honor such a request it may open up many more such requests.  The pastor asked the council members to think about the request.
  • The Wednesday evening Bible Study has been going well and the last one will be Wednesday, June 24th.  There will be more such studies and the pastor will work with the Diaconate and the Board of Christian Education on that.

Andrea moved acceptance of the Pastor’s report, Richard seconded and the motion passed.

Board of Trustee’s Report:  – Milton Cheramie – report attached

Milton gave highlights of the BOT report.  We have received a concern from the director of the Hume Center concerning the grass being cut at the Bienville campus.  The BOT asked her to put her concerns in an email and we will address her issues.  It has been determined that the person responsible for the grass cutting has not been doing what he was contracted to do.  Willard knows of a young man who would most likely be willing to provide this service to us.

Richard moved acceptance of the BOT report, Norman seconded and the motion passed.

 Diaconate Report: – Andrea Gibson – see attached

  • Andrea thanked all who attended the South Central Conference meeting worship service.  The pastor had a short service including communion at 8:15 on that Sunday for those who could not attend the service at the meeting.
  • The next meeting of the Diaconate will be rescheduled due to the pastor being on vacation when their meeting is usually scheduled.
  • Andrea asked for help for Marie with the refreshments that are served on Sunday morning after the worship service.  Help is also required for the clean up.  It was suggested that committees within the church take a month to be responsible.  Curry pointed out that we do have a list of those who are willing to provide this help which was created when we did our time and talent survey.

Andrea moved acceptance of her report, Arlean seconded and it passed.

Christian Education – Arlean Fermanis

  • Arlean reported that she, Nancy Marks, and Noel Braning went to Washington, LA in St. Landry Parish and did a literacy enrichment activity with the Washington Elementary School.  It was a wonderful experience and the children and teachers were very appreciative.
  • VBS will be July 20- 24 at St. Charles Avenue Baptist Church.  This is the fourth year we have been holding a joint VBS and we are looking forward to it.
  • Andrea asked about the fund raiser we had requested approval for at the last Council meeting.  The CE committee will still be holding them but it will most likely be done in the fall.  We have money in the Mattie Braden Fund to cover the two campers we might have going.  Since we only have 2 going we do have the money to cover them but we will have the fund raisers to replace the money so we will have it for campers next year.

Norman moved acceptance of the CE report, Willard seconded and the motion carried.

Community Service and Mission Committee

  • Ellen reported that we delivered 20 school kits for Church World Service to the South Central Conference meeting.
  • We also provided 20 to 40 health kits to Back Bay Mission
  • The council has received a letter from Sylvia Warren (see attached)  stating that she is resigning as Chair of the Community Service and Mission Committee.  She also requested that she and John represent CSM on the planning committee for the second consecutive CROP walk.  She and John will attend the committee meetings and report back to the church.  The council, with regrets, accepted her resignation and agreed that she and John could represent CSM for the CROP walk.  Curry moved, Andrea seconded and the motion passed.

Old Business:

  • The pastor brought to the councils attention that we did not take the Strengthen the Church offering when it was suggested we do so.  When Rev. Brockett returns we will set a date for taking that offering.

New Business:

  • Pack 131 sends their thanks for CSM letting them sell lemonade after our worship service a few weeks back.  They raised 400 dollars during that Sunday as well as selling lemonade at a couple of other churches. Out of the money they earned, they donated to 4 charities and they will use the rest of the funds for a trip to a water park in Mississippi. They are planning a trip to the zoo in July and this coming week, Sunday through Wednesday they will be attending Camp Salmon
  • Ellen Pecoul brought up a concern about the choir’s practice of leaving the sanctuary door open for late comers to choir practice considering recent events.  The Governing Council said that this decision should be made by the choir.

The meeting closed with prayer by Deacon Gibson at 7:43 pm.

Our next meeting will be Tuesday, July 28.

Respectfully Submitted, Arlean Fermanis, Secretary

June 23 attachments for web