The regularly scheduled meeting of CSM Governing Council was called to order at 6:40 by Curry Miller, President, on Tuesday, July 28, 2015.

ROLL: (P=PRESENT, A=ABSENT)

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

Opening prayer was offered by Rev. Brockett

Open mike: Andrea relayed a concern for a young man who has attended CSM and is back in town.  He is looking for a job and asked those present to let her know if they know of any position we could recommend to him.  She also asked that we help him and embrace him in whatever way we can.

Minutes:  The minutes of the June 23rd  meeting of the Governing Council were reviewed.  Milton moved acceptance, Andrea seconded and the motion passed.

 Financial Report: – reports attached.

Rev. Brockett reported in the absence of the Treasurer.  He reported that Ed has left and is working in Dallas.  Brian will now be doing the work on his alone.  We need to fill the position of Assistant Treasurer and Treasurer Trainee as soon as possible.  He also stated that he would like to see a report as to how we are doing compared to last year.  He feels this would be a good barometer as to how we are doing.

Andrea moved acceptance of the report, Ellen seconded it was passed.

Pastor’s Report:  – Reverend Brockett

  • Reverend Smelly passed away this past week and there will be a service for him this Saturday at 11 am
  • Reverend Brockett reported on his, Curry and Marie’s attendance at General Synod.  Our new UCC Minister was elected and everyone celebrated the Supreme Court’s decision on marriage equality.  Our denomination is not shy about being progressive and taking social justice stances.  They were also able to say good bye to Douglas Anders as our South Central Conference Minister and to meet our new interim conference minister.  Phil all announced that Dale Bonds is now president of the Board of the UCC.
  • September 25 and 26 there will be a “Partners in Building” meeting sponsored by the UCC.  The meeting concerns the borrowing of money and the resources available from the national UCC. We have been invited to attend and the only cost will be the 75 dollar application fee.  Ellen Pecoul moved that the Governing Council approve the expenditure of the application fee to allow for Pastor Brockett, Curry Miller and Jim Bonds to attend this event.  Arlean seconded the motion and it was carried.
  • The pastor reported on the Take Action Committee.  Ed has left to work in Dallas and Dale Bonds has volunteered to chair the committee.  The bulk of the work so far has been on establishing our mission, vision and core values statements.  The committee is beginning to look at the property situation.  No path has been decided and all options are on the table.  The group is respectfully working together.  The committee will present their plan/path of action in various forums and discussion groups.
  • Julie and Hope Darby will be getting married at CSM on August 9th after the worship service.
  • Phil reported that he has been approached by a non member concerning having a wedding at CSM.

Arlean moved acceptance of the Pastor’s report, Willard seconded and it passed

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

The Board of Trustees report was read.  Willard moved acceptance, Milton seconded and all were in favor.

 Diaconate Report: – Andrea Gibson

  • The Diaconate did not meet the month of July as the Pastor was out of town.
  • The pulpit supply went well in the Pastor’s absence.
  • Our second line after the service is getting a good response.  Ellen asked if we could do the second line once a month as some people are not staying for the fellowship time.  There was discussion as Phil asked the council members their feelings on it.  For the moment we will continue the practice but we will be aware of how the congregation is reacting too it.  There was a suggestion that we mix it up with another event such as “2nd hour” every other week where we could bring social issues up for discussion in a 2nd hour after church.  There will be more discussion as to the idea of bring social issues up in the sermon.

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

Christian Education – Arlean Fermanis – attached

The Christian education report was read.  Arlean moved that on September 13th CSM will have a “Celebration Sunday” at which time the CE committee will provide lunch for a free will offering and the committee will introduce the fall programming to the congregation also that her report be accepted.  Willard seconded the motion and it passed.

Community Service and Mission Committee

Ellen reported that she has received more of the Second Harvest magnets.  She is willing to continue delivering the donations but asked that someone else take over the administration of our program.  Someone to keep track of the donations we have made and the announcements that are made.

Old Business:

  • Corporate Realty Contract.  The pastor reported that our contract with Corporate Realty is in force until October 16th of 2015.  Wilson Boveland told the BOT that there is no way to cancel our contract with them until it expires.  Phil suggested that we use their services while we are still under contract and set a price on the properties that may be higher than their appraisals and see what happens.  Willard moved that we put a price on our properties and have Corporate Realty market them.  Milton seconded the motion.  There were 4 yeas and one abstention.  Potential prices suggested were 1.5 million for the Bienville property and 5 million for the Carrollton property.  Andrea asked that if we do sell our properties we need to get the highest amount we can and not just settle for a lesser amount.  Phil suggested we also use Corporate Realty services to see if there is property that we would consider buying.  – There has been a call to the church office from someone who wants to rent the education building at Carrollton to use for office space.  This is an inquiry that could also be handled by Corporate Realty.

New Business:

  • Ellen Pecoul reported that the banners we had asked her to look into are on sale for $112.00.  Curry said that if the church buys two Banners he will buy a third one for the church.  Ellen moved that CSM purchase a rainbow “God is Still Speaking Banner” as well as a “Be the Church Banner”.  Arlean seconded and all were in favor.  Curry will donate the “Jesus Didn’t Reject People- Neither do we Banner”.
  • Curry asked for a vote to call a Special Congregational Meeting after the worship service on August 30th to advise the congregation of our emergency need to buy a new air conditioning unit for the fellowship hall and any other business that may come before the meeting.  Willard moved, Arlean seconded and all were in favor.

The meeting closed with prayer by Ellen Pecoul at 8:20 pm.

Our next meeting will be Tuesday, August 25.

Respectfully Submitted, Arlean Fermanis, Secretary

July 2015 attachements for web