The regularly scheduled meeting of CSM Governing Council was called to order at 6:50 by Curry Miller, President, on Tuesday, September 22, 2015.

ROLL: (P=PRESENT, A=ABSENT)

P Rev. Philip Brockett,  Pastor
P Curry Miller

President

 P Bythelda Davis A Willard Hill A Ellen Pecoul
A Richard Timpton

Vice Pres

 A Norman Robinson A Bryant Turner P Andrea Gibson

Diaconate
P Arlean Fermanis

Secretary

Christian Ed

 P Milton Cheramie

Board of Trustees

 A

 

  

Community  Svc. & Mission

 A  

Communications & Outreach

Also Present: Treasurer, Brian McKerlie

Opening prayer was offered by Rev. Brockett

Open Mike: Andrea expressed concern that many are not able to make the council meeting and we perhaps should change the time.  Discussion was held concerning the time of meetings.  Ideas were expressed but no decision made.

Financial Report: – Brian McKerlie – reports attached – Brian had another meeting so the financial report was moved up in the agenda

  • Giving is up 9,000.00 dollars from the same period last year
  • Building use has also tripled from last year
  • The electric meter issue has been corrected by Entergy
  • Michele D’Aquin has agreed to be assistant treasurer and she will be another check signer

Milton moved the treasurers report be accepted, Bythelda seconded and it passed.

Minutes:  The minutes from the August Governing Council meeting were reviewed and accepted.  Arlean moved and Milton seconded

Pastor’s Report:  – Reverend Brockett

  • Update on Carrollton Community Night Out.  It will be held at CSM from 6 – 8 on October 17th.  The police, first responders and fire engines will be there.  The proceeds from the evening from refreshment will go to those groups.  We need volunteers to do hot dogs as CSM’s offering to the evening.  There will be program from 6 – 7 and then from 7 to 8:15 there will be a Disney movie shown in the courtyard.
  • Congregants have mentioned we should do something for the Oak Street Po Boy Festival.  Rev. Brockett wil advertise for a team to work on this project.
  • We are looking into caroling at Christmas time
  • We need a team for our stewardship campaign.  Rev. Brockett will advertise for that.
  • Sunday School is going well.  We had 16 people taking part in the 9 am programs.
  • The chapel has been cleaned out and now we will asking congregants to donate to help purchase chairs.  Rev. Brockett showed us the chairs that we will be purchasing.  The armless chairs are 29.99 each and the ones with arms are 39.99.  We hope to have a “buy a chair” campaign.
  • Rev. Brockett is in the process of developing a new member class.  He will be contacting those he feels will be interested and finding out a good time for them to meet.  Sunday mornings is the time he is considering holding the class.  He feels it will be about 3 sessions.
  • The pastor will be away the weekend of October 4th.  Rev. Cramer will be preaching that Sunday.

The Pastor’s report was accepted.  Arlean moved and Milton seconded

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

  • Michele D’Aquin is not w signatory for our checking account
  • The mold remediation at Hume Center – Andrea cleaned the area and repainted it and it appears to be more water damage and not dangerous mold.
  • Robert Perry attended the BOT meeting and gave a presentation about Hume Center along with Andrea Gibson.  We need to work on our relationship with the Hume Center

Diaconate Report: – Andrea Gibson – report attached

  • Rev. David Stevens is ill but improving.
  • Directory pictures are being taken after church on Sunday – be sure to have your taken
  • The Diaconate would like to reconnect with Covenant House.  We have 4 board seats available to CSM.  Milton expressed interest on being on the Board.

The Diaconate report was accepted, Andrea moved and Milton seconded

Christian Education – Arlean Fermanis – report attached

  • Arlean explained to the council the need for a nursery attendant for Sunday mornings from 9 until 11:30. If we hope to attract young families we need to have this service available.  It is felt that 35 dollars a week would be fair compensation.  Arlean would like to advertise at the local colleges.  Andrea asked that we advertise to our congregation before going to the colleges as someone may know of someone who can use the extra money.  Arlean asked that the money come from the Outreach- other line which still has 1500 dollars available.  The cost of a sitter from now until the next budget is passed will be $595.00.

Andrea moved that the Christian Education request be honored, Milton seconded and all were in favor.

Old Business:

Banners have arrived and they seem to be attracting attention.

New Business:

  • Nominating Committee – we need to form a nominating committee for the positions that will be vacant in the new year.  We also need to address the 2 committees that have been inactive, the Communications and Outreach Committee as well as the Social Action and Mission Committee.   It was suggested that the nominating committee be empowered to find chairs for these committees as well.
  • Those nominated to be on the nominating committee are Andrea Gibson, Curry Miller, Milton Cheramie, Arlean Fermanis and Rev. Brockett.  Fay Kaufman was also suggested as a member.
  • The New Orleans Association meeting will be on October 3 from 8 – 11.  We have 4 voting delegates.  Names suggested to attend the meeting were Mona Villarubia, Curry Miller, Sam Ashley, and Marie Weatherspoon who is our regular delegate.
  • Outreach – Rev. Brockett suggested we get a sandwich sign for special events

There be no further business the meeting ended in prayer at 8:10

Our next meeting will be Tuesday, October 27, 2015.

Respectfully Submitted, Arlean Fermanis, Secretary

Sept 2015 attachments for web