On September 26, Church Council held a meeting. Here is a summary of that meeting:
Josh Kilbourne, Senior Pastor, opened the meeting with some insights he gained while away recently on a spiritual retreat. He discussed that our current vision may need some tweaks given the season we are in mostly caused by the Pandemic. Our needs have shifted a bit and how we operate needs to be connected to our core vision and values. How do we help people be the disciples they are called to be? This set a great tone for the meeting of reminding our leadership why we are here and what we are called to do.
Jeff Norwood, Treasurer provided the Treasurer's report:
During the month of July, we received $89,750 which included a $12,000 contribution from the Preschool. Our net income for July was $28,000.
During the month of August, we received $58,000 and our expenses were $76,000 with a net loss of $18,000.
During the month of September, through the 25th, we have received $55,000 and our expenses are $53,000 so far.
Our profit and loss statement so far for 2021 shows $651,000 received and $602,000 spent towards our budget of $1,035,000 and our balance sheet shows a bank balance of $588,000 (with approximately $100,000 of that restricted). A separate roof account has been created and currently has a balance of $41,783.78. Our building loan is $1,090,353.
Marti Wayland, Chair, Finance Committee provided an update from the Finance Committee. Budget managers are currently developing 2022 proposed budgets with a goal to have the 2022 budget be less than $1,000,000. Proposed budgets are due by October 1, and Finance will review budgets in preparation for Finance and Church Council approvals at future meetings.
The Finance committee is also working to develop a Gifts in Kind policy and tracking system so we can take into account gifts received that are not monetary. This will help us better understand what it takes to truly run the church and provide documentation back to the giver for their records.
In response to a question about end of year projections, Marti stated that she and Allison Maynard, financial secretary, reviewed giving for this year and the past two years in preparation for the budget process for 2022. We do not think we will receive gifts to support our budget of $1,035,000 but we also do not expect to spend everything in our 2021 budget. As a point of reference, we have not received gifts to support our budget for the past couple of years, however expenses have remained lower and our bank balance is strong.
Marti also presented the Stewardship report in Lee Ann Adam's absence. Stewardship will begin the first Sunday in November and will run three weeks. We will only have one mailing and the rest of the campaign will be in person in worship and via email.
Penny Selman, Staff Parish Relations Chairman, gave an update on several staff positions within the Church. The position of Facilities Director has been revised and made part time. It has been re-posted. We are still actively trying to recruit and fill the A/V Coordinator position. After reviewing our current needs, the decision has been made to hold off on hiring a Kitchen Coordinator. Penny shared with Church Council that Kristy Stewart, Director of Communications/Pastoral Assistant has made the decision to return to school and will be leaving her position. An exact date has not been determined and we hope to allow for a time of transition. The position duties and needs will be reviewed and posted at a later date.
Bill Thornton, Associate Pastor, discussed the pending roof capital campaign. A committee is in the process of being developed that will consist of Bill Thornton and about 6-7 additional members. We are thankful for the generous gift already received that kicks off the campaign with a nice contribution of $42,000. At this time it looks as if the campaign will span 1-2 years and it is intended to raise the funds needed to replace our existing roof.
David Tonahill, Pre-School Board Representative, reported that pre-school is going well, and it is fully staffed despite several retirements from last year. In addition, he stated that all COVID protocols put in place last year remain in place for this year. At this time, no COVID cases have been reported within the preschool.
Josh Kilbourne reported that the Nominations Committee had their initial meeting to discuss the slate of church leadership positions for 2022. He asked for our prayers for this process in the months ahead. Josh indicated the committee may consider a building and grounds team/subcommittee to help support the Trustees. Lastly, Josh indicated the group may also re-establish the Crest Service design team to review additional formats and options for that service.
Henry Allen, Youth Parent Advisory Board Representative, shared that the Youth Parent Advisory Committee recently meet and discussed potential changes regarding traveling for upcoming retreats given Covid. It was also indicated that the large winter conference youth retreat known as “Resurrection” would most likely not occur this year and the group was considering appropriate alternatives to engage the youth. In addition, Henry shared that the youth may not be able to obtain Christmas trees to sell for their youth fundraiser this year due to reduced availability of trees from their supplier.
Darien Brevard, Scout representative to Church Council, reported the following: 45 active scouts this year versus 33 last year, 5 scouts recently completed the Eagle Scout designation, and 22 scouts went to summer camp in 2021. Darien also indicated that there will be an Open House for the scouts on November 20th.
Rachel Dow, Children’s Ministry Director, shared that 3rd grade bibles were shared on September 19 and that the Fall Festival in late October for the children of the church will be a “Trunk or Treat” format as we have done in the past. All are welcome to come and enjoy.
Dorrane Lane, Missions Chair, shared that the firewood ministry is in need of additional support to provide wood for the 10 families we serve. If interested, please contact the church office.
Bill Thornton, Associate Minister, closed the meeting in prayer.
Our next Church Council meeting will be October 24 at 7 pm.
In Partnership,
Greg Cullum
Chair, Church Council
