On October 24 Church Council held a meeting. Here is a summary of that meeting:
Marti Wayland, Finance Chair, shared the proposed 2022 budget for approval. Some important items to note about the 2022 budget:
- Signal Crest giving has not kept pace with the budget for the last two years. However, spending has been down due to the pandemic.
- The Finance Committee felt it was important this year to more closely align the budget with our giving.
- Budget managers were asked to prepare a "bare bones" budget and desired budget.
- The Finance Committee, in most cases, adopted the bare bones budget proposals from the budget managers bringing our 2022 budget to $925,000. It was $1,035,000 for 2021.
- If giving comes in above the budget, the Finance Committee will determine how best to utilize the additional funds. We have a large expenditure ahead of us with a total roof replacement and other needs that are not able to be funded in the 2022 budget.
- If giving is lower than expected, we have a solid reserve in the bank of over $550,000 with approximately $100,000 of that amount in designated funds. We could utilize our reserves if needed.
Church Council approved the proposed budget for 2022.
Marti also shared our financial report for the month of September with our income being $57,012 and our expenses being 72,965.
Dick Emrath, Trustees Chair, reported on the current status of the Boy Scouts Bankruptcy related to a class action lawsuit they are involved in. The Holston Conference is currently reviewing information relating to the bankruptcy and will provide guidance on how to proceed. Signal Crest is currently looking into how to best maintain our relationship with our Cub and Boy Scout troop and working with Scout leadership.
Penny Selman, Staff Parish Relations Chairman, gave an update on two staff positions within the Church. The position of Facilities Director and A/V Coordinator are still open and we are actively seeking candidates for these positions.
Kristy Stewart, Youth Parent Advisory Board representative, shared a Youth Update. It has been communicated church wide that unfortunately the Christmas Tree Sale has had to be cancelled this year. The quality and number of trees available were not what we needed to make this a viable fundraiser. The Youth Parent Advisory Board is looking at other fundraising options as this was our largest fundraiser.
The Youth will also have the opportunity to go on a weekend winter retreat in January in place of their annual Resurrection trip. This was deemed a safer and more reliable trip option at this time. Students will need to be vaccinated and show a negative Covid test prior to leaving on the trip.
Rachel Dow, Children's Coordinator, shared the upcoming Trunk or Treat this Sunday evening from 5 pm to 6 pm. She is seeking candy donations and more trunks for the trunk or treat.
Rebekah Ducote, Director of Discipleship, shared an open invitation for the church to participate in the upcoming Fort-O 5K on November 13. We are also preparing a church wide Advent night and looking forward to more discipleship and fellowship opportunities in 2022.
Doranne Lane, Missions Coordinator, shared that we had a wonderful day at Firewood Ministry.
Greg Cullum, Church Council Chair, brought up for general discussion our current stance on our COVID protocols. After several minutes of discussion, it was decided to table this discussion to the next meeting after more information is available on the projected approval of the COVID vaccine for children ages 5-11. Currently, masks are not required for adults but we have asked everyone to prayerfully consider wearing them out of love for their neighbors. Our children and youth are required to wear them when inside the church.
Josh Kilbourne, Senior Pastor, shared that Nominations are still working on filling leadership positions for 2022 in preparation for Charge Conference on November 21. We had a great Sunday this week with attendance up in each service and we kicked off our children and youth music programs of handbells and choirs which were also well attended.
Bill Thornton, Associate Minister, closed the meeting in prayer.
Our next Church Council meeting will be Charge Conference on November 21st with our District Cluster composed of several other churches in our missional hub.
In Partnership,
Greg Cullum
Chair, Church Council
