Thanks to Jen Holtz for capturing our improvised voting method…
Annual Meeting Highlights
Thanks to all who attended the Annual Meeting on 30-JAN-2022. The attendance was strong, and the information presented a good picture of 2021 in review and the goals for Trinity in 2022. Below are the meeting minutes for all to review. Please let us know if you feel anything was missed or have any questions. You can reach out to me or any of the council members. I look forward to a bright 2022.
Kim Parpala
Minutes of the Annual Meeting
January 30, 2022
Trinity UCC Deerfield
Meeting convened on Zoom at 1:09pm with a prayer by Pastor Dale.
Having established a quorum, the Council President, Kim Parpala, called the meeting to order. The congregation voted to approve minutes of last year’s annual meeting.
REPORTS
Pastor’s Report – Pastor Dale
As we begin pastorate year 3 and pandemic year 2, Pastor Dale hopes for an end to the pandemic but not to the pastorate! Compliments to the congregation for their grace in moving from 65 virtual Sunday worships to our current hybrid model. She continues to reach out to members who haven’t returned during the pandemic. It is time to re-think how we proceed to make Trinity known. Additionally, we will work on technical/procedural goals to address issues raised by our insurance company’s recent survey.
Council’s Report – Kim Parpala
The primary challenge we faced in 2021 was getting Wi-Fi in the sanctuary to support hybrid worship. Kim commends Keith, Todd, Scott, Evan and Pastor Dale for making this happen. Goals for 2022 include improving our hybrid platform and launching a capital campaign to address capital projects anticipated over the next five years. We have tremendous opportunity to increase our visibility and to shape live programs as we move from pandemic to endemic.
Growth and Membership – Jen Holtz
This committee shares the goal of growing membership with other committees. Jen is hopeful we can forge ahead with Trinity’s traditional events as well as new opportunities. The new temporary front sign was a key initiative during 2021. The plan is to move to a permanent sign this year and to update the congregation’s roll
Mission Core – Roger Dart
Despite the pandemic, Mission Core maintained relationships with those we serve and is seeking new opportunities to maintain relationships going forward. This committee welcomes suggestions.
Operations – Karen Kerschke (Budget) and Todd Kerschke
The annual budget ended with -$650 which was better than the planned -$10,000. We anticipate a -$9000 for the current year. The budget includes near-term capital projects but not those planned for the upcoming capital campaign. We reduced Montessori’s monthly rent $675 for the 2021/2022 school year since their attendance was reduced by the pandemic. We maintained a positive relationship with this tenant and mission partner. Compliments to the congregation for supporting Trinity in a way that permitted this rent reduction.
The following capital projects are on the horizon: belltower repair (which slipped from 2021 into 2022), repair rapidly deteriorating retaining wall, phased replacement of floors approaching and in Woodale Hall, resurface East-side driveway and install draining system in this area. Todd will obtain bids to present to congregation as part of a capital campaign. Timeframe ~ May 2022.
He believes the front window and cross repairs can be addressed by the Operations team to forestall a greater project.
NEW BUSINESS
Pastor Dale announced Scott Peterson’s appointment to the Conference in a role that could eventually lead to Conference Treasurer.
VOTING
The congregation voted 20 to 0 in favor of accepting the proposed budget.
The congregation voted 20 to 0 in favor of adding Steve Jahraus to the Council.
The congregation voted 20 to 0 in favor of adding Dixie Inman to replace Jean Harris’ open seat on the Worship and Program committee.
The meeting concluded at 1:55pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Jean Siciliano
Recording Secretary
