On March 28, Church Council held a (virtual) meeting. Here is a summary of that meeting:
Josh Kilbourne, Senior Pastor, gave the pastoral update. We are struggling to find enough volunteers to staff the needs for two services. In Ephesians 4, Paul talks about the spiritual gifts given to the body of Christ for building each other up, to equip the members of the church and bring us to unity. We have many gifted members in our congregation, but giftedness without the fruit of the spirit is a problem. We must have both and need to focus on bearing the fruit of the spirit. Josh directed us to the messages found in 1 Corinthians chapters 12 and 13. We must hold the fruit of the spirit and our gifts together as we serve. We have a great need for volunteers (greeters, technology, temperature checks), and we were all encouraged to fill in as we are able. If you are available to assist on Sunday mornings, you may sign up here.
Josh also shared that the past two Sunday evenings, in addition to the Youth who have been meeting, we also had nursery, children, and adults all in the building, which is wonderful! Sunday Connect will continue through the last Sunday in April (taking Easter off). We want to continue moving forward and providing more opportunities, but we need more volunteers to be able to do so. The staff is looking beyond “Sunday Connect" to discern the best way to connect with families of the church.
Josh was also happy to report that a Maundy Thursday service will take place at 7 pm this Thursday evening in the Sanctuary. The 11:00 am service will now take place in the Sanctuary as a Traditional service, with the 9:00 am service remaining in the Crest Center as a Contemporary service. Josh encouraged everyone to arrive early on Easter Sunday as attendance is expected to be high. Many people are reporting that Easter Sunday will be their first Sunday back to church since the pandemic began.
Josh would also like us to know he will be gone the week after Easter. He is getting away to complete some writing for his dissertation. If there is a pastoral emergency, Bill may be reached at 423-580-0892.
Bill Thornton thanked everyone for their prayers for our hurting congregation. There have been a lot of difficulties, illnesses, and challenges in our congregation. He shared what an honor it is to care for these people. Bill also updated Church Council on the status of his course of study at Emory University's Chandler School of Theology. Bill will complete his course of study in June of next year. He will then go on to Duke Divinity for the advanced portion of his coursework that is required for ordination. He is currently taking four classes, which is challenging at times with all of his other responsibilities.
Jeff Norwood, Treasurer, reported that February revenue was down slightly from January which is not concerning since our receipts fluctuate from month to month. February revenue was $64,411, compared with $66,026 for January. Expenses are up for February now that activities are resuming, and we are doing two services. We essentially broke even for the first two months of the year. We incurred a net loss of ($259) in February.
Our annual budget is $1,035,000. The monthly average needed to meet our annual budget is $86,250. Year-to-date net income is approximately $13,000. We have approximately $600,000 in the operating account, which includes designated funds of $97,000. This leaves funds available for operating costs of just over $500,000.
Allison Maynard, Financial Secretary, reported that $562,540 has been pledged to date. She reviewed non-pledge donations for the previous two years and they averaged $300,000 per year. If we assume the same will be given without a corresponding pledge in 2021, our giving would approximate $862,000 ($562,000 + $300,000). This put us approximately $200,000 under our budget but we can adjust budgeted expenses as necessary throughout the year.
Allison also reported that we have 48 recurring online givers. Many others are using mail, and typically checks are the mode of payment. Very little cash is received, especially as we no longer pass the basket in the worship service. Prior to COVID, we had 25 recurring online givers. Total family units that give regularly is roughly 300.
Marti Wayland, Finance Chair, reported that the Finance Committee met in person Sunday, March 21st. They reviewed the Profit & Loss reports and discussed the annual audit, which will begin April 12th. The Payroll Protection Program Loan forgiveness is still on hold until First Horizon sends us the information needed to move forward. The revenue versus expense situation is being closely monitored. The finance team continues to meet, review, and make financial projections, and now that group meetings in person are allowed, the full committee is able to provide oversight. The financial position of Signal Crest remains strong, as Jeff said, and we expect that contributions will increase when meeting in the church as a congregation begins in April. We will keep the Church Council apprised of any concerns with the church's financial situation.
Paul Jensen, who is member of Finance Committee, discussed the designated funds. We have four primary designated funds, and a few smaller ones that are maintained by Signal Crest. If money is restricted by putting a designation on the check or an accompanying letter, we are required by law to use the funds as requested. Memorial, Music, Building, and Outreach are the four primary designated funds. Before COVID, policies were being drafted for each of these funds. The Memorial and Music fund policies are complete and approved. Outreach and the Building fund policies were in the works prior to COVID, but were halted last year. These policies are now being finalized to be approved by Finance and Church Council. The policies cover how we handle money when received. Signal Crest has elected that Church Council will have the final sign off on any spending from these funds. The intention of the designated funds is to meet a need that is not funded by the budget. Paul stressed that we must ensure the approval flow is correct and being approved by the appropriate people and that the form is received by our accounts payable area prior to completing payment on money spent from these funds.
Penny Selman, Staff Parish Relations Committee Chair, reported that Allan Ledford, Director of Music, turned in his notice with plans to retire on June 28th. The committee is positioning to replace Allan, as this position is critical to the church and does need to be filled. Michael Huseman has agreed to fill in as interim Director of Music, although he is not interested in the position long-term. The search team is being assembled and currently working on the job description. They hope to post the position soon. Allan is our longest standing staff member with almost 20 years of service at Signal Crest and we greatly appreciate the wonderful service and leadership he has provided our church.
Dick Emrath, Trustees Committee Chairman, reported that during last two church workdays a lot of work was completed behind 308 Laurel St (the Parsonage), although attendance was not high. Fred Wildman is currently working on installing a door in the Children’s area to provide additional security and noise reduction in the other areas of the downstairs. He is also working to have a smoke detection system installed in the Sanctuary. Garth Beany and Larry McClure are working on rebuilding the wooden church sign that is out in front of the church now. Tom Cofer reported that the Town of Signal Mountain may let us relocate the sign without going before the City Design Committee. More work is to be done on the sign and location it will ultimately be placed.
Doranne Lane, Missions Team Chairman, provided a brief update of all the recent mission activities. Following is a synopsis of each one:
- The Firewood ministry provided for 6 families and 2 families periodically. Having monthly work days to provide the needed wood.
- Bethlehem Center: delivered food that was donated for their food pantry. Will provide food again for one week of camp again this year. We are looking for someone to serve as the liaison between Signal Crest and the Bethlehem Center. If you are interested, please contact Doranne Lane at doranne@epbfi.com.
- Mustard Tree: due to COVID we have primarily been supporting them financially. Hope to begin the 2nd Sunday servers soon when the ministry is able to begin hosting dinners.
- Howard: providing sack meals for the baseball team prior to games. Also doing teacher appreciation where provide monthly treats and a luncheon at the end of the year. Currently collecting school supplies for 25 college bound seniors.
- Morgan Scott Project: Provided two carloads of toys and items for Christmas through our donations.
- Signal Mountain Social Services: provided items for Christmas baskets through our donations. Also sponsored needs of a family with 3 children.
- Mexico Mission Trip: we were not able to send a team this past year due to COVID but have provided financial support.
- Camp lookout – we will be sending 4 campers this summer through our sponsorship program.
- Alaska Missionaries: we continue to support two United Methodist missionaries from the Holston Conference who are serving in Alaska.
- Zimbabwe buckets: we collected 22 last year and hope to provide more this year. More information coming soon on bucket collection needs.
- Home Repair: we are looking for someone to lead the home repair ministry on Signal Mountain this year. If you are interested, please contact Doranne Lane at doranne@epbfi.com.
Drew Barton, Director of Youth Ministries, reported between 30 to 40 students have been attending Youth each week on Sunday nights. It has been good to have everyone back in person. Henry Allen and Parent Advisory Board will be meeting soon to discuss the summer schedule and plans and will seek the proper approvals in April through Church Council due to circumstances with the COVID pandemic.
Rachel Dow, Director of Children’s Ministries, reported that a new air hockey table was donated to the Children's ministry. It has also been fun to have kids back in person and looking forward to more opportunities to connect with our children. Rachel is looking at VBS options and hoping for an in-person experience as well as virtual for those not yet comfortable with in-person activities. In-person VBS will be for graduated K and up since they have experience with masks and social distancing.
David Tonahill, Preschool Board Representative, reported that all is going very well with the Preschool. Since beginning in August, we have had one recent COVID case causing one class to quarantine. There was no spread from the case and the class is now back in session.
Our next Church Council meeting will be April 25th at 7 pm.
In Partnership,
Greg Cullum
Chair, Church Council
