by debbie | Dec 14, 2020 | Council Minutes
Meeting called to order at 6:05 P.M. by Sheri Barker
Members present
Lay Leadership: Bob Lechner, Sheri Barker, Sherri Coughlin, Diane Wages, and Rachael Perez
Ministers: Pastor Alicia Saenz, Pastor Karla Halverson
Absent: Freddie Lacarra, Michael Marquez
Guest: Dick Bollin
Opening Prayer
Devotion and Prayer led by Pastor Alicia
Action Items
• Nov. 23rd, 2020 Council Meeting Minutes were reviewed by Council members.
Motion: Approve the Nov. 23rd meeting minutes as long as changes are made to two dates, the Annual meeting date is 1-31-21, and the constitution date is 12-31-20. Motion by Sherri C. and seconded by Diane W. Unanimously approved.
▪ Diane W. reviewed the Nov. 2020 Financial reports with Council.
Motion: Approve the Financial Report as presented. Motion by Sherri C. and
seconded by Bob L. Unanimously approved.
o Motion: Move $13,000 from Debt Service Reserve, to Facilities Reserve.
Motion by Diane Wages. and seconded by Pastor Karla . Unanimously
approved.
o Motion: Rename Pastoral Call line on Financial Report 10201.2 to Reserve
Pastoral Insurance effective date is 1-1-21. Motion by Sheri Barker. and
seconded by Diane Wages. Unanimously approved.
Reports:
Pastor Karla
• Bible Study Tuesdays
• Sunday school will have more supplies, invite more children
• Meeting others
• Confirmation Continues
• Getting ready to record Christmas Eve Service
• Installation of Pastor Karla postponed until further notice.
• Tuesday 6pm evening prayers
Pastor Alicia
• Planning services
o Play
o Christmas
• Keeping in contact with others
• Posada planning
• Encouraging everyone
• Receive many prayer requests
Worship Committee
N/A
Nominating Committee
• Richard Roy will join the council in Jan. 2021.
• Maria Lizaraga will join the council in Jan. 2021
• Bob L. will ask Melissa Hernandez if she would like to join the council.
Personnel Committee
N/A
New Business:
• Motion: Send 2021 Version 3 Budget to congregation. Motion by
Sherri C. and seconded by Pastor Alicia. Unanimously approved.
• Annual meeting 1-31-21; drive thru ballot drop off/Communion.
• 2019 Constitution update- 1 month in advance, needs to go out. Diane
Nissen and Herb Geier both reviewed and are very pleased with the
Constitution.
Ch. 12.01 Sheri B- small modifications made- No fewer than 4 members
in congregation. Council to approve on Jan. 18, 2021 for Congregational
vote on Jan. 31, 2021
Motion to Send forward to Congregation for Approval, will go out in Newsletter.
Approval made by Sherri C. and seconded by Bob L.
• Lease on office copy machine expires in January 2021. Sheri B. will look
for a black and white printer, will get a few bids in, also taking
suggestions.
• Annual report preparation due to Sandra by 1-7-21, she will then put into
a formal document.
• Get others involved in Ministries: The goal is to have a Group of people
interested in getting involved with current activities within the community.
Scouts are looking for the benefit of the congregation; formalizing a task
force:
1) Social Services
2) Create something that is income generating
3) Find a landmark ministry
Motion: Pastor Karla move that the Council Form a property
planning task force which will be open to all members and will
provide monthly reports through property liaison to council. And
seconded by Diane Wages.
• Board of Equalization Information:
Dick Bolin presented a Certificate of Amendment of Articles of
Incorporation. St. Marks is not entitled to the “Religious Exemption” due
to leasing space to Lutheran Social Services. The Board of Equalization
notes that Lutheran Social Services is not a Religious group therefore
St. Marks cannot honor the “Religious Exemption”
Motion made by Diane Wages that this Certificate of Amendment of
Articles of Incorporation be submitted to the Secretary of State,
and Diane Wages also moves to Approve the Amendment of
Articles of Incorporation as written by Dick Bolin and be forwarded
to the Annual Congregation meeting for final ratification by
congregation. Sherri C. seconded the motion. Unanimously
approved
Pastor Alicia closed the meeting with Prayer.
Meeting adjourned at 8:55 P.M.
Next Council meeting will be Monday Jan. 18th, 2021 6:00 – 8:00 PM via Zoom
Submitted by Rachael Perez, Secretary Updated 1/17/2021
by debbie | Nov 23, 2020 | Council Minutes
Meeting called to order at 6:05 P.M. by Sheri Barker
Members present
Lay Leadership: Bob Lechner, Sheri Barker, Sherri Coughlin, Diane Wages, and Rachael Perez
Ministers: Pastor Alicia Saenz, Pastor Karla Halverson
Absent: Freddie Lacarra, Michael Marquez
Opening Prayer
Devotion and Prayer led by Pastor Karla Halvorson
Action Items
• Nov. 2nd, 2020 Council Meeting Minutes were reviewed by Council members.
Motion: Approve the Nov. 2nd meeting minutes as presented. Motion by Sherri
C. and seconded by Diane W. Unanimously approved.
▪ Diane W. reviewed the Oct. 2020 Financial reports with Council.
Motion: Approve the Financial Report as presented. Motion by Pastor Karla.
and seconded by Sherri C. Unanimously approved.
Reports:
Pastor Karla
• Bible Study
• Meeting others
• Confirmation
• Beach Clean up on Sun. Nov. 29th – All Ages
• Sat. Dec. 12th Installation of Pastor Karla in sanctuary – Bishop will be present.
• Tuesday 6pm evening prayers
Pastor Alicia
• Planning services
o Play
o Christmas
• Keeping in contact with others
• Posada planning for Dec. 13th
• Encouraging everyone
• Receive many prayer requests
Worship Committee
• Christmas plans made.
• Needs an update on WI-FI
• Spanish Survey Results
Nominating Committee
• Recruit for treasurer- Diane W. replacement.
• Recruit for Vice President – Sherri C. replacement
Personnel Committee
• Employee handbook Sherri C. requested a copy of the Personnel handbook from San Marcos Lutheran. Their 2006 version was sent to Sherri C. , Pastor Karla would like to review the handbook before we go forward with a vote to adopt it as our own.
New Business:
• Draft of 2021 Budget Proposal Diane W. – new increases for staff.
• COVID -19 Pastor Karla, Report- Main issue saving lives, protecting
property, and protecting the ministries at St. Marks. When we get back to
Red Tier the council will make any decision for a safe reopening.
• Finalize preparation for annual congregation meeting 1/18/2021. Annual
congregational meeting will be held on 1/31/2021.
• There is a Grant through the Latino Ministry that could possibility be given to St. Marks. The amount could be from $12,000 – $15,000. This Grant
needs to be applied for by November 30, 2020. Sheri B. will be writing a
Grant to the Latino Ministry.
• St. Mark’s By-laws/ Constitution is being worked on. The Constitution will
need to be submitted to the congregation by 12-31-20.
• Ministry transition report= 4 focus areas:
1) Growing Welcoming Church
2) Member Care
3) Worship
4) 1 Congregation
Will continue to talk more about these focus areas during council retreat.
Diane Flint Wages closed the meeting with Prayer.
Meeting adjourned at 8:15 P.M.
Next Council meeting will be Monday Dec. 14, 2020 6:00 – 8:00 PM via Zoom
Submitted by Rachael Perez, Secretary Updated 12/13/2020
Revised version 1/17/21
by debbie | Nov 2, 2020 | Council Minutes
Meeting called to order at 6:05 P.M. by Sheri Barker
Members present
Lay Leadership: Bob Lechner, Sheri Barker, Sherri Coughlin, Diane Wages , Sandra, Michael Marquez, and Rachael Perez
Ministers: Pastor Alicia Saenz, Pastor Karla Halverson
Absent: Freddie Lacarra
Opening Prayer
Devotion and Prayer led by Diane Wages
Action Items
- Sept 28, 2020 Council Meeting Minutes were reviewed by Council members.
Motion: Approve the Sept. 28th meeting minutes as presented. Motion by Sherri C. and seconded by Michael M. Unanimously approved.
▪ Diane W. reviewed the Sept. 2020 Financial reports with Council.
Motion: Approve the Financial Report as presented. Motion by Sherri C. and seconded by Michael M. Unanimously approved.
- Proposal made by Diane W. to move $100,000 from the Union Bank Money Market account to the Reserve account. The Reserve account was used to fund the Repair of the sewer. The is the main reason the Reserve account has a lower balance
Motion: Approve the Move of $100,000 from Money Market by Diane W. and seconded by Pastor Karla.
Reports:
Pastor Karla
- All Saints day was beautiful
- Great to work with Pastor Alicia
- 3 years: 6th, 7th, 8th graders Communion – fun curriculum
- Beach Clean up on Sun. Nov. 29th – All Ages
- Sat. Dec. 12th Installation of Pastor Karla in sanctuary – Bishop will be present.
Pastor Alicia
- Planning services
- Keeping in contact with others
- Encouraging everyone
- Receive many prayer requests
- Seminary Class
Worship Committee
- On Nov. 18th, 2020 the committee will discuss a plan for Christmas- what type of program there will be? Also, will there be a Christmas Eve service?
- Andrew is handling broadcast for services.
- Signal problem during service with WIFI
- Discussion of approximately 12 tablets to be purchased for the shut-ins to be able to watch the church services.
- Sheri suggests that 6 microphones be purchased which will be approximately $8,000. Pastor Karla made a suggestion- purchase new/updated materials to deliver quality church services. It is important to put funds into purchasing better resources.
Motion: Bob L. made a motion to move $10,000 to the facility reserve account for purchase of equipment needed to provide on-line services. Sherri C. 2nd the motion. Unanimous vote.
Nominating Committee
- Recruit for treasurer- Diane W. replacement.
- Recruit for Vice President – Sherri C. replacement
Personnel Committee
New Business:
- Diane Wages made a motion to get a Credit Card for Pastor Karla, Bob L. 2nd the vote, Unanimous vote.
- Draft of 2021 Budget Proposal not ready yet.
- Digital Sign for St. Marks, Pastor Alicia spoke to Dick Bollin, then Dick had spoken to Richard Roy, gathering specific details regarding where to put the sign- the Position/Format. Details need to still be researched due to no digital signs may be placed in residential areas.
There is a Grant through the Latino Ministry that could possibility be given to St. Marks. The amount could be from $12,000 – $15,000. This Grant needs to be applied for by November 30, 2020. Sheri B. will write a Grant to the Latino Ministry.
Bob L. will call St. Johns Church to ask how they got their sign- and which vendor they hired.
- St. Mark’s By-laws/ Constitution is being worked on. The Constitution will need to be submitted to the congregation by the end of Jan. 2021.
- Brick Fundraiser- Organize in New Year 2021. Details to come regarding the price of each brick and where to place bricks when purchased/ Engraving of Bricks.
- Transition Team meeting Nov. 14, 2020 facilitator Kris Flynn. Look at data from Survey done. Need to list a few focus priorities. 1) Issue
2) Suggestion. How to set priorities in 2021 to help Pastor Karla be successful.
- Stewardship campaign; Pledge card distribution- drive thru event with Communion. On the date of Nov. 15th 2020, Pastor Karla, and Pastor Alicia will be there.
Diane Wages closed the meeting with Prayer.
Meeting adjourned at 8:32 P.M.
Next Council meeting will be Monday Nov. 23, 2020 6:00 – 8:00 PM via Zoom Submitted by Rachael Perez, Secretary Updated 11/23/2020
by debbie | Oct 3, 2020 | Council Minutes
St. Mark’s will safely reopen Sunday, _____________, for in-person worship for those who choose to participate. For those who prefer to participate from home, we will continue to record and broadcast all services as we have done for the last _____ months. Now that we have figured out how to successful broadcast to Facebook Live and put the recordings on YouTube and our website, we expect that the broadcasts will continue as a permanent aspect of our ministry.
Several months ago, we prepared a detailed Safe Re-Opening Plan with the able support of Debbie Lechner. Our plan is built upon the research-based advice of the CDC, and the local medical community.
What Should I Expect When I Return to the Sanctuary?
If you choose to worship in-person in the sanctuary on Sunday, ______________, here are the guidelines we will be following:
It is recommended that anyone over 65 years old or with underlying health conditions, or anyone who lives with someone who is vulnerable, remain at home and watch the online broadcast, where they can sing and read responsively in safety.
If you are feeling unwell, DO NOT COME TO CHURCH!
Since we only have about 35 household units in the English-speaking ministry (80-100 people), everyone who wishes to participate should be able to safely social distance in the sanctuary.
Please sit only in open rows. Alternate rows have been taped off.
Please sit about 6 feet from another family in the row.
All worshippers will need to wear a mask (5 years old or older).
Your temperature will be taken with a touchless thermometer before entering the sanctuary.
No hugging or shaking hands.
Please refrain from Singing and oral Recitation because research has proven that these practices carry a much greater risk of spreading infection through droplets (even with masks).
We will not be offering communion until the Synod approves its reinstitution.
No coffee or shared food will be available after service.
We will not be offering Sunday school or nursery care at this time.
We have removed the Bibles and hymnals to avoid transmission by surface. Please bring your own Bible if you wish to refer to it. Individual and family handouts will be available to follow the service.
We will open all doors to ensure good ventilation throughout the building.
Blank offering envelopes and the offering plate will be at the end of the center aisle. We will not be passing the plate for offering.
Surfaces in the sanctuary will be sanitized between first and second services.
Thank you for your understanding as we strive to keep everyone as safe as possible in this time of COVID-19.
Peace and Grace to You,
Sheri Barker, Council President
by debbie | Sep 28, 2020 | Council Minutes
Meeting called to order at 6:10 P.M. by Sheri Barker
Members present
Lay Leadership: Bob Lechner, Sheri Barker, Sherri Coughlin, and Rachael Perez
Ministers: Pastor Alicia Saenz
Absent: Freddie Lacarra, Diane Wages , Pastor Dan
Opening Prayer
Devotion and Prayer led by Michael Marquez
Action Items
- Aug 24, 2020 Council Meeting Minutes were reviewed by Council members.
Unsure of Krystina Torres start date, Rachael will connect with Diane Wages for verification. No approval of meeting minutes until date has been verified.
▪ Sheri Barker reviewed the Aug 2020 Financial reports with Council.
Motion: Approve the Financial Report as presented. Motion by Sherri C. and seconded by Michael M. Unanimously approved.
Reports:
Pastor Alicia
- There is a good number of people coming back little by little to services.
- Food drive was a success- Good outcome.
- Pastor Alicia is taking 1 class in October.
- Keep connections with people
- Checking on people to make sure they have enough food
Worship Committee
- On Nov. 15th, 2020 the committee will discuss a plan for Christmas- what type of program there will be? Also, will there be a Christmas Eve service?
- Need to discuss the sound system.
New Business:
- All documentation from Pastor Karla has been received. The arrival date for Pastor Karla is officially on Oct. 27, 2020. The departure date for Pastor Dan is Oct. 26, 2020. Both Pastor Dan and Pastor Karla will have Prayer quilts available in the entry way of the Church office beginning Oct. 1, 2020 for anyone that would like to tie knots with prayers.
- Lee Wagenblast is using the Kitchen for his homeless meal preparation each Monday evening and has supplied a certification of Insurance Liability.
- Move the monthly October meeting to Nov. 2, 2020 in order for Pastor Karla to attend. And the November monthly meeting will be on Nov. 30, 2020. The December monthly meeting will be held on Dec. 14, 2020
- St. Mark’s By-laws/ Constitution is being worked on. The Constitution will need to be submitted to the congregation by the end of Jan. 2021.
- Discussion of digital sign for St. Marks – Grant available, due by Nov. 30th, need to get Vendor quotes.
- Stewardship campaign; Diane Nissen; Pledge card distribution- drive thru event with Communion. On the date of Nov. 15th 2020, Pastor Karla will be there. Volunteers needed to help collect pledge cards. Looking into possibly passing out a daily devotional book to each person.
- Safe reopening discussion, Sheri B. has a list / letter to send out.
Michael Marquez closed the meeting with Prayer.
Meeting adjourned at 7:32 P.M.
Next Council meeting will be Monday Nov. 2, 2020 6:00 – 8:00 PM via Zoom
Submitted by Rachael Perez, Secretary