by debbie | Jun 28, 2021 | Council Minutes
Meeting called to order at 6:07 P.M. by Sheri Barker
Members present
Bob Lechner, Melissa Velasco, Sheri Barker, Mary (Maria) Lizarraga, Richard Roy, and Rachael Perez
Pastors: Pastor Karla Halvorson and Pastor Alicia Saenz
Treasurer: Diane Wages
Absent: Oscar Uribe, Michael Marquez
Visitors: Diane Wages, Meredith McCall, Debbie Lechner
Opening Prayer
Devotion and Prayer led by Sheri Barker
Action Items
- May 24th, 2021 Council Meeting Minutes were reviewed by Council members.
The May 24th, 2021 minutes Accepted
- Treasurer Diane Wages reviewed the May Financial reports with Council.
- The May 2021 Financial Reports Accepted
- Approval to Open New Bank Account for Endowment Fund:
It was moved, seconded, and approved to open a new checking account at Union Bank. The authorized signers will be Meredith Anne McCall, Karl Auden Larsen, and Sharon Lynn Martin as the Chairperson, Treasurer, and Secretary of the Legacy Committee, respectively. This account will be used solely for the purpose of the Endowment Fund and will maintain the separation of Endowment Fund monies from the church’s general fund. The new Congregational Financial Reports will include Endowment Funds monthly and annually as recommended by the ELCA.
New Business:
- Pastor Karla’s Contract: Pastor Karla is requested an increase in her 2/3 contract to a ¾ contract in order to allow her more time to provide more consistent leadership, more time ministering to our members, and increased attention to growing St. Mark’s.
- An 9% increase in her contract will allow her to be in the office three full days a week—Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Pastor Karla currently works Monday, Tuesday, 1/2 day Wednesday from home, every other Saturday, and Sunday. The hours are based on a normal pastoral 5-day, 50-hour work-week.
- Personnel Committee Approved increasing hours for Melissa V. so she can devote more time to all the preparation she does for Sunday School. Her responsibilities have expanded to include providing a children’s message for each worship service and leading Sunday School volunteers.
- Sunday morning Re-opening plans: Debbie Lechner, Pastor Karla and the Safe-Re-opening Committee continue to research the best and safest ways to have a grand re-opening:
- Masks are needed for all those attending services that are not vaccinated.
- The pew section directly in front of the organ will be designated a
Mask-Free Zone. Masks will be required in all other parts of the sanctuary to ensure continued safety of our vulnerable children and others who have not been vaccinated.
- We will continue to review CDC State Guidelines, and Bishop Andy’s recommendations for a successful reopening with the safety of all our the priority.
Motion made by Sheri B, and Seconded by Bob L. to adopt the policy that the Safe Reopening Committee has suggested to have a safe re-opening: To always maintain a 6 feet distance inside and outside of church and all unvaccinated must wear masks. Richard abstained from the vote.
- CPR/First Aid Training will be planned for September
- Brick Fundraising campaign from April 1 – August 31, 2021. Members and community can purchase bricks that will be tax deductible during this 1st Annual campaign. Two different sizes are offered: 4 X 8 brick can provide space for 3 lines of print; an 8 x 8 brick can provide space for 6 lines of print.
Reports:
Pastor Karla
- Preparing for the Grand Re-opening celebration on Sunday, August 1
- Preparing for the Festival on Saturday, August 7
- Christian Education/Fellowship begins Sunday, August 8
- Member care team and Pastoral care continues
- Bible Studies continue via Google
- Children Youth and Ministry team – planning, meeting, brainstorming new ideas
Pastor Alicia
- Keeping connected with people
- Checking-in to see what people need
- Praying for People
- Planning Melissa’s Wedding
- Attending meetings with different church groups
- Planning for Christian education
Property Committee
- Door sweeps have been added to all upper campus doors
- Safety lights complete
- Oscar U. is helping with lighting for upgraded street signs
- Possibly look into a “Ring Security System” to keep our campus safe.
Personnel Committee
- The Church will need a sound & video technician/Camera technician, this position will be needed by Sept. 2021.
Member Care Team
- On Sunday 7-11-21 all are invited to write invitations to those members that have not attended for a while to welcome them back to service. And write thank you notes for those that have contributed their time to keeping St. Marks running over the last 4 years.
Community Outreach Team
- Mari invites people to church during the food distribution. Print post cards or hand out water bottles with printed information about ST. Marks English and Spanish services during food distribution.
Sheri Barker closed the meeting with Prayer.
Meeting adjourned at 8:30 P.M.
Next Council meeting will be Monday July 26, 2021 6:00pm – 8:30pm
Submitted by Rachael Perez, Secretary
by debbie | May 24, 2021 | Council Minutes
Meeting called to order at 6:07 P.M. by Sheri Barker
Members present
Bob Lechner, Melissa Hernandez, Oscar Uribe, Michael Marquez, Sheri Barker, Mary (Maria) Lizarraga, Richard Roy, and Rachael Perez
Pastors: Pastor Karla Halvorson and Pastor Alicia Saenz
Treasurer: Diane Wages
Visitors: Diane Wages, Chris Lewis, Meredith McCall, Debbie Lechner
Opening Prayer
Devotion and Prayer led by Mari Lizarrage
Action Items
- April 26, 2021 Council Meeting Minutes were reviewed by Council members.
The April 26, 2021 minutes Accepted
- Treasurer Diane Wages reviewed the April Financial reports with Council.
- Motion made to change Honoring and Remembrance designated fund to Appreciation fund. Move balance of Honoring and Remembrance fund to Appreciation fund
Motion made by Mike M. and seconded by Bob L.
Reports:
Pastor Karla
▪ Children Youth and Ministry team – planning, meeting, brainstorming new ideas
▪ Member care
▪ Bible Studies continue Google
▪ Christian Education/Fellowship
- ELCA Pacifica Synod AMMPARO meetings
- Grand Re-opening Planning
- LSS, Upward Bound, Project Hand, Talent Search
Pastor Alicia
- Keeping connected with people
- Checking-in to see what people need
- Praying for People
- Attending meetings with different church groups
Property Committee
- Door sweeps have been added
- Safety lights complete
- Oscar U. is helping with spotlights for sign on Hilltop Dr.
Personnel Committee
- Pastor Alicia will be hiring an Assistant to work 4 hours per week.
- The Church will need a sound & video technician/Camera technician, this position will be needed by Sept. 2021.
Member Care Team
- Writing invitations to those members that have not attended for a while to welcome them back to service. And write thank you notes for those that have contributed their time to keeping St. Marks running during/after COVID.
Community Outreach Team
- Mari invites people to church during the food distribution. Print post cards or hand out water bottles with printed information about ST. Marks English and Spanish services during food distribution.
New Business:
- Legacy Committee Update: Meredith McCall & Chris Lewis
- Gift Policy & office process
- Allow outside groups to begin meeting again with masks, outdoor only
Motion made to allow outside groups to begin meeting in person/outdoor with masks made by Sheri B, and seconded by Mike M.
- Wedding ceremony on 6/12/21 and a Funeral on 6/26/21
Motion to allow ceremonies to be performed on St. Marks Property
By Pastor Karla, and seconded by Rachael P.
- Sunday morning Re-opening plans: Debbie Lechner & Pastor KarlaIn-person inside worship June 13, 2021Soft vs. Grand Re-opening
Motion: Accepted reopening guidelines. Motion made by Richard R. And Seconded by Pastor Alicia.
- Brick Fundraising campaign from April 1 – Sept. 1 purchase bricks, tax deductible. Two different sizes are offered, 4 X 8 brick could provide space for 3 lines with the option for clip art for an additional fee. As well as an 8 x 8 brick could provide space for 3 lines and space for clip art for an additional fee.
Motion: Approved going forward with the planning of the Brick fundraiser. Motion by Mike M. and seconded by Bob L. Unanimously approved
Mari L. closed the meeting with Prayer.
Meeting adjourned at 8:30 P.M.
Next Council meeting will be Monday June 28, 2021 6:00pm – 8:30pm
Submitted by Rachael Perez, Secretary
by debbie | Apr 26, 2021 | Council Minutes
Meeting called to order at 6:00 P.M. by Sheri Barker
Members present
Bob Lechner, Melissa Hernandez, Sheri Barker, Mary (Maria) Lizarraga, Richard Roy, and Rachael Perez
Pastors: Pastor Karla Halvorson and Pastor Alicia Saenz
Treasurer: Diane Wages
Members absent: Michael Marquez, Oscar Uribe
Opening Prayer
Devotion and Prayer led by Bob L.
Action Items
- March 22, 2021 Council Meeting Minutes were reviewed by Council members.
- Motion: Approve to the March 22, 2021 minutes. Motion by Pastor Karla H., second by Bob L. Unanimously approved.
- Treasurer Diane Wages reviewed the March Financial reports with Council.
- Motion: Approve the March Financial Report as presented. Motion by Bob L. and seconded by Pastor Karla. Unanimously approved.
Reports:
Pastor Karla
▪ Children Youth and Ministry team
▪ Confirmation Classes
▪ Beach Clean up coordination for 5/16
▪ Bible Studies continue on Google Meet
- “Ask, Thank, Tell” by the Synod – stewardship meeting
- ELCA Pacifica Synod AMMPARO meetings
- Member care
- LSS, Upward Bound, Project Hand, Talent Search
Pastor Alicia
- Keeping connected with people
- Checking-in to see what people need
- Praying for People
- Attending meetings with different church groups
Property Committee
- Emergency Exit lights replaced
- Door sweeps have been added
- Door jams were rotted needed to be repaired
- Voted on Digital sign coloring, majority of the vote was for white, blue and orange sign. The Cost for the sign will be $3,500, this will come out of the $10,000 grant money awarded to ST. Marks. The remaining amount of the grant money will go toward another sign for Hilltop and I street.
Motion: Approve the digital sign coloring. Motion by Richard R. and seconded by Bob L. Unanimously approved
Member Care Team
- Calling home bound members to check in with them and make sure they are doing okay. Calling other members that are not home bound but have not been attending worship services.
New Business:
- Pacifica Synod Technology Development Grant Received – $5,000
- Put a poll out to the congregation to vote for worship service times.
- Continuing Resolutions – Executive Committee motions for approval
- Brick Fundraising campaign; create memorial patio, need to review and decide on different designs and sizes of bricks.
Motion: Approve the development of a taskforce to run the Brick fundraiser. Motion by Pastor Karla and seconded by Bob L. Unanimously approved
Bob L. closed the meeting with Prayer.
Meeting adjourned at 8:38 P.M.
Next Council meeting will be Monday May 24, 2021 6:00pm – 8:30pm
Submitted by Rachael Perez, Secretary
by debbie | Mar 22, 2021 | Council Minutes
Meeting called to order at 6:10 P.M. by Sheri Barker
Members present
Bob Lechner, Melissa Hernandez, Sheri Barker, Oscar Uribe, Mary (Maria) Lizarraga, Richard Roy, and Rachael Perez
Pastors: Pastor Karla Halvorson and Pastor Alicia Saenz
Treasurer: Diane Wages
Opening Prayer
Devotion and Prayer led by Rachael Perez
Action Items
- February 13th, 2021 Council Meeting Minutes were reviewed by Council members.
- Motion: Approve to the February 13th 2021 minutes. Motion by Pastor Karla H., second by Oscar U. Unanimously approved.
- Treasurer Diane Wages reviewed the February Financial reports with Council.
- Possibly in the future; Rename honoring and remembrance fund for the Pastoral Discretionary fund
- When a donation is made to the church on behalf of a loved one passing away, a thank you note should be sent to the family.
- Motion: Approve the Financial Report as presented. Motion by Bob L. and seconded by Richard R. Unanimously approved.
Reports:
Pastor Karla
▪ Children Youth and Ministry team
▪ Confirmation Classes
▪ Holy week planning:
- Good Friday, Palm Sunday, Easter Sunday
▪ Easter Service – 1st in person service
- Prepared a safe reopening plan
- Communicating with Church Mutual Insurance for Additional coverage
- Bible Studies continue on Google Meet
- ELCA Pacifica Synod AMMPARO meetings
- Project Hand distributions
- San Diego Food Bank generously blessed Project Hand with a grant for $5,000
- Rotary club provided money for supplies and equipment
Pastor Alicia
- Keeping connected with people
- Checking-in to see what people need
- Attending meetings with different church groups
- Planning/ organizing Services:
- Good Friday, Palm Sunday, Easter Sunday
Property Committee
- Bob Briggs and Oscar Uribe are looking into why the Church sign was not lighting up.
- Lights in the parking lot will be replaced with LED lights.
- Bob Briggs will provide a report once a week to Pastor Karla, as well as to Bob Lechner with any updates.
- Dick Bolin is working on getting the Kitchen stove repaired, as well as the freezer and dishwasher.
- Pastor Karla detailed Safe Re-opening Guidelines, outdoor worship beginning on 4/4/21
Motion: Approve the Safe re-opening guidelines. Motion by Pastor Karla. and seconded by Pastor Alicia. Unanimously approved
▪ Pastor Karla and Diane Wages had a meeting with a representative from Church Mutual. This is the insurance that covers the church property. It is the time of year for the Church policy to be renewed.
- There will be a few updates to the Insurance policy- as well as a new premium. The Work Comp portion was not confirmed yet as to how much that premium would be. However, the other updates to the insurance policy will cover 1) Americans with disabilities act (ADA), and 2) Legal Defense.
Motion: Approve the Church Insurance to cover ADA, And legal defense. Motion by Oscar U. and seconded by Bob L. Unanimously approved
New Business:
- Equipment for Services: 2 new speakers- Portable sound board being delivered
- ELCA- Hispanic Latino Ministries Grant Gave $10,000 for the new sign.
- Palm Sunday 3/28/21 drive thru 4:30pm – 6pm, giving out palm, cross, and communion, special goodies for children.
- Good Friday on the Patio from 3pm – 6pm with Pastor Karla, and Pastor Alicia. On-line service 6:30pm
- Easter Sunday 4/4/21 In-Person Service on the Patio.
- Possible new Sunday morning schedule, still in discussion.
- Melissa Hernandez provided updates for the children and youth Sunday School. And is thankful and excited to work with children. Melissa is looking forward to having more activities for the children.
Rachael Perez closed the meeting with Prayer.
Meeting adjourned at 8:18 P.M.
Next Council meeting will be Monday April 26, 2021 6:00pm – 8:30pm
Submitted by Rachael Perez, Secretary
by debbie | Feb 13, 2021 | Council Minutes
St. Mark’s Church Council Retreat 2021 (1st Council Meeting of the New Year)
Saturday, February 13, 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Attendees
2021 Lay Council Members: Sheri Barker, Melissa Hernandez, Bob Lechner, Mary (Maria) Lizarraga, Michael Marquez, Rachael Perez, Richard Roy, Oscar Uribe
Pastors: Pastor Karla Halvorson and Pastor Alicia Saenz
Outcomes
- Begin to build a cohesive team of leaders
- Strengthen leaders who can guide St. Mark’s into the future
- Get to know Our Constitution & By-Laws
- Envision a new future for St. Mark’s
Agenda
- Welcome & Introductions
- Opening Prayer & Meditation: Pastor Alicia
- Discussion: How do the members of St. Mark’s live the mission?
- Church Council 2020-21 Goals:
- Maintain and expand member engagement in ministry
- Refine and strengthen plan and implementation to expand Community Ministry
- One Congregation – Two Languages (NEW)
- Virtual Show & Tell
- Organizational Chart
- Approve the January Financial Reports
- Responsibilities of Church Council
- Sharing Our Resources:
- What are skills or talents you would like to share with St. Mark’s
(things you can do, like to do, or that others have complemented you on)
- Creative Problem Solving
- Election of the Executive Committee:
- President – Sheri Barker
- Vice President – Bob Lechner
- Secretary – Rachel Perez
- Treasurer – Diane Wages (not an official 2021 Council member)
Motion to approve the Council roles. Pastor Karla 1st. Second Richard Roy. Unanimous vote.
- Council Member Responsibilities: Walking the Talk
- Be a Liaison of one of the Special Ministries on the Organizational Chart
- Christian Education
- Property
- Youth
- Social Action
- Worship & Music
- Stewardship
- Member care
- Evangelism Outreach
- Volunteer Coordinator
- Getting to Know Our Constitution: Table of Contents
- Rotating Council Responsibilities:
- Monthly Council Meeting devotion & prayers
- Monthly Congregational Events
- Council Contact list update
- Richard Roy Suggested a “Monthly Getting to know someone” either by Zoom or in – person.
- Calendar Items:
- Drive thru Saturday before Easter 4/3/21
- June, August, September – Need Ideas
- July – VBS
- October- Truck or Treat
- November- Drive Thru Food donation event
- Monthly Council Meeting day & time: 3rd Monday of each month at 6pm
- Next Council Meeting: 3/22/21 at 6pm
- Mid-year Council dinner retreat: Sunday, July 18 @ 4:00 PM
- Closing Prayer: Pastor Karla