Church Council Minutes May 24, 2021

by | 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

Church Council Minutes April 26, 2021

by | 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

Church Council Minutes, March 22, 2021

by | 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

Church Council Minutes, February 13, 2021

by | 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

  1. Welcome & Introductions
  2. Opening Prayer & Meditation:  Pastor Alicia
  3. Discussion: How do the members of St. Mark’s live the mission?
  4. Church Council 2020-21 Goals: 
    1. Maintain and expand member engagement in ministry
    1. Refine and strengthen plan and implementation to expand Community Ministry
    1. One Congregation – Two Languages (NEW)
  5. Virtual Show & Tell
  6. Organizational Chart
  7. Approve the January Financial Reports
  8. Responsibilities of Church Council
  9. Sharing Our Resources: 
    1. 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)

  1. Creative Problem Solving
  2. Election of the Executive Committee:
    1. President – Sheri Barker
    1. Vice President – Bob Lechner
    1. Secretary – Rachel Perez
    1. Treasurer – Diane Wages   (not an official 2021 Council member)

Motion to approve the Council roles. Pastor Karla 1st. Second Richard Roy. Unanimous vote.

  1. Council Member Responsibilities:  Walking the Talk
  2. Be a Liaison of one of the Special Ministries on the Organizational Chart
  3. Christian Education
  4. Property
  5. Youth
  6. Social Action
  7. Worship & Music
  8. Stewardship
  9. Member care
  10. Evangelism Outreach
  11. Volunteer Coordinator
  1. Getting to Know Our Constitution:  Table of Contents
  2. Rotating Council Responsibilities:
    1. Monthly Council Meeting devotion & prayers
    1. Monthly Congregational Events
    1. Council Contact list update
    1. Richard Roy Suggested a “Monthly Getting to know someone” either by Zoom or in – person.
  3. Calendar Items:
    1. Drive thru Saturday before Easter 4/3/21
    1. June, August, September – Need Ideas
    1. July – VBS
    1. October- Truck or Treat
    1. November- Drive Thru Food donation event
    1. Monthly Council Meeting day & time:  3rd Monday of each month at 6pm
    1. Next Council Meeting:  3/22/21 at 6pm
    1. Mid-year Council dinner retreat:  Sunday, July 18 @ 4:00 PM
  1. Closing Prayer:  Pastor Karla

Church Council Minutes, January 18, 2021

by | Jan 18, 2021 | Council Minutes

Meeting called to order at 6:14 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: Richard Roy

Opening Prayer

Devotion and Prayer led by Diane Wages

Action Items

  • Dec. 14,2020 Council Meeting Minutes were reviewed by Council members.   

Motion:  Approve the Dec. 14 meeting minutes

Motion by Diane W.  and seconded by Sherri C.  Unanimously approved.

▪           Diane W. reviewed the Dec. 2020 Financial reports with Council.  

Motion:  Approve the Financial Report as presented.  Motion by Sherri C.   and seconded by Bob L.  Unanimously approved.

  • Audit Report for 2019 Motion by Pastor Karla.  and seconded by Sherri C .  Unanimously approved.
  • Pastor Discretionary Fund: Pastor Karla and Pastor Alicia will have access to provide funds to those individuals/families that really need help.

The Pastors will appeal for more funds to replenish the Pastor Discretionary Fund when the money  runs out. This fund will be funded from the Honoring and Remembrance Fund. There will be $1,000 transferred to start this fund.

        Motion:  Move to establish a Pastoral Discretionary Fund, start with $1,000 transferred from the Honoring and Remembrance fund. Motion by Diane W.    and seconded by Bob L.  Unanimously approved.

Reports:

Pastor Karla

  • Meeting with Melissa H. on regular basis.
  • Sunday school will have more supplies, invite more children
  • Ash Wednesday Service / Lent Services Planning
  • Confirmation Continues
  • Easter Sunday Service 4/4- possibly in person/ outdoor
  • Working on getting everything on one big calendar.
  • Campus Visioning Task Force planning
  • Meeting with other Religious Churches on Campus

Pastor Alicia

  • Report from the Posada- It was a Success!
  • Keeping in contact with others
  • Good Success with Christmas Play- Appreciative with all who contributed toward gifts.
  • Meeting with Pastor Karla
  • Receive many prayer requests

Worship Committee

  • Sheri B. informed the council that there is a Lent Banner that will be put up.
  • Ash Wednesday is approaching- Drive Thru Ashes & Communion.
  • Synod meeting on May 1, 2021, Dick Bolin has Volunteered to attend (Via Zoom) one more volunteer is needed. It is a 1 day meeting.

Property Committee

  • Bob L. along with Oscar Uribe/Bob Briggs/Richard Roy/Dennis C. are trying to figure out how to get the ST. Marks Sign that use to light up fixed.  

Personnel Committee

  • Sherri C. Updated the Personnel Policy- It was put on hold. It needs to be voted on by Council in the near future.
  • Needs to update By-Laws of Church to make them more Robust and submit them / Vote on.

New Business:

  • Pastor Karla observed how Project Hand’s distribution is handled – COVID Safety plan is needed to be put in place.
  • On Jan. 24th, 2021- Pre-Annual Information Meeting for Annual Meeting- Q & A – will be printed for anyone that would like it.
  • Annual meeting Jan. 31st, 2021; drive thru ballot drop off/Communion.

Diane W. closed the meeting with Prayer.

Meeting adjourned at 8:55 P.M.

February 13th  2021 1:30pm  – 5:00pm Council Retreat

Submitted by Rachael Perez, Secretary