LIVE, IN-PERSON meeting in Lower Level Participants: Congregation CouncilTime: 6:00 – 8:30 PM Facilitator: Sheri Barker Materials: Agenda 7-26-21, Minutes 6-28-21, Stages of Team Development, Group Member Responsibilities, New Schedule of Salary & Benefits; Pastor Karla’s Definition of Compensation, Benefits & Responsibilities of the Rostered Leaderand Congregation; Book: Ask Thank Tell, chapter 1 Members Present: Pastor Karla Halvorson, Pastor Alicia Saenz, Sheri Barker, Bob Lechner, Rachael Perez (Secretary), Melissa Hernandez, Mari Lizarraga, Michael Marquez, Richard Roy, Oscar Uribe (*Strike-through absentees)
Visitors: Diane Wages, Chris Lewis
Meeting Purposes: Ensure smooth and effective functioning of St. Mark’s Church to serve God’s purposes Monitor and refine the financial operations of St. Mark’s to ensure God’s mission is fulfilled Build our capacity to lead and work as a team to guide St. Mark’s to fulfill God’s plan
AGENDATOPICCOUNCIL MOTIONS *June 2021 FinancialsRichard Roy moved to accept the June 2021 Financial report, Sheri Barker 2nd. Motion passed. *Increase Pastor Karla’s hours an additional 4.5 hours per weekOscar Uribe moved to increase Pastor Karla’s hours an additional 4.5 hours per week beginning September 1. Bob Lechner 2nd. Pastor Karla abstained. It was a unanimous approval from the rest of the council members. *Replace 7 tables from Jacobson HallRichard Roy moved to use $700 to replace 7 tables in Jacobson Hall from the Facilities Budget Account.Pastor Alicia 2nd. Motion passed.
TIMETopicActivityLead 6:00 PM Call Meeting to Order Sheri 6:00–6:10 Meditation and Prayer Richard 6:10-6:20 Introductions & Check-in (1 min each) Best thing in the last month? All 6:20-6:25 Agenda Review & Additions or Edits All 6:25-6:30 Review and accept 6-28-21 Council MinutesPastor Karla Moved to accept 6-28-21 Council Minutes, Bob L. 2nd, unanimously accepted. Rachael 6:30-6:40 Review and accept June 2021 Financial ReportMOTION: See above Diane 6:40-7:00
BUSINESS:Improving our Capacity as an Effective Congregational Council Stages of Team Development Group Member Responsibilities: Leader, Recorder, Timekeeper, Participant Developing “Our Group Agreements”Decision: Who will serve as Timekeeper today? Richard R. What behaviors will help us lead St. Mark’s, by helping us model and create a positive, trusting culture? In meetings In emails In the community Sheri 7:00–7:20
New Schedule of Salary & Benefitsto increase Pastor Karla’s hours by 9%, from 66% to 75%What is God calling us to do regarding His mission for St. Mark’s? What prior commitment has the Personnel Committee made with Pastor Karla regarding her salary? What decision will best support the healthy growth of God’s mission?
Decision: Increase Pastor Karla’s time by 4.5 hours/week to better serve our members and the Community. MOTION: See above. Sheri & Diane 7:20-7:30 3.
Grand Re-Opening Plans: Sunday, August 1: Grand Re-Opening Celebration; Glory moving to Lower Level Saturday, August 7: Church picnic Sunday, August 8: Christian Education begins – Ask, Thank, Tell Bible Study Discussion: What is our responsibility as Council members? Each Council member is encouraged to attend the Christian Education hour each Sunday after worship. How can we best serve/lead the congregation? Work as a team, be honest and open, listen to each other.
MOTION: Purchase 7 new tables for Jacobson Hall. See above. Sheri 7:30 PMTIME
CERTAINREPORTSPastoral ReportsPastor Alicia:Working on planning/coordinating services Music Connecting with people Inviting people to services/events Planning Classes with Pastor Karla. Pastor Karla: Sent a report to all Pastor Karla Pastor Alicia 7:40 TIME CERTAIN Legacy Committee & Visioning Update The Legacy committee will be opening the new bank account this week at Union Bank, moving from Banner Bank.Potential for bringing in a rent-paying pre-school or daycare program in planning stages. More to come. Chris L. 7:45-7:55 President’s Report Brick Fundraiser – ends 8/31
Council Mid-year Review Dinner – Sunday, August 29, 5:00 PM at Barker’s August Council meditation & prayers – Oscar Sheri 7:55-8:00 Property Committee Bob L. 8:00-8:05 Children & Youth Melissa 8:05-8:10 Member Care Team Bob L. 8:10-8:15 CPR & AED AED/CPR Training by S.D. Heart Beat. More info to come. Richard 8:15-8:20 Fellowship or Social Action 8:20-8:25 Feedback & Closure Check out: 1 word or phrase – how did the meeting go? 8:25-8:30 Closing PrayerRichard 8:30 PM Motion to Adjourn MeetingMeeting Adjourned 8:32 PM Sheri TASK LIST Reminders:TASKBy Whom?By When? Total count of how many Bricks have been sold Sheri B. Next Meeting 8-23-21
UPCOMING: Next Council Meeting, Monday, August 23, 2021, 6:00 PM – OscarCouncil Mid-year Review Potluck dinner @ Barker’s: Sunday, August 29 5:00pm – 7:30pm Oct. 2 , 2021 Church Council will host a Thank You dinner for the congregation. More information to come.Upcoming issues:Healthy Congregations: An exploration into how we lead St. Mark’s to ensure we grow as a healthy, trusting, resilient congregation.Stewardship Drive: September/October
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
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
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
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
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