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
by debbie | Aug 24, 2020 | Council Minutes
Meeting called to order at 6:03 P.M. by Sheri Barker
Members present
Lay Leadership: Bob Lechner, Diane Wages, Sheri Barker, Sherri Coughlin, and Rachael Perez
Ministers: Pastor Alicia Saenz
Absent: Freddie Lacarra, Pastor Dan
Opening Prayer
Devotion and Prayer led by Sherri Coughlin
Action Items
July 27, 2020 Council Meeting Minutes were reviewed by Council members.
Motion: Approve to the July 27, 2020 minutes. Motion by Diane W., second by Michael M. Unanimously approved.
Tower Point Information: Tower Point Project – SALE complete!
▪ Treasurer Diane Wages reviewed the July 2020 Financial reports with Council.
Motion: Approve the Financial Report as presented. Motion by Sheri B. and seconded by Bob L. Unanimously approved.
Reports:
Pastor Alicia
Pastor Alicia is planning worship services
Keeping connections with people
Planning additional St. Mark’s property improvement projects – removing shrubs, etc.
Checking on people to make sure they have enough food
Personnel Committee
Sherri C. is working on putting together Policies and Procedures manual as well as an Employee Handbook- volunteers are needed for all processes.
Margarita needs a completed Employee packet on file. Sherri is working on this.
1
Leadership Development:
Discuss the Roller Coaster of Change
⁃ Focus on the Power of Prayer – Trust in God – Go to the Need
⁃ Next steps for Council: Follow up with everyone – how can we better care for our members?
What have we learned during these past two months?
We are anxious to get back to church
We ARE the church – Christ to each other
Our connection with the Holy Spirit
Phone calls have increased member connection and caring
New Business:
Bookkeeping:
Decision was made to hire Krystina Torres on ____date?_____ from Gertrud Scott’s Bookkeeping and Taxes, as an independent contractor. Updated QuickBooks was needed, purchased at $200 in order to have up to date accounting software for St. Mark’s financials to be transferred to Bookkeeper.
Suggestions for Ministry Transition Team – Who would enjoy being a part of this process? Who is highly respected among the congregation? Who represents the different perspectives?
Sunday, September 27, 2020, Special Congregational meeting regarding the Voting to call Pastor Karla Halvorson as St. Mark’s permanent Pastor at 10:00 am. Sheri B. will ask Bishop Andy Taylor if that time works for him. Counters are needed to count each vote. Bob L., and Sherri C. volunteered, will ask if Dorothy Geier is available also. Counting will take place on Tuesday, 9/8/20 at St. Marks.
ELCA God’s Work- Our Hands Event Sunday 9/13/20 from 1- 3 pm a “drop off and go” of Canned Goods to benefit Project Hand.
Sherri Coughlin closed the meeting with Prayer.
Meeting adjourned at 7:35 P.M.
2
Next Council meeting will be Monday Sept 28, 2020 6:00 – 8:00 PM via Zoom
Submitted by Rachael Perez, Secretary
by debbie | Jul 27, 2020 | Council Minutes
Meeting called to order at 6:11 P.M. by Sheri Barker
Members present
Lay Leadership: Bob Lechner, Diane Wages, Sheri Barker, Sherri Coughlin, and Rachael Perez
Ministers: Pastor Dan Cole and Pastor Alicia Saenz
Absent: Freddie Lacarra, Michael Marquez
Guests
Dick Bolin
Opening Prayer
Devotion and Prayer led by Pastor Alicia
Action Items
- June 22, 2020 Council Meeting Minutes were reviewed by Council members.
Motion: Approve to the June 22, 2020 minutes. Motion by Diane W.., second by Bob L. Unanimously approved.
Submitted requested documents including (RFI) Request for Information.
7/6/20 signed Letter of Intent Addendum 1 with Tower Point
7/15/20 Tower Point and Dick Bolin Site Inspection
7/17/20 Signed and Submitted Letter to Verizon for an Assignment of Lease
delivery date for Verizon assignment letter 7/22/20.
Next steps:
- Awaiting the next Draft of Easement Agreement for Review and Further discussion.
- Close of Transaction: Check from Tower Point paid directly to St. Mark’s Mortgage Company, Mission Investment Fund, to pay off Church Mortgage.
▪ Treasurer Diane Wages reviewed the April Financial reports with Council.
Motion: Approve the Financial Report as presented. Motion by Sheri B. and seconded by Alicia. Unanimously approved.
Reports:
- Pastor Dan
- Pastor Dan is continuing devotions, prayers, phone calls, and sermons
- Pastor Alicia
- Pastor Alicia is planning worship services
- Keep connections with people
- Planning additional St. Mark’s property improvement projects – removing shrubs, etc.
- Checking on people to make sure they have enough food
Property Committee
- Bob L. spoke to a company that installs solar panels. St. Mark’s would need approximately 75 Panels which would cost $79,000. The church would own, not lease these 75 panels at $443.00 per month until they are paid off. We currently pay approximately $800/month for electricity due to refrigerators and freezers in Project Hand and kitchen. If we apply the monthly electricity payment to the purchase of solar panels, we would be able to pay off the panels in 6-10 years. The company offers a deferred 16-month payment plan. Diane W. suggested that we look at other solar companies, obtain written proposals with warranties, submit to the Property Committee, then the Council can review it all before making any decisions.
Leadership Development:
Read the Roller Coaster of Change
⁃ Focus on the Power of Prayer – Trust in God – Go to the Need
⁃ Next steps for Council: Follow up with everyone – how can we better care for our members?
What have we learned during these past two months?
- We are anxious to get back to church
- We ARE the church – Christ to each other
- Our connection with the Holy Spirit
- Phone calls have increased member connection and caring
New Business:
- Bookkeeping:
- Bookkeeper resignation given – 2-week notice- by the 2nd week in August, the bookkeeper will no longer be at St. Marks. Reviewing alternate sources of Bookkeeping. Jim Biddle’s significant other, Gertrude Stein has a successful bookkeeping office in Chula Vista and they are reviewing St. Marks current accounting information. We will get an estimate of what our monthly Accounting fees would be for Gertrude’s office to take over St. Mark’s bookkeeping service offsite. Possibly come by once a week to pick up mail and bills at St. Marks.
- Other Ministry Uses of Property
- Lee Wagenblast would like to use St. Mark’s Kitchen each Monday night with a small group to prepare Meals for the Homeless. Lee will take the prepared meals to National City for distribution.
The council suggested that clear expectations be set of proper use of all kitchen supplies, and cleaning of the kitchen after each use. The council also suggested that Lee W. also supply St. Mark’s with insurance. Sheri will follow up with Lee to ensure that expectations are clear.
- Lee Wagenblast also has a Diaper Ministry and needs a room to store all the Diaper donations. He would like to use one of our rooms for this. The Council believes the best room for this would be the Sunday School Office.
Motion: Approve the Use of St. Mark’s Kitchen to Lee Wagonblast and his group. Motion by Bob L. and seconded by Sherri C. Unanimously approved.
- Maintenance
- Mice problem
- Replace broken toilet- Member in Spanish ministry can replace the toilet- without a service fee.
- Compressor on Refrigerator is going out in the Kitchen. Pastor Alicia is asking a member of the Spanish ministry to check it out.
Sheri Barker closed the meeting with Prayer.
Meeting adjourned at 8:04 P.M.
Next Council meeting will be Monday Aug 24, 2020 6:00 – 8:00 PM via Zoom
Submitted by Rachael Perez, Secretary