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