Members Present: Sheri Barker, Mike Collins, Pastor Ron Hovick, Karl Larsen, Mark Lechner, Ann-Marie Pering
Members Absent: Mark Becerra, Frank Carson, Pat Milliken
Non-Voting Members Present: Brett Perkins
Guest: Karen Martin, reporting for Diane Flint-Wages
Council President Karl Larsen convened the meeting at 6:10 p.m. and called on Pastor Ron Hovick for prayer.
Strategic Plan Implementation: Each Core Strategy team was asked to identify their top three priority actions for 2011-2012. Core Strategy #1, Strengthening Membership: 1.1 Identify and invite potential members, 1.2 Identify and make welcome visitors and update visitor packet, and 1.3 strengthen current membership through small groups (Administer and update the Spiritual Gifts Time, Talent & Stewardship survey to inform and encourage greater participation.)
Core Strategy #2, Expand Worship Opportunities: 2.1 Add Spanish language ministry, 2.2 Add children’s music program at designated times to improve involvement, and 2.3 Provide multi-generational worship opportunities.
Core Strategy #4, Expanding Marketing and Communication: 4.1 Develop an active website for modern image and communication, 4.2 Develop communication guidelines for email and website communication, and 4.3 Update St. Mark’s public image via signage and paper documents. The proposed budget needs for these three priorities are estimated at $10,000, which includes Spanish postcards, brochure, etc.
Core Strategy #6: 6.1 Align church budget to support Core Strategies, 6.2 create and implement prioritized building management plan, 6.3 Establish property line-of-credit to fund critical repairs and long-term maintenance.
No representatives from Core Strategies 3 and 5 were available to update their priorities.
NOTE: Mark Lechner is requesting that the remaining Core Strategy teams submit their top 2-3 priorities with budget estimates ASAP so the 2012 budget can be aligned to our priorities.
Motion by Pastor Ron, seconded by Sheri: To approve the Minutes of the July 21, 2011 meeting. Motion passed unanimously.
Financial Report – Karen provided the financial report. She noted that donations continue to run behind last year at this time, and that the increase in Facility Use fees and benevolences from Arundaum Church and others is helping to offset the decrease in member giving. Savings continue to accrue in administration cost, where Brett and staff have made significant changes to contain day-to-day costs. As a result, we are still $21,956 behind in income over expenses for 2011, but the negative cash flow isn’t as great as it would have been without the proactive actions of Council, guided by the Strategic Plan 2020. Mark Lechner provided a mid-year report on the status of the Memorial Endowment Fund. In conclusion, Karen shared multi-year (2006 – YTD 2011) Reserve Fund Analysis, which included a multi-year income analysis, salaries & benefits expense analysis, and average attendance analysis. We currently maintain a balance of $50,863, which would cover a little over one month’s expenses. In addition, we have $44,114 in Designated Funds that cannot be used for anything other than determined by the donor.
Old Business – Pastor Ron introduced Alicia Saenz, leader of our new Spanish Language Ministry. She shared her inspiring story about her call to ministry and the development of the Spanish Language Ministry at Lemon Grove Lutheran. She is beginning to develop 1, 5 and 10-year goals for this ministry, with Pastor Ron’s assistance. Council requested that she share her story with the congregation as a sermon because it so clearly captures the essence of “calling,” ministry and the “great commission.” Council believes her message will increase understanding and support for this new ministry. Alicia agreed to share her story on August 28. Her husband, Oscar, who is a contractor, was also introduced to Council.
The Audit Committee has completed their work and submitted their signed certification of the financial books and records of St. Mark’s for January 1, 2010 – December 31, 2010. The auditors also audited the WELCA record through June 2011. An audit of the Memorial Endowment Funds was requested, as well. Since Tom Larsen assisted in the audits and he also sits on the Endowment Committee, Barbara Atwood and Nancy Dreesen will be asked to conduct the Endowment Fund audit with the possible assistance of Diane Flint-Wages.
Pastor Ron shared a letter of thank you from Pastor Karen Boye for the $500/month benevolence we are sending to College Lutheran Church to help them keep the doors open through the transition to a new future.
New Business – A cemetery plot at Glen Abbey, Bonita has been donated to St. Mark’s. A discussion evolved around attempting to sell the plot or keeping it for a member in need. A decision was tabled pending further study.
Pastor Ron’s Report- Bishop’s Gathering at Tierrasanta Lutheran on Sunday Sept. 25 at 3 pm.
-Lutheran Social Services Board Member
Director of Operations Report- First Draft of 2012 Budget has been completed
-LSS is renting office space at $300 per month
-Charter School Office is moving upstairs ($500 per month)
– “Upper Room” is a non-denominational group of Youth Leaders that meets on our campus
Youth Committee Report: This is a thriving ministry with over 60 youth currently worshiping on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. 75% of these youth are not currently connected to St. Mark’s as relatives of members.
Property Committee: Ann Marie shared a report indicating the six projects completed to date in 2011, five pending projects and 2 major projects pending. Pricing for all pending projects was included in the report. The most expensive projects are 1) the new roofs needed for all of the out buildings and 2) stucco covering for all out buildings. These projects are currently projected to cost between $70,000 – $142,000. The roofing is the most urgent and the Property Committee is recommending completion before winter rains, by December 2011. Council requested that George Stallard attend the September 15 Council meeting to present the pros and cons for the roofing options. Mark Lechner also indicated that their team is having trouble locating a line of credit to fund the urgent building repairs. He also indicated that the Infrastructure Core Strategy Team is recommending doubling the property committee budget for 2012. The topic was tabled pending further study by Mark’s team and presentation by the Property Committee in September.
There was no further business and the meeting adjourned with the Lord’s Prayer at 9:15 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Sheridan Barker