St. Mark’s Lutheran ChurchMembers Present: Sheri Barker, Pastor Ron Hovick, Mark Lechner, Pat Milliken, David Perez. Members Absent: Mark Becerra, Juanita Celis, Mike Collins, Alicia Saenz. Non-Voting Members Present: Brett Perkins, Lee Wagenblast
Council President Sheri Barker convened the meeting at 7:10 p.m. and called on Pastor Ron for prayer.
Approval of Minutes: Minutes of the November 14, 2012 meeting were approved as presented.
FINANICAL AND BUDGET REPORTS
Director of Operations Brett Perkins reported that income will exceed budget for 2012 if everything stays on track. He reviewed individual line items. Thrivent Dollars are now included as income under Envelopes (40100); however, the consensus of Council was to include Thrivent Dollars with Verizon/Scrip/Spanish Ministry (49900). Expenses remain at or below budget. He noted that Benevolence has exceeded budget because of the extra gift made at the first of the year. Other quarterly payments have been made; the 4th quarter payment of $3,000 will be made. Brett pointed out that $16,500 of the Chester Estate has been designated to Capital Improvements Project (36500) with the balance of the donation held in the Honoring & Remembrance Fund (31170).
OLD BUSINESS
End of Year Preparations:
2013 Budget – Congregational budget informational meetings were set for January 6 and 13, 2013. Brett presented the final budget for Council consideration and discussion. Motion by Mark, seconded by Pat: To increase our scheduled $3,000 Benevolence payment to the Synod to $6,000 for a total of $20,000 for the year 2012; with the payment, a note will be sent to Synod saying that we have sent $8,000 extra for the year. Motion passed unanimously.
Council discussed rolling over the unused funds in Building and Maintenance to the 2013 budget. Motion by Pastor Ron, seconded by Dave: That the overage between the budgeted amount in 2012 and the spent amount in Building and Maintenance (57250) be rolled over into a designated fund for 2013 use. Motion passed unanimously.
Motion by Pastor Ron, seconded by Dave: To approve the 2013 budget as amended. Motion passed unanimously.
Other end of year preparation:
Committee Reports: Camera ready committee reports need to be in the office by January 7th.
Elections – Brett reported that he continues to try to recruit potential Council members, but has no confirmations.
NEW BUSINESS
Banners at Hilltop High School – Council discussed placing two banners at Hilltop High School; one promoting St. Mark’s and the other promoting the Epicenter. The money raised by Hilltop High School from the sale of the banners would go towards maintaining its baseball field and uniforms for members of the baseball team. The consensus of Council that purchasing the banners would fit within St. Mark’s mission of creating a presence in the community, and passed the item to the Marketing and Communications Committee.
St. Mark’s Council Meeting – December 19, 2012
PASTOR REPORT
Pastor Ron reported that Alicia Saenz is hospitalized, and the Spanish language service for Sunday, December 23 has been cancelled. However, she might assist at the Christmas Eve services. Project Hand’s request for a grant from the City of Chula Vista has been denied because of reporting violations and not submitting the request within the required time frame. The wedding brochures are being redesigned to include non-member fees. Pastor Ron reported that he will be on vacation from December 25 – January 1. Pastor John will fill in for him.
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS REPORT
Brett reported that he is in the process of doing the annual review with the Glory and Areumdaum churches.
Committee Reports
Marketing – Sheri provided information and pictures of the proposed new street signs. Council discussed location of the signs. She expects to have a budget for approval at the next Council meeting.
Property – The Property Committee is working with Melody Kohl regarding installation of an inside security door to the office.
The meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m. and closed with the Lord’s Prayer.
Patricia Milliken
Secretary