Meeting was called to order by President Nancy Dreesen at 7:00pm.
Opening prayer was led by Alicia Saenz.
Council Members present: Nancy Dreesen, Alecia Saenz, Barbara Atwood, Gabby Gutierrez, Sherri Coughlin, Raidel Cubero, Billy Cox, and Skip Knudsen.
First order of business was to approve the minutes of the February 25 Council Meeting and March 11 Special Meeting. Motion to approve minutes of February 25, 2018 was made, seconded and unanimously approved. Discussion ensued regarding the minutes of March 11. Council agreed to eliminate the word “legal” in paragraph 3. Motion was made to eliminate the word “legal” in the third paragraph of the March 11, 2018 Special Meeting. Motion was made, seconded, and unanimously approved.
Barbara Atwood discussed our financials for the month of February. Barbara indicated that our financial situation is gradually improving. She indicated that we must have an income of at least $25,000 per month in order to maintain our commitments. Barbara also addressed the fact that the Council approved a Synod Benevolence payment of $2,380.42 which was paid May 19, 2017. In communication with the Synod, Nancy Dreesen learned that our commitment to the Synod in the amount of $10,000 for 2017, to be paid in 2018, would be recognized in the year received. A recommendation was made to reverse the $10,000 and payable in the year ended December 31, 2017. A Synod benevolence in the amount of $13,200 has been budgeted for the year ended December 31, 2018 and payments will be made in quarterly installments. Barbara also noted that the final payment to Pastor Hovick was expensed to the January 2018 period. This payment should have been expensed to the year ended December 31, 2017. A motion was made, seconded, and approved by a vote of 7 ayes and one abstention to (1) reverse the entry to expense and set up a payable for the 2017 payment to the Synod Benevolence payment to be made in 2018 and restate the 2017 financials and; (2) a correction regarding the payment to Pastor Hovick to require a restatement and correction of the 2017 financial statements to expense cost of outgoing pastor salary and benefits to the year ending December 2017, and therefore,(3) report to the church membership that the financial reports for the year ended December 31, 2017 are to be amended.
Further discussion was held regarding the Benevolence payments for 2018. A motion was made, seconded, and unanimously approved to send our first payment of $3,300 to the Synod Benevolence Fund.
President Nancy will post our financials for the month of February on the bulletin board.
The Administration Assistant, Custodian, & Organist positions were posted on the Synod website and in our newsletter.
Church Mutual Insurance has done a risk management & insurance review. The risk management report was that we must submit proof of fire extinguisher and exit lights servicing prior to renewing our insurance April 16, 2018.
St. Mark’s has received Alicia’s grant of $10,000. Congratulations to Alicia!
Discussion regarding Pastor Gloria’s suggestions that members of the congregation communicate with people who are no longer “regulars” at St Mark’s about coming back and being part of the interim process of renewal and the next phase of the life of the Christian community known as “St. Mark’s”. Pastor Gloria also suggests that we ask the interim pastor to have a renewal of commitment or Affirmation of Baptism/Mission for everyone on Pentecost which is always a “new beginning day”. This way doesn’t single out people who were away for a spell; but invites everyone to commit to a “new day at St. Mark’s”.
Pastor Sundry has contacted Nancy to request the use of Jacobson Hall for a free Southwestern tai chi class primarily for those over 40 years of age. A motion was made, seconded, and unanimously approved to allow the use of Jacobson Hall for a Southwestern tai chi class on Tuesday at 1:00 pm or Thursday at 10:00 am. Southwestern must submit a proof of liability insurance.
Meeting was adjourned with prayer at approximately 9:15pm.