The parts of the text in italic are taken from the Report of the Pacifica Synod Listening Team Regarding the Conflict at St Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Chula Vista, respectfully introduced verbally on Aug. 30, 2017
Pre-entry
As recommended by The Bishop Rev. Dr. Andrew Taylor and his Listening Team, Pastor Ron Hovick resigned his pastorate effective Oct 03, 2018. Together with him Melody Kohl, Office Manager and Kyle Pownell, Youth Worker resigned. This left both positions vacant and ending the Youth Program. Volunteers stepped in to cover the office work.
It was also suggested as an important consideration that the present Church Council members resign their positions and that a new Church Council be carefully nominated and elected to more fully represent the entire congregation. This step was taken at a congregational meeting on Jan 28, 2018, resulting in a slightly smaller Council: Barbara Atwood, Sherri Coughlin, Billy Cox, Raidel Cubero, Gabriela Gutierrez, Skip Knudsen, Pastor Alicia Saenz, and Nancy Dreesen, President.
Facility
In spite of the constitution’s provision that only the congregation can choose to sell or not to sell (*C5.03.h) the Congregational Council had called for a meeting on Sept. 03, 2017, to discuss the sale of the property. The two options on the ballot were to sell and relocate or to sell and close the congregation. The attempt to sell failed by 23 (move and sell) to 89 (not sell).
A number of factors have played into the suggestion to sell the property. Inspite of an extensive renovation in 1998 and 2003, St. Mark’s facility continues to show age, wear and tear. Necessary maintenance has been deferred due to fewer funds available, up-keep (in particular of the landscape) got neglected. The growing conflict caused contributors to hold back or even stop their financial support, thus expediting the crisis.
On July 17 a team familiar with St. Mark’s buildings and grounds (Bob Briggs, Dennis Coughlin, Chris Lewis, George Stallard, Pastor Karin) walked the premises and within an hour it was apparent that deferred maintenance has put St. Mark’s property at risk – the western sanctuary’s carrying beam shows signs of damage at the bottom – and will require intentionality and good budgeting to get everything up to date again. The good news is that it is not too late, but swift action is required in the nearest future!
Finances
A financial shortfall during 2017 had not been communicated in an effective way to the congregation. Monies had been borrowed from dedicated (permanently restricted) funds, and they had to be replaced at a tune of $30,000.
The Listening Team recommended that a review and audit of the Finances be conducted to determine the exact financial position of the congregation. This audit was completed May 8 and approved by Council with the following result on June 26, 2018: “In the examination of receipts and disbursements, no material discrepancies were discovered”. However, the Audit Committee (Sherri Coughlin, Diane Wages, Kerri Wood) pointed to a number of items and suggested changes and improvements accordingly. A number of those are implemented already.
The vacancies of staff positions did not get filled immediately. The duties of a full-time pastor were covered by a contracted Bridge Pastor (minimal pastoral service). The newly called Interim Pastor declined the more than generous salary offer for a ¾ position for the sake of letting the congregation regain financial health (salary and call will be renegotiated for 2019!) Various volunteers stepped up to help with office duties, organizational tasks, cleaning jobs, lighter landscaping work etc. They accomplished an outstanding job: “St. Mark’s is so blessed to have members who care about the church and have contributed their time, energy, ideas, money and support to enable us to move forward with hope & determination.” (Nancy Dreesen, Council President, in her Annual Report 2017)
The overall cash situation has greatly improved. However, it has to be noted that overall the budget is driven inwardly! Expenses between January and July 2018 show that the vast majority of the income is used to keep the machinery of the church moving rather than funding the Great Commission and the Great Commandment!
At the August meeting, Council reviewed a 2018 Mid-Year Budget Revision, which will be presented and voted on at a Congregational Meeting on Sept 16. On Sept 5 a group of members previously and currently involved in St. Mark’s finances (Barb Atwood, Laura Ortiz, Marcia Salvestrini, Diane Wages, Kerry Wood, Pastor Karin) met with Pastor Gloria Espeseth to take a fresh look at the congregation’s financial recovery as well as provisions for the future. Multiple suggestions were made which need to be addressed by and implemented into St. Mark’s financial planning (operating budget reserve, costs of call and moving a new pastor, changes in staffing etc.). On Sept 17, the ELCA/Pacifica Regional Gift Planer, Lisa Higgenbotham will meet with the Endowment Committee and Pastor Karin to review the Committee’s past practices and to enhance future possibilities for ministry here at St. Mark’s.
Staff
Members expressed their belief that the congregation is overstaffed for its size. There seems to have been little congregational discussion about staffing priorities.
The Listening Team recommended that the work of Ms. Alicia Saenz and the health and vitality of the Spanish-speaking members of St Mark’s be made priorities of the congregation thus witnessing to the fact that St Mark’s is one congregation with two languages.
Staff as of Aug 01, 2018 and date of hire
Bookkeeper Linné Wienke May 01, 2017 up to 10 hours
Custodian Bob Briggs May 01, 2018 up to 20 hours
Administrative Assistant Esmeralda Gomez May 15, 2018 20 hours
Interim Pastor Karin Boye June 01, 2018 3/4 Call
Hispanic Pastor Alicia Saenz per hour
Visitation Pastor Kate Schlechter spring 2016 per hour plus mileage
Organist/Pianist (contracted) Melissa Creider, Piano per service
Daniel Durand, Organ per service
Margaret Galliard, Organ per service
Sunday Child Attendant Melissa Hernandez max. 3.5 hours per Sunday
Given the fear of being overstaffed and honoring suggestions of the Synod’s “Embracing Transitions” (Appendix 11, p.74f), at this point all positions and their effectiveness are closely monitored.
As of today, the following ‘adjustments’ are in place: The pastor position is reduced from full-time to part-time (¾) and the initial salary package offered was lowered to strengthen the congregation’s financial well being and to restore trust in the office of the pastor. A ‘reality check’ is planned as part of the 2019 Budget conversations. The Church Directory 2013 shows three office staff persons, at least one of them full-time. For an average worship attendance of 238 in 2013 this might have seemed necessary, yet, average worship attendance has dramatically declined. It is now averaging 85! 20 hours for the current administrative assistant, Esmeralda Gomez covers St. Mark’s needs for now, but limits Mrs. Gomez work to only the basics – keep in mind that regardless of the number of attendees the worship preparations remain the same.
Working with three contracted musicians does not allow for some regular fruitful collaboration regarding seasonal and creative worship planning. Here is untapped potential that will require new staff configurations in the area of worship and music.
Lately the phrase “now we are fully staffed” occurred numerous times, which seems to imply that this is the staff configuration desired. This has to be monitored and reviewed. Staffing should always be focused on the future. St. Mark’s is about to evaluate the congregation’s pastoral needs. The question remains: “How are our congregational needs balanced with other staff positions?”
Interim Ministry
Goal: to fulfill the ministerial services of Word and Sacrament and also begin to bring healing and wholeness to the congregation following this difficult and challenging time. While the grace and compassion of God is able to heal all brokenness and hurt, we know sometimes it simply is not the direction an entire congregation chooses or is able to undertake together.
After a time led by the Bridge Pastor, Rev. Gloria Espeseth the intentional interim process started on June 01, 2018, focusing on the crucial three areas as mentioned above: Facility, finances and staffing.
The Visitation Pastor, Rev. Kate Schlechter was kept on staff to ensure a strong focus on the congregation’s transition into the next settled pastorate.
Respectfully submitted by Rev. Karin Boye , Sept 10, 2018