August 16th, 2007 – Council Meeting
Susan opened the meeting with something to ponder; how Creator is currently working as a church.
Susan opened the meeting with something to ponder; how Creator is currently working as a church.
Pastor Dayle tied this question in to what was a primary emphasis of the Churchwide Assembly. She posed a this as a question about Creator working (involved in mission) as opposed to functioning (well organized and performing its daily business well). At the Churchwide Assembly the shorthand for this was a settled church (funtioning) as opposed to a sent church (working). Susan challenged us to move Creator ahead in its work in new ways.
Throughout the evening Susan kept the council moving through the agenda. To highlight the report Pastor Dayle gave; what recently kept her up nights with worry were church finances and education needs. What recently inspired her was the Jubilee she attended with David and the Churchwide Assembly which she attended afterward the Jubilee.
The treasurer’s report shortly afterwards spelled out Creator’s financial dilemma and the source of Pastor Dayle's worry. Our cash in bank for operating expenses is extremely low and, on average, expenses are currently exceeding income monthly. Creator’s deficit is more than what was planned for in the current deficit budget.
Obviously many ways were proposed to turn this around. Everyone at the table was engaged in the discussion and the strengths we have as a congregation were brought to bear. There were some immediate action items to raise congregational awareness of the financial situation with the understanding more energy should be devoted to stewardship.
What was deeply evident was that this issue united the council rather than dividing it. Individual members saw different solutions. Some were in direct opposition to others, but humor and mutual respect remained throughout the discussion. There is a need for an ongoing effort regarding finances but it currently appeared the council, with God's guidance and help, was up to the challenge.
During the meeting we added a new member. Paul resigned from council after the congregational vote. Justin, who was in attendance at the meeting, was voted in to fill the vacancy after feeling a call to accept that position.
Throughout the evening Susan kept the council moving through the agenda. To highlight the report Pastor Dayle gave; what recently kept her up nights with worry were church finances and education needs. What recently inspired her was the Jubilee she attended with David and the Churchwide Assembly which she attended afterward the Jubilee.
The treasurer’s report shortly afterwards spelled out Creator’s financial dilemma and the source of Pastor Dayle's worry. Our cash in bank for operating expenses is extremely low and, on average, expenses are currently exceeding income monthly. Creator’s deficit is more than what was planned for in the current deficit budget.
Obviously many ways were proposed to turn this around. Everyone at the table was engaged in the discussion and the strengths we have as a congregation were brought to bear. There were some immediate action items to raise congregational awareness of the financial situation with the understanding more energy should be devoted to stewardship.
What was deeply evident was that this issue united the council rather than dividing it. Individual members saw different solutions. Some were in direct opposition to others, but humor and mutual respect remained throughout the discussion. There is a need for an ongoing effort regarding finances but it currently appeared the council, with God's guidance and help, was up to the challenge.
During the meeting we added a new member. Paul resigned from council after the congregational vote. Justin, who was in attendance at the meeting, was voted in to fill the vacancy after feeling a call to accept that position.
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