April 4th, 2008

Pastoral Council Meeting

Members Present: Jim Cassidy, Jean Chagnon, Jim DeBruycker, Pete Eichten, Jerry Hartlaub, Christopher Hermann, Ellen Velasco-Thompson, Vicki Underland-Rosow

  1. OPENING:
    Meeting convened at 5:00pm. Prayer by Christopher. "Check-in" by all.
  2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
    March 6, 2008 Meeting Minutes were approved by PC members via email review.
  3. OLD BUSINESS:
    • PC Minutes Format and Content – After some discussion the consensus was to continue with the present format and content. Parishioners interested in more detail are encouraged to contact Peter Eichten or any Council member.
    • Vision Team – After substantial discussion, the goal is: The Vision Team is to examine, define, and articulate how our worship, ministries, financial stewardship, culture and use of space, reflect and enhance the mission and vision of SJA. In addition, it was agreed that for the foreseeable future and beginning after June, the Council will add a 1.5 hour Visioning meeting (4:30 pm start time) to a regular 1.5 hour regular meeting (6:00 pm start time). Willing Council members will be joined by staff and a few others for the Visioning meetings. These meetings will further address the Growing into the Future initiative. Initially, Jean will run both meetings and the meeting process will evolve. All liaisons are asked to consult with staff to suggest additional Team members.
  4. NEW BUSINESS:
    • Liaison Reports
      • Emergency Preparedness – Ellen briefly reviewed a meeting with the staff to begin word-smithing the work team’s SJA Emergency Action Plan. Revisions from staff are due by May 1st.
      • Youth Religious Ed – Vicki noted the emerging intergenerational program is very exciting.
      • Peace and Justice – Pete provided copies of the April-May calendar.
      • Building and Grounds – Jerry/Peter summarized the annual maintenance project list approved by the committee. The list was forwarded to the Finance Committee for approval.
    • Discernment – Christopher overviewed the new 8 week process for selecting Council members. The major dates are May 28, Night of Discernment, and June 8, Commissioning. Christopher agreed to manage the entire Discernment process.
    • Pastoral Council Chair – Jean offered to continue as Chair for a second year and the Council unanimously accepted her offer.
    • Sunday Morning – Tabled until the next meeting for lack of time and to include absent members.
    • Section IV Ministry Manual – Jean reviewed this section, Officers, updated according to the previous PC meeting consensus. All changes were approved.
  5. AGENDA ADDITIONS:
    • Driving to SJA - Road construction is causing difficulty reaching SJA by car. Jerry agreed to pursue using the website and other methods to communicate suggested routes as roads open and close.
    • Fundraising Policy –After some discussion, a new Financial Stewardship Policy, creating a Special Funds Committee (SFC) to manage the SJA facilities usage, was approved. Vicki will convene the SFC to outline a process for implementing the new fundraising policy and report back to the PC at the next meeting with recommendations.
  6. CLOSING:
    Prayer by Christopher. Meeting concluded at 7:00pm
Next meetings are:
Regular Parish Council Meeting:
Thursday, May 1, 2008, 5:00 – 7:00 pm, Upper Room
Thursday, June 5, 2008 5:00 – 7:00 pm, Upper Room
Special Parish Council Meeting: Wednesday, July 30, 2008 5:00 pm, place TBD

Respectfully submitted,

Jerry Hartlaub

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