First Christian Church

Board Minutes

July 16, 2008

Devotions:  Karen Nye

Approval of June Board Minutes

The minutes of June 2008 Board Minutes were approved.

Family Support Center

Phil Owens of the Family Support Center has contacted the church regarding the need for RV parking for the homeless.  After considerable discussion, the board members agreed that we are not able to provide the space at this time.  Our commitment to Camp Quixote and the overflow shelter are the main reasons for not providing this service.  In addition, the height of the area under Koinonia and the closely placed  pillars were seen to be potential concerns.  Karen asked the Property Task Force to measure the height of the covered section of the parking lot.  Si Sarton, Coordinator of Deed Task Force, was asked to respond to the Family support Center that we are unable to take on this task at this time. 

Community Connections

Leah Wilson has informed us that she will not be able continue with Arts Walk, Downtown for the Holidays, and the publicity for Fridays at the First. We all recognize, and are thankful for, the strong leadership that Leah has provided to carry out these events.  If anyone is interested in taking responsibility for any of these events please contact Karen Nye.  The Worship Task Force will continue planning Fridays at the First but will need additional assistance.

Building Security

Karen indicated that because the building is occasionally left unlocked on Sundays we need to remember that Larry is not scheduled to work on Sundays and therefore need to take responsibility for that task.  After some discussion it was decided that we (1)obtain a task list from Larry and (2) ask people to sign up to take turns filling this need.

Children’s Church Curriculum – Jan Carlson

Jan Carlson indicated that new curriculum will be purchased for the children’s education program. 

Funeral and Memorial Services Fees

The Elders will form a task force to update the fees list.

Pastor’s Mileage

Because of the increase in cost of gasoline there is a need to increase the mileage allowance for the pastor.  All present recognized this need.  We were all asked to find money in our budgets to cover this increase.

Facilities

The New Beginnings report recommended several ideas for new and clearer signs around the church property.  Karen summarized the suggested changes.  (See attachment.)  This list was referred to the Property Committee.  It was noted that there are already some new signs in the office.

September Board Retreat

Karen and Mary suggested that we hold a board retreat in September.  This could include team building or how to lead the congregation through change.  There was no decision made on this item.

Financial Report – Judy Bushell

Judy Bushell reported that for the fiscal year 2007-08 we received 106% of the budgeted income, or, 6% more that we had budgeted for.  Good stewardship!  She also indicated that there is $3000.00 in a saving account from additional Building Fund giving since the loan has been paid off.

Deed – Si Sarton

The church Picnic will be held at the Goodwin’s home on August 17.

Worship – Joanne Goodwin

Joanne reported that she and Mary have met to discuss Worship for the new year.

Word – Jan Carlson

Jan reported that Don Carlson will lead 6 sessions on the fall elections.  The first class will be September 7.  Rachel Crum, Co-coordinator, has plans for other adult classes.  The task force is also looking at evening and daytime groups.

Property – Greg King

Greg reported that bills have been paid for insurance and supplies. 

Elders – Judy Gregorius

Judy reported that she and Cheri Gonyaw, Co-Moderator, for the Elders will be meeting later in July with Leah Wilson and Barbara Reynolds, last year’s Elder Leaders. 

Deacons – Nancy King

Nancy explained that teams have been formed for serving.   The greeters will not be organized into teams.. 

Personnel- Elaine Ulry

An interim organist, Lloyd Stone, has been hired.

Pastor – Mary Olney-Loyd

See attached report.

As there will be no regular board meeting in August, Mary and Gary are inviting the board members and spouses or friends to a pot luck dinner on August 20^th at 6:30 PM.

Other items:

• The question was asked if we need to continue written board reports.  Only if needed at this time.
• Karen reminded us to celebrate our New Beginnings decision. 

The meeting was closed with a prayer circle and singing of Amen!

Next Board Meeting

There will be no board meeting in August. The next meeting will be September 17, 2008.