First Christian Church

Board Minutes

April 16, 2008

Devotions:  Rachel Crum shared a portion of Psalm 119

Approval of February Board Minutes

The minutes of February 2008 Board Minutes were approved.

Calendar Review

The proposed calendar through June 2008 was reviewed. 

Stewardship Update – Judy Gregorius

The stewardship program will be celebrated with blessing as people bring forward their statement of giving.  The celebration potluck will follow worship on April 20.

Nomination Task Force – Karen Nye

Karen reported that the task force is in the process of seeking people to fill the positions that are open for the 2008-2009 church year.   Members are Sherrie Fisher, chair; Peggy Frazier, Helena Wilson and Joanne Goodwin.  Mary and Karen are ex-officio members of this task force.

Deed – (note from Cheri Gonyaw read by Karen Nye)

The purchasing of Fair Trade coffee in conjunction with the Temple is being investigated.  There will be a recommendation at the May meeting.  Also, the use of Styrofoam cups is being discussed.  This was tabled at this time and referred back to Deed task force.

Youth symphony – Leah Wilson

Leah reported that the Youth Symphony has inquired about the possibility of using our church to practice on a regular basis.  After some discussion it was decided to invite them to meet with us to see what their needs are and if we would be able to accommodate them.  Karen will follow up with this.

Camp Quixote Update – Leah Wilson

Leah reported that Camp Quixote has moved to the Unitarian Universalist Congregation on the west side of Olympia.  They are in need of meals and hosts.

Mortgage Burning

Rachel Crum and Judy Bushell will carry out the mortgage burning.  It was decided that it will be done in conjunction with the Stewardship Potluck on Sunday, April 20.

New Beginnings – Karen Nye

Karen reported that the cottage sessions were very successful.  There was excellent involvement by the congregation. Fifty five people signed up for the sessions – that is the same as our average worship attendance. The attitude expressed at the cottage meetings was generally optimistic and hopeful!   Leaders met on the 16^th of April and will gather again on the 21^st to summarize the information gathered at these meetings.  They will present a recommendation to the board and then the congregation. 

Word – Jan Carlson

Jan reported that the task force is working on the summer curriculum and obtaining people to be story tellers for the children’s program this summer.

Property- Jim Brown

• Jim indicated that a number of roofing tabs had blown off the roof during the winter storms.  The good news…. no leaks this winter.  Jim has found a person to check the damage and do the repair. He feels that the roof should last another year or two.
• When the drier weather comes, the parking lots will be striped.
• There will be a work party in July or August.
• The $200 gift given to the church to assist in the cost of hosting Camp Quixote was used to hire camp members to help with landscaping as approved by the board in February.

Elders – Leah Wilson

Leah Wilson provided a written report.  Briefly, the elders and deacons have organized an all church prayer retreat on April 19.  Mary Olney Loyd and Rachel Crum will present the program for the May meeting of the Elders and Deacons.

Pastor’s Time – Mary Olney- Loyd

Mary reported that she attended the “Seeds of Compassion” in Seattle and was fortunate to hear Bishop TuTu and the Dalai Lama.  She indicated that she was very moved by the suffering these and others have experienced and yet they remain peace filled and loving . Mary and Gary also attended a workshop on environment and, as a result, challenged us to look at ways to be better stewards of this earth.  For further information visit  genesiscovenant.org. 

Financial report – Judy Bushell

Judy reported that the New Beginnings program has been paid in full by donations from the congregation.  The expenses of hosting Camp Quixote are not yet known. 

Worship – Rachel Crum

Rachel reminded us:  Pentecost is coming!    

Next Board Meetings

May 7 – a budget work session.

May 21 – next regular board meeting

We closed  with a prayer circle.