News & Events
APPROVED AGCMCC BOARD OF DIRECTOR’S MEETING
June 14, 2010
Members Present: Dana Badgerow, James Dahlen (by phone), Nick Kunz, Paul Barnes, Terry Clements, Jean Zimmerman, Rev. Paul Eknes-Tucker, Brent Suther, and Steve Reinke.
Guests: Kathy Barclay, Mike Haase, Frank Kursinsky, Don Jones, Steve Robertson, Gary Gaylord, Rev. Dr. Robyn Provis, Bill Langlois, Julie Hoy, Ed Streets, Donna Olsen, Tim Tennant-Jayne, Nicky Giancola, Sandy Carolan, Keith Monjak, Ken Keate, Mike Emery.
Opening Prayer: was led by Nick Kunz, after hearing prayer concerns.
Self-Awareness Exercise. Rev. Provis led a brief exercise designed to reveal to each of us our leading characteristics and qualities, so as to become more aware of what may be motivating us in given situations.
Vision/Mission/Values Statement: Terry Clements read this Statement, which is reviewed at the outset of all Board meetings to remind us of our strategic focus and direction, as well as our commitment to ministry and to each other.
Review and Approval of Agenda: Following several additions, a revised Agenda was provided. Dana Badgerow moved to approve, Jean Zimmerman seconded, and the revised agenda was unanimously approved. It was announced that there would be an Executive Session.
March and May 2010 Minutes: There being no changes to the draft minutes for these two meetings, Paul Barnes moved to approve, Steve Reinke seconded and both sets of minutes were approved for posting.
Secretary’s Report: Dana reported that our membership stands at 329, with the addition of three new members this past Sunday: Kendall Berry, D.J. Raveling, and Ryan Stark.
Treasurer’s Report: James Dahlen directed members to the materials distributed prior to the meeting, but summarized our overall financial condition as continuing to deteriorate badly. Overall, year to date, giving is down 23% from last year (10% not considering BBO, and 15.04% in the category of unrestricted giving). Our total deficit to the revised budget stands at $12,617.34, with a cash deficit of $15,403. The fact remains that, even with further budget cuts, we must find a way to increase general fund giving. Further budget reductions, since they entail personnel costs, were deferred to Executive Session. Paul E-T mentioned the possibility of several speculative income items that he is hopeful we may receive in the coming months, which would be a Godsend. Dana moved to approve the Treasurer’s Report, Jean seconded, and it was unanimously approved.
Property Team Report: Kathy Barclay reminded that the Property Team report had been distributed prior to the meeting, and simply asked for questions. There being no questions, Paul B moved to approve the report, Paul E-T seconded and the motion passed, with Dana abstaining.
Pastors’ Report: Robyn and Paul had distributed their Ministry Team “Joint Consent Report” prior to the meeting. Paul E-T mentioned that, where available, he has added metrics to some of the items. Paul supplemented the report with the advice that Jason and DeMarco have expressed a desire to visit AGCMCC on Sunday, July 25, which is coincidentally our church anniversary. They are seeking $500 in travel costs or vouchers, and the ability to take a love offering at their Sunday evening concert. They would also perform at the Sunday services. After much discussion about the ability of the budget to sustain a $500 charge, James advised that he felt he would be able to raise the funds independently. We all felt that having Jason and DeMarco at our anniversary would be a real coup and perhaps generate some new enthusiasm for the church. Dana moved that we approve the visit, with the stipulation that no general fund dollars will be used. Steve seconded, and the motion passed. Robyn advised that she and Paul have been working on a number of transitional items, and thanked the Board for their gracious support of her during this transition. She emphasized to all present that she was not “forced” to resign, but concluded that the process by which pastoral leadership would be subjected to a congregational vote was too divisive, so she “mindfully, prayerfully made this choice.” As she noted, we were simply in an untenable position and she was led to this decision independently and after prayer. She concluded her remark s with “I am sad, but I am OK with it, and I want you to be too.”
Alternate Lay Delegate Selection. James reminded that, since only two Law Delegates are travelling to General Conference, we really need to select two alternates for AGCMCC to be fully represented. After reviewing the possible candidates who are going to the conference (non-Board members, yet members of AGCMCC), it was concluded that the two ideal alternates would be Todd Boyd and David Coleman. Upon motion by Paul E-T, and second by Jean, a motion to appoint these two as alternates was unanimously passed.
Budget Discussion: James reminded that we had already made $26,857 in reductions at the May 24 meeting. It is unclear, however, whether ministry teams have been informed of the impact on their budgets. We would be making our original budget if 200 people in attendance on Sunday just gave $30 each, so our revenue challenge should not be insurmountable. We just have to figure out a way to tap into that level of giving. The remaining budget discussion was deferred to Executive Session.
Sunday Service Times. Several Board members, as well as guests at the meeting, expressed concerns with the two-service format on Sundays. Paul E-T thanked those who offered perspectives, and confirmed that he is evaluating our worship schedule, and would like to continue with the two services through the end of July before a final decision is made.
Size Summit Assessment Recommendations – Next Steps. Terry identified the next steps in our process: at the end of July, Rev. Elder Lille Brock will return to Minnesota and conduct a “mini” Size Summit with our congregation, most likely on Saturday, July 31. She will also meet with the Board in several extended meetings to begin the strategic planning and implementation design, including short, medium and long-term goals to achieve growth and achieve our potential as a Program Church. We will also be revising the By-Laws to bring them into compliance with Denomination guidelines, and to be consistent with our strategic plan. The By-Law amendments, which will include the creation of a Nominating Committee, will be presented to the Congregation in a special meeting called for that purpose, sometime in the August-September timeframe (so that the Nominating Committee can be formed and operating prior to elections in November). Robyn reminded that we have all of the feedback from the Holy Conversations which should factor nicely into our strategic plans.
Executive Session: After planning for the special celebration on June 20, the Board made further budget reductions in the form of 10% salary decreases for the church salaried staff, effective immediately. This will still not close the entire gap in the budget, so we are in a strict spending freeze, with only truly essential expenses being paid or authorized. At the request of a Board member, we agreed to move the July meeting to Monday evening, July 19, 2010.