Woodstock Reformed Church  Consistory Minutes

Dec. 5, 2023

Present:  Pastor Cari, Mike Terner, Ed Jabs, Larry Todd, Annie LaValle, Lisa Krause, Shannon Godfrey, Jim Ulrich and Ken Bailer (zoom)

Absent:  Gail Bonestell

The meeting was called to order by Pastor Cari at 7:00 pm.  We were invited to share what God is doing in our lives and how we might pray for one another.

The agenda was approved and minutes were approved with the correction, Aurora Gill, of our new cleaning person’s name.

Mike Terner shared a reading of the 23rd Psalm.

Pledging report and discussion:  Two areas of concern were addressed as follows:

1. There are generally between 20 and 30 pledging and not all of these individuals have kept up with their pledges. It was determined that Sandy Todd, our treasurer, will send a statement to each pledger noting the amount of the pledge and how much has been received to date. (Update: she did this- but only to those who haven’t followed through on their pledge). There was a strong feeling expressed that this should be handled by the treasurer so that individuals can be comfortable knowing that their pledges are confidential.

2. Pledging campaign for 2024:  It was suggested that the announcements in the bulletin for Dec 10 should include encouragement to pledge and also to be sure that there are pledge cards and envelopes available. It was also suggested that an announcement be made from the pulpit. (Update: this was done).

Financial Oversight Committee

Mike Terner reported on the budget planning for 2024.  Although at this point we do not have totals for how much has been pledged to date, the good news is that the expenses in the new year are not expected to be more than $5000 more than 2023. In general, 50% of the budget is related to the pastor and preaching office, including salary, health insurance / pension costs, and pulpit supply for guest preachers. Program costs account for 16% and the remainder on utilities, etc.  There are special funds set aside for the facilities, too. Fortunately, there are funds available- since there is $220,000 remaining in endowment funds. In the past two years, $80,000 has been spent on facility upkeep- much of which came from a private donor who gave additional monies to the church buildings.  

Personnel

The FOC will make recommendations regarding Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) increases for our employees.

Personnel reviews for Krista and Irene will be done by Cari and Annie. Pastor Cari’s review was done within the past year.

Activities on the green conflicting with church program

The “First Friday of December” open house (merchants, etc.) celebration in Woodstock had a band on the Green at the same time as the caroling in the church and concern was raised that scheduling activities on the Green needs to be addressed. Since this open house is sponsored by the Business Association aka Woodstock Chamber of Commerce, it was suggested that the Chamber be contacted next October to work out scheduling.

New location for used-items donation table currently in the Fellowship Hall

Since the items have been a distraction for children who are part of a program renting basement space, Annie has suggested that the items be cleared out entirely right after Christmas and a used books table be put in the narthex and people will be invited to bring book donations and help themselves to anything there they find appealing.  She is taking responsibility for this operation.

Deacons will be taking into consideration where Christmas Eve Candlelight offering will go. In the past there have been two charities and sometimes half to a charity and half for church use.

Pastor Cari requested and received offers to volunteer greeting, reading, etc. for the two Christmas Eve services.

Pastor’s report:

The Advent Dinner has 27 or 28 expected in attendance so will be held in the church basement and include potluck elements.  

        Church attendance figures are most encouraging and something to celebrate.

• 56 official, active members / families (in person or on zoom)
• 30-40 active adherents, not members but participating in worship and other activities
• 13 active youth
• 45-50 average Sunday morning attendance in person (if not holiday)
• 15 individuals on zoom weekly
• 30 consistent participants in total, on zoom (not all attend every Sunday)
• About 100 actively engaged people, in total

Consistory make-up

        Jim and Annie are ending their terms as elders this month.  They will be recognized for their service in church on January 28

        New class of Elders/Deacon to be presented to the congregation:  Bill Rhoads, Montine Jordan, Sue Ulrich, Jen Reilly Bluma, Jessica Wisneski

        New updated directory to be distributed this month

Sue Ulrich shared a brief video describing the work being done to help the homeless and individuals with mental health challenges at My Reality House, located in Snellville, GA.

Respectfully submitted,

Susan Ulrich, Clerk of Consistory