Woodstock Reformed Church  Consistory Meeting

October 2, 2024

Present:  Elders- Mike Terner, Shannon Godfrey, Bill Rhoads, Susan Ulrich

            Deacons:  Larry Todd, Ed Jabs, Jess Wisneski, Lisa Krause, Ken Bailer via zoom

            Pastor Cari

Excused: Gail Bonestell, Jen Reilly Bluma

The meeting was called to order by Pastor Cari at 7:10 pm. Devotions including prayer were led by Montine.

Pastor Cari shared a reading by Anne Lamott which invited people to share a particular need they might have and which might be met by one of us.

The agenda for tonight’s meeting, with addition of Property Committee report, and minutes of the September meeting were approved.

Pastor Cari asked if Consistory meetings could be changed to Wednesday evenings instead of Tuesday, beginning in January.  This was approved.

Deacons’ report:  Jess reported that there are no major needs at present locally.  Emergency funding for a family connected with Fair St. Reformed Church was made and Cynthia Carlaw was provided a meal.  Donations will be made to World Central Kitchen, which provides emergency meals for hurricane victims and also to World Renew, an RCA affiliated disaster relief group.

Elders’ report: Pastor Cari shared that a document having to do with use of the lawn behind the church has been redrafted. (see attached document). Signage which will be welcoming for acceptable use of the space and clearly prohibiting unacceptable use will be sought by Mike. This document will be shared with neighbors, businesses and the town supervisor.

Pastor’s report:

• Open door policy:  It was decided to keep doors open Wednesday afternoons.  Irene is available to keep an eye on things.

• Kingston Interfaith Council: This group is comprised of 22-23 lay and clergy from different faith communities in the Kingston area. There are many joint events with outreach.  We will contribute $100 to come out of the deacon’s fund. Meetings are held monthly on Thursdays at 8:30 am.  Cari attends and invited others to join her.

• Ulster Immigrant Defense Network runs a migrant feeding program at Holy Cross Church and help is needed Weds mornings and afternoons.  Individuals in need come to the church to get their food.  Adele is coordinator of this program.

• Dead branches have been removed from in front of the parsonage.

• Cari visited four other churches in Ulster County while on vacation and educational leave.

• Cari would like to attend the Davidson program, which offers a mid-career continuing education & coaching program to pastors and is held Feb. 10-14 in North Carolina. She can apply for financial assistance.  This was endorsed by a unanimous vote.

• Worship:  Choir has resumed under Krista’s leadership and Lee has started handbell rehearsals.  There are currently 13 in bell choir.

• Coffee hours:  More help is needed.  Bill will make a sign-up sheet for coffee hour.

• Liturgy Training:  Sixteen people have indicated interest.  It will be led by Cari and Carol Kenyon and will be offered via zoom as well as in person.

Sunday School:  Mike Terner reported that more parents are needed to sign up to teach.  If this doesn’t happen, others will be asked to teach.  There will be no Sunday School on communion Sundays.

Investments:  Montine reported that the A-V equipment has arrived and Connor Wenk will assume his responsibilities Sunday mornings once installation has been completed. Likely to start in late October.

Property Committee:  Ed Jabs

Paul Solomon wants to use the Green on the following dates for stated purposes

10/6:  Booth providing information on sustainability for 2 hours. No amplification. Approved

10/19:  Worship from 3-5pm with no amplification. Approved

Wedding on the Green for 20 people on 12/9. Ceremony is approved. More details will be sought.

Light bulbs have been replaced, a gift from Sandy and Larry

Work bench on rollers is stored in garage and is available for use

Josh is assisting in clearing out the garage.

Shelving from Woodstock Chimes will be put up in the church attic.

Moisture problem in Fellowship Hall has not been forgotten and will be getting attention

Stained glass update:  Despite efforts, no new home has been found for the window to date

Consistory Leadership:  At this point, it is known that Shannon and Mike will be completing their terms as Elders and Gail, Ed, Lisa, and Ken will be completing their terms as deacons. Several suggestions were offered and Mike and Shannon, as co vice-presidents, along with Jess as head of deacons, will be working with Cari on nominations. It is noted that Consistory members need to be pledging members of WRC. Pledging can begin after nomination is made.

Stewardship: Montine and Bill are planning the Stewardship Campaign. This will include sharing from the pulpit by individuals.  After discussion it was determined that the support given to the denomination, formerly known as “denominational assessment”, will be part of the budget needs for 2025 rather than asking individuals to make donations specifically earmarked for that expense.

Consistory retreat possibility: Rather than continue monthly non-alcoholic “Happy Hours” at the parsonage we may have a day-long retreat for Consistory members. Possible retreat at Holy Cross too. Renee House is available to help lead this.

Given the time and need for additional information and discussion of the budget for 2025, it was decided to have a second Consistory meeting on Tuesday, Oct 29 at 7:00 via zoom.  It is expected to take no longer than an hour.

Meeting was closed with prayer at 9:10 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Ulrich, clerk