Consistory Meeting
Woodstock Reformed Chruch
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16 Tinker Street
Woodstock, NY 12498
Minutes for November 9, 2021
Time and Place:
A regular meeting of the Consistory of the Woodstock Reformed Church was held on Tuesday, November 9, 2021 at the Woodstock Reformed Chruch. Meeting started at 7:05 PM
Members Present:
Pastor: Reverend Cari Pattison (CP)
Elders: Annie Lavalle (AL), Sandy Todd (ST)
Deacons: Jim Ulrich (JU), David Scarborough (DS), Michael Terner (MT), Mike Cooter (MC)
Special Guest: Reverend Jen Benedelius (JB) from the Flatbush Reformed Chruch in Saugerties, NY
Members Absent: Shannon Godfrey (SG)
Introductions of members to Ken Bailer
Reading by Annie Lavalle from Grace, by Max Lucado
Motion to approve agenda was accepted by all members.
Cari reviewed October 19 meeting minutes. Motion to accept minutes was approved by all members
Committee Report
- FOC - budget meeting confirmed for FOC/Consistory at noon on Nov. 21st
- MT to touch base with Hetty and Irene about ordering janitorial supplies. MT suggested that Larry’s volunteer work may not be sufficient related to building oversight. CP has concerns about hiring additional staff for regularly checking building systems. CP agrees that maintenance issues is a separate concern than the basic walkthroughs.
- MC reviewed temporary bridge and suggested a trail cam for monitoring people passing through property, which AL & ST are concerned about.
- MC expressed concerns about current cleaning company and suggests starting to look for a sexton.
- MC suggested rotating art display in the church.
- CP suggested keeping existing cleaning crew (Arturo) since most feedback about the cleanliness of the church has been positive.
- MT to develop a budget proposal for a Sexton with the assumption to keep Arturo.
- MT did not have much to report on Emory & Webb insurance policy.
- MT raised topic of continuing to paint the interior of sanctuary and how to work around any worker’s comp issues.
Reverend Jenn Benedelius was here in person to review her experience with the General Synod in 2020.
- Tone of Synod was positive and respectful even though the group was very diverse.
- Interesting to hear what the denomination is doing all over the world.
- Two main topics of Synod
- How to handle denomination assessment.
- Vision 2020 report
- DS asked who controls content of RCA.org and feels it is extremely important to understand this. JB suggested DS contact the RCA director about this.
- JB read excerpt from Vision 2020 report regarding importance of diversity in changing times.
- Homosexual issues remain a main reason why churches leave the denomination.
- According to the Synod, leaving the denomination is ultimately up to the consistory and the congregation after the church fulfills a variety of requirements of the RCA.
- CP handed out 2019 copies of the Book of the Chruch Order and suggested reading portions of it as a group.
Hopes/ Prayers/ Goals for 2022 - deferred for another day
CP asked to consider Ed Jabs as deacon
- Ed would like to be on consistory.
- ST feels Ed should be considered based on his devotion to the church, regardless of how he may interact with others.
- AL & MC also feel Ed should be considered.
- MT & JU concur that Ed be considered to the consistory as a deacon.
- CP feels Ed has shown humility in the past year
- CP also suggested JU be nominated as an elder
- ST reviewed each consistory member service terms and status
- CP suggested to vote on Ed Jabs as deacon. Motion was approved by all members. CP to propose this to Ed next Monday.
Br Robert Sevensky from HCM to guest preach on Nov. 28th
November 18 Thanksgiving interfaith service to be cancelled. All members agreed
“Blue Christmas” longest night service - Confirmed for December 21st
WRC monastery retreat at Holy Cross in West Park – Confirmed for Jan 14-15 (One night)
MT brought up progress on finding a part time Sunday school teacher.
- Ads to be run in a variety of local publications
Next consistory meeting Monday Dec. 6th
CP suggested hosting more public concert events
JU led closing prayer