Woodstock Reformed Church Consistory Meeting
February 6, 2024
Present:
Deacons: Gail Bonestell, Jess Wisneski, Ed Jabs, Ken Bailer, Larry Todd, and Lisa Krause
Elders: Shannon Godfrey, Mike Terner, Jen Reilly Bluma, Bill Rhoads, Sue Ulrich, Montine Jordan (via zoom) Pastor Cari
The meeting opened at 7:05 pm with prayer offered by Pastor Cari. New consistory members were warmly welcomed to join continuing members.
The agenda for this meeting and minutes of the previous meeting were accepted.
At the invitation of Pastor Cari, each person shared an unexpected delight which he or she experienced in the past week. This was followed by a shared reading of 1 Corinthians 12:4-13 with discussion of how this passage relates to us as a church.
References to a recent training received by elders and deacons came to mind as a further reflection of the meaning of this passage. Consistory represents Christ to the church, and all members are equal to one another and to the pastor, each having different strengths to offer. We are guided by the Bible, Confessions, our church by-laws and Book of Church Order. In the course of a meeting, there is to be an effort to reach consensus. Even if an individual did not personally vote in favor of a decision made by Consistory, he or she needs to lend support as it is presented to the congregation.
Getting to know you
As Pastor Cari noted, we are people first, not just members of the Consistory so as a fun step to take in the direction of getting to know one another better, a game of “Bingo” was played. Each person in attendance had sent to Cari some little-known facts about themselves and the game consisted of guessing, for example, just who that person who had seven wisdom teeth might be.
Sharing our strengths and our hopes for 2024.
Each individual was asked for one thing he or she is looking forward to doing together in church and on consistory, one special skill or strength you have to offer and one thing you are hoping will happen as the combined efforts of consistory members. (see attached for responses)
Some Consistory Basics for 2024
Some highlights:
A pastor must be present at a consistory meeting.
Items for the agenda must be communicated to the pastor no later than Saturday preceding the Tuesday consistory meeting
Every meeting must start and end with prayer.
A person is elected to a 2-year term as elder or deacon and can renew for one more term but there is a limit of 4 years so after serving this long, one must be off consistory for 2 years before returning.
New for 2024:
There will be a 30-minute meeting for elders and for deacons preceding each monthly meeting. Each group will discuss matters related to their responsibilities, brainstorming ideas and thinking of ways of recruiting others to help in a particular task.
Prior to Sunday worship at 10:00, Consistory members are encouraged to gather in the parlor for prayer.
As part of the Consistory “getting to know you” better effort, there will be a monthly parsonage consistory “Happy Hour” with an opportunity for non-church conversation and a pleasant time. Non-alcoholic beverages and snacks will be served. These will usually take place on the second Thursday of the month from 5:00-6:30.
Update from ministries:
Ecumenical outreach: The possibility of an ecumenical progressive dinner to be held with Christ’s Lutheran and Overlook United Methodist on May 5 was discussed. There were some reservations, and the thought that maybe it could be a picnic potluck was raised. Pastor Cari will share some concerns with representatives of the other churches.
Education: Jess brought up the need for modifications to rooms and equipment being used in Sunday School because it is sized for younger, smaller children than our current children and youths. This will be explored further by Jess with Mike Terner’s assistance. At Jess’ suggestion, a special children’s Sunday service will be held June 23 and to celebrate getting back to Sunday School, a barbecue for the whole church will be held Sept. 15.
Financial Oversight Committee: Sandy has end of year tax statements ready. A motion was made and passed that Irene, our office administrator, can mail these out. It will be done this week.
Budget reports will be presented to Consistory on a quarterly basis
Accounts are in the process of being moved from Vanderbilt to Chase. Some remaining documentation is needed and Mike will follow up on this with Sandy.
Interest was expressed in knowing how much money is budgeted for use of the Deacons for benevolence and in general where it is given. It was acknowledged that of course individuals would not be named but perhaps organizations receiving some of our support could be named. This may be discussed further at another meeting.
Property Committee: A location needs to be chosen for a stained glass window which was donated a year or so ago. Bill, Shannon, and Ken volunteered to act as a subcommittee to investigate possibilities and make a recommendation at the March Consistory meeting. Ed asked that he be contcted for any property related concerns.
Consistory Dinner will be held June 13.
Members of consistory will each have responsibility for providing snacks and devotions for meetings throughout the year. Volunteers are as follows:
March: Shannon April: Mike May: Jen June: Ken
July: Bill August: Jess Sept: no mtg Oct: Montine
Nov: Sue Dec: Larry/Gail Jan ‘25: Lisa Feb ‘25: Larry
Mar ’25: Ed
Each Consistory member will serve as shepherd to a number of congregants. Pastor Cari has distributed the list to each member. Monthly contact is encouraged via phone, email, or sending a note or card.
The meeting was closed with prayer by Pastor Cari at 9:05 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Ulrich, Scribe