Woodstock Reformed Church Consistory Meeting
January 8, 2025
Present: Pastor Cari
Elders: Billl Rhoads, Jen Reilly Bluma, Sue Ulrich. Mike Terner and via zoom Montine
Excused absence: Shannon Godfrey
Deacons: Larry Todd, Lisa Krause, Jess Wisneski and via zoom Ken Bailer and Ed Jabs
Absent: Gail Bonestell
Devotions were led by Sue Ulrich. “Morning Gestures”, a series and hand and body movements connecting one with the Holy, were demonstrated. These were taken from a book written by Joyce Rupp, out of the ordinary.
Minutes of the previous meeting as well as agenda for the present meeting were approved.
Gratitude for the contributions made by retiring elders and deacons was expressed by Pastor Cari and retirees were given an opportunity to share parting thoughts regarding their time served.
The annual review of Pastor Cari, which Consistory members had the opportunity to read prior to this meeting, was discussed briefly by Pastor Cari.
Property Committee maintenance and repair
Jess reported that she and Montine have held discussions with Josh Weber who has been doing some volunteer work and paid work for the church. He may be available to come on board as an employee. There is more to be discussed and worked out. Jess and Montine will be in further contact with Mike and others, and they expect to come to the February meeting with a proposal. Several options are in the discussion stage at this point.
Meals on Wheels has obtained new stoves and have taken care of necessary venting.
Budget
Great appreciation was expressed for the time put into getting necessary facts and figures together by the Financial Oversight Committee (FOC) which consists of Marlene Hass, Helen Chase and Mike Terner.
Jess presented a clear picture of where we stand at this time. Although a shortfall appears between income and projected expenditures, we will not have a called & installed pastor for at least the better part of 2025, so costs will be considerably less- as no pastor salary, parsonage utilities, or health / life / pension benefits. There may be costs for a part-time Interim Pastor, however, as well as Pulpit Supply. As Montine pointed out, we have investments which have been given to the church which are themselves generating income through interest and that is very positive for our church.
The proposed budget which included a 5% raise for Cari- applicable only for Jan. and Feb. of 2025- was unanimously passed, knowing that we will revisit it after the first quarter.
Education update
Sunday school: Mike reported that curriculum has been purchased and parents are finding teaching rewarding. It is noted that two incoming deacons have children in the Sunday School.
Confirmation class
Pastor Cari is excited about the commitment to being an active part of the church that the confirmands have expressed.
Confirmands have been asked to read through the Gospel of Mark before confirmation.
They will be providing one-two community service projects, consisting of clean up in the village and parks, as well as an indoor rock-climbing adventure for fun.
Confirmation Sunday is February 23. Confirmands will each receive a Bible and an opportunity to participate in music will be offered under Krista’s leadership.
Transition process: With Cari’s last Sunday being March 2, we sadly must move ahead with the steps as outlined by RCA.
Pastor Kendra VanHouten, from Classis, will be at the February Consistory meeting to assist us in the Pastor Dissolution process.
We will be required to vote that Cari’s position as pastor of Woodstock RCA will be dissolved.
A supervisor will be chosen for us. Update: Rev. Renee House. The supervisor will be at future Consistory meetings and search committee meetings until a new pastor is called and begins.
We will determine whether we want to hire an interim pastor, weekly pulpit supply, or a combination of both.
The following will need to be devised. Help is available on rca.org website and previously used documents can be consulted:
Preachers in place for March so far
March 9: Katrine Zezza
March 16: Brother Randy Greve, OHC
March 23: Suzanne Campise
Meeting with Town Supervisor Bill McKenna
Jen reported that they had a cordial meeting. Some concerns about the Green were discussed and Bill thought it would be helpful to have another one or two persons from consistory come with Jen to a Town Board meeting. There is interest in a discussion of new efforts around signage and improved communication of the summarized Town Agreement on our website. There is also shared interest in creating an anniversary around the Village Green to remind the town of historical legacy.
Dates:
Jan 12: Ordination/Installation of Deacons Jicky Schnee and Nicole Arana
Five baptisms, Potluck lunch
Jan 19: Carol Kenyon preaching, Cari liturgist, Gospel picking circle
Jan 23: Montine, Sue, Cari, Renee, and Rev. Alisha Riepma-Hozier: Classis and WRC planning
Jan 29-31: Holy Cross Monastery retreat
Sun Feb 2: Rev. Renee House preaching
Weds Feb 5: Consistory meeting
{Sun Feb 9: Honoring Krista for 5+ years of music ministry in worship}
Fri. Feb 21: Parsonage Open House reception for all WRC friends: 4-7pm, light refreshments
Sun. Feb 23: Confirmation Sunday and special lunch after
Fri. Feb. 28: Dinner for Cari and new Consistory members
Sun. Mar. 2: Cari’s last Sunday preaching
Weds. Mar 5: Ash Weds: Lent begins. Services at Christ Lutheran Church and St. Gregory’s Episcopal
Church, both down the street- available for us to attend
The possible need for a warming center has been raised and brought to the attention of a Consistory member.
Jess did some research which she shared after the meeting, and which is added here.
Here is the website with info for the Warning Center:
https://ulstercountyny.gov/emergency-services/warming-centers
Here is a great rundown of all housing services via the Ulster Immigrant Defense Network website, all in one place:
https://ulsterimmigrantdefensenetwork.org/resources/housing/emergency/
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Ulrich, clerk