Church Council – January 24, 2012
Meeting Summary
In attendance: Rev. Tom Tran, Rev. Sergio Camacho, Donna Daniels, José Luis López, Jan Ault, Pat Houck, Jo Menely, Joseph LaRoche, Rich Shea, Janice Fowler, Chuck Carey, Giovanni González, Tommy Appleton, Val Moore, and Barbara Johnson (chair).
- Finances.
- We have received a new grant for the Latino Ministry for $60,000 from "New Ministries Essential Ministry Team" at Cal-Pac. It is subject to completion of the benchmark.
- OUMC has received $11,130.66 from the Jubilee/Pacific Homes fund for 2011 and received a payment of $6,130.66 in January 2012.
- Church Council Duties. Pastor Tom discussed with us the duties of the Church Council, as described in ¶252 of the Book of Discipline. Chuck Carey was elected secretary.
- Old business:
- Giovanni González was elected to replace Sharyl Lewis on the Cleaning Evaluation committee, which evaluates and supervises the janitor's work.
- We need to start thinking now of Christmas decoration problems and ideas for next year.
- New business:
- The question of who should direct the Second Harvest food distributions was brought up. Tommy Appleton said that he has always been present for the distributions. Pastor Sergio said that this should be decided by the Latino Ministry council and the chair agreed. The matter was deferred to that council, which will meet Sunday, 1/29/2012.
- A schedule and jobs to be done at the next work day was discussed briefly and deferred to the Parish Board.
- The possibility of having another joint service/luncheon in the near future, possibly for Easter, was discussed. Everyone felt the Christmas service was excellent, but concerns were raised about the luncheon afterwards, including the inability of handicapped people, such as Louise Adlof, to find seating. Pastor Tom will discuss the joint service with Pastor Sergio, Pastor Woo, and the Bellflower UMC congregations. Even if Grace River doesn't wish to participate, we could still have a service with Bellflower.
- Wendy Lenaburg had to spend her own money for the Christmas poinsettias. She was eventually reimbursed, but in the future we should advance the funds for making these purchases.
- The coming e-waste fundraiser was discussed. Pastor Tom said it will probably be held March 24-25, with March 17-18 a second choice, in the shopping center at Orangethorpe and Brookhurst. A definite date will be known during the coming week.
- The people living in the OUMC parsonage are moving out February 9. They haven't taken good care of the property and a lot of cleanup work will be necessary, but the parsonage will be leased again.
- Donna Daniels and Sharyl Lewis will attend Lay Ministry Academy February 11-12. It costs about $90 per person. This expenditure was approved. Money is to be taken from the Tri-Cities Ministry.
- New flags, and lighting, are needed in front of the church. They will cost about $750. This issue was deferred to Parish Board.
- Joseph LaRoche reported on Parish Board issues. He said that the deal for the microwave relay tower will close in 2 or 3 weeks. We will get new lighting, and a new cross and flame. The deal will bring in a great deal of revenue to the parish. This project will be coordinated with new lighting for the flags.
- Tommy Appleton reported on his prison ministry. He said it is hard to baptise people at a prison. He gives a concert about every 3 months at which he distributes Bibles.
- Pastors' reports:
- Pastor Sergio reported that the new Latino Ministry project for feeding Sunday breakfasts to the homeless got off to a good start. He wants approval of spending about $750 for buying Bibles. It was decided that this amount should be added to the Social Concerns section of Latino Ministry's 2012 budget.
- Pastor Tom says he has seen an improved relationship between our 3 pastors, and looks forward to continued improvement. His goal is to make worship more meaningful and practical. He plans to conduct a Lenten Bible study, but isn't sure yet what time it will be.
The next meeting will be February 28.