Council News

June Council Meeting

It may be summer vacation for students, but Zion is keeping busy with the heat. Margaret started the meeting with the Treasurer’s Report, which has Zion at a YTD deficit close to $8000, but overall we are $6000 in the black, which is very similar to last year at this time. Under Staff Reports, Ginger has been planning youth events, including: Day at the Farm, VBS, and Work Camp. Pastor Cris’ focus will be on outreach. He is organizing an “Amazing gRace,” the new members orientation, for June 16th, as well as a young adult group conversation at the Main Cup called “Brewing Faith” beginning June 23rd. Pastor Kathy has started Staff reviews and looking at job descriptions, and is also looking into ways to approach Confirmation differently.

Under Old Business, council reviewed the Contemporary Worship Summary and Survey to be presented at the forum. We then continued our conversation of the Lead paint issue in the Rhoderick Building with a concern of whether it would be a wise investment to spend the money before a master plan was developed. The 270th year Celebration was discussed with a decision that council would sponsor/help with a social time after the combined service. Jo Ahalt volunteered to help plan that activity. We also decided that Zion should continue to have a float in the Heritage Days Parade and that council would plan the float unless another group volunteers to plan it. Finally, Dave Gouker gave a report on the AED equipment, and asked for council members and ushers to be aware of, and assist with medical emergencies.

Under New Business Rick Rogers gave an update on the Venture Crew. They will be purchasing equipment from the donation given to them by Zion. Also Josh Glessner talked about a leadership course he recently attended and that he would be able to lead a similar course for the council or other leaders in the church. Pastor Kathy suggested revising the offering envelopes to include the line options: Current Ministry Expenses, Capital Expenses, and Local Benevolence. This would eliminate the Communion envelope, and also save us $270. Motion passed. Lastly, Council approved Pastor Cris’ housing allowance of $15,000 for the remainder of the year. We look forward to continued conversations about Contemporary Worship, and moving along with a Master Plan.

Christopher Derr
Council President