Council News

NOVEMBER COUNCIL MEETING

The hustle and bustle has already begun as the Holidays are just around the corner. After beginning the meeting with devotions, Margaret reported that the operating deficit at the end of September was over $61,000, which makes the total church deficit over $42,000.

In Staff Reports, Pastor Cris was very enthusiastic about the Wednesday morning breakfast with the youth. They may need to move into the Social room for more space. Pastor Kathy handed out the Worship Attendance Report, discussion followed. The Master Plan Task Force has received bids, and they will be having interviews with the firms. They will provide a recommendation for the Council at the December meeting. Zion will be receiving an easement grant of over $18,000 from the town for the upcoming Green Street Improvements project. Council decided to put the money towards the cost of the Master Plan.

Under Old Business, Council discussed a Pledge Analysis sheet which compared January-October for 2009 and 2010. Gary Shafer announced that the process for refinancing the Rhoderick Property was complete. The Rhoderick family will receive their final payment this month.  Zion now has a 15 year mortgage with monthly payments that are less than the previous mortgage. Pastor Cris discussed the lead paint issue in the Rhoderick building and is working on getting an estimate for the work that needs to be done. The Council discussed the need for a property manager for the apartments and would like to see a Rhoderick Property task force that can look at short-term and long-term planning for that property.

Under New Business, the Finance Committee met and drafted a 2011 budget. The preliminary budget was presented to Council.   Margaret and Gary discussed some of the specifics and then allowed time for any questions. The Pastors will be looking at the Local Benevolence needs and the entire budget will be discussed and voted on next month. Council will provide the Mid-week Advent meal on December 1st.   Come hungry for chili, hotdogs, applesauce, salad, and dessert.  Finally, the Nominating Committee will be formed and have a meeting on November 10th.  Candidates to serve the next term on Council will be presented at the December meeting. Meeting adjourned with the Lord’s Prayer.

Christopher Derr
Council President