After a delicious Lenten Lunch – an Irish feast – prepared by the Finance and Pastoral Relations Boards, moderator Paul Smithson called the meeting to order. A large group, well exceeding the required quorum was present.
The following Proposed Actions were approved:
#1 Electing the Slate of Board Members and Officers. There will be a Board Orientation held after worship on April 22 for new & continuing Board members. (Sharona Nelson was elected to the Finance Board, Class of ’19 at Church Council on March 19.)
#2 Motion to Adopt Long Range Plan That Union Church engage in a Strategic Planning Process in the Spring and Summer of 2018 to discover and unite behind passionate and purposeful mission goals centered on our core values.
#3 Motion to revise 2018 budget. Due to Associate Pastor Rev. Rachel Small Stokes being called to another church, the Finance Board suggested a revised budget to Church Council. The Council reviewed the budget and these changes are presented for approval to the congregation.
#4 Motion to Grant a Pastoral Sabbatical. That Union Church authorize a sabbatical leave of 4 months for Kent Gilbert to be taken in 2019 for the purpose of renewing and refreshing his ministry and the ministry of the Congregation, and that the congregation initiate appropriate planning per the Sabbatical Leave Policy. The dates of the sabbatical and a specific sabbatical plan for both the pastor and congregation (including staffing support) shall be developed in consultation with and approved by the Church Council.
#5 Motion to Re-Covenant with Habitat for Humanity of Madison & Clark Counties as follows:
The Church of Christ, Union, covenants with Habitat for Humanity of Madison & Clark Counties to commit financial and human resources in the following ways:
- Pray for the Ministry of Habitat for Humanity
- Spread the word about Habitat for Humanity’s ministry throughout the community
- Organize work parties to help build homes locally
- Provide financial support as a congregation for Habitat for Humanity
- Encourage members to serve on Habitat for Humanity of Madison & Clark Counties’ boards and committees
- Lift up opportunities for volunteer services in other counties through Habitat for Humanity, International
- Provide assistance for Habitat for Humanity of Madison &Clark Counties’ offices as needed
- Agree to review this commitment annually and, in fait h, renew our commitment to Habitat for Humanity’s ministry to end poverty housing.
#6 Motion to Re-Covenant with Bread for the World. That Union Church Renew our commitment as a Covenant Church with Bread for the World and, in so doing, agrees to support Bread for the World by our financial gifts, by educating our congregation on hunger issues, and through an annual Offering of Letters.
The Annual Report was accepted. Read it here in its entirety: Annual Report for 2017
Rev. Kent closed the meeting with song and prayer.
- Orientation for All Board Members – New and Continuing – April 22, after Worship Service
- From the Pastor “Into the Breach We Go!”
- Musical Happenings in April
- News of the Family, Birthdays & Anniversaries
- April Education Opportunities from the Alzheimer’s Association, Lexington
- Seven Secrets to a Sustainable Soul
- Some #UCLent Images
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