Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church Council Minutes
February 15, 2021 at 7pm (held via Zoom web/video/telephone conference)
Attending: Carolyn Ball, Maury Early, Charlie Gleek, Rick Hamilton, Rev. Gary Heaton, Sherry Lambert, Sue Lewis, Wayne Malbon, Juliana Piacentini, David Sandridge, Rocky Shoemaker, Rev. Phil Woodson, Matt Zimmerman.
Opening
Rev. Heaton opened the Council meeting with a prayer.
Approval of Minutes
Discussion ensued over how best to document and share minutes from each Council meeting. There was consensus supporting the publishing an Action Items set of minutes for the public, as well as to keep a private set of detailed notes minutes for the Council’s private records.
The Council voted to approve the minutes from 18 January.
Finance/Treasurer’s Report
Discussed financial report and expenses, highlights included costs for boiler at Moosetrap, Food Bank donations, and online contributions.
Trustees
Discussed updates on Church property repairs. Highlights include upgrades to the furnace and kitchen sink, landscaping, drains, boiler, snow removal, return of CSPS Preschool in March, and need to update Trustee information with the Charlottesville Clerk’s office.
SPRC
The SPRC has not met since the last Council meeting, so there was nothing new to report.
The Council also discussed potential communication options to the Congregation once we receive final decisions on pastoral assignments later this Spring.
Healthy Church Team Update
The Healthy Church Team did not have anything to report as they haven’t met since the last council meeting, but they are discussing a few things via email.
The Council also discussed best practices for sharing ideas about holding live services if and when conditions improve.
Nurture Report
Offered updates and discussed activities related to keeping track and reaching out to members and families with current illnesses.
The Council also received a recommendation that a pastoral prayer be substituted for the congregational prayer during services, especially when the Church moves to live online and hybrid services.
Witness Report
Received information regarding technology outreach and social media efforts.
The Council was also informed of the new Lord of the Rings Bible Study on Thursdays at 8:00 pm, starting on 18 February and running for 8 weeks.
The Council also discussed continued planning for a future Spiritual Retreat, continued partnership opportunities with the Wesley Foundation, and a commitment from the Witness Committee to provide further updates as the Committee continues to develop.
Outreach Ministries
Received information and discussed several action items. Highlights include:
IMPACT: Justice Ministry Rally by Zoom on 2 March from 6.30-8.30 pm; Nehemiah Action on Thursday 25 March,
PACEM update on housing for men in local hotels, Portico Church for the rest of February and at Sojourners Church in March. The Council also discussed the possibility of coordinating a collection site in the Sanctuary for snacks and bottled water supplements to support PACEM and deliver to partner churches.
Continued public and private support for Maria’s legal case, awareness with lawmakers, and highlighting of Maria’s case to other Virginia Conference churches.
Minister’s Report
Rev. Heaton and rev. Woodson report enthusiasm for the coming live Zoom services, beginning on 21 February.
The Council was informed of their efforts at outreach and training members of the congregation to participate in the service, as well as potential and creative options available as we continue to pursue live services, either online or hybrid as conditions permit, in the weeks and months ahead.
Rev. Heaton and Rev. Woodson note that online services will continue to run roughly 30 minutes in length, and will be available on YouTube if members of the congregation cannot see services live via Zoom.
Closing
Rocky Shoemaker closed the Council meeting with a prayer.