Council Members Present: Marianne Brown Airin Cherian, Pastor Ross Goodman, Anne-Louise Klaus, Mark Olson, Dana Ramish, Alison Roberts, Heather Sheridan, Brian Sniffen.
Also Present: Vicar Andrew Heisen, Ken Heyda, Kirsten Lienhard, Don Mitchell.
Absent: Wendy Stack, Marilyn Waehler.
A quorum was gathered and we came together in God’s name at 7:35pm. A candle was lit to remind us that Christ is present with us as we meet.
We share what we’re doing in Lent: devotions, sacrifice of candy, giving up going to Church on Sunday1 ,givingup giving up things, giving up whale meat, contemplation of responsibility, nothing special, reading the Psalms, giving up dessert, re-creating the 1941 hymnal’s order of service, giving up butter, practicing silence.
The agenda was accepted.
Dana Ramish then led a devotion on Zeal. Next month, Alison Roberts will lead devotions.
The minutes of February were accepted as amended.
We had a few big Sundays, leaving us in still well ahead for the year.
Ken Heyda reports on his continued activities to fill the role of Treasurer. He reminds us—for many have forgotten—that Mary-Ellen has a list of all the budget categories for anything the church buys.
We begin with discussing Ken’s long volunteer service with our technology efforts. To recognize that service and empower him to speak for St. Paul in such matters, we intend to name and recognize this role.
Anne-Louise asks for a few clarifications of the boundaries of the role—whether it includes the recent web site work, whether it reports to the Council or the President, and how it will interact with staff as they install or upgrade software to do their jobs.
Side conversation brings up the new laws about personally identifying information, and our need to move to address those.
Motion 1 We appoint Ken Heyda as St. Paul Technology Coördinator. moved, seconded, carried.
We prematurely set Alicia’s salary when we approved the Personnel Committee’s hiring of her last month. We now review that:
Motion 2 We agree to hire Alicia Kapogiannatos salary at $13.50 per hour instead of $11.50. moved, seconded, carried.
We supported the Housing Corporation of Arlington last year, and would like to do so again.
Motion 3 We approve Social Ministry Committee’s request to use $500 from n7 to support the Housing Corporation of Arlington. moved, seconded, carried.
Daniel Majok Kachoul is a member of the congregation brought to America as a Sudanese “Lost Boy.” The church stood by him after he was convicted of rape in 2007. He has served his prison sentence and is now to be deported. George Wilson and other members of the congregation have lived up to the Christian obligation to visit the prisoners these many years.
Anne-Louise asks whether he needs anything else. Pastor Goodman says he’s being well taken care of by us and others.
Motion 4 We approve Social Ministry Committee’s request to use $500 from n7 to support Daniel Kachoul to help with his transportation and resettlement costs as he is deported to Sudan in two to three weeks. moved, seconded, carried.
We hired Mike Valenti on a three-month probationary period three months ago. He’s been doing a fantastic job these last ninety days, and we’ve all noticed the difference in the building. Anne-Louise and Alison ask that we note that this is an at-will job, not permanent. Brian asks that this be described as an hourly wage, not a salary. Mark will make these changes and mention that this offer is contingent on the results of the cori check.
Motion 5 We approve the request of the Personnel Committee to retain Mike Valenti as Sexton. moved, seconded, carried.
Ken Heyda is forming a committee to install WiFi in the church.
We’ve found more scent bottles in the building; please don’t bring very common allergens like this into a shared space.
We’ve filed a police report about the missing candlesticks. They were of little monetary value.
Pastor Goodman says Ken Heyda is going to Nantucket with family for an extended period of time starting in only a few weeks; we’ll need to do the transition of the Treasurer role in that time. Sonja Nunes’ daughter was married last Saturday in what may be the biggest wedding held at St. Paul. We have a new intern scheduled for next year: Christine Stratton visited two weekends ago and had a great experience. We look forward to hosting her starting in August. Andrew spoke with her at length about the internship experience here. He also thanks Marianne Brown for her efforts as regards our neighbor, property lines, and parking issues. We’re at the top of the list for Clearwire’s WiMax installation. They want space in our steeple; we expect a lease in a few weeks. Their engineer will have to figure out how to put the antenna in there with everything else.
It occurred to Vicar Heisen these last few weeks that he’s been here for half his time, and it’ll feel very strange to leave in less time than he’s been here already. The Confirmation class is taking a trip later this month to Calumet. New volunteers are joining the tutoring program at lss.
Pastor Goodman gathers us in prayer and leads communion at 9:02pm.
Respectfully submitted, Brian Sniffen
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Next regular council meeting: 12 April 2010 at 7:30pm.
These minutes can be found online at http://evenmere.org/~bts/Church/.