Notes From January Meeting
By Pat Leicher, Church President
Stewardship Campaign
As you have already heard, the official stewardship campaign has been delayed because of the spike in new covid cases and the need to go back to online worship services. We really want to be together in the Sanctuary for the campaign kick-off and Commitment Sunday, but that may not be possible. The requirement that we vote on the 2022/2023 budget at the annual meeting in June means that we cannot delay the campaign indefinitely. We plan to announce the new start date for the campaign very soon. It may need to be online. To accommodate this uncertainty the presentation for the kick-off meeting will be prepared as a video.
Communications and Outreach Task Force
We have previously announced that we will be forming a number of task forces as we figure out our path forward as a vital, thriving, nurturing church. We want the congregation to be involved. We have wonderful strengths and experience in our congregation to help refine our vision and goals, as well as to design and implement strategies and plans.
The first task force was approved at the Trustee meeting on January 10. For the past couple of months the Trustees have been talking about how communications and outreach will underpin everything that we do. This need is not impacted by what we learn from the Mission Study Team report.
The Communications and Outreach Task Force was approved and will be chaired by Trustee Tom Parry. It will support Michael Barber in growing our Media Ministry with maximum impact. Since the start of the pandemic, Michael has focused on the creation of beautiful videos of our Sunday morning services, special events like the Christmas concert, messages from ministers and musical presentations with Dr. Stephen Main. These have kept the congregation together and had thousands of views. What we want to develop now is a communications strategy and plan to promote a wide range of church activities and opportunities to connect and serve. We think this will create a very positive image of the church, one that attracts new families, couples and individuals of all ages.
If you are interested in learning more, please send an email to [email protected] and include a brief summary of your background in marketing and/or communications. We welcome ideas from all, but will limit the working group to a manageable number.
Deacons Report
The report from the Board of Deacons was really heartwarming. The Christmas offering totaled more than $20,000 for the feeding program at Iglesia Presbiteriana Hispana in east Oakland. The Alternative Gift Market raised $30,700 to be distributed to 18 agencies. The Adopt-a-Family program for City Team collected 70 gifts, which were warmly received.
Treasure Sale
Rev. Scott Kail announced that he will be recruiting 15-20 new people to help staff with the Treasure Sale, which generates funding for the Mexico house building trip. The Treasure Sale will take place the first week of March. If you can help, please email [email protected]
By-laws Review
A subcommittee was formed to review the church by-laws and recommend any changes or updates to the full Board of Trustees in advance of the annual meeting in June. Proposed changes, if any, will be presented to the congregation at that time.
Vision and Goals
Much of the rest of the meeting was devoted to a review of a first draft of church goals prepared by the staff, as well as a first draft of Dr. Steve Schibsted’s personal goals. Board suggestions will be considered as second drafts are prepared. When finalized, these will be shared with the congregation.
