Council Members Present:  President June Johnsen,  Bob Evans,  Carole Greeley, Pastor Todd Bertani, Justin Devine,  Bette Noll,  Stu Reid,  Tom Turner, Barbara Patterson, Austin Jansen 

Council Members Absent:  MaryAnne Jordan 

Others present:  Ann Hefner-Gravink 

The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m.  Pastor Todd read the 23rd Psalm 

and gave a short talk about it.   

Stu moved that the minutes of the March meeting be approved, the motion was 

seconded and passed. 

Nurture 

Justin submitted a report from the Youth Committee and the Christian Education Committee.  (Attachment A)  He reported that the youth have raised $9,000 for the home-building trip to Mexico and that there will be a meeting on May 2 to 

discuss individual efforts to raise money for this trip.  

Ann, who is a member of the Youth Committee,  came to talk about some 

problems that arose during the Vacation Bible Camp in April.  There was construction and painting going on during the camp,  and this resulted in some disruption and in the children not being able to use the play yard.  This construction and some Food Bank traffic disturbed some of the Preschool families.  One family withdrew their children early, and others complained.  Justin said that he had told the Food Bank not to use our facility during this time,  but they had disregarded his directions.  June said that if she had been told about the problems,  she could have solved most of them. Ann said that in spite of these problems,  the children had a lot of fun at the camp. 

Outreach 

Bette submitted a report . (Attachment B)  She reported that she has been 

gathering information about how to set up a Dress for Success program, and she is also looking into whether we should combine our effort with an existing program that is already operating in Fairfield-Suisun.  

Profession of Faith 

Stu reported that the Worship and Music Committee plans to meet next week. 

There was some discussion about why the musicians are now performing on the altar.  Justin reported that the congregation is more involved in the singing now that the musicians are up front.  We will soon be putting the words to the songs on a large screen that will be near the organ. Stu reported that  the Second Mile Giving program will collect money for Mt. Cross in May. 

Congregational Life  

Barbara submitted a report. (Attachment C)  The Seder Dinner was a success, and the Family Night was going smoother.  Bob Anderson had led a meeting of the 

grief support group.  

Resources 

Diane Metz submitted a report from Personnel. (Attachment D)  Rob Williamson’s evaluation meeting had gone well.  June said that Diane would be writing a job description for a Volunteer Coordinator for the congregation. 

June gave an oral report for the Property Committee.  The repair work is winding down, and the roof on the Community Building will be replaced at the end of April. She said that all invoices for the repair work are going through her and that she expects to spend all of the $50,000 loan.  Austin asked June to ensure that our 

contractors have obtained all of the necessary building permits.  

Budget 

Justin gave an oral report for the Budget Committee.  He reported that the new 

accounting system is being used,  but they are having some problems adjusting to it. June said that everyone is still learning how to use the new system and that all of the involved people will be meeting soon to discuss the transition.  

Pastor Todd’s Report 

Pastor Todd submitted a report.  (Attachment E.)  He reported briefly on his plans for a sabbatical, which will start on May 15.  He was asked to contact the church 

-- perhaps post something on the website --  while he is gone.  The Council will have its annual retreat after he returns.  Pastor Todd said that he loves how his office looks since it was remodeled. 

Pastor Todd and Justin reported that they have begun to volunteer as teacher’s 

assistants at David Weir Elementary School.  Pastor Todd wants to “adopt” David 

Weir and to provide other volunteers from St. Mark’s to help out in the classrooms. 

 

Old and New Business

June reported that a lot of people are signing up to donate an hour to clean up 

the church property and that much of this work will be done before the official spring clean up day on June 5.  

June reported that things are going very well with Flames of Fire.  She read a 

nice letter of appreciation from the pastors of that church.  

Pastor Todd will be on sabbatical on his birthday,  so the Council decided to 

celebrate his birthday after he returns.  He suggested that we have a softball game and picnic at June’s brother’s property in Vacaville on August 15 or 22.  

Carole submitted a report in which she asked the Council to form a committee 

to revise the church’s constitution and by laws. (Attachment F)  Bette moved that we form a committee, the motion was seconded and passed.  The committee will include June,  Carole,  MaryAnne, Diane Metz,  and one or two other members. 

June announced that the Council will host the Family Night Dinner on May 27. 

She will send details to the Council members later.     

Pastor Todd reported that St. Mark’s had hosted a meeting of members of Solano County churches to discuss organizing to work together to solve community 

problems. He said that half of the people attending from St. Mark’s appeared to be in favor and half appeared to be opposed.  He had concluded that this project was too divisive to pursue at this time. 

Pastor Todd led the Lord’s Prayer, and the meeting was adjourned at 7 p.m. 

Submitted by Carole Greeley, Secretary