These minutes are of the October 20, 2020 meeting in the conference room and Zoom electronic technology.

1. For our devotional time, Pastor Chris read Psalm 62. This is a Psalm of David. When things are going well, it is easy to say we trust God. But what about when things don’t go well?  David had two reasons to trust God.  God is the source of power, and God is just.

2. Using prepackaged cups and wafers, communion was served on October 4, 2020.

3. The names of elders (who died between October 1, 2019, and September 30, 2020), James McKay (DOD 2/24/20), and William Fuhrman (DOD 4/6/20) were submitted to the Presbytery of Lake Michigan, for the Celebration of the Saints. They will be honored at the December presbytery meeting.    

4. In his report, Pastor Chris covered the church in the time of the coronavirus (COVID-19), Ionia Ministerial Association, our church website, digital marketing, and the Presbytery of Lake Michigan Zoom meeting on September 19th. The number of COVID-19 has increased both nationally and in Michigan. Pastor Chris watches the numbers closely to make sure worshiping is as safe as possible. The Ionia Ministerial Association is concerned about the widespread substance abuse problems in the Ionia community. Their aim is to develop a plan for networking with community services and agencies to address the problem on multiple fronts. Pastor Chris has been working with Julie Adgate to further develop our church website, which now includes a new tab on the home page entitled “Community Resources.”  We also revised what is stated to promote donating online. Pastor Chris has been exploring Digital Marketing with Makayla Mitchell, who is with Valynt Digital. Along with Pastor Chris, members of the Membership and Care Committee will attend a free 60-minute Zoom session with Makayla and this company.  Pastor Chris attended the Presbytery of Lake Michigan Zoom meeting on September 19th. 

5. Lee Hunsberger, Co-Chair of the Budget and Finance Committee, reported that the 2020 income through September was $55,029 while expenses were $75,623 for a cash flow deficit of around $20,594.  As of September 30, there is $135,327 in readily available assets, which includes a general fund CD maturing in January for $37,148 and over $98,179 in GF checking.  There is an outstanding check to Spartan Roofing for $7,074. This check will be deducted from the Capitol Building Fund.  A motion was made and passed to move the investment surplus in the general fund checking to Edward Jones Investments after it is known what amount is needed to pay the bills for the rest of this year. As of September 30, the Edward Jones Memorial Investment account was valued at $177,427.  Of this total, about $110,000 is attributable to specific memorial accounts. The rest is interest. In early, 2021, a CD for over $37,000 will mature.  Lee reported he has continued to explore alternates to QuickBooks. He recommended Church Windows.  Session gave him the approval to pursue the following plans: determine what information should be in a new system, see if Church Windows would meet our needs more easily and accurately, use the free test time to load data we need in any system, and plan to switch January 1, 2021, or stick with QuickBooks depending on test results.

6. Dr. Warren Thompson, Co-Chair of the Building and Grounds Committee, reported because the central air conditioners were not used this summer, they were not serviced. The three furnaces and boiler were serviced in September. Because of COVID-19, there is little weekday activity in the building; therefore, the heat setting will be 55 degrees instead of 60. The timer broke on the exterior lights at the central entrance, and a replacement unit was found, which was installed. Because one of the two light fixtures in the administrative office failed, both fixtures were replaced by LED fixtures that are less expensive to operate and require no maintenance. Spartan Roofing has repaired the flat roof and plans to repair the leaks in the main roof in October. Warren and Perry trimmed the bushes in June and cut them back in October. We continue to use the lawn service arranged for a discounted rate with an occasional spot spraying by us as necessary. Thank you Sue Thompson for taking care of the four planters at the main entrance. Phase 2 of the plan to update and top dress the lava rock will be done in 2021.

7. Judi Emlinger, Co-Chair of the Christian Education Committee, stated Pastor Chris continues his Sunday school class in the conference room from 9:20 AM until 9:45 AM. There are usually three students. Pastor Chris stated provided they continue to meet, the idea is to move to a new format beginning the first Sunday in Lent. With their parent’s approval, the purpose would be to prepare them for baptism on Easter Sunday. 

8. The Membership and Care Committee met on October 7th in the conference room. Pastor Chris also attended. The process of reviewing the membership rolls began. David and Brenda Bosley attended our worship service on October 4. Mary Williams continues to coordinate and purchase the majority of the food and other necessities for the families of our children. Anyone wanting to assist financially can send their contribution to Mary Williams. Margaret usually goes with her.     

9. Dr. Keith Sterner, Personnel Committee Chairperson, reported Lee prepared the pastoral agreement, which all session members and Pastor Chris signed. Pastor Chris has agreed to provide services as outlined in the part-time pastor position description. For these services, the session agreed to the following compensation (which meets presbytery minimum) on an annual basis for a half-time position (20 hours); combined salary and housing of $33,485 (Note that this includes a $5,000 grant and $5,000 matching funds from the congregation). If either the grant or the match are not forthcoming, compensation will be reduced by the shortfall, retirement fund $3,683.35, medical coverage $11,742.50, disability coverage $334.85, up to $1,500 travel reimburse at the federal standard, up to $800 for professional development, up to $300 for books, videos, on-line membership fees or other alternatives approved by session. Per presbytery requirements, he is entitled to 30 days of vacation including 4 Sundays. He can also claim 2 weeks of professional development including 2 Sundays. This agreement can be abandoned with a thirty (30) day written notice by either party. This agreement becomes effective by approval of the session on October 20, 2020.

10. Lee Hunsberger provided a written report for the Memorial and Investment Committee. On September 15, Lee, Norma, Linda Steele, and Perry Gregory met with Paul Lentz at Edward Jones for an annual review. Lee reported there is $181,000 in memorials, $80,000 in memorial interest, and $113,000 in the Kosbar account. The proposed memorial guidelines were presented. Session will work to identify people to contact for each memorial to determine the desires of the family on how the memorial can memorialize their loved one. 

11. All Saints Day is Sunday, November 1. 

12. Lee Hunsberger, Stewardship chairperson, reported stewardship letters would be mailed in October. 

13.   The next meeting is on November 17, 2020, at 7:00 PM in the church conference room and via Zoom.   

Submitted by: Margaret Gregory Clerk of Session