Session Report to the Congregation, April 2
In more normal times, one of the Session members would have reported to the congregation on our decisions and actions on the Sunday following the March Session meeting. However, these are far from normal times, so you are receiving this report in a different way.
The Session did not meet face-to-face, given the restrictions in place on March 17th and 20th. We met via the internet using GoToMeeting software. It was a surprisingly effective way to conduct our business. Pastor Julie has already shared much of the information on the Session's action regarding COTC's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, so that will not be covered in this report.
It is possible that we will still be unable to worship together in the sanctuary on Palm Sunday and Easter. The Session agreed that, if this should be the case, we would celebrate Easter on whatever Sunday we are allowed to gather again, regardless of the date. (4-1-20 update: we are under stay at home orders until April 30)
The Session approved purchasing GoToMeeting for a three month period to enable small meetings to be held via this medium until we are able to meet in person again. This will make it possible for COTC to continue to gather for meetings and discussions even during this period of distance and needed isolation. (4-1-20 update: Zoom was purchased instead of GoToMeeting as it provides better sound and is the same price.)
Sandra Packham informed the session of a mission opportunity in conjunction with her children's health screening project in Ghana. The Session would like to see COTC support this endeavor, but has tabled it for now, pending confirmation that the planned travel and the project remain viable given the current COVID-19 situation.
The February financial statements were reviewed and the treasurer noted that pledge income in February was good. Year to date total is ahead of budget because of several advance payments of pledges. The Session noted that it is critical that members continue their giving even though we are not together. This can be done on-line or by mailing a check to the church. Each offering envelope is ready for mailing, just needing a stamp and your return address.
Income from facility use was also good, partly because several groups have prepaid during this period and overall, expenses are under budget year-to-date.
Although the church's investments have experienced losses in the past month, the balanced and conservative investment strategy of COTC has helped in limiting losses somewhat.
It was agreed that church staff will continue to be paid during this shutdown
COTC received a citation from the Village of Hoffman Estates for the repairs to the parking lot that were needed. The Corporate Operations Team responded quickly to address this urgent situation and cold patching in the parking lot was completed March 12th.
The Session did not meet face-to-face, given the restrictions in place on March 17th and 20th. We met via the internet using GoToMeeting software. It was a surprisingly effective way to conduct our business. Pastor Julie has already shared much of the information on the Session's action regarding COTC's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, so that will not be covered in this report.
It is possible that we will still be unable to worship together in the sanctuary on Palm Sunday and Easter. The Session agreed that, if this should be the case, we would celebrate Easter on whatever Sunday we are allowed to gather again, regardless of the date. (4-1-20 update: we are under stay at home orders until April 30)
The Session approved purchasing GoToMeeting for a three month period to enable small meetings to be held via this medium until we are able to meet in person again. This will make it possible for COTC to continue to gather for meetings and discussions even during this period of distance and needed isolation. (4-1-20 update: Zoom was purchased instead of GoToMeeting as it provides better sound and is the same price.)
Sandra Packham informed the session of a mission opportunity in conjunction with her children's health screening project in Ghana. The Session would like to see COTC support this endeavor, but has tabled it for now, pending confirmation that the planned travel and the project remain viable given the current COVID-19 situation.
The February financial statements were reviewed and the treasurer noted that pledge income in February was good. Year to date total is ahead of budget because of several advance payments of pledges. The Session noted that it is critical that members continue their giving even though we are not together. This can be done on-line or by mailing a check to the church. Each offering envelope is ready for mailing, just needing a stamp and your return address.
Income from facility use was also good, partly because several groups have prepaid during this period and overall, expenses are under budget year-to-date.
Although the church's investments have experienced losses in the past month, the balanced and conservative investment strategy of COTC has helped in limiting losses somewhat.
It was agreed that church staff will continue to be paid during this shutdown
COTC received a citation from the Village of Hoffman Estates for the repairs to the parking lot that were needed. The Corporate Operations Team responded quickly to address this urgent situation and cold patching in the parking lot was completed March 12th.
| manual_of_operations.pdf |
