4/23/15 Minutes -- Strategic Leadership Council
St. John United Church of Christ
Meeting duration: 6:30 – 8:25 pm
Attending: Melissa Stephens (chair in Tim’s absence), Stan Bowling, Sandy Kerlin, Theo Baldwin, Pastor
Keith Haithcock
Absent: Tim Smith, Mitch Leigh
Guest: Donna Hoffman
Meeting opened with a prayer and meditation by Melissa Stephens. All read the St. John Vision and
Mission.
Consensus Items Approved: 3/19/15 SLC telecon minutes, 3/26/15 SLC minutes, March 2015 Financial
Secretary’s report, 4/23/15 Agenda.
Proposals, Presentations, Planning
2016 FY MMAP
 Proposed 2016 MMAP (budget) presented to SLC by the Finance Committee (Tim Smith, Mitch
Leigh, Dean Griffith). Due to unforeseen circumstances, no member of the Finance Committee
could be present for discussion.
 2016 MMAP is another deficit budget. If we do not present a deficit budget, we would need to
cut staff. There are only three years of investment funds remaining to cover annual deficits,
unless the income gap is filled through increased giving or additional fundraising. If situation
does not change in three years’ time, we will be unable to support the current budget and would
have no choice but to cut staff.
 New utility costs anticipated in 2016 MMAP are for air conditioning and elevator.
 Taking out the $12,000 loan servicing costs for renovations (this will be paid back to general
funds from the Ludwig bequest), the total MMAP budget is slightly less than the previous year.
 Actual costs for RVCC Youth Cluster Coordinator are in flux, and dependent on changes
(withdrawal, addition) in participating congregations.
 1.58% cost-of-living increase budgeted for staff. SLC will determine if/when salary increases will
be applied.
 Pastor Keith discussed the proposed MMAP with the Pastoral Relations Committee. PRC agrees
with proposal for 1.58% COLA increase for staff, including the Pastor.
 Regarding income, SLC agreed to have specific ideas for fundraising to present at the
congregational meeting. In addition to the existing rummage sale and chili cook-off events, we
agree to pursue a variety show (1-2 held during the year), other music concerts, and facility
rentals.
 Grant writing is a fundraising option, but may not be as simple to pursue.
 For annual congregational meeting, messaging to engage and inform the congregation of the
serious financial situation is critical. Suggestions to utilize visuals/graphics, and not just
text/numbers.
 ACTION: Melissa to follow up with Tim regarding presentations at annual meeting and any needs
that involve the Pastor or church staff (letter, budget distribution).
 Motion to approve the proposed 2016 MMAP. Stan moved, Sandy second. Motion passed.
Nominating Report
 Melissa has one nominee for an at-large member, but currently has no nominee for the positions
of Treasurer or President-Elect. SLC discussed other potential nominees and next steps.
Synod Offering
 Discussion on a special offering in support of the UCC’s 2015 Synod in Cleveland, held in our
home Ohio conference. Goal of the offering is to raise $10/year for each year St. John UCC has
been in the UCC (58 years), for a total of $580. During the May 17, 24, and 31 services, Theo
and others will speak about this special offering, with the offering collected (special envelope) at
during June 7’s service. ACTION: Theo will prepare newsletter article on special offering and
coordinate presentations.
Celebration of Building Renovations
 Pastor Keith presented and discussed ideas on a celebratory event in late August (during the heat
of summer) for the renovations. Date is tentatively set for August 23. ACTION: Sandy will assist
Pastor Keith in coordinating this event.
Follow-up / Ongoing Items
Building Update report
 The major portions of renovations are complete (final walk-through still needed). Project has
remained on budget. ACTION: Melissa will contact Mary Ann regarding final walk-through.
 Pastor Keith distributed key cards for access via accessible entrance.
Women in Theatre (WIT) report
 Donna presented a verbal update. St. John earned $700 from WIT’s recent production of
“Honour.”
 Coming up, Donna has commissioned a work from Grace Epstein, English professor at the
University of Cincinnati.
 WIT has a need for adequate in-house lighting, in place of rented lighting equipment.
Financial forecast update
 Tim distributed a Financial Forecast (9 month actual + 3 month forecast) by email in advance of
the SLC meeting.
 Positive news is that deficit (income deposited vs. budget) has decreased by approx. $3,000.
 Next SLC meeting: Discussion on proposal that 10% of giving designated toward special funds
(e.g., memorial fund, stained glass fund) be allotted to general funds, until such time that we can
fully cover our general budget through giving.
Next Meeting is 5/28/15. Meditation: Theo Baldwin.
SLC meetings are open and welcome to all.
Adjournment: Move to adjourn. Stan moved, Theo second. Motion passed.
Closing prayer led by Melissa Stephens
Minutes recorded by: Theo Baldwin, SLC Secretary