Church Council met on Monday, August 25. Here is an overview of the meeting.
Lay Leadership Activity: The congregation was invited to participate, which about 25 people did. We considered possibilities for our lay leadership structure going forward. We hope to have a proposal for the congregation in the coming months.
Business:
1. Clerk: Leigh Hjelmseth was nominated and approved to be our new Clerk. Our former Clerk, Janet Malley, is retiring from that position. We thank Janet for her long service in that role and welcome Leigh!
2. Interfaith Coalition: First Congregational Church has a long history with the Interfaith Coalition of Whatcom County, as a founding member and an active congregation. We’ve been supporting the coalition financially, as well. Due to recent, increasing concerns about the management of Interfaith, members of the former Mission & Justice Board recommended suspending financial support, beginning the fourth quarter of 2025, until concerns are resolved. This was approved.
3. Fundraiser: Approved serving wine at the October 4 fundraiser for the Food Bank, in the narthex prior to the meal, and in the sanctuary with the meal.
4. Modifying our Space: The Community Life Team and the Director of Community Life work together to provide a warm welcome to visitors and members of the church community. Church Council recognizes the authority of the Director of Community Life, with the consensus of the Community Life Team, to modify our space, in ways that are readily reversible, toward that goal.
5. Treasurer: Our current Treasurer is ready to move on from that position. If you’re interested in serving as Treasurer, or think you might be, we’d love to hear from you. You can contact Diane Cooper-Schick at dcoopershick@gmail.com. The Church Treasurer duties are:
1. Serve as financial liaison with committees and congregation.
2. Work with bookkeeper to maintain familiarity with income, expenses and investments.
3. Register as an agent of First Congregational with WA state.
4. Register with WECU to be approved check signer.
5. Sign checks as needed.
6. Present monthly results to trustees, leadership, council and congregation.
7. Participate in preparation of annual budget.
8. Present planned annual funding and expenditures at congregational meeting.
