GCC 2011-2012 Budget

Grace CC members, the 2011-2012 budget is ready for your review. You will have the opportunity to discuss and ultimately vote on the proposed budget at our upcoming congregational meeting on August 21st after the morning service during the Sunday School hour at 11:00am. Those who are not members are welcome to give feedback on the budget. However, only members will have the opportunity to vote on the budget. If you would like to review the budget click the link below:

2011-2012 Budget Proposal

If you have any questions between now and the meeting, please e-mail them to home@graceindallas.org so we can do our best to present the most relevant information at the upcoming meeting.

Council Meeting Minutes - July 12, 2011

Grace Community Church

Council Meeting Minutes

7/12/11

Attending: Jim Cross, Chuck Baker (Elder rep.), Blain Harris, Tim Howard, Pastor Dave Bertolini, Daniel Porter, Angela Stockdall & Susie Futrell.

Dave opened in prayer.

June minutes were approved.

Old Business

Annual Church Budget

Budget committee meeting following council meeting 7/12 to review and finalize 2011-12 budget.

Preschool

GaGa pit location was staked out and approved by council.

Property Clean-Up

The blocks were removed on south side of modular by Dick Sharp. He purchased the blocks for $1 each and removed them. Myron Kliewer’s small group will be working on leveling that area as a service project.

New Business

Church Bus/Van

Council discussed routine maint/repairs that need to be performed on the church bus. This needs to be done before the Montana team departs. An appt. was made for 7/13 with Joe Hayward Ford.

Action: Council approved Pastor Dave to spend up to $1,000 on bus maintenance and repairs.

Building Maintenance

Thermostats –

Daniel asked if he could work on figuring out the thermostats located in sanctuary and out buildings to improve our energy efficiency. Council approved.

Youth House –

James Futrell is going to begin prepping the youth house for painting. He expects to be done by first week of August. Susie was pleased that Van Well is donating the paint to James!

Chuck Baker reported that gutters will be replaced on youth house at a cost of approx. $350.

Work Day –

Chuck reported that work day on 7/5 was a success!

Fellowship Hall Updates

Fellowship Hall was emptied of old pews and piano in preparation for remodel.

Chuck Baker reported that project officially started today with engineering and permits underway.

Asbestos - from floor and ceiling is being removed started 7/17.

Kitchen – this portion of remodel will be completed the fastest.

Bathroom - The bathroom off FH will be basic and handicap accessible.

Fencing - They will be removing the cyclone fence near old ramp.

Mural - Diane Hooper volunteered to paint the mural that will be on the east wall (by Shot of Grace).

Wall Treatment - Chuck was able to reduce some costs by changing the wall treatment saving approx. $7,000.

Scheduled completion Sept. 7^th.

Action: Chuck will continue to work with contractor and designer to keep costs down and project on schedule.

Loan (Jim Cross)

Jim presented an option for lending through Citizens Bank. Citizens Bank would leave our application in place and re-open our line of credit. Current balance is approx. $35,000 (current rate 4.25%) the bank proposes to raise line of credit to $135,000 (new rate 6.5%). The fast closing would cost $683 (a significant savings). Jim will be taking in the loan paperwork on 7/13. Much discussion was had about the savings of interest to shop around to different lenders etc.

Action: Jim will do some checking with other lenders to find out if we can get a better rate. Also, he will be calculating amortization schedules to aid in this process.

Tim closed in prayer.

The next meeting is August 9^th, 6:30pm in Building a, rm 2.

June 2011 Council Meeting Minutes

Grace Community Church

Council Meeting Minutes

6/14/11

Attending: Jim Cross, Chuck Baker (Elder rep.), Blain Harris, Tim Howard, Annette Anderson, Pastor Guy Basso, Daniel Porter.

Daniel opened in prayer.

May minutes were approved.

Pastor’s Update

Pastor Guy shared that both he and the Elders are pleased at the unity we are experiencing within our church. Along with Pastor Guy, the Elders are engaged in ongoing discussion about the selection and training of future Elders from within our congregation.

Pastor Guy updated Council on his upcoming trip to Pucallpa this fall. He shared about his and Yvonne’s plan to train pastors in an organized event, working alongside both Food for the Hungry and the Kid’s Alive organizations.

Both Pastor Dave and Pastor Guy are planning their fall preaching schedules. They are also working together to devise a plan to connect with Small Group leaders, as well as decide on what Small Group material/books might be most effective and relevant for the upcoming year.

Financial and Budget info

Annual Church Budget

Council discussed the annual church budget process and approved the formation of a separate committee, which will work with the staff to solidify a detailed operational budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

Action: Jim Cross will scrutinize the staff’s incoming budget worksheets and remaining fund balances, while Daniel Porter analyzes the financial forecast.

Action: The Budget Committee will meet in early July to get financial figures out to the congregation before the August 21^st Congregational Meeting.

Preschool

Grace Christian Preschool is prepared to transfer their profitable funds from this past school year, over to the church.

The preschool has requested that a portion of their profits be used to build a GaGa Pit, with the Pit being shared by all ministries. Council discussed the size and location of the GaGa Pit, preferring it to be located near the playground. Glen Thorsen has offered to help with the construction process.

Action: Council approved the purchase and construction of a GaGa Pit, subject to placement approval.

Staff Pay Raises

Pastor Guy appealed to Council for a pay increase for Pastor Dave, whose wage has been flat for years. Council discussed where this money might come from, and how to prioritize the funds to both bring Pastor Ben into official full time status, and increase Pastor Dave’s pay.

Action: Jim and Daniel will take these issues into consideration as they work with the Budget Committee on the details of next year’s budget.

Maintenance Issues

Leaky Faucets

Scott Chapman has requested that three leaky faucets in the building be fixed.

Action: Chuck Baker will repair/replace the leaky faucets.

*Note—The mop sink, where one of the leaks is located, may require the attention of a plumber. Chuck will further assess this area and move forward as needed.

Money Box

Council is very pleased at Pastor Dave’s solution to our security issues regarding cash management for ministry events. Council approved the created moneybox as a resolve for these issues.

Prayer Ministry

Tim Howard shared with Council about his recent visit to Valley Life Church’s Prayer Chapel.

The concept of having a private room, located near the church sanctuary, appeals to our Prayer Ministry team as they consider the privacy needs of the congregation.

Pastor Dave and Tim creatively suggest that we construct our own Prayer Chapel in the location of our current Church Library, noting that Susie Futrell intends to relocate the Library to a more appropriate location. Tim shared his detailed plan for the simple construction of a private, soundproof room, including the dimensions and his vision for interior furnishings.

Action: The plans for constructing a Prayer Chapel are pending a suitable location for the Library. Tim will talk to Susie Futrell and bring his findings to the next Council meeting.

Round Table

Sign Language Interpreter

Pastor Guy shared with Council that our Sign Language Interpreter ministry will soon cease to exist as a result of Fred’s death, and the fact that the original intentions for this ministry never fully developed.

Council is reasonably confident that the local deaf community has access to the wonderful resources of the Salem Alliance Church, and is open to future discussion about this ministry.

Fellowship Hall Updates

Chuck Baker presented to Council the pricing details for the Fellowship Hall improvements, from two different contractors.

Much discussion was had about the choice between an interior wheel chair lift and an exterior one. Based upon both cost and convenience of access, Council decided that the best solution for our church ADA needs is an interior lift.

Additionally, Council discussed our two contractor options. Based upon pricing, presentation, and our positive history with them during our sanctuary remodel, Council decided to move forward with CD Redding.

Action: Chuck will make contact with both contractors to let them know of our decision. He will then move forward with the process of signing contracts and developing a firm plan with regard to cost and dates for the actual remodel.

Action: Jim Cross will negotiate a $100,000.00 line of credit with Citizen’s Bank for this project.

Action: Chuck will work to empty the Fellowship Hall of the church pews and the old piano.

Action: Chuck will discuss with CD Redding some basic improvements for the restrooms on the main level, which are not part of the current bid.

*Note—the downstairs drinking fountain will likely work as an ideal replacement for the upstairs drinking fountain.

Technology Improvements

Daniel informed Council of the need to replace two of our four current projectors, which are now eight years old. The two new projectors will be used for the sanctuary screens, with the two remaining projectors to be used on the back wall (for the worship team) and in the Fellowship Hall. The total cost for the new projectors will be $3000.00-4000.00.

Additionally, Daniel plans to install a total of seventeen speakers to be mounted in the ceiling of the Fellowship Hall, at a cost of about $1000.00.

Action: Council approved Daniel to move forward with the necessary tech purchases.

Property Clean-Up

Myron Kliewer’s Small Group would like to clear, mow, and level-up the church property, on the side of the mobile classroom. Dick Sharp has asked to have the 132 cement wall blocks that are stacked in that area.

Action: The church will sell the cement wall blocks for $1.00 ea, to be hauled away at the buyer’s expense. Dick Sharp will be given first option.

Blain closed in prayer.

The next meeting is July 12th, 2011, from 6:30 – 8:30 pm in the Conference Room.

Fellowship Hall Project 2011

The GCC Fellowship Hall Project is officially underway! If God is leading you to give sacrificially beyond your normal tithe towards the much needed maintenance and updating of GCC's most used room, just write "Fellowship Hall Project" on your check or giving envelope!

Council Meeting Minutes - May 10, 2011

Grace Community Church

Council Meeting Minutes

5/10/11

Attending: Susie Futrell, Chuck Baker (Elder rep.), Blain Harris, Tim Howard, Pastor Dave Bertolini (Staff rep), Pastor Guy Basso, Daniel Porter, Angela Stockdall, James Futrell (special guest).

Guy opened in prayer.

First order of business was to allow James to present his project request. To become an Eagle Scout he needs to organize a significant community project. His proposal is to paint the Youth Center. As part of the project his is responsible to raise the funds and manage the project. It is estimated to take two weeks in July to complete. We approved for him to move ahead with this, painting it the same color as the main church building, and we plan to replace the dilapidated gutters at the same time at our expense.

Pastor’s Update:

Pastor Guy:

We had a very action packed month of April with some powerful services and events. We had 15 baptized on Palm Sunday, followed by a very dynamic Jews for Jesus presentation about the Passover meal that evening. On Good Friday we had an awesome worship and testimony time in the Fellowship Hall. On Saturday the annual Easter Egg hunt, which filled our sanctuary to capacity and beyond and then two great services on Easter Sunday celebrating our risen Savior. In addition we had arguably the best Women’s Retreat to date.

Guy wants to thank all the volunteers that put their time and energy into help making these events so successful.

Next year the Grace Christian Preschool and Kindergarten will be adding an afternoon Kindergarten class due to strong demand. Melanie McCarley will be teaching this class.

The pastors of GCC will be having an offsite prayer and planning summit on May 23^rd-25^th.

Pastor Dave:

He is initiating employee reviews to aid in employee development and aligning staff with the vision and direction of the church. In conjunction with this he is working on updating the church employee policy manual.

The "Amazon Associates Program", which we began in March for purchases made on Amazon.com through our web portal has yielded $107.25 thus far.

We approved a request by Charisa that we complete our own background checks for children’s workers rather than have Village Missions do them for us. It will save money in the long run and be more secure.

Fowler has donated a lock box to be placed in the foyer for payments relating to activities outside of what is given in the offering. This will create a place to temporarily house monies for activities until it can be transferred into the safe.

Church Improvements:

Construction:

Scott Champion from CD Redding met with Chuck and proposed an alternative to remodeling the outside to allow easier and safer access to the Fellowship Hall. His proposal is to convert a portion of the east stairwell leading into the Fellowship Hall with a lift. He is currently researching the cost of this alternative and will provide a bid. We are awaiting bids on the interior work as well.

Angela is working with a graphic designer to complete drawings of the completed interior design for the congregation to view what the Fellowship Hall will look like when updated.

General Maintenance:

The collapsed sewer line on the northwest side of the church has been successfully repaired.

Saturday, May 28^th will be an all church work day to freshen up the outside and complete some inside maintenance projects.

Church Budget:

Giving for the youth and building funds has been encouraging. Our general fund balance is currently down about $1000 but we are ahead of the budget forecast for this year by about 5%.

Budget time is right around the corner. Ministry leaders will be asked to submit budget request in June, the budget committee will meet throughout July, with the Congregational Budget Meeting to be held in August.

Susie closed in prayer.

The next meeting is June 14th, 2011 from 6:30 – 8:30 pm in the Conference Room.

Grace Community Church

Council Meeting Minutes

4/12/11

Attending: Susie Futrell, Chuck Baker (Elder rep.), Blain Harris, Tim Howard, Pastor Dave Bertolini (Staff rep), Annette Anderson, Pastor Guy Basso, Daniel Porter, Angela Stockdall, Paul Trahan (guest).

Blain opened in prayer.

March minutes were approved.

Pastor’s Update

Pastor Guy

Pastor Guy has been spending time with families within our congregation who are experiencing illness and financial crisis. He asked that Council continue to support these families in prayer.

He reported that preaching in conjunction with The Bible in 90 Days program has been interesting, and that the most recent Connections 101 class was uplifting and well attended.

Additionally, he’s been facilitating the details of our upcoming Baptism Service (Palm Sunday), as well as preparing for Easter services.

Pastor Guy also shared that the Elder Board is prayerfully considering the selection and training of future Elders. Details will be forthcoming once decisions have been made.

*Note—Peru 2012: Mike and Susy Moore are planning another short term, team mission trip to Peru. Currently, the Moore’s are working with Pastor Guy to develop a team agenda and itinerary. During the May 15^th Sunday service, Mike will share the details of this mission trip with the congregation.

Pastor Dave

Pastor Dave has been busy managing the details of several special services.

Palm Sunday: 9:30am Kids’ Parade & Baptism Service

5:30pm All church Community Potluck (Fellowship Hall)

6:30pm Jews for Jesus: Christ in the Passover Presentation

Good Friday: 6:30pm Worship & Communion Service (testimonies)

Easter Sunday: 9:00am Worship Service

10:00am Coffee & Special Refreshments

11:00am Worship Service

Bus Safety Form Update: A modified Bus Driver Safety Form copy was handed out to Council for review. Council will notify Dave within one week to make any additional form changes or edits.

Action: Dave will distribute copies of the finalized form to all Ministry Leaders and approved drivers.

Marriage Seminar Update: Pastor Dave reported that the latest GCC Marriage Seminar was attended by 28 couples. He described it as a fantastic time.

*Note—this year’s Father/Daughter Dessert has changed status from postponed to cancelled, due to the upcoming Fellowship Hall updates.

Church Improvements

Construction

Paul Trahan of JW Fowler Inc. presented the Council with a preliminary draft plan and tentative financial proposal for the exterior/interior construction improvements. Council discussed many of the details with Paul in an effort to solidify the plans and prepare a presentation for the congregation.

Action: Paul is working on a few additional bid details and will deliver these to council asap.

Paul suggested that now may be an optimum time for the Church to work with our neighbors and the City of Dallas regarding the LaCreole Node TSP. This plan affects our future ability to develop the lower segment of the Church property. Council appreciated this information.

Action: With the help of Paul Trahan, Chuck Baker will act as church liaison in communication with the City, regarding this project.

Fellowship Hall Design

Angela Stockdall shared with Council a proposed color board that our interior design team has put together, including color choices, fabric swatches, surface material options, and a carpet sample.

Council discussed the aesthetic components of the design detail while keeping the multi-purpose usage of the room, future church growth, and safety in mind.

Action: Council approved Angela to order a multi perspective artist rendering of the proposal, from Dunham Graphic Design, to present to the congregation at a cost of $500.00-$800.00.

Action: Angela will continue to communicate with the design team and will keep Council posted regarding the status of pending decisions.

General Maintenance

Water Fountain

Chuck Baker shared that our current water fountain has a recall notice. Due to its age, and the fact that that the company we originally purchased it from is no longer in business, we’re responsible for its replacement.

Action: Chuck will continue working towards a obtaining a replacement unit, at the cost of $550.00. He’s hoping that we’ll be able to install it ourselves and save on the additional expense of a plumber.

Light Fixtures

It was brought to Council’s attention that some of the Church light fixtures are a hodge-podge mixture of marginally effective units. Chuck Baker would like to replace several fixtures with 42w fluorescent box bulb units.

Action: Council approved Chuck to purchase and replace 5 fixtures at $45.00ea.

Broken Sewage Drain

Chuck Baker informed Council that there is currently a collapsed tile sewage drain 3ft. beneath the asphalt of the Church parking lot.

Action: Council approved a plumbing bid of $3387.00 to fix the drain. The new drain will be RV compatible (and professionally installed, unlike the previous one), which will make an excellent clean out spot in the future.

Vacuum Cleaner

Ongoing Council conversation continued about the Church vacuum cleaner needs. Chuck reported that a new Miele canister vacuum was recently purchased to replace the former, worn out model.

*Note—Per Chuck’s research, Council is concerned about the abuse of our Church vacuum cleaners. Ministry Leaders should be aware of who is using Church equipment and how it is being treated.

Tables

Council discussed the current lack of vigilance over the borrowing of Church tables and agreed that plastic tables should not leave the building.

Action: Dave will work with Tara to develop a check out system for wooden tables. The wooden tables will be stored in the Church garage.

Mice and Birds

Council discussed the ongoing building invasion of mice and birds.

Action: Chuck will continue to set traps and take care of pest problems

Church Budget

Daniel shared that Church finances are right on track, with the overall budget slightly ahead of forecast.

Daniel specifically pointed out that the fund for office supplies is currently way over budget. Several other funds were examined also, with the discrepancies explained.

Action: Dave will have Jody and Tara examine their records to find out the reason for the office supply budget discrepancy. Dave will report their findings to Council next month.

Roundtable

Cash Management

Daniel Porter challenged the Church’s current lack of process for receiving and dispensing money as it flows through random ministry events. He pointed out the potential vulnerability to this haphazard function, and how this can be greatly reduced with the implementation of a secure intake procedure.

Action: Dave will work with Jody and the Ministry Leaders to develop a procedure. He will present this to Council at the next meeting.

Pastor Dave closed in prayer.

The next meeting is May 10th, 2011 from 6:30 – 8:30 pm in the Conference Room.

Amazon Store on the GCC website!

GCC Family! You have a great opportunity before you to give back to the ministries of Grace Community Church. How you may ask? Simply by doing something that you may already be doing - shopping on Amazon.com.

That is right. You don't have to check your eyesight. Amazon.com has a program called Amazon Associates. Amazon provided GCC a link for our website. If you use that link to access Amazon.com, GCC will receive 4-6% back off of every purchase you make of any item. This money will be placed into our Emergency Relief fund through which we assist those in our church and community who are in need.

Also, we have set up a GCC Amazon Store where you can see book suggestions from our church staff as well as resources we recommend on different topics or from studies done at GCC. You can access this store by clicking the link from our GCC homepage at www.graceindallas.org.

To give GCC the kickback from Amazon.com, either use the Amazon Store on our website or click the link at the top of that page, or bookmark this link and use it from now on when you access Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/?_encoding=UTF8&tag=graccommchu07-20