Bible in 90 Days

It has started! The GCC community is reading through the Bible in 90 Days. For the next 3 months, we are going to be totally focused on the Lord through His Word! It will be an amazing time to read parts of the Bible you never have before, to read other parts like it was for the first time, and to finally say that you read God's letter to you in its entirety.

Do you want to join us? Check out our webpage at: http://graceindallas.org/content.cfm?id=332

GCC Council Mtg for Feb. 2011

Grace Community Church

Council Meeting Minutes

2/8/11

Attending: Blain Harris, Dave Bertolini (staff), Tim Howard, Guy Basso, Susie Futrell, Angela Stockdall, Chuck Baker (Elder rep.), Jim Cross, Annette Anderson, Berta Horton (guest)

Pastor Guy opened with prayer.

January minutes were approved.

Pastor’s Update

Pastor Guy has returned from his five week sabbatical in Hawaii. He expressed his deep appreciation for the time off, and said it was of great spiritual and relational benefit to him and Yvonne.

As a result of his trip, Pastor Guy was able to reflect on our spiritual journey as a church. He desires to lead us, as a church body, to refocus on the powerful work of The Holy Spirit, with less of a spiritual reliance on programs.

More of his thoughts and intentions will be shared with us all (Elders, Council, Ministry Leaders, and Congregants) in the weeks ahead.

Capital Improvements Update

Design and Construction

Council discussed the interior improvements including color design and flooring. It was determined that carpeting the majority of the Fellowship Hall will best accommodate our needs. Also, Angela spoke about her plan of attack for arriving at paint color, and other artistic decisions.

Action: Angela Stockdall, Linda Shryer and Kenya Tichenor will make color selections and meet with an artist. Together, they will work with Denise (interior designer) to create a detailed plan. This plan will be presented to the congregation in both model and digitalized format.

Much discussion centered around long term solutions for some of our exterior challenges outside the back of the building, including the old concrete, wheel chair ramp, outside stairs and railings, doors, and the exterior fireplace bricks.

Action: Chuck Baker will meet with Scott Champion, of CD Redding, to gather information and price quotes for each area of concern.

Additionally, Chuck made contact with a licensed electrician and will meet with him this week to discuss the cost of wiring, lighting, etc. Ultimately, Denise will manage the work of any interior subcontractors.

Sanctuary Chairs vs. Pews

The Church Office passed along a catalogue of sanctuary chairs as an alternative to our current pews. Council agreed that this will be something to consider in the future. At present, we’d like to keep our budget focus on the current Fellowship Hall improvements.

We will keep the catalogue on file for future consideration.

Water Fountain

Update: Though the current water fountain is still working, without the ability to find replacement parts, its days are numbered.

Chuck is working on finding a way to order a new unit at a cost of $600-$800.

Exterior Cross

Clarification: The Council’s understanding is that the cross is still under construction, as Mark Speelman is mounting lights to its interior surface. Once Mark is finished, Bob Herndon will work with Hugh Genualdi to complete the process of securing and wiring the cross to the building.

Action: Tim will follow up with Bob Herndon.

Church Bus/Van

Seats

Kerry Hanson is working on transferring/securing seats inside the bus. There will be seating for 15, including driver, once all seats are in place.

Bus/Van Use Policy

Dave presented a template (used by another church) for our own Bus Use Policy. The detailed template includes criteria for approved drivers, protocol for requesting use of the bus, and guidelines for bus operation. It also includes a Bus Trip Request Form, Driver’s Safety Checklist, Bus Trip Mileage Log, as well as driving tips specific to group transportation and instructions for emergency procedure.

Council discussed some slight modifications to the form, to make it appropriate for a church of our size.

Berta Horton suggested placing the mileage log on a clip board, to be dispensed and recalled in the same manner as the bus keys. In her professional experience, this will ensure accountability for tracking mileage. Council appreciated this suggestion and agreed to implement the clipboard/key strategy.

With safety in mind, council discussed the criteria for drivers. Congregants who wish to be approved as bus/van drivers must submit to a background check as well as a DMV check. Explanation of circumstances involving any traffic citations will be evaluated with discretion. Additionally, drivers may be asked about any medical conditions or medications which are known to impair driving ability. Also, a safety video with written test, and a short test drive of the bus will be required.

Action: Chuck Baker will acquire a written test from the Salvation Army, to be used in conjunction with our Church Mutual Driver’s Safety Video. Dave will oversee Jodie Pearce as she modifies the wording on the Bus Use Policy. Jim will check with Church Mutual to make sure that our protocol meets their safety criteria as well.

Vehicle Maintenance

Kerry Hanson recommends the local Ford dealership for bi-annual oil changes and a thorough mechanical check of the bus once per year. Council agrees that this is a prudent solution for our maintenance needs.

Maintenance Person/Council Liaison

As the Council is still working through its own transition, we spent time discussing a communication/implementation strategy for the ground and building maintenance needs. While Chuck is stepping down from Council, he is willing to continue to provide regular maintenance to our facilities.

Council approved Chuck to spend up to $250.00 for repairs, at his discretion. Larger expenditures will warrant more discussion.

Round Table

Church Directory

Blain Harris introduced the topic of our cancelled church pictorial directory by offering the volunteer services of Moriah Harris and Allison Person. The women are willing to take photos, copy, and collate a less formal directory in lieu of the professional pictorial directory we’ve had in the past.

With gratitude for the offer, Council feels this idea would not be cost effective, as the previous directories have not cost the church anything.

Council discussed some of the challenges of putting together a directory and agreed that it’s now time to move forward with this project.

Action: Pastor Guy will assign this task to Tara. Blain will ask Moriah and Allison if they’re willing to help Tara with the process.

Fellowship Hall Coordinator

Susie Futrell wondered if we’ve made any progress in the area of finding a new Kitchen/Fellowship Hall coordinator.

As of yet, this ministry position remains vacant.

Sunday Morning Transportation

Chuck Baker spoke about the Sunday morning transportation needs of some of our elderly congregants. Council discussed the fact that the church bus will work well for this purpose.

Once someone steps forward to take on this area of ministry we can evaluate how to move forward with a plan of action.

Calendar of Events

Dave Bertolini passed out a Ministry Events Calendar through August and an Operational Plan (calendar) for 2011.

Note: Tim Howard turned in the official forms adding him and Annette to the State Directory.

Susie Futrell closed in prayer.

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

Godly Men - Where Art Thou?

Have you ever been really challenged? Like knock you out of your chair challenged? This video did that for me. We need men to step up in our churches. I hope the ministries of GCC (or wherever you attend church) are preparing men to lead their families, their churches, and in their communities!