March 2008 Council Meeting Traverse City Orthodox Mission Church

TRAVERSE CITY ORTHODOX MISSION CHURCH
PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
3010 Hastings Street
Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Call to Order:

The meeting was called to order at 5:35 p.m.

Members Present:

Karen Kain, Stephanie Long, Doug Partlo, Harriet Rennie, Theresa Paterson, and Judy Weston. Bob Underwood and John Batsakis via telephone.

Guests Present:
Angie and Roger Dunlap.

Opening Prayer:
Father Iakovos led the assembled in the opening prayer.

Approval of the Minutes:
A motion by Karen Kain, seconded by Theresa Paterson to accept the minutes of the February 13,
2008 meeting as presented. Motion passed unanimously.

Bookstore Report:
Mr. Roger Dunlap presented a report on the bookstore. The bookstore is a convenience for the parishioners and is not meant to be a fundraiser. Never the less, presently it is showing a profit due to the receiving of donations. Mrs. Rennie thanked the Dunlaps’ for all of their hard work.

Disposal of Old Liturgy Books and Choir Robes:
Mr. Batsakis reported the he is in the final stages of disposing of all old liturgy books and choir robes.

Items for the Altar:

Father Iakovos is researching the most cost effective way to purchase needed items for the church.

Diocese Assessment:
The Metropolis has assessed our parish the sum of $600.00. A motion by Karen Kain, seconded by Doug Partlo to pay the assessment of $600.00. Motion passed unanimously.

Monthly Budget:
Discussion followed on the monthly budget as presented by A. L. Mitchell. The line item for accounting fees is continuing to be high. After much discussion a motion by Stephanie Long, seconded by Karen Kain to discontinue doing business with this firm. Motion passed unanimously.

Karen Kain reported that she had contacted another firm for price quotes. A motion by Judy Weston, seconded by Theresa Paterson to hire another firm to keep our books. Motion passed unanimously.

A motion by Doug Partlo, seconded Stephanie Long to authorize those holding church credit cards to spend up to $150.00 without prior approval of the board. Motion passed unanimously.

Stewardship Report:
Father Iakovos presented the stewardship report as prepared by Helen Dalbo, the stewardship chair. It was agreed that Ms. Dalbo did an amazing job with 57 stewards pledging $82,650. We currently have a deficit of $37,350. We may need to explore different fund raising events.

However, it was the consensus of those present that the best way to increase funding would be to grow our membership. During the Father Fred Frostbite Drive our church was very visible.

Other ways to be visible were discussed. Stephanie Long will investigate our participation in the Habitat for Humanity program. Also discussed was the possibility of launching an internet radio and conventional radio ministry. Father will pursue this issue. By being more visible in the

community, we will draw people who are interested in Orthodoxy and thus increase our revenue. It was further agreed that people in leadership position in the church must be stewards.

Flower Committee:
Helen Knapp will chair the Easter flower committee. She is pricing flowers and will report at a later meeting.

Correspondence:
Karen Kain read a letter from Mr. Themi Majoros.

Closing Prayer:
Father Iakovos led the assembled in the closing prayer and the meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m.

Judith Weston