Committee Updates & Church Council Meeting Highlights

12/10/24 Church Council Meeting Summary- submitted by Ruth Reilly, Lay Leader

1.  Pastor Danny reviewed an initial draft of the Harvester Strategic Plan for 2025 with an overall goal of Expanding the Family. This draft included a scriptural foundation from Acts 2:40-47, Mission, Vision and Core Values, key strategies around the areas of “Growth, Retain and Remain”, five strategic focus areas, (Sunday experience, Family Ministries, Major Events, Leadership Development and Follow Up) and an initial outline of an action plan. This plan was drafted after reviewing data and identifying major events for 2025 with staff. Church Council members were asked to pray and reflect on the draft and come back with questions and ideas that would enhance the plan during our next meeting on January 7, 2025.

2. The Church Council approved an overall 2025 budget of Operating Income of $506,600 and Operating Expenses of $500,970 that was recommended by the Finance Team. The budget will be shared as a part of the Congregational Meeting on January 12, 2025 following the 11:00 service.

3. Cindy Kitchen shared an update about Harvester Sheffield Christian Preschool including expanded hours and part time attendance options.

4. Pastor Gary shared an update about the upcoming Cuba Mission Trip scheduled from January 14-20, 2025.

5. The Church Council approved the following that will be submitted for final approval at the upcoming Annual Congregation Meeting on January 12, 2025:

- Lay Leadership Nomination Report- submitted by the Nominations committee

- Clergy Compensation for Pastor Russ for 2025 submitted by the SPRC

- Clergy Compensation for Pastor Gary for 2025 submitted by the SPRC

- Members for removal- submitted by the Membership Secretary

6.  The Church Council discussed the Annual Congregational Meeting Agenda and updates that will be shared.

7. The next Church Council meeting is scheduled for January 7 at 6:30 PM.

 Children's Ministry Report- submitted by Holly Hallam

Weekly attendance varies. One time we only had two children! On an average we have 8-10 children attending Sunday School. Our December theme is Christmas Playlist - Let Heaven and Nature Sing.  We have been busy learning about Mary, Joseph, and Jesus and the wonderful Christmas story. We have been practicing our song for the 4:00 Christmas Eve service and have been making ornaments for our Christmas tree. The children will be enjoying a Happy Birthday, Jesus! celebration in Sunday School on Christmas Eve after we have finished singing.  

We are still looking for more volunteers for our Children's Ministry Team. So far, these are the people who have volunteered to serve on this team: Ruth Reilly, Karen Nick, Sarah Jones, Holly Hallam, and Gary Hallam.

Congregational Care Committee Report- Submitted by Deb Alexander

For the past month Congregational Care has been busy sending cards, making phone calls and sharing meals with our congregation.

I'm looking for a few more people who are not on Congregational Care to provide meals in the new year.

September 2024 - Submitted by Greg Hodson

Three new recent members are as follows:

• Tyler Mills, Kim McKee's son
• Ivanna Koutereba, daughter of member LeLainya Koutereba and granddaughter of Sidney Moss
• Jim Noquez

 Mission/Outreach Team- Submitted by Robin Phillips

The Mission Team did not meet in November. We all took a rest after the Craft Fair.  We are discussing ways to improve the craft fair for 2025. Other topics will be the upcoming mission trip to Cuba and fundraisers to support all our many outreaches in 2025.  Robin Phillips co-chair

 .Sisters in Spirit Submitted by Linda Smith

 Sisters in spirit did not meet in Nov as Clarene was in the hospital and Linda was out of town. Our Dec meeting was a Christmas Party at leLainyas house on Sat Dec 14th. We had great fellowship with 20 ladies. 

Staff Parish Relations Committee- Submitted by Lisa Johnson

SPRC Members: Carol Notarnicola, Clif Whelchel, Debra Alexander, Don Hinst, Joyce Eary, Lisa Johnson, Tom Hindes, Vicki Hodson

Effective January, 2025, Debra Alexander & Lisa Johnson are dropping off and the following are joining the SPRC: Kathy Griggs, Mary Lou Bartlett, Skip Henk & Chuck Kanarr.  

 An SPRC calendar was approved for 2025. The SPRC budget has been completed and submitted to Finance. Pastor Gary's review has been completed and Pastor Russ' will be completed this week. The Congregational Meeting forms have been completed and submitted. 

Trustees Team- Submitted by George Alexander

Workday went as planned and we had a very successful turnout.

Fabrication drawings were received and approved to move ahead on new railings for the two steps up to the stage in the Sanctuary.

The clothing shed profit for November was $96.89

Q3 June & July & August Update

As you know our goal this New Year is revolving around making sure our youth have an understanding of the importance of owning their Faith as opposed to “leasing” the idea of the Faith only on Sundays. The past month of June and July in process: - The Youth group went t camp and has been increasingly attending the Sunday nights - Additional Youth in the group have begun to see Sunday Morning attendance as a something to begin doing. We’ve had 4 to 5 additional youth join us for 2nd Service. - The Youth group continues to be heavily involved with our Church Worship team as well Goals In Process… - This month of July we have begun to go deeper in Bible Study and focusing on the life of Jesus - We have been updating Sunday mornings with themes that’ll attract younger families and youth. 

 Finance Committee Notes for December 2024 -

 Submitted by Jerry Allison

1. We are submitting the 2025 Budget for Church Council review and approval.

2. We continue to run a deficit in our General Operating fund, which is currently being covered as a practical matter with monies from other funds in order for us to meet our monthly obligations. We have ample cash on hand to meet all current obligations. 

3. Congregational Giving remains accounted for, but we have not dispersed any of these

funds in 2024.