The Congregational Business Meeting took place in the chapel with 25 persons in attendance.

Linda Reininger, Church Moderator, called the meeting to order and opened with devotions and prayer.

 

Minutes: Linda Reininger asked for a motion to approve the minutes of April’s Congregational Business Meeting. Pete Smith made a motion to accept the minutes as printed, seconded by Terry Bouch.   Motion Carried

 

Approval of Agenda: Linda Reininger asked to have the working agenda approved. Debby Rager made a motion to accept the agenda as written, seconded by Robb Piper.   Motion Carried

 

Old Business: None.

 

Executive Committee/Chair: Robb Piper reported. The Executive Committee met after the Board Meeting to approve Russ’s licensing. Robb was unable to attend the July 11 Board Meeting. Ed and Sally Houghton reported on the Divorce Care Ministry which has been meeting for the past 8 or 9 weeks. Five people have attended the meetings. Two of those have attended regularly. Ed and Sally explained some details of the program and various ways people can be helped. Ed and Sally may talk to the Congregation before the Fall Group begins. If members of the Congregation would attend, then perhaps they could be a part of the leadership team. The group may purchase a banner or sign noting that the Church sponsors the Divorce Care Ministry. Other comments from the Chair: Robb noted that we are doing some things to address the financial deficit and finances have improved. Jessie Rager had her baby today. The Board approved Russ’s relicensing. The Executive Committee filled out the necessary forms.

 

Nurture Commission: Heather Smith reported. Graduation Sunday was successful. Two graduates attended the Service. There were fifteen graduates included in the write up. We’re looking forward to VBS and the new Sunday School year. Right now the K-4 Rotation model are studying  Job.

 

Youth: Pastor Russ will give the Youth report when he gives his report.

 

Witness Commission: Ginny Babal reported. The blood drive will be held August 6, 2011. We are collecting Gift of the Heart kits for District Conference. This includes hygiene, baby and school kits. It’s especially important to get the school kits completed. The lists for the kits are posted on the bulletin board outside the office, copies were also put in the Sunday School rooms.

 

Stewards Commission: John Plunkard reported. We have started passing the collection plate at the 8 am Service. From our perspective, it doesn’t look like we’ve lost too much ground since then. Each offering is being counted separately. The total collection seems to be coming fairly equally from both services. We continue to post the budgeted need in the bulletin. We thank the Church for being willing to change the 8:00am Service a little bit. Also, the project list has been posted and a lot of the materials are already at the Church. Contact information is being posted in the bulletin and in the narthex.  Anyone willing to help with the projects should contact a Steward member. The large refrigerator has been repaired, it was low on Freon. Kim Dishong held a CPR and AED training. Donna Smith asked about the Steward’s decision to rent out tables and chairs. John explained why that decision had been made and that only Church members would be allowed to rent the equipment. The decision is on a trial basis, Roger Swick is currently working on a policy to set fees.

 

Music & Worship Commission: Cassie Jones reported. Since April the big events have been the Mothers and Fathers Day Services. The next event is the Sunday School picnic. Cassie discussed plans being made for the picnic. The Worship Services will be a little different that day. Cassie also discussed some different options for guest speakers who will fill in when Pastor Phil and Pastor Russ are on vacation.

 

Approval of Reports: Pastor Russ made a motion to approve reports, Pete Smith seconded the motion, Motion Carried.

 

Deacon Report: Charles Smith reported. The Deacon Board met for its quarterly meeting on June 7 at the Church. Deacon training was held at County Line Church of the Brethren on May 15. Four Deacons attended from Pleasant Hill. Several good ideas were suggested at the workshop which the Deacon Board will explore for possible use here at Pleasant Hill. The number of people attending the Spring Love Feast and Communion was up with a total of 178 attending. Bread and Cup Summer Communion was held Sunday, July 17. Mike and Jessie Rager have officially resigned as Deacons as of April 21, 2011. Gail Miller has agreed to be the secretary for the Deacon Board for the remainder of the year. The Deacon Board will call for Deacons at the Congregational Business Meeting on October 31. A Deacon couple or a single person will be called. The next Deacon meeting will be Tuesday, September 6, 2011.

 

Treasurer Report: Pete Smith made copies of the report available to everyone and discussed the report. We’re still have an $11,000 deficit in giving from the 1^st quarter. We broke even during the 2^nd quarter. Spending has held steady. Pete discussed the health insurance money being provided to Pastor Russ. Pete also noted that a sizable check had been given to the Building Improvement Fund.

 

Living Memorial Trust Fund: A prepared report was provided.

 

Disaster Relief: Jim Cameron spoke about the good work the Team does.

 

Vision Task Team, BBT – No Reports.

 

Renewal Team: Marsha Smith noted that the Renewal Team has not met.

 

Camp Harmony: Jim Cameron reported. He noted that $8,000 is needed to update a cabin. He suggested if eight people would donate $1,000 toward the renovation, the work could begin on a cabin that Pleasant Hill would restore. Five people have already donated $5,000. *** If anyone would like to contribute to the fund, donations can be sent to Camp Harmony. Please mark them (Pleasant Hill Cabin Fund) Jim discussed the materials that will be used for the renovation  Money for the cabin will not be taken from the Church budget.  Jim noted that more than 500 kids enjoyed camp last year and more will be ministered to this year. Ginny passed around pictures of the progression of the Maple Springs cabin. Some of the siding for that cabin was cut by Tommy Thomas. The cookbooks will be delivered to Camp by the first week in September. The cost is $10.00. Let Ginny or Jack Harrison or Jim know if you want one and they will get it for you. Money raised from the sale of the cookbook will be used to pay down the mortgage at Camp.

 

Brethren Home: Heather Smith noted that the 90^th anniversary celebration will not be held at this time. The facility was built in 1941 but was not opened until 1942.

 

PASTOR’S REPORT                Phillip A. King                                                 4/25/11 – 7/25/11

Pastoral Calls:

Hospital/Nursing Home               44        

Homes                                      23

Funeral Home                            5                                                                    

School/Work                             1                       

Office   visit                             11                                                                                                        

                                                                        Total  84

Staff Meetings                           3

Committee meetings                   2

Board Meetings                          1

Commission meetings                 4

Business Meeting                        1

                                                                                                                       

8 AM Worship                          11        

Sunday School                          11                    

10:30 Worship                          11        

Evening Worship/Bible               2

Choir Practice                           1         

Funeral                                     3                      Lee Moore                     5/19

                                                                        Dean Reese                    6/4

                                                                        Wilbur Griffiths             7/1

Home Communion                     3

Communion                               1

Weddings                                  3                      Felosky/Palmer              5/7

                                                                        Hodos/Durbiano             6/21

                                                                        Fulcomer/Gates              7/23

Anointing                                  4

Parent/Child Dedication              1                       Tyler Dean Plunkard       5/22

 

 

Shut-ins Visited this Quarter:

Galen & Ethel Carney, Jim && Toots Covalt, Norma McDowell, Jerry & Judy Rhodes, Janet Roberts, Mabel Rose, Gwen Swick, Mildred Rager, June Berg, Gladys Kovach, Margie Cameron, Virginia Rummel, Sara Oaks, Ernie & Lois Johns, Fred & Rhoda Bouch

 

Activities for this Quarter:

CoB Ministers 4/26, Tribune Democrat 4/26, Newsletter 4/28, Deacon Workshop prep 4/28, Vacation 4/29-5/12, attended Celebrate One 5/5, helped serve Mother/Daughter Banquet 5/10, Deacon Workshop at County Line CoB 5/15, Fire Hall Spaghetti Supper 5/19, Pastor Peer Lunch 5/18, Pastor’s Book Study 5/19, Speak at Atrium 5/19, Alethia Class meeting 5/21, attended Scalp Level/Pleasant Hill carry in dinner at Scalp Level 5/23, spent time at Youth car wash 5/21, Newsletter 5/26, Men’s ministry planning 5/27, Home communions 6/1, Bulk Mail 6/1, Pastor’s Book Study 6/2, attended Nick & Peanut’s 40^th at Church Grove 6/4, Graduate Sunday 6/5, attended Deacon meeting 6/7, change Church Sign 6/2, 6/11, 6/24, 7/8, 7/16, Letter for Chad Cameron’s hours 6/8, Pastor & Parish Ministry Team material prep 6/9, prepare Summer Disciplines folders 6/11, West End Clergy 6/14, ordination interview at District Office for Eric Kabler 6/15, Pastor’s Book Study 6/16, Met with Ron Beachley 6/17, VBS prep work 6/24, conduct ordination service for Homer Wayne Painter at Center CoB 6/26, Pastor’s Book Study 6/30, Bulk mail 6/30, prepare letter for New Day lunches for Eat N park cookies 7/7, attended Citizen’s Group music program 7/8, prepare forms for Russ’s license 7/12, Pastor’s Book study 7/14, Summer Communion 7/17, Pastor Peer lunch 7/21, played Harmonica for worship 7/24.

Vacation Bible School will be August 1 through August 5 from 9:00 AM – 12:00 Noon. There will be a blood drive here at Pleasant Hill on August 6 and a wedding (Meyers/Dishong). The Bible School program will be August 7 during the morning worship and Sunday school time followed by the Summer Picnic in the Grove. I wish to thank the Metzger family for graciously moving their reunion to the second Sunday in August so the Grove would be available for the Summer Picnic. The schedule for Sunday August 7 is as follows:

                        9:00 AM           Breakfast in the Fellowship Hall

9:30 AM           Power Point Pictures in the Sanctuary

                        10:00 AM          Bible School Program and Worship

                        11:30 AM          Church Grove with meal at 12:00 Noon

                        12:30 PM          Bouncy opens

                                                Children’s Activities

                        1:00 PM            Softball and Volleyball

                                                Older Adult Activities

                                                Gospel Music

 

Associate/Youth Pastor             Russ Peruso      Business Meeting Report 4-25-11 to 7-24-11

Hospital/Anointing  8

Pastoral Biblical Advising Sessions -20

In Office Visits – 8

Home Visits – 6

8:00 Services – 12

10:30 Services – 13

Youth Bible Studies Small Group (Teaching) – 11

Youth Sunday School (Teaching) -13

Sr. High Youth CBYF Meetings  - 11

Jr. High Youth CBYF Meetings  - 11

Youth Organizational/Planning Meetings – weekly & once a month with parents

Special Youth Events – 1 – Youth Sunday, Creation Fest, Youth Picnic, Mission Trip

Pastor’s Meetings - 12

Preached/Taught/Helped At – For Phil while on Vacation, Youth Group Meetings, Mid Week Bible studies and Sunday School,

Funerals - 1

Since April 25, 2011, I have prepared for and taught at our normal Sunday School Classes, Sr. High and Jr. High CBYF Meetings, Wednesday Night Small Group Bible Studies unless we had a youth event to prepare for.

I held weekly organizational meetings and monthly parent meetings for the 2011 Youth Events, 11 regular meetings for the Jr. High and Sr. High, 1 fund raiser, 46 teachings, and special youth events. I have spent a lot of time and energy on preparing for the 3 weekly youth meetings.

On Wednesday night’s small group meetings, I am finishing the curriculum “To Save A Life”. At CBYF Sunday night we are meeting with the Jr. High grades 6-8 from 4-6pm teaching The Gospel of John and then Sr. High grade 9-12 from 7-9pm teaching on a series from Focus on the Family the “Truth Project”. For Sunday School we are going through the book of Romans. Creation Fest 2011, I had 80 youth and advisors going and had 9 youth and 2 advisors who went on Senior High Missions trip July 17-23, 2011.

I will be covering for Phil while he is on vacation or when a need arises. I will be continuing my SVMC classes on Brethren Thought and Life in August. I will also be teaching VBS for the preteens in August. Some of our youth will be attending the Hill Song United Praise and Worship concert in Pittsburgh on August 12. I will be performing a wedding here at the Church on August 27 for Rich Rager’s nephew Lance and his wife to be. JCS 7^th grade Bible classes will begin on August 29.

I will be splitting up one of my weeks of vacation by taking 4 days, July 28-31 and the other 3 on a long weekend in the future when I don’t have such a jammed schedule.

 

Christian Education Report: No report

 

Approval of Reports: John Plunkard made a motion to approve reports, seconded by Jim Cameron. Motion Carried.

 

New Business: Reports from Annual Conference. Marsha Smith spoke on the Worship time at Conference. She was very encouraged by the worship times. The music was also good. Most of the speakers were pretty good. The theme of the Conference was “Extending Jesus’ Table” and most of the speakers included that theme in their messages. Sunday morning’s speaker talked about the four things that hold a church together. Those are: love, commitment, intimacy and faithfulness. Marsha also discussed many other aspects of the Conference that were a blessing to her.

Sally Houghton reported on the ethics in ministry query that was submitted by WPA District Leadership team in August 2009.This paper is going to be sent back to Conference. This issue that they were addressing about dealing with questionable ethical activity in congregations is going to be incorporated into another paper that’s being revised at this time. Before this paper is approved, it will be voted on again at Conference.

Ed Houghton also reported. The 2011 Annual Conference acted on two business items related to issues of sexuality.

1. “A Statement of Confession and Commitment” an Unfinished Business Item.
2. “Query: Language on Same-Sex Covenantal Relationships” that has been the subject of a two-year Special Response Process across the denomination.

The Conference approved the following recommendations from the Standing Committee and an amendment that added a sentence to that recommendation:

‘In light of the Special Response process, as outlined by the 2009 paper “A Structural Framework for Dealing with Strongly Controversial Issues’ the Standing Committee recommends to the 2011 Annual Conference that ‘A Statement of Confession and Commitment’ and ‘Query: Language on Same-Sex Covenantal Relationships’ be returned.

Added amendment by Jim Myer: It is further recommended that the 2011 Annual Conference reaffirm the entire 1983 ‘Statement on Human Sexuality from a Christian Perspective’ and that we continue deeper conversations concerning human sexuality outside of the query process. The final decision approved the recommendation to return both items of business to the sending bodies and included the amendment made by James Myer. Ed shared that he expects to see future queries on this matter. The five-step decision-making process for highly controversial business items (part of the Special Response Process) was used at Annual Conference for the first time.

A complete copy of Ed’s report is available upon request from the Church Clerk.

All Conference delegates were thanked for their dedication in attending.

Pastor Phil commented on the 1983 ‘Statement on Human Sexuality from a Christian Perspective’. He believes it is a gentle and good statement.

 

Delegates to District Conference: Pastor Phil reported that we can send 11 delegates to District Conference. After some discussion, it was decided that everyone needed was in place to attend.

 

Linda Reininger closed with prayer, meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted, Diana Mikolic, Church Clerk