Elder Updates
Minutes of the Board of Elders - April 17, 2013
A regular meeting of the Elders of Harris Creek Baptist Church was called to order on April 17, at 6:30 a.m. Bo Routh, Chair, presided. A quorum was present. Those others in attendance were Graham Cook, Vice Chair, Brady Herbert, Bob Howard, Bill Killian, and Jim Underwood.
Graham Cook shared a devotional from Matthew Chapter 11 (where Jesus told his disciples to answer John’s question about who Jesus was by reminding John of Jesus’ miracles). In the aftermath of the Boston bombings, we see that our society seeks heroes. Christ still meets the desires of mankind, through our deeds. We need to embody Christ’s concern for dealing with the broken in our midst. He then opened the meeting in prayer.
The minutes from April 3 were approved.
Brady Herbert discussed the job description for a new executive pastor.
Bo Routh led a discussion regarding clarifying and documenting the role of elders and staff.
Brady Herbert led a discussion regarding the identification of systems or processes that should be a focal point for possible reassessment and modification during 2013 through Harris Creek’s consultation with Lance Witt. The three areas include (i) Life Groups, (ii) Volunteers and New Ministry Areas, and (iii) Leadership Development.
The needs of the body were discussed and the meeting closed in prayer.
Respectfully submitted,
__________________________________
Jim Underwood, Secretary
Minutes of the Board of Elders - April 3, 2013
A regular meeting of the Elders of Harris Creek Baptist Church was called to order on April 3, at 6:30 a.m. Bo Routh, Chair, presided. A quorum was present. Those others in attendance were Brady Herbert, Bob Howard, Bill Killian, Stefan LeRow, Mark Welstead and Jim Underwood. Kelly Merritt and Emily Gist attended portions of the meeting.
Bob Howard shared a devotional from Proverbs regarding trusting in God during times of transition. He then opened the meeting in prayer.
Kelly Merritt provided a financial review for March–another "good" month with offerings of over $120,000 against a budget for offerings of $111,000. We are approximately $22,000 favorable for the year in offerings versus expenses.
The minutes from March 6 and March 20 were approved.
Bo led a discussion regarding the recent consultation by Lance Witt including reactions to proposals regarding administrative and organizational matters. The elders approved retaining Lance's continued services for the next six months. He will make visits to Harris Creek once every six weeks to meet with staff and elders regarding follow up on his proposals.
Emily Gist discussed her plans for the children's ministry beginning in the fall and the need for physical renovations to aid the children's ministry. We have received bids from contractors to remove certain walls in the elementary hallway, raise the ceiling in this space and finish transforming those existing rooms into one large room dedicated to children's ministry. This project–anticipated to cost a total of approximately $35,000–was approved.
Brady discussed prayer needs in the congregation and Bill Killian closed the meeting in prayer.
Respectfully submitted,
__________________________________
Jim Underwood, Secretary
Minutes of the Board of Elders - March 20, 2013
A regular meeting of the Elders of Harris Creek Baptist Church was called to order on March 20, 2013 at 6:30 a.m. Bo Routh, Chair, presided. A quorum was present. Those others in attendance were Graham Cook, Vice Chair, Brady Herbert, Bill Killian, Stefan LeRow, Mark Welstead, and Jim Underwood.
Brady Herbert shared a devotional regarding Peter's struggles with worry over how others perceived him. We are called to have confidence in our identity in Christ and not to worry about affirmations from man. He then opened the meeting in prayer.
Brady Herbert provided a review of the recent staff retreat. He also discussed the retention of consultant Lance Witt who will visit with selected staff and elders during the upcoming week and make suggestions regarding administrative and organizational matters.
Jim Underwood led a discussion regarding possible physical renovations to aid the children's ministry. No final decision was made.
Stefan LeRow led a discussion on continuing to work with architects on master planning for possible future building expansion.
Preliminary plans were discussed about the ordination of Mark Welstead as an Elder.
An Elder visit to Austin Stone Church was scheduled for May 19th.
Plans were made for an Elder retreat on the evening of Sunday, April 7th.
The Elders reviewed the church-wide prayer needs list. The meeting was closed in prayer.
Respectfully submitted,
__________________________________
Jim Underwood, Secretary
Minutes of the Board of Elders - March 6, 2013
A regular meeting of the Elders of Harris Creek Baptist Church was called to order on March 6, at 6:30 a.m. Bo Routh, Chair presided. A quorum was present. Those others in attendance were Graham Cook, Vice Chair, Bob Howard, Bill Killian, Stefan LeRow, and Jim Underwood.
Stephan LeRow opened the meeting with reflections from C.S. Lewis on Forgiveness, emphasizing that we are called to forgive even the most inexcusable act. Forgiveness does not mean that you will necessarily trust the person again but instead that you are willing to put to death any resentment over their conduct. He then led the group in prayer.
Kelly Merrit presented the Financials for the month of February. This report was very positive with nearly $110,000 in faithful giving versus budgeted receipts of only $93,000
PERSONNEL MATTER
END PERSONNEL MATTER
The Elders reviewed a list of members being considered for membership in the Deacon body and provided feedback to the chair of the Deacons.
Jim Underwood led a discussion regarding some possible building renovations to assist in facilitating an improved worship experience for children and to provide more room for growth in that ministry area.
The Elders reviewed the church-wide prayer needs list. The meeting was closed in prayer.
Respectfully submitted,
___________________________________
Jim Underwood, Secretary
Minutes of the Board of Elders - February 6, 2013
A regular meeting of the Elders of Harris Creek Baptist Church was called to order on February 6, at 6:30 a.m. Bo Routh, Chair presided. A quorum was present. Those in attendance were Bo Routh, Chair, Graham Cook, Vice Chair, Brady Herbert, Bob Howard, Bill Killian, Stefan LeRow, Mark Welstead, and Jim Underwood.
Bo Routh opened the meeting with reflections from Genesis on God’s bringing of light and order from the darkness and chaos, and challenged us with the unique opportunity to bring light into the lives of people we encounter. He then led the group in prayer.
Kelly Merritt provided a positive financial report on January's finances. Our congregation's faithfulness resulted in January's contributions being approximately $18,000 over budget.
Stefan LeRow led a discussion on refinancing options for the mortgage on our building. The Elders determined that it was more prudent to leave in place our current financing due to the very favorable current terms of our fixed-rate loan.
Bo Routh led a discussion on expansion plan options.
Brady led a discussion regarding space needs for children and youth and presented alternatives.
The minutes from January 23, 2013 were approved.
The Elders reviewed the church-wide prayer needs list. The meeting was closed in prayer.
Respectfully submitted,
___________________________________
Jim Underwood, Secretary
