The meeting was called to order at 6:12 PM in the Large Fellowship Hall. Most attendees participated in-person with two connected via Google meeting. Pastor Nettleton focused his devotional on the Introit for Easter Wednesday, Psalm 118, and what we as Christians enjoy as the Victory of Easter. The minutes from the March 9, 2021 meeting were approved as circulated. In his remarks Pastor highlighted favorable March worship attendance figures, and especially so due to the heavy snow cancellation of the March 14 worship service. Official Acts for the month were the March 2 death of + Eileen “Kitty” Rydholm and the March 9 death of + Marilyn Bruny. Eric provided the Treasurer’s report noting income being down slightly due in part to the March 14 worship service cancellation. Other than a modest increase caused by snow removal efforts there were not any other big or otherwise unexpected expenses during the past month.

Grant gave a Trustees report and commented on the spring cleanup day and lots of branches needing to be removed following the heavy snowfall. He also mentioned efforts underway by a neighbor involving clean up and repair of a section of the church parking lot.

Stephen gave a preschool update involving quality improvement efforts as part of the Colorado Shines program. The preschool recently received a commendable four-out-of-five rating and, as part of the program, is focusing on criteria for a three year implementation plan. Projected fall enrollment figures appear solid although there are still some available slots in one or two of age group classes.

In his report Tom also noted the cleanup efforts to remove broken branches and bushes and, in a related theme, the opportunity we may have for some new or redesigned landscaping under the direction of the Architectural Committee.

Scheduling a date for the Spring Congregational Meeting was the single item of Old Business. Following discussion the Council selected May 2 as the meeting date.

The first item of New Business was developing an agenda for the Spring Congregational Meeting. The Council concurred that possible items the agenda will include a financial summary, a trouble-shooting report on the functional status of the church bells, discussion of video security for the Garden, and a status update on the ongoing church restructuring initiative.

The second New Business agenda item involved discussion of the future lifting on some COVID-19 restrictions. Pastor indicated that hymnals have been placed back in church pews for use during worship services. As to the implementation of other post-mandate changes the Council expressed support for relying on the continued guidance of the ad hoc committee Council appointed a year or so ago when COVID restrictions were first imposed and put in place.

Planning for the coming summer’s Vacation Bible School was the third New Business agenda item. With the Council’s endorsement a pared-down and streamlined version of VBS will, by necessity, be offered in June. A COVID guideline variance from the City of Fort Collins will be requested. Council members noted the multiple benefits of VBS for young participants and volunteers will be sought to assist with the program.

Open Agenda Items

The only Open Agenda item was a brief discussion about adding an anticipated “nearing the end of COVID celebration and thanks” component to the upcoming May 2nd Spring Congregation Meeting agenda.

The meeting adjourned at 7:00 PM with everyone standing for the Lord’s Prayer.

The thirteen members of the Church Council are the “Board of Directors” of the congregation, tasked with general oversight of the life and activities of the congregation to the end that everything be done in accordance with the Constitution and Bylaws.