The meeting was called to order at 6:03 PM in the Large Fellowship Hall. Most attendees participated in-person with one connected via Google meeting. In Pastor Nettleton’s absence Dale provided a devotional from Portals of Prayer focusing on Christ’s humility and generosity. The devotional was followed with an opening prayer.

The minutes from the April 13, 2021 meeting were approved as circulated. At Pastor Nettleton’s request, discussion on the past month’s Official Acts will be held for the next Council meeting. Eric provided the Treasurer’s report, which included the past month’s favorable giving as well as a generous $5,000 contribution. He also noted that while electrical usage was up during April compared to 2020 the increase was attributed to Easter and having more in-person services.

Parish Administrator’s Report

In his report Tom mentioned four items. The sprinkler system is functional for summer usage and the lawn has been aerated and fertilized. A roof leak between rooms 301 and 302 was discovered and corrected by cleaning out a clog in the drainage downspout. Rules and regulations for the Columbarium are being promulgated and finalized prior to review by the Council at its next scheduled meeting. The final item Tom addressed involved trash outside the building’s west entrance that may indicate the possibility of overnight camping; the area is being regularly monitored and may warrant locating a future security camera in the vicinity.

Old Business

The first Old Business agenda item involved discussion surrounding Saint John’s reopening facilities for use by outside groups. On the basis of the general loosening of COVID-related restrictions and sentiments toward making the building more accessible a motion was made, seconded and passed unanimously authorizing Tom to allow outside groups of no more than fifteen persons to resume using our facility while continuing to maintain cleaning and distancing protocols. Extending facility access to outside groups of more than fifteen persons will be held for future determination.

In the second Old Business agenda item, and reiterating what he had said during the recent Congregational meeting, Tom provided an update on repairs to the carillon. Although once again operating using a temporary power supply, a new power unit has been ordered at a cost of approximately $250.

New Business

Scheduling of summer Council meetings was the single New Business item on the agenda. Following discussion and in light of the expected absence of several Council members a motion was made, seconded and passed unanimously to: (1) hold the June 8 date for the Council to meet on an “if needed” basis (with email confirmation in advance), and (2) cancel the July 13 date per the Council’s usual summer practice.

Open Agenda Items

Encouraged by Dale to bring topics to the floor for open discussion, there were several mentioned. First, there was concurrence to continue using an online option for Council members to participate in monthly meetings. Other items included an update on the organ chimes being stored in the attic as well as pending parking lot repair and prospective resurfacing needs. Finally, following an inquiry about COVID-related worship protocols moving forward, Pastor Nettleton reported that the task force assigned with recommending changes will meet soon.

The meeting adjourned at 6:50 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.