Council Meeting was rich last week with reports from the boards, as well as updates on projects afoot. ACC folks clearly do not sit around waiting for a pandemic to go away in order to take care of the work of the church.

The Black Homeowners reparations fund had by March 18 raised $8,245 toward the $10,000 goal. The monthly sandwich makers, lead by Joe Pratt, made their usual 200 sandwiches for the Souper Center where lunch bags are still being passed out rather than having “in person” dining at the Center. Dorothy is moving Mission Board forward with 2 meetings already as we make plans for the future. Person of the Planet has established monthly nature walks, and Faith Formation along with Nate and Barry have provided numerous opportunities for us to virtually see each other, discuss the Bible and poetry, and share our stories.

Building and Grounds Trustees are preparing for two big projects: the ground-breaking for the new sidewalk to begin April 1st, and for the removal of three trees which have become unsafe and too large for the property. We approved the sidewalk costs to be funded largely by the Estate Bequests Fund and the remainder from surplus. Shanti and Sara are using bequests from Edie Rodman’s gift to reorganize the choir room. A list of suggested Memorial Gifts has been prepared for Nate in the event he needs to guide families who wish to make gifts to the church.

Nate brought the Council a proposal for streaming our live services, once we are back in the Sanctuary. Council voted to apply to endowment for funds to cover the equipment and training we’ll need to make streaming viable. Since our meeting, the Endowment Board has graciously approved the proposal, so Jacob will start soon acquiring equipment and our wi-fi will be upgraded soon.

As Easter approaches, we are poised to refine plans for carefully re-opening in-person worship (see Re-Opening conversation recording below). Hallelujah!