Consistory met on Tuesday, February 9^th, in Memorial Hall one click ahead of a very big snow storm…

¨     Consistory Retreat Follow-Up.   After a number of postponed efforts to convene a special meeting on a Saturday, we decided to refer this piece of business to our Strategic Planning Taskforce first.   The idea is that this much smaller group can meet ‘at will’, discuss the various mission issues raised at our November retreat, and present their ideas to the larger group for further discussion and development.   We have great faith in this nimble group of three:  Deacon Mike Vande Woude (Chair), Elder Wendy Herbert, and Deacon Michael Gebhardt.

¨     The BRC Lecture Series Takes Shape.   Deacon Chip Parmele has succeeded in scheduling a series of four outstanding speakers for our first effort in this new outreach program.  On Wed., March 10^th, noted pollster (and church neighbor) George Gallup will speak on “The Mood in America:  Is There Cause for Being Hopeful?”   On Wed., April 7^th, motivational speaker Natalie Gahrmann will talk about “Taming Stress In Your Over-Committed Life”.  On Wed., May 5^th, well-known Princeton cardiac specialist and author Dr. William Haynes will talk about “Is There a Place for Prayer in a Medical Practice?”.   And on Wed., May 26^th, our own Pastor Rich will wrap up our first season with this project in a talk on “America on the Brink:  Hope or Disaster.”   All lectures will begin at 7:30pm, and will take place in the sanctuary.   There will be no charge for admission.  A free-will offering will be suggested, and the proceeds will go to a mission project.   We’re looking for volunteers to help with coffee and refreshments, and maybe some parking assistance.

¨     Church Leadership.   Terms on Consistory are for two years, starting in July, and there is a two-term (4-year) limit.  This year, two of us must step down (Bob Bradsell and Scott Magliochetti).   At our meeting, we put in place a nominating committee to consider and interview candidates to fill these positions.  On the committee are Scott, from Consistory, Pastor Rich, Bill Herbert and Barb Van Liew.

Our next regular meeting is Thursday night, March 18^th.    Let us know how we’re doing…and if you have questions, ask.  Corner one of us over coffee – or call – or put a note in the collection box.  We’ll do our best to respond.

Serving God in our community since 1832