September 20, 2021 Minutes

Attendance: Mary Ann Debnar, Diane Davol, Grada Fischer, Ronald Heath, Nancy Mazzoli, Maria Montalbano, Jake Krommer, Pat Milo and Helen O’Malley
Guests: Leslie Smith, Stephen Boies, and Joe Pellegrino Pastor Present: Ed Horstmann
Prepare for Meeting and Prayer: At 6:00 Nancy opened the meeting with a welcome and asked Ed to offer a prayer.
Round Hill Media Studio Update: At 6:05 Nancy asked Leslie Smith to update the Trustees on the changes and technological additions to the church’s media studio. Leslie started the discussion by thanking Ed and Trustees for the opportunity to create and develop the church’s online ministry. Leslie explained that Round Hill Media was creating an active community of participants. Leslie gave a short history of the church’s almost two years of Sunday service broadcasts, the eighty-five podcasts and our newest production, “Lunchtime Live.” In spite of the bandwidth limitations of Zoom, Leslie led the Trustees on a tour through the media studio and explained how broadcast equipment was used and how it was kept secure. Finally, she gave a quick discussion of why, because of YouTube, that it was important to subscribe to Round Hill Media. When asked by Pat about subscriber security, Leslie noted that if viewers had adequate password protection they would be safe using YouTube and viewing church content. Both Helen and Pat noted that our media initiatives were excellent opportunities to hear from church members. Round Hill Media ministry also provides viewers who are not members an introduction and chance to become familiar with our church’s activities. Helen asked how people hear of our church? Leslie explained that through topic/subject interests via search engines or simply from other guests and members. Nancy thanked Leslie for the update, and Mary Ann noted it was important for the Trustees and the church to promote the Round Hill Media initiative.
Investment Committee: Executive session
Minutes Approval: At 6:52 Nancy called for the approval of the Minutes from August 16 and September 8. The motion to approve was made seconded, and the Minutes were approved unanimously.
Financial Dashboard: Nancy announced that the August Dashboard was not yet available. She noted that it would be made available to Trustees as soon as the financial information arrived. The meeting moved on to the next agenda item.
Pastor’s Report: Ed reminded the Trustees that our ministry was going strong. He noted that Shannon was being well received by our members and was adapting to her duties as Interim Pastoral Associate. He noted that, thanks to Shannon and Pat, the plans for the Women’s Retreat were moving forward. The sermon series on compassion was continuing, and he was working on a ‘Restaurant Book Reading’ with church and community members.
Small Meetings Progress: Nancy and Mary Ann reported at 7:15 on the continuing progress of the small suppers and the solar power initiative. A series of 6-10 small suppers have been planned for church members with a few Trustees. Ed would attend all suppers to represent the church’s overall support for the solar initiative.
Hospitality Team: At 7:25 Nancy asked the Trustees to consider the formation of a Hospitality Team to welcome, usher and look after newcomers to our church. Trustees thanked Nancy for all her work and all who ushered as in-person attendance returned to the church. The question was asked if this could be part of the Membership Committee? Maria and Helen felt one could set up a sheet in the same way as the coffee hour sign up. Trustees liked this idea and wanted to pursue this possibility. Also, it was suggested that the idea of getting more people to usher should be brought up at the small meetings being planned.
New Business: Nancy asked if there was any new business to bring up at 7:45. Mary Ann asked if the Christian Education Committee had made any progress for how the church could engage the new local residents who might be interested in our church and its programs. Ed noted that as of now, the committee was working on membership engagement questions. Pat noted that there would be a planning meeting for the Women’s Retreat at her house on September 22nd and that Saturday, November 6 would be the date of the retreat. Adjournment: Nancy adjourned the meeting at 7:53.