Clarion First Baptist Church
Elders Minutes
May 14, 2019
7:00 - 9:30 pm

Elders present: Ralph Roudybush, Stan Sowl, Scott Underhill, Keith Hasting, Jason Hunter, Don Dininny, and Randy Leadbetter.

The Elders invited the Christian Education Committee to meet with them tonight for a discussion regarding Sunday School. Some of the points of discussion dealt with declining numbers and ways to improve the numbers as well as the possibility to combine classes. Other ideas were introduced and discussed. The Elders gave authority to the Committee to assess and modify the children’s Sunday School Classes as they deemed necessary. The Elders thanked Ruth for leading the children’s ministry. Ruth is stepping down as the coordinator of the children’s ministry, however, she will assist any person or group who would be willing to take it over. The Elders are praying and searching for someone or person to take over this position.

​The Elders approved Alissa Cooper as a children's’ Sunday School teacher for this summer.

Jason showed the Elders a sample of a new-styled bulletin, one with a more modern look. The Elders gave their approval to try the new format.

The Elders reviewed the scope and sequence for the summer in the adult Sunday School class.
The elders discussed the role of a media specialist and had some preliminary discussion on the creation of this position.
Pastor Jason will be on vacation June 12-25. Randy will preach on June 16 & 23.
The non-Pastor Elders will meet May 30 at 7 pm to work on evaluations of both pastors, the office manager, the pianist, and the youth leaders.
The Elders approved Jason to preach at his formal church’s homecoming event in September. The exact date is yet to be determined.
Scott led the Elders in Prayer before the meeting was adjourned.








Clarion First Baptist Church
​Elders Minutes   April 9, 2019   7:00pm
Elders present: Ralph Roudybush, Stan Sowl, Scott Underhill, Keith Hasting, Jason Hunter, Don Dininny, and Randy Leadbetter.

Jason informed the Elders of his revised office hours.
Monday 7-3
Tuesday day off (except for meetings and appointments)
Wednesday: 7-3 and POW
Thursday: 9-3 and Trail Life
Friday: 7-3 (appointments required)

The Elders received a request to change the format of Sunday School for the summer. The elders voted to leave Sunday School as it is until they can meet with the CE and with the stakeholders. The Christian Ed committee will be asked if they would be willing to meet with the Elders on May 14 at 7 pm to begin a discussion on short-term and long-term approaches to Sunday School.
Jason updated the elders on a confidential matter.
The Elders spent the remainder of the meeting getting organized on their  plans for the annual evaluations of both pastors, the office manager, and the pianist.
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Clarion First Baptist Church
Elders Minutes
​March 19, 2019
7:00 - 9:35 pm
Elders present: Ralph Roudybush, Stan Sowl, Scott Underhill, Keith Hasting, Jason Hunter and Randy Leadbetter.
Randy opened the meeting in prayer.
Jody Miles gave a report on Safety and Security. Jody has done much reading of materials the pastors had given him and he went to a Safety & Security presentation at Trinity Point. Jody has done a thorough job and outlined for the elders a clear and well thought out plan for proceeding.
The Elders approved Jody to move to the next step which is a church assessment of three areas: facilities, medical, and security. Jody will be forming teams to complete these assessments. 

The CE Committee had made a request to the Elders to consider one or more pullout classes for the adult Sunday School class. The Elders will consider a class for women and/or young adults in the near future. For now, the board decided to have a C-Group class taught by Jason in his office. He will be targeting younger adults for this class which will be held this summer.
Jason informed the board that he and some other people will be participating again in a ministry for the Wine Walk in Clarion on May 11.

The Elders discussed a potential donation from a person in Michigan to be made in memory of Ray Karns. The donation would be a rack with Gospel tracks. The Elders saw no reason not to accept the donation but they will review the tracks before they are displayed.
The Elders approved Jason to be away on Sunday April 7, 2019. He is planning on a weekend retreat with Shelly and they are planning to visit a church below Pittsburgh who has implemented some new concepts he feels are worth examining. 

Stewart Weinisch will be here for a presentation/sermon on Saturday April 13 at 6:30 pm. There will not be a meal, rather a presentation in the sanctuary. Jason will coordinate with Stewart.  The Elders decdied to ask the Deacons if we might have a Joint Session on April 2 at 7 pm. The purpose of the meeting is to: 1) discuss the Pastor’s second job, 2) to have a discussion on his salary package, 3) to coordinate the timing of evaluations for pastors, pianist, and office manager, and 4) to coordinate Tenebrae.


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Clarion First Baptist Church
Elders Minutes
January 15, 2019
7:00 - 9:10 pm

Elders present: Ralph Roudybush, Stan Sowl, Scott Underhill, Keith Hasting, Jason Hunter and Randy Leadbetter.
Randy opened the meeting in prayer.  
The Elders were given the highlights from the CE Committee minutes from their meeting of the previous evening. It was noted that VBS has been schedule for July 15-19 and that Rebecca Allison will be the director of VBS this year.  The Elders were given an update on recent events in the Youth program.  
The Elders reviewed the weather policy. Church and Sunday School will not be canceled due to a weather event. We will send out a church-wide email reminding everyone to only come to the services if they can do so safely. Randy will be here in any weather event. Teachers are not to feel they must be present in case any of their students show up. Randy will see that they are taken care of. Teachers are to put their safety first.  

Jason reported that Timothy Boarts will be baptized on February 10.  

Jason showed a short presentation on RightNow Media and what resources would be available to all attendees of the church should we subscribe to it. On Monday, the Board of Deacons gave their consent to subscribing to RightNow Media. Jason explained that materials from this vast library can be used to help facilitate small groups. He is prepared to begin announcing the formation of small groups. The Elders agreed to both the use of RightNow Media and to the formation of small groups.  

Jason reported that he received permission to purchase a TV to be used showing the RightNow Media materials for youth lessons as well as other forums.   Jason reported that Jody Miles (from Trustees Committee) is planning to attend a safety seminar at Trinity Point on January 23.  

Jody Miles asked the Elders if he could use The Purpose Driven Life for Senior High curriculum. The Board gave the approval but will ask Jody to monitor it and if he deems it isn’t working out, to be encouraged to abandon it and return to the Standard Publishing curriculum. Jason and Jody will meet before Jody begins teaching from this book.  
The Elders reviewed the Christmas Eve service, the choir, and the music. 
The Elders spent time praying for the church, the people, and for wisdom and insight of how to help people feel welcomed, safe, cared for, loved, and how to balance the teaching of God’s Word and the giving of God-like grace.  The next meeting is set for February 12, 2019.
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December 12, 2018

Clarion First Baptist Church
Elders Minutes
December 12, 2018
7:30 - 9:00 pm
​Elders present: Ralph Roudybush, Stan Sowl, Don Dininny, Keith Hasting, Jason Hunter and Randy Leadbetter.
The Elders were in Joint Session with the Board of Deacons prior to the beginning of the is meeting.
Ralph opened the meeting in prayer.
There were no reports from the committees
The board reviewed the Joint Session meeting.
The Elders agreed to follow the International Sunday Lesson Cycle beginning in January with our statements of faith embedded into the lessons.  Keith and Randy will teach January and February with the other Elders filling in as needed.
The Elders were given updates on some ministries within the church. Randy updated the board on communion that was taken to the shut-ins as well as their status and condition.  
Each Elder offered prayer as the board prayed for people and ministries in our congregation. The next meeting was set for January 15, 2019.


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​November 13, 2018
Clarion First Baptist Church Elders Minutes   November 13, 2018 7:00 - 8:55 pm
Elders present: Ralph Roudybush, Stan Sowl, Scott Underhill, Don Dininny, Keith Hasting, and Randy Leadbetter.
Scott opened meeting with prayer. The Elders were given the highlights of the committee reports from the CE and Mission Committees.
The teaching schedule for the remainder of calendar year 2018 was reviewed.
The Elders had previously given consent (via Jason individually contacting each Elder) to the naming of Junelle Smith as interim choir director for the 2018 Christmas season. Tonight, the Board officially entered this appointment into record. The Elders spent time discussing the lessons that will be taught in the Adult Sunday School class beginning the first week in January. The elders decided on six lessons relating to Scripture to begin the series of teaching through our statement of faith. The Elders spent time praying for the ministries of the church and then time praying for people of our church who have concerns and/or health issues.

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Clarion First Baptist Church
Elders Minutes
October 9, 2018
7:00 - 9:24 pm
Elders present: Ralph Roudybush, Jason Hunter, Stan Sowl, Scott Underhill, Don Dininny, Keith Hasting, and Randy Leadbetter.
The meeting was opened with prayer.
The Elders were read the highlights of the committee reports from the CE and Mission Committees.
Jason reported that Tricia Pezzuti was not permitted (by her agency) to organize a seminar here with Dr. Neyman. After getting feedback and agreement from the Board of Deacons, the Elders approved moving forward with the seminar. We will have to do planning and promoting. However, instead of having it in November, the Elders decided it would be better to have it in January. Jason will get back to Dr. Neyman and the two will agree on a weekend and then an alternate weeked in the case of a weather event.
The Elders were given an update on the New Bethlehem First Baptist Church.

The Elders were made aware that there was miscommunication regarding a previous discussion on the serving of communion. At a previous meeting, the Elders did have a discussion as to whether there is any Biblical reason that any member of the church would be prohibited from helping to serve the elements in our monthly communion. The consensus of the board was that scripture does not restrict who may serve the bread and wine. However, the board took no action on the matter because the responsibility of assigning the servers belongs to the Board of Deacons. The Elders want to apologize to the Deacons for any confusion they have caused and will make themselves available for a Joint Session to discuss this further should the Deacons decide that would be beneficial.  

The Elders received a couple recommendations from the Worship Committee for the position of Choir Director. There was a concern by both the committee and the board whether there was still enough interest in the choir. The Board will announce this Sunday that we are trying to determine how many people would be interested in singing in the choir and to let the office know within one week. 
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The Elders planned the Sunday School lessons for the next few months. Each Elder will teach one lesson in November and December on a topic that has personal meaning to themselves. Randy will teach a Christmas lesson the Sunday before Christmas. 

​Nov 18 - Don
Nov 25 - Stan
Dec 2  - Ralph
Dec 9 -  Scott
Dec 16 - no class, children’s program in sanctuary
Dec 30 - Keith

Meanwhile, the elders will develop lessons to begin the first of the year. The first several lessons will be on our statement of faith. The elders spent the remainder of the meeting in prayer, interceding for individuals, praying for ministries of the church, and for wisdom to serve the Lord as elders.
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September 11, 2018
Clarion First Baptist Church
Elder Minutes
7:00 - 7:54 pm
Elders present: Ralph Roudybush, Jason Hunter, Scott Underhill and Randy Leadbetter
The meeting was opened with prayer.

The elders will review the four Gospels and start writing a scope and sequence at their first meeting in October.

Tricia Pezzuti is requesting that we host another seminar with Dr. Neyman on November 30 and December 1. The purpose is to expose even more people in our community to the services of Dr. Neyman. The Elders agreed to house it and Jason will work on the details including cost.

The Elders approved the nominating committee report.

Jason asked the elders to discuss the preaching of advent sermons and he asked for suggesions.  He is leaning on the theme being "Christ in Christmas."

Jason talked about his schedule and then told us that David Ludwig met with the church in New Bethlehem.

Stan closed in prayer.

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August 28, 2018
Clarion First Baptist Church
Elders Minutes
7:00 - 9:15 pm

Elders present: Ralph Roudybush, Jason Hunter, Scott Underhill, and Randy Leadbetter.
The Elders met with Bridgette to determine the distribution of the VBS fund raiser for feeding those in need. The Elders listened to suggestions then voted to give Bridgette and Jason permission to distribute the money as they are led by the Lord. A portion of the money will go to our food pantry.
Randy opened the meeting with prayer. The minutes of the last meeting were reviewed.
The board was reminded that reports for the annual meeting are due soon.
Teaching coverage for the remainder of the adult Sunday School quarter was finalized.

Jason updated the board on the implementation of the Trail Life organization that will be chartered through our church. The church needs to pay a pre-charter fee of $99 immediately.
The Elders approved Jason’s request for a vacation day on Sunday September 2, 2018. Randy will preach and lead communion.
The Elders instructed Jason & Randy how they would like them to  respond to a request by John Madden who will be visiting the area in November.
Jason reported on his meeting with Matt & Bridgette. He reviewed with them their plans for the youth group this coming year.
Jason, who serves on the Heart for Uganda board gave the Elders an update of that ministry and some of their plans for the next few months.
The Elders read a letter from the Clarion Area Chamber of Business and Industry requesting that organizations, including churches, reply indicating how each would be willing to respond to a local disaster.  Jason will return the information to them.
Ralph closed in prayer.
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Clarion First Baptist Church
Elders Minutes
August 14, 2018
7:00 - 8:45 pm

Elders present: Don Dininny, Stan Sowl, Ralph Roudybush, Jason Hunter, Scott Underhill, Keith Hastings and Randy Leadbetter.
The meeting began with prayer and the approving of the minutes from the past meeting.
The Elders reviewed the John Neyman seminar. The comments were positive as was the feedback from those who attended. Dr. Neyman will begin office hours at the church beginning Saturday September 8.
The elders went into a confidential session to discuss the results of a meeting that Jason and Randy had with an individual on August 9.
Jason and Scott indicated they were ready with plans for the August 19 worship and events at the Eagles Pavillion.
The Elders were given the quarter’s list of lessons for the Adult Sunday School class. Those elders who decide to teach one or more lessons will get back to Randy.
The Elders approved Jason’s request that Clarion FBC charter Trail Life,. The cost to the church would be $325 for the first year and $200 + $20 per person for each year after. Jason will discuss the funding of this ministry with the Board of Deacons.
The following is the description of the organization found on their website (https://www.traillifeusa.com/).
Trail Life USA is a Christian Outdoor Adventure, Character, and Leadership Program for boys and young men.
Operating from Troops that are chartered through churches in 48 states, the K-12 program centers on outdoor experiences that build a young man’s skills and allow him to grow on a personal level and as a role model and leader for his peers.
Living the Trail Life is a journey established on timeless values derived from the Bible.

Randy gave the board an update of the status of the nomination process for deacons and elders. The board is able to announce to the church that there will be no one standing for a new term of Elder at this year’s annual meeting. There are five openings for Deacons this year and there will be five members standing for a new term on the Board of Deacons: Dave Kiehl, Jody Kiehl, Dr. Tim Brooks, Deb Morris, and Jim Darr.
Jason led a brief discussion on the new pastoral care cards.
Jason told the board that he would bring more information to the Elders on church safety and possible training.
Bridgette announced that she will not direct VBS next summer. The Elders will begin to look for a replacement while expressing their appreciation for the good work that Bridgette had done.  
Scott Underhill closed the meeting with prayer.

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​Clarion First Baptist Church
Elders Minutes
July 24, 2018
7:00 - 8:45 pm
Elders present: Don Dininny, Stan Sowl, Ralph Roudybush, Jason Hunter, Scott Underhill and Randy Leadbetter.
The meeting began with a confidential session in regard to the screening process for Deacon and Elder nominations.
The Elders briefly discussed the upcoming John Neyman seminar on August 4, 2018 as well as the “Inside Out Sunday” on August 19.
The Elders went back into a confidential session to discuss an ongoing situation in the worship service. The Elders agreed it would be wise to call for a Joint Session (as soon as possible) before taking any further action to resolve the concern.
The Elders were given the scope and sequence of Adult Sunday School lessons for the next 13 lessons. Each Elder is considering if they would like to teach any of these lessons.
Jason gave the board a brief update on the situation at the New Bethlehem FBC.
The Elders were pleased to hear that Vacation Bible School went so well. They are very appreciative of Bridgette and her staff for making this year’s VBS a success.
Jason told the board he is in preliminary talks with the organization of a Trail Life USA program that may be housed in our church.
The Elders were informed that they would be asked at the next meeting or so to review a new “pastoral care card” that would be placed in the pews and announced during worship services.
The Elders agreed to survey the church to determine the interest level in resuming small groups.
Jason closed the meeting with prayer.

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​Clarion First Baptist Church
Elders Minutes
July 13, 2018
7:00 - 8:30 pm

Elders Present: Don Dininny, Stan Sowl, Ralph Roudybush, Jason Hunter, Keith Hasting, Scott Underhill and Randy Leadbetter.
The meeting began with prayer.
The Elders were given a report from each of their three committees.
It was reported that the Board of Elders had completed evaluations for both pastors as well as for the pianist and the office manager. The Elders reviewed the evaluation process and forms used. The Elders agreed to have Jason meet with Matt and Bridgette to review their work with the youth and for an update on their plans for the next several months.
The Elders are planning to have John E. Neyman Jr. at the church on Saturday August 4 from 9am to 12pm for a seminar. The seminar is open to anyone. The Elders agreed to pay John a stipend of $250, $200 from the counseling line item and $50 from the Elders line item. The Elders will notify Deb Morris, chair of the Deacons, of this decision.  
The Elders reviewed the Sande Mission Evening and the Elders also reviewed the most recent Joint Session. The Elders comments were very positive regarding each of these.
Jason reported that Ivan and Charlene will use the Sunday School hour on August 12 to give a report on their Disaster Relief trip to Connecticut. They will also have the minute for missions near the beginning of worship service on that same day.
Nominations for Elders and Deacons were submitted to the Elders by Dave Kiehl on behalf of the Joint Session. The Elders have began the screening process and will submit letters to those who be asked to consider serving on one of these boards beginning in October.
The Elders were informed that the church will meet at the Eagles Pavilion on August 19: Fellowship and coffee at 10 am, Sunday School promotion at 10:30 am, followed by worship service and then the annual church picnic.
The Elders considered a vacation request by Jason for this fall. Jason asked that he might carry over a few days of vacation into the fall for a trip with his father. The Board approved sending this request to the Deacons with their recommendation that the Board grant this request (for this year).
Jason asked the board to be praying about implementing of small groups this fall.
Stan closed the board in prayer.

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​Clarion First Baptist Church
Elders Minutes
June 13, 2018
7:00 - 8:30 pm
Elders Present: Don Dininny, Stan Sowl, Keith Hasting, Scott Underhill and Randy Leadbetter.
The meeting began with prayer.
The next part of the meeting consisted of distributing pastor evaluation forms and a preliminary discussion on the process of evaluations. The Elders were given self-evaluations from both pastors. The Elders set the date of Tuesday June 19 at 7 pm to work on and complete these two evaluations. The Elders will complete evaluations on the office manager, pianist, youth leaders, and choir director on or before the July meeting.
The Elders were informed that a joint session is scheduled for June 26 at 7 pm for the purpose of nominations for deacons, elders, and moderator. In addition, the joint session will approve a nominating committee selected by the moderator.
The Elders assigned teachers for the adult Sunday School class for the next few weeks:
June 17: Keith
June 24: Randy
July 1:    Don
July 8:    Keith
July 15:  Stan
July 22:  Scott
July 29:  Randy or Ralph

Clarion First Baptist Church
Elders Minutes
February 27, 2018

Elders Present: Jason Hunter, Keith Hastings, Scott Underhill, Ralph Roudybush, Stan Sowl, and Randy Leadbetter
We began the meeting with a reminder from Paul (1 Timothy 4:16) to “Watch our lives and doctrine closely.” We are reminded that as Elders, we too need prayer, to be more holy, to persevere in our labors, and for awareness, unity, and sympathy. We prayed for one another before we started the meeting.
The Elders made final plans for the praying of the college students and Mel Kifer near the end of the March 4 worship service.
Jason is coordinating a Sunday for John Neyman, Jr to come and make a presentation during Sunday School and then to come back for a 3-4 hours seminar (most likely a Saturday).
The Elders asked Jason to schedule Stewart Weinisch for another Sader program on April 13, 2019
Jason showed a couple of video messages from Barry Whitworth, the executive director of our state Convention (Baptist Resource Network).
Jason asked the Elders to read the first chapter of the book Rut, Rot, or Revival: The Problem of Change and Breaking Out of the Status Quo by A.W. Tozer.
The Elders concluded the meeting by praying for those in our church who are facing adversity.


Clarion First Baptist Church
Elders Minutes
February 13, 2018


Elders Present: Jason Hunter, Keith Hastings, Scott Underhill, Ralph Roudybush, and Randy Leadbetter
The Board opened with prayer for the congregation, asking God that He would help all of us love all people like Jesus, having His mind and heart.
The Elders read the reports from Christian Education Committee and their ministries.
The Elders briefly discussed Palm Sunday and the children’s involvement. Jason will coordinate with Stacy Hastings.
Jason gave a general overview to the board on his plans for Tenebrae.
The Elders were given a document presenting an overview of John E. Neyman Jr., a Pastoral Counselor/Therapist. We have referred several people in our church and community to him for counseling at his office in Sarver, PA. The Elders decided to invite John to come to the church and offer a seminar. The Elders are hoping this in turn opens a door for John to come from Sarver to offer counseling sessions to our church and community beginning with one day per month. Jason will begin to plan for this seminar

Jason presented the board with his initial plans to develop and implement a vision for the church over the next few months. The process will require collecting data, analyzing the data, developing an action plan, and then the implementation of the action plan. He plans on visiting a church in Indiana with David Ludwig in the next two or three weeks.

The Elders gave their approval to Jason to invite Scott’s group of college students, who will be going to Puerto Rico, to be commissioned by the church. On March 4, we will have the group come down front during the worship service. The Elders and praying individuals from the congregation will gather around them as we pray for them.

The Elders are grateful to Martha who comes in routinely to clean and sterilize the young children’s toys.

The Elders prayed for several spiritual needs of the congregation and they prayed for individuals who are facing surgeries and/or are going through various illnesses.

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January 23, 2018 Elder's Minutes

Clarion First Baptist Church
Elders Minutes
January 23, 2018
Elders Present: Jason Hunter, Keith Hastings, Scott Underhill, Randy Leadbetter, and Stan Sowl

The Board opened with a devotion (on loving others one quarter at a time) and prayer.
The Elders read the reports from the Mission Committee and the Christian Education Committee.
The Mission Committee

• The Mission Committee have approached the Memorial Committee for $305 to cover the shortage of the shipping cost for the shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child.
• The Elders join the Mission Committee in our gratitude for the Lottie Moon offering of $2219.
• The elders are pleased that the Mission Committee has the baby bottles ready to go for the Next Step fundraiser.
  
  The Christian Education Committee:
• The Elders agreed to the request of the Sunday School Superintendent (Charlene) to have Dan Huyse come April 8 to sing for and with the children.
• The Board received a request about a Sunday School program on Palm Sunday. The Board would rather have the program as part of worship service on that day. Jason will coordinate that with Charlene and/or Stacy Hastings.
  
  Jason reported the Board of Deacons agreed with the Elders, that we ought to something similar to last year’s Tenebrae Service. Jason will begin to make plans for that evening.
  
  Jason updated the Board on the on the youth group. They are planning to have a Super Bowl party here at the church. The Winter Blast at camp Judson looks like it will have good participation.
  
  The elders want Bridget and Matt to work as a team and they are willing to accomodate them. ​

Clarion First Baptist Church
Elders Minutes - January 9, 2018

The Board opened with a devotion (on the accuser) and prayer.

The Elders met with Matt Beinhaur. Matt explained Bridget and his initial plans for the youth group. They plan on using The Story as the curriculum. He believes there is a potential of 5 or 6 teens for the remainder of this year. Matt and Bridger plan on meeting with the parents within a week or so to explain the program. Matt reported that Bridget and Deb Morris will take the teens to Camp Judson in February for Winter Blast. Matt and Bridget plan on bringing in other parents to assist. Matt left the meeting when this discussion concluded.

It was reported to the Elders that the proposed teacher workshop has been canceled due to lack of interest.

The Elders agreed not to have a Minute for Missions on Communion Sunday (1st Sunday of month).

The Board voted to approve Matt and Bridget as Co-Youth Directors.  Since there is a small amount of money budgeted for a director, Jason will talk to Deb Morris about having the Deacons decide whether or not to give them a stipend.

The Elders reviewed Christmas Eve, December sermons, activities, etc. The consensus was that everything went well this Christmas season. Comments were very positive about the Christmas Eve service.

The board began discussion regarding Easter and Tenebrae. After brainstorming ideas, Jason agreed to come back to the Elders next month with a concrete plan for the evening of March 29.  The board also discussed a possibility of booking Stewart Weinisch for the spring of 2019. The board agreed to move ahead with this booking.

The Elders spent time praying for specific people/needs of the congregation.