Heard it at Council: December 2025
By Kate Silfen, Church Historian | December 9, 2025 Council Meeting Report
Council’s December meeting opened on a tender note. The Reverend Ashley Popperson read a prayer from Jan Richardson titled “Blessing When the World is Ending.” After the opening prayer, Council members gathered in small groups to share where they are finding home in these trying times for our nation and our world. Many noted that they find hope in our community.
Council members received several updates about the state of the Church’s finances. Treasurer Donna Matson reported that we were over budget in November due to contract services, building repairs, and utilities. Congregational giving is a bit behind, but Donna anticipates that December giving will be much stronger as we approach Christmas. Finance Committee Chair Paul Kuenstner presented an analysis of our 2025 budget. His analysis shows that we are operating over budget. While we have some reserves to cover the deficit, this spending will not be sustainable in the long term.
(G)race Speaks Committee Chair June Cooper provided Council with an update on our plans to hire a Consultant for Belonging. She thanked the Reverend John Edgerton for posting an RFP on December 5th. This RFP was sent out to carefully curated lists of seminary presidents and potential consultants. Proposals are due on January 12th, and June has been impressed by the number of people who have inquired about the consultant position. She encouraged members of Old South to spread the word about the position to their contacts and to please reach out to June if they have any ideas for promoting interest in this new role at Old South.
Associate Minister Rachel Barton reported on the 150th anniversary celebration on December 6th. The event was well attended by Old South members and friends of the Church. She thanked the planning committee members for making the celebration such a success.
In other news, Cathryn Griffith asked Council Members to save the date for a special event sponsored by the Mary Norton Society. On Sunday, January 11th, we will have the opportunity to enjoy a one-act play written by Deborah Weiss. The play will feature a conversation between the Reverend John Edgerton and Mary Norton’s ghost.
John closed our full December meeting with a hopeful quotation from the Reverend Jim Crawford’s final sermon as our 19th Senior Pastor. The sermon was titled “Never Lose Heart.”