Heard It at Council (January 2017)

January 10, 2017

Amid the reflected hush of a candle-lit Gordon Chapel, Moderator Deb Washington called the meeting to order and offered a devotion from Matthew 2:1-12. Reflecting on the magi’s visit, she shared the scripture and then asked members what gifts they had brought to Old South Church. Responses were as varied as the group: acceptance, hospitality, longevity, flexibility of thought, multi-generationalis. She then asked Council to consider what gifts each expected to receive from the Church and promised to collect everyone’s thoughts at the next meeting. Deb also read a heartfelt and moving letter from James Crawford expressing, through his usual humility, deep appreciation for the renaming of what is now the Crawford Library.

Treasurer Lauren Berk reported that numbers are being readied for the Annual Meeting in March as we take into consideration minor adjustments necessitated by the later-than-usual budgeting this year. The bottom line for 2016, however, is good news: we were over-budget for revenues and under-budget for expenses.

Gordon Chapel was chosen as the setting for this session of Council because of its location near the Children’s Chapel, the possible location of a potential, future columbarium. A permanent resting place comprised of niches for cremation urns, the columbarium was the focus for much of the meeting. Janet Nolan, Chair of the Columbarium Blue Ribbon Task Force, invited Council into the Children’s Chapel to explore its potential as a columbarium location. There Janet provided pictures of several different columbaria and shared the consultant’s insight that the Children’s Chapel was the most logistically sound location. Rev. Nancy Taylor pointed out that the sacred space of this little Chapel is vastly under-used but sweet in design, with architectural details that go unnoticed when the room is simply packed with excess chairs as it often is.

If a columbarium moves forward, the task force would consider its implementation in two phases. Funds have been earmarked for the potential project by three generous donations of $15,000 each from the Robert C. Elder and Coley K. Elder Family Foundation whose gift would pay for most of the cost.

The committee encouraged Council members to reach out with ideas in the coming months, including its thoughts as to whether a columbarium is even the right concept for final remains. Design ideas as to the composition of the columbarium faces and styles; whether space would be granted to the public or only church members; what kind of service, if any, would be provided for “inductees”; and costs of individual interment are details, among many others, that would need to be worked out. For now, Council was asked whether the committee should continue to move forward to gather details on the columbarium. As the committee reported that informal polling of the congregation revealed strong support for the project, Council, by a vote of affirmation, gave general approval for the committee to move forward. All church members are urged to comment.

As to the availability of space for the remains of those on the margins, Rev. Nancy Taylor noted that we were the first mainstream church in the city to offer funerals to people who had succumbed to AIDS; and John commented that opening the columbarium to others outside of the congregation could give Old South the opportunity to publicly affirm its values.

The search for a Minister of Music also gathered the attention of Council. Music Committee Chair Karen Hand reported on the search. As Harry Huff is simply irreplaceable, Rev. Nancy Taylor asked the Music Committee to remain flexible in its search as it considers the unique talents and abilities of each candidate in relation to the broad needs of the church. The written job description provided to Council is a mere starting point since, as Nancy reminded, Harry’s own role evolved over time. A search committee likely would be made up of 8-10 people meeting weekly or bi-weekly.

The following was offered by Leadership Committee Chair Lisa Loveland:

MOTION: The Church Council hereby authorizes the Leadership Committee to present to the February Council meeting a slate of candidates to serve on a Minister of Music Search Committee for the purpose of finding a wildly gifted musician to oversee our musical programs, the purpose of which are to glorify God and mediate the grace and presence of God through a. the creative interpretation of the Church’s musical literature, and b. the fostering of community within the church, the city, and beyond.

With no further discussion the Motion was allowed.

Other areas of church business were covered as well:

• Attendance over the Christmas services was astounding, about 1,500 strong.
• People are looking forward to the Old South at the Oscars series, upcoming, to coincide with the Academy Award season.
• The Church’s portfolio was recently evaluated by the Trustees to determine whether we were sufficiently invested in socially responsible funds – and we are.
• This year’s City Mission event is coming up this Saturday, honoring the memory of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. They are celebrating their 200th anniversary in May, and Old South was a founding partner.
• Operations Committee Chair Chris Bocchiaro requested input from the congregation early on so that potential issues regarding the physical operations may be dealt with before they become problems later on. Regardless, the facilities are in good shape.
• Consecration Sunday is January 29. In the meantime, members of the congregation will continue to speak throughout Epiphany as we contemplate the importance of Old South in our lives.

Associate Minister Anthony Livolsi observed that the quality and integrity of faithfulness that he has witnessed at Old South, especially in the last few weeks, has been extraordinarily uplifting. He finds that the small groups are a wonderful opportunity for people to get to know others they may not have had the chance to meet otherwise. He offered a “shout out” to Linh Aven for the overall success of the small groups.

Associate Minister John Edgerton confided that First Worship music is struggling as the church continues to hurt from our unexpected loss of Harry Huff. For a start, musicians and singers of all kind would be most welcome!

Senior Minister Nancy Taylor called attention to the successful, live streaming of the 8n pm Christmas Eve service which was seen in 20 states and five countries – our maiden voyage into this medium. She acknowledged prayers for several and lamented the passing of Dave Chandler for whom Rev. Edgerton provided exemplary pastoral services in his final days. Dave is missed by many. Rev. Taylor also recognized the breadth and talents of speakers from the congregation who comprise the twelve voices of Epiphany, all sharing the gifts they have received from Old South and the gifts they bring this season.

Council meets next on Valentine’s Day. Expressing gratitude for the spirit which flows through our work, Rev. Livolsi offered a closing prayer, and Deb Washington adjourned the meeting.

Robert Gabler, Clerk