Heard it at Council: October 2024

By Kate Silfen, Church Historian | October 2024 Council Meeting Report

Council discussed several exciting new initiatives for the Old South Community. The Reverend John Edgerton provided an update on our strategic planning. He is looking forward to engaging the congregation in this visioning process. In the coming months, there will be information and discussion sessions after worship so members can become involved in shaping Old South’s future direction. A vital component of the strategic plan is building relationships within our community, and toward that end, there will soon be additional opportunities for our members to join small groups. Groups will be held in-person and virtually to accommodate as many people as possible.

The Leadership Committee presented a slate of nominees to serve on Old South’s new Organizational Task Force, created by a vote of the Church Council on September 10, 2024. The Task Force is charged with envisioning a new structure for governing our community. Council unanimously approved the appointments of Phillp Dearing, Todd Krohne, Rebecca Bowen, and Toby Bottorf.

We heard important updates from the Chairs of the Christians in Formation and Christian Service & Outreach Committees. Tim Longman reported that the recent all-church retreat to Craigville was well-attended, but the committee is considering alternative venues for future retreats. The Craigville retreat center is no longer affiliated with the UCC. The physical grounds are in a state of disrepair, and the quality of the food is poor. Tim invited council members to suggest alternative locations. Phil Dearing reported that the Christian Service & Outreach moved that Council vote to authorize the committee to pledge two thousand dollars plus money collected from the offering plate on September 29th to support hurricane relief efforts in North Carolina. The motion was unanimously carried. The Reverend Ashley Popperson closed our October meeting with a word of prayer and gratitude for a rewarding meeting.

Respectfully submitted,

Kate Silfen