Thank you to all those who attended the Town Hall Meeting.
Summary of Town Hall Meeting
March 3, 2024 @ 5:00 PM
The Well
After opening the meeting with prayer, Howard Braith, Elder Chairman, asked Bob
Reed, Financial Chairman, to give a brief report on Calvary’s financial situation. Bob
reported that as of the end of January, Calvary’s income and expenses are at anticipated
levels.
Pastor Robert, then, reported on attendance, live-stream, and total streaming
viewership. Attendance is still significantly higher than 2 years ago and previous,
though 2023-2024 is a little lower than 2022-2023. He also reports that live-stream
viewership is consistent with last year today, while the total streaming viewership is
significantly up in the last 2 years to date, compared to previous years.
Pastor Robert also reported that the Elders making updates to Calvary’s current by-
laws, utilizing legal advice in the process. While most of the revisions pertain to out-of-date items, such as reflecting the current fiscal year used by Calvary, there are 2
items of greater significance. First, they are working on language that would best
reflect Calvary’s stance concerning marriage. Secondly, they are working on
language to outline “church discipline.” The current by-laws mention church
discipline but do not outline the process. Once proposed updates are ready, which
will include legal review, the Elders will bring them to the church for review and
acceptance. Based on whatever change is made, there may be a need to update the
church membership covenant and have congregants re-sign.
Kurt Stepka expressed that the Elders are in the process of vetting/training Elder
candidates. It was explained that several men have been approached but declined to
role or process. The overall intention is the vet and train potential candidates well in
advance, but this is dependent on men’s willingness and timing of expressing such
willingness. The current group of potential candidates consists of 4 men, who will be
made known to Calvary for wider vetting in July.
Pastor Robert reported on several outreach efforts/ plans. These included bagel
gifts to the schools in which Calvary meets and a desire to expand this to police and
fire/ emergency personnel. It included an update on the 2024 Block Party,
scheduled for July 18, as well as the wider use of advertisements (electronic and mail).
Finally, Pastor Robert reported the plan to advertise Energize at the Block Party, a
one-day Energize in Montgomery to the migrant community, and a 3 week long open
Bible Study in Montgomery.
Pastor Robert, then, reported on efforts to clean up Calvary’s records in the
database.
Howard Braith pointed out that Tabitha is doing more than the agreement,
especially in light of Calvary not having a pianist, presently. This requires many
more hours from Tabitha since the piano is not her instrument. Additionally, it takes
her focus off the overarching lead of the worship team. The Elders recognize this,
are sensitive to it, and are looking for ways to provide Tabitha with a temporary
break and a means to solve the dilemma.
Kurt Stepka reported the building team’s progress, displaying the most recent
rendering. He explained that this is a long process and the next step would be a
capital campaign.
Howard Braith reported that 2 outside sources gifted Calvary money, a $20,000 gift
as well as a $10,000 gift. One is designated to the building project, while the other
could be allocated a number of ways, though it is, also, in the building fund,
presently.
At this point, Howard Braith opened the meeting up to the 48 people in attendance
for questions. After a short period of time, Howard closed the Town Hall Meeting in
prayer and the meeting adjourned.