September 2025
1993.
October 12, 1993. Session Minutes. The church has received numerous inquiries on public use of our facilities. After a quick review of fees, Paul Stephens proposed the following: $15 Social Hall (kitchen facilities) one time fee for non-wedding. $5 Basement weekly or on-going fee. Motion second and approved.
A request to perform a wedding for Ethel Bower and Albert Emrick in the sanctuary, November 27, 1993. Joe Haden moved to accept the request, approved.
A request was made to Session to have the Elders pray for healing for Ella Haden and to anoint her with oil. (James 5:14). W-3.5403. Joe Haden, Jeanne Han, Evelyn Pike, Paul Stephens, Rachel Vieira and Pastor Letts will attend.
Pastor Letts reported that a contract for the proposed pre-school still has not been received.
Janet Hayes is interested in the status of the piano she donated (loaned) to the church. Paul Stephens will look into it and report back.
November 9, 1993. Session Minutes. Receiving new members. Mark Wicks, 12 years old, shared his reasons for wanting to become a member of our church. Session requested he attend new member classes to learn more about the Presbyterian Church. Joe moved to accept Mark Wicks as a member by confession of faith and baptism on November 21, 1993. Motion carried. Mark requested Rev. Tom Letts conducts the Ceremony of Baptism. Session concurred.
The Clerk received two letters requesting membership to Countryside Church. Virginia C. Rominger as a transfer from Guinda Methodist Church in Guinda. Evelyn Pike moved to accept Virginia as a member. Motion second and carried. William D. Rominger has requested a reinstatement of active membership. Paul Stephens moved to accept William as an active member. Motion second and approved.
Pastor Letts has been asked by Sacramento Presbytery to serve on the Administrative Commission for the charting of the new Vacaville Presbyterian Church. The charting will be December 5, 1993.
Pre-School. Frank Fox is the new site supervisor. After the contract for $8000 per school year was reviewed, Betty moved to accept the contract for a Building Use Agreement between Yolo County Office of Education and Countryside Community Church on November 1, 1993, including recommendation of changes made by our Session, Presbytery and the advisory of Legal Counsel. It was seconded and approved.
Hayes piano. After reviewing past records, it is believed the piano was loaned to Hellen Keller Asher. Pastor Letts will confer with Janet Mast regarding this property. The idea of a church property inventory was introduced, no action was taken at this time.
A Room Rental form was reviewed for the use of all persons requesting the use of Countryside Community Church facility. Betty moved to accept the form as presented, second and approved. $5/hour for Christian Ed. building w/o kitchen facilities. $5/hour for the Basement. $10/hour for Christian Ed. building w/kitchen facilities. $100 flat for the Sanctuary. $50 flat for the Social Hall w/$50 refundable cleaning security deposit. Countryside members are excused from the Sanctuary fees, donations are gladly accepted.
December 7, 1993. Session Minutes. Pastor’s Report: A discussion with Mrs. Asher and one with Janet Hayes, it was agreed to allow Mrs. Asher to use the piano one more year. At that time Session has to decide whether or not to use the piano in the church or church property. If not the piano is to be returned to Janet. Session agreed.
Pastor Letts met with Alice Meserve for consultation on the lease for the pre-school. Her recommendations will be reflected in the lease. Meetings were held with the Esparto Fire Marshall, the State Licensing Board and Frank Fox, director of the pre-school.
Pastor Letts married Ethel Bower and Albert Emrick on November 27, 1993.
Pastor Letts participated in the commissioning and chartering of the new Covenant Community Church in Vacaville.
Pastor Letts proposed a 6 month contract, with a 30 day clause, to begin on January 1, 1994. This contract could be renegotiated at the end of the 6 months. Her current contract expires December 31, 1993.
Pre-School Update. The State requires that there be no religious emphasis in the room where the pre-school will be housed. Crosses, pictures, and other religious articles or displays will have to be covered or put away out of sight. Discussion followed. Tammy and Rachel will confer with the Sunday School pre-school teachers regarding this rule.
December 27, 1993. Session Minutes. The resignation of Joe Haden as Elder and intent to transfer membership, due to Ella’s poor health and move to Woodland. Evelyn moved to accept his resignation with deep regret. The work, love and support given to our church by the Hadens will be truly missed. He has been an Elder since 1986.
The pre-school is scheduled to begin on January 3, 1994, however, there still is not a contract to sign. It was decided that the pre-school would not be allowed to open until a contract was signed and all conditions in the contract were met in advance.
Pastor Letts contract expires on December 31st. She will continue to work in good faith until we can draw up a contract for her to sign at a later date. She is offering a 6 month contract at ⅔ time, at the Presbytery’s minimum salary. She would request 2 consecutive days off, longer office hours, and to have Rev. Tom Letts preach 1-2 times per month. Session requested an informal meeting with both Rev. Letts to discuss the Pastor’s hopes and plans for the future of CCC and hopes and dreams of their own futures and how it may reflect in a contract.
After much discussion and studying of figures, Session could only achieve a $37,800 budget. Working that budget would mean making many drastic changes to the employees, programs, and services that CCC would be able to offer in 1994. It would mean dropping to a ½ time Pastor. Session decided to write an emergency letter to the congregation and to make a personal appeal to save our church.
