July 2026
1998.
In 1998, California was the World’s seventh largest economy with a total output of goods exceeding $1 trillion. It was by far the largest in the United States, accounting for over one-eighth of the U.S. output of goods and services. California had one of the most diversified economies in the nation, with workers in over 120 industries. Key areas included various services-related industries from computer design and software development to multimedia and film production and trade and manufacturing. Average earnings for industries ranged from below $20,000 in some personal services to over $80,000 in some high-tech and financial services. California’s economy could be divided into five major geographic regions. The largest region was the six-county area of Southern California, with over one-half of the jobs in the state. The San Francisco Bay area had about one-fourth of the state’s jobs, and the Central Valley had about one-sixth of California’s jobs.
January 25, 1998. Annual Congregational Meeting.
Moderator: Rev. Kathy McIntosh Smith. Clerk: Cindy Brock
Elder Chairman for Committees: Bill Rominger - Finance; Ellen Peckham - Nurture; Paul Stephens - Stewardship & Memorial; Sue Temple - Worship & Evangelism; Arlie Hurt - Buildings & Grounds.
Pastor Kathy requested her call be reduced to half time, approximately 25 hours per week and 2 month maternity leave. Gwen Hein moved to accept the 1998 budget which included Rev. Kathy’s request for half time and two months maternity leave. The motion was second and carried.
Paul Stephens nominated Kay Kolb, Roy May, Ellen Peckham and Larry Williams for the office of Elder for the Class of 2000. Mary Ann Schaupp second and the motion carried.
The meeting closed with prayer.
Cindy Brock, Clerk
February 1, 1998. Special Session Minutes.
Purpose: To receive and vote on three people desiring membership.
Pastor Kathy opened the special meeting with prayer following a potluck dinner. A discussion was held concerning the three attendees and their desire to become members of Countryside Community Church. A motion was made by Roy May and second by Bill Rominger to accept David Leon Hall, George Lokie and Carol Means. Motion carried. George Loki and David Hall will join by reaffirmation of faith and Carol Means by baptism and affirmation of faith.
The meeting was closed with prayer.
Susan Temple, Clerk
February 10, 1998. Session Minutes.
Moderator’s Report on Special services performed:
2/1/98 - Ordination of new members [Roy May, Kay Kolb, Larry Williams]
2/1/98 - Installation of Elder [Ellen Peckham]
2/1/98 - Communion
2/8/98 - Baptism [Carol Means]
Bill Rominger initiated a discussion concerning prepayment of the roof loan from Presbytery. Original loan in June 1993 of $9300. The balance of $738.63 is due in June. Roy May moved to have a special second offering in March for the sole purpose of raising the remaining balance to pay off the loan. Motion second and carried.
A Men’s Group at Countryside will kick off in March.
Much interest was expressed regarding Habitat for Humanity, a construction site located in Esparto.
Pastor Kathy shared three pieces of art work she would like displayed at Countryside. Further discussion led to the creation of an Arts Committee, to receive, review and suggest appropriate displays of art donated to Countryside. Marian Williams will be asked to chair the committee which will include Cindy Brock, Laurie Hayes, and Ginger Rominger.
Old Business. A Congregational Conversation was held on February 8th and facilitated by Keith Posehn. It was unclear from Pastor Kathy’s letter to the congregation that she did want to stay on at Countryside Community Church. A further discussion about another communication from Kathy to the congregation, timing it for the congregational vote to extend her call for one more year or to call her for a permanent pastor position.
Respectfully submitted, Susan Temple, Clerk
March 10, 1998. Session Minutes.
Financial Report: The Special Offering for the roof loan payment held on March 8th, exceeded the amount owed.
Old Business. Toddler’s Group. Pastor Kathy polled session members prior to the meeting regarding a Mother’s and Toddler’s Play Group using one of the classrooms for two hours twice a week. They will supply their own equipment and supplies. The consensus was enthusiastic.
Pre-School. A discussion regarding the state run preschool may not renew their lease next year.
Manse. A discussion about the repairs that need to be done at the manse with the possibility of renting it. Session members will inspect the property for termite damage, window repairs, painting, etc,. after church on Sunday.
Anniversary. Sue shared plans for an anniversary tea to be held on Sunday March 22 in the church basement in honor of the Church’s 75th Anniversary.
New Business. Congregational Meeting. It was decided that Session will call a Congregational Meeting on Sunday, May 3rd, for the purpose of a vote to call Rev. Kathy McIntosh Smith as our permanent pastor. A motion was made, second and approved. Larry Huggett will be asked to moderate the meeting. Larry Huggett will also be our Pulpit Supply while Kathy is on Maternity leave.
Meeting closed with prayer.
April 14, 1998. Session Minutes.
Rev. Larry Huggett Moderator.
Clerk’s Report. Sue reported that a letter of intent concerning the call of Rev. Kathy McIntosh Smith as permanent half-time pastor was sent to the Committee of Ministry. Official forms for the Pastoral Call will be completed and signed by the Session members on May 17th, immediately after the Congregational meeting.
Buildings and Grounds. Larry Williams thanked various members and the community for their work. Paul will talk to a contractor for minor repairs to the manse. Larry will get an estimate for termite work. George will repair the manse window. Repairs need to be done on the west side of the basement, moisture seeps under it and into the basement. Larry will talk to Lawson Rental Company concerning management of the renting of the manse. Kay will talk to a Trustee of the Esparto School District regarding the church’s desire to have our education building utilized by future toddlers and pre-school groups.
Old Business. Anniversary Celebrations. A tea in the basement, Sunday School memories during children’s time at worship, and a Time Capsule buried by the Sunday School Class.
Additional celebrations planned during the summer.
Respectfully submitted, Susan Temple
May 12, 1998. Session Minutes.
Rev. Larry Huggett, Moderator. Guest: Debbie Kaake
Debbie Kaake, Collaborative Coordinator for the Capay Valley, briefly met to discuss her work in the Capay Valley and to request office space. She had no money for rent but would be willing to share office space with the Pre-School director, Frank Fox. She was affiliated with RISE as they were the fiscal agent and future grants could include money for office rental.
Clerk’s Report.
Sue reported that a request was made by the Bishop of the Anglican Church to use the Sanctuary and Social Hall at Countryside on June 6, 1998, for the ordination of Bob Pratt. Bob had recently been married at Countryside. A motion was made and second to provide our building spaces for the ordination, at no charge, as a courtesy from one church to another. Motion carried.
Discussion was held regarding a baby shower for Kathy. Kathy did not want a shower but would rather a workday to fix up the nursery for when she brings the baby to work. There is a need for a nursery for other babies in the church family. A work day was decided and would be followed by a celebratory potluck in honor of baby Benjamin’s arrival. The Women’s Auxiliary will provide funds for two cribs and a playpen for the nursery. There will also be a moneytree.
A discussion concerning the need for a new refrigerator and portable dishwasher in the Social Hall. Liz donated a refrigerator and Sue donated a portable dishwasher. Session approved both items.
Financial Report. Bill received a letter and loan papers stamped “paid in full on April 15, 1998” from the Presbytery. Bill requested approval to move Countryside’s banking from Bank of the West to First Northern Bank for better services. Motion was made, second and approved.
Buildings and Grounds. Larry reported the window in the Manse was repaired and all is ready for painting, Larry was able to bargain with Orkin to reduce the termite work at the Manse by $200. He will monitor the work. He is getting information about repair work for the basement floor in the Sanctuary.
A discussion was held concerning “adultless” children in church and their disruptive behavior. The church wants to encourage their participation in church, but it is important they be taught appropriate behavior. It was suggested that a talk during Sunday School time reminding them how they are to stay seated and not to be talking through the service. It was also suggested adult volunteers sit with them during the service.
May 17, 1998. Congregation Meeting.
Moderator: Rev. Larry Huggett. Clerk: Susan Temple
Elders Present: Cindy Brock, Kay Kolb, Ellen Peckham, Bill Rominger, Paul Stephens, Liz Schwall, Susan Temple, and Larry Williams.
Elder Excused: Roy May
Congregation Members Present: 40
Pastor Larry opened the meeting with prayer. A motion was made by Mary Ann Schaupp and second by Shirley Aune to call Katherine McIntosh Smith as half time permanent installed pastor of Countryside Community Church. Voting was done by ballot. Votes were counted by elders Liz Schwall and Larry Williams. The motion passed.
The meeting was adjourned with prayer.
Respectfully submitted by Susan Temple, Clerk.
