2001.
Wholesale energy prices surged dramatically due to a flawed 1990s deregulation scheme (AB 1890), regional droughts reducing hydroelectric power, and artificial market manipulation by companies like Enron. Statewide rolling blackouts forced schools, businesses, and traffic lights to shut down intermittently. Major utilities faced immense financial distress, leading PG&E to file for bankruptcy, while the state had to spend billions buying power directly on the open market. Governor Gray Davis and the state legislature enacted emergency measures, stabilization funds, and long-term energy contracts to restore grid reliability.
January 28, 2001. Minutes Congregational Meeting.
Rev. Keith L. Posehn, Moderator, opened the meeting with prayer. A quorum was present.
The purpose of the meeting was to present yearly committee reports, the annual financial report (with a note of Pastor’s compensation), and election of officers. Everyone present was given an annual report to review. Time was given for questions.
The contract renewal for Rev. Posehn was effective from March 1, 2001 - March 1, 2002, unless a new minister is chosen during this time period.
The yearly financial report. Income for 2000 - $49,208.70; Expenses for 2000 - $46,847.03; Projected budget for 2001 - $57,779.00. The Pastor's compensation was approved by Session.
The Pastor Nominating Committee presented a Vision Statement and a Mission Design approved by Session.
Vision Statement of Countryside Community Church.
We, the members of Countryside Community Church, are a community of people who accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. As such, we are the body who carries on his mission today. Therefore, we intend to provide a place for worship and fellowship; to provide for spiritual growth and enrichment; to be sensitive and responsive to the needs of our community.
Mission Design, Countryside Community Church.
Minister to the physical and spiritual needs of our community. (Nurture)
Worship and celebrate life in ways that are meaningful, fulfilling, and which glorify God. (Worship)
Conduct an education program for persons of all ages to increase their knowledge and understanding of the Christian faith as it relates to their lives. (Christian education).
Demonstrate our care for the local and global community through a comprehensive mission program. (Mission)
Say and do those things which will let others know that being a part of the Christian community is good news and that they are invited to join. (Outreach)
Maintain and use our church facilities to the best interest of God’s Kingdom in Esparto. (Buildings & Grounds)
Develop human and financial resources to carry on our mission. (Finance/Stewardship)
Develop leaders and an organization that will help us accomplish our mission.(Session)
Liz Schwall reported the negotiations on the pending preschool. There will be a 25 children limit. They will try to be open April 1st and will be non-profit and self-sustaining. The church will benefit by the repairs and maintenance to our facility, an additional income and filling a community need.
As there was no other business, the meeting was adjourned with prayer.
Ginger Rominger, Clerk
March 2, 2001. Session Minutes.
Moderator: Rev. Dr. Keith Posehn
Special Report: Pastor Keith met with the Pastor from Pioneer Presbyterian Church in Winters, Frank Anderson. Pastor Keith suggested that a letter of request be sent to the representative of the Committee of Ministry in order to have another meeting with the Winters Church. A motion was made to have the Clerk of Session send a letter of request to the Committee of Ministry requesting a meeting with the Pioneer Presbyterian Church to discuss sharing a minister. The motion was second and carried.
The meeting adjourned.
March 11, 2002. Special Session Meeting.
Moderator: Rev. Dr. Keith Posehn
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss numerous questions from the Child Care Center.:
I.e. signage, kitchen utensils and equipment, office equipment and supplies; furniture, ceiling repair, outside children’s play structure and heating and air.
After the discussion, Heidi Hopper was designated to report back to the Child Care Center.
The meeting adjourned.
April 12, 2001. Session Minutes.
Moderator: Rev. Dr. Keith Posehn
The meeting with Pioneer Presbyterian Church of Winters was postponed until April 27, 2001.
Child Care Center. There are some issues regarding the child care room on Sundays, office equipment and supplies, and keys. Heidi will contact the child care board to work out Sunday’s usage by the Sunday School. It was also noted that the office needs to be revamped. Prioritizing general improvements and improvement projects.
The meeting adjourned.
May 1, 2002. Special Session Minutes.
Moderator: Jim Durst
Guest: Rev. Jim Hardy, Committee on Ministry
The purpose of the meeting was to review information from Pioneer Presbyterian Church of Winters, regarding possible yoking of our churches.
Rev. Hardy reviewed “issues” of yoking with another church. Reviewed the statement received by the Winters church regarding the ordination of homosexuals. We had no statement regarding this matter. Session tried to compare Pioneer’s profile from 1999 with the recent profile our church completed. The 1999 form is different from the new one, so it was not possible to make an accurate comparison.
Rev. Hardy noted the May 2nd meeting in Winters would be run by the Committee on Ministry.
The meeting was closed with prayer.
May 10, 2001. Session Minutes.
Moderator: Rev. Dr. Keith Posehn
Guests: Rev. Tom Tripp and Hazel Angell, both represented the Committee on Ministry.
A quorum was present.
Rev. Keith opened with prayer and turned the meeting over to Rev. Tripp, and then excused himself.
The purpose of the visit from the COM was to explore with Session the life and work of the congregation and to strengthen relationships between pastors and Session and Presbytery.
It was a triennial visit and a sharing of joys and concerns.
Rev. Keith returned and the COM representatives left.
Buildings and Grounds. The bench from the back of the sanctuary is being recovered. To maintain its antique value, leather was selected. Donations covered the cost. A generous donation was received to purchase new lights in the social hall. Roy May will install the lights.
The meeting adjourned.
June 14, 2001.
Moderator: Rev. Dr. Keith Posehn
Fireside Room. The room was cleaned up to be used as a children’s room during church. A motion to replace the carpet for $1000.00. Motion was second and carried.
Buildings and Grounds: The downstairs locks have all been re-keyed. Paul Stephens will hold the master key in case of emergencies.
New Business:
Rev. Posehn gave notice of termination. By the end of August, Session will need to have alternate plans for a pastor. A discussion about the possibility of a “Trial Temporary Yoking” with the Winters church. A motion was made that a committee shall be formed for a new interim pastor search. Motion second and carried. The clerk would send a letter of response to Pioneer Presbyterian Church thanking them for their letter and will include our information form and request their information form so that the two forms could be compared.
A discussion was held regarding the old piano in the Fireside Room. A motion was made to dispose of the old piano. The motion was second and carried.
The meeting was adjourned with prayer. Ginger Rominger, Clerk
