Meeting Notes

Submitted by Webmaster on August 15, 2010 - 9:26pm

Subject: Notes from organization meeting Sunday 8/15/10

Nicole Jacobson commented that the email did not send this week. 
Tona Casella was asked to report about her meeting with Rev. Jill Iris in Boulder, Colo. Tona said that Jill took 18 months to move her congregation from pre-church to church status. Our progression is to start as a study group and move toward a church. Currently we are approved as a Study Group by Headquarters. We are not in a place to pay a full-time minister.
There are limitations to a Study Group: no tax-free status and not a teaching chapter. However, there are classes available online and at Rev. Jackie's church and those classes would be certificated.
Prior we were an extension of the Sun Valley church; currently all moneys go to Sun Valley. John Moreland, minister of SOM SV, has sent a note indicating that he would like closure with us financially by Sept 30, 2010.
We need an EIN, which costs $50. It is a tax ID# and Tona is willing to get it. We need a checking account and Tona is willing to get it set up.
We MUST have volunteers to act as "ADMINISTRATOR" from the structural standpoint; Tona feels we need to tend to basic needs such as money and a place to meet. Roya added that we need to stabilize and build.
The distinction was made that we are a Study Group and Jill Iris originated as a Pre-Church then moved to Church status.
The question was asked as to how long Roya's calling is in Seattle.  And would Roya like to be a full-time minister. Roya answered that she would love to be a full-time minister in the future. Tona went on to say "This is my community and I want to perpetuate my community..."
Tona feels she can do the Federal 5013c for tax free status and admits that it is a lot of work. Tona feels she can apply for the State equivalent also. In the meantime, some one has to pay federal income taxes.
Jill Iris recommended that we need to tithe, have a budget, and we need to stay in one place. Jill also recommended considering a meeting to get organized and consider forming a "council". Roya said we need an organizing council.
Tona suggested THE WAY OF COUNCIL as a model.
Tona let us know that Jill Iris extended a formal invitation to attend her Oct. 22, 2010 Installation and her ordination the third Friday of January. Roya is going to Denver on Sept. 12 and will try to meet with Jill during her trip.
Tona offered to do some administration work for the group. She agreed to start the process by getting the checking account in order. She said she can modify what she did for us as Outreach and feels called to do so. She also notes that she is in charge of youth church.
Roya pointed out that Ann Fredline and Dave Smith have been acting as our treasurers. She asked if Tona is able to setup the checking account, etc. that needs to be accomplished by Sept. 30. Tona said she will do it .
It was asked about the use of "POWERHOUSE" Study Group as a name for our group.  Nicole Jacobson said it is part of our new logo and how we are registered with Headquarters.
Roya brought up the finances and the $50 for the use of space at Spirit at Work for each week, an additional $20 for youth space and $150 every other week for the ministerial talks. It was agreed that we are willing to pay $70 per week for our space and that includes youth space and storage.
Tona will confirm and request copies of the certifications for those who attended and completed the last Foundations class; Roya will email John Moreland regarding copies of the aforementioned certificates.
Nicole Jacabson mentioned the need for a sign for outside the building. Ann has a contact for pricing out signs and a sandwich board.
It was noted that the email was going out too late in the week and requested that it be posted by Monday. Nicole can post by Tuesday, and Roya will get topics to her earlier.
Tona has agreed to speak about Spiritual Pratice and Nature for our next Sunday Study Group.

Respectfully submitted by Paula Tanzini    
Thank you for being a blessing in my life.