February 2025 Open Session Meeting Notes
Date: Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Faith Classroom
Attendees: Pastor Doug Sasser, Beth Fite (Chair/Lay Leader), Gene Jones, Kennis Sigmon, Larry Larue, Jimmy Porter, Mike LaRock, Audrey O’Donald (Associate Lay Leader), Carol Loyer, Sarah Wright, Jessica Grau, Liz McAuley, and Debra Hockey (secretary)
Welcome and Opening Remarks: The meeting began with Beth thanking all in attendance and Breakthrough Prayer.
Spiritual Formation, Carol: Assurance of salvation and covenant of peace never departing from His people.
Leadership Equipping: Methodist polity review/handout. Board’s role is to discern mission and vision in our context, and to steward people, property and finances in alignment with the wider conference and denomination.
New Business: Non-essential ministry purchases of over $100 need pre-approval by emailing treasurer for review/approval.
Preschool: Registration for coming school year to launch this month. Tuition increase of 3%, which keeps Haygood’s monthly costs lower than competitors. Teachers have 10 hours of VDOE training this Spring. Pastor Doug had a special chapel time on Ash Wednesday. In March, we’re looking forward to VWU dental students visiting to focus on hygiene.
Financials: Adjustments made in December report to account for the transfer of stock gifts at the end of the year.
Vital Signs: 2 new folks have expressed interest in membership.
Facilities: Mortar and brick foundation issue estimate to fix is $2885. Chapel windows work is $10,146. Both approved to move forward with funds budgeted and designated for this. Sign work is pending further research by Gene. Facility utilization for both weddings and NA were discussed. Gene gathering additional info on needs and timing. Venue prices for weddings will be reviewed and adjusted in accordance with other local venues (PD, Gene and Larry). In the event of weekend bad weather in the future, we will pursue a Saturday service as long as we have a method to clearly communicate it in time.
Budget: Narrative budget prepared for review. Changes were discussed. Final version will be sent to the congregation late this month.
Closing Prayer: Beth
Next Meeting: 2/24 at 6:30
