People's Church of Chicago

Trustees Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
5:40 PM – 7:00 PM CST

Attendance

Voting Members: Francesca, Larry, Grace, Elizabeth Non-voting Members: Jake Guests: Rev. Sloan T. Letman IV

Approval of Previous Minutes

• January minutes
  Motion: Jason
  Second: Elizabeth
  Vote: Passed

• February minutes
  Motion: Larry
  Second: Francesca
  Vote: Passed

• February 8 impromptu quorum meeting
  Motion: Jason
  Second: Larry
  Vote: Passed

Introduction of Rev. Sloan T. Letman IV

• In contact since November 2025
• Previously approved (three guest preaching dates) as a paid guest speaker
• Expressed commitment to open communication, love and care for the congregation, and excitement to serve
• Prefers to be addressed as Pastor Sloan
• Extensive background:
  • Seminary training
  • Called pastor at 2nd Congregational (2017)
  • Associate pastor in homeless ministry
  • Two years as member at Good Shepherd
• Congregations served have been small; services often required weekly setup

PBC Report

• Parking update (Larry):
  • Contacted Dr. Dan
  • Requested make, model, and license plate numbers for parking access
  • Awaiting response from Dr. Dan

Worship Committee

(No separate report – discussion integrated below)

Laptop Ministry

Motion: Grace moved to approve a $360 annual budget for Laptop Ministry supplies.
Second: Larry
Vote: Passed

• Coordinated effort underway to obtain a tax letter for Recyclery donations
• Continue monitoring Recyclery opportunities to support Jason’s work

Annual Budget Report & Discussion

• Laptop Ministry to be added as a line item
• Communications category consolidation considered too burdensome → no change
• Full-time pastor contract / salary line item to be included
• Jake to hand off financial oversight once pastor salary is budgeted
• Motion to transfer funds to pay lawyers (implied approval in context)

Membership Month

• Began March 1, 2026
• Grace delayed sending membership email → sent today

Jake’s Schedule

• Out of office this week and next → unavailable until March 17, 2026

Annual Meeting – April 12, 2026

• Trustee slate for Class of 2029 remains the same; one open trustee slot
• Agenda as attached (to be voted on today)
• Meeting to be held during church service (not after)

Motion: Grace moved to approve the agenda for the April 12, 2026 Annual Meeting.
Second: Francesca
Vote: Passed

Planned reports / presentations:

• Grace – Pastoral search update
• Jason – Laptop Ministry
• Larry – Elevate Care (with Joseph)
• Grace – Aldi Gift Card program

Lawyers Report

• Lawyers concurred with Jake’s position: Do not offer church sign-off for volunteer hours caring for relatives (SNAP-related concern)
• Ongoing conversation with Dr. Dan to allow lawyers access to the 5th floor for discussion

Open Studio Project (Northside Housing for Health and Wellness)

• Last year: $20,000 donation as part of One Northside men’s shelter / transitional housing
• Program running through April; considered a huge success for trauma recovery among formerly homeless participants
• Gallery show planned for summer
• Welcome to join sessions; studio space available for member artwork display

Motion: Grace moved to approve a $20,000 budget allocation for the Open Studio Project.
Second: Francesca
Vote: Unanimous – Passed

Called Pastoral Discussion – Rev. Sloan T. Letman IV

Comments from Trustees:

• Elizabeth: Down-to-earth; will fit right in; feels like “everyday people”
• Francesca: Excellent speaker; values open communication and continued learning
• Grace: Appreciates that he listens first before tailoring messages
• Larry: Brings high energy, go-getter attitude, levity, and realism to preaching
• Jason: Fuels enthusiasm; ready to get started and move things forward

Motion: Grace moved that we present Rev. Sloan T. Letman IV to the congregation as our senior pastor, to be compensated on the UCC regulated pay scale with full benefits.
Second: Francesca
Individual roll-call vote: Unanimous – Passed

Next steps (if congregation approves):

• Present Rev. Sloan on March 29, 2026 (two weeks’ notice required)
• Start date: April 1, 2026
• Organize interim pastor party and transition event for Pastor Carey (contract ends mid-to-late April)

Upcoming Meetings

• Annual Meeting: April 12, 2026 (during service)
• Special meeting: To vote on budget (date TBD)
• Next Trustees meeting: May 5, 2026 at 5:00 PM

Adjourned: 7:00 PM

Submitted by:

Jason Page
Trustee Secretary