IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH
COUNCIL MEETING
Minutes
January 9, 2006

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Gathering

John called the meeting to order @ 7:10 p.m.  John (representing Parish Education Committee) provided devotions.

Preparing

Election of Officers:

MOTION by Dan Landry, SECONDED by Elizabeth Ayoub:

TO NOMINATE MIKE PROPER AS COUNCIL PRESIDENT FOR 2006

MOTION by Barb Paulins, SECONDED by Dan Landry:

TO CLOSE NOMINATIONS FOR PRESIDENT AND ACCEPT MIKE PROPER AS COUNCIL PRESIDENT FOR 2006.

BOTH MOTIONS UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED.

MOTION by Gregg Vicary, SECONDED by John Van Hoesen

TO NOMINATE MARLAINE TEAHAN AS COUNCIL VICE PRESIDENT FOR 2006

MOTION by John Van Hoesen, SECONDED by Dan Landry:

TO CLOSE NOMINATIONS FOR VICE PRESIDENT AND ACCEPT MARLAINE TEAHAN AS COUNCIL VICE PRESIDENT FOR 2006.

BOTH MOTIONS UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED.

MOTION by John Van Hoesen, SECONDED by Gregg Vicary:

TO NOMINATE BARB PAULINS AS RECORDING SECRETARY FOR 2006.

MOTION by John Van Hoesen, SECONDED by Dan Landry:

TO CLOSE NOMINATIONS FOR SECRETARY AND ACCEPT BARB PAULINS AS COUNCIL SECRETARY FOR 2006.

BOTH MOTIONS UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED.

MOTION by Dan Landry, SECONDED by Barb Paulins:

TO NOMINATE JIM TEAHAN AS FINANCIAL RECORDING SECRETARY FOR 2006.

MOTION by Gregg Vicary, SECONDED by John Van Hoesen:

TO CLOSE NOMINATIONS FOR FINANCIAL RECORDING SECRETARY AND ACCEPT JIM TEAHAN AS FINANCIAL RECORDING SECRETARY FOR 2006.

BOTH MOTIONS UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED.

MOTION by John Van Hoesen, SECONDED by Elizabeth Ayoub:

TO NOMINATE NATHAN FLANDERS AS ACTING TREASURER FOR 2006.

MOTION by Barb Paulins, SECONDED by John Van Hoesen:

TO CLOSE NOMINATIONS AND ACCEPT NATHAN FLANDERS AS ACTING TREASURER FOR 2006.

BOTH MOTIONS UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED.

MOTION by Dan Landry, SECONDED by Elizabeth Ayoub:

TO ACCEPT DENISE PROPER, BEVERLY LASS AND GEORGE RYAN AS TELLERS FOR THE 2006 YEAR.

MOTION by Dan Landry, SECONDED by Elizabeth Ayoub:

TO CLOSE NOMINATIONS AND ACCEPT DENISE PROPER, BEVERLY LASS AND GEORGE RYAN AS TELLERS FOR THE 2006.

BOTH MOTIONS WERE UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED.

MOTION by John Van Hoesen, SECONDED by Gregg Vicary:

TO ACCEPT THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION: IMMANUEL LUTHERAN COUNCIL RESOLVES THAT MIKE PROPER AND BARB PAULINS ARE AUTHORIZED TO SIGN ANY AND ALL BUSINESS AGREEMENTS AND CONTRACTS FOR IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH.

UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED.

MOTION by John Van Hoesen, SECONDED by Barb Paulins:

TO ACCEPT THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION: IMMANUEL LUTHERAN COUNCIL RESOLVES THAT MIKE PROPER, MARLAINE TEAHAN AND PAT ANDERSON ARE AUTHORIZED TO SIGN CHECKS AND MANAGE ANY AND ALL FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS OF IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH.

UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED.

MOTION by John Van Hoesen, SECONDED by Gregg Vicary:

IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH COUNCIL RESOLVES TO REMOVE FRED KOOS, JOHN VAN HOESEN AND BARB PAULINS FROM THE SIGNATORY LIST, THE SAFE DEPOSIT BOX, AND THE CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT AT EATON FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK.

UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED.

MOTION by John Van Hoesen, SECONDED by Elizabeth Ayoub:

IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH COUNCIL RESOLVES TO ALLOW MIKE PROPER, MARLAINE TEAHAN AND PAT ANDERSON ACCESS TO THE SAFE DEPOSIT BOX AND AS LEGAL SIGNATORIES FOR ANY AND ALL CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT AT EATON FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK.

UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED.

Review of Previous Council Minutes:

Approval of the December 12, 2005 minutes:

MOTION by Dan Landry, SECONDED by John VanHoesen:

TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 12, 2005 COUNCIL MEETING, WITH THE CORRECTION TO THE SPELLING OF THE NAME KUNTZSCH ON PAGE 2, AND ALSO TO RECOGNIZE JIM TEAHAN’S CONTRIBUTION IN A PROFESSIONAL CAPACITY (PAGE 2, REVIEW OF ONGOING PROJECTS – “RAISING THE ROOF” PROJECT).

UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.

Treasurer's Report:

Nathan reviewed the December 2005 Treasurer's Report.  We reviewed some individual line items and advised where they best were classified (i.e. Food Baskets to Baskets of Hope).  We ended up $4,128.83 in the red.  However, the Christmas offerings have not yet been added here.  There was some discussion regarding the line items, and how we have been able to tolerate a deficit, as although some funds may have been contributed to a particular item, if the money is not spent, we still retain it.  Also, note that the line item currently known as Maintenance Park Sidewalk has been renamed to Major Maintenance Set Aside.  That change will be reflected on the January 2006 financial statement.  We were also advised of the various other congregations in the community that have been paying the utility bills for the parsonage.  Pastor Rick retains this list, and sends thank you notes to them monthly.

MOTION by Dan Landry, SECONDED by Barb Paulins        

TO ACCEPT THE DECEMBER 2005 TREASURER'S REPORT AS PRESENTED.

UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED.

MOTION by John Van Hoesen, SECONDED by Dan Landry:

TO DESIGNATE CHRISTMAS GIVINGS TO THE GENERAL FUND.

UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED.

Committee Reports:

Health Ministries: No written report, no Council action required.

Management:  Written report, no Council action required.

Outreach: No written report, no Council action required.

Parish Education: No written report, no Council action required.

Property: No written report, no Council action required. 

Stewardship: No written report, no Council action required.

Youth: No written report, no Council action required.  

Worship: No written report, no Council action required.

Memorial & Special Gifts: No written report, no Council action required.

Pastor Rick: Written report.  Pastor Rick explained to the new Council members how he breaks down his monthly reports while maintaining anonymity for those who are served.  Additionally, we discussed the new member process, and the potential for integrating the sponsors with the new members prior to the actual “joining” date.  He noted that we will be attending the Bishop’s Retreat for Ministers on January 29-31 (Sunday evening through Tuesday a.m.).

MOTION by John Van Hoesen, SECONDED 

TO ALLOW PASTOR RICK TO TAKE THE WEEKEND OF FEBRUARY 19 OFF.  IF AVAILABLE, PASTOR PAUL WILL SERVE THAT WEEKEND.  IF HE IS UNAVAILABLE, PASTOR RICK WILL BRING TO THE FEBRUARY COUNCIL MEETING FOR APPROVAL.

UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.

Serving

Correspondence/Action Requests:

Received a request from Jeanie Boerger-Dixon to use the fellowship hall and kitchen on February 23 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. for a spaghetti dinner for the Grand Ledge Boys Swim Team.  There are no conflicting events scheduled.

MOTION by Dan Landry, SECONDED by Marlaine Teahan:

TO ALLOW THE GRAND LEDGE BOYS SWIM TEAM TO USE THE FELLOWSHIP HALL ON FEBRUARY 23.

UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED.

Received a request from Life Line Screening to use the Fellowship Hall on March 17.  Denise Lund will be monitoring the contract.

MOTION by John Van Hoesen, SECONDED by Gregg Vicary:

TO ALLOW LIFE LINE SCREENING TO USE THE FELLOWSHIP HALL ON MARCH 17, 2006.

UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED.

Property Evaluation Taskforce:

John provided an update, indicating that Russ Riggs has agreed to oversee this project.  He has contacted the Drama Ministry to work on a script to present, in an effort to raise funds for this project.  As of December 31, 2005, $2,996 is currently allocated to this project.  He will be meeting with the Management Committee this week to review the contract.

“Mission Driven” Project Review/Planning:

This is the restructuring project.  At the end of 2005, a rough draft of the Bylaws was presented to the Management Committee for their review.  Due to the holidays, this has not been acted upon lately.  It will be reviewed at the Council Retreat at the end of January.

Council Retreat Planning:

Mike advised that on January 27, 2005 the retreat will begin promptly at 6:00 p.m.  Our main topic of discussion for that evening will be the Bridgebuilders program.  Pastor John Schleicher, who has been with us throughout this project, will lead us through.  It is our intent to end on Friday evening at approximately 9:00 p.m., then continue with fellowship. 

On Saturday morning, we will begin at approximately 8:15 a.m., and review Council roles, expectations and Covenant, as well as our Vision.  We will conclude our day at approximately noon, after discussing our goals, etc.

New Business:

Pastor Rick advised that Nathan Flanders will be resigning from the position of Council Treasurer, effective January 31, 2006.

Gregg Vicary advised the Council of a seminar that he attended, along with Carl Malkewitz, in November of 2005.  This seminar is entitled “Ventures – Partners in Stewardship Growth.”  The intent is to create a stewardship approach for the 2007 year (to be enacted at the end of 2006).  It is a preparing program with 4 workshops, and will require some regular attendance.  The cost is approximately $400 maximum, which would have to be committed to by the end of this month, and the 4-6 designees would need to be in place by March 2006.

MOTION by Gregg Vicary, SECONDED by Barb Paulins:

TO ENROLL IN THE “VENTURES – PARTNERSHIP IN STEWARDSHIP GROWTH” PROGRAM AS RECOMMENDED BY THE STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE, AT A MAXIMUM COST OF $400.  THE STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR SECURING THE FUNDS.

UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED.

There was a recommendation that as an organization we return to the practice of having committee chairs approve each invoice before they are paid.  This will be brought back to the Management Committee for review.

It was decided that we would separate Council devotions from announcements.  Mike will distribute a list at the next Council meeting, and it will name actual Council representatives to be responsible for opening devotions.

Reference to church planning calendar for January and February 2006.  The Parish Education Committee has announcements at the 10:30 service on communion Sundays and communion assistants for January, and the Worship Committee has the same responsibilities in February.  Also a reminder that Committee Annual Reports are due at the end of this month.

We were reminded that the Council retreat will be held on January 27 & 28 at 6:00 p.m. in Wacousta at the Girl Scout building.

Our next regular meeting is on February 13, 2006.

MOTION by Dan Landry, SECONDED by Elizabeth Ayoub:

            TO ADJOURN THE MEETING.

UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.

We closed with the Lord’s Prayer at 9:13 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Note: Copies of committee minutes and reports, as referred to in the Council Minutes, can be obtained in the church office.