IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH
COUNCIL MEETING
Minutes
March 3, 2003

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Gathering

Bob called the meeting to order @ 7:10, and Fred Koos opened with prayer.

Larry Kruth provided a presentation from the Mutual Ministry Support Committee.  He included details on the origination of the committee, why they believe it is necessary, the path taken to get to this point, and the responsibilities to be held by this committee (Section 12 of the Mutual Ministry Support Committee document, which was distributed by Larry).  This presentation will also be given between services and during the coffee hour over the next few weeks.

Discussion included the suggestion that we include an evaluation point after approximately 6 months to determine “is it working or isn’t it – does anything need to be changed?”  Also what happens when someone has a conflict with the Mutual Ministry Support Committee?  Where do they turn?  We hope they would come to the Council or the Pastor.

MOTION by Matt Cermak, SECONDED by Mike Pitchford:

TO ACCEPT THE PROPOSAL FROM THE MUTUAL MINISTRY SUPPORT COMMITTEE AND PRESENT IT TO THE CONGREGATION WITH THE ENDORSEMENT OF THE COUNCIL.  ADDITIONALLY, IT SHALL INCLUDE THE STIPULATION THAT NO MEMBER OF THE MUTUAL MINISTRY SUPPORT COMMITTEE SHALL BE A CURRENT COUNCIL MEMBER, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE CURRENT CONGREGATIONAL PRESIDENT.

UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED.

Further discussion ensued regarding the timing of the formal presentation for acceptance of this document.   It was decided that at the March 9 Congregational meeting this document will be presented, and members notified that there will be further discussion during the next two weeks between services, and during the coffee hour.  A vote will be held on May 4, 2003 to make the Bylaw change.

MOTION by Fred Koos, SECONDED By Orv Erickson:

TO PRESENT THE DOCUMENT FROM THE MUTUAL MINISTRY SUPPORT COMMITTEE AT THE MARCH 9, 2003 CONGREGATIONAL MEETING, AND TO HOLD A CONGREGATIONAL MEETING ON MAY 4, 2003 IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE SECOND SERVICE FOR THE PURPOSE OF ADOPTING THE MUTUAL MINISTRY SUPPORT COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION AND AMENDING THE BYLAWS.  ADDITIONALLY, WE WILL HOLD AN INFORMATIONAL MEETING ON APRIL 27, 2003 DURING THE COFFEE HOUR TO REVIEW THIS DOCUMENT.

UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.

Preparing

Mike Pitchford requested that Michelle Hay be approved as a chaperone for the Spring Hill retreat in March. 

MOTION by Fred Koos, SECONDED by Matt Cermak:

TO APPROVE MICHELLE HAY AS CHAPERONE FOR THE IMMANUEL YOUTH AT THE SPRING HILL RETREAT MARCH 14, 15 AND 16, 2003.  MICHELLE AND TERESA VICARY WILL BE WORKING WITH AND CHAPERONING 6 GIRLS WHO ARE ATTENDING THE RETREAT.  MICHELLE HAS NOT HAD IMMANUEL’S CYVA TRAINING; HOWEVER, SHE WORKED AS A COUNSELOR AT CHESTERFIELD CHRISTENS YOUTH CAMP.  MICHELLE IS CPR CERTIFIED AND IS A LICENSED LIFEGUARD.

UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.

Mike has been unable to obtain exact copies of training certifications; however, after speaking with Michelle’s references and Pastor, as well as Pastor Rick, he feels that she is capable of handling the duties required of her to watch over our youth and help lead them toward Christ at the Spring Hill weekend.  He submitted a recommendation that Michelle Hay be allowed to forgo our CYVA for the Spring Hill retreat.  She will sign our documentation pertaining to her qualifications.  Mike will schedule a meeting between the kids as well as Teresa and Michelle so that they get to know each other.

Review of January 25, 2003 Council Minutes:

MOTION by Matt Cermak, SECONDED by Bill Paulins:

TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 25, 2003 COUNCIL MINUTES AS WRITTEN.

UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED.

Fred Koos reviewed the January and February financial reports.  He noted that the AA donations, Christmas, 2002 Lent, and Health Ministries account funds were moved to the General Fund.  The month ended up $1,260.61 in the red.  February increased our deficit to $3,764.51, and it continues to grow.  We need to monitor.

MOTION by Matt Cermak, SECONDED by Donna Gibbons:

TO ACCEPT THE JANUARY AND FEBRUARY 2003 TREASURERS REPORTS AS PRESENTED.

UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.

Committee Reports:

Management Committee: Written report, no Council action required.  There was an $800 grant provided by AAL for landscaping the 501 Building, so the Property Committee will be involved with these expenditures.  Additionally, Management is concerned with deficit spending so early in the year (approximately $4,000 by February 28, 2003).  Finally, they responded to the request to change the use of the parsonage.  If it was used for anything other than residential, there are code issues, and our taxes would be affected.  It is their recommendation that no change in the use of this building occur.  Question: can Parish Education still use the building for a Sunday School retreat in May?  It was decided not to set a policy; however, occasional use may be permitted. 

Memorial and Special Gifts Committee: Written report, no Council action required.

Outreach:  Written report, no Council action required. 

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

Property: Written report, no Council action required.

Stewardship:  No written report, no Council action required.

Worship: Written report, no Council action required.

Youth: No written report, Council action already addressed via Mike Pitchford’s request for chaperone approval. 

Health Ministry: Written report.  Council action is to have us consider expanding the position of Parish Nurse to a half-time position. 

Pastor’s Report: Written reports for January and February, no Council action required.  He has 3 individuals in a new member class, and is looking forward to Lenten Services.

Brief review of the tree diagram and utilization of the storyboard:

Karen provided a synopsis of the tree diagram philosophy.  This is in preparation for the Sunday, March 9, 2003 Congregational Meeting.   A tree diagram will assist us in displaying a timeline and requirements involved in setting goals and getting things accomplished (use at least 3 levels).  We need to consider asking those individuals that come to us to bring things in this fashion.  For example, with the Communication Group, we need to establish time lines and order.  Additionally, we discussed having a “storyboard” that would include each of the 6 steps of the Bridgebuilding process, and what steps have been taken for each area.  Numbers are available, as this process began at the March 2002 Council Meeting.  Karen will volunteer to do this with Kelly White.

Serving

Correspondence:

We received a letter of resignation from Ernie Zakrajsek, suggesting that Heath Buckley replace him on the Council.

MOTION by Greg Osburn, SECONDED by John VanHousen:

TO ACCEPT THE LETTER OF RESIGNATION FROM ERNIE ZAKRAJSEK.

UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED.

MOTION by Fred Koos, SECONDED by Dan Landry:

TO APPOINT HEATH BUCKLEY AS REPLACEMENT FOR ERNIE ZAKRAJSEK FOR THE REMAINDER OF 2003.

UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.

We received a letter from Carmen Karkau requesting that we house her baby grand piano in the Church sanctuary until approximately mid-October.  Additionally, she also requested that we allow her to provide lessons here to five students from March 27 through May 1.  It has been our policy that the church not be used for any moneymaking endeavors.  Do we want to suspend that policy for this member?  We have to be cautious about waiving policies. 

MOTION by Barb Paulins, SECONDED by Orv Erickson:

TO ALLOW CARMEN KARKAU TO STORE HER BABY GRAND PIANO HERE UNTIL APPROXIMATELY MID-OCTOBER 2003, AND ALLOW HER TO TEACH 5 STUDENTS HERE ONCE A WEEK FROM MARCH 27, 2003 THROUGH MAY 1, 2003.  SHE WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PROVIDING THE INSURANCE COVERAGE.

UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.

Mary Gehlhaar and Kelly White expressed concern over the lack of information provided in the Manger or bulletins regarding the March 9, 2003 potluck dinner, the March 23 Reconciliation Service and the March 30 Healing Service.  They will be sending a letter out to members this week with information on these upcoming events.

Old Business: 

We need to approve the 2003 Synod Delegates.

MOTION by Fred Koos, SECONDED by Lyn Danes:

TO APPROVE MARY GEHLHAAR AND DAN LANDRY AS SYNOD DELEGATES.

UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.

New Business:

Need Council approval for the Luther League II sponsored trip to Van Andel Museum in Grand Rapids for the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit on April 14.

MOTION by Fred Koos, SECONDED by Bill Paulins:

TO APPROVE THE REQUEST FROM LUTHER LEAGUE II FOR THE PLANNING & IMPLEMENTATION OF THEIR APRIL 14, 2003 TOUR TO VAN ANDEL MUSEUM FOR THE DEAD SEE SCROLLS EXHIBIT.

UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.

Pastor Rick reviewed the Initial Vision Statement(s) distributed to Council members.  It will be discussed at a future Council meeting, and we have been asked to pray about it.  We will discuss content and clarity.

Reference to Church Council Planning Calendar for March and April.

We closed with a healing prayer.

MOTION by Bill Paulins, SECONDED by Dan Landry:

            TO ADJOURN THIS MEETING.

UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED.

The Meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m.

The next meeting is scheduled for April 7 at 7:00 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.