IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH
COUNCIL MEETING
Minutes
June 2, 2003

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Gathering

Wayne opened the meeting at 7:05 p.m., and Orv Erickson (Outreach Committee) provided devotions.

Preparing

Nancy Zakrajsek & Joy Powis asked for permission on behalf of the Grand Ledge Lions Club to set up a trailer during the Island Art Fair (August 2, 2003) to sell refreshments.  Proceeds will all go toward the purchase of eyeglasses, etc.

MOTION by Matt Cermak, SECONDED by Dan Landry:

TO ALLOW THE GRAND LEDGE LIONS CLUB TO USE THE CHURCH PARKING LOT ON AUGUST 2, 2003 DURING THE ISLAND ART FAIR TO SET UP A PORTABLE TRAILER TO SELL REFRESHMENTS AS A FUND RAISER FOR THE LIONS CLUB.

UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.

Discussion followed regarding the placement of the trailer (they will obtain a permit).  It was agreed that the trailer would have to be out of the flow of traffic due to the heavy volume on that date. 

Review of May 5, 2003 Council Minutes:

MOTION by Bill Paulins, SECONDED by Heath Buckley:

TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE MAY 5, 2003 COUNCIL MINUTES AS WRITTEN.

UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED.

Treasurer's Report:

Fred is on vacation, so Wayne reviewed the May 2003 financial statements.  At the end of May, we were approximately $3,000 in the black!  Additionally, the Synod thanked us for our support last year, in excess of the amount pledged. 

MOTION by Matt Cermak, SECONDED by Bill Paulins:

            TO APPROVE THE MAY 2003 TREASURER'S REPORT.

UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.

Committee Reports:

Worship Committee: Written report.  Bell program has enough sponsorship for first octave.  The “Lone Stranger” was a great success.  Profit was about $30.00.  No Council action required.

Youth Committee: Written report.  Preparing for National Gathering.  Total need is $4,600, and they already have $7,600!  The kids are stopping & doing a white water rafting excursion on one leg of the journey.  It was suggested that they get involved in a service project while there (Atlanta).  No Council action required.  The Immanuel Troop was recognized during Michigan Week celebrations (Community Spirit Award).

Health Ministry Committee: Written report (May).  No minutes from April (no meeting).  No Council action required.  Ruth Kastilahn has agreed to coordinate the Immanuel Transportation Team.

Management Committee: Written report.  Need new computer for church office.  Need $1,400 to replace the current computer system (already budgeted in office supplies). 

MOTION by Dan Landry, SECONDED by Matt Cermak

TO PURCHASE A NEW COMPUTER FOR THE CHURCH OFFICE, WHICH HAS ALREADY BEEN BUDGETED FOR 2003.

UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED

The Trust Document was discussed.  Marlaine Teahan answered some questions regarding the document; however, we are in need of another attorney (outside review).  Wayne suggested that Stewardship & Management complete a review with this attorney to work toward completing this document. We will aim for completion at the next Congregational Meeting, as it may involve a Bylaw change.

Memorial & Special Gifts: Written report from March.  No Council action required.

Outreach Committee: No written report.  No Council action required.  Church directory will be completed this fall, as printed in the bulletin. 

Parish Education: No written report, no Council action required.  Working on VBS, with no involvement/oversight on Day Camp.

Property Committee: No written report, no meeting.  No Council action required.  Bulletin boards will be installed soon.  Discussion on the problem with the front door not closing securely, and problems with it opening too hard.

Stewardship Committee: No written report, no meeting in May.  At June meeting they will discuss the electronic funds transfer program.  Discussed continuation of “Faith in Daily Life” portion of the service. 

Pastor Rick’s Report: Written report (calendar).  May was very busy; a difficult but rewarding month.   A lot of work with confirmation, then Synod Assembly.  He distributed statements from kids regarding confirmation, and asked members to read their words out loud.

Serving

Correspondence:  None

Old Business:

·        Biography on members who are no longer living.  Pastor Rick is looking for someone to take ownership of this project.  It will be a great exercise for those who are writing, as well as for those of us who will read it and organize it.  The catechism kids can also work on it for a project.

·        Update on Vision Task Force – while initially there was a significant sense of urgency to complete this task, it is also important that it is completed accurately.  The Task Force is reading a book called “The Power of Vision.”  It is helping them to focus on how to write a powerful statement.  They are meeting again this week. A follow-up book on how to implement this vision as well.

·        Update on Communication Task Force – waiting for the bulletin boards to be installed, and the blue Pew Cards will be updated soon.

·        Update on Youth Task Force – various conversations occurring.  After June 6 they will be meeting again.  Matt Cermak will be visiting Youth Committee meeting this month to generate ideas. Wayne supplied the congregational mission profile as well as the Youth & Family Ministry Task Force report.

·        Mutual Ministry Support Committee Member Nominations – Lynn Colby has agreed to serve as the Council-nominated member.  This requires a motion:

MOTION by Orv, SECONDED by Lyn Danes:

TO RECOMMEND THAT LYNN COLBY SERVE AS THE COUNCIL NOMINATED MEMBER OF THE MUTUAL MINISTRY SUPPORT COMMITTEE.

UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.

Pastor Rick will now present this motion to the staff, and he will advise us at the next Council Meeting.  The staff will be discussing John Weigel as their representative.  Pastor Rick will bring this back to the Council at the July meeting.

New Business:

·        Becky Frysinger has requested that we allow her to teach 3 students once a month over the summer (no more than 9 lessons) on Carmen’s baby grand piano (already approved by Carmen).  Historically, we have not allowed a for-profit business operation here; however, Carmen was allowed to use our building in the past. Discussion ensued.

MOTION by Matt Cermak, SECONDED by Britten Riggs:

TO ALLOW BECKY FRYSINGER TO CONDUCT 9 PIANO LESSONS ON THE BABY GRAND PIANO, WITH WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM CARMEN KARKAU, BETWEEN JUNE AND SEPTEMBER, 2003 AS AN EXCEPTION TO CURRENT CHURCH POLICY. THIS APPROVAL WILL BE SUBJECT TO RECEIPT OF A HOLD-HARMLESS AGREEMENT FROM BECKY, IN FAVOR OF IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH.  

4 APPROVED, 4 OPPOSED.

Deciding vote cast by President to approve.

MOTION CARRIED.

Reference to Church planning calendar for July & August, and notification that the Property Committee has Council Devotions, Communion Assistants, and announcements for July communion Sundays, and Youth Committee is responsible for same for August.

Dan Landry asked to be excused from July meeting.  Pastor will be gone from July 7 through 21 on vacation.  On July 13 Carl Ballard will fill the pulpit, and on July 20 Pastor John Boerger will be in the pulpit (both Thursdays will be filled by Carl).  Carl is currently writing up a proposal to submit to us for ministry in the congregation, and then he will be recognized as a lay missionary of the ELCA.  He has training and background, and this will help to include him in a leadership role in our congregation.

MOTION by Orv Erickson, SECONDED by Dan Landry:

TO APPROVE CARL BALLARD AND PASTOR JOHN BOERGER TO SERVE WHILE PASTOR RICK IS ON VACATION.

UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.

We closed with the Lord’s Prayer.

MOTION by Bill Paulins, SECONDED by Matt Cermak

            TO ADJOURN THIS MEETING.

UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED.

Meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

Next meeting is scheduled for July 7, 2003.

Respectfully submitted,

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