IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH
COUNCIL MEETING
Minutes
June 3, 2002

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Gathering:

Den opened with devotions.

Guest interaction:

Rich Heuermann suggested that members of the committee drafting the language for the Mutual Ministry Support Committee (MMSC) personally meet with the individuals who expressed opinions during the Congregational Meeting on June 2.  He volunteered to assist in accomplishing this task.

Mary Gehlhaar suggested, in an effort to reduce the length of future congregational meetings, that a parliamentarian be appointed, as well as a timekeeper, so that we can complete meetings in a reasonable time.  Additionally, she supported the idea of a MMSC, as she has encountered times when it would have been beneficial to have that system in place.  “Sometimes it just can’t be resolved without another party.”

She also was concerned that the congregation was asked to “vote in” Pastor Cindy, and support her, but not advised when there were problems.   As a member, she doesn’t feel informed.  And speaking for the women’s group, they love Pastor Cindy, support her, and want her to stay.

Rich disputed this point, and discussed the lack of focus on the youth. 

Discussion followed regarding the title for this position (Associate Minister, not Youth Pastor).  We were reminded that the letter of call was 75% youth ministry.  Perhaps the congregation didn’t understand well what this position was about.

Pastor Rick: We have a divided congregation, with different opinions about what kind of ministry we need to get done (youth director & associate pastor), and we’re hearing it tonight.  When we hired Pastor Cindy we tried to hire a person to do both of those jobs, and I don’t know many people that could do what we asked.  We have to move on from this point, and learn from the past.    That’s what we’re asking Bridgebuilders to do.

Sherry Wellman: I feel that Bridgebuilders is our next step.  As some history, early on a decision was made to go for an “associate pastor” if we could afford it, rather than for someone who was not ordained.  The Task Force on Youth & Family ministry agreed.

Pastor Cindy then provided an overview of where she is in the call process.  It does not appear that she will have a new position within the next two months.  Additionally, her husband is also seeking employment.  She requested that they be allowed to remain in the parsonage for the next two months, in order to eliminate moving twice (now and when they obtain new positions).  It is difficult to find month-to-month leases for such a short time period.  They will be responsible for the payment of all utilities.  If nothing by the end of August, they will move.

MOTION by Fred Gehlhaar, SECONDED by Ernie Zakrajsek:

GRANT TO PASTOR CINDY OLSON OCCUPANCY FOR THE MONTHS OF JULY & AUGUST IN THE PARSONAGE WHILE SHE SEEKS OTHER EMPLOYMENT.  IF SHE WISHES TO PAY UTILITIES THAT WOULD BE APPRECIATED.  IF, HOWEVER, WE NEED THE PARSONAGE FOR ANOTHER PERSON, WE’LL HAVE TO RENEGOTIATE. 

Discussion followed regarding tax status of the property and precedence.  It was agreed that Pastor Cindy and Scott would pay all utilities for the parsonage while they were living there.  Fred Koos would pay utility companies and would then bill Pastor Cindy & Scott, who would remit payment back to Immanuel.

MOTION CARRIED (MAJORITY IN FAVOR, 2 OPPOSED).

Preparing:

Review of Council Minutes:

MOTION by Fred Koos, SECONDED by Fred Gehlhaar:

            APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE MAY 6, 2002 COUNCIL MEETING.

UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED.

Treasurer's Report:

Fred Koos reviewed the May 2002 Treasurer's Reports.  At the end of the month, our deficit was $9,902.75.  Even though giving is up, we’re spending more than what we are receiving.  He raised concern with the amount of funds outgoing for camps, and much discussion followed regarding the accounting procedures in place.  Additionally, Fred advised that he will be meeting w/Management Committee to develop a payment approval system.

The Stewardship Committee is drafting a letter to go to the congregation next week.  It will include details on the deficit trending/history.  Council members were asked to discuss this situation with their committees.  Although we may have budgeted spending, if we don’t have it, we can’t spend it.

MOTION by Matt Cermak, SECONDED by Wayne Christiansen

APPROVE THE MAY 2002 TREASURER'S REPORT.

UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED.

Discussion followed regarding potential fund raising activities, which included a drama, talent show, announcements, etc.

Bridgebuilders:

The Ballot voting results were 54 yes, 5 no, and 2 unmarked ballots.

Sherry Wellman (General Oversight Coordinator of this project) requested that the Council name the 10 leaders to be interviewed.  These individuals were selected: Den Graeber, Wayne Christiansen, Bob Kenworthy, Holly Plunkett, Chris Frysinger, Denise Kelly, Larry Kruth, Donna Gibbons, Mike Pitchford, and Jim Teahan.  ALTERNATES:  Fred Roush, Melissa Goschka, and Fred Koos.

The 10 lay people selected: Lauren Martinich, Justin Dixon, Stephanie Ayoub, Jim Teahan, Russ Riggs, Kelly White, Steve Colby, Sherry Burg, Kathy Weber, Marge Galvin and Gary Lass.  

Historians: Karl Berner, Bev Becker, Carl Galvin, Fred Gehlhaar.

It was noted that the first event is here on June 22, and we are hoping for 60%-70% participation from the entire congregation!  This is an opportunity for anybody who wants to attend and provide open comments or confidential information with the consultants.  This will be a 4-hour event.  The interviews that Sherry discussed are the second step.  In addition to the 15-minute, one-on-one interviews with 10 leaders, 10 lay members and historians, they will also be conducting 15-minute, one-on-one interviews with all staff. 

Committee Reports:

Health Ministries: Written report, “Relay for Life” went well. Immanuel raised $1,300 – great for first year.  Grand Ledge raised $120,000+.  No Council action.

Management: Written report.  No Council action.  Direct deposit procedure in final stages. 

Memorial: No Council action.

Outreach: Written report. No Council action.  Note Lugnuts outing on June 22. 

Parish Education: Written reports.  No Council action.  They are in the process of reviewing curriculums.  Thanks to Carol & John Weigel for purchasing the tables & chairs from Head Start (7 tables & 48 chairs for $200).

Property: Written report.  No Council action.  Installed 2 new steps, fixing water fountain. Waiting for City of Grand Ledge notification on sidewalks.

Stewardship: No written report (meeting last Thursday – minutes coming).  Working on letter to congregation regarding the deficit and endowment fund wording.  Once rough draft completed, they will meet with Management and then Council.  Also considering a new offering envelope that can be mailed.  No Council action required.

Worship: Written report.  No Council action.  Any remarks from committees regarding noise level/announcements?  Outreach liked the idea of a board for announcements in the Narthex, with a representative standing in the Narthex before/after church to draw attention to the announcements.  Also, we now have a portable stage that was donated at no cost to us.  No Council action – please discuss announcement/noise level issue with your committees.

Youth: Changing the date of the next outing to the end of July. 

MOTION by Fred Koos, SECONDED by Melissa Goschka:

APPROVE JOHN BURG AS A MEMBER OF THE YOUTH COMMITTEE.

UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.

Pastor Rick asked that all kids are invited (8^th grade going into 9^th), not just the catechism class.

Pastor’s Report: Synod assembly was excellent, the best in terms of inspiration and practicality.  Matt Cermak, Kelly White and Pastor Rick will provide a presentation on Father's Day Sunday from this assembly.  He also discussed eight “Faith Factors,” and would like to address with the Youth Committee.  We’re losing kids & they are not coming back, even after married & have kids.  Additionally, note that he is on Jury Duty for the month of June.

Serving:

Correspondence:  Fred Koos provided numbers on benevolence for last year. 

Old Business: None

New Business:

·        Results of June 2, 2002 Congregational Meeting:  Den discussed the Congregational Meeting of June 2, 2002.  The end result was a motion to go back and review the wording.  It was decided that the task force would try to discuss this individually with those members expressing concerns regarding the wording of this document.  The idea is to listen and obtain input for the document.  It appears that the concept is acceptable, but there are issues with the verbiage.  It is important that we have as much support as possible on this issue.  Discussion followed.

 MOTION by Wayne Christiansen, SECONDED BY FRED KOOS:

DESTROY THE BALLOTS OF THE JUNE 2, 2002 CONGREGATIONAL MEETING.

UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED.

·        Pastor Schleicher will be here on June 26 at 7:30 p.m. for a Special Meeting/Exit Interview for Pastor Cindy.  Den will ask if this is open to the general congregation, or the call committee.

·        Ernie advised that the mailbox would be removed from the front of the church. 

The Church Council Planning Calendar was reviewed, and the next regular meeting was scheduled for July 1, 2002 at 7:30 p.m. (reminder that June 26 is the Special Meeting/exit interview for Pastor Cindy).

MOTION by Fred Koos, SECONDED by Matt Cermak:

            Adjourn this meeting

UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:48, and we closed with the Lord’s Prayer.

Respectfully submitted,

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