IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH
COUNCIL MEETING
Minutes
July 13, 2009

Matt Cermak, Jean Folk, Carol Weigel, Bev Lass, Dan Landry, Kira Ayoub,  Melissa  Goschka,  Annette Ryan

Gregg Vicary, John Kingsley, Fred Koos

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Gathering

Matt Cermak called the meeting to order at 7:00 and opened with prayer.

Jeanie Boerger-Dixon asked to present her concerns at the beginning of the meeting and this was granted.  She presented the following concerns which she has:

1.         She feels that people feel they are not being heard at the congregational meetings.  At the last meeting she was bothered by negative comments made when items were questioned.

2.         She is concerned that we are putting too much emphasis on fund raising and       brought up that God wants our wills, not our money.

3.         She is concerned about the precedent started if we agree to sell crafts at the church as part of our church’s hospitality center for the Island Art Fair.

4.         She questioned the legality of having our kitchen used for a private business.  Dan Landry did assure us that all the legal issues have been checked and there are no problems with this.  She also was concerned that we are setting a precedent here and that some people feel they cannot get into the kitchen when they want to.

A discussion followed on how to listen and the need for all of us to learn this.  Jean Folk was asked to lead a lesson on listening at the beginning of the next congregational meeting, which is to be in November.

Jean Folk pointed out the positive responses she heard at the soup supper.

Dan Landry brought out his frustration at the constant rehashing of the kitchen issue.  Matt said that as church leaders, we have an obligation to listen regardless..

Preparing

Treasurer's Report:

May And June Treasurer’s Reports were reviewed

Matt  announced that we made $3500 for working at Common Ground plus $1200 in tips.  Everyone agreed that it was a positive experience and we hope we have other opportunities to do this.

Bev Lass questioned how the percentage for Benevolence money is computed.  Matt gave his explanation of how the formula worked and why it appeared to be 14 ½ % and then 13%.

Dan Landry made a motion that we accept the May and June Treasurer’s Reports.  Motion seconded by Carol Weigel and unanimously passed.,

Carol Weigel questioned the medical/pension part of the office manager’s salary and whether it was treated as a pension fund.  Matt said he would look into this.  He also said we are overdue to have an evaluation of the office manager like we do for Pastor.  It was suggested the Support Team handle this.  It was mentioned that the office manager is on the Support Team and probably should not be on that team.  The reason for her being on the team was discussed and this lead to the fact that the treasurer is unable to make the Monday meetings.  Matt suggested that we mover our meetings to Tuesdays.  No decision was made on this.

Team Reports:

Support Team:  No action required

Serving Team:  No June meeting; meeting next week

Dan Landry mentioned that they are looking for pictures of Pastor Rick for the   25^th anniversary celebration.

Gathering Team:  No minutes

Preparing Team:  No action required

Serving

Old Business:

We discussed allocating the funds earned at Common Ground.  Dan Landry suggested they be put into the major maintenance fund.  Kira Ayoub mentioned that our goal at the beginning of the year was to reduce our principal on the mortgage and felt the money should go into the Mortgage fund.  Also, giving part of the money to the youth for their trip to the Gathering was discussed, since the cost has gone up for their trip.  After much discussion, Dan moved that we put $3500 into the major maintenance fund.  Motion seconded by Jean Folk, passed unanimously. 

We decided we would table allocating the tip money to see how much the youth actually will need for their trip and giving all or part to them.

New Business:

Island Art Fair hospitality center previously discussed.  Jeanie Boerger-Dixon will coordinate this.

Matt presented a letter about a conference for members of the Earth Keeping Team. 

Melissa Goschka said she is meeting with the other churches on the Crop Walk, which is October 4.

Kira Ayoub announced that she has been chosen to represent the Northwest lower Michigan synod at the ELCA Assembly as a voting delegate.  The main issues they will be considering are:

• Allowing Methodists to commune with us

• Allowing homosexuals to be ordained.

Closing

Before doing the announcement sign up, Annette Ryan brought up her concerns that we have too many announcements made each Sunday and it takes away from the service.  Dan Landry made a motion that all announcements be made by a council member.  Motion seconded by Annette Ryan, unanimously passed.  We will have this put in the bulletin and also announced on Sunday.

Announcement Schedule:

July 19 - Matt Cermak

July 26 - Jean Folk

August 2 -  Gregg Vicary

August 9 - John Kingsley

Before adjourning Dan Landry asked that church email lists not be used for nonsense type mail.

Dan Landry moved the meeting be adjourned.

We closed with the Lord’s Prayer.

Respectfully submitted,

Copies of Resource Team minutes and reports, as referred to in the Council Minutes, can be obtained in the church office.

Questions related to council meetings can be directed to council by sending an email to: council@immanuel-gl.org.  Questions also can be directed to any member of council by contacting them directly using information published in the church directory.