IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH
COUNCIL MEETING
Minutes
August 5, 2002

--------------------

Gathering
 

Wayne called the meeting to order @ 7:38, and opened with devotions.

 

Preparing
 

Review of July 1, 2002 Council Minutes:

MOTION by Matt Cermak, SECONDED by Fred Gehlhaar:

TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE JULY 1, 2002 COUNCIL MEETING.

UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED.

Review of June and July Treasurer's Reports:

Fred Koos reviewed the statements for June, noting the decrease in the deficit of approximately $1,500 during the month. 

MOTION by Fred Gehlhaar, SECONDED by Donna Gibbons:

TO ACCEPT THE JUNE TREASURER'S REPORT.

UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED.

Fred then reviewed the July statements.  He noted that June ended with a net change of only approximately $300 (increase in deficit).   He pointed out that a separate line item (“Future Ministerial Staff Fund”) was created for any funds previously paid to or on behalf of Pastor Cindy.  These funds will be used for potential upcoming expenses as discussed at our last meeting.  Some congregational comments were discussed, such as “we are so much in debt, yet we are nest-egging for the future.”  Per Fred, at any time the Council can direct the Management Committee to put these monies back into the general fund.

MOTION by Matt Cermak, SECONDED by Fred Gehlhaar:

            TO ACCEPT THE JULY TREASURER'S REPORT.

UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED.
 

Committee Reports:

Health Ministry: Written reports (June & July).  No Council action required.  Donna advised us that if the Bridgebuilders suggests any conflict management training, this committee would be willing to participate in this area.  Also, Karen is starting an internship in Spiritual Direction this September.  This is a 2-year program to develop her spiritual relationship with God, as well as to teach her to help others do the same.

Management: Written report.  No Council action required.  Highlights of their meeting included the continuing review of the deficit situation.  Also, Fred advised that proposed budgets are due to Management Committee by the September Council meeting.  Management Committee will then meet independently with a representative from each Committee on a to-be-determined Saturday in September to review.  Question: Has Management decided to review the current year budget and amend?  No.  We are aware that summer givings are typically down, and we are hoping to pick up in the fall.  Finally, it was noted that on August 13, the Mutual Ministry Support Task Force will be gathering again to continue work on their proposal.  They hope to complete this task by the next Congregational Meeting.

Memorial: No written report, no representation.

Outreach: Written report, no Council action required.  Bob advised that there were approximately 200-300 individuals who passed through our doors on Island Art Fair day.  It was a great opportunity to serve the community with cool air and cold water on such a warm day!

Parish Education: No written report, no Council action required.  Chris indicated that June and July written reports would be forthcoming.  VBS went very well.  Total enrollment was 136 children, up from 116 last year, with approximately 60 helpers.   Discussion included how to bring in some of the parents to our congregation from these kids.  Perhaps next year we can ask on the questionnaire “do you have a home church?”  The new rooms in the fellowship hall made a HUGE difference!  Additionally, this committee is still addressing a new curriculum for the fall of 2003; we are ready for a change and need to get people excited again.  Finally, they are brainstorming with Sunday School teachers for a retreat (similar to Council retreat), as well as regular meetings.

Property: Written report, no Council action required.  Fall cleanup day has been scheduled for November 2.  We discussed the re-sealing of the parking lot; 2 estimates received, both at $5,000.  Unfortunately, we have only $3,600 remaining in the budget.  Per Fred, if it isn’t done this year, we risk some of the parking lot “breaking up.”  This committee will attempt to get one or two more bids, as we don’t have the funds at this time.  Finally, the sidewalk paving is “on the back burner,” until we hear from the City.

Stewardship: Written reports for June and July, no Council action required.  Melissa advised that they reviewed a few suggestions for potential deficit reduction techniques (see July report).  She indicated that this committee felt that it is important to advise the congregation on the reasons for our deficit – there is some confusion regarding the placement of the funds now available from the vacant position.  We discussed the need for more announcements from the Council President and/or Management regarding our status; we need to communicate more!  The Council decided that as it appears that communication is a topic again, perhaps we should have extra copies of the Council Minutes and Treasurer's reports available on the credenza.  Barb will provide these copies.

Worship: No written report, (no July meeting), no Council action required.

Youth: No written report, (no July meeting), no Council action required.

Pastor Rick’s report: No written report (forthcoming).  Pastor Rick advised that he is working on updating the catechism model, to be geared more toward faith building (relationships with kids to keep kids) instead of information.  This is labor intensive, so he is trying to find 3 or 4 adults who will work every week with a group of about 5 or 6 youth.  He also advised that he is on vacation for the week beginning August 12, and former Bishop Holle will be here to lead us.  We are attempting to find leaders for the Thursday evening services of August 8 and 15. 
 

Serving
 

Correspondence – none.

Old Business – none.

New Business:

·        We need to schedule a date and time for a Special Congregational Meeting for Bridgebuilders report to be presented by Pastor John Schleicher.  It was difficult to schedule between services, as Sunday School teachers would be omitted.  Also, as this is Rally Day, in the event of inclement weather, those activities would be moved inside, removing the possibility of using the Fellowship Hall. 

MOTION by Fred Koos SECONDED by Matt Cermak:

TO SET SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 8 AT 7:00 P.M. AS THE DATE AND TIME FOR THE SPECIAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING FOR BRIDGEBUILDERS REPORT TO BE PRESENTED BY PASTOR JOHN SCHLEICHER.

UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED.

·        Set Saturday September 14 (time yet to be determined) as consultants meeting with strategic planning group.  A letter will be set to all individuals who attended initial learning event to attend/assist with the planning/implementation from the Bridgebuilders program.

·        See Den’s letter to council reference to conversation w/Pastor Cindy.  Fred Koos will be following up on health insurance issues and housing equity allowance with the Board of Pensions.  Also, it was mentioned that when personnel matters are discussed in the future, we would go to a “closed session” of the Council meeting.

Reference to Church Council Planning Calendar:  Specifically addressed was the issue of expiring terms, and whether or not you choose to be available for a second term (advise Wayne Christiansen).

We closed with the Lord’s Prayer at 9:10 p.m.

MOTION by Bob Eichelberger, SECONDED by Jane Goebel

TO ADJOURN THE August 5, 2002 COUNCIL MEETING

UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED.

Next meeting scheduled for September 9, 2002.

Respectfully submitted,

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