IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH
COUNCIL MEETING
Minutes
September 8, 2003

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Gathering

Wayne opened the meeting at 7:05 p.m. and Bill provided devotions.

Ernie Zakrajsek, acting as an Immanuel member representing the Grand Ledge Lions and Lioness’ Club, requested the use of the parsonage garage for a garage sale this Saturday, September 13.

MOTION by Heath Buckley, SECONDED by Greg Osburn:

TO ALLOW THE GRAND LEDGE LIONS AND LIONESS CLUB TO USE THE PARSONAGE GARAGE ON SEPTEMBER 12 FOR PREPARATION AND SEPTEMBER 13 FOR A GARAGE SALE, WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT TRAFFIC WILL BE DIRECTED TO THE 501 BUILDING PARKING LOT.

UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED.

Preparing

Discussion ensued regarding the replacement of Bob Eichelberger as Council Vice President.

MOTION by Mike Pitchford, SECONDED by Dan Landry:

TO NOMINATE JOHN VAN HOESEN AS COUNCIL VICE PRESIDENT FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE CALENDAR YEAR.

UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED.

Review of August 4, 2003 Council Minutes:

MOTION by Fred Koos, SECONDED by Bill Paulins:

TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE AUGUST 4, 2003 COUNCIL MINUTES AS WRITTEN.   

UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED.

Treasurer's Report:

Fred reviewed the August Treasurer's Reports.  August ended up $2,820 in the black!

MOTION by Bill Paulins, SECONDED by Donna Gibbons:

TO ACCEPT THE AUGUST 2003 TREASURER'S REPORT.

UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED

Committee Reports:

Outreach Committee: Written report, no Council action required.  Pete & Kim Zipple have agreed to represent our congregation as CROP coordinators.  Pictorial Directory pictures have been completed with some “glitches” involving photographer no shows, and equipment failures.  We had 175 appointments scheduled, a very successful campaign.  September 14 will be the “activity” pictures, so it’s important that we get organized that day. 

Youth Committee: No written report, no Council action required.  Had kickoff last Saturday for the Youth Groups with swimming and a bonfire.  John Burg has resigned from this committee due to work conflicts.  Mike Pitchford has assumed the leadership role for this committee.

Health Ministry Committee: Written report, some Council action required.  Jean Folk is being trained by the Arthritis Foundation PACE (People with Arthritis Can Exercise) to teach a class from October 16 through November 20 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Thursday afternoons.  Any fees would be for materials only.

MOTION by Mike Pitchford, SECONDED by Dan Landry:

TO ALLOW JEAN FOLK TO PROVIDE EDUCATION THROUGH THE PACE PROGRAM UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE HEALTH MINISTRIES COMMITTEE IN THE CHURCH BASEMENT ON THURSDAY AFTERNOONS FROM 1:00 – 3:00 P.M., OCTOBER 16 THROUGH NOVEMBER 20.

UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED.

Also, it was noted that their proposed 2004 budget would include recommendations to include Karen as an employee at either 12 or 16 hours per week.

Management Committee: Written report, no Council action.  It was noted that budgets are due to Management Committee the first week in September. A third party attorney has reviewed the Trust Document, and the results will be reviewed at the management meeting tomorrow night.  Stewardship will be included in those discussions.

Memorial & Special Gifts: Written report, no Council action required.  It was noted that a Dell 2100MP Home Entertainment Projector has been purchased, for the primary use of education for the confirmation students, and will allow the use of Power Point presentations and other activities.   

Parish Education: No written report, no Council action.  Had a teacher’s retreat and preparation for Rally Day, so they’ve been busy.  There will be no Christmas Program this year.  Instead, each Sunday School class will be participating in a church service at least once a year.  Mike Pitchford will be reviewing a youth-led worship service with Pastor Rick and Sue Schnarr.

Property Committee: Written report, no Council action.  Will be providing dates for Spring and Fall cleanup dates.  They will be discussing some additional lighting at the 501 building.  We need to consider what to do with the parsonage – move/sell it, as it’s not being used. Wayne indicated that we are considering moving our insurance, and potential carriers are requiring a new roof.  There are some other maintenance issues to be considered as well.  Are there any tax benefits to selling it?  We are anticipating upcoming suggestions from Bridgebuilders Task Force and Youth Committee that may involve utilizing some of the space in the parsonage.  If that happens, it will have to be brought up to code.  We had a lot of discussion regarding the use of the space.  It appears that we are having some new adult classes and/or Bible studies that may be encroaching on Sunday School class locations. Wayne will discuss with Karen Eichelberger. 

Stewardship Committee: No written report, no Council action.  Will be working with Management Committee regarding the Trust Document.  They are also still discussing the EFT option for direct deposits.

Worship Committee: Written report, Council action needed to add Mary Matzke and Carol Espie as committee members.

MOTION BY Orv Erickson, SECONDED by Mike Pitchford:

TO ACCEPT MARY MATZKE AND CAROL ESPIE AS MEMBERS OF THE WORSHIP COMMITTEE.

UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.

Also, we are in the process of obtaining an acoustical analysis for the Sanctuary.  We are interested in pursuing a grand piano, and will bring more information in the upcoming months.  The bell campaign was successful, and we have ordered 3 octaves.  They should be here by the end of October or beginning of November.

Pastor Rick’s Report: Written report.  We reviewed his August calendar, and discussed the new members to join on October 12 and orientation on October 11, 2003.  He also discussed the need for parental involvement and potential need for funds for the catechism class. 

Serving

Correspondence:

Wayne passed around the coffee hour sign up sheet for the last quarter. 

Old Business: 

·        No current activity on the biography on members who are no longer living. 

·        Vision Statement: This will be completed on Wednesday, September 10, and then provided to the Council for approval, then disseminate to the congregation for their review.

New Business:

·        Discussion centered on replacing Bob Eichelberger for his Council position.  The nominating committee will present a candidate at the October meeting. 

Reference to Church planning calendar for October & November 2003.  It was noted that the Parish Education Committee has Council Devotions, Communion Assistants, and announcements for October communion Sundays.

We closed with the Lord’s prayer.

MOTION by Fred Koos, SECONDED by Dan Landry

            TO ADJOURN THIS MEETING.

UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED.

Meeting was adjourned at 8:35 p.m.

Next meeting is scheduled for October 6, 2003.

Respectfully submitted,

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