IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH
COUNCIL MEETING
Minutes
September 13, 2004

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Gathering

Matt called the meeting to order @ 7:11 p.m.  Barb (Worship Committee) provided devotions.

Preparing

Review of Previous Council Minutes:

MOTION by Bill Paulins, SECONDED by Bob Carter:

TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE AUGUST 2, 2004 COUNCIL MINUTES AS WRITTEN.

UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.

Treasurer's Report:

In the absence of Fred, we reviewed the August Treasurer's reports.

MOTION by Mike Proper, SECONDED by Barb Paulins:

TO APPROVE THE AUGUST 2004 TREASURER'S REPORTS AS WRITTEN.

UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED.

Committee spending reports were distributed for discussion with management in the next week to set the 2005 budget for each committee.

Committee Reports:

Health Ministries: Written report, no Council action required.  We discussed the Spiritual Director position and potential activity in that area, which will be discussed at the next Council meeting.  They are moving forward with investigating sound system alternatives.  Our congregation will be involved in a National Depression Screening on October 7 for the entire community.

Management: Written report.  Dan checked w/FEMA regarding assistance for the flooding damage we experienced, but due to the low damage amount, we aren’t eligible.  Also, they have scheduled appointments with each committee for budgeting.  Council action needed to approve expenditure of the $1,000 insurance deductible (total cost of our claim was $10,256.15).

MOTION by Heath Buckley, SECONDED by Mike Proper:

TO ALLOCATE THE $1,000 INSURANCE DEDUCTIBLE PAYMENT FOR THE BASEMENT REPAIR.

UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED.

Outreach: No written report, no Council action required (no representative present).

Parish Education: No written report, no Council action required.  Rally Day was a great success.

Property: No written report, no Council action required.  Looking for suggestions to make the fall cleanup day (October 30) more successful.  Suggestions included a sign up sheet for specific tasks (remember youth groups & scouts).  They have had an individual review the 501 building for a possible mold exposure.  According to Bob, there is no mold, but we need to extend one downspout, add an additional humidifier and keep it going all the time, and be cautious of the wood chip build up outside.  The initial plan is to move them, and add dirt to build up the area, and we’ll be in good shape.  They will also address the mold in the church basement by bleaching the walls.

Stewardship: Written report, no Council action required.  The are planning commitment Sunday to coordinate with the Hanging of the Greens Sunday, to include a Pig Roast.  They may need to use the parsonage garage for the roaster (dependant upon weather).  They are considering a thermometer (visual) with a realistic goal, and set a goal for number for families committing (not amount pledged).

Youth:  No written report, no Council action required.  Confirmation/SNL started yesterday, with approximately 35 kids!    There are 4 groups, including an abundance of youth guides who want to help.  Pastor Rick has invited high school kids to come in next Sunday and plan the upcoming year.  They are very excited and want to stay involved.

Worship: Written report, Council action required.

MOTION by Mike Proper, SECONDED by Greg Osburn:

TO ACCEPT HANNA ESPIE AS A MEMBER OF THE WORSHIP COMMITTEE.

UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.

Memorial & Special Gifts: Written reports for July & August 2004. No Council action required.

Pastor Rick: Written report.  Additionally, he will begin a new member class in October.  Today he was appointed to the LMTP/SAM board (lay ministry).   

Serving

Correspondence:

McDonald's would like to use the Fellowship Hall for Crew Meetings on September 21.  They will sign a contract with us, and Denise will make certain that they have access to the building.

MOTION by Steve Colby, SECONDED by Dan Landry

TO ALLOW MCDONALD'S TO USE OUR FELLOWSHIP HALL ON SEPTEMBER 21 FOR CREW MEETINGS.

UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.

We also received a request from Denise Lund & Teresa Barcy to recognize a new small group known as the “Frozen Chosen.”  This group began as a Purpose Driven Life study group, and then continued on, meeting for regular Bible study, as well as their “purpose” (making casseroles once a month to freeze and then deliver in urgent time of need for congregational members).  The reason for recognition is to raise funds through bake sales, as well as raise awareness.  Outreach will be the oversight committee.

MOTION by Mike Proper, SECONDED by Bob Carter:

TO RECOGNIZE THE FROZEN CHOSEN AS A NEW SMALL GROUP MINISTRY, THROUGH THE OUTREACH COMMITTEE.

UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.

New Business:

Matt brought up the Council nominations for the 2005 year.  The Council is in the middle of a restructuring process, but we need to proceed for 2005 as if these changes have not yet been made.  We can consider leaving some positions open, and Matt will discuss with the recruiting/nominating committee that option.  We want to bring into the fold those individuals who are interested in serving.  Pastor Rick suggested using some of the new “bare wall” space, and we are also changing the “Council News” wall to an “Announcement” space, to make some of these vacancies (and other church news) more visible.  We also discussed a concern for the lack of a Treasurer replacement.  Matt further reminded us that we still need a Board of Governors for the Endowment Fund, so he will publicize that as well.

We did a brief goal review: we are attempting to gather individuals for the property evaluation committee.  The vision statement team will reconvene soon.  A small group coordinating team is in the works.  The Council restructuring is underway with a small group of Council members.  The Youth Ministry Task Force is preparing a report for Management Committee review.   The communications support team is currently inactive, and the Bridgebuilder review is ready for a final analysis.

Reference to church planning calendar for October and November 2004.  Parish Education has Council devotions and announcements at the 10:30 service on communion Sundays and communion assistants for October and Management has the same responsibilities in November.

The next regular Council Meeting is scheduled for October 4 at 7:00 p.m.

MOTION by Bob Carter, SECONDED by Bill Paulins

            TO ADJOURN THE MEETING.

UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.

We closed with the Lord’s Prayer at 8:15 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

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