IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH
COUNCIL MEETING
Minutes
October 6, 2003

Sue Schnarr

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Gathering

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

Preparing

Review of Previous Council Minutes:

MOTION by Dan Landry, SECONDED by Bill Paulins:

TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE SEPTEMBER 8, 2003 COUNCIL MINUTES AS WRITTEN.   

UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.

Treasurer's Report:

Fred reviewed the September Treasurer's Reports.  September ended up $3,530.61 in the black!

MOTION by Matt Cermak, SECONDED by Mike Pitchford:

TO ACCEPT THE SEPTEMBER 2003 TREASURERS REPORT.

UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED

Committee Reports:

Outreach Committee: Written report, no Council action required. 

Youth Committee: Written report, no Council action required.

Health Ministry Committee: No written report, no Council action required. 

Management Committee: No written report, no Council action required.  Worked on the budget.

Memorial & Special Gifts: No written report, no Council action required. 

Parish Education: Written report, no Council action required. 

Property Committee: Written report, no Council action required.  Question/reminder on the use of bulletin boards.  It was suggested that the images presented on the boards be mirrored on the web.  Barb will discuss w/Jim Teahan.  Fall cleanup day to be scheduled.

Stewardship Committee: No written report, no Council action required.  They will be meeting jointly with management on the Trust document. 

Worship Committee: Written report, no Council action required.

Pastor Rick’s Report: Written report.  We reviewed his September calendar, and discussed the new members to join on October 12 and orientation on October 11, 2003 @ 10:30 a.m. 

MOTION by Orv Erickson, SECONDED by Matt Cermak:

TO ACCEPT LEE AND SANDRA BAIR BY AFFIRMATION OF FAITH FROM 1^ST PRESBYTERIAN IN MARSHALL.

UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.

Upcoming services: October 19^th is Healing Service, October 26^th is 1^st communions.  On November 16^th, Rev. Miriam Bunge will be leading our services.

Serving

Correspondence:

Wayne read a letter from Ernie Zakrajsek thanking Council for the use of the parsonage garage on September 13.

Also, Heath requested the use of the church fellowship hall and kitchen on November 30^th for a family gathering.

MOTION by Matt Cermak, SECONDED by Mike Pitchford:

TO ALLOW THE BUCKLEY FAMILY TO USE THE CHURCH AND FELLOWSHIP HALL ON NOVEMBER 30, 2003.

UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.

Wayne read a letter from Becky Frysinger thanking the Council for allowing her to use Carmen’s piano over the summer.  She has one student left, and she would like to continue using the piano for no more than 8 weeks, one hour per week, as Carmen’s piano while it remains in the sanctuary.

MOTION by Mike Pitchford, SECONDED by Matt Cermak:

TO ALLOW BECKY FRYSINGER TO CONTINUE USING CARMEN’S PIANO IN OUR SANCTUARY FOR 8 MORE WEEKS BASED ON THE SCHEDULE PRESENTED.

UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.

Old Business:

·        No current activity on the biography on members who are no longer living; however, we want to keep this item in front of the Council.  We are continuing to pursue this topic. 

·        Vision Statement: This has been completed, and will be presented to Council next – they are currently working on completing the entire presentation.  The vision is:

TO BE A SPIRITUAL COMMUNITY THAT NURTURES A LIFE CHANGING, INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP IN OUR DAILY WALK WITH JESUS, AND INVITES PARTICIPATION THROUGH THE SHARING OF OUR GIFTS.

New Business:  None

2004 Budget:

Management committee has met with representatives from the various committees, and we need to clarify and approve the proposed budget tonight.

Property: A main goal was resurfacing the parking lot of the 501 building, including a concrete retaining wall between the parsonage and 501 building.  Property Committee will re-evaluate the condition of the parking lot in the spring.  The substructure is okay, but we’ll need a 2-3 inch cap.  Line item P15 will remain blank until the amount can be determined.  Otherwise their budget is as requested, with the exception of the kitchen line item, needed to replace towels, etc.

Parish Education: A redistribution between line items, otherwise as requested. 

Worship Committee: No changes.

Youth Committee: Changed some fees as no attendance to National Gathering.

Stewardship Committee: Lower than expected cost in envelopes – otherwise stayed the same.

Outreach Committee: We are dropping Lansing State Journal advertisement, but may expand Grand Ledge Independent advertising.  Otherwise the 2004 budget remains the same.

Health Ministry: Dropped budget as not all funds were used this year – some items won’t be covered under the screening.

Management: Looking at 3% increase for staff (salary and social security).  Some minor changes due to use/lack of use.  Organist fees were increased to $100 & $60.  Increase in insurance, as the market is changing.  The biggest change in this section is the increase in M18 – Parish Nurse to $10,400, and the addition of M19 – car allowance.  This reflects the position as a contract employee, similar to an organist.  It does not set a minimum/maximum amount of hours, nor does it reflect an hourly rate.  The contract states the same level of services that are being provided now, if not more, and whatever hours are necessary to complete the task.  A parish nurse job description is being modified, and will be available before the congregational meeting.  This is a growing area in our congregation, and a vital part of us.  Our Synod supports this as well.  Note that the Associate Pastor line item was dropped, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t still under consideration.  It’s not an “and/or” proposition.  We have to remember that there will be other recommendations coming from a Youth perspective for additional personnel.  Additionally, the Parish Nurse could be “on call” for covering the pastor, and/or other emergencies. 

MOTION by Matt Cermak, SECONDED by Orv Erickson:

TO ACCEPT THE PROPOSED BUDGET WTH THE NOTED CHANGES FOR PRESENTATION TO THE CONGREGATION FOR APPROVAL AT THE NOVEMBER 2, 2003 ANNUAL MEETING

UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.

It was noted that the presentation to the congregation should reflect the kind of growth that we want to pursue in 2004, and make note that we are NOT ignoring the Youth – we are waiting for more information.  Perhaps the Health Ministry Committee should have their own presentation for the Parish Nurse portion of the budget.  A meeting notice will be sent to members at least 2 weeks prior to the meeting date, and announcements will begin as well.  A meeting notice will be sent to members at least 2 weeks prior to the meeting date, and announcements will begin as well. 

Reference to Church planning calendar for November and December 2003.  It was noted that Management Committee has Council Devotions, Communion Assistants, and announcements for November communion Sundays.  Wayne reminded us to invite committee members to the November Council meeting.

MOTION by Matt Cermak, SECONDED by Bill Paulins

            TO ADJOURN THIS MEETING.

UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED.

We closed with the Lord’s prayer.

Meeting was adjourned at 8:35 p.m.

Next meeting is scheduled for November 3, 2003.

Respectfully submitted,

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