St Andrew Council Retreat Minutes 1/16/2010 (DRAFT)
9:00 A.M. at Centenary Methodist Church
Present: President Bernie Orris, Vice President Egon Lippert, Pastor Rust, Jeff French, Craig Schadewald, Sarah Hall, Barbara Riegel, Ed Blakelock, Gail Pethia, Lauren Hudgins, Bob Morrissey, Secretary Karen Ellenberger. Absent: Ollie Beall, Paul Miottke
Bernie announced that the Lenoir Rhyne Choir would be coming to St Andrew for March 17th, its members would be staying overnight with St Andrew families.
Bernie wants to record major church wide events on a calendar for the council: the mandatory Congregational meetings will be on Sunday, Jan 24th and December 5th. The auction will be in September.
Pastor Rust spoke of the janitor’s salary, currently at minimum wage. For what is done in this job, he felt the salary should be somewhat higher. Motion made by Karen Ellenberger to raise the interim Janitor salary to $9/hr effective for the immediate pay period, with an increase of $1.00 in 90 days with a favorable review. Motion 2nd by Barbara Riegel. Much discussion then ensued. Karen called for the question. The motion carried.
Ed Blakelock explained to the new council members how to fill out Voucher Requests for payment. Going forward, vouchers will need the committee chairman or council liaison’s approval before payment is made, to better control expenses.
Before the rest of the retreat began, Pastor Rust led with a prayer.
Egon Lippert reviewed the Constitution Considerations/Changes
C5.04-- the Synod Assembly needs 2 laypersons (1 man, 1 woman) to attend. These 2 names will be chosen at the Jan 24th congregational meeting.
C5.05—Mission Endowment Fund- will change “shall” to “may”
C8.03—Applications for confirmed membership requires approval by council. Council will follow this approval process.
C10.02—Special Congregational meeting- 10% of voting members are needed to call a meeting. This % will remain the same.
C10.04—25% is considered a quorum. Motion made to reduce a “quorum from 25% to 20%, by Bob Morrissey, 2nd by Lauren Hudgins. Did not carry, quorum stays at 25%.
C10.05—Voting by proxy or absentee ballot is not allowed, this will stay the same.
C12.07—Congregation Council shall provide for annual review of membership roster. This shall be done.
C8.05.01 (Bylaws)—Membership Removal from Roll- currently defined as members who have not communed or made a contribution of record in any way for 2 consecutive years, which the Executive Committee then reviews. Motion made, by Bob Morrissey, to update this from 2 yrs to 1 year. 2nd by Sarah Hall. (Executive Committee will still review this list prior to removal and letter sent out beforehand as well)
Motion Carried.
C10.01.01—(bylaws) Add to #3) Congregation shall approve 2 laypersons (1 male, 1 female) to represent St Andrew at the annual Synod Assembly.
These changes/additions will be presented at the 1/24/10 congregational meeting. The members will be able to review/give feedback until February 28th. Suggestions will be reviewed by council at the March meeting, and then the changes/additions will be sent to Synod.
Bernie led the Vision Project Discussion. She coined the acronym: GROWTH: God’s servants Reaching Out to the World with Timeless Hope.
2010 Council Goals
1) Pick the Team Leader for the Vision Implementer Volunteer and so have the Vision 2010 goals go forward.
Timeline: Jan 24th meeting announcement=> Feb Council meeting-have list of names to approach => March-have person picked => April-have people picked for the 6 areas => May-have 2010 plans in place.
Council committees will be willing to help.
2) Help with the Vision committee to develop 2011 & 2012 goals
3) Finish Constitution Update in 2010
Pastor spoke of the 2 sexuality meetings (concerning the ELCA decision) he held in December.
Retreat was adjourned at 2:25pm with The Lord’s Prayer.
Respectfully submitted,
Karen Ellenberger, Secretary