Council Meeting Minutes 2/10/10 Draft

President Bernie Orris opened the meeting at 7pm with a prayer led by Chaplain Bob Weeks.

Present: Bernie Orris, Gail Pethia, Jeff French, Paul Miottke, Bob Morrissey, Chaplain Weeks, Ollie Beall,

Lauren Hudgins, Craig Schadewald, Egon Lippert, Ed Blakelock, Pastor Rust, Joe Childers, Sarah Hall, Karen Ellenberger. Absent: Barbara Riegel

Visitors: Steve Baucom, Alan Kutzing.

*Devotional- led by Ollie Beall

*Minutes- Motion made to accept the minutes from the January Council Meeting- Jeff French, 2nd by Gail Pethia. Motion carried.

 

*Treasurer’s Report- Ed Blakelock

 

CURRENT

 

YTD

YTD

ANNUAL

 

MONTH

YTD

BUDGET

VARIANCE

BUDGET

Receipts: Operating

34,052.44

34,052.44

33,037.00

1,015.44

406,439.00

Restricted

5,582.00

5,582.00

 

 

 

Total Receipts

39,634.44

39,634.44

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benevolence

2,412.00

2,412.00

2,412.00

0.00

29,195.00

Mortgage Expense

6,818.00

6,818.00

6,818.00

0.00

81,816.00

Staff Salaries and Benefits

15,052.05

15,052.05

14,952.00

100.05

200,837.00

Total Property & Maintenance

7,053.84

7,053.84

5,898.00

1,155.84

71,438.00

Council  Expense

114.99

114.99

143.00

(28.01)

143.00

Social Ministry

0.00

0.00

122.00

(122.00)

1,750.00

Worship & Music

440.40

440.40

456.00

(15.60)

8,100.00

Christian Education

355.07

355.07

217.00

138.07

2,600.00

Fellowship

0.00

0.00

150.00

(150.00)

1,800.00

Stewardship

0.00

0.00

50.00

(50.00)

600.00

Youth

0.00

0.00

84.00

(84.00)

1,720.00

Evangelism

951.65

951.65

534.00

417.65

6,440.00

Unbudgeted

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

Total Disbursements

33,198.00

33,198.00

31,836.00

1,362.00

406,439.00

Income/(Loss)

854.44

854.44

1,201.00

(346.56)

0.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Fund Balance - 01/31/2010

52,590.57

 

 

 

 

Restricted Funds:

 

 

Mortgage:

 

Capital Reserve

 

15,548.59

Balance as of 01/01/2010

719,925.56

Columbarium Fund

 

6,228.53

Payment from general fund:

3,368.36

Other Misc Funds

 

5,944.01

Additional Payments:

700.00

Stained Glass Windows

 

3,508.00

Balance as of 01/31/2010

715,857.20

Alter Kneeling Cushions

 

3,425.45

 

 

 

Stephen Ministries

 

2,238.25

 

 

 

Organ Fund

 

2,196.62

Additional Payments:

 

Sanctuary Arts

 

1,871.20

January

700.00

Special Service Music Fund

 

1,289.00

February

0.00

Sound Systems

 

1,133.99

March

0.00

SOD Contributions

 

1,088.16

April

0.00

Youth

 

995.63

 

May

0.00

Pastor's Discretionary Fund

 

831.50

 

June

0.00

Bell Fund

 

700.00

 

July

0.00

Saturday Night Service

 

618.04

 

August

0.00

Debt Reduction

 

573.00

 

September

0.00

Playground

 

532.05

 

October

0.00

Pastor's Youth Camp Fund

 

506.89

 

November

0.00

Library Fund

 

437.47

 

December

0.00

Communion Chalices

 

15.80

 

 

 

Restricted Fund Balances as of 01/31/2010

49,682.18

 

Total:

700.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

Motion by Egon Lippert (2nd by Bob Morrissey) to move $15.80 from Communion Chalice Fund to the Operating Fund. Discussion: Bob Weeks stated that the left over $ from the fund could be used where needed. Motion Carried.

 

*Stained Glass Window Report: Bob Weeks & Alan Kutzing- In keeping with the Memorial/Thanksgiving Gift Committee Procedures, all proposed gifts to the congregation are to be submitted to the committee.  Mr. Al Kutzing submitted a Stained Glass Proposal as follows:

(1)  That two triangular stained glass windows be constructed for the triangular windows (63.5" x 45") on either side of the chancel/altar.   Cost for the two windows will be $4,800.   The window on the left will have an Alpha symbol, the first letter in the Greek Alphabet, and the window on the right will have an Omega symbol, the last word in the Greek Alphabet.  Alpha and Omega stand for Jesus Christ " . . . the first and the last, the beginning and the end." [Revelation 22:13];

(2)  That the two windows 41" x 68.5" on the left side of the chancel/altar be constructed at a cost of $4,700 each, for a total of $9,400 (These windows will have stained glass with no symbols.);

(3)  That a narrow window  14.75" x 68.75" on the right side of the chancel altar be constructed at a cost of $1,700 (This window will be stained glass with no symbol.);

(4)  That a window 50.5" x 68.75" on the right side of the chancel/altar be constructed at a cost of $5,900 (This window will have stained glass with no symbol.).

The 2 triangular windows, at $2400 each, have been given by the Kobylarz family. They will depict the Alpha and Omega symbols(letters will be white surrounded by red). The Ann Horner family has given one of the rectangular windows. Motion by Bob Weeks (2nd by Lauren Hudgins) to accept the windows. Discussion: Bob Morrissey asked if the glass maker has an apprentice. Egon is the design fixed if someone wanted to give $ but change the design? Bob Weeks- this would be possible, the Stain Glass committee would review the request. Ollie Beall- have the windows been authorized already? Answer- only the ones money is in place for will be ordered. Motion carried.

*Steve Baucom: Time & Talent Sheets; the Stewardship Report listing all donors to the church did not go into the Annual Report. (This had been previously approved by council). The Stewardship Committee would like this to go into the next Witness. Motion for this to happen made by  Karen Ellenberger, 2nd by Bob Weeks. Motion carried. Steve passed out time & talent sheets to the committee liaisons. He stated has seen no 2008 or 2009 sign-ups for volunteer opportunities. The New Member Sponsors need to be talking to new members about signing up for these opportunities. Steve asked the committees to rework the sheets and they will be published in the spring. He needs the sheets back by April 1st.

 

*Bernie mentioned that Nils Hokansson was not present to speak about a Yahoo Group Emailing List.

 

*Vision Coordinator Interviews- Bernie shared info sent in by Laurna Badendieck.

 

*Pastor’s Report: See Report. He stated we need to look at God’s grace and how He has blessed us. The best thing we can do for God is to be faithful with the responsibilities we have here. As church council leaders, we may need to look at staffing hours. We may need to reduce to stay on budget. The Synod has reduced their budget by about 1/3 for 2011. (from 5 million to 3.7 million). New members Cathy Rodberg, Chris Cronmer, and son Andrew Rodberg will be joining 2/14. Motion by Bob Morrissey, 2nd by Ollie Beall to accept these new members. Motion Carried.

 

*Stewardship- Bob Morrissey had a general comment- Can we measure how much is being donated on making the casseroles for the SOD dinners? Lauren Hudgins- at least $100 to $150 is spent by members every Saturday for the main dish. Bob- this is an unpublished stewardship figures. Bob- to all committees- please contact the people on your time & talent sheets.

 

*Memorial Committee- Bob Weeks- the projector is in process of being installed. Bob is having new plaques made to list names of members who have passed away.

 

*Personnel: Egon-

Recommendations added to The Memorial/Funeral Coordinator job description by committee members were discussed.  Egon will take a copy of these recommendations to the Council meeting for their approval.  Personnel Committee members will be searching for a Memorial/Funeral Committee chairperson. Egon will also give the Council a copy of the Personnel Committee’s meeting minutes. Records that should be kept by the Personnel Committee were discussed. Zeke Zimmerman’s work evaluation made by Paul Miottke in February will be reviewed at our March meeting.

*Finance- Ollie Beall- From report: Church Council Review-(1)  Auction date to be determined, (1) Micah Back Pack program- Youth Comm. attempting to develop program. We questioned how to finance program. Will await add’l info from youth, (3) Janitor- Finance Comm. will accept council position to pay $9/hr but request council to rescind their position to increase the rate to $10 in 90 days. Finance Comm.’s position is based on our commitment stated at the Jan congregational meeting, which was approved by the members, that “finance & council will review the revenue/expenses at the end of the 1st quarter to evaluate if any changes &/or adjustment in salaries should be made in the 2010 budget.” Old Business- 1. Restricted Funds- Bob Weeks has completed a review and all funds have been moved to specific funds, 2. Ed will contact Terry re software request, 3. Pete & Bob will discuss with Terry office equipment request. 4. Gold jewelry had been placed in the offering approximately 4 years ago and never sold. Ollie will get appraisal & sell it. Money will be included in general fund.  Ollie- the gold jewelry sold for $715.  The 10 foot lift ladder (for projector work, washing windows, etc) bill was $438. How will this be paid for? Motion made by Lauren Hudgins, 2nd by Paul Miottke, to use $438 of the jewelry proceeds, with the remainder to go into the general fund. Motion carried.

 

*Fellowship- Lauren- From report: Discussion: 6 Meals for Lenten Services:

Ash Wednesday:  Fellowship Committee will be hosting – 2 soups, salad & breads

Feb 24:  Music & Worship will be hosting – same menu

March 3: open as to who will be hosting – same menu idea

March 10: open as to who will be hosting – same menu idea

March 17: Fellowship will be hosting – Lenoir Rhyne Choir will be here- more food will need to be prepared- sign up sheets for ground beef, hamburger rolls, ketchup, onions and celery will be posted

March 24: open as to who will be hosting – same menu idea

We have asked LMIM, WELCA and Evangelism to host those dates above. Waiting to hear back on which dates they will take. As always for dinners fellowship provides the breads.

 

*Property- Paul- Report:

“ Bad thermostat has been replaced by Hardison for $500. This is the same type that we have in the rest of the church.

Fire Extinguishers: Fire extinguishers have been checked. One needs to be replaced because the company is out of business and there is no supply for spare parts. This cost will be $55. The large fire extinguisher in the kitchen has developed a leak and cannot be repaired. This replacement will cost $150.

Zeke has been very successful helping to keep the church in good order. Property has received a request for an additional meeting for Al-Anon. They would also like to have a meeting on Thursdays from 12:30 to 1:30. Room 35 is available at that time. I have the necessary paperwork for meeting request. Action for Council: Al-Anon meeting for Thursdays 12:30 – 1:30 pm.”

The Weavers have inquired whether their Building use fees will change. Council felt their donation to Pastor’s Fund and Service Linens made are adequate.  Bernie inquired whether council needs to do a review of groups. General feeling was that council will look at on a case by case basis, as new groups inquire. Ollie reported that the left side of the church sanctuary was cold again. Paul stated that Curtis Roofing was coming to look at the leak in the skylight.

*Christian Education- Sarah- Report: Recruiting more volunteers- Linda will put a blurb in the bulletin about our committee and inviting others to attend. Need to set up a specific VBS planning meeting in March  Theme:  Christmas in July Dates:  July 20-23, 2010 Possible skit for church services on July 24 and/or 25, 2010. Ideas: crafts, food, games, skits, service project (possibly Samaritan’s Purse) Possible Stations of the Cross- Linda will speak with Len Long to see if he has any suggestions since he has worked with this in the past.

*Youth- Craig- From report: Community Service – Work continues on “Micah’s Backpack” a weekend student feeding program which provides six nutritious and healthy meals to elementary school age children. Target start date- March 5, 2010. The Youth Group is seeking partners within our congregation, committees and outside organizations (i.e., Thrivent, CENC Food Bank, Grocery chains, etc.) to help with funding or food item donations. Youth fundraising efforts will also be used to sustain the program. A brochure/flier introducing the project will be disseminated to the congregation attending weekend services. The youth will be responsible for maintaining the program with adult guidance. This is a wonderful chance for our youth to grow spiritually while learning responsibility and making a difference in our community. - Spaghetti / Talent show preparations to begin. Event will be held in month of April-date TBA. - Car Wash to be held in conjunction with the LMIM Yard Sale during the month of May. Activities – There will be activities during the year that encompass the entire youth group and also activities that target the specific age groups. Under current consideration is a Christian based Rock/Pop Music concert for youth in grades 5-12.  Family Game Night and Potluck as a regular event, with congregation invited.

 

*Social Ministry- From Report:

Outside: Our St. Andrew community is working with Eastern Pregnancy Information Center (EPIC), a Christian ministry dedicated to promoting healthy, life affirming responses to unexpected pregnancy, sexual integrity decisions and past abortion experience. They offer free services, caring help and accurate information to help empower individuals to pursue positive choices. The center offers nurse counseling as well as sonograms for women 7- 20 weeks pregnant. EPIC solely relies on the donations from individuals, churches and other donors. In the past St. Andrew Lutheran Church has supported the EPIC baby bottle campaign. We, at St. Andrew, again will participate in the EPIC campaign during Lent starting February 20/21 and ending April 3/4.  Bonnie Roach will lead this ministry.

*Evangelism- Jeff- Evangelism walks will take place on 2/14 & 3/14 after church. The New Member Luncheon will be after church on 3/21.

*Worship & Music- Gail- report: Plans were finalized for the upcoming Lenoir Rhyne choir concert on March 17, 2010.  Sunday, February 7, 2010, the congregation will be addressed asking for volunteers to provide shelter for the choir members. The Banner Committee will concentrate on aerial banners for Pentecost as the first project of 2010. Pastor Rust will enlist students from Yes to serve as ushers during Lent.  Communion will not be served during Wednesday afternoon or evening Lenten services except for Ash Wednesday. The committee approved a joint service with Trinity Methodist Church at Trinity on Maundy Thursday evening, April 1, 2010.  An afternoon service will be held at St. Andrew. There will be only one service on Christmas Day this year.

Reminder that the 3/10 council meeting will include the Constitution Update info from Egon.

Bernie offered a prayer for the Vision Coordinator.*Unfinished Business: Egon- we still need 2 laypersons who will attend the Synod meeting this summer. These 2 people (1 male, 1 female) need to be approved by the congregation. Craig- Micah’s Backpack will need a closet or other storage place for non perishable food items.

*New Business- Egon- the Balance the Budget Sunday will be discussed at the next council meeting.

Bernie- the next meeting on 3/10 will start at 7:30, after the Lenten Service. Devotions will be led by Jeff.

Bob Weeks- item for W&Music- ushers are not putting the $ in the safe after each service, especially the late service. Ushers who are married should perhaps get someone to walk with them to the safe.

The Sunday School offering (left in the SS office drawer) should be secured.

Bernie closed the meeting at 9:35 with The Lord’s Prayer.

Respectfully, Karen Ellenberger, Secretary