Redeemer Lutheran Church

Council Meeting Minutes

February 20, 2006, 7:00 PM

 

 

 

Meeting opened with a devotion and prayer led by Pastor Brauer.

 

Pastor’s Report – Attached. 

Pastor pointed out that the $816 convention assessment for Redeemer is based on 272 communicant members, at $3 each.  This is much higher than our active membership.  We don’t wish to remove individuals from our membership list who still have ties to Redeemer.  However, some members are out of state and haven’t been here for some time.  

 

Board Goals – Pastor had requested each board consider his Vision Statement and respond to his request to identify one or two pertinent goals to work on this year.  One board had provided this information.  He then handed out a chart from which we could work that might help in this effort.

 

Minutes of January 16, 2006 Council meeting were approved as submitted.

 

Treasurer’s Report – Attached.

Etta Mae reported that an individual had complained about using elevator fund interest for other purposes, saying it is part of present value.  Council still supports this decision as the donations were earmarked for the elevator fund, but interest was not.  Additionally, payment of salaries, liability insurance and other operating expenses are the priority expenditures.

Feb. 19 offerings, were $1,670 (had been estimated to be $2,000). 

Organist salaries will only be about $200.

Preschool required workshop expenses will be reduced to $195 because one of the teachers was  unable to attend.

We have received $2,300 LCEF mortgage rebate and we have $4,000 from January income which has not yet been expended.

Motion to pay all bills as listed, salaries being the first priority, holding the mortgage payment until the end of the month and paying on it what is available.  Seconded, approved unanimously.

The rebate check will be reserved through March to ensure we have the payment for the Convention Assessment.

 

Pastor will follow-up with Pastor Phan the Covenant and Agreement which were written up last year.

 

BOARD REPORTS

            Education – Report attached.  Pat reported that Sunday School offerings will go to support the new airstrips in Papua New Guinea.

            Elders – Fred Gargiulo asked Council to consider forming a group to manage the Maundy Thursday Seder dinner on April 13.  This might involve several different boards, esp. Fellowship, Elders, PR and Evangelism.  Kathy Cervantes had given Joy Anderson a list of everything that needs done.  Kathy volunteered to help.  Fred asked that this group meet early with the Elders and Pastor to work out details. 

Easter Sunday sunrise service will be at 7:00, Breakfast from 8:15-9:30, no Sunday School/Bible classes, 10:00 worship.  An Easter Egg hunt will be held for the children before Worship service.  Jonet has one volunteer for cooking.  AAL will pay for the food – Karen Hochspier will provide Jonet a list of the food items and amounts they’ve cooked in the past.

            Evangelism – Doug Hadley asked that we concentrate on our Vision Statement in all our dealings.  He would have liked us to carry out the 3-Days of Joy type event for Easter, but it may be too late at this time.  He also asked Fred to have a follow-up of the Christmas event, noting that next year’s dates need to be set early because Willamette Lutheran Homes, and probably  others, set their activity schedules far in advance.

            Fellowship – Report attached.  Joy will be taking Habitat for Humanity classes on Weds. and Sats. through Easter, so she is going to be very busy until that time.

            Properties – Al Binder provided some information on a container storage building. The cost of this is only $1,500 for a 10’ x 20’, including delivery.  He will check into a burning permit for demolition of the old shed.  The idea of a demolition-derby/hot-dog roast fundraiser was suggested.  Al will make announcements over the next two Sundays so people who have donated to the new shed/garage fund will be aware that plans to build a wooden structure have changed.  This fund has $2,300 and will cover all costs related to this new storage plan.

Al has also been approached about making a stained glass Luther Rose to be placed over the main entrance doors.  He provided a sample of what it would look like.  Cost will be covered by a doner, and it would take about two weeks to complete.

Kathy motioned that we take this plan to the voters, with a recommendation from Council, that we proceed with this plan. Joy seconded, approved unanimously.

            Public Relations – Report attached.

            Social Ministry – Bev Steuven reported that the Marion/Polk Food Share is making a 3-4 minute long video tape for a food drive kick-off.  She would like to show it on March 19 after worship service.  The following week will be our food drive and also Preschool Sunday.

Stewardship – No report.

            Youth – Jonet Schutz reported this board had a working meeting last week during which they cleaned the youth room & put away the Valentine’s Dance decorations.

            The Youth Task Force has been meeting every Monday for the past six weeks.  Canada Mission trip is currently being discussed.  Kris Wall has researched Servant Event mission projects, which will be back up if we can’t do the Canada one. Canada trip discussions have included St. John’s and Christ the Good Shepherd.  Dates planned are July 14-24.  Participants are required to contribute $75, with the rest being raised through fundraisers.  We will not be going under LAMP, which will not pose any problems, but will allow our freshmen youth to participate.  There are many ways to assist – let Jonet know if your are interested.

 

Old Business

            Thrivent – Two additional coordinators are needed in order to receive matching funds for any of our fundraisers.  Alva Binder is currently the only coordinator.  Joy said we should have a member drive, which will increase the amount of funds we can receive.

            Lowes Credit – Paul had received solicitation for a Lowes Home Improvement Store line of credit.  While it would be convenient for necessary purchases, the general consensus of the Council was to not get ourselves into a borrowing situation when we are having difficulty paying creditors as it is.

            Pie Social/Thrivent Fundraiser – Suggestions for use of the funds are preschool carpet, roof  repair & maintenance, kitchen updates, and women’s bathroom repairs.

            Ink Cartridge Fundraiser – We have received $22 from the first return of used ink cartridges.  This money will go to the general fund.

            Financial Review – Etta Mae has two helpers lined up, Diane Brauer and Marilyn Sloan.

 

New Business

            Habitat for Humanity – Bev Steuven has received a request for a Letter of Intent by March 2 as to whether we would like to commit to a Thrivent-Sponsored home in this area.  It would require a $500 donation from each congregation at the time of build completion at the end of September.  We will also need 10-to-12-person teams from our church to work at the site.

Doug motioned we authorize the $500 to be contributed to this house.  Pat seconded.  Approved unanimously.  Fund-raiser opportunities include Tee-shirt sales ($15 for non-Thrivent members, $5 for members.).  This will be brought to the next congregational meeting.

            Board Goals Discussion – Because only one board had turned in their goals, and we were out of time, this discussion will happen at the next Council meeting.

 

 

Meeting was adjourned at 9:05 with singing of the Doxology.

 

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Jan Shearer

Secretary