Redeemer Lutheran Church

Council Meeting Minutes

April 17 , 2006, 7:00 PM

Meeting began with prayer.

Pastor’s Report – Attached.

Pastor proposed an Executive Committee be formed and meet prior to Council meetings to prepare an agenda to be sent out to council members in advance.  All members should come to meetings prepared to discuss and enact business.  Council agreed that Pastor, President, Vice President and Secretary will comprise this committee.

Pastor also proposed that announcements be eliminated from the worship service.  They add to the time , and distract the mood.  There are many other means to get information out to the congregation, bulletins, overhead projection, Spirit Call, displays/posters, email, and personal contact with pertinent individuals.  If announcements must be made, check with Pastor at least five minutes before worship time, and keep them to 30 seconds or less.  Council agreed and Jan offered to put an article in the Spirit Call regarding this.

Covenant and Agreement with the Vietnamese congregation has been discussed with Pastor Van.  He requested that the monthly donation to defray costs be reduced to $50.  With Council’s approval, Pastor Brauer will finalize the agreement.  Pam King has set up the Little Lambs classroom for their use.

May Council Meeting Minutes. 

Correction made under “Old Business;”  Financial review will cover the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2005.  Approved with correction.

NEW BUSINESS

            Pastor’s Goals and Objectives (Rev) – Attached.  Council agreed that several of these goals will be considered and discussed at each Council meeting.  The list was reviewed and discussions

Increase Membership

·        Concentrate on Preschool to increase the Redeemer membership of families with children.  Pastor will begin greeting parents and kids daily, beginning immediately.  Responsibility: Pastor, Preschool Staff & Board of Education.  Agreed to by Council.

·        Increase attendance of families with children through a “Friendship Sunday,” beginning in fall 2006.  This is an outreach to family and friends of preschool children (Each one, reach one).  Joy said that Thrivent will provide funds to supply refreshments for this sort of outreach, but must be organized far enough in advance to secure.  Pat would like to see this, after new songs have been learned, and the children are settled into their classes.  Responsibility:  Preschool Staff, Pastor, Board of Evangelism.  Agreed to by Council.

Stabilize Finances

·        Increase revenue flow through renovation of the kitchen for rental, community service and education during 2007-08.  This will require a Fundraising effort.  Kathy Cervantes offered look into grants such as Faith-Based.  Responsibility: Congregation, Kathy Cervantes.

·        Pathways Lutheran Ministries will provide A spiritual/stewardship renewal program at the discounted rate of $17,250.  Plan is to provide this during the 2008-09 year.  Will need more discussion.  Responsibility: Congregation, Council, Elders, Stewardship.

OLD BUSINESS

Safe Sanctuary – Attached.  Paul provided a General Policy, for RLC with supporting guidelines for Volunteers and Church Staff, information & training requirements, and general operating and reporting procedures.  Kim Shumate is working on a Preschool, which will be incorporated.  Pastor will have Sandy check with our insurer to see if they have a program we could use as a guide.  Christen Ferrell, Youth Director at Christ the Good Shepherd, is writing a policy handbook.  Her comments and input will be requested.  Paul would like Council members’ input at the next Council meeting.

Stained Glass windows and Readerboard/Sign are moving forward.

BUDGET PROPOSALS - Review & Discussion. Changes are based on FY2005/06 approved budget.
Education - Will stay the same, except for SAIF increases. Etta Mae will estimated. This will be necessary if preschool is full, at which time, teachers will get a raise.

Social Ministry - Removed $50 donation for Samaritan Services, added $100 for St. Brigid's Home.
Fellowship - Added $100 to cover new equipment (hot water dispenser & garbage disposal).
Youth - Removed $100 from Confirmation retreat, added $50 for postage, and $2,400 for Canada Mission. Reduced the salary for Youth Director position more than 50% to assume a shared or limited-hour position; moved it to Board of Elders.

Properties - Increased for utilities, added items for incidental repairs. Overall a 15% increase.
Public Relations, Stewardship, and Evangelism - not provided.
 Elders - Salary increases recommended for organist, secretary and pastor. Pastor suggest review of American Guild of Organists recommendation to see if we are in the ballpark for organist salary. Council recommended secretary increase of $0.75/hr. instead of $1.50, and that Elders and discuss changes in his compensation with Pastor prior to making recommendation to Council.

Overtime - Due to the busy schedule of Holy Week, which included the Seder dinner, Sandy had to put in several hours of overtime. In the future, overtime needs should be pre-approved by Pastor. Contract will be reviewed regarding this, but Council would prefer overtime be paid in time off, rather than salary.

Board Reports – Attached.

Treasurer’s Report

Mortgage will continue to be paid each month, as funds are available, but the two skipped months (January & February), will not be back-paid and no longer need to be identified on the budget sheet. These are added to the end of our mortgage term.

Pat motioned that we pay $894.12 on the Ultrex copier note, covering eight months for the past year. Joy seconded. Approved unanimously.

District convention and assessment fees should be added to Budget listing.

Meeting adjourned at 9:40 with singing of the Doxology.

Respectfully Submitted,

Jan Shearer, Secretary