Redeemer Lutheran Church

Council Meeting Minutes

March 20 , 2006, 7:00 PM

 

Pastor Brauer opened the meeting with a prayer.

Minutes of February Council meeting were approved as submitted.

 

TREASURER’S REPORT.  Attached.

Al Binder motioned that we pay past due employee benefits before the March mortgage is paid.  Joy Anderson seconded.  Approved unanimously.

 

PASTOR’S REPORT.  Attached.

            Vietnamese congregation.  The current Covenant Redeemer has with the Vietnamese congregation does not have an expiration date.  The agreement was never signed.  Pastor is working with Pastor Phan to meet next week to complete the agreement.  It would be very desirable to have a representative from their congregation meet with us monthly.

Doug Hadley questioned whether our insurance covers activities of the Vietnamese congrega- tion.  The assumption is that the insurance covers all activities.

Recommendation was made to change wording in Agreement Item #2 to read ‘defray costs’ vs. ‘rent.’

Paul said they have inquired about having their church information added to the sing on the NW corner of the church.  Paul informed them about our Canada Mission trip, hoping that some of their high-school age youth might be interested in participating.

Doug motioned to approve Pastor’s request for his housing allowance.  Bev Steuven seconded.  Approved unanimously.

Safe Sanctuary.  Pastor had provided outline of Policy and Procedures to Paul, Jonet and Pat Haneberg several months ago.  This is ways in which we will ensure the safety of our children in the church.  Paul will provide a list of topics at each Council meeting for our consideration.  Kathy Cervantes and Bev will gather info. about background checks and report at our next meeting.  Etta Mae will look into acquiring a Bureau of Labor and Industries notice as well as one she’s seen about safeguarding children.

            NW District Rep. Visit.  Pastor Paul Linnemann requested an opportunity to meet with the congregation or the leaders of it, via letter dated Feb. 22, 2006.  Pastor will contact him about available meeting times.

 

BOARD REPORTS were provided but not discussed so more time would be available to discuss board goals and visions.

 

BOARD GOALS AND VISIONS

Education – Attached.

·        Sunday School teacher training.

·        Increase Sunday School attendance.

Evangelism – Attached.  Doug Hadley.

·        Fund-raising bike ride for the youth.  Concerns were voiced over kids being on dangerous roadways.  He will take a look at Minto Brown park as an alternative.

·        Communtiy Summer fest (one day).  Referred to 3-days of Joy Christmas event as a reference.  This would involve other area churches.

·        December’s Christmas in the Community

·        April 2007 Easter event, including a community pancake feed.

Discussion: Further plans for bike ride will be coordinated with Youth Board, youth, and their parents.

Fellowship – Attached.  Joy Anderson.

·        Contact new members about upcoming events.

·        Remodel kitchen.

Discussion:  Consider up-front cost and needs to coordinate annual campout or retreat.

Properties – Attached, with associated cost estimates.  Al Binder

·        Various maintenance items listed

·        Bumper polls for parking

·        Entry Awning

·        New Roof over sanctuary

·        New Cross/Reader board in front

Public Relations – Attached.  Jan Shearer

·        Increased advertising in local newspapers.

·        Reader Board sign, which is already being addressed among the Boards of Properties and Elders.

·        Mail and email Spirit Call newsletter.

Discussion:  Contact Corbin College to advertise events.  Work with other churches, preschools  and Concordia to share advertising costs and space.  Look at available free ad space; e.g. mall kiosks.

Social Ministry – Attached.  Bev Steuven.

·        Implement Stephen Ministry Program and training for all interested members.

Discussion: Hold free blood-pressure checks, blood drives.

Youth – Attached.  Jonet Schutz

·        Increase board membership and involvement, including volunteer list

·        Line item for Canada Mission Trip

·        Dialog with other Lutheran churches about hiring an area youth director

Discussion: Request funding for retreat scholarships.

Pastor – Attached.

·        Stabilize Finances

·        Increase Membership

·        Reduce risks; 1) to children, and 2) internal financial controls

Discussion: Time was not available, but all are asked to review Pastor’s handout for discussion at next Council meeting.

 

Each board is asked to identify necessary cost estimates for budget request items.

 

OLD BUSINESS

Etta Mae has three volunteers to do a financial review.  This will cover the 2005/02 fiscal year.

 

NEW BUSINESS

Invite the habitat recipient family to our April 30 lunch, and ask if they would provide a musical performance for us.  A congregational meeting is scheduled after lunch.

 

Meeting was adjourned at 9:15.

Respectfully submitted,

Jan Shearer, Secretary