--Pastor Dave (pastordave@geneseelutheranparish.org)
Genesee Lutheran Church Council
Minutes
for November 8, 2011 Meeting
Those present were Dave Deckard,
Jennifer Parkins, Gayle Rossebo, Doug Cartwright, Dan Carter, Patrick Adams,
Courtney Scharnhorst, and Amy Peterson.
The meeting was called to order by
Jennifer, and the devotion was given by Jennifer. Jennifer will also give the
devotion at the December meeting.
Announcements/Prayer
Requests:
Prayers requested for Clarence Gilge, Bertle and
Norma Spence, Nancy Grieser, Phyllis Kanikkeberg, Andy and Dorothy Anderson,
and Rob Rigg.
Financial
Report:
No report.
New
Business:
Discussion was begun by Patrick
regarding the parsonage. Should it be kept for the purpose it is currently
being used for (as a home for the pastor and his family) or would it be better
to add the money saved on parsonage expenses to the pastor’s salary, so he
would be able to apply that to a home better suited for his family? Dave
commented that in the long run it might not be a stable investment to continue
to use it as a full-time home ($1,000 to $1,300 per month in expenses), but
could have potential for use as a youth house. He commented that the youth
group is active – 20 kids took part in the “lock-in” activity last month! The
church doesn’t have the money for a new building, and the parsonage could work
well as a youth house, Sunday school activities, and for additional church
storage needs. We agreed to talk over the financial numbers with Susan Rigg at
the next meeting. Dave commented that this could give a meaningful approach to
stewardship.
Quarterly meetings – These are a
requirement of the ELCA constitution. Jennifer wonders if they should be
focused more on future events, rather than past agendas? That information would
be available for members to view at any time on the church website, as well as
viewing meeting minutes on the bulletin board. It was agreed that we’d like to
try a more educational component so that members/attendees can see what the
church and council are up to, such as by having Patrick demonstrate the blog on
his, as well as by having a craft group demonstration, a talk by a member of
the high school youth group, etc.
Dave suggested shortening the
worship and morphing right into the quarterly meeting in the sanctuary (rather
than waiting until after fellowship is over) and choosing a new topic to focus
on at each meeting.
The annual meeting would still need
to be focused on business matters.
Pastor’s
Report:
Things are going really well --
better now than any church has in Dave’s ministry! All the things happening now
– blog, music, Tuesday craft nights, etc. – are vital and it’s important to get
the word out.
Buildings
& Grounds Committee:
Patrick will be able to install a
programmable thermostat soon.
Doug asked Tim Studer take a look at
the furnace in the Valley church and he found that it’s out of oil. Courtney
will ask Scharnhorst Petroleum to fill it (they usually fill it twice a year).
Doug wondered if it is time to upgrade the furnace at the Valley church? A lot
of discussion followed regarding making sure only the lower area is heated in
the winter time (to avoid additional expense), as well as the necessity of
providing heat to pipes to avoid freezing; along with discussion regarding ways
to more efficiently winterize the building.
Doug also asked if we have an
account set up for people doing church chores to use rather than submitting
receipts for reimbursement? Jennifer answered that larger projects need prior
approval by the council. Dave’s comment was to check to see if we don’t already
have accounts set up at the Genesee hardware store as well as at Spence
Hardware in Moscow for smaller, less expensive tasks, and update who is
authorized to use these accounts. Also, it is necessary to make sure Susan is
able to have accountability over these accounts.
Other
business:
Council terms ending and up for
nomination: treasurer and two 2-year council positions.
Upcoming
events:
Advent season is beginning soon!
The Christmas day “service of
remembrance” will be advertised.
Thanksgiving dinner will again be
served at the church, and everyone is welcome to attend.
The community-wide cookie
distribution will be held in December.
Angels on Call – Courtney will check
with Rosanna to see how the posters are coming along. Dave commented that we
need to get these up around town soon – preferably by Thanksgiving. Also, a
reminder was given by Dave to have the phone situation discussed at the last
council meeting resolved (land line vs. cell phone line).
The budget committee needs to have a
budget prepared and presented for approval at the next council meeting in
December. This will be done by council executives – Jennifer (chair), Susan
(treasurer), and Amy (secretary).
Jennifer suggested that the
confirmation youths entertain the younger children during the next annual
meeting, so that more parents would be able to attend.
Patrick would like more Sunday
School class photos to post on the church blog.
The next Council meeting will be
held Tuesday, December 6th at 7 p.m. at St. John’s.
The meeting was concluded with the
Lord’s Prayer.
We, the members of the Genesee Lutheran Parish, in
receiving God’s gracious gifts, are committed to be living examples of Jesus’
love by strengthening and encouraging each other. We commit to love every
person and serve anyone we can through word and deed, following the example of
our Lord. – Mission statement: Genesee Lutheran Church
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