GLP Council Meeting Minutes 9/8/15

Genesee Lutheran Parish Council Meeting

September 8, 2015 (updated by Patrick Adams 10/14/15)

Attending:

Patrick Adams, Dana Carter, Amy Peterson, Alice Bevans, Linda Chilson, David Deckard, Jennifer Parkins

Called to order at 7:02

Jennifer gave devotion, Matthew 14:19

Dana  will do it in October

Kaycee Gregory wrote a letter requesting bibles for children’s ministry. We discussed and decided we needed a little more information, approximate number and which bible would be most useful. There is $500 already in the budget that she can use to get the bibles.

We also received a letter requesting a lock for the Valley church because they felt some things have been stolen. After some discussion it was decided Jennifer would let them know that nothing was stolen so for now no action is required.

There has been some miscommunication on things that have been going on with the church. It was decided we needed a liaison for six committees. It will be the job of the liaison to report back to the council  monthly.

1. Buildings and grounds-Patrick

2. Education-Linda

3.Worship-Dana

4. Activities-Amy

5. Evangelism-Amy

6. Financial-Jennifer

Pastor’s Report:

Sunday school breakfast will be this next Sunday, September 12.

Financial Report:

Patrick gave a handout showing financial report.

Executive Committee Report:

The Executive Committee consists of Jennifer Parkins, Patrick Adams, Linda Chilson and Pastor Dave.

The Executive Committee met several times this summer and have discussed recommendations for how we need to deal our financial situation. Which is basically we are running out of money and not getting enough coming in from offering to continue much beyond the first of the year.

The recommendation by the committee is that we ask congregation to pledge. Our hope is to find what people are willing  to give for the year. After that we will come up with contingency plans if people are not willing to commit to enough for the church to continue as we are at this point. The Executive Committee will continue to meet to discuss contingency plans and bring them back recommendations to the council.

The Executive Committee needs approval to move forward with the motion. Alice Bevans moved to approve the motion. Dana Carter seconded.  Motion carried.

Alice Bevans moved that the Executive Committee start searching recommendations for a contingency plan. Amy Peterson seconded.  Motion carried.

Jennifer Parkins moved to accept the minutes from May 12, 2015 meeting. Alice Bevans seconded. Motion carried

Patrick asked that we develop a Financial Committee to help him with offering counting and record keeping. This will bring us more in line with ELCA guidelines.

Patrick asks to have two council members in the capacity of Treasurer Assistants. Alice Bevans and Dana Carter said they are willing to do that.

Amy brought up that we need to offer both grape juice wine during communion. There is also is a need for more bodies to do communion set-up.

Meeting adjourned at 8:45

Security and Giving

I just want to talk for a moment about security and how this fits into focus on giving.  

We each derive our personal sense of security from many things in our lives.  Children generally see security in their parents and family. To them, consistency, and love are non-negotiable and necessary. As we acquire a bit more independence as young adults, our security sometimes comes more from our own internal spirit and confidence. There is empowerment in knowing we can make decisions and physically conquer any obstacle! We seem invincible! When we are responsible for our own children (sometimes while also assisting aging parents), we rely more on our ability to provide, our relationships, health care, and typically saving for the future. Then, as everyone is grown and out of the house, we hope we have saved enough, stay in good health, and continue to enjoy the life we have built.

Through all our life phases, we seek ways to feel secure and loved.  In this church, we have developed a profound sense of security in each other. Like a great net, we have found ways to hold each other together spiritually, growing closer in our relationships with one another, emotionally, recreationally, and theologically.

There has been a great gift given to us as a congregation from the members who gave to this church before us.  Their financial gifts allowed us to grow our ministry of giving.  This now should be our legacy to the children in our ministry, the community of Genesee that benefits from our ministry, and to each other, so that we can be here in the same way, secure and provided for, able to share the Good News without worry and fear.

I love our faith family and enjoy being in our home together, worshiping, learning, praising. I want to see you next week.  I want to see you next month…and for many years to come.  

I will wrap this up with Proverbs 11:24, 25:

24 One man gives freely, yet gains even more;

another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty,

25 A generous man will prosper;

he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.

Jennifer Parkins

3rd Quarter Income and Expense Report Available

The 3rd quarter 2015 income and expense report is now available. Please contact me if you would like a copy.

This quarter our income was greater than our expenses. Wouldn't it be great if we can continue this trend?

During the month of September we have begun taking an offering during Sunday school. We are hoping this practice will help teach our young people what it means to offer their money to the church. 

I have started working on next year's budget. I know a lot of you donate supplies to the church's Sunday School. Please give me a receipt for these purchases so I can create a more accurate budget. Your donations will also appear on your offering report at the end of the year. This information can be used to reduce your taxable income.

If you would like to receive a year-to-date income and expense report just let me know. If you have any questions about this report please give me a call or send me an email.

Thanks,

Patrick