July 2018 Council Minutes

TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH
REGULAR CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING – July 12, 2018
 
Present:  Pastor Megan Preston, Greg Jans,  Mardelle Crist, Dennis Brown, Richard Larson, Gabby Swisher, Sonia Liedman, Jeff Niedenthal, Brian Weseman, and Sharon Smith. 
 
Greg called the meeting to order at 7:08.  Jeff Niedenthal gave devotions, quoting several writings by thoughtful authors.  He related the experience of being rejected, and how he’d learned to deal with that, thanking the Lord for the determination to keep going.
 
A couple of items were added to the agenda.  Dennis then moved to approve it, seconded by Brian.  Motion approved. 
 
Reports:

1. June 21 meeting minutes had been emailed to the council.  Mardelle moved to approved them, seconded by Jeff.  Motion carried.
2. The treasurer’s report was emailed to the council.  Sonia told us that we were tracking on the spending plan.  Following discussion, Brian moved that $20,000 designated for 2019 be placed in an investment for a year, seconded by Richard.  Motion passed.  Richard moved to approve the report, seconded by Dennis.  Motion carried.
3. Pastor Megan began her report by saying that she had spent much of June getting ready for and attending the Houston youth convention.  She thought the convention was a good experience overall.  She has been doing premarital counseling for two couples.  She’s working on transitioning into summer and fall.  She will make arrangements for when she is on vacation in August.  She requested $100 be donated for the convention offering. 

Pastor had a question on gas cards kept at the office for needy people who come to the church, asking for help.  Jeff moved to put a cap on the use of these cards to no more than once a month, seconded by Dennis.  Motion passed.  Pastor Megan, Brian, and Sharon will investigate moving a portion of the proceeds from endowment investments into a Special Needs Fund.
 
Committee Reports:

1. Christian Education and Youth – Gabby talked about the Antique Car Run and the August Bash, both in August.  Gabby will coordinate the Aug. 11 Car Run refreshments.  Jeff will manage the popcorn stand for the Bash, organizing youth into two shifts.  This will be at that Civic Arena on August 10. 
2. Church Properties – Brian told us that two air conditioning units need repair/replacement and the condition of the caulking around the church windows is critical .  We will need congregational approval to spend an additional $2,500 besides using $2,500 from the building fund, $5,000 of Thrivent Choice money, and $5,000 from the Endowment building fund.   After discussion, Brian moved to have a congregational meeting on July 29 about the repairs needed, seconded by Richard.  Motion approved.  Because of time constraints, Mardelle moved to proceed at once with repairing the air conditioners, seconded by Brian.  Motion approved. 

There is a roof leak which causes a waterfall on the Pastor’s office wall.  Since this  requires mandatory repair,  Greg will check with 201 Building Supply on getting it done.  Brian said that the posts were installed for the fence to be built around the ground air conditioners. 

1. Organizations and Activities – Mardelle said that Tables of 8 is moving along.  People are needed to serve Sunday morning coffee.
2. Finance and Stewardship – Sonia informed us that now Pastor Megan has been with us a year, she will receive a raise.
3. Missions and Outreach – The Mission BBQ is set for August 9.  Proceeds will benefit the Grove City Care Program.  Jeff moved to transfer $500 from Thrivent Grant money for needed groceries for the effort, seconded by Dennis.  Motion carried. 
4. Personnel – Jeff reported that Mary Bolek’s job description was given to her for review.  It was agreed that office hours will be changed to 10:30 to 4:30.
5. Worship, Music and Arts – Sharon stated that worship was going well.

 
Old Business –

• Several council members will meet on July 21 to work on cleaning out Frank’s Place and storage rooms. 
• Dust Buster Sunday on June 24 accomplished the list of tasks.
• Preparing for an active shooting incident – Gabby will check with Sam Swisher.
• God’s Work our Hands – Sept. 9 – We will do fleece blankets again.  We will get Action Team money to purchase supplies. 
• Electronic Monthly Newsletter – Sending the newsletter via email was approved in June.  People wanting a paper copy will get one.  Pastor Megan will gather a task force to check with people for their preference.
• Church Fire Alarm System – American Fire Protection from Willmar has the equipment to check over our system.

 
New Business - 

• Youth Director/Green Lake – Pastor Megan said that the Visioning Team meeting on August 1 will help with the decision.  Input from council members was that last year’s experience had merits.  Another idea was to create an internship program within the church.
• Wednesday night services – Again, the Visioning Team is working on this concept.  One sticking point is the feasibility of including a meal each week.  We’ll find out more about what First Lutheran in Litchfield does.
• Defibrillator – We haven’t had a training session for quite a while.  It could be done by either Grove City Rescue or the hospital.  Greg will check with Joe Jans.

 
Executive Session – no meeting.
 
Adjournment and Lord’s Prayer – Greg adjourned the meeting at 9:03, and we all joined in reciting the Lord’s Prayer.
 
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon Smith, Secretary
 
 
Next meeting is August 9, 2018
August Council Assistant:  Mardelle Crist