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Minutes of Present: Mary Vestuto, Jennie Motheral, Sandra Yarborough, Steve Anfinson, Ward Jones, Jerry Stowe, Jeannie Hargis, Bobbie Joines, Pastor Mike Williams, Sara McKeon, Andy Simon and Donna Kelley Absent: Donna Jenschke Call to Order: Mary Vestuto, Vice-President, at 7:00 p.m. Opening Prayer: Mary Vestuto Pastor’s Observations: Pastor Mike stated that he would begin the stepping stone program, “Passages for Life” which he had presented to council in November. He advised that confirmation classes would start at the end of January and is expecting two or three children. These classes will be held on Sunday morning. Pastor Mike commented that he would have a three week sermon series on prayer beginning on January 10. Recently he held a prayer meeting at his home which was attended by 15 members. He would like to establish prayer circles with the intention of having prayer daily. The current prayer chain program would be integrated with this new program. He stated that resources will be available and discussed options on how to establish. He stated that a goal for the future is to review the church team and organize around The Great Commission. Pastor stated that committees of the church should be organized around “bringing people to Christ and nurturing those here.” Pastor Mike stated that in his opinion the Super Sunday program is not working, that statistically there has been a decrease of 100 people attending on those Sundays. He stated he thought it would be better to meet in the middle of the two services, during the Sunday school hour rather than eliminating one service. Pastor stated he was concerned about not having the two services as scheduled. Treasurer’s Report: Sara stated that on the whole, revenue has increased slowly month by month and we are closer to what was budgeted. She asked about outstanding Benevolence expenses. Donna stated that she had discussed with Jo Davidson those expenses that needed to be paid before year end. One half of outstanding expenditures to Vietnam Mission, the new LCMC mission, Estonia Seminary and $1000 to LCMC were to be paid. Sara stated that both property and worker’s comp insurance was to be paid in 2009. Discussion was held regarding the cost and possible need for seeking bids on insurance. Sara will check on the schedule costs for 2010 and report back to council. Sara also noted that the building deficit is down to $27,000. Approval of Minutes: Motion by Jennie and seconded by Bobbie to approve minutes from 11/10/09. Motion carried. Action Items/Discussion: Discussion and review of proposed 2010 budget was held. Bobbie stated that a subcommittee had met to review the proposed budgets from each ministry / conmiittee. He provided a handout with observations from that subcommittee, which are attached. Bobbie noted that an estimated 10% decrease is expected in 2009 inflows but the subcommittee was optimistic that income for 2010 will stabilize. He commented that all non-profits, etc. show a decrease but most are also optimistic that the bleeding has stopped. Bobbie stated, as noted on the handout, approximately 58% of total inflows are used on employee and employee related costs. Mary asked if anyone had questions or comments regarding the proposed budget. Ward noted his experience with running a not-for profit organization. He stated that one thing he would note is the lack of diversity of income producing potential. That if we do nothing different we will not bring in additional income, and stated that maybe we should vary what we are doing. Ward suggested that we may need to look at having a fundraiser. Jerry commented that our focus should be around The Great Commission and that our goal is not to “make money”. Jerry noted that it is obvious we should make paying off the building loan a focus and that we should do a better job around benevolence. Ward agreed, stating that he was not suggesting “how” the money is spent but that we could and should increase the income in order to increase the meeting of the Great Commission. Pastor noted that we need to look at open opportunities to give, that income comes in many different ways. He stated that it is about being creative. Bobbie noted that costs/expenses were very close. Pastor Mike noted that we must trust if we are doing God’s Will, he will provide.. .that he is not afraid of the budget deficit. But we still need to be good stewards of God’s money, and that we need to feel good about what we are doing. Pastor stated “I see positives and council should feel good about what is going on.” Further review of the current and proposed budget and discussion regarding growth was held. Motion by Ward and second by Steve to adopt 2010 budget based on assumptions presented by subcommittee. The proposed budget is to be presented to congregation at next meeting for approval. Motion carried. Ward stated that for the future, we would need to address income for the music director and second service staff. Andy asked Sara how the search for a new finance secretary was proceeding. Sara stated that several resumes had been received and were being reviewed. Andy noted Jo does a vast amount of work and questioned if the current budgeted pay amount was adequate. Discussion and comments from Sara and Jeannie indicated that for the 15-20 hour work week their opinion was that the salary would be sufficient. Andy stated that a three member Financial Review Committee was needed and be suggested that Mary Leach, Ruth Hinkle and June or Delbert Oehler be contacted to fill that responsibility. He will contact each.
Motion was made by Steve and second by Sara to leave
Sunday service times as they are now at 9:00 and 11:15 for Super Sunday.
A special activity during the Sunday school hour will be held. Pastor
will talk to the staff and have suggestions for congregational activities
between services. Sara volunteered to provide the prayer and devotional for next council meeting in January. Members were reminded that year end reports are due by January 11, 2010. Motion made by Jerry and seconded by Sandra to adjourn. Motion carried. Adjourned at 9:35p.m.
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