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Minutes of Present: Holly Shirley, Sara MeKeon, Steve Anfinson, Mary Vestuto, Sandra Yarborough, Bobbie Joines, Ward Jones, Jeannie Hargis, Andy Simon, Jerry Stowe, Donna Kelley and Pastor Michael Williams. Absent: Donna Jenschke and Jennie Motheral Guest: Gerd Rohleder and Jo Davidson Call to Order: Meeting called to order at 7:04 p.m. by President Simon Opening Prayer: Devotional and opening prayer by Sara McKeon Treasurer’s Report: Review of summary of cash and investments, general operations, building find, and dedicated accounts was presented by Jeannie. She noted that expenses were in line with what has been budgeted and income is down. One notation is that the LCMC health plan was recently changed and there was also a change in the cost. Jo Davidson noted that she is having problems with the program since recent updates of the system were made. She noted that she is checking and reviewing by line item to ensure accuracy. She will be calling system support to seek help and expects to receive updates to clear up the issues. Jerry noted that he has asked people about paying off the loan on the new sanctuary early. Jerry asked if there would be a significant amount of savings if paid off early. It was noted that from a previous amortization schedule, the indication is a savings of approximately $11,000. Jerry presented to the council, his research of investment accounts which the church has, the Building Fund, Family Life Center account and Scholarship account. All interest from these funds has been paid into the general operating fund. Jerry noted that it appears that management fees are eating up what growth the funds have had and suggested that we look at our options. Jeannie will talk with Security State Bank & Trust to see about fees and what options for investment we have. She will report back to council next month. Motion made by Ward and seconded by Steve to approve financial report as presented. Motion carried. Approval of Minutes: Motion by Steve and seconded by Bobbie to approve minutes of March meeting. Motion carried. Discussion Items: Andy asked Jo how things were going with her workload and new hours. Jo stated that things were going well, seems to have large amount of mail to open and sort through. Andy noted that he is concerned about not having anyone trained if Jo or Judy were out for an extended period. He stated we have no backup for either office staff employee. Andy believes we need an additional part-time office employee to cross train for both positions. Holly suggested that Andy talk to Pastor Mike about this need and report back to council. A motion was made by Jerry that Andy speak with Pastor Mike regarding the need for additional office/administrative staff. The motion was seconded by Bobbie and carried. Andy noted that services Easter Sunday were well attended with approximately 450 between the two services and that approximately 200 were served at the breakfast. He stated that help from everyone was appreciated. Sandra noted that there is a need to have Bibles available in the Narthex to give to guests that may request them. She stated that prior to a recent service they had to retrieve from the conference room and feels we should have some available in the Narthex. Andy asked that Mary visit with the Nominating committee and start the process of seeking candidates for council. She will report back to the council. Benevolence: Sara noted that approximately $1036 had been raised American Red Cross and we were able to meet our “Heroes” commitment. She also explained that Thrivent has changed some of the guidelines which they have for providing matching funds. She will review, gather more details and report back to council as necessary. Women’s and Men’s Job Corp is current benevolence focus and next month will be Habitat for Humanity, Sara noted that Peggy Hannemann would like someone to visit as she is unable to attend church. Sara will request notation be placed in the newsletter and bulletin. Children’s Center: Steve reported that everything is running smoothly and enrollment numbers are okay. He asked if the council would like to consider offering an after school program and summer program. He noted that it would require use of additional facilities such as Sunday school rooms and play ground area. There has been preliminary discussion with a local foundation to discuss assistance with finding the program. Steve stated he would be exploring rules and needed upgrades to the facility if council was interested in pursuing these options. Jerry made a motion that Steve research specifics and preliminary costs and report back to council for further discussion. The motion was seconded by Ward. Motion carried. Fellowship: Sandra reported that 90 were served at the last Sunday in March “Bring a friend to church” and 200 at Easter breakfast. She noted that she would not be here the last Sunday in April. Andy suggested that Ward line up people to help with “bring a friend to church”. Parish Ed and Youth: Bobbie reported that everything was going well. Attendance at the adult and children Sunday school classes has increased. He reminded the council that Dr. Breen was starting his six week study next Sunday. Stewardship: Holly noted that he is working on a temple talk and will discuss with Pastor Mike. They will pick a Sunday for his presentation to the congregation. Worship and Music: Ward noted that he and his committee had met and are working on a 4th of July program. He has met with several Veteran groups to involve them and get their feedback. The committee is planning to have an Army Chaplain deliver the message, the Color Guard will be in attendance and other special features are being planned. Ward noted that he would like to provide some type of food and drink. Discussion was held. The committee wants to publicize the event. Ward suggested that all committees meet at the same time on a monthly basis in order to better coordinate church activities and other needs in an effort to work together. Discussion was held. Donna suggested that quarterly meetings of all committees might be more feasible. Ward will plan the first quarterly meeting for May 19th at 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship hail. Property: Jerry reported that he will get estimates on painting the exposed gutters and wood as well as the cost of re-glazing the stained glass in the old sanctuary. He noted that the spring filter change is ongoing. The alarm system has been a problem due to the squirrels chewing the wiring in half Jerry noted that it is time to check the sprinkler system and he notes that there are some sprinkler head problems. Solar screens were put on the “Sidney Baker” side of the building and weed killer has been sprayed. There is a problem in the new sanctuary with sheet rock coming apart near the altar and banner area. He is not sure what is causing the problem but will be checking and repairing in the near future. Jerry also reported that sketches of the new sanctuary have been scanned and are now available in a bound format. Pastor’s Comments: Pastor Mike asked if the church has sent anything to the Texas District of LCMC, which was formed about five months ago. He noted that the largest expense for the group is liability insurance and requested council consider sending a couple hundred dollars to help defray costs. Pastor commented that they have called a mission Pastor for the new mission church which will be located in Dripping Springs, TX. He noted that he is amazed at how well this project has gone considering the district is comprised of only seven churches and in just three years they have come this far. Motion by Jeannie and seconded by Ward to send $200 from the congregation. Motion carried,
Pastor reported that he still wants to take a group of youth on a mission
trip and is suggesting Pastor Mike stated that he was very pleased with Easter services. He noted that we had lots of guests in attendance. Pastor will look at having a New Member class soon as we have several new members to our congregation. Discussion/Comments: Gerd reported that he had recently met with the local T.V. station and we may have a need for new and/or updates to our media equipment. He expressed his concern about the cost of new media equipment as well as the need to update equipment throughout all buildings including fire alarms, security and other items. Gerd and Jerry will work on a list of possible upcoming major expenditures and report back to council for further discussion.
Prayer and devotion for May council meeting will be given by Steve. There
being no further business, motion was made by Bobbie and seconded by
Steve to adjourn. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted, Donna W. Kelley, secretary
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