|
Minutes of Present: Bobbie Joines, Jennie Motheral, Ward Jones, Jeannie Hargis, Andy Simon, Holly Shirley, Pastor Mike Williams, Steve Anfinson, Jerry Stowe, Sara McKeon, Sandra Yarbrough, and Donna Kelley Absent: Donna Jenschke, Mary Vestuto Call to Order: Andy Simon called meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Opening Prayer: Holly Shirley Pastor’s Observations: Pastor Mike stated the church had received a letter from Larry Lindstrom, LCMC Board of Trustees chairman regarding a resolution approved by delegates at the 2009 convention. Pastor Mike noted that the change needs to be ratified by the congregations of LCMC and requests that this be put on our next congregational meeting. The letter of explanation is attached for reference. Pastor Mike also reported that there has been an increase of 101 congregations joining LCMC since August 2009. He noted that LCMC started with 40 churches and the total is approximately 326 congregations strong with expected growth to be even larger over the next three years. While LCMC will have growth challenges it is the best game in town. Pastor noted that he will be trying something different at the first service next month by using a chanting service while continuing to use the liturgy from the green hymnal once a month. The prayer ministry will meet again this month and he plans to have Prayer Stations available after each service. Pastor noted that currently, we have someone at the church every day except Saturday for prayer of the church. A mission trip for the youth is being planned to Chicago this summer but a date still needs to be picked. According to Pastor Mike, the Texas District is still planning to start a mission church and the team is looking seriously at Dripping Springs, TX for the site, He noted that the last Saturday of February, the pastors from the area will be meeting at Zion. He continued by noting that the Mission Team has a current balance of $73,000 in the mission fund and expects to receive another $80,000 in 2010. The team is also looking at a grant from Thrivent. Lenten Services begin next week and all five Pastors have agreed to preach. Pastor Mike provided a handout titled “Conunitnient to Lifestyle” which he asked that the council read and understand. He wants the church to focus on what God wants us to do. The handout is a set of 10 statements that guide the lifestyle of a Church. Pastor noted that this is a guide by which we can organize in a way to follow “The Great Commission”. He suggested that the council should review and reflect upon the statements then discuss next month. Pastor noted that he would like to build around similar statements which the council and committees should all try to follow which would let the congregation know that we are all on the same page. As a follow up to the discussion held last month, Pastor Mike spoke with Delbert Oehler about forming a “Vision Team”. The committee would work on a handbook for improving communication and look at how to support the work being done. The handbook would set out expectations, procedures and goals that would be helpful to staff and volunteers. Treasurer’s Report: Jeannie provided copy of detailed general ledger and reviewed detail for each department. Jeannie invited each council member to review and would like for the committees to review and approve in order to get a better handle on expenses. Discussed current process for journal entries and will ask that Jo Davidson, financial secretary, provide detail and explanation of each journal entry. Jeannie noted that the council needs to find a solution for filling the position of financial secretary. She stated that we can hire Jo to continue doing the work but that Jo would work from home in the evenings and would not be available during the day for questions and would not be working in the office on Saturdays. Jeannie stated that another option would be to outsource the work and possibly hire someone part-time to assist in the office. Discussion was held. Pastor Mike noted that Jo has helped Judy in the office with other projects and administrative duties including answering the phone and questions as needed. Sara suggested that some job duties could be organized for volunteers. Pastor stated that there are a number of projects that volunteers currently do. Jeannie stated that she feels that we should be able to have Jo continue with the financial responsibilities at a decreased pay and hire someone to work three days a week and stay within the total budget. Jeannie is to ask Jo about the salary she would need to work from home. A motion was made by Steve to give Jeannie authority to offer Jo the part-time position, on a contract basis, up to $600 per month. Motion was seconded by Bobbie and carried unanimously. Approval of minutes; Motion made by Bobbie to approve minutes of January 12, 2010 with correction to page 3, Parish Ed report, they are working to “create” a purchase order system. Motion was seconded by Steve and carried unanimously. Action Items/Discussion: Bobbie presented copy of purchase order created, which is attached for reference. Discussion was held with regards to the use of a purchase order system. Pastor Mike noted that he prefers that each committee use as needed. Discussion continued as to how to use and what limit its use would start. Motion by Bobbie and second by Jennie to have the purchase order system used on a trial basis by the Youth and Parish Ed committees. A follow up report will be given and further discussion will be held after trial use. Motion carried. Andy commented that there is a need to end the first service on time due to Sunday school trying to start at 10:15. Discussion was held with no action being taken at this time. Committee Reports: Worship/Music: Ward Jones provided a report of meeting held by the Worship & Music committee, copy attached. Ward noted that with approval of council, committee would like to designate the 4th Sunday each month as “Bring a Friend to Zion” Sunday at both services. He noted that the committee would like to have a visitor’s reception in the Narthex following each service where the Pastor and members could visit with guests. Jennie suggested that Worship & Music coordinate with Evangelism to give the “Welcome” gift bags that are available. Ward also noted that the committee is proceeding with gathering information in order to hold a “Cowboy Service” in the future. The committee is also developing a new volunteer card to be distributed in the near future. He asked that Judy Johnson be notified if there are needs for other committees and she will include on the card. Motion was made by Jeannie and seconded by Bobbie to approve the 4th Sunday as “Bring a Friend to Zion” Sunday. Motion carried. Property: Jerry reported that the Safety Committee had inspected the classrooms and that a report would be forthcoming. He noted that Dwaine A/C would be used for inspections and repairs of the a/c units in 2010 and that Dwaine A/C had the maintenance contract for 2010. Jerry noted that there is some damage to the duct work in the new sanctuary which needs to be done. A complete report from the Property Board Meeting is attached. Sara has contact an insurance representative who will provide a review of insurance coverage. Jerry noted that someone had slipped at the Children’s center following the Christmas Program and that there could be a possible claim forthcoming. Steve noted that the fall may have been caused by a slight change in elevation of the sidewalk, which has now been painted. Steve also commented that he ha not received any formal claim at this time and that the incident had only been reported recently. Benevolence: Sara noted that the normal monthly payments did not show up on the current financials. She stated that the large payments were usually made monthly while others were spread out over the year. She will work with Jo to schedule a plan for payments. Sara reported that the Red Cross Heroes campaign is in March and that we would have a temple talk at the end of February for that cause. She also stated that the focus for March is Cross Trails Ministry and that she had contacted Deanna Christensen regarding a temple talk which is scheduled for March 14th, Children’s Center: Steve reported that attendance is the same even with the increase of rates that went into effect February 1st. The only problem had been with a staff member and a discount has been negotiated. Fellowship: Sandra noted that Lenten meals would start next Wednesday at 6:15 p.m. She has all the meals lined up except February 24th. Sandra stated she would have coffee and donuts for the “Bring a Friend to Zion” on Sunday February 28rd. Plans are being made for the Easter Sunday breakfast. Stewardship: Holly noted that he would like to request a time for a temple talk. He will coordinate with Pastor Mike and staff. Evangelism: Jennie noted that she keeps getting information on picture books and that the last one was done in 2003. She remarked that this is a very time consuming project to organize and set up. Jennie stated that it is probably time to have one done again but that she does not have the time to do herself and does not know of anyone willing to take on the project. Asked that council provide suggestions if they have any for who might be willing to organize. Jennie noted that all new name tags had been made and available in the Narthex. Youth & Parish Ed: Bobbie noted that Donna is out but that she had noted that the nursery is stocked and that the youth would like a new ping pong table. He noted that a “court presentation” would be held on March 7th by the youth. Sunday school and youth participation has increased and thanked Mark Bigott for his continued hard work. The children are making Valentine’s for the shut-ins, materials have been ordered for Vacation Bible School and that they were working on new options for VBS which is to be held during the Sunday school hour. Bobbie noted that the Adult classes were really good programs and that they are currently teaching on Daniel. Sunday school teachers will be honored on Friday night February 12th with a dinner. Bobbie provided a handout, attached, which provides membership comparisons and youth l children resource comparisons complied by the Youth / Parish Ed committee. He stated that the committee is looking to make a CD for introduction of Zion to new members and prospective members which will enhance growth. Bobbie noted that we are looking to capture the market of those 44 and younger to help bring them to Christ. Pastor stated that he is very excited about what this congregation can do but there is need to be flexible in order to accommodate growth. Prayer and devotional for the March meeting will be given by Sara McKeon. Adjournment: Motion made by Ward and seconded by Jennie to adjourn. Motion carried and meeting adjourned at 10:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted
|