Minutes of
Zion Lutheran Church Council
May 11, 2010

Present: Jennie Motheral, Donna Jenschke, Bobbie Joines, Jerry Stowe, Andy Simon, Holly Shirley, Sara McKeon, Pastor Mike Williams, Mary Vestuto, Sandra Yarbrough and Donna Kelley

Absent: Jeannie Hargis and Ward Jones

Guest: Jo Davidson

Call to Order: Andy Simon called meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.

Prayer: Steve Anfinson provided opening prayer

Pastor’s Comments: Pastor Mike presented several brochures which be has developed for the church. There has been a request for brochures from the Kerrville Convention & Visitors Bureau which they can include in welcoming packets for new residents to the area. Pastor noted that he has requested a bid from AC Printing for the printing of 1000 brochures which will contain information and history of Zion.

Pastor noted that the Texas district of LCMC will hold a meeting on Saturday May 22, 2010 from 8:30 -12:00 in Stonewall, Texas. Pastor stated he will be attending and that all others are encouraged to also attend.

Discussion was held regarding the suggestion from Judy Johnson to have a “clean out our closets day”. Pastor stated Judy made the suggestion at their staff meeting in hopes of cleaning and organizing supplies, equipment, etc throughout the offices and Sunday school rooms. It was suggested that each committee within the council and church clean their areas. Any equipment or supplies not being used should be put in one area for resale, sharing or destroying.

Pastor Mike stated that he had received a request from Habitat for Humanity to provide lunch for approximately 15 people on 6/5 or 6/26. Discussion was held and it was decided that each council member would donate money to pay for the meal. Donna Kelley will take care of purchasing sandwiches, chips and cookies to be delivered. Pastor Mike will notify Habitat for Humanity that the meal will be provided on 6/5/2010 and obtain location for delivery.

Treasurer’s Report: Jo Davidson reviewed financial reports due to the absence of Jeannie Hargis. Jo noted that she has received and downloaded updates to the church software which has corrected problems with the system she was experiencing. She noted that offerings have been more than our expenses but down from last year. Jo also noted that the monies received from the Trust fund have also been down. She explained that the missions and agencies expenses are set to pay monthly or quarterly depending on the amount of the payments. Jo was asked if she knew why the expense for flowers was so high. It was noted that charges from the Easter season, palms and lilies had recently been paid and that there was no sponsorship from the congregation this year as in the past. A motion was made by Steve and seconded by Jennie to approve financial reports as presented. Motion carried. (reports attached)

Approval of Minutes: After review of the minutes of April 13, 2010, motion was made by Steve and seconded by Sara to approve minutes as presented. Motion carried.

President’s comments/discussion items: Andy asked Sara if she or Jeannie had contact Security State Bank to follow up with last month’s discussion regarding the church account held with them. Sara stated that she had not and had not heard anything from Jeannie.

Andy reminded everyone that Ward was in charge of the meeting of all committees to be held at 7:00 p.m. on May 19, 2010. This meeting will be to update all committees on the progress of the special July 4th service being planned and to coordinate activities among all committees.

Andy then stated he would like to get back to the discussion of the time issues with regards to the first service. He stated that the time allowed for the first service is conflicting with the Sunday school time. Discussion was held and Jennie noted that maybe the announcements could be presented about 10 minutes prior to the start of the first service. Donna Kelley commented that we should make an effort to present skits, temple talks and lengthy announcements on non-communion Sundays. Pastor agreed with those suggestions and effort will be made to address these concerns.

The church BBQ is scheduled for September 12, 2010 following the second service. The BBQ will be held at the church.

Andy asked for discussion to determine if additional office help is needed. He would like to see council hire a part-time employee to cross-train for both the church secretary and financial secretary position. He is concerned that we have no one trained to back-up those positions. Discussion was held and no action taken as council feels there is not a need at this time.

Andy asked for feedback on the “Bring a Friend” Sunday. He noted that when the congregation visits in the Narthex following first service it delays Sunday school 10-15 minutes. Discussion was held and it was decided that on “Bring a Friend” Sunday, that Sunday school would start 15 minutes later.

Vice-President’s comments: Mary stated that she had been asked to coordinate with the nominating committee the upcoming council positions that would need to be filled. She asked council members if they would be willing to serve again or what year of their term they were currently serving. She will contact the nominating committee and provide the information in order that they can begin the process of selecting a slate for council positions.

Committee Reports:

Youth & Parish Ed: Donna Jenschke explained that the fundraiser they were planning has been cancelled since the mission trip for the youth will not take place this year. Pastor noted that he was unable to find a trip this late in the year. Pastor stated that he and the youth committee would begin in October to search for a location for next year’s mission trip. Donna reported that there are plans under way to participate in the ‘"Neighbor to Neighbor” program in June. She stated that the summer Vacation Bible School will be held on Sunday’s during the Sunday school time for 10 weeks. A VBS program will be presented on August 20 during services. Donna stated that the CD & DVD’s for graduating seniors have been purchased and will be presented when the seniors are honored on May 23rd. She also reported that there have been discipline issues with a few of the children which are being addressed with the teachers.

Donna discussed the need for council to acknowledge when members of the congregation have a loss of a family member. Discussion was held and decided that council would sign sympathy cards. Jennie will bring to the next meeting.

Bobbie noted that there may be a need to have a back-up for the adult Sunday school program. Pastor Breen has been conducting the class but due to the health of his wife, a back-up may need to be found. Discussion was held and Bobbie will contact Pastor Rauhut and Pastor Bigot

Stewardship: Holly reported that a temple talk of sorts is being planned. He will recognize members for their service to committees and encourage others to participate.

Benevolence: Sara noted that the local Red Cross chapter “thanks” the congregation for their support with the “Heroes” campaign. She noted that Habitat for Humanity is the benevolence focus for the month of May and that “member support” is scheduled for June. She suggested that C.A.M. be moved up to June in order to focus support of the plan to expand the building in which C.A.M. is housed.

Children’s Center: Steve reported that enrollment remains strong at 87-88 children. He stated that preliminary consultation had been held with the licensure regarding an after school program. Steve reported that they will look at having the program on a trial basis as this can be done with current space. There will not be a need for transportation if provided for students within the center’s district The board will talk with KISD regarding future growth and needs. Steve noted that the compressor on the refrigerator went out and would be replaced with cost expected to be over $500 for the replacement.

Fellowship: Sandra reminded everyone that Zion does not have a community kitchen and if asked, food cannot be prepared and sold out of the kitchen. This practice would create a liability and insurance issue.

Evangelism: Jennie report that they are making calls and sending out cards. She noted that she is still receiving information on directories. Jennie stated that putting together a new church directory is a big job and no one on her committee is willing to do at this time. She noted that many hours go into organizing and facilitating  such a project. If there is anyone who is willing to volunteer, she would be happy to provide them with information she has received.

Property: Jerry highlighted activities and maintenance being conducted or which has recently been completed. A fuI! written report is attached. Jerry reported that the church has been contacted with a request from a former member to rent the sanctuary on June 18, 2011 for a reunion.. A motion was made by Jennie and seconded by Sandra to have Jerry contact person making request to discuss what would be needed, what equipment would be used and to verify length of time facility would be needed. Motion carried.

Closing: Meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m. and closed with the Lord’s Prayer. Jennie. will provide devotional and opening prayer at next meeting on June 8th.

Respectfully submitted

Donna W. Kelley