Bethlehem Lutheran Church

Council Meeting Minutes

 

February 18, 2008 – 6:30 PM

 

GOD’S FAMILY SERVING CHRIST WITH LOVE

 

Present:  Wade Werner, Brian Kjorlie, Jeanette Gessner, Dick Inglett, Tony Hess, John Denhartigh, Brenda Ertl, Tom Parrish & Judy Hernkind

 

Absent:  Tim Peterson

 

Meeting called to order at 6:30 p.m. by John Denhartigh

 

Welcome / Opening Prayer – Pastor Dick

 

Roles: 

                John Denhartigh – President / Facilitator

                Brian Kjorlie – Vice President / Co-chair Stewardship & Finance

                Tom Parrish – Chair Stewardship / Finance

                Tim Peterson – Worship & Music Liaison / Environment

                Tony Hess – Property

                Wade Werner – Social Ministry

                Brenda Ertl – Evangelism / Volunteer Coordinator

                Jeanette Gessner / Education / Time Keeper

                Judy Hernkind – Recorder

 

A motion was made by Wade that the above listing of Council Positions be approved.  The motion was seconded by Jeanette.  Motion carried.

 

Agenda items with time

 

Appearances – None

 

Check in

                What is your biggest challenge at your job or in your daily weekly life?

 

                Brenda will present the check in question for March meeting.

 

Items –

Motion made by Brenda to approve January 2008 meeting minutes, seconded by Tony.  Motion carried.

 

Pastor’s Report –

                Letter to congregation presented by Pastor Dick was accepted as is.

 

We need someone with a Front-end Loader to clean the parking lot if anyone knows of someone that has one that is willing to do it or rent it to us.  There is too much snow to simply plow.

 

Christian Ed-

Sunday school attendance has been way down due to the weather.  The children will not be singing until a later date. 

 

Communion instruction has begun

 

There will be a youth meeting on Wednesday, 2/20.

 

Evangelism

                The confirmation kids are keeping up the marquee.

 

                Charlotte Gilman will be doing the web page for the church.

 

                Task force is going well.

 

Denise is giving up her role in organizing Bingo.  It is felt that taking care of Bingo at the nursing home should be turned over to Social Ministries.

 

April 12th is the date of the workshop.  Brenda would like names of those whom we feel would be good leaders to invite to the workshop.

 

Environment

A motion was made by Brian that we will transition our kitchen fully into going green for church functions with the exception of paper napkins.  The motion was seconded by Wade.  Motion carried.

               

                John will check into getting plastic juice glasses for the children to use.

 

                Columbia County Lake Preservation Meeting will be held at our church on March 13th @ 6:30 PM

 

Finance

The Council would like the Finance Committee to get information on the best rates available for a mortgage, including the possibility of a longer fixed rate.  It is felt that this is very important and must be addressed fairly soon; hopefully by June or July.

 

A request for a special joint meeting with the Finance Committee and the Council to discuss specifics in regards to the options for a mortgage once information has been obtained, possibly to be held in April.

 

In November 2008, the Council needs to request that funds from Thrivent go to the building fund.

 

The Finance Committee should get back to those involved with fundraising to let them know exactly where the money went.  It was suggested that this information could possibly be put in The Chimes.

 

Craft monies will go toward the principal of the over-run (smaller) loan.

 

Tony made a motion that we accept the Financial Report.  The motion was seconded by Brenda.  Motion carried.

 

Property

Tony is planning a White Elephant Sale near the end of May.  Donations will be accepted one week prior to the sale.  He is looking for NICE items, especially kids toys for the sale.

 

Mirrors have been requested in the coat rooms.  The person requesting them has offered to pay for them.  The mirrors will be installed.

 

Tony is HOPING to set up a ‘Nature Day’ for March 15th (weather permitting)

 

Social Ministry

                Reminders to all Council Members of the food for Wednesday’s Soup Supper

 

Stewardship

                Nothing to Report

 

Worship & Music

                Holy Week Dates are on the bottom of Pastor’s letter.

 

Youth

                A major youth meeting will be on Wednesday night to discuss mission trip.

 

Past Concerns (old business)

                The man from Ohio was here and was impressed with the progress and direction of our church.

 

New Business

                Two delegates for the Synod Assembly on May 2nd & 3rd are needed.

 

Action Plan

                To work on improving communication

                Council members should let John know if they cannot attend a meeting

                Continue to work on our goals

 

Evaluation & Appreciations

 

Next Meeting – March 17, 2008

 

A motion was made by Wade to adjourn at 8:30 p.m., the motion was seconded by Tony.  Motion carried.

 

Lord’s Prayer