Bethlehem Lutheran Church

Council Meeting Minutes

 

May 19, 2008 – 6:30 PM

GOD’S FAMILY SERVING CHRIST WITH LOVE

Present:  Wade Werner, Brian Kjorlie, Jeanette Gessner, Dick Inglett, John Denhartigh, Tom Parrish, Tony

Hess, Brenda Ertl, Heather Kucksdorf, & Judy Hernkind

Absent:  Tim Peterson 

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

Welcome / Opening Prayer – Pastor Dick

Roles: 

            Facilitator – John Denhartigh

            Time Keeper – Jeanette Gessner

            Recorder – Judy Hernkind

Action Plan:      Postponed until June meeting

Agenda items with time

Appearances    Portage School District for 18 – 21 year old mentally challenged youth in regards to the use of our facilities.  A motion was made by Brian and seconded by Brenda to allow the use of our

                        facility.  Motion carried. 

Check in:          None

Items –

Motion made by Tony to approve April 2008 meeting minutes.  The motioned was then seconded by

 Tom.  Motion carried.

Pastor’s Report

            Tri-North should be starting the rebuild soon.

Review of two services conversation from Wednesday and Sunday.  Wednesday – leave alone.  Sunday

some division in congregation about what to do.

Expanding Ministries beginning June 1

            Input from Congregation

            Feedback to Congregation

            Focus Groups

            Introduction Rally Day

            Development 2008-2009

            Evaluation Summer 2009

Summer Worship Focus

            Outdoors on 2nd Sunday of June, July and August – bring your own chair

            Creation Theme – Mid-July to Mid-August

Pastor’s summer vacation – Leave on June 19th, return on July 6th to leave again until July 11th on the

youth mission trip.  Dan will be covering the first Sunday and Brenda the next two Sunday’s.

Questions, Comments or Concerns

Christian Ed-

            The last day of Sunday School was May 18th.  THANK YOU STAFF!

 

There was a brat and plant sale following with such a great turn out that we ran out of

brats (100 Brats and 80 Hot Dogs) with proceeds going to the youth trip.

There will be a Car Wash / Brat Sale on May 31st at the Portage National Bank for the Youth.

Evangelism

All Council members are asked to attend the New Members Class on June 1st.  There will be about 30

New Members expected in the class.  New Members Orientation may be on July 13th. 

Brenda will continue with the New Members Class and Volunteer Coordinator until a committee to deal

with gift based ministry is formed.

The marquee is coming along good.

The pamphlet track is set back to December 1st.

September 14th is the small group fair.  

Care of Creation (formerly Environment)

            None to report

Finance

            See Report from Kari

People seem to be just giving, but not to specific areas.  Projections are that we will be short of meeting our budget at the end of the year.  We have wonderful staff and volunteers that do a great job so it is felt

that we cannot cut any salaries to benefit the budget.

The recommendation from the Finance Committee was to file an application with Thrivent for the mortgage.  Then look into which is most beneficial, to keep the loans separate or combine loans.  Brenda

made a motion and Brian seconded to pursue mortgage proceedings with Thrivent.  Motion carried. 

A motion was made by Jeanette and seconded by Tony to approve the financial report.  Motion carried.

Property

Spotlights are being looked into for the stained glass windows.

Possibility of card parties starting in June.

A tremendous job has been done by Tony with all he does and especially with his works with the repair

of the steeple.  The grounds are looking nice.

THANK YOU TONY & PASTOR for a job well done!

Social Ministry

            None to Report

Stewardship

            It is felt that staying with Consecration Sunday for financials talks is enough to start with.  Look at

            having an Annual Building Fund Drive in the fall to possibly sell bonds.

Worship & Music

            Discussion in regards to two services.

Youth

Sixteen people are going on the trip this summer.  Approximately $1200 was raised on May 18th

for the trip.

Past Concerns (old business)

            None to report

New Business

None to report

Evaluation & Appreciations

Next Meeting – June 16, 2008

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

 

Lord’s Prayer