Immanuel
CHURCH COUNCIL
MINUTES
President Earl Hershberger called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Pastor Steele opened with prayer.
Attending the meeting were Tom Alger, Ernie Dixon, Ed Duncan, Melanie Haveard, Earl Hershberger, Dolores Hommeland, Jill Hubbs, Richard Knuth, Bill Mitchell, Gary Moss, Pastor Walter Steele, Lexie Thorsen, Ted Thorsen and Bob Williams. Vicar Randy Blankschaen also attended the meeting.
Cynthia Dean was also at the meeting to report on and discuss needs for the church’s library. Cynthia reported that the cabinet previously in old library is being painted. She also reported on an estimate to construct a closet in the library. She invited other estimates. Church member Charlotte Daehn has donated $1,000 from her dedicated memorial fund to be used towards library storage. Jill Hubbs suggested purchasing a cabinet instead of constructing a closet. She will get with Cynthia on the idea.
President Hershberger welcomed newly elected and re-elected council members and thanked outgoing members and acknowledged all the church members who are working behind the scenes.
President Hershberger shared goals and focuses for the New Year, which include:
Rent Bell Building - Stay within budget
- Church committees in place
Other issues to address include:
- Update mailbox slots in Boards Office
- Hire nursery attendant
- Downsize courtyard greenery
- New church calendar coordinator
- Have fellowship hall floors waxed
Also discussed was the contract with Beck Properties is up for renewal. We will ask church members who are realtors for recommendations.
Minutes: The Minutes of the
REPORTS
Treasurer’s: Ed Duncan provided report. Ed noted a correction to the 2006 Church Budget, which does not affect the bottom line. The correction is to increase by $1800.00 the Weekly Envelopes line item.
Ed also asked if thought should be given to locking in an interest rate on our AmSouth building loan. Motion was made to have Gary Huston research with AmSouth in establishing a locked-in interest rate for the building loan. Motion was seconded and carried.
Pastor/Vicar: Lutheran Hour Sunday will be March 5.
Motion was made to approve a
Pastor also reported on upcoming baptisms, with the parents starting adult catechesis, and reported on several new visitors.
Vicar Blankschaen continues to work with the Young Adults.
To avoid conflicting with Maundy Thursday services, the April Council Meeting has been rescheduled for April 20.
It was discussed and approved that Game Night can include children and games will be offered for them.
John Burpee and the Gabert Family have transferred their membership to Immanuel.
The Lutheran Blind Missions will establish here at Immanuel, at no cost to Immanuel. Immanuel members are needed volunteer with this program, which would include help with cooking and cleaning up once a month. The program will be getting off the ground here at Immanuel in about four to six months from now. Motion was made to approve hosting the Lutheran Blind Missions program here at
Board of Education: The Board of Education’s next meeting will be February 19. A Youth Choir has been established.
Board of Elders: Chair of the Board of Elders, Gary Moss, reported. (Report filed.) They continue to open with study and discussion of The Fire and the Staff: Lutheran Theology in Practice. Those members in the hospital and those with special needs were discussed. The Elders also discussed Easter Services, and will cook and serve breakfast on Easter Sunday. The Board of Elders support sponsoring a
Social Ministry: Dolores Hommeland reported that three volunteers from Immanuel are needed represent Thrivent. Those interested can find out more from her or Mary Thorsen.
Board of Trustees: Ernie Dixon reported on the status of repairs. (Report filed.) Stained glass window is still on schedule for February 13.
Board of Evangelism: Ernie Dixon reported. Evangelism committee members are Pastor Norm Schulz, Chair, Charlotte Daehn, Wanda Dixon and Ellen Threadgill.
OLD BUSINESS
Nursery Attendant: Jill Hubbs will put ads out for a new nursery attendant once the job description for this position is written.
EcoQuest: Jerry Allen has requested a letter of testimony for the air filter system recently installed in the
NEW BUSINESS
Church Council Structure: Ernie Dixon provided an amended booklet copy of the Constitution and Bylaws as approved at the Annual Voters Meeting,
Representation of the Church Council was established and is as follows:
Financial Receipts – Melanie Haveard
Board of Elders – Gary Moss, Chair
Youth Ministry – Bob Williams
Board of Trustees – Ernie Dixon
Board of Evangelism – Richard Knuth
Personnel Board – Bill Mitchell
Social Ministry – Dolores Hommeland
Stewardship – Tom Alger
Board of Education – Jill Hubbs
Mary Lawrence Committee: Lexie Thorsen reported that Gary Huston will be in contact with AmSouth about reevaluating the investment strategy. Once a plan is in place, AmSouth will attend a Council meeting to discuss, as well as report on the 2005 investments.
Lexie also reported that another committee member should be put in place, as there is currently only two committee members, plus the Treasurer. Nikki Holm has expressed interest in serving. Motion was made to approve Nikki Holm as a Mary Lawrence Committee member. Seconded and carried.
Finance Housekeeping: Interest from church’s checking account will be used towards the building fund versus putting in the Vicar Program, as the Building Fund is currently in more need.
Old Choir Robes: Melanie Haveard reported that after failed attempts of selling the old choir robes, the choir would like to donate them to those churches ravaged by Hurricane Katrina that may benefit from their use.
With no further business, meeting adjourned to prayer at 9:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Lexie Thorsen, Secretary
