Immanuel Lutheran Church

CHURCH COUNCIL

March 9, 2006

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, Richard Knuth, Bill Mitchell, Pastor Walter Steele, Lexie Thorsen, Ted Thorsen and Bob Williams. Vicar Randy Blankschaen also attended the meeting. Counted absent were Dolores Hommeland, Jill Hubbs and Gary Moss.

Minutes: The Minutes of the February 9, 2006, Council meeting were accepted as corrected with noted corrections of adding Mandy Simmons to the newly transferred member Gabbert family.

President’s Comments: President Earl Hershberger began the meeting with comments, including requesting that a list of Council members representing the various committees be posted on the bulletin board.

President Hershberger also reported on the recent contact with Beck Properties regarding the Bell Building and shared their suggestions for various ways of improving the building for renting. Ernie Dixon then reported that he is researching other realtors.

Pastor Steele reported on the logistics of holding Easter Sunrise Service in the courtyard.

Bill Mitchell has volunteered with helping to update the mailbox slots in the Boards Office.

A nursery attendant is still being sought.

Now that the stained glass window has been replaced, we can now move forward with the new church sign.

REPORTS

Treasurer: Ed Duncan provided the Treasurer’s Report, which was accepted.

Pastor/Vicar: Vacation Bible School planning and implementation will be a joint effort between the Board of Education, Evangelism and Youth Ministry. Material is being researched.

Pastor shared an idea from a sister church, where members volunteer as “church mice,” helping to keep the pencils, communion cards and attendance cards in the pews orderly. A request for volunteers to do this will be posted.

Pastor Steele requested the Council approve holding a church service for Ascension Day. Motion made to hold an Ascension Day Service, May 25, 2006, at 7 p.m. Seconded and carried.

Pastor met with Pastor Norm Schulz who will be cutting back on his devotions and committee meetings. Pastor and Vicar Blankschaen will alternate for those times.

The Haynes Family continues in Adult Catechesis. Marty and Ella Schmoldt’s infant son, Justin Allen Schmoldt was baptized last Sunday. A baptism for Andrew Jacob Gill, infant son of Kristen and John Gill, is to be scheduled.

Episcopal Day School has let Immanuel know of their upcoming Spring Festival on April 6, in which

between Baylen and Palafox will be closed for that event.

Pastor Steele has been nominated to serve on the District Board of Directors. Pastor will be going to conference in April.

There will be a potluck after the late service on April 30.

Board of Education: Jill Hubbs was absent, but Pastor reported on the recent meeting of the Board of Education, and provided their 2006 Calendar of Events. Their next meeting is March 19.

Board of Elders: Chairman Gary Moss was absent, but Pastor read Gary’s report (filed). Matching members’ talents for each committee was suggested to be organized.

Board of Evangelism: Richard Knuth provided a detailed report of their committee. There is an idea to have the area Chaplains be able to hold their meetings at Immanuel, one Saturday each month. Richard would also like to schedule a Greeters’ Meeting for March 19 after late service.

Personnel: Bill Mitchell – no report.

Stewardship: This report previously addressed in the Board of Elders report.

Social Ministry: There was no report as Dolores Hommeland was absent.

Board of Trustees: Ernie Dixon provided an updated report on the repairs (filed).

Youth Ministry: Bob Williams reported. Youth met last week. Eligible officers for the Youth Board were discussed. Next meeting will be March 26. The Youth will cook and host a Mothers’ Day Breakfast on May 14.

OLD BUSINESS

Constitution Booklet: Ernie Dixon passed a draft of the booklet around. After a few corrections for typos are made, the booklet will be printed soon.

NEW BUSINESS

Courtyard Cleanup Day: A clean up day for the courtyard has been scheduled for 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 1.

Fellowship Coordinator Salary: It has been brought to the Council’s attention that Pat Campbell’s compensation as Fellowship Coordinator has not been in agreement with what was initially approved at the February 2, 2003, Annual Voters Meeting. Ernie Dixon provided a spreadsheet providing this discrepancy, with a recommendation to bring her salary up to original approved amount.

Motion was made to adjust Fellowship Coordinator, Pat Campbell’s salary to $557.00 per month, with retroactive pay for January and February 2006, agreeing with Florida’s current minimum wage rate, and also based on an error, provide back payment salary at the January 2003 minimum wage rate. Motion was seconded and approved.

Correspondence: President Hershberger shared a letter from the Downtown Improvement Board asking certain downtown property and business owners within a specific area of downtown to participate in “Project Flower Power.” As the cost of this is $565.00, the Council does not see this as a fiscal opportunity.

LWML Zone Rally: Lexie Thorsen reported that the LWML will be hosting the LWML Zone Rally at Immanuel on Saturday, October 14, beginning about 8 a.m. There was a concern from a Council member about conflicting with the Oatmeal Breakfast. Logistics will be worked out.

With no further business, meeting adjourned to prayer at 8:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Lexie Thorsen, Secretary