KENT MEMORIAL LUTHERAN CHURCH
CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING
AUGUST 22, 2006
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Ken Mueller, President.
Ken Mueller provided the devotion.
Members Present: Deanne DeJarnette, Pat Garrett, Lois Gonseth, Linda Kimberling, Ken Mueller, Karen Pragman, Joe Proch, Fred Tetley and Pastor Keith Lingwall.
Members Excused: Wayne Langton, Harvey Lembke, George Patterson and Joe Poretta
A motion was made by Linda Kimberling and seconded by Karen Pragman to accept the minutes of the Church Council Meeting of July 18, 2006 as written. Motion carried.
The minutes of the Congregational Meeting of July 30, 2006 were reviewed and will be forwarded to the congregation for approval at the November 12, 2006 Congregational Meeting.
Treasurer’s Report – The report was reviewed. A motion was made by Fred Tetley and seconded by Linda Kimberling to accept the report as written. Motion carried.
Building Fund Report – The report was reviewed. A motion was made by Linda Kimberling and seconded by Pat Garrett to accept the report as written. Ken Mueller reported that next Sunday, August 27, 2006 will begin the new three-year building fund pledge period. Barbara Patterson is preparing a letter to be sent to each member who contributed to the building fund with a copy of their giving statement for the first three-year period.
Columbarium Report – This project has been removed from the general fund account and set up as a separate account. Ken Mueller reported that the natural rock structure is in the process of being formed up at this time. In Ron Baehr’s absence, Ron made arrangements for an associate to complete this part of the project. Ongoing oversight of the project will be handled by the three-persons who made up the original Columbarium Committee. These include Jerry Husbands, Gene Halvorson and Jan Ellis. This group will be responsible for contracting for and maintaining a record of reserved spaces. A set of rules and regulations for the Columbarium is being developed by this committee with input from available outside sources. To enhance the beauty of the final project, it is anticipated that landscaping will be done around the site of the Columbarium and the Garagnani Memorial Garden.
Pastor’s Report – Pastor Lingwall began by asking the Council members to introduce themselves. Pastor also requested input from the Council on what their expectations were for him during this interim period. Suggestions included arranging for New Member training/orientation/acceptance, Confirmation instruction, visitation of the sick/shut-ins and when possible, voluntary attendance at committee meetings, especially, Worship and Music.
Pastor reported his official working days will be Thursday through Sunday, although he will be responsive to immediate needs of church members.
Pastor read a letter from Bishop Mansholt requesting each congregation consider additional funding to the Shared Mission Challenge of the ELCA. This request will be forwarded to the Stewardship Committee to determine what action will be recommended. The Bishop’s Annual Convocation will be held October 24-26, 2006 at the Inn at Grand Glaize in Osage Beach, Missouri.
Pastor Lingwall acknowledged the superior talent of our organist/pianist, Kathleen Marco, and his regret at her recent resignation and anticipated move to Ozark, MO.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Christian Education – Karen Pragman reported the new Sunday School year begins on Rally Sunday, September 10, 2006. Volunteers have come forward to teach Sunday School. A DVD player is needed for the Senior High curriculum. Bibles will be distributed to third graders on Sunday, September 17, 2006. The annual children’s Christmas Program will be held between services on Sunday, December 17, 2006.
Evangelism - A favorite, local donut shop is back in business and will be providing the donuts for next Sunday’s fellowship time. Many loaves of fresh bread have been distributed to first-time visitors during the past several months.
Finance – No report.
Long-Range Planning – Will be “on hold” until after the first of the year.
Ministry Fund – No report.
Mutual Ministry – No report.
Property – Wayne Langton’s report was available for review. Joe Proch reported on increased emphasis to prepare the parsonage to receive a new pastoral family. Replacement windows have been installed, new roof has been completed, siding has been power washed, bathrooms have been repaired/upgraded and carpeting has been either cleaned or replaced as needed. Ceilings are being prepared for spraying. Some drywall needs to be replaced. Painting has been necessary throughout the house. Paneling will be painted in some areas to brighten up the rooms. The outside surface of the kitchen cabinets will be thoroughly cleaned. Routine and ongoing outdoor yard work continues throughout the church campus.
Social Ministry – Pat Garrett reported that the Social Ministries Fair will be held between services on Sunday, September 24, 2006.
Stewardship – No report.
Worship and Music – Ushers and Greeters receive instructions in the mail prior to the Sunday for which they have volunteered. Ushers will be asked to record the number of loaves of bread distributed to first-time visitors on a list attached to the freezer door in the kitchen, in an effort to maintain an adequate supply of bread. A change in the procedure for distribution of Holy Communion at the 10:00 a.m. service was discussed. Although the recent change seems to lengthen the time required for distributing the elements, it was suggested that the change be given a longer trial period. The Worship and Music Committee also expressed regret at the resignation of Kathleen Marco as organist/pianist. Members of the congregation will be given an opportunity to interview for the position before advertising outside our church community.
Youth Ministry – A trip to Silver Dollar City is planned for September 22, 2006 for grades K-6. An Area 9 Confirmation Retreat is planned for September 22-24, 2006 at Heit’s Point.
OLD BUSINESS
Columbarium – In addition to the information provided above, Pastor Lingwall suggested a dedication service might be planned in conjunction with All Saints Sunday in early November.
Building Fund Pledges – Envelopes have been prepared for pick up by members. The new three-year period begins next Sunday, August 27, 2006.
Pastoral Call Committee – The Committee met recently with the Synod representative and the Church Council. Members of the congregation have been encouraged to complete the survey form distributed last Sunday and to sign up to attend cottage meetings. These two processes are important in accurately identifying the membership of Kent Memorial for the Synod and for prospective pastoral candidates to fill the Christian leadership position.
Security of the Church – The building has been found unlocked numerous times throughout the past month. All those entering the building with a key will be encouraged to follow the process for locking the building when they leave. Ken Gerardy, Jim Kennedy and Fred Tetley are sharing the building security responsibilities at the present time.
Interim Pastor’s Covenant Agreement – Ken Mueller reported the revised Agreement had been received back from the Synod. The revision was a request from the Synod that they be included in the loop if Pastor’s tenure is extended beyond January 1, 2007. A signed copy had been provided to both Kent Memorial and to Pastor Lingwall.
Lake Convention and Visitors’ Bureau – A copy of this activity form will be sent to each committee chair, in an effort to include all appropriate church activities for 2007 in the Lake Area calendar published by the Convention and Visitors’ Bureau. This would provide no cost advertising of activities such as the Easter Pageant, Rummage Sale, etc.
NEW BUSINESS
Nominating Committee – This committee which is made up of those individuals going off the Church Council in 2006 (Wayne Langton, George Patterson, Karen Pragman and Joe Proch), should schedule a meeting in order to develop a slate of nominees for presentation at the November 12, 2006 Congregational Meeting.
Budget Process for 2007 – The Finance Committee will receive paperwork after the August, 2006 contributions have been tallied.
Approval of Contribution Agreement for Pastor Keith Lingwall – A motion was made by Fred Tetley and seconded by Linda Kimberling to approve the Agreement as outlined.
Prayers for Relatives/Friends Serving in the Military – Members will be asked to provide Pastor Lingwall with the names of individuals serving in the military to be included on the Prayer List.
Kent Memorial Website – Changes have recently been made due to a tremendous increase in the volume of spam being received at the church website. Members will be made aware of the changes and how best to communicate with Pastor Lingwall and other members of the church staff via e-mail.
CORRESPONDENCE
Westside Senior Center - Ken Mueller read a letter from the Westside Senior Center acknowledging the contributions of Kent volunteers at the Center.
Next Meeting – September 19, 2006 with George Patterson leading the devotion.
Adjournment – A motion was made by Karen Pragman and seconded by Linda Kimberling to adjourn the meeting at 8:37 p.m. with the Lord’s Prayer. Motion carried.
Darleen Mueller
Recording Secretary
