KENT MEMORIAL LUTHERAN CHURCH

CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING

NOVEMBER 21, 2006

 

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Ken Mueller, President.  Devotion was led by Joe Proch.

 

Members Present:  Deanne DeJarnette, Pat Garrett, Lois Gonseth, Linda Kimberling, Wayne Langton, Harvey Lembke, Ken Mueller, Joe Poretta, Karen Pragman, Joe Proch and Pastor Lingwall

 

Members Excused:  George Patterson and Fred Tetley

 

Invited Guests:  Jim Chapman and Charles Niemann, newly-elected members of the Council for 2007

 

The minutes of the October 17, 2006 meeting were amended to reflect the fact that the cost of mailing books to Africa would not be the responsibility of Dorothy Englestad.  A motion was made by Linda Kimberling and seconded by Karen Pragman to accept the minutes as amended.  Motion carried.

 

Treasurer’s Report – The report was presented utilizing a format that would allow comparison with the same time period last year.  A motion was made by Pat Garrett and seconded by Harvey Lembke to accept the report as written.  Motion carried.

 

Building Fund Report – A motion was made by Joe Proch and seconded by Wayne Langton to accept the report as written.  Motion carried.

 

Pastor’s Report – Pastor Lingwall explained that his last Sunday as interim will be January 14, 2007. Pastor participated in a worship workshop at which time he had an opportunity to critique the new ELCA hymnal.  Ten liturgies are available from which to choose, from contemporary to the very traditional Lutheran worship.  The hymnal contains 893 hymns.  Pastor encouraged the members present to become familiar with the hymnal and specifically recommended the purchase of two “accompaniments,” which are resource books to assist with preparation of the liturgy and one to familiarize the congregation with the liturgy.  The cost of each new hymnal is $20.  Accompaniments are $55 each.  A motion was made by Karen Pragman and seconded by Linda Kimberling that we order the two resource books at this time.  Motion carried.

 

In preparation for a new, full-time minister, Pastor Lingwall mentioned that an intercom system between the church office and the pastor’s office would be helpful.  Consideration was suggested for upgrading the computer in the Pastor’s Office which is currently supported by Windows ’95.  Pastor Lingwall uses his personal laptop but finds it to be a bit cumbersome at times when traveling between home, appointments and the church office.

 

“Skills and Gifts Sheets” completed by members of the church in 1998 had been stored in the church office.  Although the binder likely contains some outdated information and/or data on members who may have deceased or moved away from the area, it will be made available to the new pastor.

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS

 

Christian Education – Karen Pragman reported the confirmands are pleased with the interaction available utilizing a web-based program made available through Pastor Lingwall’s church in Iowa.   Sunday School offering envelopes are being utilized by several students.  The Christmas Program will be Sunday, December 17 between services.  A member of the Christian Education Committee has requested that we look into providing an after school program for middle school students, much like “Wednesday School.”

 

Evangelism – Hair Brown has agreed to prepare crosses for Sunday School students who have not yet received a cross.   Nancy Lembke is working on a card which can be sent by members to anyone they would like to invite to worship at Kent. Karen Pragman continues to send cards to first-time visitors.

 

Finance – Linda Kimberling reported that “counters” have been recruited for next year.

 

Long-Range Planning – The process for creating a new congregational pictorial directory will be placed on hold in order for the new pastor to be a part of the planning process.  Discussions have begun again on the possibility of an elevator for the benefit those members unable to handle the stairs. Kate Clever is a new member of the Long-Range Planning Committee.

 

Property – Fall maintenance of the outdoor property continues with special emphasis on clearing the leaves and trimming around the Garagnani Garden and Columbarium area for dedication.  The area behind the church and parsonage is receiving some fill, in an effort to maintain the integrity of the yard and to prevent wash out. The message sign needed to be moved from the Highway 5 Right-of-Way.  Nip Mohler, who built and installed the HVAC system in the new addition, has agreed to meet with members of the Property Committee and sound technicians to explain how the HVAC system works and how best to maintain energy efficiency.  Ken Mueller will set up a convenient time for everyone.

 

Social Ministry – Pat Garrett reported volunteers are being recruited for Salvation Army bell ringers.  Thanksgiving gift certificates were given to nine families.  The Christmas tree has been set up with names of children at the Show-Me Home in Camdenton for Christmas adoption as well as a few names provided by CADV.       New members on the

Social Ministry Committee are Bill Ferretti and Georgia Cline.  The Committee requested that the Christmas Eve offering be designated for Social Ministry.  A motion was made by Joe Proch and seconded by Linda Kimberling that the Christmas Eve Offering be designated for Social Ministry.  Motion carried.

 

Stewardship – Harvey Lembke reported he attended a recent meeting on the subject of stewardship.  In response to an inquiry, Melba Bangert will be asked to provide information on the total amount contributed by Kent to the recent “wider stewardship challenge.”

 

Worship and Music – Efforts continue to recruit a full-time organist.  Letters have been sent to the music departments of area colleges and universities in an effort to attract a music major for the position.  On Christmas Eve, there will be one worship service in the morning at 9:30 a.m. and a 7:00 p.m. candlelight service.  There will be no Sunday School on December 24th and 31st.

 

Youth Ministry – Youth are collecting aluminum cans to offset the cost of the trip to Silver Dollar City.  A bike trip on the Katy Trail is planned for the spring.  Plans continue for Taters and Talent Night on January 20th.  The Christmas Program will be December 17th with a cookie baking party the preceding Friday night.  New members for the Committee are being recruited.

 

OLD BUSINESS

 

  • Call Committee Report – The Council met with the Call Committee last week and unanimously approved the Call Committee’s recommendation of Pastor David Beese as Kent’s new pastor.  A letter containing personal information on the pastoral candidate has been prepared for mailing to the congregation.  The pastoral candidate will deliver the message at both services on Sunday December 10, 2006 and will stay after second service for a potluck lunch; at which time members will have an opportunity to visit with the pastor and his wife.  On December 17, 2006 after the second service, a congregational meeting will be held to vote on extending a call and to approve a revision to the 2007 budget.  A compensation package has been put together and will be forwarded to the candidate for his consideration prior to the December 10 visit. 

 

  • The Columbarium will be dedicated on December 3rd.

 

  • New members will be received on December 3rd.

  

NEW BUSINESS

 

  • Compensation Package for Ministerial Candidate – Ken explained that he and Harvey Lembke had worked together to prepare the compensation package based on ELCA guidelines and the proposed candidate’s qualifications.  A motion was made by Linda Kimberling and seconded by Harvey Lembke to approve the compensation package as presented.  This package will require a slight adjustment in the 2007 budget (approximately 2%) which will require congregational approval on December 17, 2006. Motion carried.

 

  • Christmas Bonuses – A motion was made by Harvey Lembke and seconded by Wayne Langton to provide each paid staff member and Muriel Burke with a Christmas bonus as in past years.  Motion carried.

 

  • A list of dates for 2007 Council Meeting devotion assignments and Committee responsibilities was provided.  Copies will be attached and made a part of these minutes.

 

  • Council holiday gathering at Kimberling’s on December 16 at 5:00 p.m.  New members coming on the Council in 2007 are also invited, as well as Pastor and Mrs. Lingwall.

 

NEXT MEETING – December 19, 2006 with election of officers. Fred Tetley will provide the devotion.

 

ADJOURNMENT – A motion was made by Pat Garrett and seconded by Joe Proch to adjourn the meeting with the Lord’s Prayer at 9:09 p.m.  Motion carried.

 

 Darleen Mueller

Recording Secretary

 

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