KENT MEMORIAL LUTHERAN CHURCH
CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING
JUNE 19, 2007
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Ken Mueller, President. Devotion was led by Lois Gonseth in Linda Kimberling’s absence and we were reminded that ”...the Holy Spirit is as close as our breath and is present in every piece of bread broken in his name…”
Members present: Jim Chapman, Deanne DeJarnette, Pat Garrett, Lois Gonseth, Shirley Kirchner, Harvey Lembke, Ken Mueller, Charles Niemann, Joe Poretta, Tom Reeder, Fred Tetley and Pastor Beese.
Excused: Linda Kimberling
The minutes of the May 15, 2007 meeting were reviewed. A correction was made on page three under Youth Ministry, to indicate the recycling center where the youth take their aluminum cans is located in Camdenton and not Lebanon, Missouri. A motion was made by Fred Tetley and seconded by Shirley Kirchner to approve the minutes with the correction. Motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report – A motion was made by Pat Garrett and seconded by Fred Tetley to accept the report as written. Motion carried.
Building Fund Report – The congregation continues to remain current on pledges.
Pastor’s Report – The Synod Assembly in Overland Park, KS, went well with Chuck and Joyce Wanamaker representing the congregation. Pastor reported that approximately 450 were in attendance with 30% representing clergy and 70% laity representation. The process for electing a new bishop was explained. Summer monthly mid-week “cruise worship” will begin tomorrow evening.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Christian Education – Vacation Bible School will be held July 9-13 at Westlake Christian Academy. Melba Bangert will be responsible for daily Bible story time. The Committee is looking at ways to encourage use of the Kent library.
Evangelism – An old-fashioned church picnic is planned for August 11, 2007 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Format suggestions are welcome. Coffee fellowship will be held only between services during the summer months due to fewer volunteers. The Committee is looking at ways to improve the process for recognizing and celebrating milestone wedding anniversary dates of couples within the church family. Additional Committee members are being recruited.
Long-Range Planning – The completed pictorial directory is expected any day. As a result of suggestions received from standing committees for future activities, a meeting with be held in the Fall with a representative of each committee to decide on one area to which our ministry should be focused.
Ministry Fund – No report.
Property – Joe Poretta’s report outlined projects completed and those requiring further attention. A septic system service call will be necessary to identify the reason for the emergency alarm to activate on several recent occasions. Pastor Beese reported he had contracted with a licensed tree service to trim some trees around the parsonage at his expense.
Social Ministry – Calls for assistance have been minimal. Pastor Beese was able to purchase at a local sale a washer, dryer, range and hood for $150 to assist a church family with relocation efforts. A motion was made by Harvey Lembke, seconded by Jim Chapman and unanimously approved by the Council that the following resolution be made:
“Be it resolved that Kent Memorial Lutheran Church requests a grant from the CoMo Cares Trust in the amount of $5,000 to assist with Kent Memorial Lutheran Church’s mission of providing assistance to local families for expenses associated with monthly utility expenses.”
Stewardship – No meeting.
Worship and Music – Pastor Beese reported Kathleen Marco has returned as church organist for an indefinite period. Some worship music is being selected from the new ELCA hymnal.
Youth Ministry – The Katy Trail Bike Hike was well attended. Plans are underway to send interested senior high youth to the Central States Synod Youth Gathering in Kansas City, August 2-5, 2007. Adult volunteers will be recruited to provide transportation. Thanks were expressed to the congregation for donating aluminum cans for recycling. This project continues to be a source of funding for youth activities.
OLD BUSINESS
Committee Assignments – The list was again updated and will be provided to the church office for making changes.
Elevator Study Update – Study continues on the possible installation of an elevator to transport members to the lower level, specifically to the choir room and outdoor worship areas. Alternative suggestions were discussed, including the possibility of a chair lift. Lois Gonseth will look into the availability of funds from the ADA for this project. At the request of the Long-Range Planning Committee, a motion was made by Jim Chapman and seconded by Fred Tetley that the memorial gifts currently designated for the “elevator fund” be placed in an interest-bearing account. Motion carried.
Outdoor Worship Area Update – Laura Claggett is arranging for landscaping bids. The next step is to look at attaching backs to the current benches, as a more economical alternative to full replacement of the benches.
NEW BUSINESS
Rummage Sale - Items can now be brought and stored in the adult classroom until the sale in August.
Exercise Class – Permission was granted to Janet Harger and her exercise group to meet in the north end of the Fellowship Hall.
Altar Stained Glass Window – Charles Niemann suggested we look into lighting the stained glass window behind the altar from the outside. Apparently this has been suggested in the past. Further study will be done.
Boat Donation – Pastor Beese reported he had received a call from someone outside the area who was interested in donating a boat to the church for tax purposes. It was suggested that Pastor Beese contact the donor and express the church’s appreciation of the offer, but explain to the donor that it would not be cost-effective for the church to accept the donation.
Next Meeting – July 17, 2007 with Charles Niemann leading the devotion.
Adjournment – A motion was made by Pat Garrett and seconded by Joe Poretta that the meeting adjourn at 8:50 p.m. with the Lord’s Prayer. Motion carried.
Darleen Mueller,
Recording Secretary
