KENT MEMORIAL LUTHERAN CHURCH
CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 18, 2007
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. by Ken Mueller. Ken led the council in a devotional.
Members Present: Jennifer Bolton, Deanne DeJarnette, Pat Garrett, Lois Gonseth, Linda Kimberling, Harvey Lembke, Ken Mueller, Virgil Norris, Tom Reeder, Don Wilkin, Diane Ziehl and Pastor Beese
Members Excused: Jim Chapman, Shirley Kirchner, Charles Niemann, Barry Olson and Joe Poretta
A motion was made by Linda Kimberling and seconded by Harvey Lembke to accept the minutes of the November 20, 2007 meeting as written. Motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report – Ken reported that income continues to be down for the year. Members will be encouraged to use their offering envelopes even when they are away and unable to attend Sunday worship. Receipts in the Memorial Fund in memory of Dick Peterson should be moved to the Social Ministry account. A motion was made by Linda Kimberling and seconded by Pat Garrett to accept the report as written. Motion carried.
Building Fund Report – Building fund giving continues to be consistent with the amount pledged. Tom Reeder reported an extra payment of $3,800 was made to the principal last month. A motion was made by Harvey Lembke and seconded by Linda Kimberling to accept the report as written.
Pastor’s Report – Pastor Beese reported December had been a very busy month. Rachel Johnson and Jennifer Kruse are receiving confirmation instruction and are eager to lead a worship service in the future. Pastor reported that although Sunday worship attendance is down for both services during the winter months, two worship services will continue for the present time. Pastor reported he has been working closely with the Social Ministry Committee on the project to assist a family “up” and out by coordinating insulation of their trailer home off Highway TT between Gravois Mills and Versailles. Don Wilkin and Bob Ballard applied visquen to the underside of the trailer. More definitive treatment was limited due to weather conditions and the small space under the trailer. Additional assistance will be provided by cutting fire wood for their wood burning stove. Pastor Beese expressed appreciation to the retiring members of the Council and each was presented a fruit basket on behalf of the congregation.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Christian Education – Minutes were available for the November 7, 2007 meeting of the Committee. Pastor Beese reported that due to the inclement weather this past Sunday, the Children’s Christmas Program was rescheduled to tomorrow night, Wednesday, December 19, in place of the regular advent worship.
Evangelism – Minutes were available from the December 12, 2007 meeting of the Committee. Volunteers are needed for Coffee Fellowship. Kent Klowns performed at the Laurie Knolls Christmas Program. Study continues on the process and cost for placing road signs on strategic roadways in the area of church to invite commuters to worship. Questions were raised about who sponsors the annual “Advent Candlelight Dinner” and the “Who’s Coming to Dinner?” social activity. Both events have always been well-attended.
Finance – No report.
Long-Range Planning – The Committee will meet in January. Kate Clever will provide a summary of the results of the “brain storming” workshop. There was discussion of the Angel Food Ministries and how we might participate. It was suggested that a representative of the Medical Mission for Christ in Camdenton (a free medical clinic) be invited to Kent to explain their program.
Ministry Fund – Tom Reeder reported that Joyce Palmer is available through the Synod to speak to the congregation on the endowment program.
Property – Our current snow removal service does not respond unless the snowfall is 3” or more. Ken Mueller will talk to Joe Poretta about a procedure for getting the sidewalks cleared after a snowfall. (Pastor Beese shoveled the walks after the latest snowfall that occurred on a Saturday evening and extended into Sunday morning.)
Social Ministry – Pat Garrett reported the Christmas gifts were taken Sunday to the Show-Me Home in Camdenton along with Pizza Hut pizza and 24 quarts of ice cream. The ice cream was donated by Dairy Queen in Camdenton. The residents and house parents were very appreciative – in fact, wanted the volunteers to stay longer! Melba Bangert delivered Christmas gifts directly to CADV in Camdenton for them to distribute. Pat reminded the Council that the Social Ministry Committee needs to be made aware of any special needs of families within our congregation Bill Ferretti continues to coordinate the ringing of the bells to benefit the Salvation Army. The tri-county area receives 80% of the funds raised by the Salvation Army during this annual event.
Stewardship – No report.
Worship and Music – Two worship services will continue through the slower winter months.
Youth Ministry – The December 1st lock in was a huge success with 21 children participating. A cosmic bowling event was held for the older youth. Taters and Talent night will be held January 26, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. . Volunteers are needed to serve on the Youth Ministry Committee. Diane Ziehl will be the Council representative to the Youth Committee. The youth continue to benefit from the recycling of aluminum cans. Funds from Taters and Talent and the recycling program will help to send youth to the National Youth Event in New Orleans in 2009.
OLD BUSINESS
Outdoor Worship Area – Gary DeJarnette and Steve Kralina continue to make the brackets to complete the benches in the outdoor worship area by spring.
Procedure for Use of the Building - Harvey Lembke reported the ad hoc group had looked at what other local churches charge for use of their facilities. Increases in the cost of using Kent facilities were recommended, as well as the addition of the following statement:
“Facility users agree to defend and indemnify Kent Memorial Lutheran Church and hold it harmless for any liability or claims arising from use of the property.
It was suggested that a representative of Kent be present when the facility is being used by a non-member. Language should be added to state specifically that non-members can use the kitchen for warming purposes only and that trash should be carried out to the dumpster.
Annual Report – Committee chairpersons should be reminded of the need to prepare a summary to be sent to the Church Office by February 3, 2008 for inclusion in the annual report.
NEW BUSINESS
Election of Officers for 2008 – A motion was made by Virgil Norris that Jennifer Bolton be elected President and seconded by Diane Ziehl. Motion carried. A motion was made by Tom Reeder that Shirley Kirchner be elected as Vice President and seconded by Pat Garrett, motion carried. A motion was made by Pat Garrett and seconded by Diane Ziehl that nominations cease. Motion carried. Both were elected by acclamation.
Recording Secretary – Darleen Mueller has agreed to continue.
Bonuses for the Staff – A motion was made by Harvey Lembke and seconded by Pat Garrett that the paid support staff (and Muriel Burke) receive an annual bonus of $100. Motion carried. Appreciation will be expressed to Don Brohm in the Annual Report for his many hours of service supporting the Kent website.
Committee Assignments – A revised list of committee assignments and devotional assignments was distributed.
Next Meeting – January 15, 2008 – Virgil Norris will lead the devotion.
Adjournment – A motion was made by Linda Kimberling and seconded by Harvey Lembke that the meeting adjourn with prayer. Motion carried.
Darleen Mueller,
Recording Secretary
