KENT MEMORIAL LUTHERAN CHURCH
CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING
MARCH 18, 2008
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Jennifer Bolton, Chairperson. Devotion was led by Joe Poretta.
Members Present: Jennifer Bolton, Jim Chapman, Pat Garrett, Lois Gonseth, Shirley Kirchner, Charles Niemann, Virgil Norris, Joe Poretta, Tom Reeder, Diane Ziehl and Pastor Beese
Members Excused: Barry Olson and Don Wilken
The minutes of the February 18, 2008 meeting were reviewed. Under “Committee Reports” on Page 2, Lois Gonseth pointed out that Kate Clever is no longer a member of the Long Range Planning Committee and that Harvey Lembke has agreed to serve on the Committee. A motion was made by Pat Garrett and seconded by Jim Chapman to accept the minutes with the correction. Motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report – There was discussion of the cost to Kent to subscribe to Lutheran Magazine for each church family. In order to help defray the cost of about $7/year per family, members are encouraged to use the designated envelope in their annual offering envelope box. Members can notify the church office at any time, if they choose not to receive the magazine when the subscription is renewed. A motion was made by Tom Reeder and seconded by Shirley Kirchner to accept the report as written. Motion carried.
Building Fund Report – A motion was made by Diane Ziehl and seconded by Charles Niemann to accept the report as written. Motion carried.
Pastor’s Report – Pastor reported a successful Lenten season with an average midweek service attendance of about 80 persons. Pastor also expressed his appreciation to the committee members who hosted the midweek Lenten meals. New members will be received on Sunday, April 13, with another new member class anticipated in the near future. Pastor reported on the Draft Statement on Human Sexuality provided by the ELCA. Pastor explained that this document is considered a draft and is available on the ELCA website or by calling 1-800-638-3522, Ext. 2996.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Christian Education - Meeting time has been changed. Easter eggs were prepared for the Easter Egg Hunt. There was discussion of the status of the Sunday adult bible classes and the possibility for an evening class led by Pastor Beese. Additional members are needed on this committee.
Evangelism – A Sunday morning reception was held recently for Virgil and Kathy Norris’ wedding anniversary. A digital camera was donated to the church by a member and will be kept in the church office. A volunteer is needed to oversee the website. Duties would include providing pictures, new information and activities to our Webmaster, Don Brohm, as well as advising him when outdated material needs to be removed. The committee will meet again in April when Joan Wilken returns from winter hiatus.
Finance – No report
Long-Range Planning – A priority for the committee will be to further our Mission Statement, “To Share Jesus with All.” As a reminder to our members, this statement will be emphasized in Sunday worship bulletins.
Ministry Fund - Information on the subject of endowment to Kent Lutheran Church as part of estate planning will be prepared for the Newsletter.
Property – Several workdays have been held to prepare the Pageant area for Easter Sunday. There was discussion of the need to coordinate the delivery of gravel for the walkway in the Pageant area with the Property Committee when preparations are made for next year. The basement storage area under the sanctuary has been cleared of debris. The summer mowing schedule has been prepared and distributed to the volunteers. Discussions continue on the feasibility of a sprinkler system for the grassy area in front of the Church and an elevator to access the lower level and Outdoor Worship area.
Social Ministry - Melba Bangert is the new chairperson of the Committee. Stacey O’Neal is a new member of the Committee. There was discussion of the future Social Ministry Fair and the need to avoid a conflict with other events on the church calendar. The Festival of Caring will be held in Sedalia on October 25, 2008. Youth of the church will be encouraged to be involved. Gift Certificates will be provided to Community for Christ for use as Easter gifts for those in need. Sunday morning “Temple Talks” are planned to keep the congregation informed on the activities and needs of the Social Ministry Committee.
Stewardship Committee – LeeAnn Brumm is a new member of the Committee. Pastor Beese and Virgil Norris attended a local meeting recently on the subject of advertising as it applies to churches in the community.
Worship & Music – Gene Halvorson is a new member on this committee and has agreed to assume responsibility for recruiting and training acolytes. The Rose Isernhagen memorials have been designated by the family for the purchase of new hymnals. Charles Niemann is currently coordinating the usher schedule, but is eager to recruit a volunteer to handle this challenging task. There was discussion of the responsibilities of the ushers, especially those who volunteer for the summer outdoor worship services.
Youth – Gail Kruse is coordinating a trip to the St. Louis Zoo in April for the Kent Kids. Several parents have already volunteered to be chaperones. Pat Garrett emphasized the need to involve
our youth in the activities associated with the Festival of Sharing in Sedalia in October (as noted in the Social Ministry Committee report).
OLD BUSINESS
Building Use Policy - Has been completed and is on the Kent website. An application can be downloaded from the website.
Delegates for Synod meeting in St. Louis June 5-8, 2008 – Kathy and Virgil Norris have agreed to attend on behalf of Kent.
West Lake Christian Academy – Action on the request by Pastor Stutesman for financial support for the Academy has been tabled pending further study.
Purchase of Copier for Church Office – After considerable discussion of the number of copies required by the office copier and the two bids received, a motion was made by Charles Niemann and seconded by Pat Garrett that we accept the bid by Office Business Equipment in Versailles (our current vendor) for a Savin/Ricoh 2022 Repo Multifunctional Copier for $9,270 minus trade and discount of $6,375 for a total amount of $2,895 to be paid in seven monthly payments of $413.57 with 0% interest. Motion carried.
Committee Goals for 2008 – Jennifer requested committees provide goals for 2008 (Social Ministry, Stewardship and Property have already done so).
Who’s Coming to Dinner? – The evening was a success with 50+ attendees. Another similar event is anticipated for October before the “snow birds” leave for the winter.
NEW BUSINESS
Gourmet Coffee - Charles Niemann reported he had a conversation with representatives of WELCA regarding the possibility of purchasing and serving gourmet coffee on Sunday mornings during the coffee hour. Charles will contact the Omega Coffee Company in Laurie for samples.
Annual Lake West Chamber Dinner – Will be held at Osage River Bar and Grill on April 12, 2008. Tickets are available for $25 per person. Reservations are needed by April 6, 2008.
NEXT MEETING – April 15, 2008 with Pat Garrett leading the devotion.
ADJOURNMENT – A motion was made by Diane Ziehl and seconded by Pat Garrett that the meeting adjourn at 9:10 p.m. with the Lord’s Prayer. Motion carried.
Darleen Mueller, Recording Secretary
