KENT MEMORIAL LUTHERAN CHURCH
CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING
JUNE 17, 2008
Present: Jennifer Bolton, Shirley Kirchner, Jim Chapman, Barry Olson, Lois Gonseth, Tom Reeder, Joe Poretta, Pat Garrett, Virgil Norris, Charles Niemann, Diane Ziehl, Bob Harger, Pastor Dave, Nancy Beese
President Jennifer Bolton called the meeting to order and welcomed Bob Harger to his first council meeting. Bob led devotions, using Psalm 69.
Jennifer asked for the minutes of the April council meeting to be approved. Shirley Kichner moved and Barry Olson seconded approval of the minutes. Concerning the May minutes, Joe Poretta made a correction regarding funds received by the WELCA Rummage Sale. It is noted that the funds are intended to go ¼ to Lake West Christian Academy, ¼ to Kid’s Harbour, and ½ to Kent outside worship area. Jennifer asked for motion to accept correction; Joe Poretta moved and Charles Niemann seconded the motion.
Treasurer’s Report: Noted that the May budget and expenses were normal for that month. Joe Poretta spoke about the rising price of natural gas, propane and electricity. This increase was forecast in the yearly budget, but perhaps not as high as is indicated for the coming months. Topping out the propane tanks now to hedge future pricing was discussed. He will check with Ken Mueller, property chair, to see what is best. Pat Garrett noted that loose offering was down by $2,200 in May. Cash flow comparison year to date is much better than last year, however. Tom Reeder moved to accept Treasurer’s report and Shirley Kirchner seconded.
Building Fund Report: Tom Reeder reported that we have prepaid $79,000 on the mortgage at this time. That has saved us $72,000 in interest so far. Shirley Kirchner moved to approve the report, and Diane Ziehl seconded.
Pastoral Report: Pastor Dave thanked everyone for their care and support following his brother’s death. He thanked the Evangelism committee for all their work on the new member dinner, and reported that summer worship is going well - the numbers keep getting better and better. He reported that on Guest Sunday we had many new people in attendance - GREAT! He also thanked Virgil and Kathy Norris for being our delegates to the Central States Synod Assembly.
Christian Education Report: Jim Chapman announced a new member on the Christian Ed committee; Bob Harger. It was reported that Brian Kuckler has resigned as Sunday School superintendent after six years of service. We are continuing to look for a new superintendent. Brian will write up the requirements for the position. Gail Kruse will continue to help out. There is concern about rides for getting kids to and from school activities to church. Vacation Bible School will be coming soon. Leaders from Kent will be Pastor Dave, Donna Rak, Janet Harger and Kandy Husbands. It was reported that the cost of our Easter treats for the children was $65.00. After this year, we will be looking for a new producer for our Christmas play. Jerry Fitzhugh is retiring after this production. A “thank you” for Brian Kuckler’s service was discussed. It will be the first Sunday after Labor Day.
Evangelism: Barry Olson reported that the donut count and selection needs to be continually adjusted. There was discussion regarding a once-a-month anniversary cake. Negatives and positives were discussed but no decision was made at this time. The Evangelism committee is still working on getting road signs; they are looking for people with property to put signs on. It was noted that Pat Dau is now working our website with good reports. Turn out for the new member dinner was also discussed. Charles Niemann suggested a cake at new member installation instead, and a discussion on the importance of new member dinners followed. Cost of the dinner was under budget. The trip to Branson to see “Noah’s Ark” was brought up. Fifty people have signed up so far, and we need 57 for a bus. There was then a review of the welcome packs that are given to first time visitors.
Long Range Planning: Lois Gonseth reported that the committee did not meet in May or June, however, they will be meeting in July. She challenged everyone to use the mission statement in their committees. Brian Kuckler will be looking in to the Stained Glass Fund. He hopes to know more in October. The question arose about who is taking over the historical book. Need ideas for what it entails to take this project over. Jennifer will put message in the newsletter asking for someone to take over this position. The “Lutheran Laryngitis” series is over, but will occasionally pop up again, to sow “seeds of awareness”.
Ministry Fund: Tom Reeder reported that they are trying to establish an endowment fund.
Property Committee: Joe Poretta reported no meeting in April or May due to emphasis on outdoor worship area. Many projects were completed. Many tasks and thank yous were cited. Shingles were taken off the church roof in a recent storm, and someone will look at the roof.
Social Ministry: Pat Garrett reported that on August 17th we will have a Social Ministry Fair with 4 exhibitors. In October there will be the Festival of Sharing with Kathy Norris as chairperson. Joe Poretta mentioned that we should frequent businesses that help us and mention to them how much we appreciate their support. Perhaps we could have a bulletin board listing all of the contributors, or put the list in the newsletter.
Stewardship: Virgil Norris reported that there were no meetings lately, but that a skit was planned with the choir. He requested a list of special missional needs for the church to put in the skit (e.g. need people for committees, choir, etc.). The skit will be during both services on July 13th. He showed an award that has been given to Jacob Fitzhugh by the Central States Synod, honoring him for his service on Synod council. We will display the plaque at church for a while, and then present to Jacob. The event with Jason Whittle was discussed. It will be for all youth and adults may attend. Virgil read a report on the Central States Synod Assembly, and thanked all for allowing he and Kathy to attend. It was a great experience.
Worship and Music: Charles Niemann reported that we will need to add $1,500 to the budget next year to refurbish the bells. A question concerning the Prayer Chain arose, and Jennifer suggested that we put something in the bulletin explaining the chain. Pastor Dave will take Muriel’s place at the top of the prayer chain contacts.
Youth Ministry: Diane Ziehl reported that a youth fund raiser is planned - the youth will be selling food and candles. The goal for the youth is to be active in the community. Diane took 4 youth to the nursing home with great success. The group then went to Dairy Queen. The youth ministry feels that they are reaching some of their goals.
New Business: Jennifer asked that the minutes of the council meeting be approved before putting in the newsletter. There was unanimous approval.
Correspondence: Kent received a thank you from Westlake Chamber of Commerce for renewing membership.
Charles Niemann moved and Jim Chapman seconded that the meeting be adjourned.
Jennifer Bolton adjourned the meeting with the Lord’s prayer.
Next meeting will be July 15th, 2008.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Beese, secretary pro tem
