KENT MEMORIAL LUTHERAN CHURCH
CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING
AUGUST 19, 2008
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Jennifer Bolton, Chairperson. Devotion was led by Diane Ziehl.
Members Present: Jennifer Bolton, Pat Garrett, Lois Gonseth, Bob Harger, Shirley Kirchner, Virgil Norris, Barry Olson, Joe Poretta, Diane Ziehl and Pastor Beese
Members Excused: Charles Niemann and Tom Reeder
Pastor Beese reported Tom Reeder had undergone successful hip replacement surgery today.
Minutes of the July 15, 2008 meeting were available for review. A motion was made by Joe Poretta and seconded by Virgil Norris that the minutes be accepted as written. Motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report – The report was available for review. Pastor Beese clarified the receipts for the Lutheran Magazine vary based on the response of the congregation. An envelope is available in the regular offering box for this purpose. There was discussion of the benefit of reviewing the current membership list to determine those who may be receiving the magazine but are not active at this time. A thorough review of the current membership was done at the time the pictorial directory was prepared. No further action was considered necessary at this time. It was suggested that the congregation be made aware of the negative status of income to the general operating fund. A motion was made by Pat Garrett and seconded by Barry Olson to accept the report as written. Motion carried.
Building Fund Report – The third year of the current Building Fund pledge period has begun and a new box of envelopes is available for those members who have made a commitment to the Building Fund. As the Building Fund moves into the final year of the current three-year program, the Stewardship Committee will likely work with the Building Fund Committee to make plans to move into the next phase, in an effort to fulfill this financial commitment. A motion was made and seconded to accept the report as written. Motion carried.
Pastor’s Report – One-hundred twenty-two new hymnals have been purchased to date. Plans are to purchase fifty more for use after Labor Day. Pastor estimates it will take a month or so for the congregation to become comfortable with the new hymnal.
A letter was received from Bishop Mansholt on a program designed to renew the life of the local congregation. The program actually began about one-year ago. At this time, Kent would begin the first phase of the Partnership for Missional Church intended to bring vitality to the leadership of each congregation. A motivational program on this subject is scheduled in St. Louis beginning September 3, 2008 with Dr. Pat Keifert as the speaker. Pastor Beese will be attending this informational meeting and invited any interested member of the Council to attend as well. The cost to the local church is $3,000 per year which covers Synod leadership, speakers and materials. Pastor Beese suggested this program would “help us define how we can be a better
Church at this time and how we can reach out with the Word of Christ in the gospel…” to our community. Pastor Beese asked each member of the Council to study the information provided by Bishop Mansholt.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Christian Education – Brad Brumm has agreed to serve as Sunday School Superintendent following Brian Kuckler’s resignation. Brian has agreed to remain on the Christian Education Committee. Gail Kruse recommended we utilize an internet source for our Sunday School materials, including stories, crafts and scriptural text that will match the theme of the liturgical church year. Joyce Wanamaker will be asked to assist with incorporating music into the lesson plan for the younger children, perhaps on a monthly basis. Lee Dau and Gerry Williams will be leading the adult class. The Sunday School Christmas Program will consist of the traditional Christmas Story. Gail Kruse is coordinating plans for the older youth to attend the ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans during July 2009, with the theme of “Jesus, Justice and Jazz.” Future meetings of the Christian Education Committee will move to 5:15 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month to accommodate those members of the Committee who are employed during the day.
Evangelism – The Committee is still looking at ways to provide more visible road signage. The bus trip to Branson on October 9, 2008 to attend the presentation of Noah’s Ark, needs nine more attendees. Other congregations will be invited to help fill the bus. Leftover donuts on Sunday morning will be taken to the Laurie Care Center. Joe Poretta asked that a small amount be kept in the freezer to refresh the weekly property committee workers! A congregational picnic will not be held this year, but rather efforts will be directed to the “Trunk or Treat” event on Halloween which reaches out to the entire community rather than just to our local congregation.
Finance – Shirley Kirchner distributed forms for use by Committee Chairpersons in preparation for the budget process. These forms are to be returned at the September Council meeting. Jennifer Bolton reported she had used the ELCA website successfully in calculating the guidelines for pastoral compensation. An adjustment will be made in compensating pulpit supply in 2009.
Long-Range Planning Committee – Guest Sunday was considered a success and another is anticipated for the Fall. Several members have indicated an interest in the stained glass window project. Plans are developing to produce Lutheran tee-shirts. Several artists in the congregation have been asked for design ideas. The outdoor worship area was suggested as a possibility, since it had been used previously at the time of a church anniversary celebration.
Ministry Fund – Tom Reeder continues to provide information for the Newsletter on a regular basis.
Mutual Ministry - Pastor Beese reported he has ordered a supply of a resource book for the Committee titled, “Pastor and People,” in an effort to give the committee members an idea of their responsibilities. Jennifer Bolton reported she had contacted three members from the congregation to serve on the committee and Pastor Beese will be contacting three members as well. It was pointed out that members of the Mutual Ministry Committee may serve on other committees. When the full committee is assembled, Pastor Beese will arrange for the committee to meet on at least a quarterly basis.
Property – The picture window facing the Lake in the Gathering Place was replaced because of a bad seal. The John Deere tractor needed a new battery. Improvement work continues on the outdoor worship area and the Garagnani Garden and Columbarium areas.
Social Ministry – The August 4, 2008 minutes outlined the community needs that had been addressed by the Committee. The Social Ministry Fair was held successfully last Sunday morning between services. The Festival of Sharing is scheduled for October 18, 2008 in Sedalia.
Stewardship - Ideas were discussed for sharing the needs of the local food pantries with other churches in the area through the skits utilized at Kent.
Worship and Music – No meeting was held. However, the Committee is working with the choir to learn the new liturgies from the new hymnal. The organ was struck by lightning and work continues on getting repairs accomplished. Our insurance company is requesting documentation from the organ tuner to better handle the claim. It was pointed out that it is important to keep receipts for surge protectors as evidence, in the event of electrical equipment damage from a lightning strike.
Youth – A Home and Garden fund raiser was successful in raising funds for the youth programs. Kent youth will serve hot dogs, cookies and drinks at the 25-mile garage sale on September 6. Members of Kent will be asked to contribute baked cookies and brownies for individual sale. Registration will begin September 15, 2008 for the National Youth Event in New Orleans in 2009. Other ideas for fund raisers included a possible car wash. Kent youth have entertained at the local nursing home this summer, participated in the indoor and outdoor worship, volunteered and participated in Vacation Bible School and Mid Missouri ELCA Camp.
OLD BUSINESS
WELCA - Minutes of August 5, 2008 were available for review, the success of the recent Rummage Sale was discussed.
Nominating Committee – The Nominating Committee is made up of Pat Garrett, Lois Gonseth, Barry Olson and Joe Poretta. This Committee will meet at 6:45 p.m. prior to the September 16, 2008 regular Church Council Meeting to discuss Council candidate nominees.
Council Member Replacement – Bill Gronhoff has agreed to serve the unexpired term of Jim Chapman who resigned recently for personal reasons.
Disaster Relief - $450 was raised recently for disaster relief, including assistance to Kansas tornado victims.
NEW BUSINESS
West Lake Christian Academy – Pastor Beese explained that the West Lake Christian Academy has requested monthly financial assistance from the churches within the ministerial alliance. A motion was made by Bob Harger and seconded by Virgil Norris that we support West Lake Christian Academy beginning January 1, 2009 with a $20/month contribution to the Ministerial Alliance. Motion carried. Members of Kent will be given the opportunity to support the school further with individual contributions.
Annual Report – Committee chairpersons were asked to begin preparation of a year-end report, due by January 15, for inclusion in the Annual Report for the Annual Meeting on February 8, 2009. Copies of last year’s reports are available from the church office.
Advent Candlelight Dinner – Tradition will continue on Sunday, December 7, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. with dinner and music of the season. Darleen Mueller offered to coordinate.
Correspondence – Letters of thanks were received from Westside Senior Center, Lutheran Family and Children’s Services, CADV and Joan Marschke.
Next Meeting – September 16, 2008. Shirley Kirchner will lead the devotion.
Adjournment – A motion was made by Shirley Kirchner and seconded by Joe Poretta to adjourn the meeting at 9:20 p.m. with the Lord’s Prayer. Motion carried.
Darleen Mueller,
Recording Secretary
