KENT MEMORIAL LUTHERAN CHURCH

CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING

SEPTEMBER 16, 2008

Members present:  President Jennifer Bolton, Pastor Dave Beese, Shirley Kirchner, Bob Harger, Lois Gonseth, Tom Reeder, Joe Poretta, Pat Garrett, Virgil Norris, Barry Olson, Charles Niemann, and Diane Ziehl. 

Not present:  New member Bill Gronhoff who is taking over Jim Chapman’s council term - which expires 12/09.   Bill will be on the Christian Education Committee.

The meeting opened with devotions by Pastor Dave Beese.  This also was his pastor’s report.  He handed out a paper called “Dwelling in the Word” with Luke 10: 1-12 on it and asked all to read it, then he questioned the council as to what they got out of it.  This was an example of the meeting Pastor attended in St. Louis on Sept. 3 to introduce a new program for congregations to inspire growth over a period of years. 

A discussion ensued about the possibility of using this program in our congregation.  It cost $3,000.00 a year but the congregation should be aware of the feelings of the council about it.  The council voted to pursue this and will have a potluck meeting to present it to the congregation with a speaker to explain more about it. 

The minutes of the previous meeting were approved after everyone read their copy.  Diane Ziehl made the motion, it was seconded and it carried.

Treasurer’s Report:  Income through the month of August was slightly up.  Tom Reeder made a motion to accept the report.  Charles Niemann seconded it.  It carried. 

Building Fund Report: Tom Reeder noted that the original loan of $620,000 was originally scheduled to be paid off 1/1/ 2025, but because of the prepayments, it is now 8/1/2020.  Shirley Kirchner made the motion to accept the report,  Pat Garrett seconded it.  It carried.

Christian Education Committee report was given by Bob Harger.  The committee is full now with the addition of Bill Gronhoff and Brad Brumm.  The Lutheran Magazine is included in their budget, but many congregation members have been paying for their subscriptions through the offering.  This has helped very much.  

Evangelism Committee:  The bus is full for the October 9 “Noah’s Ark” show in Branson.  Barry Olson told about the plans for church signs along the highway.  The committee is still looking for a site to place them.  Property owners will need to approve the placement along the road. 

Long Range Planning:  Lois Gonseth told about some of the ideas gathered for the stain glass windows.  

Ministry Fund:  Tom Reeder said that Chuck Wanamaker and Ken Gerard have agreed to stay on the committee, but they will have to be voted in again at a congregational meeting according to the rules that govern this particular committee.

Mutual Ministry:   6 members have agreed to be on the committee.  They have had one meeting.  Three were appointed by Pastor Dave;  Eric Rosenthal, Susan Olson and Tracy Garrett.  The three members appointed by the church council are; Gerry Williams, Dan Johnson, and Nancy Lembke.

Property Committee:  Joe Poretta reported the work that had been completed this month and that work had begun on the Columbarium area with footings poured.  Ken Mueller, chairman of the property committee wants to have a plaque to note all the various memorial areas,  The Garagnani Memorial garden in memory of Mike, Helen G’s husband, The Carol Gerschefske Memorial Columbarium, and the Ireland Memorial Outdoor Worship area in memory of Bill Ireland and the memorial for Joyce Yount.

The water line is going to be coming very soon and will be routed behind the church without tearing up the parking lot.  It will mean a water bill and eventually a sewer bill that needs to be included in the budget.

A bid for $4,000 was submitted for sealing the parking lot.  It should be in the budget for next year.  The committee plans to seal the cracks this year, however. 

Also, there is a need for a budget item for improving the wall behind the Garagnani Memorial garden.

Social Ministry:  Pat Garrett said the committee has not had their meeting yet.  October 18 is the date for the Festival of Sharing.  They are encouraging the young people to take part as well as everybody else.  The Loving Gifts Tree is in the works.  Show-Me Christian home has been supported in the past with the gifts that are provided by people in the congregation.   Vicki Ferretti is retiring from the Community for Christ board and Nancy Beese will be filling that position.

Stewardship:   Virgil Norris reported that the members of the committee did their skit at the Church of the Nazarene and have plans to do it at the First Baptist Church in Laurie.  Virgil will have something for the congregation at a service in the future to emphasize stewardship.

Worship and Music:  We are still having problems with getting acolytes to take part in the late service.  Good comments have been heard concerning the new hymnals.  The acknowledgement of donors and remembrances to be placed in the front of the books are being prepared.  Choir and bells rehearsals have begun.  The sound system in the church has been repaired .  Two checks will be coming to replace the old organ.  It will be a used one.  The sound system has been repaid and now the security system has been shown to be defective because of the lightning strike.  It will be repaired.   “String Fever”  - Lori and Dave Thomson have agreed to come play at our Christmas Eve service here at the church to add to the blend of choir, and Kathleen Marco on the keyboard.  

Youth Committee:   The 25-mile garage sale rental of spaces and the refreshment table was a resounding success.  They now know what to expect in the future.   Many trips were made to the store to purchase additional hot dogs to grill and all the much appreciated donated cookies and bars were sold.   Now they are going to sell calendars for 2009.   Darlene Mueller suggested the youth  serve for the Advent Carol Supper  on December 7 at 6:00 p.m.

The nominating committee will report at the next council meeting.

A nice letter was read from Lori and Dave Thomson for letting them come and play for our services. 

Charles Niemann made a motion to adjourn and Diane Ziehl seconded it. 

The meeting closed with the Lord’s Prayer.

Respectfully submitted,

Jan Kennedy

Acting Secretary