KENT MEMORIAL LUTHERAN CHURCH
CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 17, 2008
The meeting had been rescheduled from December 16, 2008 due to inclement weather. Jennifer Bolton, Chairperson, called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Devotion was led by Barry Olson.
Outgoing Council members, Pat Garrett, Lois Gonseth, Barry Olson and Joe Poretta were thanked for their service to Kent. New Council members were welcomed: Melba Bangert, Ken Gerardy, Ralph “Mack” McHenry and Helmut Lacas. Don Peterson was not present. Outgoing Council members will pass their “agenda books” on to the incoming council members. Copies of the church’s Constitution were available for each new council member to have and review.
Other Council members present: Jennifer Bolton, Shirley Kirchner, Charles Niemann, Tom Reeder, Diane Ziehl and Pastor Beese.
Council members excused: Bob Harger and Virgil Norris.
Minutes of the November 18, 2008 meeting were reviewed. The spelling of Bishop Mansholt’s name was corrected. A motion was made by Shirley Kirchner and seconded by Joe Poretta to accept the minutes with the correction of the spelling of Bishop Mansholt’s name. Motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report – A motion was made by Tom Reeder and seconded by Shirley Kirchner to accept the report as written. Motion carried.
Building Fund Report – Tom Reeder reported an additional payment was made to the principal. There was discussion of the renewal of the note in 2009. A motion was made by Barry Olson and seconded by Charles Niemann to accept the report as written. Motion carried.
Pastor’s Report – There was a good showing of Kent members at the Community Thanksgiving Service and at the Senior Center on Thanksgiving Day. There has been good attendance at the Wednesday evening Advent Services utilizing the Holden Evening Prayer format. Light meals have been provided after the services by committee members. Thanks were expressed to those who have been ringing bells on behalf of the Salvation Army during the Christmas Season at the Save-A-Lot in Laurie.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Christian Education – Committee met on November 15, 2008. Vivian Brandmeyer and Lee Dau have agreed to serve on the Committee.
Evangelism – The minutes of the December 2, 2008 meeting were reviewed. Coffee fellowship volunteers are always needed. The number of donuts has been reduced for the coming months. There was discussion of the road signs and updating the wall map. Ralph McHenry will be the new Council representative to the Evangelism Committee. Holiday bags were prepared for the children for distribution following the Sunday School Program on December 17. One Evangelism Committee member reported that he wears his Kent cross when he volunteers in the community and that this habit often provides and opportunity to invite visitors to Kent. During
the New Year, the Committee plans to explore innovative ways to encourage others to join our church family.
Finance – An audit will be performed after the books are closed on December 31, 2008.
Long-Range Planning – Karen Pragman has agreed to chair the committee in 2009. Other committee members are Bob Galvin, Audrey Halvorson, Don Peterson, Rich Strothmann and Jim Ziehl.
Ministry Fund – No report.
Mutual Ministry - The Committee meets as needed at the call of Pastor Beese.
Property – New Committee members are Fred Gould and Wayne Langton with terms to expire in 2011. (Both members have been strong volunteers in the past whenever a need has arisen). The Columbarium and Garagnani Garden grounds project is completed except for spring plantings. The Outdoor Worship area is complete except for replacement of some trellis and raising the keyboard platform. The outdoor storage area (by the sound room) has been cleaned out and shop lights installed to provide better lighting. A contractor was called to determine the loud noise associated with the well pump. The pump could not be removed. All piping was reconnected and the well put back in service with the hope that it will last until city water is available. A badly corroded fitting was replaced in the piping coming out of the pressure tank. A mowing schedule will be prepared for 2009. A bid will be received for consideration of the possible installation of a sprinkler system to water the grass and the flower beds in the front of the church. Ken Mueller met again with a representative of CoMo Electric. It is not possible to save the top of the “cross tree” due to federal regulations. CoMo did offer to provide Kent with two poles whenever the current tree deteriorates to the point of needing to “build” a cross.
It was suggested by a member of the Council that in view of problems associated with the well that a water sample be sent to the State of Missouri for analysis.
Social Ministry – Melba Bangert reported new members to the Committee are Barbara Gidley and Evelyn Clements. Kent members were very generous in making the Christmas Party at the Show-Me Christian Home a success. In addition to members of Kent “adopting” a child at the home, $95 was contributed toward purchase of the pizza. Drinks and paper products were also donated. Kent was represented by four couples plus Pastor Dave. Those attending were not only impressed with the cleanliness of the facility, but also their sense of gratitude toward Kent and the loving, cooperative spirit of the children toward their house parents and their “siblings.”
A gift of $452 was received from WELCA. The Social Ministry Committee continues to respond to calls from the community for assistance with heating bills and works cooperatively with Community for Christ on these and other need calls. Members of the Committee will be presenting “temple talks” on designated Sunday mornings to keep Kent members informed of the needs of the community and how we might best respond.
Stewardship – The Finance Committee and Stewardship Committees will work together on the 3rd Building Fund Pledge Drive beginning in August, 2009. There was discussion of the need to stagger the terms of the Stewardship Committee members.
Worship and Music - On behalf of the Worship and Music Committee, Charles Niemann made the following motion:
“Move that we have only one Sunday service at 9:00 a.m. during the months of January and February. Coffee Fellowship would follow at 10:00 a.m. and Sunday School at 10:15 a.m. The style of the service would alternate each Sunday with Holy Communion being served at every service.”
For the purpose of discussion, Barry Olson seconded the motion. Discussion of advantages included the fact that the sanctuary would only need to be heated for one service and there would be only one coffee fellowship; at which time those attending would have a chance to get better acquainted. Negative comments included possible confusion for visitors about time of the service, the impact on the Sunday School Program, the possible overall reduction in attendance and associated financial giving. In conclusion, the Council recommended the Worship and Music Committee that a poll be taken of the congregation to determine its preference before making any change.
The Worship and Music Committee is discussing the Easter Pageant and will attempt to determine the level of interest and involvement of the community through contact with the Ministerial Alliance and the Sunrise Beach Little Theatre.
Lois Gonseth reported she is aware of a Christian group that would appreciate the old hymnals.
Youth – Diane Ziehl reported Kathy Norris has agreed to serve on the Youth Committee. Kent Kids received $108 through “tips” for serving as waiters at the Advent Candlelight Dinner. It was a good intergenerational opportunity for Kent. Two youth and a chaperone will be attending the National Youth Event in San Antonio in July, 2009. Diane Ziehl reported she will need surgery in February and would like to postpone the after school program until she has fully recovered.
OLD BUSINESS
Annual Reports - Committee chairpersons were reminded their annual reports are due by January 15, 2009. Committee chairpersons were asked to provide Jennifer Bolton with the names of all committee members along with their terms of service.
Process for the Partnership for the Missional Church – Pastor Beese distributed information outlining the need to establish a Steering Committee with specific characteristic criteria for membership. Two members have already volunteered to be a part of the Committee.
NEW BUSINESS
Compliance with Synod Housing Requirements – In order to comply with Synod parsonage vs. housing allowance guidelines, it will be necessary to change the housing number in the 2009 budget from $10,600 to $11,754. Pastor Beese’s base salary will remain at $36,396. A motion was made by Charles Niemann and seconded by Ralph McHenry to make the change in the budget numbers. Motion carried. This change will voted on by the congregation at Congregational Meeting Part II on February 8, 2009.
Resignation from Council – Jennifer Bolton reported Bill Gronhoff had resigned from the Council and Ralph “Mac” McHenry has agreed to complete his term. This change will also be voted on by the congregation at Congregational Meeting Part II.
Election of Council Officers for 2009 – A motion was made by Charles Niemann and seconded by Shirley Kirchner that Jennifer Bolton be reelected President of the Council for 2009. Jennifer agreed to accept the nomination. Another motion was made by Charles Niemann and seconded by Shirley Kirchner that nominations cease. Both motions carried. In the same manner, a motion was made by Helmut Lacas that Shirley Kirchner be reelected Vice President of the Council for 2009. Tom Reeder seconded the motion. Shirley Kirchner agreed to accept the nomination. Another motion was made by Helmut Lacas and seconded by Tom Reeder that nominations cease. Both motions carried.
Appointments – A motion was made by Diane Ziehl and seconded by Shirley Kirchner that Gail Kruse be reappointed Treasurer, Jean Killion, Financial Secretary, Darleen Mueller, Recording Secretary and Barbara Patterson be reappointed as Building Fund Financial Secretary for 2009. Motion carried.
Christmas Bonuses for Paid Staff – A motion was made by Pat Garrett and seconded by Diane Ziehl that $75 Christmas bonuses be given to the paid staff; and that in the future, these gifts should be included in a “discretionary fund” as part of the annual budget.
Pastor Beese presented Jennifer Bolton with a gift certificate for Shrimp Daddy’s, as an expression of thanks from the congregation for her service during 2008.
CORRESPONDENCE - A letter was read from the Synod acknowledging the giving record of Kent is right on schedule.
NEXT MEETING – January 20, 2009 with Jennifer Bolton leading the devotion.
ADJOURNMENT – A motion was made by Pat Garrett and seconded by Joe Poretta that the meeting adjourn at 8:37 p.m. with the Lord’s Prayer.
Darleen Mueller
Recording Secretary
