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| May 9, 2006 Council Meeting Minutes |
Back to Council Main
Councilors present: John Bausch, Kimberly Brya, Steve Dyer, Carol Fessler,
Georgie Geraghty, Susan Gillette, Betsy Holden, Chris Hurley, Will McLean, Peggy
McNamara, Jodie Stewart and Sarah Woodburn.
Councilors absent: Steve Huels.
Pastors and Staff Attending: Joseph Shank, Connie Stewart. Jenny Gleichauf and
Floy Schrage.
Guests: Jennifer Grow and Jim Law.
Introductions and Welcome of New Councilors
Steve Dyer, Chair, called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. He then circulated a
note from Cynthia Churchwell, out-going Chair, thanking Council for her gifts.
An opening prayer offered by Senior Pastor Joseph Shank followed, after which
introductions around the table were made. Rev. Shank then made the happy
announcement that Acting Associate Pastor Jenny Gleichauf, by unanimous vote of
the Council, has been called as Associate Pastor. He then referred to Page 4 of
the Church’s By-Laws which explain that a call to the position of Associate
Pastor is made by the Senior Pastor, Council and Personnel Ministry Committee in
consultation with each other. Pastor Gleichauf said it was an honor and
privilege to be called to serve Winnetka Congregational Church and how much she
looks forward to the challenges ahead and the opportunity to grow in her
ministry. Rev. Shank complimented her on the good job she has done with this
year’s Confirmands.
The Chair reminded Councilors that each group is to meet within the next forty-
five days to think about their goals for the upcoming church calendar year and
how these goals are to be implemented. If possible each group needs to have some
notion of where they are going by July. The Lay Ministry Chart was reviewed
which shows which staff members work with whom.
A change in the order of the agenda was made to move to the Business portion of
the agenda.
Business
Steve Dyer welcomed Jennifer Grow and Jim Law, Co-Chairs of the Music Committee,
who were present to give their report regarding the piano needs of the church.
In December 2005 the Music Committee went to Council about the status of the
church’s pianos. Since that date an expanded study of the piano needs has been
taking place. The church currently owns three grand pianos, one of which is the
Helms piano: circa 1908. It serves as the current Sanctuary piano. Since the
soundboard of the Helms piano is now compromised, the issue at hand is whether
or not to rebuild this instrument. If the answer is in the affirmative, a
decision to do so would need to be made by June 2006. Jennifer Grow reported
that the committee has been working with A Beautiful Sound as they assess the
piano needs of the church. She called attention to page two of the committee’s
report that lists the critical findings pertinent to a piano used in the
Sanctuary. They are: size and scale of the piano: acoustical space of the
instrument, manufacturer quality if a new instrument is purchased and cost. Jim
Law spoke to the issue of options and cost. Steve Dyer pointed out that the
committee was not asked to look at financing. He also called attention to page
eight, Exhibit D, which gives a summary of Sanctuary Piano Options. Comments
from several Council members raised concerns about financing, why we need a
piano with a new organ and whether or not the congregation realizes that a piano
will serve as one of the primary instruments for both services until the new
organ is installed at the end of 2007. The Chair then asked Council members to
reflect on the Music Committee’s report over the next month, ask more questions
if need be, and consider the report in the context of worship. He thanked
Jennifer and Jim for all work.
Council then took up the choice of this year’s recipient(s) of the Helms Award.
At the conclusion of the discussion, Kimberly Brya moved, seconded by Betsy
Holden, to move the presentation of the 2006 Helms Award to June 11, 2006.
Motion was approved unanimously.
On the recommendation of the Nominating Committee of Harkness Outreach Center,
Council approved the appointment of Lindsay Brown and Fred Gougler to serve
their first term as representatives from the church on the Harkness Outreach
Center Board. Hugh Brower and Jack Jadel will continue their terms of service on
this board. A motion to approve these appointments was made by Susan Gillette,
seconded by Kimberly Brya. A return to the regular order of the agenda followed.
Preliminary Matters
A motion to approve the April 11, 2006 Council minutes was made by Betsy Holden,
seconded by Kimberly Brya. Approval was unanimous.
Treasurer Will McLean reported that one quarter of the way into the year, with
forty-eight percent of the pledges in, our cash flow is good. Luckily our
heating expenses so far this year have been below what was budgeted.
Closing Items
Steve Dyer urged Council members to read the Pastor’s reports (online) and
attend the May 16 Council meeting where Confirmands will present their
Statements of Faith. He also urged Council members to review: (1) how to
calendar events; (2) how to use the 501c-3 letter when making church purchases;
(3) the notes from the April 29 Leadership meeting, which should be used to
facilitate discussion and goal setting at upcoming group meetings.
Associate Pastor Stewart reminded Council that the Children’s Ministry has a
sign up sheet to request sitters for church events. She pointed out the cost of
this service needs to be included as budgeted item in the annual church budget.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m. after a
closing prayer by Pastor Gleichauf.
Respectfully submitted,
Peggy McNamara, Clerk
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