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| September 26, 2006 Council Meeting Minutes |
Back to Council Main
Councilors present: John Bausch, Kimberly Brya, Steve Dyer, Georgie Geraghty,
Susan Gillette, Chris Hurley, Heidi Law, Will McLean, Peggy McNamara and Jodie
Stewart.
Councilors absent: Betsy Holden, Steve Huels and Sarah Woodburn.
Pastors and Staff Attending: Joseph Shank and Jenny Gleichauf.
Steve Dyer, Chair, called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. stating that the
purpose of the evening’s meeting was to make an interim assessment of how things
were going in the church in light of the recent departure of Randy Manges. He
also stated that the meeting would end promptly at 8:30 p.m. regardless of where
we might be. Also, he mentioned that both Betsy Holden and Steve Huels were out
of town.
Senior Pastor Joseph Shank then offered the opening prayer.
The Chair outlined the plan for the evening: discussion of where we are,
development of an action plan, date of Canvass, and other business. He reported
that to date four question and answer sessions with the congregation have been
held. Three out of the four were very well attended. Led by the Chair, with help
from Greg Klein, Peter Egan and Cynthia Churchwell, many good questions were
asked, with some being very emotional. Although some of the comments were hard
to hear, Steve felt holding the sessions was a good thing.
He then asked others to share what they have done. Mostly councilors have
listened to what people have had to say, responded to e-mails personally and met
one on one with people to let them air their feelings.
Susan Gillette, Vice-Chair, suggested that there is a need to bring the
congregation together with some healing events over the next six months and move
forward. Already she has talked with Interim Associate Pastor Connie Stewart and
been working with both Nurture and Care and Calling about ways to accomplish
this.
Steve Dyer reported that there are several leadership positions open: Worship
Councilor, Music Committee Co-Chair, Children’s Ministry Co-Chairs and Adult
Education Co-Chair. Let Harry Grace, Nominating Committee Chair, if you know of
any other vacancies.
A report from Steve Huels was presented elaborating the current plan for
staffing the music program. Eileen Baumgarten will play the organ and conduct
the Choir with Lois-Eve Anderson planning the music along with the support of
Choir members. Eileen, Lois-Eve and Amanda Huels will work with the children. In
addition, Jennifer Gleichauf is creating a Youth Choir. The “Singers” will
continue to support the Early Service. The committee hopes to have interim staff
in place by mid-October. They also believes that the following steps need to
happen before a new “permanent” music program and staff is in place:
Determine congregational desires through multi-faceted processes
including focus groups and congregational surveys
Create music program to address congregational desires
Determine the best staffing model to meet the program requirements
Search for and hire new staff
Support Council Kimberly Brya announced that the dates for this year’s canvass
have been changed. Canvass will begin on Sunday, October 15, and continue until
the end of November. If possible, members are being asked to increase their
pledge by 10%. Members of the Executive Committee and Council are urged to have
their pledges in by September 30.
Treasurer Will McLean reminded Councilors that he needs the name of the person
from each group who will be serving on this year’s Budget Committee. In all
likelihood this year’s budget will be lean and mean. However, it is always
easier to add back in than to cut.
Steve Dyer stated that the upcoming Leadership meeting, September 30, will focus
on ways to take the church forward.
Outreach Councilor Jodie Stewart urged Council to support the Good News
Community Kitchen’s third annual banquet Sunday, October 8. It would be nice if
we could show our support by taking one table (10 seats). The banquet will be
held in the Oak Room of the Sears Tower, beginning at 5:00 p.m. with a silent
auction, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. WCC
supports this organization both financially and through service.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m. followed by a closing prayer offered by
Associate Pastor Jenny Gleichauf.
Respectfully submitted,
Peggy McNamara, Clerk
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