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| 725 Pine St. Winnetka, Illinois 60093 847-441-3400 |
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Councilors present: Debbie Cogan, Peggy Dyer, Susan Gillette, Betsy Holden,
Steve Huels, Jack Jadel, Bruce Kelly, Bob Linn, Clyde McGregor, Peggy McNamara,
Brek Peterson, Jodie Stewart Pastors and Staff present: Bill Mueller, Floy Schrage, Joseph Shank The meeting of the Council was called to order by the Chair, Susan Gillette, at 7:11pm. Pastor Joseph Shank began with an opening prayer. In lieu of a prayer service, each Council member shared his/her “Pow”, “Wow” and “How” it has impacted their faith.
PRELIMINARIES Pastoral Cares and Concerns Pastoral cares and concerns of the Congregation were shared by Pastor Bill Mueller and Pastor Joseph Shank. Pastoral Reports Reports from Pastors Shank and Mueller were shared updating Council on recent activities related to call and caring, education, worship, outreach, and nurture. Pastor Shank shared how blessed the Church has been over the holidays. Despite the winter weather, there was excellent attendance at the Christmas Pageant Sunday and at the Christmas Eve services.The Children’s gift making fair and the Servants Wish Tree were successful events, along with fellowship and enrichment opportunities. It was a time of solid programming and inspired worship. Pastor Shank also commented on the current staff. The change in the status for Pastor Bill Mueller from Acting to settled Associate, and the significant talents of the current staff as it is currently configured will serve WCC well in the future and will provide inspired and committed leadership for the Congregation. December 8 Minutes Worship Councilor, Peggy McNamara, moved that the December 8, 2008 Council minutes be approved. Co-Chair, Steve Huels, seconded the motion. The minutes were approved. BUSINESS Canvass Update Treasurer, Clyde McGregor provided an update on this year’s Canvass activities. Results are very encouraging, despite the difficult economic environment. To date, Canvass has gratefully received pledges for 2009 totaling $780,576. The Executive Committee and willing Council members will make follow up calls to 68 members who have not yet submitted pledges for 2009. Treasurer’s Report Clyde McGregor, Treasurer, provided a preliminary financial update for year end 2008. It is estimated that 2008 will show a surplus despite the original budget that projected a deficit of $15,500. In addition, the capital loan for the Sanctuary Renewal project has been reduced significantly. Final numbers for 2008 will not be available for several weeks. 2009 Budget A preliminary 2009 Budget was shared by Treasurer, Clyde McGregor. After significant discussion, Council agreed the best option would be to present a slight budget deficit in light of the current economic environment and the desire to be present in the community. Council also agreed that, in the future, the funds allocated to Outreach should be determined based on actual revenue vs. budgeted revenue. Before the February 8 Congregational meeting, the Treasurer will update Council with final numbers and a recommended 2009 Budget for a Council vote. Quorum Recommendation Clerk, Peggy Dyer, presented a preliminary recommendation for a revision to the Bylaws on what constitutes a quorum. Council agreed that, as stated in the Bylaws, active members should be defined as members of the church who observe the Covenant and provide financial support to the church. A preliminary recommendation will be shared at the February 8 Congregational meeting to solicit feedback prior to the development of a final recommendation and vote in May/June. 2009 Nominating Committee Chair, Susan Gillette, asked each member of Exec and each Council Group to submit a total of 4 member names (2 for Chair, 2 for at-large committee members) to serve on the 2009 Nominating Committee by this Friday, January 16. Membership Tracking Co-Chair, Steve Huels, updated Council on the initial work done on membership tracking. It was agreed that if WCC decides to track attendance and membership more systematically, there also needs to be back end processes in place to utilize the information. Key benefits of a tracking system would include better understanding of current members’ engagement and the opportunity for the WCC community to reach out to less engaged members and visitors. Leadership Roles Business and Facilities Manager, Floy Schrage, informed Council that name tags with their Leadership role are now available for Sunday services. In addition, pictures of each Council member will be taken for a Leadership Board to be displayed in the church. Future Meetings Council agreed on the following future meetings and topics: February 3 – Leadership Meeting; topics and format to be shared with Council via email by Chair, Susan Gillette February 8 – Congregational Meeting; Budget approval; Deferred Giving and Restricted Fund Update; Quorum recommendation for consideration The meeting adjourned at 9:48pm, followed by a closing prayer offered by Pastor Bill Mueller. Respectfully submitted, Peggy Dyer, Clerk
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