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| Council Minutes-September
8, 2009 |
Back to Council Main
Councilors present: Barbara Fifer, Susan Gillette, Steve Huels, Jack Jadel,
Bruce Kelly, Bob Linn, Clyde McGregor, Bill McKay, Peggy McNamara, Brek
Peterson, Jodie Stewart, Carla Vorhees.
Pastors and Staff Present: Jennifer Gleichauf, William Mueller, Joseph Shank,
Floy Schrage.
Others: Michelle Ellensohn, Junia Hedberg, Robert Smith.
Chairperson Susan Gillette called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. Pastor
William Mueller read the final passage from Paul’s letter to the Philippians.
Joseph Shank used this reading to initiate a recounting of important events in
the lives of the attendees which took place since the July Council meeting.
Preliminaries
Chairperson Gillette welcomed Michelle Ellensohn and Bob Smith, and noted that
their pending Council election would be voted later in the agenda. Perfect
meeting attendance of the Council was noted, and introductions made.
Pastor Mueller reviewed the congregational prayer list, asked for any additional
concerns, and led the Council in prayer.
The pastors distributed reports updating Council on recent activities in each of
the Groups. Pastor Shank noted that the church remains in challenging times, but
that such times are also great opportunities for the church to live out its
mission. He mentioned several weddings that had taken place in the church or
that involved WCC members or former staff. Pastor Gleichauf reviewed all of the
programs involving children and other nurture programs. She noted the different
staffing model being used for Church School and the success in teacher
recruitment this year. She highlighted new programming for middle school
children. Pastor Mueller reviewed organizational activity of the Nurture Group
and preparatory work for Adult Education. He also described the reduction of
internships at social service agencies because of the recession and his
intention to support two interns this fall.
The Minutes for the July meeting were moved and approved with two spelling
changes noted.
Business
Communications co-Chair Junia Hedberg joined the meeting and spoke to the
Council about her committee’s activities. Ms. Hedberg reported that her co-Chair
Anne West is handling the church’s external communications and that she will
manage internal communications. She distributed materials to the Council and
asked the groups to report to communications after activities have taken place.
She explained that leadership had concentrated on prospective communications and
that more needed to done retrospectively.
Chairperson Gillette discussed the work of the Nominating Committee and
presented the two prospective Councilors for the Council’s ratification. Jodie
Stewart moved the nomination of Robert Smith to Clerk, Peggy McNamara seconding.
The motion passed unanimously. Carla Vorhees moved the nomination of Michelle
Ellensohn to fill the second Education Group councilor position, Jack Jadel
seconding. The motion also passed unanimously. At this point Treasurer McGregor
turned over the task of taking the minutes to new Clerk Smith.
Treasurer McGregor presented the financial report for the month. Pledges are
approximately $30,000 below budget, similar to past years. A lengthy discussion
followed with some members expressing a concern about what action should be
taken to lower financial exposure that would result in drawing down long term
funds. It was agreed that a clearer financial picture would be available at the
end of September and that the subject would be discussed further by the
executive team.
Two new servers were purchased as a replacement for aging and failing equipment.
Payment will be made from the capital fund and will be written off over a five
year period.
Council voted to accept the by-law revision recommended by the Centennial Loan
Fund Trustees. The change allows funds to be loaned to needy churches in the
suburbs as well as the city. A vote will take place at the next congregational
meeting.
Minor changes were recommended to the Restricted Income Fund in a motion by Jack
Jadel, second by Bob Linn. The motion carried.
Steve Huels presented the updated calendar to include the fall canvas kickoff
date, leadership meeting dates, budget Committee meeting schedule and the
Nominating Committee meeting schedule.
Susan Gillette spoke of our mission to strengthen and deepen our connection and
commitment to God and neighbor. The plan is to be accomplished by extending
Radical Hospitality to visitors and members and sharing Life Changing Mission
experiences with one another and those in need.
Candidates were presented for the Wilfrid Helms award by various groups. The
council voted the awards for 2009 to Dinny Cosyns and Joe Fabbioli. The
presentation of awards are to be made during the service on September 27.
Steve Huels reviewed the action steps to be taken in the next month.
The meeting was concluded by a prayer at 9:15pm
Bob Smith,
Clerk of the Congregation
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