ST. PAUL LUTHERAN COUNCIL MINUTES

July 10, 2008

7:30 p.m.

 

 

Present:  Jim Johnston, Beth Aubol, Don McClay, Heather Snow, Ryan Hinsley, Kathy Cooper, Linda Solberg

Absent:  Darren Ashby, Paul Schwinn

Staff and Guests Present:  Carol Adams, Treasurer, Pastor Linda Nou

 

1.      Opening Devotions and Pastoral Focus

Pastor Nou read from the Book of Isaiah 55:10-13 followed by a time of sharing personal examples of God’s promises working in our lives.  We then read a Litany of Interim Ministry followed by prayer.

 

2.      Minutes and Treasurer’s Report

Jim called the meeting to order at 7:55 p.m.

The minutes were read and approved after one change of members attending the last meeting.

The Treasurer’s Report was also approved. An item pertaining to recently received bills was added to the agenda.

 

3.      Committee Reports

Property and Finance:  The Pastor’s Office has been redecorated with fresh paint, flooring and desk.  Linda will write thank you cards on behalf of the Council to Earl and Corlan Small, Jim Johnston and Lynn Donahe for their contributions.

Worship:  The committee is considering putting on a “Job Fair” type event to inform, promote and train more people to get involved with worship activities such as Communion Assistants and Lectors.

 

4.      Pastor Report

Interim Introduction:  Pastor Nou commented how pleased she was with the attendance at her first Sunday’s worship here, but also with the friendliness and welcoming of the worshipers.  Several members of the Council made positive comments about her sermon.   She then told the Council that we are now in the first phase of the Interim process which is a time of rest and renewal. This period will probably last through the summer.  She plans to devote time getting to know the members of the congregation and familiarize herself with the community.  We should at this time start thinking of names of people to be on the Transition Team.  The Transition Team should consist of 5 to 7 people, one of whom should be from the Council.  This Team is not the same as the Call Committee. However, it is likely that one person will be on both.  Pastor also encouraged us to use this time to look at new ways of doing what we’ve always done as well as continuing to expand into new areas.

Associate Pastor:  It was announced that Pastor Sue Wanwig has completed her Associate Pastor Ministry with St. Paul’s effective July 1, 2008.  She will be missed and a Congregational Farewell is planned for Sunday, July 20.  It was decided to have a brief thanks presentation of flowers during the first service and cake and punch served during the coffee/fellowship times.  Kathy will obtain the cake and punch, Don and Beth will contribute and Linda will arrange for the flowers or plant in a gift planter. 

 

5.      Old Business

Mission Starts:  Jim will obtaining further information from the Synod regarding our partnering with a new mission congregations as approved by council at an earlier meeting.

 

6.      New Business

Thrivent Flood Relief:  Betty Rose is planning a fund raiser for Midwest Flood Relief following the recent flooding in that part of the country.  Thrivent will contribute $1 for every $2 spent, up to $250,000.  Vicki Masten is the contact person for more information.

Copyright and License Fee:  It is necessary to pay a licensing fee of $130 to C.C.L.I. for the music used by the Praise Team during 2nd services.  Beth moved that we authorize this payment; it was seconded and passed unanimously.

Pastor Ross’s Retirement Dinner:  Carol has received bills in excess of $4000 for Pastor Ross’s Retirement Dinner.  The main portion of that amount was for the purchase of additional dinnerware and silverware in order to accommodate the number of persons who attended the dinner.  Up to $1000 of this has been offered to be paid by the Memorial Fund Committee.  Suggestions were made as to how we would pay the balance.  It was suggested that we could have a “Retroactive Retirement Registry” fund raiser.  Beth moved and Kathy seconded that we proceed with this idea.  The motion passed unanimously.  Carol will look into the exact cost of each place setting and report back to the Council.

Housing Allowance:  Pastor Nou requested that her salary be itemized so as to reflect $18,000 of it as a “Housing Allowance” for tax purposes.  Ryan moved that we do so, it was seconded and passed.

Vacation:  Pastor Nou requested to be absent Labor Day weekend in order to officiate at a wedding in California.  Kathy moved to allow this, it was seconded and passed.

Website:  Jim Johnston announced that he is the web master of the St. Paul website and any comments regarding it or suggestions should be directed to him.  Council minutes are now posted on the website.

 

Jim adjourned the meeting at 9:08 followed by the Lord’s Prayer.

 

The next meeting will be August 14, 2008 at 7:30

 

Respectfully submitted by Linda Solberg