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St. John's Lutheran Church Congregation Council Meeting January 9, 2012
Members Present: Kathy Stelzer, Becky Klohs, Ed Utesch, Larry Petersen, Roma Lancaster, Margie Pigg, Tony Chihak, Greg McInnis, Gerry Ihrke, Julie Athens, Kent Pauling, Pastor Marcia Young, Pastor Greg Gabriel, Pastor Gary Landsness, Members Absent: Mat Trotzig, Rich Ellefson
The meeting was called to order by Kathy Stelzer.
Devotions were led by Pastor Gary Landsness.
A motion to accept the December minutes was made by Tony Chihak and seconded by Becky Klohs. The motion passed unanimously.
PASTOR'S REPORT: Pastor Gary Landsness: It was reported how pleased they were with all the Christmas events. Our numbers at the services were up this year.
Pastor Greg Gabriel: The 2012 Academy for Parish Leadership is scheduled for February 11th in Storm Lake.
Pastor Marcia Young: Pastor Marcia will be retiring, effective February 26th, 2012.
TREASURER'S REPORT: As of 1-6-2012, all loans now have a balance of $0.00. A motion to have an open line of credit maintained at Prime Bank was made by Julie Athens and seconded by Roma Lancaster. The motion passed with one vote abstaining.
OLD BUSINESS: Forward Planning Update: The planning on the Cottage Meetings is still moving forward.
NEW BUSINESS:
New Members: A motion to accept new members; Dustin, Amie, Adison, Claire and Cheyenne Arens was made by Larry Petersen and seconded by Becky Klohs. The motion passed unanimously.
Council Recommendation to the Congregation: A motion made by Greg McInnis and seconded by Tony Chihak was as follows:
The Council respectfully recommends, to not adopt, the motions as presented; because the Vision and Expectations has already clarified the issues of concern, and where as we believe there are other issues that require our attention.
Please note: The Council has approved the motions to go before the congregation at the annual meeting, but the Council does not recommend the motion be adopted.
The motion passed unanimously.
REPORTS: EDUCATION: Per Report INREACH: Still proof reading and following up on the new directory. OUTREACH: Per Report PROPERTY: Did not meet. WORSHIP: Did not meet. YOUTH: Per Report PERSONNEL, ENDOWMENT, FINANCE: Did not meet. LIBRARY: Per Report FORWARD PLANNING: Continue working on Cottage Meetings. TECHNOLOGY: Did not meet. PRESIDENT'S REPORT: Discussion on Annual Meeting.
The meeting adjourned and closed with the Lords prayer.
The next meeting will be February 13, 2012 at 7 pm.
Respectfully submitted Margie Pigg
St. John's Lutheran Church Congregation Council Meeting December 12, 2011
Members Present: Kathy Stelzer, Becky Klohs, Ed Utesch, Larry Petersen, Mat Trotzig, Roma Lancaster, Margie Pigg, Tony Chihak, Greg McInnis, Gerry Ihrke, Rich Ellefson, Pastor Marcia Young, Pastor Greg Gabriel, Pastor Gary Landsness, Members Absent: Julie Athens, Kent Pauling
The meeting was called to order by Kathy Stelzer.
Devotions were led by Gerry Ihrke.
A motion to accept the amended November minutes, adding "Christy McInnis has declined to take any pay for the children's choir and the council would determine where the money can best be used, but asked that some be earmarked for music." The motion was made by Becky Klohs and seconded by Tony Chihak. The motion passed unanimously.
PASTOR'S REPORT: Pastor Gary Landsness: Will give his report later with the Team reports.
Pastor Greg Gabriel: Pastor reported he is busy with Christmas programs being planned and other Christmas events being planned.
Pastor Marcia Young: Pastor Marcia reported the caroling event to shut-ins was a huge success.
TREASURER'S REPORT: Kent Pauling was out due to surgery. Tony Chihak reported $15,200.00. The Sanctuary Renovation note is now currently at $10,000. A motion to accept the treasurer's report was made by Larry Petersen and seconded by Becky Klohs. The motion passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS: Forward Planning Update: Forward planning has visited with most teams, asking for their input and keeping things moving. They have a February/March date to begin the Cottage Meetings.
2012 Annual Report: Everyone was asked, to remind their teams they represent, to turn in reports for the Annual Report.
Amendments to Bylaws: Delana Ihrke, Scott Ihrke, Jay Faber, Rose Heeren, and Arlan Heeren presented:
Part VIII: Proposed addition to the Bylaws of St. John's Lutheran Church
Part VIII - Sanctity of Marriage (Or "Statement on Marriage")(cf. C9:03.b(1))
God created us male and female, and marriage is a covenant of faithfulness between one man and one woman. (Genesis 2:24-25; Matthew 19:4-6; and Mark 10:2-9).
Pastors of St. John's Lutheran Church shall only perform marriages between a man and a woman. No other union shall be sanctified on St. John's Lutheran Church property or by a St. John's rostered leader.
Part IV: Proposed addition to the Bylaws of St. John's Lutheran Church
Part IV - The Pastoral Call (cf. C9:05a of the constitution)
4. St. John's Lutheran Church of Le Mars, IA will issue or maintain a Letter of Call only to ordained ministers who live in a manner consistent with the following statement, wherein "married" is defined as a lawful union between one man and one woman.
"Single ordained ministers are expected to live a chaste life. Married ordained ministers are expected to live in fidelity to their spouses, giving expression to sexual intimacy within a marriage relationship that is mutual, chaste, and faithful. Ordained ministers who are homosexual in their self-understanding are expected to abstain from homosexual sexual relationships."
NEW BUSINESS:
2012 Budget: A motion was made by Becky Klohs to approve the budget for 2012 to be presented at the Annual Congregational Meeting. The motion was seconded by Gerry Ihrke. The motion was passed unanimously.
Technology Team: The Technology Team is requesting ideas/goals from other teams in regards to technology. The Technology Team will assist them in making goals be completed.
Proposed Additions to Bylaws: The two proposed additions to Bylaws of St. John's Lutheran Church were put to a vote in regards to include on the Annual Meeting Agenda. A vote was taken with 3 "no" votes and 6 "yes" votes.
Deon Wynia: Kathy Stelzer will contact Deon Wynia to see if he will present a temple talk, to clarify the purpose of the meetings he is conducting.
EDUCATION: Per Report. Joan Kroepel is stepping down as Chair of the team. They will need a new chair person. INREACH: Finalizing the church directory. OUTREACH: The Welca Circles will no longer be in charge of organizing the Meals on Wheels. Estill and Shirley Lang will be in charge for January. Adopt-a-Family gifts were delivered. PROPERTY: Per Report WORSHIP: Per Report YOUTH: Per Report PERSONNEL, ENDOWMENT, FINANCE: Budget submitted. LIBRARY: The Library Team has bought Good Samaritan a new book cart. FORWARD PLANNING: Per Report TECHNOLOGY: Per Report PRESIDENT'S REPORT: No Report
The meeting adjourned and closed with the Lords prayer.
The next meeting will be January 9, 2012 at 7 pm.
Respectfully submitted Margie Pigg
St. John's Lutheran Church Congregation Council Meeting November 14, 2011
Members Present: Kathy Stelzer, Becky Klohs, Ed Utesch, Larry Petersen, Mat Trotzig, Roma Lancaster, Margie Pigg, Tony Chihak, Kent Pauling, Julie Athens, Greg McInnis, Pastor Marcia Young, Pastor Greg Gabriel, Guest: Deon Wynia and Jalyssa Singer Members Absent: Gerry Ihrke, Pastor Gary Landsness, Rich Ellefson
The meeting was called to order by Kathy Stelzer.
Devotions were led by Ed Utesch.
A motion to accept the October minutes was made by Larry Petersen and seconded by Becky Klohs. The motion passed unanimously.
PASTOR'S REPORT: Pastor Gary Landsness: No Report. Pastor Greg Gabriel: It was reported we have had 5 funerals the past month. Pastor took 6 kids to the Lutheran Lakeside Camp November 4 & 5. It was a weekend of fun and fellowship. Pastor Greg continues to help out at St. Paul, Remsen, where they have lost their pastor.
Pastor Marcia Young: Pastor Marcia attended a Healing Life workshop at Mercy for clergy in the area. They talked about pet therapy and how it helps. Pastor Marcia continues with her visiting members.
TREASURER'S REPORT: Kent Pauling reported $5000.00 was paid on our note at the bank. Our loan balance is now $15,200.00. A motion was made by Greg McInnis and seconded by Julie Athens to accept the treasurer's report. The motion passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS: 2012 Budgets: Everyone was reminded to return their 2012 budgets to the church office by November 16th.
Moderator for Healthy Discussion: The Council met with and heard from Deon Wynia, who we have asked to act as a moderator to facilitate healthy discussions about issues in our congregation. We are setting up the first two meetings Nov. 29th & Dec. 1st at 7:00 pm. Everyone is invited to attend.
Mat Trotzig, Greg McInnis, and Pastor Gabriel will draft recommended rules for the Annual Congregational Meeting.
Cottage Meetings: Letters were sent out to people to see if they are interested in facilitating the cottage meetings.
Children's Choir Director: Christy McInnis has declined to take any pay for the children's choir. Greg indicated at the meeting that the exec committee would determine where the money can be best used but asked that some be earmarked for music.
NEW BUSINESS:
Nominating Committee: The Nominating Committee will be meeting. If you have any names please let the committee know.
EDUCATION: Per Report INREACH: Finishing working on the church directory. OUTREACH: Per Report PROPERTY: Per Report WORSHIP: Per Report and there will be services Christmas Day and New Years Day. Also, there will be candle light services at 4:00 pm & 6:00 pm. YOUTH: Per Report PERSONNEL, ENDOWMENT, FINANCE: Did not meet. LIBRARY: New blinds are up in the library. They are working on getting a cart for the Good Samaritan facility. FORWARD PLANNING: Working on the Cottage Meetings. PRESIDENT'S REPORT: No Report
A motion was made by Tony Chihak to accept Team minutes and Becky Klohs seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
The meeting closed with the Lords prayer.
The next meeting will be December 12, 2011 at 7 pm.
Respectfully submitted Margie Pigg
St. John's Lutheran Church Congregation Council Meeting October 10, 2011
Members Present: Kathy Stelzer, Becky Klohs, Gerry Ihrke, Ed Utesch, Larry Petersen, Mat Trotzig, Roma Lancaster, Margie Pigg, Rich Ellefson, Tony Chihak, Kent Pauling, Julie Athens, Pastor Gary Landsness, Pastor Marcia Young, Pastor Greg Gabriel Members Absent: Greg McInnis
The meeting was called to order by Kathy Stelzer.
Devotions were led by Becky Klohs.
A motion to accept the September minutes was made by Mat Trotzig and seconded by Tony Chihak. The motion passed unanimously.
PASTOR'S REPORT: Pastor Gary Landsness: Everyone was reminded to get their budgets for the teams completed and turned into the office. Pastor Greg Gabriel: A report on the Fall Theological meeting was presented. Bishop Last talked about his trip to Chile and that the Synod is working to become a companion partner working with agricultural development in Chile. Pastor Greg reported there are several online seminars available through the synod. November 1st, a seminar called Restructuring Council and Committees for the 21st Century will be held online from 6:30 till 8:00 pm. A seminar entitled Renewing Congregational Ministry will be held in Storm Lake and online on November 19th from 9:30 am till 1:00 pm.
It was reported that the synod has sent 10 loads of hay to the drought stricken south.
We have 12 confirmed students going to the conference in New Orleans next summer.
Pastor Greg will be worshiping at the prison in Rockwell City on Thursday, October 13, 2011.
Pastor Marcia Young: Pastor Marcia also attended the Fall Convo with Pastor Greg. Pastor Marcia continues with her visiting members.
TREASURER'S REPORT: Kent Pauling reported our loan balance is now $20,200. The motion to accept the treasurer's report was made by Larry Petersen and seconded by Becky Klohs. The motion passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS: Exploring of Different Denominations: At the request of Dr. Wayne Faber, a motion was made by Mat Trotzig, to invite two or three entities from other denominations to speak to the congregation. We would be exploring other denominations. Gerry Ihrke seconded the motion. Discussion followed. At the Annual Congregational Meeting it was voted and approved to set up a congregational meeting only with ELCA representatives, to understand what the ELCA is all about. A vote was taken for Mat's motion. The motion was voted down 8 no votes and 2 yes votes.
A motion was made by Tony Chihak and seconded by Julie Athens to bring in a neutral moderator to facilitate a healthy discussion about issues of the ELCA church. The motion passed with 6 yes votes, 2 no votes, and 2 abstaining. Kathy Stelzer will contact some of the surrounding colleges to find someone that can act as a facilitator for us.
NEW BUSINESS:
Shining Light: The concept of "Shining Light" was discussed and the council was asked to think about recognizing volunteers on a monthly or quarterly basis.
EDUCATION: Per Report INREACH: Per Report OUTREACH: Meals on Wheels was discussed. We have the months of January & September. Pastor Marcia Suggested we need to educate the congregation on this matter. PROPERTY: Per Report WORSHIP: Discussion about new directors for the Children's Choir and the Brass Choir. They have suggested that these be made a paid position. YOUTH: Per Report PERSONNEL, ENDOWMENT, FINANCE: The Council voted on personnel's plan to pay $1273.05 for director of the Children's Choir. The Council also approved with a unanimous vote to pay $1500.00 for the Brass Choir Director. LIBRARY: Per Report FORWARD PLANNING: Per Report PRESIDENT'S REPORT: No Report
The meeting adjourned and closed with the Lords prayer.
The next meeting will be November 14, 2011 at 7 pm.
Respectfully submitted Margie Pigg
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