Council Highlights
CHURCH COUNCIL MINUTES
Church Council Minutes
September 9, 2008
(For complete Minutes, they are located in
Notebooks in the Library)
CORRESPONDENCE: A letter was received from the Synod regarding the Stewardship packet.
REPORTS:
DIRECTOR OF YOUTH & FAMILY MINISTRIES: She received an e-mail invitation for Immanuel’s youth to participate in a program sponsored by the youth group of the Episcopal Church in Petoskey.
TREASURER: Mary addressed questions from Council members. Motion made to spend up to $100 from The Circle Unbroken for the purchase of a DVD. Lee reported the Executive Committee has requested Roger Barr to look at our financial system to determine if there is a better way to handle the various tasks involved in the finances of Immanuel. Roger is interviewing various individuals involved in the process and will make recommendations upon completion of his study.
PASTORS REPORT: Pastor Deames reported he is very happy to be at Immanuel and is becoming acquainted with procedures and the people. On October 12 Pastor will meet with 4 young candidates for confirmation and their parents. He would also like to take the confirmands on a field trip on Reformation Sunday to see a musical at Grand Rapids Christian High School on the life of Martin Luther. The trip is open for those to be confirmed, their parents and any other interested individuals. Pastor Deames also reported he will begin interviews next week, starting with Staff to determine how things are going. The interviews will be expanded to other Church leaders, including Council members. Pastor’s schedule is Sunday through Thursday in Big Rapids.
PROGRAM COORDINATOR: Per Lee’s request, Linda will check the Bylaws for possible updates or changes needed prior to the Annual Meeting.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
§ Worship and Music – Phyllis reported the committee is looking at driveway banners to be used on Reformation Sunday. They are also discussing a special service for All Saints, maybe a candle service to remember the saints. A one-time Advent service is being planned for December 3.
§ Vision Ministry Leadership Dinners – 21 invitations were mailed with 10 agreeing to participate in a dinner.
o 2009 Ministry Fund & Building Fund Appeal – Temple talks will be presented the next 3 Sundays. Three gatherings are scheduled. The goal is to have every household attend one meeting. The 2009 Ministry Driven Plan was reviewed and discussed. Lee would appreciate feedback in the next week and a half. The 2009 Proposed Line Item Budget was reviewed. Following discussion, Irene Schuberg moved to recommend this proposed budget to the congregation.
§ Parish Nurse Ministry
o Phyllis reported on the meeting she attended of the Interfaith Parish Nurses.
§ President’s Report
o Status of Linden Street Church – the possible sale of the building is still favorable with the Salvation Army pending approval.
o Nominating Committee Report – The committee continues to pursue names of possible candidates for Council vacancies.
NEW BUSINESS
§ The Arts and Decorating Team met with the Council and provided the background history of what has been done from the beginning to date regarding the four round windows in the Sanctuary becoming stained glass windows. Designs were presented. Doug will contact Mr. Hanley to determine how long his offer would be available and ways of informing the congregation of the designs, and costs were discussed. More information will be available at the October 14 Council meeting.
§ Council decided the Linden Street capsule should be opened when the Linden Street Church is sold.
§ Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser – Jo Miller on behalf of the WELCA is requesting approval of the Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser to be held November 1 for the purpose of purchasing additional banners for the Church and enhancing worship space in general.
§ Respectfully submitted,
Pam Nyman, Council Secretary