American Lutheran Church
Council Minutes, January 12, 2006
Call to Order
President Craig Gifford called the meeting to order. Devotions were lead by Paul Welsh. Council members attending were: Craig Gifford, Arlene Buresh, Bernice Westerholt, Randy Evans, Kara Dermann, Paul Welsh, Bill Bechtolt, Marcia Worth, Jodi DeRoos Horalek and Pastor Henry Thorberg.
Franklyn Manning and Carol Meedel were excused.
Minutes from the Previous Meeting
Minutes of the December 8, 2005 meeting were reviewed. The minutes were approved as presented with one spelling correction. Motion: Welsh; Second Bechtolt.
Treasurer’s Report
The 2005 Year finished on strong note. Budget income was up over $15,000 and total giving was up over $31,000. Motion was passed to move $173.50 from Youth Liabilities to the Youth Checking Account. Motion: Buresh; Second Westerholt
Committee Reports:
Finance: Written report included:
· Reviewed month giving & expenses
· Phase III giving was enough to cover entire mortgage payment so $1,234.00 was transferred from checking to capital improvements.
· Fund to replace withdrawal that was made at the beginning of the year.
· Reviewed annual giving & expenses-giving exceed expenses by $5,600 for the year-due partly to decrease salaries and also due to increase giving. Giving was $4,600 over budget for the year.
Outreach Committee: No Report
Social Concerns: No Report
Worship and Music: Written report included
· Michelle will write annual report
· Arlene is working on 2006 Usher Schedule
· Pastor Henry led a meeting of the Alter Guild. We now have an Alter Guild and Communion Set Up and Clean Up Committee, and a complete schedule through 2006.
· Considering instrumental music in place of congregational signing for communion once a month.
· Working on ideas for 2006 Lenten service
· Will put away Christmas decorations before praise practice on Dec. 28th
· Seder Meal – There will be a Seder Meal this year. Sign up sheets will be put out for those who want to attend and another for those who are willing to help cook. It will be a regular Sedar meal followed by a communion service on April 13, 2006
Parish Education:
· March 12th Parent Class for First Communion
· March 19th First Communion Class
Motions were passed to approve Jodi DeRoos Horalek and Cheryl Thorberg as members of the Parish Education committee. Motions: Dermann; Seconds: Buresh
Youth:
· Calendar is being set and usually includes 6 recreational and 6 service activities
· The Youth event in Aurora was attended by all 9 confirmation students and two other youth.
· Thank you to Rick and Rosann Keller and Bruce Spilker for being sponsors for the Youth Event in Aurora.
Property and Grounds: No Report
Stewardship:
· Paul reported on the Envelope Distribution
· 38 pledges were turned in for a total of $77, 9268.00
Acceptance of Committee Reports:
Motion was passed to accept all Committee Reports. Motion: Westerholt; Second Bechtolt.
Pastor’s Report:
· Pastor Henry read a letter from the Bishop of the Nebraska Synod sharing his sabbatical experience and announcing his decision to accept reappointment if asked.
· Every member visitations are about 25% completed. The process will continue through June. Pastor Henry will still plan to meet with every member but maybe through a different method.
· Pastor Henry would like to see the Council and Congregation set goals for 2006 to include:
1. Increase bases in number of active members
2. Look into re-activating WELCA in a format that works for younger generation.
3. Continue to strengthen an improving Youth Group situation
4. Find mission for men’s study group
5. Improve Worship attendance at both services
6. Possibly do “Crossways” Bible Study (not in 2006)
7. Pastor to finish Pastoral Counselors Class in May 2006
8. Permanent Music director before Easter.
9. Keep the Monthly Causes of the Month.
A motion passed from the Executive Committee to have the following as Causes of the Month for 2006: second Westerholt (The Council made the selections)
Jan. Heifer Project July Lincoln Lutheran Metro Parish
Feb. People City Mission Aug. Lincoln Action Program
March The Gathering Place Sept. NE. Lutheran Campus Ministries
April Habitat for Humanity Oct. NE Prison Ministries
May Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Nov. The ARC of Lincoln/Lanc. CO.
June Tabitha Health Systems Dec. Friendship Homes
A motion was passed to send $50.00 to Friendship Home and $50.00 to Lutheran Family Services with funds used designated under the 2006 Social Concerns Category. Motion: Buresh; Second: Bechtolt
A motion was passed to join the People City Mission Church Coalition. Pastor Henry will be our representative. Motion: Evans: Second: Bechotlt
· Pastor Henry reported on his Sunday Vacation days request and also on some personal leave requirements.
Executive Committee:
A motion was brought from the Committee to rent the Parish Hall to Life Line Screening for $200.00 for one day. Motion approved.
The Executive Committee meet with Pastor Henry and Clarice on Monday evening to review this past year. We are very thankful for the service of both to the congregation and look forward to a great 2006.
Old Business: No old business
New Business:
Matt Schur has agreed to be a short term organist and will begin by the first Sunday in February.
The nominating committee submitted the ballot for the 2006 Church Council, Endowment and Nominating Committees and NE Synod Delegates. There is not a Council Representative for Social Concerns. It is important to have all positions on the Church Council filled to conduct the business of the Church.
Paul Welsh closed the meeting with Prayer:
Meeting was adjourned. Next meeting is February 9, 2006.
Respectfully submitted,
Arlene Buresh, Vice President