April 12, 2022

First Lutheran Church Council Minutes – April 12, 2022

Council Members present: Debbie Butler, Jan McElroy, Eric Merten, Rod Johnson, Ida Malde, Pete Petersen and Joslyn LaVera

Council members absent: Sheila Johnson and Jennifer Campbell

Non-council members present: Pastor Dennis Hickman, Julie Anna Boss

Devotions were given by Debbie Butler

The May devotions will be given by Jan McElroy

It was moved by Rod Johnson, seconded by Pete Petersen, and passed to approve the March 2022 council minutes.

Old Business: None

New Business: Guest Doug Butler gave a presentation on the PRAY nonprofit program. Program for Religious Activity for Youth. It’s like earning a merit badge for scouts but others can participate as well.

The program is $50 per package and Doug asked the church to sponsor this for each youth interested as well as offered to be the instructor.

Rod moved to have the church see if there is interest by any youth and if so to fund the program. Pete seconded the motion. Discussion of how to fund was decided would be from the education fund. Motion passed

The roof in the gym is leaking and repairs need to be done. JulieAnna will contact Wagner roofing in Yakima for this.

Eric spoke of doing a fund drive to repair the roof.

Pressure washing of the building to clean and prevent damage and repair some damage will be done in the future as funds are available for renting a lift and purchasing sealant.

Ushers are needed and someone to call to schedule them. The Time and Talent tally will be looked at to get more names and maybe a coordinator

Reports:

Pastor’s Report: - See attached for the full report

The pastor’s written report was given to council. Items and council discussion included:

The Soup suppers were well attended and Lenten Services were good

Holy week schedule

Masks optional is working

Is it time to go back to regular communion without the common cup? Maybe in May

Outreach: Eric reported on the ongoing programs supporting FISH food bank and the weekend nutrition program. There seem to be no changes or challenges. Renee Merten is gathering food from the lunch room at Ida Nelson grade school and is looking for a volunteer to transport this to the food bank

Worship and Music: Rod reported that comments have been made about having large print bulletins printed. Rod will speak with the Synod to see if there is a template to use.

Stewardship: Pete reported more Sunday money counters are needed

Youth and Education: Debbie reported she mailed about 19 youth Easter packets. Not that many attend Sunday School on a given day but reaching out like this is appreciated. JulieAnna reported the youth will be helping with the Easter breakfast, egg hunt and Sunday School on Easter.

Congregational Life: Ida reported May 22 will be another Music Fest and she is looking for musicians.

Property Management: JulieAnna reported she is going to speak with Waste Management on changing the garbage route so the trucks quit breaking the back fence. A tree was removed from the back and branches from the big fir tree.

South Property: No issues, all is well

IT: Debbie brought up it is hard to get a good internet connection in the Sunday School area for watching videos. Doug Fessler has mentioned that hard wiring the internet may solve this issue. Rod will look into the feasibility of purchasing a hot spot subscription.

Financial Report: See attached for a full report

· Contributions to FISH for April totaled $163 and 34 pounds of food.

· Disaster Response Eastern Europe - $720

· Lutheran Immigration Resources and Services - $335

Adjournment:

· The next council meeting will be held on Tuesday May 10 at 6:30pm

· The meeting was adjourned with prayer.

Respectfully submitted by Jan McElroy.

Pastor’s report to church council April 12, 2022

1. So far the "mask optional" approach for worship has been going well. We started passing offering plates again on April 3rd. The next question is when is it wise to resume more regular communion practices? I will suggest not using the common cup.

2. Thanks to the ministries for hosting the soup suppers on Wed's during Lent. Holden Evening prayer (25 min) followed at 7 pm. We usually had 20-25 people. Prayer vigil for Ukraine before supper was also a very good thing.

3. Holy week.

April 10: Palm/Passion Sunday Palm branches & dramatic reading of Luke's passion of Jesus.

April 14 7pm Maundy Thursday worship service--holy communion.

April 17 The Resurrection of Jesus

9:00 Easter breakfast and 9:30 egg hunt for kids

10 am Resurrection Day worship with holy communion. Special music by Jeff Snedecker on French horn and Phil Cutlip--solo.

4. 3 synod wide day long "Gatherings" (since synod assemblies are every other year) are planned. The closest one to us is Sat. May 21 at Immanuel Lutheran church in Moses Lake. The idea is to get quite a few people to go (More than 2 delegates and the pastor). Cost is $300 per congregation and $10/person (for lunch). The theme is "Home Grown Faith" and presenters are Linda Staats and our synod bishop, Kristen Kuempel. This is an in-person event. I need to register us soon. Who wants to go? We can bring 10 people. Let's car pool!

5. Memorial service for Marie Raymond Sat April 30 at 11am. Lunch to follow.

6. We have an ongoing leak in our gym roof. Time to re-roof the gym?

7. Thanks to McElroy's for removing tree by back parking lot.

8. Spring "Music Fest" at 9am Sunday May 22

9. I won't be in the office on Easter Mon April 18. Everybody take a holiday if you can!

. Next meeting will be Tues May 10. Devotions?

Peace in Christ, Pastor Dennis