December 14, 2021
First Lutheran Church Council Minutes – December 14, 2021
Council Members present: Debbie Butler, Jan McElroy, Eric Merten, Rod Johnson, Jennifer Campbell, Jay Ragland, Sheila Johnson, Pete Petersen
Council members absent: Ida Malde
Non-council members present: Pastor Dennis Hickman, Julie Anna Boss, Isabella Weidert
Devotions were given by Debbie Butler.
The January devotions will be given by Rod Johnson.
It was moved by Jan McElroy, seconded by Pete Petersen, and passed to approve the November 2021 council minutes.
Old Business:
Update on the Financial Secretary Position- Isabella is being trained by James Stolte for all duties.
Update on the Afghan Resettlement program- Pastor reported there is financial need and ideas for fundraising were discussed by the congregation such as a bake sale or the Super Bowl Sunday funds being used. Eric Merten moved due to the urgent need that $500 be allocated to the program, Sheila Johnson seconded. Motion passed that the money will be given by the end of 2021.
New Business:
Annual Meeting- To be held January 30, 2022. Agenda items to be brought to the January council meeting by Council. The Youth will have a baked potato feed prior to the meeting.
2022 Budget- As of Dec 7, $91,054 has been pledged for 2022 offering, not everyone turns in a time, talent and pledge card.
Staff Salary Increases- After a presentation by Sheila Johnson and discussion, Sheila moved and Pete Petersen seconded to give all paid Staff at FLC a 5% salary increase for 2022
Reports:
Pastor’s Report: - See attached for the full report
The pastor’s written report was given to council. Items and council discussion included:
-Holding a Budget Forum on January 23 at 9 am with all Council members present to answer questions.
-Inviting James Stolte, Carla Bergman and Christine Rice to the annual meeting to recognize them for their service to FLC and present gifts.
Sheila Johnson motioned and Debbie Butler seconded to give $600 to the Cold Weather Shelter to help with food costs.
Jay Ragland will not be running for Council in 2022, he will be moving. Jan McElroy and Debbie Butler volunteered to be on a nominating committee and work with Pastor to find candidates.
Outreach: Eric Merten reported that all is going well and it is great that projects arise and the congregation steps up to take care of things.
Worship and Music: Grace Episcopal hosted Carols and Lessons; it was very nice according to Rod Johnson and some of our congregation participated. No Choir yet.
Stewardship: Pete Petersen reported that the Time and Talent surveys are being tallied and he will continue to work on getting volunteers for offering counters.
FLC plans to do things for the church, our missions and for the community and cannot plan without knowing projected budget income.
Youth and Education: Debbie Butler and Julie Anna Boss reported that Sunday School is going great, Confirmation will start up again in January. Youth are studying “The Life of Jesus” on Wednesdays. Dec 12th outing to FUSE in Upper County was well attended. Dec 19 will be the youth Christmas program, combing the kids and Youth for more fun. A Youth tube and skate event is scheduled for February 5 at Lazy F camp.
Congregational Life: Ida Malde was absent but it was reported December 19 will be a music fest at 9am. Treats will be saved for after the 10:00 service.
Property Management: Julie Anna Boss reported that the South Property facia board project and covers over the air conditioners is complete and a donation is coming in to help pay for it. There are light ballast issues in the church and South Property and Brian McElroy will be looking at repairing these.
Financial Report: See attached for a full report, Giving was down for November.
· Contributions to FISH for November totaled $188, 88 lbs of food and 20 lbs of laundry soap.
Adjournment:
· The next council meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 11, 2022 at 6:30pm
· The meeting was adjourned with prayer.
Respectfully submitted by Jan McElroy.