March 8, 2021
First Lutheran Church Council Minutes – March 8, 2021
Council Members present: Debbie Butler, Jan McElroy, Eric Merten, Rod Johnson, Ida Malde, Jennifer Campbell, Jess Holcomb, Jay Ragland, Sheila Johnson
Council members absent: None, we are very devoted to our church
Non-council members present: Pastor Dennis Hickman, Julie Anna Boss
Devotions were given by Rod Johnson with a reading from C.S. Lewis.
The April devotions will be given by Jan McElroy.
It was moved by Jan McElroy, seconded by Jess Holcomb, and passed to approve the February 2021 council minutes.
Old Business:
The trees have been removed and the others trimmed.
The McElroys will donate a tree for planting and a plea will be in the bulletin to find two families to accept a tree.
New Business:
Questions were posed to the congregation about our strengths, weaknesses and what goals they see for FLC. A list was compiled by Jess Holcomb and a lively discussion took place.
Each person present gave 1-2 goals they would like to see FLC work on in the coming year. The individual goals were put together to come up with Goals and Actions. It will be taken back to the congregation through the bulletin and the FLARE to find out where they want us to concentrate. The list is:
1. Goal- Education for all
Action- Sunday School for all ages
Bible Study for all ages
Vacation Bible School
Be Sponsors for Youth and New Members
Have and Teach willing Teachers
Retreats for all
2. Goal- Fellowship and Evangelism
Action- Potlucks
Combine Bible studies, events and food
Feed the neighborhood
Fun Nights for all
Bring in speakers, special music
Extended Sharing of the Peace
3. Goal- Outreach
Action- Family projects
Sponsor and tag on to Community Service Projects
Game nights
Social Gatherings
CWU- how to reach the students
Habitat for Humanity
Offer non bible studies to bring new people to our church
4. Goal- Future
Action- Virtual presence, Social Media, Website
More zoom meetings
Service hymns
Contemporary versus Traditional Service
Find out if other ELCA churches have 2 different services and if it works well
Reports:
Pastor’s Report:
The pastor’s written report was given to council. Items and council discussion included:
-Discussion for 2 services for Easter and the egg hunt at 9:30
- Synod Assembly is April 24. Rod moved and Eric gave 2nd to pay $50 each for 2 delegates to attend via Zoom along with Pastor Dennis
- Camperships and the need to replace James Stolte as Financial Secretary will be discussed at the April meeting
- Youth Wednesday gatherings are good, bible studies are being attended and worship attendance is up
Outreach: Eric reported no activity.
Worship and Music: Rod reported a manual is being written for the sound operators re: YouTube mostly.
Stewardship: Jess reported we are Stewards of God’s Love and all God’s Blessings. The time and talent sheets are being finished.
Youth: Julia Anna reported 8 youth are attending the Wednesday evening events.
Congregational Life: Ida reported the Easter egg hunt is on. Prayer partners will be starting in the future.
Education: Julie Anna reported Sunday School is back.
Property Management: Julie Anna reported Brian McElroy is working on some small projects and repairs.
A group needs to form to get the back fence stained.
South Property: Julie Anna reported all is going great.
Financial Report: See the full report for more details.
Offering/Income exceeded expenses for February. Questions regarding assets and liabilities will be discussed further at the April meeting.
Adjournment:
· The next council meeting will be held on Monday April 12, 2921
with no ministry meetings being held in person at this time.
· The meeting was adjourned with prayer.
Respectfully submitted by Jan McElroy.