November 8, 2022
First Lutheran Church Council Minutes – November 8, 2022
Council Members present: Debbie Butler, Jan McElroy, Rod Johnson, Joslyn LaVera, Ida Malde, Eric Merten, Pete Petersen and Kara DAnna
Council members absent: Sheila Johnson
Non-council members present: Pastor Dennis Hickman, Julie Anna Boss and Isabella Weidert
Devotions were given by Pete Petersen.
The December devotions will be given by Ida Malde.
It was moved by Rod Johnson, seconded by Pete Petersen, and passed to approve the October 2022 council minutes.
Old Business:
The Staff Committee is comprised of Sheila Johnson, David Lygree and Fred Cutlip. They will present wage recommendations to the council.
The library carts were purchased and assembled and are being filled by Carla Bergman.
Debit Card- Working on coordination of schedules to get all 3 signers at the bank.
New Business:
The roof leak seems to be back, the repair last year did not work. When snow melts quickly it leaks. JulieAnna has called the roofing company to come back and look at the problem.
Reports:
Pastor’s Report: - See attached for the full report
The pastor’s written report was given to council. Items and council discussion included:
Confirmation Sunday will have cupcakes.
Open Table now available to all from 1-2 Monday through Friday.
First Lutheran will be hosting the Cold Weather Shelter on Tuesdays. Showers will be available and we are asking for simple dinners and breakfasts to feed them.
December 11 will be New Member Sunday and Name Tag Sunday followed by the Advent Potluck. 12 members are joining via letters of transfer.
The Staff Support Committee will also serve as the nominating committee for Council members.
Special Olympic basketball team will be using the gym for practices.
Outreach: Kara reported that Bread for the World baked goods sale is Nov 20 and will be by donations.
Worship and Music: Choir is back. Large print bulletins are a hit and including the hymns in large print is great too. We are still looking for a Choir Director but Betty will continue for now.
Stewardship: $58,000 is pledged for 2023 so far. Time and Talent sheets are still coming in and those not picked up were mailed today.
Congregational Life: Ida reported the Advent Potluck Dec 11 is coming along. Warren Street will be the MC and the prayer will be printed in Norwegian. Lights and trees will be done by the Youth.
Youth and Education: Debbie reported the TV is great for classes. They are looking into a second class to split the age groups.
A trip to Fused is in the works.
The youth will do the Nativity Story on Dec 18th and sing 2 songs.
A baked potato feed is planned for the Annual Meeting January 29, 2023.
Property Management: JulieAnna reported the gutters were cleaned.
Rod suggested a mini clean-up be scheduled for the falling leaves.
South Property: All is well
IT: No report
Financial Report: See attached for a full report
Committees need to bring 2023 budget numbers to the December meeting
· Contributions to FISH for October totaled $972.00
· Contributions to ELCA World Hunger totaled $677.10
· Contributions to ELCA Disaster Relief totaled $590.00
Adjournment:
· The next council meeting will be held on Tuesday December 13 at 6:30pm.
· The meeting was adjourned with prayer.
Respectfully submitted by Jan McElroy.
Pastor’s report to church council Nov 8, 2022
1. Confirmation Sunday for Levi Winter and Aimee Becker is Nov 13. Cake/cupcakes please.
2. Child care during worship starting in November.
3. I enjoyed the Bishop’s Convocation and Dean’s Retreat in Coeur D’Alene Oct 24-27. Great to hear from national Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and teacher/writer Pastor Dave Daubert, as well as our synod Bishop Kristen Kuempel. We will be electing a bishop at our synod assembly in Pasco April 28-30. (We can send 2 delegates, along with pastor: paid by First Lutheran). Each cluster is allowed to nominate 3 candidates for bishop. We had a cluster meeting today to nominate Kristen Kuempel, Liv Larson (pastor at Salem, Spokane) and Anne Palma (interim pastor in Boise). Our cluster (South Central WA) also needs to nominate a lay male to serve on synod council. Tanzania guests Paul Msiti and a nurse (name?) will be in our synod late April through mid-May. First Lutheran plans to host them for a couple nights. Dates to be determined.
4. Sprinklers got blown out by Central Nursery sometime after Oct 15.
5. First Lutheran will be hosting Winter Shelter for the homeless on Tuesday nights starting Nov 15 and running through mid-March. Volunteers needed 6:45-10 pm and 5:45-7am. No overnights needed: a paid person does that. There is also a paid shelter director. Food bank is providing no food, so we are encouraged to provide easy suppers (cup of noodles) and breakfasts (instant oats, granola bars). We can do more if we want.
6. Christmas Eve worship 7:30 pm. Christmas day (Sunday) 10 am.
I’ll be on vacation Dec 26 through Jan 2.
7. Red Cross blood drive here Mon Nov 21, 12-5pm.
8. Bread for the World bake sale Sun Nov 20.
9. December happenings: Advent Scandinavian potluck after worship Dec 11. Advent music fest Dec 18, Kid’s Christmas Program during worship Dec 18.
10. I am starting to turn in mileage for reimbursement again. I Haven’t done that for over 2 years.
11. Council terms expiring at end of Jan 2023: Rod Johnson, Pete Petersen, Sheila Johnson. Who is willing to serve another term?
Next meeting Tues Dec 13. Devotions?
Peace in Christ, Pastor Dennis