September 14, 2021
First Lutheran Church Council Minutes – September 14, 2021
Council Members present: Debbie Butler, Jan McElroy, Ida Malde, Jennifer Campbell, Jay Ragland, Pete Peterson
Council members absent: Eric Merten, Rod Johnson, Sheila Johnson
Non-council members present: Pastor Dennis Hickman, Bella
Devotions were given by Ida Malde.
The October devotions will be given by Jan McElroy.
It was moved by Pete Peterson, seconded by Debbi Butler, and passed to approve the July 2021 council minutes.
Old Business:
No one has stepped forward to be the financial secretary. Bella is still interested in adding to her duties and hours to take on some of the duties. JulieAnna will ask a person she knows who does this for other churches to see if they want to add us and for what cost.
Although Sheila was not able to attend the meeting, she emailed Jan to bring up the strategic plan for First Lutheran. We need to get back on track of the goals we set and discuss them at the October meeting.
New Business:
Rally Sunday happened September 12 but no BBQ due to COVID-19.
Discussion was had on how to assist refugees from Afghanistan. Laurae Lygre has been calling Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services but has not received a call back for information. The best possibility for FLC is to send money since we are so far from an office and services needed.
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 cold weather shelter will be run again by Hopesource and held at the Methodist church.
Outreach: Eric Merten was absent but there is talk about a possible Bread for the World bake sale in November.
Worship and Music: Choir is still on hold but Betty is keeping things going with special music.
Stewardship:
Pete Peterson volunteered to speak with James Stolte on coordinating money counters for Sundays.
The VANCO Plus app is being replaced with a new app, see The FLARE for details.
Youth and Education:
Sunday school started on 9/12 with 9 kids and 3 youth helpers and the kids sang in church.
8 adults and 7 youth came to the cemetery cleanup day; we may do it again in the spring.
There were a total of 18 kids at VBS and 17 youth helpers.
Confirmation class is starting this week on Wednesdays.
Older youth and college age young adults will continue to meet in the youth room on Wednesday nights.
School and personal health kits will be put together to send off this week.
Discussion was had on when to have a Christmas program.
Congregational Life:
No potlucks yet, sad face L
A music Sunday will be scheduled for December.
Confirmation cake for October- possibly 4 kids.
Property Management:
6 hours was spent prepping and painting the front door area.
Roof drain strainers were cleaned and several replaced—6 hours spent.
8 hours was spent on the back door from the kitchen to remove, research and order a new door to replace it.
South Property:
Bees and the building were sprayed to get ready for replacing boards.
2 leases are being updated, 1 was done earlier in the summer and brings in an extra $50 per month.
Financial Report: See attached for a full report
It was asked to have the salaries paid for Bella and Christine separated on the financial report.
Contributions to FISH for July was $30.
It was moved by Jan McElroy and second by Ida Malde to accept the Financial Report as presented, passed by all.
Adjournment:
The next council meeting will be held on Tuesday October 14
with no ministry meetings being held in person at this time.
The meeting was adjourned with prayer.
Respectfully submitted by Jan McElroy.
Pastor’s report to church council Sept 14, 2021
1.Huge thanks to Julie Anna Boss and crew for making VBS happen. A great success during Covid times. Also great to hear the kids sing in worship on Rally Sun. 9-12. Awesome!
2. My Portico Health coverage should go down in cost after Sept. Since my Son Kyle got a teaching job with benefits at Easton, now you will only be insuring “Member and Spouse”, instead of “Member, Spouse and children.” Thank you for health insurance these many years
3. “God’s Work: Our Hands” Sunday was Sept 12th. Thanks to Betty for the new hymn.
Projects include:
-High Valley Cemetery clean-up Sept 11. Thank you Debbie Butler for organizing it.
-health and school kits for Lutheran World Relief. VBS and congregation
-Rummage Sale Sept 23,24,25 all proceeds go to charities. Thank you Julie Anna.
-Red Cross Blood drive here Wed Sept 29 1-6pm
-handing out lunches and food every Wed during summer at Morgan Middle School
-Weekend nutrition for school kids starting up again. Thank you Judy Ragland.
4. Memorial service for Wolfgang Franz here on Fri Sept 17 at 11 am. Lunch after. Thank you to Estelle and crew for the lunch.
5. Confirmation starts with a pizza feed/intro on Wed. Sept 15. Actual classes start Sept 22.
6. For my continuing education this year I will be taking part in “Haven” offered by our synod. Cost $200 or $250 (already paid). This is a series of “family systems” classes offered monthly. Some on zoom. Some in person.
7. Attending our synod’s “Bishop’s Convocation” for pastors Oct 25-27 at Camp Lutherhaven. $250. I will be staying an extra night or two for a dean’s meeting afterwards.
8. If we can get our Smart TV in the fellowship hall to function reliably, I would love to show the congregation a 33 minute You Tube documentary, “The Dr. Mark & Linda Jacobson Story: Kuambatana” They are the ELCA’s longest serving missionaries and are in Tanzania.
9. Some folks are interested in sponsoring an Afghan refugee family, if that’s possible in Ellensburg. Ida Malde is willing to house them temporarily. If it’s not possible to sponsor a family here, perhaps we can donate generously to Lutheran Immigration Refugee Services, which is already hard at work with the many refugees from Afghanistan, as well as our southern border.
10. Jim Stolte is stepping away from coordinating offering counters. Would Stewardship ministry be willing to coordinate offering counters each month? Offering counters so far are , Jerry Grebb, Ralph Kramlich and Wayne Fairburn. (Talk to Jim for existing schedule) Financial Secretary? Next meeting Tues Oct 12 at 6:30 Devotions? Peace, Pastor Dennis