Present: Tom Burkholder, Val Holcomb, Pr Henry Morris, Paul Logan, Laurie McCary, Peg Higgins, Louise Swanson, Sue Allaire
Excused: Ellen Picard, Ellen Lyman, Laura Nicholls
Absent: Al Bredehorst, Dave Marsh
Guests: Linda Helming, Tina Olson (for Outreach and Witness), Craig Zulauf, (for Staff Support)
Opening Devotions Paul Logan – readings from Strength in Service that Paul picked up at the WWII Museum in New Orleans.
Communications: Dave Marsh has resigned from Congregation Council citing his difficult work schedule that makes it hard for him to attend meetings. Thanks to Dave for his service during the years he and Pam worked with the Sunday School and his service on the Council.
Minutes from October meeting:
Tom Burkholder’s name should be removed as having made a motion to accept the September minutes. Motion to accept as amended. Approved
Outreach and Witness Commission presentation:
Linda wanted to bring the Council up to date on the activities of Outreach and Witness and to introduce plans for replacing the large enclosed sign in front of the church.
The Commission has been busy meeting twice a month and visiting other area churches for ideas. They have purchased large round tables for Pearson Hall, have put a sofa in the Women’s room, have moved the Nursery upstairs in the Narthex to get it out of the room that has mold and water damage, have purchased tea for the Coffee Hour and have purchased 3 new signs outside the church to direct people to the office and main entrance, etc.
They are also in the process of finalizing plans for the purchase of a replacement for the large enclosed sign in front of the church. It appears that this new sign will cost between $10 – $15k which includes demolition, removal, and rebuilding to a new design.
Tom suggested that their next step be to put together a formal proposal to share with the congregation.
Council offers many thanks to the Outreach and Witness Commission for all the work they’ve done so far.
Treasurer’s Report: No verbal report. Written report provided
Staff Support – Craig Zulauf:
There has been concern over Lisa Michaud’s recent illness. This has also called attention to the fact that we don’t have adequate volunteer backup or procedures in place that will make sure someone is in the office to answer the phone. It also would be helpful to have backup with computer knowledge in case Bulletins have to be created.
Staff Support is trying to come up with a better way to organize the office, but in the meantime we need more volunteers to fill in when Lisa is out. Craig suggested running an ad in the Bulletin and Messenger to get people to volunteer. Any suggestions should be given to Craig Zulauf.
Pastor’s Report:
- The Phantom of the Opera event was great, but it drew attention to the poor lighting of our parking lot. When the parking lot is full, cars parked along the perimeter are left in the dark. The lack of lighting creates a potentially dangerous situation. The Property Committee has been contacted to advise them to get better lighting in the parking lot.
- New members will be welcomed into Gloria Dei on December 6.
- Tom mentioned that Lisa needs the names of those involved from Pastor Morris
- Congregational Life is sponsoring a New Member Breakfast, including “shepherds” to sponsor them.
- Stewardship class will start, by invitation, after Christmas
- “Safe Church”
- Pastor Morris has spent a great deal of time researching other church’s policies to see what they do to use as a template for Gloria Dei
- A Sunday School teacher’s meeting was held to discuss safe church practices and recommended that parents will pick up kids in their classrooms and that basically the same rules that are followed in public school also apply here. A letter was sent home with children.
- It was suggested that a Council Task Force be put together to address the development of our own polices and procedures related to keeping the church a safe place. Pastor Morris will continue to look for information.
- Sandy Ewen, Ellen Lyman, and Dale Clift will be asked to serve on this Task Force
Old Business:
- Stewardship
- Last year’s Stewardship program will be repeated this year and letters and pledge cards will be sent out by the end of this month.
- Individuals will be asked to give testimonial Temple Talks.
- Council approved the latest version of the Congregation Profile put together by the Call Committee. It will be sent to the Synod.
MOTION to adjourn made by Valerie seconded by Peg. ACCEPTED.
Meeting ended with the Lord’s Prayer.
Next meeting: December 16, 2009
Respectfully Submitted,
Sue Allaire
