Present: Tom Burkholder, Val Holcomb, Paul Logan, Ellen Lyman, Laurie McCary, Peg Higgins, Louise Swanson, Al Bredehorst, Ellen Picard, Pr Henry Morris, Sue Allaire
Excused: Valerie Holcomb, Laura Nicholls
Guests: Martha Sterrett (Congregational Life Commission), Carl Johnson (Finance Committee)
Opening Devotions Sue Allaire
Communications: We received notification that John and Lee Morse has transferred their membership to St Andrew Lutheran Church.
Minutes from December meeting:
Motion to accept by Al Bredehorst seconded by Laurie McCary. Approved
Pastor’s Report: None due to the flu
Discussion of the Christmas Pageant and how great it was. We all agreed that the week after Christmas is a good time for the pageant.
Treasurer’s Report:
Al Bredehorst explained the Income and Expense Statement (attached)
Motion to accept by Ellen Lyman, seconded by Paul Logan Accepted
Report from Finance Commission on Fund Guidelines:
Discussion of use of the word “fund” Al gave us a simple rule of thumb to follow regarding these special funds.
- Funds are “forever”
- If a source of funding is not listed in the Guidelines, it’s a simple account on the church’s books and can come and go as they are needed and paid off.
- Council oversees Thanksgiving and Memorial disbursements
- A suggestion was made that the Guidelines be reviewed every year and a half or so to keep them current.
- A suggestion was made to rename the Gloria Ebb Kjellson fund to include Hope Lawson’s name since she contributed a large sum to this fund in her bequest.
- Motion to add Hope Lawson’s name to the Gloria Ebb Kjellson fund made by Al Bredehorst, seconded by Louise Swanson. Approved
Motion to accept the new updated Guidelines for Special Funds by Al Bredehorst seconded by Paul Logan Approved
Report from Finance Commission on Draft of 2010 budget (attached):
A Draft of the 2010 budget was distributed for Council review. Carl Johnson was present to answer questions.
Tom distributed a pie chart representation of the breakdown of expenses (attached). Note that only 5% of our budget is spent on programs (like worship and music, Chris ed, stewardship, evangelism,etc) 95% is spent on church staff and property.
- Our deficit is explained by lack of income NOT spending – some thoughts and comments follow
- People need to know what it means to give
- Why do people attend but not contribute?
- Why don’t people commit to joining and contributing – huge potential
- Leadership giving here is much lower than normal
- People have a phobia about talking about money
- We should praise those who give generously
- Pastor Morris will start a stewardship group soon
- Focus on deficit, or 2010 expenses and income
- We don’t get contributions because we don’t ask.
Suggestion to ask everyone to give one extra month contribution. This will offset the deficit. Council has issued a challenge and has pledged as a group to give an extra month – this will add $2,040 just from the Council. Write “Extra Month” on check so we can track.
Motion to accept the proposed 2010 budget made by Peg Higgins seconded by Louise Swanson Approved
Commission Reports: (attached)
No discussion needed
Old Business
A Nominating Committee will be needed to put together a list of candidates for the elections coming up at the June congregational meeting
Ellen Picard and Martha Sterrett volunteered
Replacements are needed for:
Council – Dave Marsh, Laura Nicholls, Ellen Picard, all officers (President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary)
Congregational Life Chair
The Audit Committee will have a report ready soon.
Motion to adjourn: Ellen Picard, seconded by Al Bredehorst. Accepted
Meeting ended with the Lord’s Prayer.
Next meeting: February 17, 2010
Respectfully Submitted,
Sue Allaire
