Secretary's Report - October 25, 2011

St. James Lutheran Church
Council Minutes
October 25, 2011

Attendance:  George Bowen, Jill Bowen, Mary Hassen,  Kim Bergstrand,  Steve Dumas - the meeting lacked a quorum, so the reports that follow will be voted upon at the November Council meeting.

Devotion - Mary reflected on how everyone has just stepped up during Pastor’s illness and how we have become a cohesive community.  She shared three verses that exemplified this theme.

Pastor’s Report - Mary spoke with Pastor today.  He is so thankful for the outpouring of care and concern by the congregation.

President’s Report - Pastor is preparing to return on the 31st, but will be assuming limited responsibilities until he is completely well.  He will ease back to work.  We’re all set for this Sunday with Pastor Alice Kerr-Laird will cover and  Sherry Dumas will prepare a sermon for November 6th.  Pastor  Andrew will give communion that date.  Mary spoke about the process for getting a supply pastor, and Tom Gotfch is available during November as needed.  Ray Mitchell, a retired pastor  who has been attending St. James, also offered to help where he could.

Mary reported that the Ethel Johnson Estate is almost complete and we should be receiving the release of final distribution soon.  The check  of approximately $20K should follow the return of the release. 

Treasurer’s Report - George reported that the deficit through August 31st totals $7,851.69.  He spoke about several items that will affect the budget in a positive manner once September data is posted.  Steve suggested that we look into getting some quotes for our dumpster.  Budgets are due tonight.  Budgets are needed ASAP.  George mentioned that he has applied for a $200 Thrivent Matching Grant for the Youth Pasta Supper scheduled for November 6th.

Secretary’s Report - Posted on line by Jill Bowen

Committee Reports:

Communications - No report

Cultivating Community in Christ -  No report

Finance & Stewardship - George reviewed the stewardship schedule.

Outreach Ministries - Jill reported November Mission Collection is for Lutheran Hunger.  Soup Kitchen is scheduled for November 26th.  Bazaar is scheduled for November 6 and 20. MLF has three dates in November, the 12th, 13th, and 16th.

Property - No report

Youth Ministry -  November 6th Pasta Supper, proceeds for Youth Quake and Calumet Retreat.  The Sunday School is also doing a bake sale.  The Sunday School and JIF  are adopting a family for Christmas.  Kathy Fales is retiring from TFC at the end of this year.  Alicia Dumas offered to get involved in place of Kathy.  Going forward both KFC and TFC will meet on the same night.  November 19th and December 17th are the next two meeting dates. Youth Quake and Youth Zone is January 27-29th.   Youth hayride is December 29th.  Christmas Pageant is December 18th .  Kids Club - single room model is going well, the only problem is some of the older boys are very active. and may interfere with some of the other students.  This is being worked out. Nicola is helping out with the pre-school group and that is going well.  VBS - thinking about having the 2nd or 3rd week of July hoping for better attendance.  Pre registration for a member discount will be tried next summer.  Safe church training is complete as will be repeated by Sherri as needed.  Background checks of teachers is being discussed.  Corn maze event was a blast.  Acolyte training will be scheduled when Carolyn Fales is better.

Worship and Music - Mary reported, there is a baptism this Sunday October 30th at the late service.  An All Saints special service is being planned.  Pastor Williams will cover for November 27th  and also New Years Day as Pastor Andrew is on vacation those days.  Brittney Dyer our new Director of Music is starting on November 21st.   November 21st a Thanksgiving ecumenical service is being held at the Presbyterian Church in Barrington.  The committee is looking for newer families to light the candles during advent. The committee will sell ornaments at the Bazaar.  Christmas Eve is the usual 4pm family and the 11pm worship services. 


Old Business
Calumet Campaign - no discussion this month

Household Giving - no discussion this month

Election of new Secretary - No candidates to date. no discussion this month

Mark Johnson is in seminary and has asked for financial support.  There will be further discussion.  Steve suggested that we consider offering to host a concert by Mark and his band as a fundraiser for him.

New Business -

2012 Nominating Committee, time to be thinking.

The meeting closed at  9:05pm  with a prayer led by Steve Dumas.

Respectfully Submitted
Jill K. Bowen