REHOBOTH EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH

COUNCIL MINUTES

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Gil Baker, Donna DuPont, Carol Nicoletti, Dee Phillips, Karen Szatkiewicz, Royce Wilhelm and Pastor Scott

ABSENT:  Tom Kuny, Bill Slingluff and Debbie Jasinski, Treasurer - excused.  Allan Berenbrok, V. Pres.

Opening Devotions - Pastor Scott lead devotions from a new book by Henri J.M. Nouwen, "Bread for the Journey."  He chose the devotions, "Jesus Gave Himself for Us!" and "The Church - Spotless and Tainted."  This book will be used for future opening devotions.  Pastor asked that each council member take their turn and read the daily devotional and pick two devotions to be shared at the meeting.  Royce will present the devotions for the November meeting.

Correspondence/Requests - None

Secretary's Report - Two corrections were made.  Under Youth Group, Megan Slingluff, not Lorrie Kuny, will be responsible for the contest on the wearing apparel.  Under Property Committee, the work day was scheduled for October 6th not the 8th.  Royce made a motion to accept the minutes as corrected.  Seconded.  Motion carried.

Treasurer's Report - Pastor reported for Debbie.

• The budget is in the black.
• Questions arose regarding the printing of the weekly offerings in the bulletin. The actual figures are not being printed as the Simply Giving offerings are not reflected on a weekly basis.  Discussion followed.  Decided not to change the present method being used.  The newsletter will carry the complete report.
• Committees are to submit any budget changes for 2008 by November 11th to Tom or Pastor.

                -  No further discussion/questions, report will be filed for audit.

Pastor's Report

• Two weddings were performed this month - one for Rehoboth and one for St. Matthew's.
• Pastor commented on how well Don Holt performs as a wedding consultant.  Pastor is very appreciative of Don's attention to detail and logistics.
• Bishop elect, Rev. Kurt Kusserow, will be installed on Saturday, October 20th. 
• Bishop Emeritus, Donald McCoid has accepted a three year post with the ELCA.

Committee Reports

                Property - Gil Baker

• A workday was held on Saturday, October 6th from 9:00 am to noon. In spite of the hot weather and only four workers, several trees were removed from the church grounds.
• The ice maker in the refrigerator no longer works.  Gil and Walt Reese looked at the problem.  They will get together and check a part in the back of the 'frig.  Hopefully, this will eliminate the problem.
• Gil removed the air conditioner from the secretary's office.
• Gil addressed the painting of the front doors of the church.  Bill and Gil will take care of this matter when Bill returns from vacation.
• One of the doors on the left side of the church (facing church) needs a kick plate as the door is in dire need of repair.
• The changing tables for the rest rooms have arrived and will be installed soon.
• For safety, Gil will place a strip of yellow tape on the bottom step of the stairs.

            Music & Worship - Pastor

• Pastor asked that all council members stay after service on Sunday to assist the members of Music & Worship to switch out the LBW hymnals and replace with the new Cranberry hymnals.  Leigh has printed the dedication plates for the new hymnals and they will be inserted at this time.  The new books will be dedicated on Reformation Sunday, October 28th during the worship service.

            Women of the ELCA - Donna

• The Women of the ELCA would like permission to hold a Hoagie and Apple Dumpling sale for delivery on Sunday, Nov. 11th with the proceeds going to the hymnal fund.  Royce made a motion to permit the sale.  Seconded.  Motion carried.

Unfinished Business

            Church Cancellation-

              - Channel 11 will post church cancellations/events.  Congregation will be informed. 

            Building Committee – Royce

• Royce announced the members of the committee:  Alberta Amsler, Heike Drees, Scott Shoup, Bill Slingluff and Royce.
• The committee met on October 7 for an organizational meeting.  Their mission is to lead the church into the next phase of development.  They have a list of archicatial firms to interview.  They interviewed RSSC Architectural firm from Wexford.  They will interview two more firms.  The firms being interviewed are/have experience with churches.  The committee agreed to suggestions from the Wish List - expand the narthex, rest room on the first floor, kitchen, downstairs rest rooms and water problem.  Elevator will require more monies.  Committee is requesting a written proposal from each firm.  Construction costs are rising at a rate of 5% per year.
• Next interview is scheduled for Nov. 2nd.

New Business 

-          Updates to the Constitution and Bylaws

     To be presented at the January congregational meeting.

-          Model Constitution

-          Pastor Scott distributed copies of the ELCA model constitution with required revisions.  Pastor is working with Sam Goncz to insert these revisions into our constitution. 

         -          Council Nominations

      Dee Phillips, Bill Slingluff, and Royce Wilhelm accepted the nomination to serve another three year term.

-          Semi-Annual Congregational Meeting will be held on Sunday, November 25th following the worship service.

-          Exterminator

     Did a full spray for the building.  There was no charge for the summer. He had employee problems, but is back on schedule now.    He requested that we keep wood shavings from the ceiling in the balcony for testing. 

-  Cemetery Association is re-organizing.

Next Council Meeting

        - Tues., November 20th at 8:00 p.m.

Adjourn - Royce made a motion to adjourn.  Seconded.  Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Donna DuPont

Secretary