REHOBOTH EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH
ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
SUNDAY, JANUARY 28, 2007
Call to Order and Opening Devotions- The meeting was called to order at approximately 1:45 p.m. by Tom Kuny, Council President. Tom then thanked Larry DuPont, Heike Drees, and Lorrie Kuny for preparing the luncheon. Pastor Scott presented brief devotions from Ephesians 4 …as we are to build each other up in the body of Christ in love. After reviewing a few points of courtesy to be used during the meeting, Pastor led the congregation in prayer.
Certification of Quorum – Alan Berenbrok, V. Pres., verified a quorum of over 55 members present.
Adoption of Agenda– Tom asked for a motion to adopt the agenda as printed. Norma Baker made a motion to adopt the agenda as printed. Seconded. Motion carried.
Approval of January and November 2006 Minutes – Alex Frantz made a motion to accept the minutes with the correction to the January minutes to read Africa, not South America. Seconded. Motion carried.
Church Council Election – Gil Baker and Carol Nicoletti have agreed to run for an additional term. Karen Szatkiewicz accepted her nomination. No more nominations were given. Since there were four seats opened, and three agreed to run, Norman Amsler made a motion to accept Gil, Carol and Karen for a three-year term by acclamation. Seconded. Motion carried.
Cemetery Committee Openings – There are currently six members on the committee. Scott Shoup, Larry DuPont and Jack Dewar will be retained on the committee. Donna DuPont nominated Royce Wilhelm for a three-year term. Royce accepted the nomination. No more nominations were given. Larry DuPont made a motion to accept Royce by acclamation. Seconded. Motion carried.
2006 Annual Report
Pastor’s Report – Pastor reflected on the past five years of difference and change. . . janitor, Youth Group activities, Joshua Shoup Fundraiser for TSC, Welcome packet via Evangelism. He last comment was, “I am looking forward to Christmas #7.”
President’s Report – Tom commented that we absorbed a $9,800 deficit from 2005; $10,000 was raised for the purchase of Handbells; Benevolence giving was over the top; the driveway/parking lot loan was paid off by the Steins family; and we are currently in the black. He thanked the congregation for their support and generosity.
Treasurer’s Report – Debbie Jasinski, Treasurer, fielded questions. Alex Frantz asked about the Pastor’s salary on the budget figure as the figures were a little confusing. Debbie explained that the synod guidelines dictate the salary scale. However, the Pastor has the discretion to move some of his salary into the housing allowance.
- Alex also questioned the figures in the December Treasurer’s report in the bulletin. Tom and Debbie offered to meet with Alex after the meeting to explain the report, as the numbers didn’t add up.
- No further questions. The Treasurer’s report will be filed for audit.
Other Committee and Organizational Reports
- Thank you’s – Tom acknowledged Mary Musgrave and Avie Shaddock for their many years of service on the Memorial Committee. Heidi Hartge as agreed to serve on the committee.
- Audit Committee - Tom reported that the Audit Committee was unable to get together to audit the books. However, they will be meeting shortly to complete the audit.
- New Hymnals – Donna DuPont reported that Norma Baker, Heather Goncz, Sally Patton, Pam Zatchey and herself, members of the Music & Worship Committee and Larry DuPont, congregation and choir member, attended a workshop in November at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Cumberland Road, to learn about the new hymnal and the changes. All attending received a copy of the new cranberry colored hymnal. Donna commented that this hymnal contains 10 liturgies which include two from the Lutheran Book of Worship (LBW) and one from the With One Voice (WOV) that we have been using for several years. Therefore, it is not necessary that we immediately learn a new liturgy. All 150 psalms are in this hymnal as well as many old familiar hymns and beautiful new ones. The workshop was a great success. The Music & Worship Committee recommended to Council that we proceed to purchase the hymnals. Alex asked if this hymnal would replace the LBW and WOV and that we would only need one book. The answer was yes. Synod recommended that members of the congregation “help themselves” to the SBH and the WOV after we purchase the new hymnals.
- Norma Baker presented the cost at $25.00 per book. The actual cost is $22.50, however, this will allow a cushion to purchase copies for the organ, altar, pastor, acolytes and the Occasional Services Book. We need 250 books to begin using the new hymnal. The deadline to reach this goal is the last week in August. Hopefully, we will reach this deadline and begin using the new hymnal on Reformation Sunday, 2007.
- Handbell Choir – Pam Zatchey thanked everyone for their donations on behalf of her and Julie Whalen. The group is called, “Rehoboth’s Ringers.” Alex asked where the bells will be stored. Pam explained that a locked cabinet will be made and a storage cabinet for banners. He also questioned insurance coverage for the bells. Debbie explained that we have 1.5 million dollars for the building and contents. On a side note, we hope to have tables for the bells by November.
- Altar Flower Sign-up Procedure – Pastor Scott presented the new procedure for those wishing to place flowers on the altar. The sign-up sheet is for your name only. Ellise Mercadante resigned from this position and Leigh Browning, Church Sec., will assume this responsibility. The new procedure was included in the newsletter. The envelopes for payment were also displayed and explained. Emily questioned as to how Easter and Christmas would be handled. Pastor said there would be NO change.
- Sunday School Treasurer – Metro (Butch) Zatchey reported that Sunday School offerings are down and cannot support Camperships and VBS as they have done in the past. Therefore, the church has placed VBS in their budget.
Tom asked for a motion to accept all reports. Larry DuPont made a motion to accept all reports. Seconded. Motion carried.
Budget for 2007
- Tom explained that in 2005, Pastor elected not to accept a 4% pay raise due to the church deficit. At the Semi-Annual Congregational meeting in November, Sam Goncz asked council to revisit this item. Council voted unanimously to give a 2% good faith effort increasing his raise to 6%.
Tom commented that two changes in the proposed budget have occurred since the November meeting:
1. Music & Worship asked for a $200 increase in their 2007 budget figure
2. Pledge $15,500 to Benevolence.
Joe Penfield made a motion to adopt the Proposed Budget for 2007 with changes. Seconded. Motion carried.
Tom announced that we have a need for a new church pictorial directory. He asked for volunteers to pursue this project.
Tom also asked that all council members meet in the library at the close of the meeting.
Adjourn – Joe Penfield made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Seconded. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Donna DuPont
Council Secretary
