Church Council Meeting Minutes

October 6, 2008

Present: M. Shannon, Haschke, M. Zimmerman, Crader, M. McKelvey, Pastor Peterson,

M. Bachand, M.McKelvey  Absent: Crader

The October meeting of the 2007-2008 Ascension Church Council was called to order by President Mary Shannon on Monday, October 6, 2008, a week early.  President Shannon led the devotion based on I John 2:29, from God’s Little Devotional Book.  Pastor Peterson  led the prayer.

The September  council meeting minutes were approved as amended with the spelling of Knauss to Kanouse and date changes of events, with a motion by McKelvey, seconded by Shannon, and carried.

Property

* McKelvey reported that playground improvements will be made but he has been very busy. 

* Shannon stated Don Bergstrom is mopping the Family Life Center weekly and Zimmerman stated that he is spending 50% of his time on custodial duties. Bergstrom suggested asking the custodian Mr. Soliz, for additional work and to get a price from him.  Haschke suggested raising user fees for additional custodial needs.  Zimmerman proposed adding a cleaning fee for building use. 

* Shannon stated half of the parking lot fees will be used for property expenses.  The parking lot will need repair, as well as building damage caused by termites.  The other half will be designated for the day school building.  Some has already been used for AC repair in both buildings. 

* Bachand suggested scheduling a fall yard leaves cleanup.

Financial

It was announced by President Shannon that after the computer cleaning, Kathy Karp found that part of the Quickbooks software information was lost and she will have to recreate it.

Clarification of the budget line vs the actual would be helpful and Pastor Peterson moved to ask Kathy Karp for clarification as the budget is confusing.

Bachand suggested Bergstrom make a list of duties he is performing to assist the council with the custodial budget.  She also suggested that the Sunday School classes clean up at the end of the class.  A realistic picture of the budget needs to be addressed.

Evangelism/Outreach

* M. Zimmerman reported Game Night will be rescheduled for January.

* The Blessing of the Animals was attended by three four-legged animals and two women who saw the advertisements.  The pastor reported there were three visitors, in addition.

* Prayer connections will be in the Accents.

*  She has been contacted by the LSS for Angel Tree assignments.

Worship and Music

* Pastor Peterson reported  that on Oct. 12^th, Helen Kneten will talk on World Hunger. 

* Zimmerman will announce prayer partners and also at the next Sunday service.

* Peterson will check on the Bluegrass service with Anna Simmons and Tom Wynn, and it is to be rescheduled after Nov. 9, when the high school students will play their instruments.

Hospitality

Haschke will post a sign-up for the Nov.1 Chile Cook-off in the Parish Life Center. Guests are encouraged.

Nov, 2   All Saints Sunday.  A table will be set up for photos of those to be remembered.

The calendar was reviewed:

Nov. 23  Thanksgiving Service after church. A signup will be posted.

Nov. 30  1^st Sunday Advent.  Young people will do readings.

Nov. 21 2pm Hanging of the Greens

Nov. 30  Congregational meeting

Dec. 14  Choir and Children’s Program.  Christmas lunch after the service.

Dec. 24  7pm  Christmas Eve Service

Jan-Feb  Blue Book Liturgy

Haschke will inquire about the polka service held at St. James in Harper.

Education/Pre-School

Bachand reported that the pastor will invite the day school director to speak to the council about the budget at the next meeting.  She will add Sunday School to the budget, including $100 for the pastor’s class,

Stewardship/Financial

President Shannon is working on the budget.  Budget requests should be put in her box before the November council meeting which will be the second Monday in November.  Crader suggested giving the choir director and organist a raise in the budget since they declined the raises last year.

Pastor’s Report

Pastor Peterson reported on hearing from Paulette Goudge of San Juan de la Concepcion in Nicaragua about the Panama Pre-school. He has not yet applied to the state for a charitable foundation status 501(c)3 for the project.

New Business:

President Shannon reported the Korean church is paying $200/month and is using the building several days during the week.  Pastor Peterson suggested checking on the time agreement in the contract and then raising the fee to $500.  Bachand expressed concern over an open bag of rice in their office could attract rodents which have been a problem in the building. A closed container is needed for rice storage.

The Roland organ is being repaired and will cost $700 unless the receipt is found indicating a gift.  Anna Simmons will be asked about the donor.  Church records will be checked for a dedication event in 1994-1995.

Old Business:

President Shannon says a fund-raiser is needed as the Kutzu polling is no longer available.  Haschke suggested a garage sale along with selling baked goods, hot dogs, tacos, drinks.  Crader suggested tarps on the ground with different priced goods/tarp.  Haschke will call Nancy Johnson for help in organizing the event.  The pastor suggested including the day school families and selling spots.  Haschke suggested having the event Nov. 1 and moving the chili cook-off to the Games Night.  It was decided to keep the chili cook-off on Nov. 1 and have the garage sale in the springtime and to not sell spots.  An IRS rule will be sought for donations.

It was suggested to have a Bake and Crafts sale Nov. 15-16, 11am-4pm.

Adjournment:

There was a motion by adjourn by Zimmerman, seconded by Crader and carried.  The meeting closed with the Lord’s Prayer.

Respectfully submitted,

Karen Haschke

EVENTS