Church Council Corner December 2021
The FELC Council met on regular schedule on December 14, with 1 member absent. As always, the meeting was opened and closed with Prayer.
Treasurer’s Report
We continue to show a deficit, YTD at -$14,000. The good news though is that this is less deficit than anticipated and budgeted. Hopefully, the Christmas and year end giving will narrow that gap.
The accountant for Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church has spent time reviewing our books, and working with Carly Chamberlain, OA.
As a result of the internal audit, an error in reporting to the IRS was detected and corrected, and a revision in the payroll process was implemented.
Q&A discussion of our system revealed that donations made “in Memory of…” sit in undesignated funds until the donor designates a specific use of the funds. Further changes in this Memorial giving will be considered.
Proceeds from the Chili-Tamale-Bake Sale exceeded $1,500. (WOO HOO!!)
Pastor’s Report
Usual Worship planning & experiencing, meetings, Synod and Conference work, counseling, Outreach, and Continuing Education, plus a 2 day Bishop’s Conference.
New day off as personal Sabbath is now Mondays.
Vicar’s Report
11:00 Service continues with a steady core of about 18 people, with occasional increases due to other interested visitors.
There were 3 separate groups of Tamale makers who made a total of 58 dozen tamales (3 different kinds) to generously add to the success of the now Chili-Tamale-Bake Sale!
The 11:00 Worshipers wish to hold another fund raiser in order to purchase needed equipment needed for El Coro, and for better video services/Facebook live streaming of the Worship Service.
Current WiFi connection is spotty, causing dropping connection and loss of the session.
Personnel
Carly Chamberlain, Office Administrator has resigned, effective 12-30-21.
The Exec Team met in emergency session 12-12-21 to discuss logistics and implementation of plans for the process of advertising, interviewing and hiring ASAP.
Council & Congregation was informed 12/13, and the process has been set in motion, including asking for volunteers from the Congregation to assist with Office support in the interim.
In addition, the role of the OA is being evaluated and altered as possible.
Call Committee
Sunday, 12-12-21, the Official Call Committee was installed; the members are: John Conrad Johnstonbaugh, Erna Dennert, Nancy Dickson, Diane Havir, Erik Rehms, John Tomlinson, and Scott Ulmer.
Please encourage, and pray for these hard working individuals, and do not - under any circumstances - ask them for any information regarding their work or progress. Their work is of the highest level of confidentiality…not even sharable with spouses!
Preschool
Communications have been increased with the Executive Teams of FELC and FLP meeting for direct discussions.
Finding convenient meeting times for both busy parties has been challenging, and plans are to discuss the current, outdated Covenant in February.
Shared responsibilities are discussed, ongoing.
New Business
Repair Estimate for leaking Chapel roof of $5,500. was approved to be scheduled and paid.
Other roof repairs also loom for the Office and Preschool areas.
MSA for recent Memorial gift, designated to be used “Where needed most” to pay for the majority of the Chapel roof repair.
Nick Pegelow, Worship & Music chair, asked for volunteers for the traditional full processional for Christmas Eve Worship Service, and 2 came forth. (Check out our Christmas Eve Assistants blog post to sign up!)
Upcoming Meetings:
Exec. Team, January 11, 2022
Council, January 18, 2022
Note: Exec and CC January meetings held 1 week later than usual, to allow for Budget preparation
Annual Congregation Financial Meeting, January 30, 2022
Respectfully submitted,
Gail Turner, Council Secretary
Heidi Boldway, Recording Secretary