Council Notes December 4, 2024
Council was called to order by President Rich Hollenbach. Council Minutes of the November meeting were approved as written.
Treasurer’s Report: At 94% of the 2024-year, Member Giving for Pledged & Unpledged Envelopes is at 98% and 128%. Just a reminder that one member gave more than the pledged amount and another member gave the entire year already. November ends with a deficit of $1,441.12 and the current budget deficit for the year is $14,271. The Treasurer’s Report from November was approved as written. Linda to follow-up with Janet with regard to any need for following up on those behind in their pledges.
President’s Report: We had a great combined Thanksgiving Dinner and Worship Service on Tuesday, November 26th with members from Faith, Grace and Jerusalem. We hope to have more joint events in 2025.
We kicked off the Nourishing Vocation Project in worship this past Sunday as we started our Advent journey. Please remember to prepare yourself for worship when you hear the chime 5 minutes before worship.
Rich thanked Council for all their work over the past year.
Pastor’s Report: Pastor continues to lead worship for both Faith and Jerusalem weekly.
Pastor led the Thanksgiving service with Jerusalem and Grace Lutheran on November 26, 2024.
Pastor participated in the planning and attended the Live Nativity at Jerusalem Lutheran Church Sellersville on December 1, 2024. Thanks to all from Faith who participated and attended the event.
Our last Faith Education Dinner was on November 10, 2024. The focus was on the Book of Genesis. Next dinner will be on December 8, 2024, at 5:30pm.
The Nourishing Vocation Project cohort meeting was on November 21st. Next meeting will be in the new year.
The Nourishing Vocation Project began on December 1, 2024, the first Sunday of Advent. Small groups will begin soon. Our theme for Advent is “listening to your longing”.
Pastor attended Bishop Convocation on November 22, 2024.
Ministry Team Reports:
Christian Education: Sunday School – There will be no Sunday School on December 22.
Youth Ministry (ages 12 to 17) – will be on December 15. The next meeting is on January 19.
Parents’ Night Out – Youth Fellowship (PNO-YF) will be on Friday, December 6, 2024, from 6 pm to 9 pm for ages 3 to 11. Youth 12 and older are welcome to volunteer their help. Our theme this month is Advent: Preparing for the coming of Jesus. Next event is on January 17.
Monday Night Bible Study (MNBS): The current study will end on December 16, then resume on January 6 when a new study will be chosen
Fellowship: Fellowship Activity for December 14, 2-6pm (see New Business).
Finance: The final version of the 2025 Preliminary Budget will be reviewed at our January meeting.
Fundraising: Holiday Bazaar: $2,750.47;
Scrapbooking: $250;
Linda checked with Janet, but she didn’t have feedback on how the outside vendors did at the Bazaar.
Next year we need to make sure the Cookie Can Sale is the same Sunday as the Hanging of the Greens.
Hospitality: Coffee hour sponsors were reviewed. Planning session will be on December 8th to schedule 2025 including coffee lights (less food).Thanksgiving had 18 people attend in person and two meals delivered to Laura & Alexis.
Long Range Planning: Coordination with the Nourishing Vocation Project.
Mutual Ministry: Met with Pastor Ethan on November 10th.
Nominating Team: Five current council members will continue into 2025. Three have terms ending, two are eligible for a second term while one is not able to run again-Gary and Linda agreed to run for another term. Two additional positions are open (can have up to nine members, only had eight in 2024).
Property Management: Musician (AcCoNet) Rental (see new Business).
Property: IT Landis started replacing the sanctuary units on Monday, December 2, and is expected to complete the work by the end of this week.
Shepherding: Sharon needs to talk to Beth Schoening about her taking over this ministry.
Social Ministry: December – The Angel Tree will be placed on the foyer desk as previously. Instead of collecting money for Grocery Gift Cards for the Congregation, the scope will be enlarged a bit to collect monetary donations that will be placed in the Pastor’s Discretionary Account. These donations can then be used to purchase grocery gift cards as well as provide a source of funds for other needs such as paying a heating bill, a car repair, or another need of our congregation members. Pastor Ethan will have discretion to use the money has needed with Council Executive Team oversight.
December - The congregation will be asked to support the purchase of gifts for three (3) children from Gemma Services, aka Martin Luther School in Plymouth Meeting.
January - “Hugs for Soldiers” through sending “thinking of you” cards. These will be signed by the congregation on January 12 and then sent.
January – November 2025 - Our team is asking for permission to have a “noisy can offering” for God’s Global Barnyard the third Sunday of each month from January through November. In December, the Sunday School children will decide what animals to donate based on how much money is collected.
Worship & Music: We had a great turnout at our joint Thanksgiving Worship Service on Tuesday, 11/26/2024 with folks from Faith, Grace and Jerusalem attending.
The Hanging of the Greens will be on 12/22 – Cantata will be “Sing with Us the Christmas Story”.
The Christmas Eve Service will be at 8:00 pm (instead of 7:30).
We will be implementing a new version of the prayer list. All will be noted in the Mustard Seed, but only those with current need within the congregation will be included during the service. See the notices posted in the Mustard Seed and bulletin.
OLD BUSINESS
Constitution Update: still working on addressing/incorporating council feedback.
HVAC replacement proposal: Will now be covered under the Property Team Report.
NEW BUSINESS
Faith Christmas Party on December 14 – Just after the meeting, Beth called to say it would need to be cancelled due to lack of interest.
Abuse/Safety Management guidelines Update – paperwork has been submitted to the insurance company.
Musician Rental (ArCoNet) Proposal – A musical education organization has reached out to us in hopes of renting space in our building for lessons. They have outlined their needs and have offered to pay $1000/month. Discussion was held regarding the cost to heat/air condition the space. Linda moved to welcome the program to rent the space if they 1) provide insurance confirmation, 2) provide schedule and rooming needs to Adam, and 3) note that adult forum is not available the first Wednesday of the month. Gary seconded the motion, and council voted to pass the motion.
Pastor’s Housing Allocation – the Council voted to approve $22K of Pastor’s annual salary as the housing allocation.
Important Dates: January 17: PNO/YF. January 19: Youth Ministry.
Next Meeting: Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at 7pm.
Council was called to order by President Rich Hollenbach. Council Minutes of the November meeting were approved as written.
Treasurer’s Report: At 94% of the 2024-year, Member Giving for Pledged & Unpledged Envelopes is at 98% and 128%. Just a reminder that one member gave more than the pledged amount and another member gave the entire year already. November ends with a deficit of $1,441.12 and the current budget deficit for the year is $14,271. The Treasurer’s Report from November was approved as written. Linda to follow-up with Janet with regard to any need for following up on those behind in their pledges.
President’s Report: We had a great combined Thanksgiving Dinner and Worship Service on Tuesday, November 26th with members from Faith, Grace and Jerusalem. We hope to have more joint events in 2025.
We kicked off the Nourishing Vocation Project in worship this past Sunday as we started our Advent journey. Please remember to prepare yourself for worship when you hear the chime 5 minutes before worship.
Rich thanked Council for all their work over the past year.
Pastor’s Report: Pastor continues to lead worship for both Faith and Jerusalem weekly.
Pastor led the Thanksgiving service with Jerusalem and Grace Lutheran on November 26, 2024.
Pastor participated in the planning and attended the Live Nativity at Jerusalem Lutheran Church Sellersville on December 1, 2024. Thanks to all from Faith who participated and attended the event.
Our last Faith Education Dinner was on November 10, 2024. The focus was on the Book of Genesis. Next dinner will be on December 8, 2024, at 5:30pm.
The Nourishing Vocation Project cohort meeting was on November 21st. Next meeting will be in the new year.
The Nourishing Vocation Project began on December 1, 2024, the first Sunday of Advent. Small groups will begin soon. Our theme for Advent is “listening to your longing”.
Pastor attended Bishop Convocation on November 22, 2024.
Ministry Team Reports:
Christian Education: Sunday School – There will be no Sunday School on December 22.
Youth Ministry (ages 12 to 17) – will be on December 15. The next meeting is on January 19.
Parents’ Night Out – Youth Fellowship (PNO-YF) will be on Friday, December 6, 2024, from 6 pm to 9 pm for ages 3 to 11. Youth 12 and older are welcome to volunteer their help. Our theme this month is Advent: Preparing for the coming of Jesus. Next event is on January 17.
Monday Night Bible Study (MNBS): The current study will end on December 16, then resume on January 6 when a new study will be chosen
Fellowship: Fellowship Activity for December 14, 2-6pm (see New Business).
Finance: The final version of the 2025 Preliminary Budget will be reviewed at our January meeting.
Fundraising: Holiday Bazaar: $2,750.47;
Scrapbooking: $250;
Linda checked with Janet, but she didn’t have feedback on how the outside vendors did at the Bazaar.
Next year we need to make sure the Cookie Can Sale is the same Sunday as the Hanging of the Greens.
Hospitality: Coffee hour sponsors were reviewed. Planning session will be on December 8th to schedule 2025 including coffee lights (less food).Thanksgiving had 18 people attend in person and two meals delivered to Laura & Alexis.
Long Range Planning: Coordination with the Nourishing Vocation Project.
Mutual Ministry: Met with Pastor Ethan on November 10th.
Nominating Team: Five current council members will continue into 2025. Three have terms ending, two are eligible for a second term while one is not able to run again-Gary and Linda agreed to run for another term. Two additional positions are open (can have up to nine members, only had eight in 2024).
Property Management: Musician (AcCoNet) Rental (see new Business).
Property: IT Landis started replacing the sanctuary units on Monday, December 2, and is expected to complete the work by the end of this week.
Shepherding: Sharon needs to talk to Beth Schoening about her taking over this ministry.
Social Ministry: December – The Angel Tree will be placed on the foyer desk as previously. Instead of collecting money for Grocery Gift Cards for the Congregation, the scope will be enlarged a bit to collect monetary donations that will be placed in the Pastor’s Discretionary Account. These donations can then be used to purchase grocery gift cards as well as provide a source of funds for other needs such as paying a heating bill, a car repair, or another need of our congregation members. Pastor Ethan will have discretion to use the money has needed with Council Executive Team oversight.
December - The congregation will be asked to support the purchase of gifts for three (3) children from Gemma Services, aka Martin Luther School in Plymouth Meeting.
January - “Hugs for Soldiers” through sending “thinking of you” cards. These will be signed by the congregation on January 12 and then sent.
January – November 2025 - Our team is asking for permission to have a “noisy can offering” for God’s Global Barnyard the third Sunday of each month from January through November. In December, the Sunday School children will decide what animals to donate based on how much money is collected.
Worship & Music: We had a great turnout at our joint Thanksgiving Worship Service on Tuesday, 11/26/2024 with folks from Faith, Grace and Jerusalem attending.
The Hanging of the Greens will be on 12/22 – Cantata will be “Sing with Us the Christmas Story”.
The Christmas Eve Service will be at 8:00 pm (instead of 7:30).
We will be implementing a new version of the prayer list. All will be noted in the Mustard Seed, but only those with current need within the congregation will be included during the service. See the notices posted in the Mustard Seed and bulletin.
OLD BUSINESS
Constitution Update: still working on addressing/incorporating council feedback.
HVAC replacement proposal: Will now be covered under the Property Team Report.
NEW BUSINESS
Faith Christmas Party on December 14 – Just after the meeting, Beth called to say it would need to be cancelled due to lack of interest.
Abuse/Safety Management guidelines Update – paperwork has been submitted to the insurance company.
Musician Rental (ArCoNet) Proposal – A musical education organization has reached out to us in hopes of renting space in our building for lessons. They have outlined their needs and have offered to pay $1000/month. Discussion was held regarding the cost to heat/air condition the space. Linda moved to welcome the program to rent the space if they 1) provide insurance confirmation, 2) provide schedule and rooming needs to Adam, and 3) note that adult forum is not available the first Wednesday of the month. Gary seconded the motion, and council voted to pass the motion.
Pastor’s Housing Allocation – the Council voted to approve $22K of Pastor’s annual salary as the housing allocation.
Important Dates: January 17: PNO/YF. January 19: Youth Ministry.
Next Meeting: Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at 7pm.
