Council Notes October 5, 2022
Council was called to order by President Rich Hollenbach. Melissa Prunkel led Devotions for Christ’s People Called as Leaders of God’s Church-Mysteries of Faith. Minutes of the September regular council meeting were approved as written.
Treasurer’s Report: Denise Bailey reported a small net revenue of $400 and some change. Denise corrected an error on the Statement of Activity Report (Sep. 2022) that was pointed out to her earlier by Janet Hill (Shepherding Ministry Line 06003 should read $0.00 and the $96.89 should be on Line 02006 for ink cartridges). Denise also informed us that she will be attending an audit meeting on Thursday, October 6, 2022; Rich noted that we will discuss audit meeting further in the Finance Report below. With year-to-date income at $82,893.67 (76%) and operating expenses at $72,370.17 (46%) we have a $10,523.50 surplus.
President’s Report: Rich Hollenbach thanked Pastor Bruce Davis for being our Supply and then Bridge Pastor for a total of 16 months, and for getting us through two calls. Rich expressed his appreciation for all the guidance and flexibility in working with Pastor Davis these many months. Rich reported that October 9 is the final date for Pastor Bruce Davis to lead our worship as Vicar Ethan Doan was called on Sunday, October 2, as Faith Lutheran Church’s permanent pastor.
Pastor’s Report: Pastor Bruce Davis remarked that it was a blessing to worship for and with us. He also congratulated Vicar Ethan Doan and wished for him a great ministry that he had for 43 years. He ended by saying that he will see us this Sunday, October 9.
MINISTRY TEAM REPORTS:
Call Committee: Vicar Ethan Doan was officially Called on Sunday, October 2, 2022, and he Accepted. On behalf of the congregation, council and the call committee, we sent thank you letters to Vicar Ethan Doan for accepting to become our Pastor, to Pastor Stephen Godsall-Meyers (Ret.), representa-tive of the Bishop of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod, ELCA, who led the voting process on Sunday, October 2, and a thank you email to Pastor Sarah Aasheim our Synod Dean who mediated the entire call process between the pastor candidate, the Synod and our call committee and church council. The Call Committee is officially closed as of October 2, 2022.
Christian Education: Gail Achilles or Janet Hill can provide Vicar Doan with a list of children in the congregation including those of age for Holy Communion and Confirmation. Sunday School is rolling along. We have a total of seven children ages 3 to 5 and ages 6 to 11 who have attended in the month of September: praying for consistent attendance and new students. Monday Night small group (we presently have 8 members) is in full swing guided by the Holy Spirit and God’s scripture as we are reading and discussing the book “Messy People – Life lessons from Imperfect Biblical Heroes.” All who are called to join our study group are welcome. If anyone is interested in a different study, please contact Gail Achilles. I will be happy to facilitate you. Men’s Fellowship group gathers once a month. Vicar Ethan Doan will be setting up a meeting with Gail Achilles regarding Christian Education. There is no adult forum at this time.
Communications: Jack Walls reported that he updated the front sign and would like to announce on the sign about Vicar Ethan Doan being our new permanent Pastor. Jack contacted members of the congregation prior to our congregational vote for a pastor from a list of members that he was given from Janet Hill and Debbie Hollenbach. Vicar Doan requested that he also would like said list so he can reach out to congregational members. Jack will make a mass mailing to the entire congregation (active and non-active members) and add information about our upcoming congregational meetings and Vicar Ethan Doan’s ordination and installation information
Finance: Gary Apgar reported that the prepared Proposed Budget will be a part of the Pledge Packet that will go out to the congregation on Sunday September 25, 2022. Debbie Hollenbach will write an introduction letter to go with the packet and will give a Temple Talk on that day to explain the budget and pledge process. Additional Temple Talks will be planned as needed. Pledges will be collected on and before Commitment Sunday, October 16, 2022. The Finance Ministry Team will meet again on Thursday, October 27 at 7:00PM to marry the pledges with the proposed budget and send their recommendations to the Faith Congregational Council on Wednesday, November 2, 2022.
Audit – Final report at Nov meeting; Denise, Gary, and Sharon will meet Thursday, October 6, to discuss questions that came up during the audit.
Fundraising: Linda Kratz reported the following: pretzel sales on first Sunday of each month; hoagie sale on October 8; scrapbooking on October 14 and 15.
Hospitality/Fellowship: Anne Hutnyk reminded all to check the coffee hour sponsor’s list (posted on door to the music room in the fellowship hall.)
Mutual Ministry: The team consisting of Jack, Chair, and Gail Achilles met with Laura Cooper on Sep 28. Laura is open to all suggestions from the congregation and is happy with everything. The Mutual Ministry team plans to meet with Adam and Janet in the next week.
Nominating Team: The Nominating Team needs to meet to come up with at least 3 people to be voted on to join the Council of Faith Lutheran Church in 2023.
As voted at the 2023 Annual Meeting the Nominating Team is as follows: Adam Feldman – Chair; Anne Hutnyk and Debbie Hollenbach.
The team should begin meeting ASAP and come up with a slate of candidates willing to run for office and presented to the Council in December 2022. (January 2023, at the very latest). This takes time and a lot of prayer.
Council members may serve for 2 consecutive terms and then would need to take a mandatory sabbatical year before being eligible to run again for a seat at council.
Property Team: Vince Hill reported that the invoice for the AC unit repair was sent to the Finance Team.
Regarding Alexis Cooper’s request, Vince will provide automatic soap dispensers in bathrooms and investigate the possibility of constructing a coat rack for the children per Alexis’ suggestion. Our bathroom sinks are new, and it would not be cost effective to replace them with automatic water faucets at this time.
Shepherding: Sharon Hood reported that they will be sending Halloween cards to kids in the congregation.
Social Ministry: For September’s social ministry, Sharon bagged up snacks donated. The following 248 snacks were donated and delivered to Manna: 6 cups apple sauce; 22 packs cheese & crackers; 16 packs peanut butter & crackers; 70 granola bars; 32 packs Rice Krispie treats; 12 packs raisins; 2 bags goldfish; 86 packs biscuit bars; 2 packs Oreo cookies—vanilla & chocolate. Code Blue is October’s social ministry project.
Special Funds: AC Unit Repair bill, Rich reported that this repair bill was approved for payment by the Special Funds team and instructed Denise to pay it.
Stewardship: Jack will put up VANCO information during coffee hour, October 9; Jack will also make an announcement to the congregation on 10/9 to the regarding pledging.
Transportation: Linda Kratz reminded those who need transportation to please call for transportation assistance to and from church, doctor visits, and so on.
Worship & Music: Choir has resumed with practice Tuesday nights at 7pm and singing during worship on Sundays. We will have a Cantata this year.
OLD BUSINESS:
NEW BUSINESS
Next Meeting: Wednesday, November 2, 2022, at 7pm.
Council was called to order by President Rich Hollenbach. Melissa Prunkel led Devotions for Christ’s People Called as Leaders of God’s Church-Mysteries of Faith. Minutes of the September regular council meeting were approved as written.
Treasurer’s Report: Denise Bailey reported a small net revenue of $400 and some change. Denise corrected an error on the Statement of Activity Report (Sep. 2022) that was pointed out to her earlier by Janet Hill (Shepherding Ministry Line 06003 should read $0.00 and the $96.89 should be on Line 02006 for ink cartridges). Denise also informed us that she will be attending an audit meeting on Thursday, October 6, 2022; Rich noted that we will discuss audit meeting further in the Finance Report below. With year-to-date income at $82,893.67 (76%) and operating expenses at $72,370.17 (46%) we have a $10,523.50 surplus.
President’s Report: Rich Hollenbach thanked Pastor Bruce Davis for being our Supply and then Bridge Pastor for a total of 16 months, and for getting us through two calls. Rich expressed his appreciation for all the guidance and flexibility in working with Pastor Davis these many months. Rich reported that October 9 is the final date for Pastor Bruce Davis to lead our worship as Vicar Ethan Doan was called on Sunday, October 2, as Faith Lutheran Church’s permanent pastor.
Pastor’s Report: Pastor Bruce Davis remarked that it was a blessing to worship for and with us. He also congratulated Vicar Ethan Doan and wished for him a great ministry that he had for 43 years. He ended by saying that he will see us this Sunday, October 9.
MINISTRY TEAM REPORTS:
Call Committee: Vicar Ethan Doan was officially Called on Sunday, October 2, 2022, and he Accepted. On behalf of the congregation, council and the call committee, we sent thank you letters to Vicar Ethan Doan for accepting to become our Pastor, to Pastor Stephen Godsall-Meyers (Ret.), representa-tive of the Bishop of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod, ELCA, who led the voting process on Sunday, October 2, and a thank you email to Pastor Sarah Aasheim our Synod Dean who mediated the entire call process between the pastor candidate, the Synod and our call committee and church council. The Call Committee is officially closed as of October 2, 2022.
Christian Education: Gail Achilles or Janet Hill can provide Vicar Doan with a list of children in the congregation including those of age for Holy Communion and Confirmation. Sunday School is rolling along. We have a total of seven children ages 3 to 5 and ages 6 to 11 who have attended in the month of September: praying for consistent attendance and new students. Monday Night small group (we presently have 8 members) is in full swing guided by the Holy Spirit and God’s scripture as we are reading and discussing the book “Messy People – Life lessons from Imperfect Biblical Heroes.” All who are called to join our study group are welcome. If anyone is interested in a different study, please contact Gail Achilles. I will be happy to facilitate you. Men’s Fellowship group gathers once a month. Vicar Ethan Doan will be setting up a meeting with Gail Achilles regarding Christian Education. There is no adult forum at this time.
Communications: Jack Walls reported that he updated the front sign and would like to announce on the sign about Vicar Ethan Doan being our new permanent Pastor. Jack contacted members of the congregation prior to our congregational vote for a pastor from a list of members that he was given from Janet Hill and Debbie Hollenbach. Vicar Doan requested that he also would like said list so he can reach out to congregational members. Jack will make a mass mailing to the entire congregation (active and non-active members) and add information about our upcoming congregational meetings and Vicar Ethan Doan’s ordination and installation information
Finance: Gary Apgar reported that the prepared Proposed Budget will be a part of the Pledge Packet that will go out to the congregation on Sunday September 25, 2022. Debbie Hollenbach will write an introduction letter to go with the packet and will give a Temple Talk on that day to explain the budget and pledge process. Additional Temple Talks will be planned as needed. Pledges will be collected on and before Commitment Sunday, October 16, 2022. The Finance Ministry Team will meet again on Thursday, October 27 at 7:00PM to marry the pledges with the proposed budget and send their recommendations to the Faith Congregational Council on Wednesday, November 2, 2022.
Audit – Final report at Nov meeting; Denise, Gary, and Sharon will meet Thursday, October 6, to discuss questions that came up during the audit.
Fundraising: Linda Kratz reported the following: pretzel sales on first Sunday of each month; hoagie sale on October 8; scrapbooking on October 14 and 15.
Hospitality/Fellowship: Anne Hutnyk reminded all to check the coffee hour sponsor’s list (posted on door to the music room in the fellowship hall.)
Mutual Ministry: The team consisting of Jack, Chair, and Gail Achilles met with Laura Cooper on Sep 28. Laura is open to all suggestions from the congregation and is happy with everything. The Mutual Ministry team plans to meet with Adam and Janet in the next week.
Nominating Team: The Nominating Team needs to meet to come up with at least 3 people to be voted on to join the Council of Faith Lutheran Church in 2023.
As voted at the 2023 Annual Meeting the Nominating Team is as follows: Adam Feldman – Chair; Anne Hutnyk and Debbie Hollenbach.
The team should begin meeting ASAP and come up with a slate of candidates willing to run for office and presented to the Council in December 2022. (January 2023, at the very latest). This takes time and a lot of prayer.
Council members may serve for 2 consecutive terms and then would need to take a mandatory sabbatical year before being eligible to run again for a seat at council.
Property Team: Vince Hill reported that the invoice for the AC unit repair was sent to the Finance Team.
Regarding Alexis Cooper’s request, Vince will provide automatic soap dispensers in bathrooms and investigate the possibility of constructing a coat rack for the children per Alexis’ suggestion. Our bathroom sinks are new, and it would not be cost effective to replace them with automatic water faucets at this time.
Shepherding: Sharon Hood reported that they will be sending Halloween cards to kids in the congregation.
Social Ministry: For September’s social ministry, Sharon bagged up snacks donated. The following 248 snacks were donated and delivered to Manna: 6 cups apple sauce; 22 packs cheese & crackers; 16 packs peanut butter & crackers; 70 granola bars; 32 packs Rice Krispie treats; 12 packs raisins; 2 bags goldfish; 86 packs biscuit bars; 2 packs Oreo cookies—vanilla & chocolate. Code Blue is October’s social ministry project.
Special Funds: AC Unit Repair bill, Rich reported that this repair bill was approved for payment by the Special Funds team and instructed Denise to pay it.
Stewardship: Jack will put up VANCO information during coffee hour, October 9; Jack will also make an announcement to the congregation on 10/9 to the regarding pledging.
Transportation: Linda Kratz reminded those who need transportation to please call for transportation assistance to and from church, doctor visits, and so on.
Worship & Music: Choir has resumed with practice Tuesday nights at 7pm and singing during worship on Sundays. We will have a Cantata this year.
OLD BUSINESS:
- New copier: was delivered and old copier removed.
- Parking Request: Council members were thankful to Adam Feldman for researching and editing a form for parking requests. Rich directed Vince to put a check box for the question “Are you insured?” Send revised parking request forms to “Parkers” to be completed and signed by both parties (Owner, Faith Lutheran Church, and parker). We can also include an announcement with the form about our church’s new Pastor. All members of council approved the new form with said corrections.
- Food Addicts Request: Their request to meet at Faith Lutheran Church resurfaced again. Council agreed that the best time for cost effectiveness (heating and air conditioning) of the three meeting options requested would be Sunday, 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm. They will be notified of this. There is no charge for their meetings, but we will let them know that donations are appreciated and information about our church and its new permanent pastor.
NEW BUSINESS
- Vicar Ethan: Official start date – Monday, October 10th (office hours will be on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at this time.) First Sunday, October 16th. Insurance coverage start date October 10th for family coverage.
- Discussion with Living Word Lutheran Church council: on sharing a pastor. Our council’s executive team (Rich, Jack, Gail) met with their council’s executive team on Friday, 9/30/22. Pastor Sarah Aasheim and Vicar Ethan were also present. Talks are continuing and we will also look at options for sharing a pastor with other congregations to see if this is doable and equitable for all parties concerned.
Next Meeting: Wednesday, November 2, 2022, at 7pm.
