Present: Donna Caflisch, Sheila Bennett, Karin Neuvirth, Tim Olson, Frank Fawcett, Scott Kruse, Jen Woodford, Steve Howe, Wes Niemitalo, Paul Evers, Erik Schlicht, Lori Bates, Pastor Dave Berg, Cynthia McLaren, Michele Saack, & Jackie Brown. Also, several confirmation students and their parents were present.
The meeting was brought to order by President Jen Woodford. Pastor Dave led the devotions and chapter four of “Reclaiming the L Word” was discussed.
Motion to approve the agenda was made by Scott Kruse and seconded by Tim Olson. Motion carried. MMS to approve the August minutes was made by Frank Fawcett/Scott Kruse and carried. Michele Saack reported that the August donations were $9500 less than expenses. Budget reports will be put in the folders so council members need to fill them in so they can be done before the October meeting. She stressed to be very specific on expenses. Frank noted that we have been very fortunate to have had Michele doing the treasury report for the past nine years and we should thank her for doing a good job and keeping the report so consistent.
There was some discussion on whether it is right to have the Youth Director position as half time. Pastor Dave explained how there will be ample attention for the youth at GSC with a second pastor and half time Youth Director. So far there have not been any suitable applicants for the Youth Director position.
Jen Woodford reported that the congregation votes for a second pastor were 69 in favor and 25 against so we can proceed on with the process. The Call Committee needs to be chosen and will consist of six members from the congregation. The plan is to have them in place by the beginning of January and it will probably take six months or more to find the person that fits GSC. Jen also noted that everything is open for discussion. Frank Fawcett stated that he felt that we probably shouldn’t move forward without addressing the 25 people that voted against getting a new pastor and a lengthy discussion followed. It was decided that since the vote has already passed that we proceed as planned and try to put out as much information as possible along the way so that the congregation has the opportunity to ask questions and get them answered since it is not really possible to know all the answers at this time. Jackie Brown said she will work on an adult forum to help get information out to people and Frank Fawcett said he will assist her.
Pastor Dave talked about the Vision Team. It is not a strategic plan but a discussion of faith on core values and mission for GSC. The strategic plan will follow in the spring.
Lori Bates said they are working on ways to encourage people to look over the red books that are in the back of the pews so people get familiar with them.
Steve Howe reported that the Personnel and Property committee is working mainly on getting things ready for winter at this time.
Sheila Bennett asked Jen to try clear up the confusion on the committee reports. They can be put in the folder or emailed to Mike so he can have a copy available to the council.
Jen Woodford brought up the fact that three council members will be finishing their terms this year and we need to be looking for people to fill the positions of Secretary, Education, and Property & Technology.
Thank you’s were written out to Bitta Fynskob, Dan Johnson, and McHaley Haeflinger for their work with youth.
Jen Woodford researched coffee machines and the Bunn U3 seems to the best one for GSC. It can make coffee continuously and uses regular coffee so GSC can continue to use fair trade coffee grounds. A motion was made by Donna Caflisch and seconded by Karin Neuvirth to use $1341 donated by the funeral fund and $930 donated from the memorial fund to purchase the Bunn coffee machine from Sam‘s for around $1880. The electrical labor necessary for installation will be donated so the costs should be covered. Motion carried.
Jackie Brown presented the Scrip Committee recommendation to borrow $3000 to get the program started. They estimate that it can be repaid within a year in two $1500 installments. The money will go to fund youth trips. A motion to allow the loan from certain dedicated funds was made by Lori Bates and seconded by Frank Fawcett. Motion carried.
MMS to adjourn the meeting by Frank Fawcett/ Tim Olson and motion carried. Pastor Dave led the closing prayers.
Respectfully submitted,
Wes Niemitalo