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Council > Council Meeting Minutes > December 8, 2005
MGLC Council Meeting Minutes
Members Present: Todd Treml, Steve Hanson, Steve Wagner, Shelly Halverson, Sue Schwedler, Kathy Bruha, Dave Palm, Laura Winge, Patty Branch and Paul Backer
Members Absent: Erik Scott, Mike Eggers, and Geoff Jones
Staff Present: Pastor Durk, Pastor Chris and Melinda Nelson
Guests: Dave McCarty (in Mike Eggers absence), Dean Gulstad – Communications Coordinator
Kathy Bruha opened our meeting with a devotion about 57 cents and what God can accomplish.
President’s Comments
Todd introduced Dean Gulstad, our new Communications Coordinator, who started about three weeks ago. He is currently working on a new identity for MGLC – logo, improving our website and print publications.
Organization Structure Task Force Update and By-Laws
Todd asked if there were any questions about the documents that have been e-mailed? Steve Hanson advised that the latest and greatest was e-mailed last Monday. These documents reflect the changes that Erik and Shelly brought to our attention. The changes in the by-laws all deal with changes to our organizational changes. One change not discussed prior was the audit team. The past president will not serve on the team, two members at large will. Shelly motioned that we approve the by-laws and constitution and to provide recommendation to the congregation to revise our organizational structure. Kathy Bruha seconded. All approved. Todd was asked if he had spoken to Geoff Jones about his concerns, he said that he had sent a personal note, but had received no response.
Melinda will make copies with the revisions for the congregation. Shelly will get information about meetings in ministry notes and Messenger. January 15, 2006 at noon is an informational meeting about the organizational structure, by-laws and constitution changes. January 22, 2006 at noon is the congregational meeting where votes will take place.
Facilities Team Update and Charter
Todd advised that it is a good group with lots of project managers in the group. They understand timelines, and they continue to define their role as a group. Facilities Team is planning a facility. Steering Committee is to engage a broker to sell the land. Two additions were made to the facilities team Charter. One dealing with sub-teams and they may be formed, and an additional history piece about working with Kairos and appointing a facilities team. The team may wish to bring on other people and get more involved. This Sunday during worship services the team will be commissioned. Teri Johnson is the lead and Jen Besser is the chief communicator. They are planning to meet weekly to get things moving. Laura Winge would like the names of the people who volunteered to serve on this team and now are not serving.
Stewardship and Capital Fund Update
Good news is that the per family giving has increased, but less families have pledged. This year 180 out of 475 families have pledged $414,000 currently, compared to 230 families last year. There are 77 families who pledged last year and are not pledged so far this year. Postcards went out to all those people who have not pledged. Some of these families do “Simply Giving” and may just be assuming that their pledges will continue. 133 households increased their giving and 27 families that didn’t pledge last year, pledged this year.
Capital Appeal process is underway. It is a hard time of year to recruit people. Co-directors of all teams are in place. “It’s a time to grow….give from the heart” is the theme. Some of the teams are Communication team, Leadership team, Advanced Giving team, and Parish team. During the month of February, worship will have some aspect of the appeal in it. February 5 is the kick off, February 12 is Youth focus, February 19 is Primetimers, and February 26 is when appeal pledge cards are due. MGLC is seeing a trend toward giving without pledging. Kairos has told us to set a goal – set something that you can only reach with God’s help.
Book Discussion Wrap Up – Leading on Purpose
What is your vision for your life? What difference do you want your life to make? We discussed Chapter 7 – Transitioning to Leading on Purpose and Chapter 8 – Leading on Purpose – Visioning a Faithful Future for those you serve. Dave McCarty offered two things he has been studying – there are two common characteristics to every successful church 1) a common/well-known purpose/mission statement and 2) a willingness to change.
Pastor’s Reports
Pastor Durk shared that the Youth Interview Team is starting second interviews with four candidates. Paul Backer is very excited about the candidates. A big Thank You to Laura for her work – it is a very difficult time to recruit. Tina Collins will lead and do a new pictorial directory in the spring.
Pastor Chris is working special holiday time events and special services. She is leading the Spiritual Life team for the Capital appeal and asked any or all of us to do a devotional for the booklet. We can write and share, children and youth can write or draw a picture too.
Budget Update
The most current version of the budget was distributed. Pledges are a forecast. Budget will be set on historical information, unless we are way over. If giving is flat – we could have a $40,000-$50,000 difference based on actual income if we go off of historicals. Where are we going to cut? Or where are we going to stem our spending?
Most expensive areas are administration (salaries) and benevolence. What about benevolence? Can we afford a youth director? In the past we have funded staff positions with special gifts. This is not a good practice, because special gifts go away. What are our financial priorities?
Sue Schwedler spoke saying that for years and years we have struggled in supporting a youth position, if we don’t support it, many people will leave. Support it and pay someone who can do the job. Last year’s budgets were given no ministry increases. Benevolence isn’t an option – promise made to increase to tithe.
Paul Backer spoke saying that untouchables were Administrative Salaries – Director of Youth is in that group. The youth need their church to support them. Could we consider volunteers for janitorial? Focus on the heart of our mission.
Shelly Halverson stated that we must have a youth director. In the area of benevolence, it looks like we are giving more than 10%. In the ministry areas, there are too many big wishes – we all need to be realistic.
Youth Director offer would be $30-$35 salary with benefits for a total of about $45,000 a year.
Continue to think about our financial priorities.
November Financials
We have a strong cash balance due to the money received from the Fernbrook land sale. Our Capital Fund is on budget. November over all was a strong month. $3,500 was sent to World Servants. Our net for the year is –5,999. Our attendance is holding fairly steady. The money from the land sale $141,130 gives us 10 months of debt service, this was great timing. Administration is currently showing a large negative balance, but this is due to the youth direction position not funded all year. November was a pretty solid month.
New Business
Paul Backer reported that Jon Brandon has continued to lead the Wednesday evening Bible Study and help hold things together during this time of transition. Jon has attended youth seminars on his own at his own expense. He just goes out of his way to be an excellent volunteer for our youth. Paul asked if we could give him a gift to show our appreciation - $300-$400. All agreed and it was suggested that these dollars could come from the pop fund. Paul will take care of this.
Approval of minutes
Sue Schwedler motioned and Steve Hanson seconded that we approve the council meeting minutes from November 10 and November 13. All approved.
Meeting adjourned with the Lord’s Prayer and everyone was invited to Pastor Peterson’s home for delicious dessert!
Respectfully submitted,
Shelly Halverson
Next Council Meeting: Thursday, January 12, 2005, 7:00 – 9:00 pm, MGLC
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