Council Members Present: Marianne Brown Airin Cherian, Pastor Ross Goodman, Anne-Louise Klaus, Mark Olson, Dana Ramish, Alison Roberts, Heather Sheridan, Brian Sniffen, Marilyn Waehler.
Also Present: Vicar Andrew Heisen, Diane Kramer, Kirsten Lienhard, Don Mitchell.
Absent: Wendy Stack.
The secretary was late, arriving during check-in at 7:50pm, but takes it on good authority that a quorum was gathered and we came together in God’s name at 7:30pm. A candle was lit to remind us that Christ is present with us as we meet.
We shared highlights of our own confirmations—some in other churches, some in traditional Catechism classes, some coming to the church as adults.
The agenda was accepted.
Marilyn Waehler then led a devotion on the strangers among us, inspired by Bishop Hanson’s writings on Hebrews 13. Next month, Alison Roberts will lead devotions.
We sing Spirit of gentleness (396).
The minutes of April 12 and 25 were accepted as amended.
Kirsten reports that we’re on track for most spending, and answers questions about the few exceptions.
One tower rental cheque is delayed. Even so, we’re above projected income and above last year’s income for this point in time.
Marilyn Waehler asks about the speakers in the back of the sanctuary, and about a work day. Mark Olson reports that Steve Dougherty, chair of the Property committee, has been working with Mark and the Pastor to arrange for both.
Pastor Goodman talks about interviewing today and last week for the position of Parish Secretary. We received about thirty applicants from Craigslist. We narrowed that down to four interviewed. The search committee includes Sergia Hay, Pastor Goodman, Diane Kramer, and Jen Nahn.
Motion 1 We agree without objection to vote on that hiring decision by e-mail.
Alison Roberts mentions following up with the Synod, which has no written policy against hiring members for administrative duties but would, if asked, advise against it.
Vicar Heisen reports on the new Joomla-powered web site, and provides a demonstration. We expect to see it live within a week or two. Susanne Olson and Jen Nahn will be trained in the use and administration of this tool.
Several ask about releases for pictures, especially of children.
Pastor Goodman speaks starting at 8:50pm. He’s had some discussions about volunteerism with members of the congregation.
Clearwire, a Wi-max provider, has done some research at this site. They don’t see how to fit another antenna into the bell tower. They’d like another spot—that occupied by the concrete sign in the parking lot. We discuss the need for a bond or insurance policy to cover the removal of the tower if Clearwire folds or no longer needs it.
Pastor Goodman welcomes Diane Kramer. We’ll have a coffee hour this coming Sunday to welcome her.
Lastly, he mentions that Kathryn Schnaible is seeking ordination. She is the daughter of clergy, a former Parish administrator, and holds a Masters of Divinity degree. She now feels called to continue that work towards ordination in the New England Synod of the elca. We wish to support her by paying her candidacy fee.
Motion 2 The council approves payment of $625 from q3 or some other appropriate fund for the candidacy fee of Kathryn Schnaible. moved, seconded, carried.
Diane Kramer has finished her first full week on the job. She has spent that time getting to know the principal committee members and the other stuff. She has assembled quite a to-do list, and faces a challenge in keeping this a part-time job—there’s so many places to do work.
Vicar Heisen says he’ll leave the web update as his principal report. He also expresses pride in the confirmands: a great group of kids who have worked very hard this year. Nine of them will be confirmed on the 23rd, and one on the 30th.
Pastor Goodman gathers us in prayer and leads communion at 9:27pm.
Respectfully submitted, Brian Sniffen
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Next regular council meeting: 14 June 2010 at 7:30pm.
These minutes can be found online at http://evenmere.org/~bts/Church/.