Council Members Present: Katherine Corneilson, Pastor Ross Goodman, Maile Hedlund, Mark Olson, Dana Ramish, Alison Roberts, Heather Sheridan, Brian Sniffen, Wendy Stack, Chris Trost, George Wilson.
Also Present: Vicar Dan Eisenberg, Dan Ries.
Absent: none
A quorum was gathered and we came together in God’s name at 7:40pm. A candle was lit to remind us that Christ is present with us as we meet.
The agenda was accepted.
Pastor Goodman then led a devotion on announcements from John 1:1. Next month, Brian Sniffen will lead devotions.
The minutes of July were accepted as amended.
Receipts are ahead by more than $8000.
Spending is behind by $20000. Chris Trost asks what we should do with it—how do we serve the mission? Mark Olson points out that this might mean that pledges are in, and income will now drop. We could wait for the budgeting process and find ways to use this well with strong planning—no need for an urgent spree.
Wendy Stack asks us to look to the Property committee, and to look for long-term investments (e.g., the boiler). Chris says we have people who could use the help. Maile Hedlund reminds us that we haven’t been spending on Christian Ed or Music while those staff positions were empty; we could do well for those programs to ensure supplies are fresh and clean.
With smiles on all faces, Dan takes his leave.
Mark Olson opens by asking that we use the web, newsletter, and Facebook page to declare who we are and how we want to welcome others. George speaks well of the Facebook page and it’s current appearance: fresh, modern.
Should we link from our web site to the Facebook page? Facebook makes money by blurring the private into public. The phrase “digital sharecropping” is introduced. Katherine points out that it’s working for the people who want it, and nobody else has to use it—why spend lots of time arguing?
In summary: we want a page, we want a group, and we want the weekly email and similar there. It’s a good new way to reach some people.
Pastor Goodman and Mark Olson will set up a committee to give direction to the Web issues. Susanne Olson and Jen Nahn are mentioned as plausible members, plus of course Clancy and Vicar Eisenberg.
Pastor Goodman speaks first about the solar panel conversation. The firm we hosted will be back in touch. Vicar Soltis is back to a strong start at seminary and also in a half time internship near the seminary. The Property committee is bringing in a few new members to address new work. Some new Pastoral care is needed at Redeemer while Pastor Andersen is away; he’ll be chipping in there. Daniel is off to a great start.
He asks that council members all wear name tags on Sundays.
Vicar Eisenberg reports he’s trying to get the young adult group started up again. They’ll be meeting on the thirtieth. Next week is a meeting with the confirmation class, the week after a training of worship assistants. Pastoral visits with the home bound start soon.
Pastor Goodman gathers us in prayer and leads communion at 8:47pm.
Respectfully submitted, Brian Sniffen
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Next regular council meeting: 15 October 2012 at 7:30pm.
These minutes can be found online at http://evenmere.org/~bts/Church/.