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American Lutheran Church |
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Adams, Nebraska |
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Phone: 402.988.4445 E-mail: Pastor Brink or Church Secretary |
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To contact us: |
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Council Notes |
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The Council of the American Lutheran Church met March 16, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was called to order by President VanEngen. Present were: Pastor Brink, Todd Britson, Lisa Buhr, Melvin Dissmeyer, Vince VanEngen, Dianna Hestermann, Brian Johnston, Rhonda Page, and Steve Sugden. Pastor began with devotions from Exodus 15:20, he talked about leaders and leading with enthusiasm, being inspired leaders and inspiring leaders. Secretary’s Report: The February 16, 2010 meeting minutes were previously approved by e-mail so they could be printed as approved in the March newsletter. Treasurer’s Report: A bill has been received for the windows. Questions pertaining the Treasurer’s Report included Memorial Funds and if those funds could be expended. Following discussion, a motion was made, seconded and approved to use the Memorial Funds to pay for the windows, which would cover a large portion of the cost. The Memorial Funds were undesignated and the families will be contacted about the use of the funds. Responding to a question, Pastor indicated there is a wish list for memorial funds. After some discussion, a motion was made and seconded, motion carried to approve the Treasurer’s Report. Current Fund -1,667.21 Building Fund 17,272.45 Benevolence 4,345.11 Memorial Fund 1,593.50 Betten Scholarship Fund 599.15 Betten Discretionary Fund 201.38 Vacation Bible School Fund 892.52 75th Anniversary Fund 977.97 2010 Confirmation Mission Trip 568.76 Church Life Funds 247.88 CD – Parsonage Funds 37,795.18 Total $72,211.82 Committee Reports: Pastors Report: In February, pastoral acts included three visits at church, three home visits, two nursing home visits and one hospital visit. As we continue our Lenten journey, we find ourselves along the road of another journey. As a congregation, we find ourselves dealing with some of the same issues that many other congregations are facing since the decisions made by membership of the ELCA in August of last year. During the past several months we’ve had many discussions, including a time to visit with the Bishop of the Nebraska Synod. Along the way, I think we find ourselves in a healthier position, having learned a little about how to talk about hard topics. We’ve learned that just not talking about an issue doesn’t make it go away. We’ve learned so much more about how decisions are made by the membership of the ELCA. We see a renewed interest in being involved in the polity of the church. Yet, through it all, we’ve also found a renewed sense of unity in our baptism, unity in Jesus Christ, and unity in the cross. And that is so much of what the Lenten Journey is about. It’s a reminder of our unity in the cross. The one place we are all equal – the one place we are truly one humanity – is in our utter sinfulness. Yet into that sinfulness comes the grace of God – offering to all equally in Jesus Christ. Upcoming Dates: April 6 – 16: Pastor at continuing education/vacation April 11, Art Grimm will serve as supply pastor. Church Life Team: Roller skating party rescheduled to April 11, 5:30 p.m. at Roll-a-Rena in Beatrice. Other work of the team: jelly bean devotion on Palm Sunday, organizing dinner on March 24 shared by United Methodist Church and American Lutheran Church, Earth Day on April 25, checking on a hot dog stand in June during garage sales, Hawaiian Shirt Sunday coming up this year, church website redesign, updating church brochure, vinyl banner advertising church at functions. Parish Education: Committee did not meet, although they are planning summer Sunday School. Sunday School during the summer will hopefully encourage parents and their children to come to church. A concern shared by the committee is that Sunday School time is sometimes shortened when the church service goes beyond 10:30 a.m. Ideas were discussed. Stewardship: A request was made to redesign the bulletin board area for committee and general information. Council members discussed the request and approved moving forward with the redesign. There will be a rubber strip installed in the west kitchen doorway. Kitchen tile bill has not been paid, will hold off to see how the strip looks in the doorway. Nameplate holders on the mailboxes will be installed soon. April Duties: Council talked briefly about the sound system sign-up, will make sure individuals on the sound system volunteered to serve this year. Duties for the remainder of the year will be reviewed with the “Time and Talents” to make sure the sound system volunteers are accurate. Offering: Brian and Todd Sound System: Dean Buhr Unfinished Business: · Kitchen Tile: Discussed previously, rubber strip will be installed in the doorway. · Lutheran Men in Mission – Loan and Grant Fund: A request was received to provide financial support to seminary students. After discussion, council members decided that on April 1 at the Maundy Thursday service, lose change and any checks to ALC for “Lutheran Men in Mission” will be directed to LMM. Spring Cleaning: Spring cleaning will be held the week of April 5-10. New Business: Publish Holy Week Services: Holy Week services will not be advertised in the Beatrice Daily News, but council approved advertising Holy Week services in The Voice. Mission Festival Speaker: Discussion was held about Mission Festival speakers. The Orphan Grain Train provides excellent speakers, Pastor will make the contact. Review Bishop’s Visit: Council members talked at length about the Bishop’s visit and follow-up discussions held with church members. Positive comments included that people were glad the Bishop came to share information and answer questions. Some noted that the presentation the Bishop shared at the beginning of the meeting was helpful and presented very well. The concern is that there still may be questions and/or concerns about the social statements. Additionally, council wants to make sure congregation members feel their concerns are heard, and the Bishop visit did provide this outlet. There is still a concern that some individuals may be uncertain about their future at ALC. Council discussed a survey to be shared with members to gauge the consensus of the congregation. Council members agreed to prepare a survey to be distributed to church members. It was also suggested to invite the Bishop back to join us for a Sunday worship service. Pastor will contact the Bishop and make arrangements with the Bishop’s schedule. Announcements: Committee Meetings – Tuesday, April 6, 2010 @ 7:00 p.m. Agenda Items – Thursday, April 15, 2010 Council Meeting – Tuesday, April 20, 2010 @ 7 p.m. There being no further discussion, President VanEngen adjourned the meeting, Council concluded with the Lord’s Prayer.
Respectfully submitted, Rhonda Page, Council Secretary
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