Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church
Kutztown, Pennsylvania

 

TRINITY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH
CONGREGATION COUNCIL MEETING
November 1, 2011

 

Present:    Erma Bond, Lori Heffner, Jeff Henninger, Tim Kyle, Susan Mangold, Seth Noggle, Mary Ryan, Kevin Stump, Tom Touhsaent, Brett von Bergen

Absent:     Kurt Rohrbach, Amanda Zehl             Guest:  Donald Ziegler

Tom Touhsaent called the meeting called to order; Erma Bond offered the devotional. 

 

Treasurer’s Report:  Not available because of the early meeting date.

 

Approval of Minutes

A correction was made to “Finance” under “Council Committee Reports.”  A motion was made by Jeff Henninger, seconded by Kevin Stump, to approve the minutes of the October 4, 2011 Council meeting with the revision.  Motion passed.

Pastor’s Report (submitted)

Director of Youth & Family Ministry Report (submitted)

Old Business

·        Property update:  We’re in the process of getting bids for insulation and for doing some electric work to improve lighting upstairs.  UGI submitted a proposal of $54,000 to replace the old boiler with two new high-efficiency boilers that would be projected to save $10-$12,000 per year in heating costs.  Some of the renovations have come in under budget, and it may be possible to include the new boilers as part of the capital campaign.  This would have to be presented to the congregation for approval.  It was agreed that we should work through the projects already approved first and reassess things next June. 

·        Capital Campaign:  The capital campaign is up to approximately $350,000 in faith commitments with approximately $100,000 collected to date.  Kevin brought forth a concern raised by a congregation member who had received messages from Bill Sutton.  The person didn’t know who Bill is and couldn’t find him listed in the directory.  It was noted that there have been multiple communications with the congregation about the capital campaign, including the process of Bill reaching out to individuals who didn’t submit pledge cards.

·        Jeff Henninger reported that the insurance policy for the church has been located.  The Property Committee will need to review the policy to make sure the covered values are accurate and send an acknowledgement to the insurance company.  Tom Touhsaent will relay this information to the Property Committee.    Tom is in the process of getting additional insurance quotes. 

Council Committee Reports

·        Worship Life:  The group has asked for a Council representative to attend the meetings on a regular basis; Lori Heffner volunteered to serve as Council liaison and to attend meetings.  Bruce Rohrbach raised a concern about Council’s decision to not fill the vacant position for assistant choir director.  Although he agrees with the decision that will allow time for the youth ministry to take shape and provide direction for youth music, he expressed concern about not being included or consulted in that decision.  Members present agreed that, as the choir director, Bruce should have been a part of the decision-making process.  Tom will speak to him to apologize for this oversight and to let him know that he will be included in the process from this point forward. 

·        Mission:  No report.

·        Witness/Communication:  No report.

·        Endowment:  No report.

·        Fellowship:  No report. 

·        Finance:  No report.

·        Learning:  No report.

·        Property:  As noted above.

·        Service:    No report.

·        Stewardship:  No report.

·        Youth Ministry Advisory Board:  No report.

·        Mutual Ministry: No report.

·        Nominating:  Tom Touhsaent, Erma Bond, Tim Kyle, and Jeff Henninger will serve on the Nominating Committee.

It was agreed that Trinity needs to establish a Personnel Committee.  Kevin will approach Mike Grossman to see if he is interested in organizing and heading the committee.

New Business

·        Keith reported that the Trinity is paying a portion ($15) toward congregation members going to see Rob Bell in Philadelphia.  $750 for Seth’s move needs to be replaced to Helping Hands.  Jeff suggested it come out of the youth director’s car allowance.  Keith will submit paperwork to Dave Miller for processing.

·        Council members reviewed the proposed budget for 2012 and significant changes were highlighted.  Jeff will check with Dave Miller to make suggested changes to line items.  Council members made suggestions for adjustments to the prepared figures.  The Youth budget in particular was increased significantly to lend substance to our commitment to youth as identified in our 2010 Vision process.  It was suggested that the yearly funds from Endowment be adjusted to include Youth and be used for sending youth to the national youth event held once every three years and Youth Fund Raising will be added as a separate budget line with $13,000 added for the trip.  The overall proposed budget at present is less than this year’s budget, however, weekly offerings have been down.  It was clarified that miscellaneous unbudgeted is comprised significantly from people identifying Trinity as the charity for Thrivent Choice dollars. Balancing the proposed budget would require a plate offering of $212,194; members agreed that challenging the congregation in raising the offering income may be appropriate.  Jeff will adjust numbers based on discussion.  A smaller group will meet to discuss remaining budget issues, including staff salary, and report recommendations to the Council for the December meeting.  Erma, Tom, Jeff, and Brett volunteered to gather prior to the next meeting for this purpose.

·        Synod is asking Trinity to grow our funding to Synod from $19,900 to $21,210 for the next year.  There was consensus among Council to keep the amount the same.  The commitment letter needs to be signed and returned by January.

A motion was made by Kevin, seconded by Erma, to adjourn. 

 

Respectfully submitted by Susan Mangold