June called the meeting to order at 6:10 p.m. Pastor Todd led a devotion based on Luke 9:1-6, the story of how Jesus sent out his disciples to bring the Good News to the world. There was a discussion about evangelism and how the congregation’s recent mission to build homes in Mexico was part of the congregation’s evangelism effort

Minutes

June had volunteered to prepare the minutes for the June 2011 meeting, since the Secretary had been on vacation at the time of that meeting. June reported that she would provide them at the September meeting. There was no meeting in July.

Preschool Report

Diane reported that she has been elected president of the Preschool Board of Directors and that Bette Noll has been elected as the Congregation Council liaison on the Board of Directors. She presented the August 17, 2011 Preschool Board minutes as a report. (Attachment A.) The report listed the officers and board members for the September 1, 2011-August 31, 2013 term. Diane reported that each member serves a two-year term, which commences on September 1. She reported that it was necessary that the Council approve the officers and board members. Barbara so moved, and the motion was seconded and was passed.

Diane reported that all 72 preschool slots are filled for this year and there are 39 names on the waiting list. This may be due in part to the fact that Trinity Lutheran has closed its preschool. There are some openings for toddlers. Diane reported that the Preschool wants to work more closely with the congregation when it has fund-raisers. In September there will be a cookie dough sale and a dine and donate event at Chuck E Cheese.

There has been a problem with the Preschool being billed for janitorial services that were not expected by the Preschool. Diane plans to ensure that the new contact with the janitor is more specific. The current contract expires on October 1, 2011.

Personnel Report

Diane reported that the Personnel Committee has five members and they have been meeting twice a month. They plan to finish the revision of the Personnel Manual by January 2012.

There was a discussion about the tax law requirements regarding the $1,000 donation that had recently been given to the congregation specifically to benefit the Music Director.

Mary Hallahan had resigned as Nursery Attendant, effective August 28, 2011, because she will be leaving for college. (Attachment B) Justin reported that he would like to hire three Youth Group members, Andrea Hallahan, Ayla Lindauer, and Dalal Muquatsh, to share the position, but the Council would have to waive the minimum age requirement for them, since they would be 15 and 16 years old when hired, and our current policy states that the attendant must be at least 18. Jeff so moved; the motion was seconded and was passed.

Six people had applied for the Children’s Music and Education Coordinator position, and four of them had been invited for an interview, which is scheduled to take place on Friday, August 26. The interviewers will be Diane, Justin, Michelle Aas, Courtney Sciortino, and Zita Crittenden.

Finance Report

Janelle presented a Finance Report. (Attachment C). Our income exceeded our expenditures by $12,227.34 for June-July 2011, and income exceeded our expenditures by $19,156.89 for January-July 2011. It was suggested that income has been steadier than in the past because many members have signed up for electronic donation through Vanco.

Janelle reported that we had received an IRS tax credit in the amount of $1,600 due to the church being a small business that provides medical benefits to its employees. There was a discussion regarding possible uses for this money. It was suggested that we should give Dennis Sweeney, the song leader for the contemporary service, a raise. June moved that we use $500 to have the janitor clean the floors in the Community Center, since they are in need of cleaning and the Food Pantry is located there. The motion was seconded and passed.

There was a discussion about the need to clean the floor in the Sanctuary and about whether it is appropriate to allow people to eat and drink in the pews. Most were willing to let children eat snacks in the pews, but several were opposed to permitting coffee in the pews during services.

Janelle reported that she had transferred $1,000 from the Hurd bequest to the Welcome and Witness Committee. Carole asked who had made the decision to do this, and Pastor Todd said that he had made the decision. There was a discussion regarding who has the discretion to decide how to use an undesignated bequest. The Council had previously voted on how to use the rest of this bequest.

Pastor’s Report

Pastor Todd presented a report. (Attachment D) He reported that the focus at this time is on discovering and understanding our Lutheran faith and identity. He reported on progress toward meeting the goals that had been identified by the congregation last fall.

The Volunteer Coordinator Ministry Team has planned a ministry fair after a single -service Sunday on Nov. 20. The team has identified a few members to serve on the Congregational Life Ministry Team, and Pastor Todd and June will talk to those members about this soon.

Barbara Nelson completed the update of the Parish Register. The Welcome and Witness Team has been very active. Barbara showed us cloth “welcome bags” that will be given to first-time visitors. Each contains a St. Mark’s mug, pens, a church brochure, and other items. The team has also put together “busy bags” for the children.

The Outreach Team is working on a multi-generational outreach ministry to a nearby convalescent home.

Youth Ministry

Justin reported that he had learned a lot when he attended the annual National Youth Workers Convention last fall, and he would like to attend the 2011 convention with three of our youth ministry volunteer staff, Kyle Johnsen, Nicole Arnold, and Mikaela Dooley. The convention will be in San Diego, starting during the last week of September. Justin estimated that their expenses would be approximately $1600, and they have $1100 available for this in their budget. June moved that we give the Youth Ministry up to $500 to cover the expenses for this convention. The motion was seconded and was passed.

Pastor Todd led the Lord’s Prayer, and the meeting adjourned at 8 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Carole Greeley, Secretary