June called the meeting to order at 5: 30 p.m. Pastor Todd offered a prayer. 

Budget and Finance 

Blair Aas submitted a report re our bank assets on behalf of the Budget Committee. (Attachment A) He reported that the Budget Committee will meet at 9 a.m. on Saturday, January 7, 2012, and he encouraged the members of the Council to attend. He reported that there are three main issues to be addressed: 

(1) how to balance stepping out in faith with being responsible stewards 

(2) staff salary adjustments 

(3) planning a building fund pledge drive. 

There was a discussion regarding whether the Council should vote on staff salary adjustments at this meeting. It was decided to vote on this issue at the Council meeting in January, when the Council will approve a budget to be presented to the congregation at its annual meeting. It was decided that the annual meeting will be held on Sunday, January 29, 2012. 

Janelle Jolley submitted a Finance Report. (Attachment B) Revenues exceeded 

disbursements for the month of November, and Janelle was optimistic that the congregation could end the year with no deficit. 

Old and New Business 

It was decided to launch a building fund pledge drive in February 2012. The goal 

would be to raise $100,000 in three years, which would allow the congregation to pay off the building remodeling loan a few years early and would enable the congregation to make future repairs and improvements. 

June reported that she wanted to consult with member Dennis Digman regarding a proposed lease for a new office copier and that she would report to Council on this via e mail so that a decision can be made by the end of December, since the price will go up in January. 

June reported that she has met with representatives of Bryan-Braker Funeral Home regarding the management of the Columbarium at St. Mark’s and that we should be able to start using it in February 2012. 

Pastor Todd moved that Council approve in principle that St. Mark’s join Sister Judy Donovan’s church-based community organizing effort. He explained that this would merely bring the issue before the congregation at the annual meeting in January. The motion was seconded. Janelle abstained from voting, since she had not been present when Sister Judy made a presentation to Council on this and she did not feel ready to make a decision. After a discussion, the motion passed by a vote of 4-2. 

Minutes 

June moved that Council approve the minutes from the November 17 meeting. The motion was seconded and was passed. 

Other Reports 

Diane Metz submitted a report from the Personnel Committee. The report included new position descriptions for the Director of Youth and Education and the Parish Administrator. (Attachment C) June moved that we approve the new position descriptions. The motion was seconded and was passed. 

Diane also submitted a report from the Preschool Board. (Attachment D) She reported that the annual Advent Fair and the annual Cookies with Santa had been well received. She gave a brief history of the Preschool, which has been a ministry of this church and a nonprofit entity for 36 years. Over that time it has collaborated with the congregation, it has paid for improvements in its building, and on several occasions it assisted the congregation when funds were short. The Preschool has a waiting list, and the Board is looking into expanding its Pre-K classes next fall. Its fees remain competitive with other local programs. 

MaryAnne Jordan participated via a conference call. On behalf of the Nominating Committee, she reported that all positions for 2012 have been filled except for delegates to the Vineyard Conference and the Synod Assembly. 

Pastor Todd submitted a Pastor’s Report. (Attachment E) Attendance has been up, especially for the contemporary service. There will be more use of the overhead screen during the early service. The Ministry Fair, the new member’s reception, and the Neighborhood Christmas Party had all gone well. 

Parish Administrator Erin Ruml submitted a report on current facilities use. (Attachment F). We have space available on Monday evenings and Sunday evenings, and small groups could use the Bethel Room in the morning or early afternoon. There was a discussion about forming a ministry team to promote the use of our facilities for weddings. 

June led the Lord’s Prayer, and the meeting adjourned at 7 p.m. 

Respectfully submitted, Carole Greeley, Secretary