June called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. and announced that Pastor Todd was sick and would not be able to attend. June offered a prayer.

Pastor’s Report

Pastor Todd sent a report for the meeting. (Attachment A.) He will begin teaching an Adult Sunday School class on March 27. The focus will be on serving the community. Pastor Todd reported that 41 young people attended the Youth Group meeting on Tuesday. Several Council members had attended the Don’t Forget the Lyrics event on March 12, and they said that the event was very successful. Pastor Todd asked the Council to vote to begin advertising for a new Children’s Education and Music Coordinator. After a brief discussion, the Council agreed that our Youth and Education Director, Justin Devine, should be given more assistance from additional staff and/or volunteers, but they decided to vote on this matter at the April meeting.

Minutes

June moved that the Council approve the minutes from the February 17, 2011 meeting. The motion was seconded and was passed.

Finance Report 

Janelle provided a Finance Report. (Attachment B.) Revenues exceeded disbursements by $6,593.65 for the month of February.

Old Business

Office Manager Erin Ruml had informed the Council that the Flames of Fire had asked about using our wireless internet access plan. After a brief discussion, June moved that we grant their request if they agree to the terms of our policy and use a separate address. The motion was seconded and was passed.

There was a discussion about setting a date for the annual Council Retreat. The consensus was that it should be held in April or May, and it should not conflict with Easter (April 24) or Mother’s Day (May 8.)

The members of the Council were given copies of the new Operations Manual, which includes the congregation’s current Policies and Procedures and other information. June informed the Council that a new safe congregation policy is being developed at this time.

New Business

Michelle Aas had asked the Council to approve serving alcohol at a Preschool event. Carole stated that when the Council approved the Operations Manual at the January 20, 2011 meeting, it changed the Alcoholic Beverages on Premises Policy so that authorization for the use of alcoholic beverages is now given by the Property Management Committee rather than by the Council.

June asked for suggestions about how to provide food for Family Night Out dinners. Christa Sweeney has been in charge of the dinners, and she is willing to cook the meals if someone will pay the expenses. June will speak to Christa and report back.

Jeff reported that he will be unable to attend the Synod Assembly, but Jim Hanser is willing to represent St. Mark’s at that meeting. June moved that the Council approve Jim Hanser as a delegate to the Assembly. The motion was seconded and was passed.

June led the Lord’s Prayer, and the meeting was adjourned at 6:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Carole Greeley, Secretary