Present: Greg Andrews, Judy Hanson, Michelle Kovar, Chad Carlson, Craig Collins, Dee Johnson, Emily Palmer, John Volkening, Rob Blount, Joe Boyle
Absent: ,
Staff: Pastor Sarah
Meeting called to order at: 06:31 PM
Meeting closed at: 09:34 PM
Follow-up Items:
Agenda Item #1: Associate Pastor Report
Discussion:
Sarah: Offered thanks for the long discernment. Meet individually with each staff member about her decision.
Coffee with Council is scheduled for Sunday. Need to discuss the role of Lead pastor and what the planning will be for an Associate Pastor. This will be driven by Budget constraints
Working with Staff to discuss long term plans. Have scheduled out to Oct. 2020. Will have a six week Bible Study during Lent.
Conclusion:
Action Taken:
Follow-up Items:
Agenda Item #2: Deacon Report
Discussion:
Greg: Reviewed Heather’s report in Heather’s absence.
Michelle: Heather’s musings helps underscore that our challenges are not unique.
Chad: There are options to fund foundations that would affect how taxes are affected.
Greg: Suggest to put together a one page overview of options for giving. At a later date, hold a financial educational session
Sarah: Suggested to form an educational series around financial health and planning.
Sarah: Fire Marshall found 15 code violations. Will need to remediate. Preschool class will remain in Fellowship Hall until violations are fixed. Likely through December.
Conclusion:
Action Taken:
Agenda Item #3: Financial Report/Budget Planning
Discussion:
Michelle: Provided an overall of the budget FY2019. Based on Oct. preliminaries,
We need to discern who we are as a church and how we allocate our funds.
Will need to review budget. Have a staff/council budget review and Council/Finance
Greg; Recommend that this be a conversation point at Coffee with Council. Portico increase is expected to be 4% ($8000).
Joe: Do we need to review how we address Stewardship.
Michelle: We need to frame the conversation as informational, not as doom and gloom.
Michelle will present a mission moment and discuss at Coffee with Council.
Conclusion:
Action Taken:
Agenda Item #4: Troop 13 Update
Discussion:
Greg: Results from Troop 13 review by members of Congregation:
Focus was on what is BLC’s role as a chartering organization of Troop 13
Other Chartering organizations do not have any plans to do anything different regarding charting
Three Fire Council assures that Troop 13 is current with training and safe security
Three Fire Council confirms that the Troop is insured
Troop 13 is three times larger than all other troops
IL abolished the SOL for child sex abuse. As a result, IL has not seen a flood of lawsuits. (NJ has seen an increase in lawsuit due to changes and establishment of Statute of Limitations).
Staff is receiving requests for additional rooms beyond the Ekstrom Hall.
Recommendation:
- Offer to continue to use Ekstrom Hall
- Get the Congregation Involved in the ministry
- Form a ministry team and appoint an appropriate Liaison
-
Fred: Spoke in support of Troop 13 and the continued support by Bethlehem
We have the same relationship with the Cub Scout troop. Cub Scout chartering should follow the same recommendations as the Boy Scout troop.
Conclusion:
Action Taken:
Agenda Item #7: Ministry Team Updates
Discussion:
John : Provided recommendation.
Form 3 new teams, plus continuing the Property & Finance and Nominating team, to implement the vision set by Council
- Worship Team – Includes art and environment taskforce.
- Congregation Life
- Outreach
- Proper and Finance
- Nominating
John proposed an Art Task force to choose art for the building.
Conclusion:
Action Taken:
Motion: Proposal to create an Art Task Force based on John V. proposal
Made By: Dee
Second: Rob
Result: Passed
Follow-up Items:
Agenda Item #6: Approve October and Nov. 12th Minutes and September Financials
Discussion:
Conclusion:
Action Taken:
Motion: “Approve October 15th and November 12th minutes and September Financial Report as presented”
Made By: Rob
Second: Joe
Result: Passed
Follow-up Items:
Agenda Item #7: Adjourn Council Meeting
Discussion:
Conclusion:
Action Taken:
Motion: “Motion to adjourn”
Made By: Rob
Second: John
Result: Passed