REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING: Zion Lutheran Church Hummelstown, Pennsylvania CHURCH COUNCIL ******************************** Minutes of the December 20, 2012 Lynn Danilowicz Edward Engle Fran Gruber Liz Joyce Rose Knepp Natalie Kratzer Matt McConnell Ellen Perry David Ranck Pastor Wayne Moritz Deacon Marsha Roscoe Bonnie Rudi, Pres. Chris Ehmann,V.Pres. Michael Good, Sec. Tiffani Tezak, Youth Rep. Paula Yount, Youth Rep. EXCUSED ABSENCE: Nancy Hartman, Eileen Donnelly, John Long, Doug Templeton CALL TO ORDER: The Regular Congregation Council meeting was called to order at 7:02 P.M. by Council President Bonnie Rudi. DEVOTIONS AND PRAYER CONCERNS: Bonnie Rudi read an Advent message from Bishop Hoover. It stated there are many places we can find Jesus. Some are where we expect, but some are unexpected hospitals, nursing homes, women s shelters, and refugee camps. In other words, wherever there is human need and loving service. She then closed with an Advent prayer from the Alice Dewey Prayer Book. ADOPTION OF AGENDA: The agenda was presented for inspection by Bonnie Rudi. There were no additions or corrections. YOUTH REPORT: Tiffani Tezak and Paula Yount of ZYG gave a rundown of the group past and future activities. They recently finished their study on the life of Jesus. They had a sleepover with other area youth, and had a retreat. They had an Activity Day at Kirchenwald and the Senior High began their 8 week Bible Session, Metanoia. Coming up is the ZYG Christmas Party, Winterfest in January, and the annual Youth Service. It was requested by Council that a monthly attendance be included in all future reports. There ending bank balance was $5931.78. 1
TREASURER S REPORT: There was no report due to last week s special budget meeting. There will be another special budget meeting for Council on January 10, 2013, at 7:00 P.M. SECRETARY S REPORT: Minutes of the last Regular Congregation Council Meeting dated November 15, 2012, and the Annual Council Budget Meeting dated December 13, 2012, were submitted by Council Secretary Michael Good. They were accepted without change. COMMUNICATIONS: There were no communications. OLD BUSINESS: Volunteers (2) are needed to attend special Synod meetings to focus on the election of the new Bishop at the Synod Convention in June. Jean Ripple volunteered to be one of Zion s attendees. The Special Council Budget Meeting will be held on January 10, 2013, at 7:00 P.M. NEW BUSINESS: A letter from Synod was read to Council. It addressed a need for funds from Synod s 2013 Budget. There is a shortage of around $700,000 causing budget cuts in staff and other areas. They were asking congregations to consider a special gift of support before the end of the year, along with special prayers that our work may continue. It was decided to wait until the special budget meeting in January to see if we can increase our giving to Synod. Outgoing Council members are as follows: Mike Good whose six years on Council is over; Fran Gruber and John Long who agreed to run for a second term; Rose Knepp and Eileen Donnelly who declined a run for a second term. The next Regular Council Meeting is on January 17, 2013, at 7:00 P.M. Devotions will be done by Chris Ehmann. STAFF REPORTS: Pastor s Report: (November 13 December 18, 2012) 1. Worship Presided at services on 4 Sundays. Preached on 3 Sundays. 2. Counseling 4 sessions. 3. Visits A. Hospital 3 B. Homebound 18 C. Other 2 2
4. Teaching A. Wednesday Women s Group 4 classes. 1) Continued study on world religions. 2) Stuffed and delivered Christmas stockings to homebound members. 3) Visited Servant s Heart Book & Gift Store. 4) Classes will resume on January 23, 2013. On that occasion we will visit Beth El Temple in Harrisburg. B. Pre-School Storytime (11/15). Talked about Thank You God. 5. Ecumenical Activity - A. Preached at Community Thanksgiving Eve Service (11/21) at St. John s Lutheran Church, Hoernerstown. B. Hummelstown Ministerium meeting (12/5). 1) Received new computer link from Julie Gray to better track and administer funds for people in need. Thank you Julie! 2) Reviewed and discussed notes from July Anniversary Service about hopes for Hummelstown s future. 6. Meetings A. AWE 11/14 B. Vision Committee 11/27 C. Stewardship 12/3 D. Worship & Music 12/3 E. Staff 12/3 F. Personnel 12/13 7. Pastoral Acts A. Funerals 1) Mary Dorsheimer (11/15). 2) Kathryn Lenker (1/20). Diaconal Minister s Report: Name: Marsha Roscoe Dates: November 14 th December 17th Ministry Highlights: Faith Formation Initiatives As part of our visioning process for 2013, we will look at the faith formation opportunities at Zion and identify new and creative ways to nurture the faith formation of the congregation. We will consider additional day-long retreats, increased use of speakers from within the congregation to share their spiritual gifts (i.e., meditation, healing touch ministries, etc.). I will meet with the Christian Ed committee in January to formally begin this process. Women s Retreat 2013 Record Breaking Women to be in attendance We have more than 35 women signed up for the retreat, which is an all-time high for Zion. I will work with Jean Ripple, Nicole Wildes and Kellie Munns early in January to finish writing the retreat. I am thoroughly looking forward to this weekend away with our women. This retreat is set for February 1 3, 2013 at 3
Kenbrook Retreat Center. This year s theme is Mindful Living: A Conscious Connection to God. AWE Leadership I enjoyed working with the November and December AWE services. This mode of worship continues to bring in about 70 80 people in attendance, and allows for congregational leadership and creativity. Continuing Education I had the opportunity to attend a day-long preaching perspectives workshop at the Gettysburg Seminary. The workshop focused on the Gospel of Luke, in anticipation of the Advent texts. In addition to this workshop, I have been taking meditation and spirituality workshops at Basildon Wellness. These have been incredibly nourishing, allowing me to make space for holy ground and my own spiritual direction. Synodical Service I have been asked to teach a few workshops at the Synod s Winterfest Convention. Winterfest is our annual synod senior-high and young adult event, for youth in grades 9-12, and young adults up to age 24. Winterfest is scheduled for January 4-6, 2013, at the Lancaster County Convention Center & Marriott hotel on the square in Lancaster city. While Winterfest is geared toward nurturing our youth, the advisors that accompany the youth are thirsty as well, and I will offer several workshops centered around Lutheran-Christian spirituality for our adult lives. As part of the Synod s Learning Ministries team, I led small group discussions during the Vibrant Faith conference in late November. It was wonderful to be able to share our stories and the way we are approaching youth and family ministry here at Zion. REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTES: Property- Fran Gruber stated he contacted Waste Management and was told that Zion pays $500 per month for trash collections. He is looking into alternatives to lower this expense. We could possibly get by with a smaller dumpster. He will try to report back to council in January. Chris Ehmann asked about our electricity supplies. We had been told we could not qualify for a special rate. Rose Knepp mentioned there is a service that automatically informs you of lower rates. Property will look into it. No Council action was required. Social Ministry- Minutes of the meeting dated December 11, 2012, were submitted by Mike Good. Over 100 Thanksgiving boxes were handed out in November. The final amount collected for the CROP Walk was $1865. The Glove Drive continues through 4
February and the Barnyard Project has 2 Sundays to go. There will be a special Blood Drive on January 20, 2013. No Council action was required. Worship and Music- Minutes of the meeting dated December 2,1012, were submitted by Natalie Kratzer and Rose Knepp. Items discussed were the need for volunteers for altar help and poinsettia delivery, candelabras for Christmas Eve services and upcoming performances of the Choirs. Also discussed were 2013 weddings, the Veterans Committee, dates for AWE services, and January services. No Council action was required. The motion to adjourn was made by Chris Ehmann. The meeting was adjourned at 7:54 P.M. Council then stood and prayed together The Lord s Prayer Respectfully submitted, Michael Good Council Secretary 5