Council Members Present Guests Present Trinity Lutheran Church Council January 14, 2013 April Zepeda President Matt Schneider Council at Large Nancy Schultz Vice President Dave Gunderson Council at Large Nancy Passovoy Secretary Margaret Olsoy Council at Large Kathy Pirwitz Secretary Elect Roy Raudebaugh Council at Large Bob Driessnack Treasurer Cliff Bronson John Resha Treasurer Elect Pastor Paul Sundberg None John Boone Council at Large Pastor Eileen Hanson AGENDA ITEMS Call to Order Introductions COMMENTS & DISCUSSION President April Zepeda called the meeting to order at 6:47pm. Kathy Pirwitz led the devotion and prayer. [Agenda] None ACTION/ FOLLOW-UP Guests Minutes Facilities Report Pastoral Report None A motion was made to approve the amended minutes of the December 10, 2013 meeting as written. The motion was seconded and approved unanimously. Bruce s report [Facilities Report] included a reminder that the Outdoor Classroom construction will begin on January 16; we will lose approx. 16 parking spaces during construction and approx. 6 permanently. There are ongoing sewer issues at Trinity; the roof over the garage is leaking and the first bid came in at $6,100, which Council believes is too high for the size of roof. Formica countertops at Pointe of Grace still need to be replaced. Paul shared the letter of agreement with Jim Kruse for Respite Pastoral Ministry. Jim is beginning to feel more comfortable in his role. Paul also shared an update on Eileen s condition. She should be receiving results of recent tests by January 22; she continues to work with a cognitive therapist twice a month. Eileen hopes to be cleared by her medical team to return to work on a part-time basis from 10 20 hours per week, although she expects that it may take her up to 12 hours to prepare a sermon and another 3 hours for delivery on Sunday (if at Trinity, an hour at Pointe of Grace). Until she returns, we will not know if she has the ability to perform the essential functions of her position, even on a parttime basis. We will attempt to accommodate her needs and also consider the needs of the role as more information is learned. Jim will continue his full-time respite pastor coverage. The person offered the Ministry Developer position at Pointe of Grace did not accept it, and the interview process will start from scratch; the position may not offer a pay level/benefits that will attract highly qualified candidates. Individual staff members are meeting with April, Bob and Nancy S. to provide Council with feedback about issues they are dealing with. Those who have met with the Council members are appreciative of being heard. We discussed the second $100K Challenge gift and what triggers the gift; Paul and Bob offered to talk to the donor family for a Minutes approved
AGENDA ITEMS Financial Report Old Business New Business Announcements/ Prayer Concerns Adjourn COMMENTS & DISCUSSION better understanding. Bob and John presented the Financial Report for the year ending 12/31/2013, although the numbers are not final. December contributions were strong at $216K, well above budget and the second highest in 5 years; expenses were slightly above budget. Pointe of Grace contributions continued well above budget. For the year, contributions, facilities use and reimbursements were above budget; miscellaneous income was slightly below. Expenses were $28K below budget. The financial team felt comfortable putting about $77K in reserves for future needs. On the Balance Sheet, the Ratio of Cash to Restricted Accounts is at a very healthy 190%. For more details, read the comments on both the Income-Expense Summary and Summary Balance Sheet. We had a strong finish in 2013 and everyone tried their best to keep expenses low. Final year-end numbers will not be available until the end of the month. [Financial Statements, 2 pages] 1. Continued Giving Stewardship: Council would like to establish a reoccurring opportunity for a member to reflect to the congregation why they give through God s Grace, perhaps the second Sunday of the month beginning February 9. At each Council meeting, Councilmembers will nominate a congregant to speak. April would like this to be a recurring Agenda item. 2. Pastor Eileen Update: See Pastoral Report. 1. Reinstating Policy/Procedures work: In 2013, Nancy S. and John Boone volunteered to review HR and other policies to assess, update/delete, add, etc. Council is asking that this process begin soon. 2. Staff Discussions: As previously mentioned, April, Bob and Nancy S. have been and will continue to meet with staff to understand the issues Council can help resolve. In particular, lack of a front desk person to greet and assist visitors/congregants continues to be a source of stress. Staff s concern over Eileen and the lack of a Ministry Developer at Pointe of Grace had been expressed. 1. Synod Assembly May 16-17, 2014 in Everett: Trinity typically sends 7 volunteers (2 male, 2 female and 1 youth). Deadline to sign-up is approaching. Prayer Concerns: Roy s mother-on law Bob s sister Bob s job search Nancy S colleague April adjourned the meeting at 8:47 pm. ACTION/ FOLLOW-UP The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 11, 6:45 pm at Trinity - Lynnwood. Roy will lead the devotion/prayer. 2
Respectfully submitted, Secretary, Trinity Lutheran Church Council 3