Nativity Lutheran Minutes October 18, 2011

Devotion: Pastor Dave gave the devotion

August and September Council minutes (Fredstrom motion Senecal second) approved as presented.

Treasurer’s report and appeal letter: Larry Johnson reported a negative $1,668.02 ytd (Income ytd 70971 vs. expenses ytd 72,639) through Sept., expenses were not high but income of $22,797 was less than the budgeted amount of $25,967. This includes a transfer of 1,748 from designated funds to the general fund. Oct. should be better with five Sundays; it’s important that we explore ways to increase revenue. Another note: Lisa and Bev are exploring bank options as the Chase bank fees should be compared to other institutions; all agreed. An idea: perhaps a multi-faceted campaign to enrich the general fund. This will require the involvement of our Stewardship Committee. Another idea: a personal email from the President, reminding we are being good stewards and accomplishing much in the community but that our giving has been down. Our pledges the last four years have been sealed so it is difficult to ascertain if people are keeping up. It was suggested that a letter with a more positive and hopeful tone about our work could be in order to challenge people to support this good work. It was acknowledged that personal family budgets are tight and many non-profits are struggling and need support. It’s important to inform the congregation. Another caution is that our reserve has declined in recent years. Conclusion: It was agreed Pastor Dave and Lisa will work together on a letter, ask for Stewardship input and likely send it out before the November Council meeting.

Backpacks for Bend: Amy Fraley reports B for B will need to stay under Nativity for another six months as she pursues non-profit status.

Ministry Team (Lisa Bailey): After the Sept 18 announcement about the ministry teams, nine people joined the teams. We now have 95-100 members participating on one or more teams; our goal was 108 so this is good news! Tip: www.doodle.com is a good web site to help with the scheduling of meetings. Lisa will send out the most current list; Council members should review and get any additions or changes to Lisa. Request from PR Team: what is the most efficient way to gather information to work with rather than continuing to contact each team? PR is requesting this information. Suggestion: Liaisons should remind their team contacts. Don will prepare a note to be distributed to the liaisons and team contacts. November feature stories for the newsletter will be the Children’s Team and Fellowship Team.

Pastor Dave’s report: Fall / winter planning is underway: planning for Christmas, Advent and Children’s Ministry are all under way. “Decembierfest” December 15 as a social gathering with Christmas carols; cantata and evening children’s program December 18. Pastoral care needs are increasing significantly; Dave is very grateful for the Pastoral Care Team. Positive stories: the feedback from recent visitors to the church about their experience; very positive. Challenges at Common Table continue including further restructuring. Volunteer and dine at CT would be helpful.

Youth Pastor report (Ron): A lot of evening activities at the church; it’s a cool thing but also a juggling act. Middle school you are packing 200 backpacks every Wednesday. Generally very consistent attendance as friendships deepen and volunteer youth leaders are doing very good work. Seminary work continues; it is going well.

Pastoral counseling update (Lisa Bailey): Insurance coverage for Craig Jorgensen will cover him; Lee is concerned that payment through Nativity creates some jeopardy for Nativity. Lee will add Nativity as a named insured to address this situation. Dave F. reports the CV looks ok; he will be calling on a reference. Marci Padgett also made two reference calls that went well. We also have a letter of recommendation from the Bishop. Counseling will be done on site here at Nativity. Remaining work: naming Nativity on the insurance at the same level as his coverage ($3 million insurance rider). Pastor Dave will also discuss this matter with Neil Bryant for guidance and concurrence. Once accomplished, Council is in agreement he can begin to serve the congregation and others.

ADA / accessibility work update (Bill Rodgers): Bill is working with the City on the ADA ramp and handicapped spots; the project is approved. We have spent $1,400 to date with a budget of up to $3,600 and may come in under budget. Bill provided on overview of the work; everything is on track for completion this year and receipt of an occupancy permit. Safekeeping of permits and other important documents was also discussed. Dave N will ask Corry to look into safe storage options.

Nativity sign options: Octoberfest proceeds of about $1,400 will help our work to improve our sign. Options: 1) improve the current sign with protected lighting or 2) acquire a new metal sign. Council members agreed we want look seriously at Option 1 to improve our current sign. No decision was made pending further work on the project concept.

New member reception November 13; dinner will be November 10: Council members are encouraged to attend. Council will provide the potluck. We anticipate eight families. Please sign up and attend if possible. Please RSVP to Lisa regarding attendance.

Next meetings November 15 / Executive Committee November 8.

Respectfully submitted,

Scott Johnson