January Council Highlights

The Church Council met on January 18th.  Highlights include:

· The balance of $8,916 that was carried over from the 2017 General Fund will be applied to our 2018 Capital Reserve budget line so it is accessible for needed work on the church properties.

· The proposed budget for 2018 was reviewed and accepted, to be passed along for the congregation’s vote at the Annual Congregational Meeting on February 11.

· The 3-part Synod-sponsored seminar, Cultivating Congregational Cultures of Generosity, has concluded.  One of the biggest conclusions was the importance of being completely transparent with the congregation in telling the full story of all that we are doing.  The President’s Report, as part of the upcoming 2017 Annual Report, goes into that detail.

· Four new families were approved to be accepted as members.

· A new Sexton is being sought for the church and CEB.

· There was a great response of people interested in learning to make Chrismons.

· Council approved the Boy Scouts request to use the back lawn of the CEB for a game area with a portable Gaga Pit.

· During the congregational meeting, children will be invited to make Valentine’s Day cards to send to our sick and shut-ins.

· After reaching out to the ELCA Disaster Relief Director, we were instructed that Puerto Rico no longer needs supplies like batteries and flashlights, but needs cash and workers to rebuild.  The Caribbean Synod is fixing up a camp they have to house mission workers.

· On February 23^rd, there will be an Olympic Lock-In for grades 7-12.

Thank you to:

* Joanne Rupp for painting all of the Sunday School rooms and hallways in preparation for the new Sunday School Workshop Rotational Model (WoRM) program.

* Peter Melick for removing the Christmas tree (and thanks to all who helped decorate and undecorated the church for the holidays).

* John McAleer for fixing the heating elements at the CEB.

* Harold Wrede for oversight of the CEB septic repair needed over the holidays.

* All of the crafters who made Alternative Giving gifts.  (This year, they raised the most money ever--$1,760!)

The next meeting of the Church Council will be on Thursday, February 15th.  Meetings are open for all to attend.