WCC Council Meeting Minutes April 8, 2014

The meeting was opened withsenior pastor reflections, a poem from the book,Leading from Within: Poetry That Sustains the Courage to Lead,and a prayer by Rev. Joseph Shank at 6:35pm.

Members Attending –Judy Archambault, Nick Schoewe, Bruce Kelly, Dinny Cosyns, Harry Grace, Ed Katzman, Bill Hayes, Lynn McKay, Xerxes Bhote, and Teresa Anlicker.

Staff Attending – Rev. Joseph Shank, Rev. Jenny Gleichauf, and Rev Bill Mueller.

Minutes of 3/11/14 were approved as amended. (Grace/Cosyns).

Pastoral Reports – Pastors submitted a written report (Handouts)and provided verbal highlights of their individual reports including the recent Youth Mission to the Dominican Republic, plans for church services during Easter week, individual members and friends on our prayer list.

Ministry Group Reports

Support Group- Harry Grace, Lyn McKay- Ministry Group presentation to Council will be rescheduled in the future. Financial Management committee will meet later this week.

Nurture Group–Fred Gougler, Teresa Anliker– Reminder about upcoming Rummage sale on May 8th.

Education Group- Bill Hayes, Ed Katzman– No specific updates following last month’s Education Group presentation at Council.

Worship – LeAnn Pope, Dinny Cosyns –Schedule for Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easterchurch services discussed. Jenny will be forwarding the lay leadership readings for Maundy Thursday service this year.

Outreach Group- Bruce Kelly, Xerxes Bhote–All-church service event at Good News Partners on March 22 as well as on-going initiatives spearheaded by Bill Mueller with St. Sabina Social Services and Father Pfleger werediscussed. We continue to look for a permanent volunteer coordinator for Family Promise and hope to fill before we host in the summer.

2020 Strategic Plan – Brad had forwarded the latest version of 2020 Vision to councilors in advance of the April meeting. Jeanne Ebersole was present to answer any questions and discuss next steps. After some discussion, a motion was made and seconded (McKay/Bhote) that the SPSC should conduct two additional listening sessions after the church services on April 13 and 27 to give interested WCC members an opportunity to provide feedback and input on the current version of the 2020 Vision before it is presented to the general membership for final approval at our May 4th Annual Meeting. The motion to conduct listening sessions and then present the 2020 Vision at the Annual Meeting for ratification was unanimously approved.

Retirement Related Events – Rev. Joseph Shank was excused and Council went into executive session so it could be advised and act, as appropriate, about the event planning and details for upcoming retirement arranged for Joe and Leslie Shank

Financial Report – Treasurer Nick Schoewe submitted a written report highlighting the finances for March. We’re off to a good start on the income front, expenses are somewhat ahead of last year as a result of increased utilities and snow removal costs in 2014. With respect to pledging, pledged dollars are running ahead of last year and are closing in on our 950K budgeted amount. On the plus side, we have 90 new or increased pledges in 2014 which is a very positive development; however, the total number of pledging units will likely be less than last year.

Helms Award– Continuing the annual practice of honoring WCC members who have been outstanding volunteers, councilors nominated a number of individual members to be considered for the 2014 Helms Award. After some additional discussion about the history and contributions of each nominated candidate, two award winners were selected.

Interim Pastor Selected - The Interim Senior Pastor Search Committee (Exec plus Personnel) reported that Reverend Ben Bishop has accepted the call to be our Interim Senior Pastor until a new permanent Senior Pastor has been selected. A general announcement to the entire congregation will be made in the next eMessenger and on the website. Additional communications regarding his appointment and specific plans for introducing him to the congregation will be forthcoming in April and at the May Annual meeting. .

Nominating Committee Underway – Judy provided a brief update on the work of the 2014 Nominating committee to fill open lay leadership positions as well as the on-going plans to solicit additional input about potential lay leadership candidates from the congregation.

The meeting was adjourned with prayer by Rev.Joseph Shank at 8:40pm.

Bruce Kelly acting for Bob Smith,

Clerk of the Congregation