* = Council representative ** = Filling in until election
Neighbors In Christ Council Minutes
September 25, 2024 @ Augustana Lutheran Church, Gibbon MN
The meeting was called to order by President Mary T. at 7:28 pm. Members present: Steve A., Lynette F., Curtis O., Cal R., Dan S. Lisa T., Mary T., Mike T.; Treasurer Carol Forst and Interim Pastor Leonard Hummel. Members absent: Steve K.
Pastor Leonard opened with prayer.
The August 14, 2024 minutes were reviewed. Cal R. motioned to approve minutes, Mike T. 2nd. Motion approved.
Financial report presented. The bank balance as of 9/25/2024 was $30,445.23. Lynette F. motioned to approve, Cal R. 2nd. Motion approved.
Pastor Leonard presented Pastoral report. September 9th Pastor Leonard along with Pastor Mike Zaske presented “Changes in Rural Churches” to council members from Scandian Grove Lutheran Church, and Trinity Lutheran, Gaylord and Saint Paul’s Lutheran in Gaylord. September 17th attended Minnesota Valley Conference Meeting, received reports form Pastor Heather Culuris on the future of ministry in our Synod. Also presented with Pastor Mike Zaske “Changes in Rural Churches.”
Committee Reports:
Call Committee: The Ministry Site Profile (MSP) was returned from the synod for modification. Updated MSP presented. Mike T. motioned to approve the Ministry Site Profile with amended wording. Dan S. 2nd. Motion approved. The MSP will be re-submitted to the synod.
The Worship Committee – Met September 11, 2024. Bulletin software was discussed. Will continue with paper. Carol will order two Sunday and Season books. Pat provides songs/hymns once per month. Discussion on adding bulletins to website. Some discussion on the newsletter and adding the newsletter to the website. Next meeting, Wednesday January 15, 2025.
Education - NIC WOW - Rally Day was Wednesday, September 4, 2024. There are 18 students in the program. The average attendance for the first 4 weeks is 15 students with 35-48 individuals eating supper.
Communication: NIC individual church council representatives agreed to revisit with individual church councils the communication from Pastor Leonard and Pastor Mike presentation August 7th. Purpose: inform members of changes in rural churches and the effects on the call process.
NIC Administrative Assistant: Another lengthy discussion on position. Individual church representatives will revisit with individual church councils. Tabled for the next meeting.
Shut in and visitation progress: Mary T. brought concerns about visitation. Mary will reach out to Augustana Visitation Chair and First Lutheran Visitation Chair with names.
New Business:
Pastor Leonard’s Healthcare package: Motion by Lynette F. to approve same Humana coverage as prior calendar year. Increase is $15-$20 per month. Cal R. 2nd Motion carried.
October 13, 2024, Dennis Frank will provide worship services. Amy TenEyck will forward bulletin to Pastor Frank in advance.
Budget Committee formed: Lynette F., Mike T., Lisa T. Carol will put together year-to-date numbers. The committee will meet and present at the next meeting.
The agreement to flat percentage contribution of Augustana 40%; First Lutheran 35% and St. John’s 25% is up for review. Individual Council representatives will review with individual church council’s about continuing at the same percentage for 2025.
The next NIC Meeting will be November 13, 2024, at 7:30 pm at Augustana Lutheran Church, Gibbon, following NIC WOW.
Motion to adjourn at 8:51 pm by Cal R., 2nd by Curtis O. Motion approved.
Closed with Lord’s Prayer.
Respectfully submitted,
Lisa T
