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Council Minutes
We are trying to get more timely information out to our church members. We will be posting monthly minutes following the Council meeting on the third Thursday of the month.
January Council Meeting Highlights
Finalized 2013 Annual Budget for approval at Annual Meeting. Received updates from teams including Mission, Fellowship & Church Life, Adult Spiritual Growth, and Communications. Thanked Guy Gersich and Mary Ellen Modlin at the conclusion of their Council service. Reviewed upcoming events including Ask the Council, Annual Meeting, Lake County United Training, Karaoke Fundraiser.
Upcoming Dates:
Council Meetings: 2/21, 3/14 Kids Hope USA Commissioning Service 1/20 Lake County United MLK event 1/20 Memorial Service for Pastor Tom Church 1/27 Music Festival 1/27 Annual Reports available 1/27 Ask the Council Forum 2/3 Karaoke Event 2/8 Annual Meeting 2/10 Shrove Tuesday Pancakes 2/12 Ash Wednesday 2/13 Lake County United Workshop with Chris Pope 2/17 Soup Suppers: 2/20, 2/27, 3/6, 3/13, 3/20 Early Learning Club 3/9, 5/4 North Conference Hosts 3/21 Holy Week 3/24-3/31 COOL 30th Anniversary Gala 4/5 North Conference Worship Service 5/9
November Council Meeting Highlights
Introduced Waukegan to College Spring Auction Event with other area churches. Already working closely with Holy Cross in Libertyville. Funds will support future Leadership Lab attendees and other W2C needs. Designated Chili Cookoff Silent Auction funds as follows: 15% to Fellowship & ChurchLife, 15% Kids Hope USA Fund, 70% General Operating Budget. Continued discussion of Overall Financial Strategy including future fundraisers and congregational awaremess. Scheduled Karaoke Event at Bally Muck in February. Update on Building Use Policy: Training is complete. Advertising is next step. Update on Kids Hope USA: 11 Mentors and 2 Subs have been recruited.
Training is 12/15. Nominating Team met and has begun process of identifying new Council Nominees and Nominating Team Nominees.
Upcoming Dates:
Council Meetings: 12/20, 1/17, 2/21 Advent Lessons and Carols/Christmas Program/Potluck Lunch 12/16 Christmas Services 12/24 & 12/25 Annual Reports due 1/13 Music Festival 1/27 Annual Reports available 1/27 Ask the Council Forum 2/3 Karaoke Event 2/8 Annual Meeting 2/10 Shrove Tuesday Pancakes 2/12 Ash Wednesday 2/13
August Council Meeting Highlights
New Ministry Initiatives - Karen Papp and Pat Ludwig will introduce the New Ministry Initiatives process, including selection of Team Members via Newsletter article and Temple Talk in September. This is one of three areas funded by the Legacy Gift. Interested parties are encouraged to talk to Karen Papp. Leadership Lab Update - Pastor Brad updated the Council on his experience at the 50th Anniversary of Leadership Lab at Augustana College. Three youth from St. Paul's and ten youth from Waukegan to College attended the weeklong program. The participants all shared interesting insights with PB and most are excited to participated again next year. Our pastors' goal is for all 8th graders to attend next summer and to continue to provide opportunities for W2C students. Overall Financial Strategy - Council continued to discuss generating alternative revenue streams. Joe B shared the work he's been doing in partnership with Eileen Rickel to investigate starting some kind of childcare organization that could be a separate "wholly-owned" subsidiary of St. Paul's. Joe is looking for more people to help with road mapping the process and getting involved. He estimates it will take at least 2 years to start up. Much more investigation is needed. Education is one of our core strategic directions, so it makes sense to explore. Building Use - Joe B distributed Property Use policy and Fee Schedule drafts. Council will review drafts and continue discussion at September Council meeting.
Upcoming Dates:
Council Meetings: 9/20, 10/25, 11/15, 12/20, 1/17 Safe Haven orientation 8/26 10:30am and 9/19 7pm Sunday School begins 9/9 Picnic with Iglesia de Cristo 9/9 11:30am Early Learning Clubs: Session 1: 9/10 & 9/17; Session 2: 10/27; Session 3: 11/17 Youth Orientation 9/26 Ask the Council Forum 2/3/13 Annual Meeting 2/10/13
May Council Meeting Highlights
Sue Koesser, HR Chair, reviewed the drafts for the Safe Haven policy and documents. Reviewed and voted on Finance Team's recommendations for debt repayment of previous years' budget deficits and investment options for the legacy gift Discussed rental contract renewals for Iglesia de Cristo and the YWCA Discussed establishing a building use policy including provisions for one time space rentals. Investigation in process.
Upcoming Dates:
Confirmation 5/20 10:30 Living Waters Lutheran Church-Drama group "New Wine" production, dinner and sleep at church 6/15. Council Meetings 6/21, no July meeting, 8/16 Rummage Sale 8/17-18 Rummage Sale Helpers needed 8/12-18
April Council Meeting Highlights
Reports from the three Legacy Gift Teams: Operating Cushion Team recommended $15K cap for 2012 deficit and recommended legacy funds be invested in an appropriate vehicle, with interest returning to operating income.
Debt Repayment Team recommended redoing the current mortgage with Thrivent by making a principal payment on the mortgage of $35K, reducing the interest rate to 4.75% (previously 5.75%) and a reduced monthly payment for a 10 year term. Council approved mortgage recommendation. Previous years' budget deficits ($54,804.95) will be eliminated with funds from the legacy gift. Remaining funds to be invested with a review of debt repayment needs after Extreme Makeover: Reload concludes in 2013. Team agrees with the recommendation to invest funds in an appropriate vehicle with the interest returning to operating income. New Ministries Initiatives outlined the process, determined team members, and worked on job descriptions.
Discussed Leadership Training reflections and next steps, including processes to encourage ideas and mentor people to bring ideas to implementation. Most ideas will be something that can be done in 60-90 days. Discussed Overall Financial Strategy, including the desire to present a balanced budget within three years, while maintaining current staffing. Brainstorming will continue. Voted to direct debt reduction giving in 2012 to the current year's budget deficit.
Upcoming Dates:
Adult Confirmation Classes: 4/22, 4/29 Early Learning Clubs: 4/23, 5/7 & 5/14 Last WOW night 5/2 Church Music Sunday 5/6 Confirmation 5/20 10:30 Council Meetings 5/17, 6/21, no July meeting
March Council Meeting Highlights
Discussed ideas for a future Capital Campaign for building maintenance and roof repair. Shared ARE Steering Team reflections on next steps for our Umbrella Strategy Got updates from each of the teams working on the legacy gift: new ministry initiatives, operating cushion and debt repayment. All teams have met and are working on recommendations.
Upcoming Dates:
Council Installation both services 3/18 Leadership Training: From Talk to Walk...Making the
Quantum Leap 3/18 noon to 2:30pm Holy Week: Palm Sunday 4/1, Maundy Thursday 4/5, Good Friday 4/6 First Communion Training 4/1 Easter Sunday 4/8 Adult Confirmation 4/15, 4/22, 4/29 Early Learning Clubs: 4/16 & 4/23, 5/7 & 5/14 Mission Sunday 4/15-presentation of checks Last WOW night 5/2 Church Music Sunday 5/6 Confirmation 5/20 10:30
February Council Meeting Highlights
Welcomed new Council members Karen Byers, Eric Christianson and Joe Bellisario and returning Council member Jim Landsverk Elected the following officers:
Council Chair: Karen Papp Vice Chair: Joe Bellisario Secretary: Mary Ellen Modlin Treasurer: Steve Ludwig Financial Secretary: Patty Kadish
Installation will be Sunday, March 18th.
Council also made the following Human Resource Team appointments:
Discussed Ask the Council and the Annual Meeting. Members shared observations. Reviewed progress of the teams working on the Kilburn legacy gift distributions. Reviewed ARE Vision/Strategy Timeline
Upcoming Dates:
Council Dinner 2/19 Ash Wednesday 2/22 Small Groups start 2/24 Soup Suppers/Mid Week Worship begin 2/29 Informational Session for SPLC 2013 Journey: 3/11 Leadership Training: From Talk to Walk...Making the Quantum Leap 3/18 Holy Week: Palm Sunday 4/1,Maundy Thursday 4/5, Good Friday 4/6 First Communion Training 4/1 Easter Sunday 4/8 Adult Confirmation 4/15, 4/22, 4/29 Early Learning Clubs: 4/16 &: 4/23, 5/7 &: 5/14 Mission Sunday 4/15 Last WOW night 5/2 Church Music Sunday 5/6 Confirmation 5/20 10:30
January Council Meeting Highlights
Updated on the progress of the teams working on the legacy gift initiatives. Steve Homberg, Stewardship Specialist for the Metro Synod, will meet with the Finance Team on Thursday 1/26 to discuss the debt repayment portion. Jim Landsverk provided a report from the nominating report. Council reviewed and approved 2012 Budget for Annual Meeting. 2011 income increased by $25,000. Thanked Linda Erickson (3 years) and Nancy Elenbaas (6 years) for their faithful service as Council Members. Reviewed ARE Timeline and Next Steps, including Leadership Training 3/18 and Team Self Assessments in April. Upcoming Dates:
Music Festival 1/29 Ask the Council 2/5, Annual Meeting 2/12 Early Learning Clubs: 2/6 & 2/13, 4/16 & 4/23, 5/7 & 5/14 Council Dinner 2/19 Informational Session for SPLC 2013 Journey: 3/11 Leadership Training: From Talk to Walk...Making the Quantum Leap 3/18
2011
February | March | April | May | June | August | September | October | November | December
February 2011
Welcomed New Council Members Kay Saxvik and Jeff Elbe. Welcomed returning Council members Jim Burba and Karen Papp. Elected Officers: Council Chair Pat Ludwig, Council Vice Chair Karen Papp, Council Secretary Mary Ellen Modlin, Treasurer John Grom, Financial Secretary Patty Kadish Discussed fundraising ideas to decrease 2009 & 2010 budget deficits. Directed Thrivent Choice Dollars be applied to debt reduction. Discussed the opportunity to share space with a local, growing Spanish church. Introduced draft ARE purpose statement.: To Journey with Christ, each other, and the neighbors God gives us. Recognized outgoing Council Chair Joe Bellisario.
March 2011
Named Giving campaign Extreme Makeover RELOAD! Next phase of pledging to eliminate the remaining debt for Extreme Makeover. Punch list items will be purchased and the remaining figure will be finalized by 5/1. Campaign logo will features a credit card/gift card theme. Pledge drive scheduled for Sunday, 5/15. Continued to discuss fundraising ideas for eliminating 2009 and 2010 budget deficits, including Courthouse Bake Sale on Friday, 5/20. We will need volunteer bakers and people to man the table at the Courthouse from 8am to 2pm. Reviewed proposal from Iglesia de Cristo to consider sharing space as a ministry partnership. Reviewed ARE Umbrella Strategy Draft.
April 2011
Shared excitement about meeting with Iglesia de Cristo leaders. More information including Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) will be available shortly. Leaders from Iglesia de Cristo will visit St. Paul's on Sunday, May 15th. The visit will include briefly greeting St. Paul's members during Sunday morning services and co-hosting a lunch/forum from noon to 2pm with St. Paul's Council. Accepted resignation of Treasurer John Grom, with extreme gratitude for his years of service. Nominated and approved Steve Ludwig to fill Treasurer position as of May 1st Continued to discuss fund-raisers to eliminate 2009 deficit. A bake sale at the Lake County Courthouse is scheduled for Friday, May 20th. Future fund-raisers are being planned.
May 2011
Extreme Makeover RELOAD! 45 giving units pledged $35,000 on 5/15.
Outstanding debt is approximately $75,000. Finalized agreement with Iglesia de Cristo. They will move in on June 2nd with their first worship service on Friday June 3rd. Conducted successful bake sale at Lake County Courthouse on 5/20, raising $382 for debt reduction. An additional $293 was raised on Sunday, 5/21 for a total of $675. Reviewed additional fundraisers in process including monthly participation in Christ Episcopal's Farmer's Market. First date is Wednesday, June 1. There will be no Council meeting July. August's Council meeting date has been changed to 8/25 so we can help with Rummage Sale set-up on 8/18.
June 2011
Please note Council will not meet in July. Next Council meeting is August 25th.
Decided how to divide proceeds from Rummage Sale. Proceeds will go to Debt Reduction, Iglesia de Cristo, Mission, and the Fellowship and ChurchLife Team Iglesia de Cristo volunteered to help with the Rummage Sale. They are considering providing food for purchase and would retain profits from food sales. New insurance policy for St. Paul's has been acquired. Discussed suggestions from insurance inspector and referred items to appropriate teams. Reviewed fundraising events and lessons learned from Courthouse Bake Sale and Farmer's Market. Reviewed upcoming event dates:
- VBS July 11-15
- Rummage Sale 8/19 & 20
- W2C Shower donations: July 24, July 31, August 7.
Shower tentatively 8/9 or 8/10 at SPLC.
- ARE Leadership Retreat Sat Sept 24th 9:45-2.
- Pie Palooza Oct 1st
- Finance Review 10/26 & 11/9
August 2011
Continued to work on fundraising ideas to reduce budget deficit. Next event in the early planning stages is a fall evening activity that will include a silent auction and music, possibly featuring kareoke. Iglesia de Cristo Partnership continues to be very positive. They provided amazing support for the Rummage Sale, including lots of help and lunch for the volunteers Friday and Saturday. Discussed impact of Y break-in and related security issues. Planned process for Financial Review on 10/26 & 11/9. Pastor Dave Daubert (ARE) will facilitate both workshops to discuss current financial picture, including use of legacy gifts. New Y Contract has been signed for current year, with a July 1, 2012 renewal date. Christmas Eve services will again be 5:30 pm and 10:30 pm. Sunday, Christmas Day will have one service at 10am. Sunday 1/1/12 will return to normal schedule of 9 am and 10:30 am. Upcoming Dates:
Farmer's Market: First Wednesday of every month at Christ Episcopal-remaining dates are September 7th and October 5th. Men's Monday Night Bowling League begins 9/12 at Sunset Lanes in Waukegan Youth Orientation Wed 9/21 ARE Leadership Retreat Sat 9/24 9:45 am -2 pm. Finance Review Wed 10/26 & Wed 11/9 6:30pm-9pm. Dinner will be provided. Ask the Council 2/5, Annual Meeting 2/12, Annual report items due 1/15.
September 2011
Council continues to look for ways to raise funds to cover the 2009 budget deficit. Work has begun on a
Fall Fundraising Activity scheduled for Sat 11/19 at 6pm. Event will in include a Chili & Dessert Cook-off,
Silent Auction, and Kareoke. An invitation will be extended to Iglesia de Cristo to join us. Our Iglesia de Cristo Partnership continues to be a very positive experience.
We are looking forward to partnering on Early Learning Clubs starting 10/17 and Paint the Town 10/15. Preparations continue for the St. Paul's Financial Review sessions on 10/26 & 11/9.
Pastor Dave Daubert from ARE will facilitate. Dinner will be provided. All are welcome to attend. Diane Luosa announced that the Crop Walk will be on 10/16. St. Paul's won the Golden Shoe
award last year for the biggest increase in donations from the previous year.
Upcoming Dates:
Crop Walk 10/16 Council Meeting Dates: 10/20, 11/17, 12/15, 1/19 Finance Review 10/26 & 11/9 6:30-9pm Early Learning Clubs: 10/17 & 10/24; 11/7 & 11/14, 2/6 & 2/13, 4/16 & 4/23, 5/7 & 5/14 Paint the Town 10/15 Fall Fundraiser 11/19 Christmas Eve services 5:30 and 10:30, one service Christmas Day 10am. New Year's Day (Sunday) 9 & 10:30 Ask the Council 2/5, Annual Meeting 2/12, reports due 1/15
October 2011
An update was provided regarding the Council nomination process
for the 2012 Annual Meeting The HR team and Council appreciate the many years of service and guidance provided by HR Chair Carol Grom. Sue Koesser has agreed to serve as the new HR Chair.
We look forward to Sue's valuable contributions. Roof leak issues were highlighted as an upcoming property maintenance need. Recommendations were made to consider prioritizing two areas for immediate repairs at an estimated cost of $23K. Discussed closing out final Extreme Makeover punchlist items.
Upcoming Dates:
Council Meeting Dates: 11/17, 12/15, 1/19 Finance Review: 10/26 & 11/9 Early Learning Clubs: 10/17 & 10/24; 11/7 & 11/14, 2/6 & 2/13, 4/16 & 4/23, 5/7 & 5/14 Annual Chili/Dessert Competition: 11/19 Silent Auction proceeds to fund debt reduction Christmas Eve services 5:30 and 10:30, one service Christmas Day 10am. New Year's Day (Sunday) 9 & 10:30 Music Festival: 1/29 Ask the Council 2/5, Annual Meeting 2/12, reports due 1/15
November 2011
Shared Insights from the Financial Matters workshops and determined next steps. Teams will be formed to address how to proceed with the three areas designated for the Legacy Gift: operating cushion, debt retirement, and new ministries initiatives. Follow up on Roof Repair issues determined that short term minor repairs are the best option right now. Money is available in the Property Fund so no action by Council is needed. Budget worksheets have been distributed to those with budget responsibility. Council will review initial 2012 budget draft at December meeting.
December 2011
Reviewed successful Chili Cookoff/Silent Auction/ Raffle: Great attendance, lots of fun, financially successful.
Recommend we do again next year, possibly in a larger venue. Roof patch above Copy room and main hallway restrooms complete. Received initial report from Nominating Committee for Council and Nominating Committee nominees. Reviewed first draft of 2012 Budget. Income projections higher due to increased giving in 2011. Final approval at January meeting.
2010
March | April
| May | August | September | October | November | December
March 2010
Continued Bible Study of Manna and Mercy Chapter 8. Participated in lively discussion regarding decision rights of Teams and Council. Approved temporarily paying down the Line of Credit (established for Extreme Makeover) from a Legacy Gift The impact of temporarily paying down the line is to avoid interest charges. A liability account will be set up to be repaid by the congregation at the completion of Extreme Makeover. Asked Council Members to help obtain signatures for the IL Fair Map Amendment Accepted 2008 Audit report Completed contract to hire A Renewal Enterprise to help with strategic planning process. Selected steering team members and set initial retreat date.
April 2010
Continued study of "Manna and Mercy" Participated in Finance Overview, including review of St. Paul's assets and liabilities, gift recording process, budget and fund accounts Discussed enhancing communication flow to and from Council Reviewed security concerns Received invitation to Lutherdale Appreciation Dinner on 5/23-Invitation will be extended to Congregation Received invitation to Metro Chicago Synod's Spring Stewardship Conference
Saturday 5/1 Continued planning for Congregation Retreat on Saturday, 5/22 Continued to discuss options for raising funds to cover 2009 budget deficit Recognition:
Lenten Services, Small Group study-John Meech Lenten Soup Suppers-participation increased Easter Services-Worship Planning, Musicians Easter Breakfast-Welcome Team, Jim Burba
May 2010
Finalized preparations for ARE retreat on Saturday, 5/22 and mini retreats to follow Approved Rummage Sale proceeds to be split 10% Mission, 10% Gathered, 80% Debt Reduction Advised of the Y's additional space requirements. Y will begin using middle classroom on main floor in June Received news of generous donation to update kitchen appliances Great celebration on Church Music Sunday-thank you to the many St. Paul's musicians Next Council meeting is scheduled for August 19th-no meetings in June or July
August 2010
Made recommendation for handling any outstanding debt at the end of the Extreme Makeover pledge period in April 2011. Strategy included timeline for congregation communication in May 2011. Discussed event to celebrate Reformation 2010 completion. Learned about change to Thrivent matching funds program. New program allows fraternal members to designate "choice dollars." New program will be highlighted in newsletter and bulletins. Reviewed Nominating Team timeline and next steps. Sher Rockway is the Council Rep on the nominating team. Confirmed partnership with Waukegan 2 College to assist with grant application to the Presbyterian Church. The grant will supply laptop computers to participating students.
September 2010
Guest Speakers from the local Thrivent office, Bob Viau and Jeremy Lohman, gave an overview of Thrivent programs and opportunities. Extreme Makeover update: Mural in progress in basement; Kitchen demolition scheduled for 10/2. Stewardship Update: Planning for a Stewardship Team to reconvene in Feb/March timeframe. Strategy focus will be on individual engagement-using time, talents and financial resources. Received thank you from W2C for supporting grant application to the Presbyterian Church. Received $2400 to purchase student laptops. Discussed opportunity for St. Paul's to become a site for those who need to fulfill Public Service hours and what it would entail. Supported Worship Planning's recommendation to have two Christmas Eve services at 5:30pm and 10:30pm Reviewed Important Dates including upcoming retreats on 10/6, 11/3, and 12/1.
October 2010
Discussed current Treasurer's Report and other Financial matters including 2009 Budget Deficit Reviewed "Thrivent Choice" giving process and recommendation that Council determine funds distribution at year end Reviewed Important Dates including:
Extreme Makeover Work Day 11/20 Celebration Reformation 2010 11/21 Thanksgiving Eve Service 11/24 Remaining Retreat dates: Wed 11/3, Wed 12/1 and Sat 1/22
Received information regarding new distribution method for giving envelopes. Pledging members will received a two month supply of envelopes directly from Augsburg Fortress bi-monthly. This new method reduces the cost and postage for envelopes. More information will be shared with the Congregation in November.
November 2010
Thrivent Financial will host a Coffee Hour on January 16, 2011 at 10:30am
in Fellowship Hall. Discussed potential candidates for new Treasurer to replace John Grom,
who will be moving away next year. Reviewed first pass of 2011 Budget. Income assumptions remain flat to 2009. Reviewed remaining retreat dates: Wed 12/1 7-8pm; Sat 1/22 9am-3pm.
December 2010
Thrivent will join us for a Coffee Hour on January 16, 2011 at 10:30am in Fellowship Hall. Nancy Elenbaas will host. Brainstormed ideas to raise funds to eliminate 2009 Budget Deficit John Grom will retire from his position as Treasurer in 2011. He is training Steve Ludwig to replace him. Reviewed nominating team's recommendations for new Council members and new Nominating Team members. Reviewed preliminary 2011 Budget, including income projections. 2010 income through November is down 3% from the previous year. The final budget review will be at a special council meeting on 1/6/11. Discussed final ARE Retreat on 1/22/11 from 9-3. Food will be provided. Council Chair Joe Bellisario lifted up for recognition the Children's Christmas Program and the Reformation 2010 Celebration.
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