St. Mark Council News

Summary of Annual Budget Meeting

St. Mark Lutheran Church
December 2, 2007

The quorum by virtue of the Constitution is set at fifty (50) attendees. There were fifty-nine (59) members present at the start of the meeting.

  • 11:25 AM: Pastor Heroff opened with devotion - based on the book of Matthew, chapters 5-7
  • Betty Lane officially serving as Parliamentarian, per Robert's Rules of Order.
  • A motion was made and seconded to adopt the Preschool Board. Motion passed.
  • President of the Council, Eric Jakubowski, informs congregation of challenges with roofs on both the Center and the educational wing of the structure. Unanticipated expenses were encountered because of leakage and mold observed in offices and roofing.
  • Funds were recently authorized by the Church Council to support the Call Committee in the process of hiring a new Senior Pastor.
  • A new Advisory committee regarding the "Center" now exists who will provide for more efficient use and increased programs using the Center.
  • Kris Lebrecht is the new Preschool Director and reports to Cindy Decker, who is now the Youth and Family Director.
  • Regarding the budget of 2008:
    • Capital Fund has a balance of just over $60,000, which is in keeping
    • with balance of $50,000, as required by the Constitution.
    • A $100,000 budget was approved by the congregation last year
    • Two air conditioning units were damaged by lightning and thus had to be replaced. Insurance covered one (1) unit.
    • The lighting upgrade project was a success in that a grant was secured for $6,000 along with a "no interest" loan from the Synod. All lights were installed by volunteers saving the Church a great deal of expenses. Outlook is for a 15-20% reduction in lighting costs totaling up to $5000 in monthly savings.
    • A personnel increase was authorized for the Senior Pastor position.
    • There is the potential to secure a seminarian to assist on a part-time basis
    • Funding has been set aside for Senior Breakfast Club for their activities.
    • An additional expense for "periodic maintenance" of the organ has been requested.
  • A discussion ensued about a stewardship campaign. There is the need for "increased giving" and the challenge has been presented to the congregation for a listing of action items to be addressed. Perhaps an outside consulting firm is necessary to assist in the process of stewardship. Again, the challenge for "increased giving" has been stressed. Pledges and giving need to be closely associated. Currently, this is not happening. Measures need to be taken such that pledges and giving match. The "Simply Giving" Program is encouraged to aid in this area.
  • Motion to adjourn at 12:06 PM... meeting adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,
Rich Schultz Council Secretary

October 2007

By Eric Jakubowski, Council President

GREETINGS

The end of the year will soon be upon us, and this is a time for thanksgiving and preparation. We will reflect on all of the gifts that the Lord has asked us to steward, and we prepare to relive the wonder of the Christ child born into humble beginnings.

It is also appropriate that this is the time when the Council examines its efforts, plans a course for the future, and asks for assistance and leadership to step forward.

TAKE A LOOK AROUND

Much has been changing lately at St Mark, and we want to make sure that you all get the chance to see this progress and take the time to ask questions. We've invested in our facilities, built programs for our youth, and added staff to nurture our spiritual growth.

On Sunday, November 18th, we will hold an informal Open House. During the Coffee Hour at 9 am, Council members will be leading small groups through the education wing, and the Center. Many of you may not have wandered these hallways since your children were in Sunday school -- we trust you'll be amazed at the vibrant classrooms, the new lighting, the new play areas in our preschool, the brightly refinished gym...the list goes on! We have new choirs, new bible study groups, praise bands, and youth sports teams and clinics.

Our work is not done, and we will share some of our concerns, dreams, and questions with you so that we may prompt a vital discussion at our upcoming Budget meeting in December.

For those of you who cannot attend worship on that Sunday, please call the church office and we'll make sure you get the opportunity to take a self-guided tour or make arrangements to have someone meet you.