St. Paul UCC Church Council Meeting

December 13^th, 2005

 

                 The meeting was called to order by President Beverly Plattner, with meditation provided by Lori Likens.  There were 13 members present including: Bev Plattner, Tom Thieman, Lori Likens, Mary Finke, Ann Kuhn, Allen Bushman, Marvin Topp, Lowell Quellhorst, Staci Jones, Kathy Topp, Teri Lesher, Brook Schmitmeyer, and Rev. Weir.

 

Secretary’s Report

             November minutes were taken and compiled by Kathy Topp in substitution for Lori Likens who was unable to attend the meeting.  The minutes were reviewed and Ann Kuhn moved to accept the minutes as read.  Allen Bushman seconded the motion.  Motion carried.  Also reviewed were the minutes of the special meeting of council from Dec. 4^th prior to the congregational meeting on the same date.  Kathy Topp moved to approve these minutes as read.  Marvin Topp seconded the motion.  Motion carried. 

 

Treasurer’s Report

             Tom Braun presented the treasurer’s report.  Our budget deficit to date is $5,982.93 but last year at this time, our deficit was $22,655.30.  Marvin Topp moved to accept the report and Teri Lesher seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

 

Committees

             The “Catch the Vision” committee meeting was discussed, with the main topic being how St. Paul is progressing toward the goals set by the committee.   Overall, we feel we are progressing and many positive things are happening.  We do feel we need to continue to work on these goals to really “Catch the Vision” for St. Paul UCC. 

             Stewardship Board needs 2 people to replace outgoing members. 

             Board of Controls needs 2 people also to replace outgoing members.

 

Elder’s Report – none

 

Board of Education Report

             It was stated that Diane Gilberg would like risers for the kids to stand on for the Sunday School programs.  Presently, they are borrowing the risers from the school.

            

Mission Team Report

             Ann Kuhn notes that some clothing was donated by a member to be shipped to Ukraine.  The Mission Team presently needs some money for the cost of the shipping. 

 

Trustees Report

             The donated used air conditioner needs to be checked on by the trustees.  This has not been done as yet. 

Marvin Topp wishes to thank Lowell Quellhorst for all of his work this past year. 

 

Youth Ministries Report

             Lori Winner would like to have cable capabilities in the theatre room of the Sunday School and a VCR.  The estimate for wiring/installing the cable, etc. would be $335.00.   Kathy Topp moved to have cable installed in the Nite Owl Theatre room and acquire a donated VCR.  Staci Jones seconded the motion.  Motion carried. 

             Still looking for 2 people interested in fulfilling the position of Directors of Youth Ministries.

 

Deacon’s Report

             All positions on council have been filled presently for 2006.  John Voress has consented to becoming Vice President of council for 2006-2007.   Marvin Topp moved to accept John Voress as Vice President of council.  Allen Bushman seconded the motion.   Motion carried.

 

Rev. Tostrick’s Report

             By putting the months of October and November on the same report it accents how pastoral care varies from month to month.  In October, besides taking a week’s vacation, I officiated at 1 baptism, and 4 funerals.  I also led the program at the Men’s Club meeting, assisted with the “End of Life Issues” program and assisted at the Sunday morning worship services.  Also during the month of October, I made 25 nursing home visits, 11 home visits, 4 hospital visits and 5 office visits.  As you can see, during October there was a much greater need for pastoral care among our nursing home residents.

             In November, the pastoral care need changed from the nursing home residents to hospital patients.  During this month, I made 21 hospital visits, 16 home visits, 8 nursing home visits, and 6 office visits.  In addition, I lead one Satellite Bible Study assisted at the Community Thanksgiving service, as well as assisted at the Sunday morning Worship services.  During November there was a greater need for pastoral care among our hospital patients. 

             As the end of the year approaches, I would like to thank the members of the Church Council, especially those who will be leaving the council, and the retiring Church President, Beverly Plattner, for all their cooperation and assistance during the past year.  It has been a pleasure to work with you.

             May everyone’s Christmas be filled with the special joy and peace that can come only from the Christ Child.  Let us adore him!

 

Rev. Weir’s Report

             Christmas Sunday’s morning service will be a light service with communion provided at the altar. 

             New Year’s Day service will be a story telling service revolving around Bibles that you hold special and dear.  Please bring your special Bible and tell its story.

             Installation of new Council members is scheduled for January 8^th, 2006 with communion to be provided. 

             The date for the Ecumenical service has not yet been scheduled.  There will not be a combined Sunday worship service like in the past, with all New Bremen combined churches, per the request of the other churches in the area. 

             There will be a ceremony to accept new church members to St. Paul UCC in January.

             The St. Paul UCC brochures to be placed in the Chamber of Commerce building are presently being printed and are nearly done.  The other, larger brochures are still in the process of being completed. 

             Rev. Weir wishes to thank present council members for a job well done. 

 

Old Business

             Wish List – Risers for the Sunday School programs.

 

             Many positive comments have been made regarding the white Nativity Set in the church yard.  Thank you to all who helped with this wonderful project:

             Kathy Topp – for spearheading this project

             Duane and Alice Hegemier – for funding the project

             Amy Scheer, Robert Finke, Marvin Topp, Lowell Quellhorst, and Ralph Plattner for their part in completing this project.  Thank you all for this beautiful addition to the witness of St. Paul UCC.

             The “Search for the Christmas Treasure” was very successful and many thanks to those taking part and helping with the setting, background lighting, speaker system, provision of live animals, setting up for hot chocolate, etc.  A complete list will be in this Beacon. 

             The Staff Appreciation Dinner was again a wonderful evening and many thanks to Tom Thieman and his crew for the fish, to Tim Burgess for the pork loin, to Sandy Thieman and Ralph Plattner for setting up tables and providing decorations.  It is really great to honor those who have given so much to make the church a wonderful place to worship. 

             A meeting was held on Wednesday, Dec. 7^th concerning the pictorial church directory.  The rough draft was reviewed and sent back to the company with corrections.  The completed books will likely be shipped in January. 

             The “Singing Soldiers” honored our worship service on Sunday, December 11^th and we asked them to return next November for our Veteran’s Day observance. 

 

New Business

             Council did receive a Thank You from Jessica Petersen of Webster Groves MO who was a recipient of the Ernst and Frances Kuck Scholarship, which is sponsored by St. Paul UCC for those attending Eden Theological Seminary.  This is meant for those of our congregation wishing to pursue a career in the ministry but if we have no one interested, this money is then offered to others in the field. 

             Bev Plattner would like to give many, many thanks to all council members the past 2 years for making them so successful and enjoyable.  Thanks for all your support. 

             Tom Thieman did also address council with thanks, and he also commended Bev Plattner for doing such a great job as President.  He gave some statements in preparation for next year for remaining council members.

             Thank you’s were given to council by Rev. Tostrick and Rev. Weir for Christmas gifts and for the Staff Dinner. 

             Gary Wehmeyer is resigning as video dubber, with Brian Tostrick replacing him in this capacity.  Thank you Gary for your past service!

 

Announcements

             Dec. 14^th – 6:30 p.m. Christmas caroling – come and enjoy spreading Christmas cheer to all shut-ins

             Dec. 18^th – 6:30 p.m. “The Bethlehem Miracle” by the Spirit Safari Club with dessert smorgasbord to follow

             Dec. 24^th – 5 p.m. Worship for children and those who love children

             Dec. 24^th – 10:40 p.m. Special Music and 11:00 p.m. Traditional Christmas Eve worship with Cantata by Sr. Choir

             Dec. 25^th – 10:15 a.m. worship service in Sanctuary with Chancel Sacrament of Holy communion

             Dec. 25^th – Merry Christmas to all!

             Dec. 31^st – 5 p.m. Watch Night Service

             February – special meetings held in regards to Same Sex Marriage.  Be looking for the dates to be scheduled.

 

             Marvin Topp moved to adjourn the meeting.  Lowell Quellhorst seconded the motion.  Motion carried.   Meeting was adjourned with the Lord’s Prayer.

 

 

 

 

 

___________________________                                     ___________________________

             Lori Likens, Secretary                                                         Beverly Plattner, President