THE MESSENGER                                                                                                                                                                                             Page 3

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allowed up to $360 for these banners, that can be modified as needed, so they can be used for future special events also. Since it appears that our original sign arrangement has fallen through, Dennis will pursue a sign bid from Garage Graphics and Vanessa will get one from Missouri Neon for a sign close to the one that was originally approved. The congregation had previously approved a sign expenditure for up to $7500, but this will no longer cover costs since that was based on the original arrangement that didn’t work out. Vanessa said we are probably looking at an amount more in the $14,000-$15,000 range, so additional congregational approval would be needed.

Tona presented her revised organizational chart. It will be presented at the semi-annual meeting.

Plans are to install Jason McCuistion as a Council member on July 20.

Plans were made for items to present at the July 20 meeting, as well as for the carry-in dinner.

 

New Business: Rita and Tona reviewed some software programs that will allow us to integrate the various financial reports, which has been an ongoing issue. Tona will compare several programs and make a recommendation.

Rita presented a written procedure for communion. It will be reviewed and distributed to council members, as well as any visiting ministers. Rita will share this with the Worship Committee.

Tona had several questions and issues from the Kids First Preschool staff. They will replace their current sign and have requested permission to put a similar sign in back. Council gave the ok for that. They are needing to level the current playground mulch and then add more. We will see what the cost is on that, and work with them on that issue. Licensing regulations also require them to power wash the bathroom floors, touch up some paint and repair or replace the worn wood accordion classroom dividers. This needs to be done by August 15, so Tona will talk with them about the possibility of their getting the work done in order to save time, and then letting us work with them on helping with that cost.

Eleanor Berger submitted a proposal that part- time employees be paid for 6 holidays per year after 3 months employment as well as eligibility for 3 paid sick days after 3 months. This will be considered by the Personnel Committee.

An Endowment Committee report will be made in August.

It was recommended that donations from the carry in dinner on July 20 be given to David and Debbie Rahmoeller to help them with medical expenses.

The church opener for August will be Dennis Gromer.

The meeting was adjourned with the Lord’s Prayer at 9:45 pm.

 

Mary Lou Datema, Secretary

Semi-Annual

Congregational

Meeting Minutes

July 20, 2008

 

The meeting was called to order in the sanctuary by Vice-President Linda Marshak at 11:45 a.m.

The following reports were presented:

 

Secretary’s Report: Minutes from the January 13, 2008 Annual Meeting were presented and approved.

 

Financial Secretary’s Report: (Mike Berger) Mike addressed pledged giving as opposed to actual giving. Out of total pledged giving of $94,979 for the year, about $40,000 has been collected for the first 6 months. Out of 36 pledges, 50% are currently on track with their pledges, while 50% are below. We are currently running $7098.50 behind on pledged giving. The report was approved.

 

Treasurer’s Report: (Vanessa Gonzenbach) Vanessa presented the report for the first half of the year. Total spending for the year so far is $101,526.16, while income for the year has been $86,904.87, resulting in a shortfall of $14,621.29, mostly due to the purchase of the air conditioning units. $5,000 from the money market fund was used to pay for the youth room, and $2000 for the new kitchen island. The money market balance is currently $69,608.22, of which $62,096.17 is the Smith fund balance. Total assets from the checking account, money market, and CD’s as of June 30 were $122,461.98.

Profit and Loss Budget vs. Actual statements for January through June were also presented to the congregation in the information packet.