St. Paul Lutheran Church
Council Meeting Minutes
February 18, 2008

Present: Pr. Eastman, Pr. Williamson, Jim Baumgardner, Charlie Boone, Carlo D’Agostino, Kevin Dixon, Patty Fess, Bob Hein, Ann Holmstrom, Gayle Meskimen, Bob Miller and Nick Poulos
Excused: Lisa Jackson
Guests: Barb Deli, Ann Hein and Amy Lawless

Kevin Dixon called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.
Devotions-Gayle Meskimen

Guest Presentation
Ann Hein introduced Amy Lawless from DuPage United to speak to the Council about the organization’s accomplishments and funding for the organization. St. Paul is a part of a network of twenty-five institutions that support DuPage United in their work to provide change. Currently DuPage United is working with the county budget. The County has cut it’s funding to services in the community such as PADS. Other projects involving DuPage United are, working to provide affordable housing and working to see that tax dollars collected by the DuPage Water Commission are used appropriately. They are also very active in leadership development and Amy encouraged St Paul to take advantage of the leadership training. Bob Miller requested a financial statement that Amy can provide.

Approve Agenda
There were three additions to the agenda. Under Action Items, a motion was added to appoint George Bryson to the Audit Team. Under Reports and Information, a report was added to summarize the Council Retreat and another report was added along with a potential action item concerning the corporate status of St. Paul. Carlo D’Agostino moved and Jim Baumgardner seconded to approve the amended agenda. Motion passed.

Approve January Minutes
The following changes were made to the January minutes. Under Reports and Information, item #10 originally stated, “The proposed 2008 budget is attached to these minutes along with the Notes of the Changes Made to the Budget.” It now reads, “The proposed 2008 budget with the cover letter, is attached to these minutes along with the Notes of the Changes Made to the Budget.” In the Notes of Changes Made to the Budget attached to these minutes, item #3 concerning the 3% raises was omitted. Bob Hein moved to approve the amended minutes dated, January 22, 2008. Bob Miller seconded and the minutes were approved.

Recommend Congregational Minutes
The congregational minutes dated January 27, 2008 were reviewed and will be recommended for approval by the congregation in March.

Treasurer’s Report
Ann Holmstrom presented the January financials. The income for the month was $34,000 and the expenses were $50,000. St. Paul paid off the mortgage principle and we had some unexpected expenses associated with the boiler. Charlie Boone highlighted the dedicated accounts to point out the $5000 taken from the endowment seed money to fund the ELCA Scholarship offering. Nick Poulos moved and Jim Baumgardner seconded to approve the Treasurer’s Report. Motion passed.

Discussion on Church Growth
Pr. Eastman led the Council in a discussion of two articles from the Alban Institute pertaining to growth in congregations. One article emphasized having small groups available for new members to participate in. This led to discussion of the Communications Team and the wonderful job they are doing advertising our small groups and events taking place at St. Paul. There is hope this will lead to growth. Questions were raised about the existence of the Retention Committee formed last year.

Sr. Pastor Report
Pastor Eastman spoke about the Lutheran Course that is ending with the final session this week. It has been well attended and a delight for her to teach. She led the Council in a retreat focused on preparing for evangelism.

Associate Pastor Report
Pr. Williamson announced that twenty-three men, including one non-member attended the first meeting of the Men’s Group. He led the Council in the spiritual practice of Lectio Divina, on John 20: 19-23, at the retreat and taught three adult forums.

Update on Soup with the Council
The soup supper sponsored by the Council was well attended and was mainly an evening of good fellowship that should be continued next year.

Incorporation Status
Carlo D’Agostino reported that St. Paul is no longer incorporated as a not for profit and it’s corporate status has lapsed. We need to renew our status as a not for profit corporation as it is a liability issue. Carlo will look into the renewal process.

Retreat Summary
Lisa Jackson, Pr. Eastman, Pr. Williamson and Gayle Meskimen, as available, will come back to the Council in March with a proposal for a six-month plan for evangelism and growth.

Executive Committee Report
Kevin Dixon presented the results of his review of all 2008 compensation figures pursuant to the budget contingency passed at the January Council meeting. He reviewed the memo distributed to the Council that told about the discrepancy of the expected 3% raises for personnel compensation and the approximately 4% that was discovered. He went on to explain that next month Executive Committee will propose appropriate checks and balances to provide for a more automatic review of compensation figures. Kevin also distributed a paper that compared the pastors’ salaries and benefits to the Synod minimum guidelines and reviewed that comparison with the Council.


Action Items

1. Bob Miller moved to ratify the Parochial Report and Bob Hein seconded. The motion passed.
   
2. Charlie Boone moved to appoint George Bryson to be a member of the Audit Committee along with Fred Amundsen and Andy Voress. Nick Poulos seconded and the motion passed.
   
3. Gayle Meskimen moved to reinstate St. Paul as a not for profit corporation. Nick Poulos seconded and the motion passed.
   

1. Jim Baumgardner reported that the defibrillator has been ordered,
   
2. Bob Miller reported that we have spent $3500 getting the boiler back in operation.
   
3. Nick Poulos expressed concerns and was reassured that the bylaws of the constitution had been changed last year to accommodate having the Annual Meeting in May or June.
   
4. Pr. Williamson reminded liaisons to review the updated Organizational Chart with their respective boards, collecting feedback prior to the March meeting.