Immanuel Lutheran Church and School Minutes of Town Hall Voters Meeting 1/25/16

Attendance: 105 stewards Meeting was called to order by Kris Schuldt. Pastor Auringer led the devotional (Ephesians 4:11) and the opening prayer. Minutes of last meeting on September 21, 2015 were approved. Kris Schuldt gave an update on the BOD highlights. There are several committees within the BOD to work on different things. Some of the committees are: Nominating Constitutional Amendment Health/Safety 3rd Pastor Personnel Policy & Grievance Health Dashboard Business Manager Hiring Anna Brandt gave a Financial Update See attached reports. The church is at the highest rebate level with LCEF. At the September Voters’ Meeting the stewards will be voting on where the money earned from this rebate will go. If you pledged year to date for the Immeasurably More Campaign and received a letter it will show $0 because it shows the money that is due the 1st of the year. School revenue is up because they are not exactly sure when they do the budget where enrollment will be and enrollment is way up and people have prepaid their tuition. Per the policy manual and audit of the books should be done every 5 years but Anna is not sure when that will be. A motion was made to approve the treasurers report. It was seconded and all approved. Pastor Liefer just got back from New Orleans where he was preparing for the National Youth Gathering in July. So far 38 youth and 6 adults are attending the gathering. Twenty-nine kids are being confirmed. Vacation Bible School will be the second week of June. Immanuel will once again be the host for the Global Leadership Summit. Allison Dolak gave her update on the school. She held an open house on January 24th where 70 families attended! The school has already enrolled more students for next year than are currently enrolled this year! The school just celebrated National Lutheran Schools Week with a bunch of fun activities and 2 Baptisms of ILS students. The trivia night and auction will be April 9th. Pastor Auringer said they are still trying to figure out numbers for adding two additional pods so there is no new info on that. He is considering bringing on a part time ministry coordinator. QUESTIONS: Can we have a Pastor in the office on Fridays?

Pastor Auringer switched to having Fridays off because Monday seemed to be funeral day and he also felt that he needed that day to get a head start on the week. If something is need on

Fridays both Pastors are available. Someone is in the church office on Friday and you can call Pastor Auringer at his home or email him anytime.

Can we stop allowing food and drinks in the sanctuary?

Signs were up before everything was painted. Bottled water and closed coffee containers are possible but people should use good judgment. Pastor thinks this is a minor issue and is more concerned with inviting people to come to church.

What is the long term strategic plan?

There is no official long term plan for the property because we cannot get a loan to purchase anything else right now. The long term plan for Hwy N is to straighten it. Our property does not extend all the way to Hwy N and to add a turn lane into the parking lot would be about $60,000.00. We are also not in Wentzville’s jurisdiction so we can’t get anyone from Wentzville PD to direct traffic. St Charles County Sheriff would do it for $50/hour.

What are the plans for the music program?

Pastor has spoken to Gene & Mona about using the choir more often for the traditional services. Immanuel paid Mike Schlipp $800 and Erin Bode $1300 for the advent services.

How is the MLT functioning without a Business Manager?

Pastor, Dana, Allison, Anna and Sue Ebert are sharing the duties just like before Keith was hired.

MAT groups should be available and given to everyone.

They are given to the Immanuel 101 group right now. An “opportunity directory” will be put online.

John Waddell proposed an amendment to the constitution. See attached. The change increases the pool of eligible candidates for Chairman and remains within the synodical guidelines. LCMS has info on their website regarding women as Chairman. John Waddell gave an update on calling a third Pastor. A third Pastor is needed with the growth of the church and school and the amount of work that is being asked of the Pastors. The amount paid for salary and benefits would be $75,120 and would possibly be more if the called Pastor had more than one year experience. The special February Voters’ Meeting would include the exact cost and where the money would come from. A vote was taken on whether the stewards would like to continue the process of calling a third Pastor. It was passed by 2/3rd majority. The seminary needs to know by the end of February who Immanuel would like to call. A motion was made to waive the two week notice in the constitution. The motion was seconded and all approved. Kris Schuldt gave an update on the Medical/Security/Weather Plan. A better first aid kit is now available and First Aid training will be done. A motion was made to destroy the ballots and all approved. Dale Bauer gave an update on the bell. A base was created for the bell and will be placed on the half round stone area outside in front of the fellowship hall.