Council Minutes

 

Present on Teams: Ken Kauffeldt, Dan Zadow, Sheila Haaranen, Darren Radey, Arnold

MacMillan, Jackie MacMillan, Pastor Tom Arth, Doug Ashick, Brian Koivu

Terry Wurster

Regrets: none

 

DISCUSSION: ACTION BY:

1. Call to Order

Meeting called to order at 6:37 p.m.

2. Devotions

Pastor Tom led the devotions based on Matthew, chapter 6. A copy of the

devotions are attached to these minutes.

3. Agenda

Sheila distributed a draft agenda ahead of the meeting. The following items were revised at the meeting:

 Sheila noted that the item for Brian to present the 2025 budget was to be deleted; the budget will be presented at the next meeting of council

 Terry suggested adding an item regarding the recruitment of new council

members

M/S to accept the agenda as amended with flexibility. Carried.

4. Minutes

Minutes of the December 9 th meeting were circulated by Darren ahead of the meeting. No changes were noted

M/S to accept the Minutes as read. Carried.

5. Report of the Pastor

Pastor Tom noted that since the last Council Meeting, his ministry has included presiding at Sunday worship, presiding at Christmas Eve worship, recording weekly devotions, writing a column for the newspaper, and making some phone calls to parishioners.

Pastor Tom also noted he took his last week of vacation time after the Christmas Eve service, and thanked Pam and Elaine for leading worship when he was away.

Pastor Tom will be composing a thank you letter to be included with our year-end tax receipts, and will circulate to council for any suggestions or edits ahead of time.

Pastor Tom will be starting confirmation class with Ethan DiCosmo.

Pastor Tom plans to include a Rite for Healing in our worship service on January

26.

M/S that the Report of the Pastor be accepted as presented and

attached. Carried.

 

6. Treasurer’s Report

Brian circulated a financial update to council ahead of the meeting.

 In terms of our Current Account, December was a break-even month.  For the year, the results will reflect a deficit of around $11,000.  

 We will not receive our 4th Quarter Investment Statement for a couple of

weeks but the investment income for the year should cover the current

account shortfall.

 We almost achieved our Benevolence goal for the year.  A top-up of $224 was required from our Current Account to meet our annual pledge of

$16,000.

 Brian is working on the Draft Budget for 2025.  It will be ready for Council to approve at the February meeting in advance of the Annual Meeting set for February 23, 2025.

M/S to accept the Treasurer’s Report as presented. Carried.

 

7. Business Arising

 It was noted that a Christmas ornament was not sent out to Synod, because of the postage strike. We will try again next year

 Air conditioner update – Doug noted that we have not yet received a police report. Doug noted he will dismantle the remains of the air conditioner in the spring and bring to landfill. We are still looking at the installation of lights and a camera prior to installation of a new air conditioner

 Doug noted that he purchased sufficient salt and sand for the winter, and it is stored in the furnace room. He purchased a salt/sand combination, which will not damage the asphalt. There is some stored at both entrance doors

 Doug noted that the heat trace cable appears to be working. He will

continue to keep an eye on it; there is no ice formation as of yet

 Terry noted he is in the process of developing a step-by-step instruction

sheet for operating the live streaming equipment. He also noted that people will need to have a Facebook account and a smart phone to operate the equipment

 Recruitment of new council members – Sheila noted she is stepping down from council at the end of this term. Terry noted that his term is also

ending this year. Pastor Tom will announce to the congregation that we are

currently seeking new council members. Doug has spoken with both Hans

and John. Pam has declined. Other suggestions included Cathy Hicks and

Elaine Bucholtz. Pastor suggested that we talk to others within the

congregation, as there are several people that would be a great addition to

council. Pastor also noted that council should be considering the future

vision of the church, including where do we see ourselves in 5 to 10 years.

 

8. Program and Committee Reports

 

 Worship and Music – As noted in Pastor Tom’s report, there will be a

Healing Rite on January 26. He also noted that there will be an evening

prayer service during Lent, and will put up a signup sheet for a soup potluck ahead of evening service.

 Christian Education – As noted in Pastor Tom’s report, confirmation class will be starting with Ethan DiCosmo after church, once a month.

 Social Committee – Jackie noted that the potluck after service on January 5 was very successful. Jackie also noted that there are some members enquiring about doing communion at the rail rather than in the continuous fashion. Pastor noted that we began the continuous communion because of COVID, but doesn’t see a reason why we need to keep it that way. Council agreed. Pastor suggested putting the communion rail back for lent. Doug suggested a note be put into the bulletin.

 Stewardship – As noted in Pastor Tom’s report, he will craft a thank you

letter for sending out with income tax receipts. Pastor Tom will circulate to

council for review. Doug suggested putting the letters and tax receipts in

the mail slots rather than mailing them out, to save postage costs.

 Property

1. Doug noted that the shed door has been repaired, and new hinges

installed.

2. Doug noted that the snow blower has been tuned up and is now

running and ready for use.

3. Doug suggested that we purchase private property signs, as some

neighbours are parking behind the church and interfering with snow

removal. This also creates a liability issue, should a vehicle ever

catch fire. Signs should note that vehicles could be towed.

4. See Item 7 ‘Business Arising’ for additional items.

 

9. Other Business

 none

10. Next Council Meeting

The next council meeting will be February 10, 2025 at 6:30 pm. Darren to send out Teams invitation.

 

11. Adjournment and Lord’s Prayer

 

Pastor Tom led the Lord’s Prayer. Meeting adjourned at 7:23 pm.