Members present:  John Bibby, Marsha Einhorn, Dave Johnson, Mary Ann Klein, Ken Olson, Herm Scharm, Pastor Fred Hill, and Larry Coltrin

Others present:  Vonnie Neel, Dan Behrens, and Barb Olson as recorder

The meeting was called to order at 7:02 PM by Ken Olson.  Pastor Fred led devotions and all present were given the opportunity for personal sharing.

The agenda was adjusted to allow Vonnie Neel to report first for the Outreach Committee and the Natural Church Development (NCD) Health team.  A new brochure is being developed for the church and also for use with the Welcome Wagon.  A new magnet with Lord of Life information and a letter which is mailed to the list of people received from Welcome Wagon was shared.  Future plans for outreach committee include an “in reach brochure” –what is going on in the congregation.  The NCD workshop dates are changed to Feb 9 and 23. The Wellness Team will contact small group leaders with the information.

Review of Christian Education Hour - A number of people are now participating who have not participated in adult Sunday programs in the past. The “art and architecture” group is taking a break at this time. The teen and young adult group has varied participation; however, this time slot provides the opportunity to plan events such as Easter Sunday Service.                 

Call Committee Update - Tim Gioe presented a temple talk at the worship services this past Sunday.  The committee is interviewing and hearing “preaching” from candidates 8 and 9 and has released candidate 7.

Report from Pastor Reko - A printed report is included in the council packet. Suggestions included in the report:  strengthen leadership skills within the congregation and council, self evaluation, (pre-step to coaching), leadership training (identify who should be at the table), identify gifts, define vision for the congregation, lead and guide congregation to the future  Focus ---How are we to do God’s mission in this world?
Council members reviewed items and discussion followed. Actions - NCD workshops will address a number of identified needs. Move to an integrated system using Pastor Reko’s recommendations and NCD team workshop as initial step.

Business
            Consent Agenda   Dave Johnson moved with second by Marsha Einhorn to remove worship and music committee report from the Consent Agenda and approve the remaining items, November 20, 2007 minutes and Treasurers report.  Motion carried.

Worship and Music Committee report from November 29. 2007 meeting -  discussion on item #6  Sanctuary Renovation.  Moved by Marsha Einhorn ,with a second by John Bibby, that “The Lord of Life Congregational Council affirms the request that a task force of “stake-holder members be established, and that the Worship and Music committee provide recommendations as to who needs to be at the table.  Discussion followed, motion carried.

            Item # 7 employ additional celebration leaders proposal.  After discussion it was moved by Marsha Einhorn ,with second by John Bibby, to refer the proposal back to Worship and Music committee for a more detail explanation on the frequency of use of extra musicians, the type and anticipated cost. Motion carried.
            Item # 10  Requests for coordination time and space for special promotions at worship and in the Narthex.  Discussion on the topic and Ken Olson requested the council members to come up with ideas and e-mail them to him before the next council meeting January 15, 2008.

A question from Dan Behrens was received regarding the change in Worship Service times on Christmas Eve.

Finance - John Bibby reported there is deficit spending at this time. Finance committee members had discussed possible ways for people to connect with the church and then contributing to the church.

Stewardship report - There are 76 commitments – approximately $170,000.00.

Property committee report - A number of maintenance items discussed and some completed.  A garden group may request use of some land space.  Marsha Einhorn moved with a second by Mary Ann Klein to receive the report.  Carried.  Question and discussion from members present on guidelines for ice storm from the snow removal company for Lord of Life parking lot.

Old Business
There was no old business.

New Business
            Congregational council vacancy – Dee Cameron has submitted a letter of resignation from Council due to personal reasons.  Suggestions of potential candidates are needed.  Council was asked to send names to Ken Olson.
            Guidelines for the Love Fund - A printed copy of the proposed guideline was included in the packet with a continuing resolution for Lord of Life implementation.  Input was used from the ELCA to assure that the “love fund” is operated in a manner consistent with IRS requirements. It was moved by Mary Ann Klein, with second by Marsha Einhorn, to approve the guidelines and continuing resolution for the Lord of Life Love Fund.  Discussion, vote taken and motion carried.
            Discussion on how to develop a plan to help people and being equitable to everyone, what resources are available, how to have guidelines in place and to have these suggested representatives from Finance, Endowment, Social Action, Thrivent and Women of the ELCA.  Motion by Herm Scharm with second by Marsha Einhorn that a meeting of the appropriate stakeholders be held to develop guidelines. Motion carried.

Suggestion Box
            Forms are available at the box. A signature is needed for Council to respond.

Communications
            Metropolitan Chicago Synod Assembly 2008 --- two lay voting members, one male and one female, have been allocated to Lord of Life Lutheran Church. Council members were asked to be prepared with suggested nominees for the January meeting.
            Lutherdale Ministries --- A request had been received for a congregational gift.  This was referred to Finance for consideration in the next budget.
Copies of the two communications given to all and attached with these minutes.

All present joined together in the Lord’s Prayer and meeting adjourned at 9:30 PM

Barb Olson