Present:  John Bibby, Larry Coltrin, Dave Johnson, Ken Olson, Pastor Fred Hill, Lori Schaar, Marsha Einhorn, Barb James, Herm Scharm

Others Present:  Jim Shephard

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by Ken Olson.  The devotion was shared by Larry Coltrin, and the opportunity was given for personal sharing.  Pastor Fred Hill mentioned that we should be mindful of possible anxious feelings surrounding this time of transition.  Ken Olson expressed gratitude the increased involvement of the youth in woship during this time of transition.

Jim Shephard distributed an email regarding Pastor Fred’s comments made at the end of the church service on 2/17/08.  This was tabled until discussion during New Business.

The Call Update- Ken Olson presented a copy of the signed letter accepting the call to serve as Senior Pastor at Lord of Life that was received from Pastor Thad Fisher.  Pastor Thad will be arriving in town on/or around 2/29/08, and his first Sunday will be on 3/2/08.  Once he arrives and is settled in, we will determine a date for his Installation Service.  There will be a service of “Farewell and Godspeed” for Pastor Fred Hill on Sunday, February 24, 2008.  Cake and refreshments will be served after each service. 

Natural Church Development- The Three Colors of Ministry was briefly discussed.  No new information was presented at this time. 

Christian Education-  Pastor Fred met with the Sunday School teachers to discuss the program.

Legend Park Update- Jan Stage has spearheaded the assistance efforts to help our neighbors at Legend Park who had been tragically affected by a fire.  Ken is also looking into Thrivent matching our assistance up to $1600.  Marsha Einhorn moved to formally recognize the efforts of Jan Stage on behalf of the Congregation and Church Council.  John Bibby seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

Business
            Consent Agenda Marsha Einhorn moved to accept the minutes from 1/15/08, 1/24/08, and 1/27/08.  Herm Scharm seconded the motion.  Motion carried.  A Treasurer’s Report was not presented at this time.

Committee Reports
            Finance  A written report was not presented, but John Bibby highlighted noteworthy points.  November and December were good months when compared to 2007.  However, overall we are taking in approximately $1000 less per month, and we are operating on deficit spending.  He also discussed that lower interest rates are hurting as it lowers our income from CDs.  Marsha Einhorn moveed, with a second by Dave Johnson, to receive the Finance Report.  Motion carried.

            Worship & Music  A written report was not presented, but Pastor Fred stated that Don Smith will start as chairperson for this committee. 

            Endowment Committee  A report from the committee was presented. Tom Tweed has resigned as chair of this committee. Dave Johnson moved with a second by Larry Coltrin to accept the report.  Motion carried.

            Personnel Committee  A written report was presented by Jim Shephard.  Council members reviewed the report and discussed whether or not to use an Executive Session to discuss the events from the Personnel Committee meeting.  Council agreed unanimously to discuss the events in an Open Session during New Business.  John Bibby motioned with a second by Marsh Einhorn to accept the report.  Motion carried.

Old Business  None was presented at this time.

New Business
Reviewed minutes of Special Congregational Council on 2/3/08

Exit Interview-  Ken Olson and Kim Puchalski will lead Pastor Fred’s exit interview.  They will use Metropolitan Chicago Synod ELCA Evaluation of Interim Ministry as a guide for this interview to be held after service on 2/20/08.

Voting Members for Synod Assembly- We need to identify voting members.  Jim Shephard will be one member, but we are still looking for one female member to take on this role.

Review progress from facility audit-  Ken Olson is drafting a letter on Narthex use.

Suggestion Box Items-

1. Repaint bottom step into the parking lot with yellow paint that has sand mixed in, as the step is now very slippery.  Referred to Property Committee.
2. Add an electric eye for lights at rear door that will allow lights to turn on when leaving from basement at night.  Referred to Property Committee.
3. Install two way hinges on the basement door (rear) to allow the door to open in both directions.  Referred to Property Committee.
4. Not putting Council Minutes in Lifelines, as it becomes old news by the time Lifelines goes to press.  Suggest putting Council Minutes on the bulletin board.  As a result of this suggestion, Council Meeting Highlights will be posted on the bulletin board to keep people abreast of happenings.  Approved minutes will still be sent to Lifelines.

Other Items-  Jim Shephard, Chairperson of the Personnel Committee, reported on the February committee meeting explaining the committee report and providing additional detail about the meeting  He shared the concern of committee members relative to Pastor Fred’s decision to bring the issue to the congregation before discussing it with the committee.  Pastor Fred explained the rationale for the action and identified the need for us to be better equipped to handle this type of situation if it arises in the future.  The committee will meet again with the staff member to complete the interview at their March meeting. 

John Bibby moved with a second by Marsha Einhorn to adjourn the meeting.  Motion carried.  Meeting adjourned at 9:15 PM.  All present joined together in the Lord’s Prayer.

Respectfully submitted,
Lori Schaar
Church Council Secretary

Approved 3/18/08