February 2020 Council Corner
What we did not discuss at our council meeting in January would probably take up less space than writing about what we did discuss. Members looked at various issues including the purchase of a new computer, Ash Wednesday, a special insert into our bulletin during Advent, the well, building insurance, the heat pucks, a new passcode for our side door, and volunteer time for our Confirmation students. We touched on a little bit of everything. Nothing of real consequence was decided on any of the aforementioned issues.
Two major issues were discussed at this nearly two hour meeting. First, council members formulated a proposal that we hope will soon attract an interim minister to our parish. We tried to keep in mind the spiritual needs and financial realities of Hope Lutheran in this process. Members talked about the new energy and positive atmosphere that has evolved at our church over the nearly five months since we were left without a pastor. We also discussed the importance of having an ordained minister on site. The council subsequently came up with a plan that put these two ideas together. We are confident that this plan will help HLC move forward with a strong foundation. I do not want to share any specifics until we complete negotiations successfully or otherwise with the potential interim pastor.
The second major issue that the council discussed was, of course, the proposed 2020 budget for Hope Lutheran. We looked at where our church fell short during 2019, and places where our church could maybe spend a little bit more. In the end, the council devised what we feel is a very realistic monetary proposal for 2020. It allows us the opportunity to spend quite a bit less than we did during the previous year while still meeting the financial realities of our church. The council hopes to build off the momentum that we gained going it alone during the last part of 2019 and springboard into 2020 in an optimistic manner. When you see the new budget proposal, please feel free to approach a council member with any questions that you may have.
A few years ago, the council decided to cancel our snow plowing contract with the county. We did not really feel that we were getting all that much bang for our buck. Our church was very fortunate to have a handful of congregation members step forward to provide this service at a reduced cost. The council even decided to pay each person who plowed $25 each time they took care of our parking lot. However, no one ever sent us a bill for providing these services. Regardless, we decided at our meeting to pay each of the snow plow drivers $50. Our area has received a large amount of snowfall this winter. The money represents a small token of gratitude for each person who has taken time from their valuable schedules to provide this service to our church.
Finally, I would personally like to thank Sharon Kamppi for her service on the church council. She recently completed her third two-year term on the council. As per our constitution, Sharon is prohibited from serving a fourth consecutive term. She provided those of us on the council with a great deal of insight and opinions on a variety of issues over the past six years. Sharon will be definitely be missed.
May God grant you peace until we meet again next month.......
In God’s Name,
Lance Kupka
Council President
Hope Lutheran Church of Embarrass