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CHURCH COUNCIL REPORT SEPTEMBER 2022
FINANCES: The summer giving slump is hitting our income to expenses ratio hard. We are falling behind in having enough income to cover expenses. As I’ve written before summer slumps are common but worrisome to the council. Hopefully the traditional pattern of income increasing as fall approaches happens. With church attendance rising again, with school starting, and a decline in summer activities our income should increase. I’ll repeat my motto, “give to Peace Lutheran what your financial situation allows.” All contributions whether large or small are appreciated.” Prayers for Peace are appreciated, also.
MORTGAGE LOAN INTEREST RATE: With the rise in the prime interest rate by the Federal Reserve, we will be contacting Lake Region Bank in order to secure the best possible interest rate on our mortgage.
CAPITAL FUND CAMPAIGN: Jared Voge, chairman of the campaign, updated the council on the latest developments. The campaign team will be introduced to the congregation on October 2nd. I write this realizing that you will probably read this after October 2nd. The campaign has the blessings of the council as well as the congregation and it will now proceed in earnest.
CHURCH START TIME: As per a member request, a council discussion was held regarding the 9 am start time for Sunday worship. The discussion was lengthy and it will continue at our October meeting. Many variables factor into starting times with two important ones being what benefits most members and Sunday School. Our ultimate goal would be to return to offering two worship services on Sunday mornings.
RESIGNATION: With regret the council accepted the resignation from Jane Wardell as our Faith Formation Director. The pastors are devising a path forward.
LOVING ARMS PRE-SCHOOL: The pre-school planned for Peace Lutheran is still at best several months away. Remember, it is a joint venture with Vinge Lutheran in Willmar. Many details still need to be worked out. It is possible that grant money many be available to defray start up costs. This still needs researching.
GLLM: A $400 stipend was approved for GLLM for allowing us to host summer worship at Shores of St Andrew Bible Camp.
UPCOMING EVENTS: In his staff report Pastor Todd, with a second by Pastor Linda, outlined many church activities that are planned for the fall season until Christmas. Please check the weekly update, emails, VOP and church bulletin for information on these upcoming events.
CARE CORE TEAM: A Care Core team is being developed. Team members will be involved in working with pastors in addressing caregiving needs.
HELP HELP: We are having difficulty recruiting readers and communion servers for our church services. Please consider volunteering. It will be much appreciated.
WATER DAYS COMMUNITY WORSHIP: It appears that the Water Days Community Worship with the Covenant Church is a thing of the past. Low attendance the last few summers is the reason with the Covenant Church in agreement. This concluded my Council Report. Thanks for reading this report.
Cliff Gesellchen, Council President
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