January, 2023 - Deacon Meeting Minutes

January 19, 2023

Present: John Reagan, John Genskow, Kathy Sahlhoff, Chuck Falch, James Martin, Bruce Winkler, Paul Weinke, Kristi Lambert, Vince Maro, Anne Hartman

Absent: Gail Graese

Ex Officio: Mark Schulz, David Forke

Guests: Dean Gumz (secretary)

Meeting was called to order at 7:30 pm by John Reagan

1) Opening Devotion/ Prayer: Chuck Falch

2) Missions Review - Pastor Mark

Peace is currently supporting 27 mission groups. It seems that this large number of missions may cause our church efforts to become watered-down. The Leadership team has grouped the mission opportunities into similar focuses. Later this spring, there will be a survey to members seeking those missions that are near and dear to the most numbers of people. The goal will be to reduce our number of missions with the desired outcome of increasing our efforts to promote the mission opportunities we want to support.

3) Consent Agenda – John R

A) The December BOD minutes were presented. A typographical change was recommended.

B) Bruce presented updated policies F2, G7, A6, and B2.

C) Pastoral Report – not available

D) HSA Staff Contribution - $500 annual contribution to HSA accounts as done in the past for Kristin, David, Sue, Abbi, Allie, and Mark.

E) Financial Report – not available. John to send out later in Jan.

Motion to approve the consent agenda items by John Genskow. Seconded by Vince Maro. Motion was approved.

4) Building Team Update – Chuck

Chuck shared a number of upgrades/ repairs that he and staff are aware of for future budget consideration. Among those are the following:

A) Painting the rest of the office – Kristin, Terry, Marlee, conference room

B) Sealing the cracks and parking lot coating

C) Refrigerant system service ~6,000

D) Boiler control off the kitchen is not current with computer system

E) Carpet replacement in the gathering area (A member has donated towards this already)

5) Open Staff Positions – Mark/ David

Peace extended an offer to Abbi Meyer for the Director of Worship position and she accepted.

The search committee for the Director of Children and Family Ministry plans to meet one more before recommending to the congregation that we call Emily Sagissor. Details will follow including a special congregational meeting.

6) New Business – John R

A) Staff Service anniversary – Sue Gumz is celebrating 25 yrs of service at Peace. Staff will coordinate recognition for her.

B) LCMS Voting – This year will be the National Synodical Convention. Each member church gets two votes – one pastoral and one lay vote. Motion was made by Anne Hartman that John Reagan should be our lay vote. Seconded by Chuck Falch. Motion approved.

C) New Pastoral duty input – Mark presented a tentative job description for the new pastor and indicated that a survey will be forthcoming as the call committee seeks clarity on key skills/ qualities that are most important to Peace at this time.

D) What does it mean to be a member? – Kathy presented a short synopsis of benefits she feels come with being a member instead of just an attender. There was some discussion about her ideas but no action taken.

7) Closing Prayer – Mark

8) Motion to adjourn at 9:15 by Paul Weinke. Seconded by Chuck Falch. Motion Approved.

Respectfully submitted by Dean Gumz