Our Savior Lutheran - Thomaston, CT

I.          Call to Order
            The meeting was called to order at 11:50 AM by Jack Kearney.  32 members were in attendance.
II.        Prayer
            Prayer was led by Pastor Gollenberg.
III.       Information from Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service and Integrated Refugee and             Immigrant Service (IRIS-Episcopal Church).
Pastor Gollenberg discussed the information from both Immigration/Refugee services. The Lutheran Service does not have any sponsoring available in our local area. Most of their re-settling of refugee is done in settled communities. The other group (IRIS) is supported by the Episcopal Church. We would work with other congregations to co-sponsor a family. This could involve giving money and supplying refugee needs such as clothing, housing needs…etc. Pastor Gollenberg suggested that we form a committee to look into the possibility of supporting a refugee family. Anyone interested in this was asked to talk with Pastor Gollenberg.
IV.       Budget for calendar year 2016
A. Presentation:  John Vergauwen presented the Budget for 2016 for review.  John Vergauwen discussed how many people we help/effect with our contributions. New Beginnings and Operation Christmas Child reach over 500 people. Other ministries also reach out to help others.
The Budget for 2016 is 0.5% less than last year’s (2015). Under Benefit Package, there is a decrease in medical costs. This was due to a one time reduction in costs.
Even though we are running a deficit at this time, it is much less than we had at this time last year.           
B. Discussion: Discussion on the budget followed:  Pledge Response
A question was asked about how many pledge responses we have received this year and how they compare to last year’s response. Karen Ligi (Financial Secretary) commented that it was too soon to have a final total.
Confirmation Ministry
Eileen Finer asked whether the congregation should find more funding for this ministry.  For the present time, we will leave the funding at the level in the budget.
Restricted Funds (Designated Funds)
Carolyn Brau asked for an explanation of what these funds are used for. Designated Funds are not typically used for day to day expenses.
Mission Investment Fund
A question was asked about this fund and its purpose. During the renovation of the church, a loan was taken out with the Mission Investment Fund. We have kept the remaining funds and use this account as a reserve fund.
 
Change for the Church Fund
A question was asked what was this fund was used for. This fund was established to re pay the money that had been inadvertently taken out of Restricted (Designated) Funds to pay day to day expenses. It was decided that this fund’s money would be used toward to the Building needs.
 C. Vote
     A motion was made by Sandy Talbot and seconded by Betsy D’Amico to call the
     question and vote on the budget. The budget was passed.          
V. Dismissal
 Pastor Gollenberg led us in prayer. A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Betsy D’Amico and seconded by Karen Ligi to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed. The meeting adjourned at 12:27 PM.
 
Respectfully Submitted, Diane Elwood, Council Secretary