Where every person is important and Jesus Christ is Lord
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
Troy, New York
The 36th Annual Meeting Booklet
Minutes of the 2005 Annual Meeting (35th Annual)
Annual Congregational Meeting
Sunday, February 13, 2005
Minutes
Opened with a prayer.
Arlene began with welcoming everyone to the meeting.
Pastor gives his report. We briefly discuss same sex unions. His report is accepted.
Arlene addresses everyone. All members are encouraged to look over the Treasurer's report and budget. Discussed the unpaid bills and the challenges we were facing with low offerings. Pastor thanked Stephanie for doing a great job in her time as treasurer. Announced Darlene Gordon was taking over the position.
We discussed the budget and the need for members to give more money on a regular basis. We do not always have enough each week to meet expenses. Members were asked to budget what they give. We also discussed how to give more. Bev Lantigne suggested placing small, unpaid bills at the back of the sanctuary and someone could take the bill and pay it. The issue with the cost of the phone bill was brought up. Stephanie let us know the yellow pages ad we once had has been stopped and we now only pay for the line in the phone book. A suggestion was made we look into switching to another carrier to save money, but have tried that in the past and it did not work out.
We are trying a new electric/gas carrier who promised we would see lower costs.
That report was accepted.
The congregation is notified of the opportunity for us to consolidate our two existing loans into one loan with First Niagara. We would have a lower interest rate than we currently have and we would spend less money each month. The council has already discussed this and approved the motion, but we wanted the rest of the members to know about it. The members accepted this as well.
Pastor let Arlene know how much he appreciated her and all the work she does for the church and council and putting together the annual report.
Gospel Report- Pastor talked about trying a different format for the later service. Also that there was a new hymnal available that he would like us to consider looking into.
We discussed Confirmation Camp and those that would be attending. Alexandra, Alexis, Steven and Genny. Pastor forgot Genny, but was reminded and she was added to the list. That was accepted.
Property report-The walkways have been shoveled and salted as needed. The Stockwell family was added to the report for their help. We talked about the little things that need fixing up around the church. Clara Piche notified the members that union locals and apprentices do volunteer work. Pastor thanked Betty Madison for her time and effort. That report was accepted by all.
Fund Raising-Bonnie Hunziker suggested we try something new. A silent auction. We will get businesses from the area to donate gift certificates, or items and we will auction them off to friends, family, co-workers. This will help take the place of the many dinners we put on throughout the year. That was accepted.
Church council nominations-Mike Whalen, Darlene Gordon, Brian Barno. All are accepted. With no other business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Pamela Barrett
