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Visionotes: March 2010

Download Now: March 2010 Newsletter (PDF)

Obituary:Bill Harvey

William “Bill” Leigh Harvey age 78 died Monday February 15, 2010 in St. George Utah. He was born on December 21, 1931 in rural Buffalo County the oldest of three children of Leland and Francis Harvey. He attended Mondovi High School in Mondovi Wisconsin and joined the Marines in 1951 where he received the Purple Heart in the Korean Conflict. Bill married Shirley Mae Gifford on April 10, 1954 and they have enjoyed 55years together. He is survived by his loving wife Shirley of Evansville, his children Mary (Ed) Calkins of Brooklyn WI, William R. (Lonnie Wiederhoeft) Harvey of Eau Claire WI, Mark (Sue) Harvey of DeForest WI, Anne (Doug Kjellstrom) Tilley of Oregon WI, Brenda (Jeff) Davis of Roscoe IL, ten grandchildren, a brother Gary Harvey, a sister Donna Kneisler. He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral services will be held at 11:00am on Saturday February 20, 2010 at St. John’s Lutheran Church 312 S. 3^rd St. Evansville, Wisconsin with Reverend Richard Collier officiating. Burial will follow in Maple Hill Cemetery Evansville with military Rites provided by V.F.W. Post 6905 of Evansville, Wisconsin. Friends may call on Saturday from 9:00am until the time of service at the church. Ward Funeral Home Evansville is assisting the family. The family requests donations to the charity of your choice in William’s name.

Epistle: February 14, 2010

Upload Now: Feb 14, 2010 (PDF)

M&W Dec. ‘09 & Jan.’10 Minutes

Download Now: M&W Minutes 12-21-09 & 1-25-10 (PDF)

Current LWR Drive for Supplies – Read about what you can do in General News

Health Kits for LWR

January and February

 Help St. John’s send health kits to underprivileged countries.

 The following items are needed for each kit:

 One hand towel – dark color recommended

One washcloth – dark color recommended

One bath-size bar of soap (4-5 oz), any brand, in its original wrapping

One adult toothbrush, in original wrapping preferred

One comb, wide tooth preferred, remove packaging

One metal nail file, or nail clippers with file attached, unwrap package (no emery boards)

Six band-aids, preferably ½” to ¾”, secure with rubber band

 Wrap items in the towel and tie securely with ribbons or yarn. One LWR volunteer suggests wrapping smaller items in the washcloth.

 WE CANNOT SEND TOOTHPASTE.

Council Minutes December 2009

Download Now: 12-14-09 Council Minutes

St. John’s Lutheran Church

Council Minutes

December 14, 2009 

 1.         Call to Order.  Ken Reese called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.

2.            Devotions.  Pastor Collier had devotions. 

 3.            Present.  Bob Johnson, Rhonda Crans, Ann Schoenenberger, Vonnie Hatlen, Barb Howard, Diana Crans, Kris Finfrock, Heather Peterson, Ken Reese, Donna Johnson and Kitty Verkuilen.

 4.            Absent.  None. 

 5.            Guests.  Shelly Andrew, Debbie Fredendall, and Gene Miller.

 6.            Secretary  Report.  Motion by Ann Schoenenberger to approve the November secretary’s report, second by Vonnie Hatlen, motion carried.

 7.            Financial Report.  Shelly was not able to provide financial report due to computer problems.  She is reconstructing October-November financials, but indicated we are doing okay financially and should be able to catch up on benevolence pledge to Synod.

 8.            Guests:

             a.            Gene Miller.  Gene was present on behalf of the Endowment Committee.  $1247 made on investments.  The Endowment Committee recommended payout of income as follows:

                        (1)            $249 (20%) to Lutheran World Relief

                        (2)            $249 (20%) to Care Closet

                        (3)            $249 (20%) to Aware

                        (4)            $499 (40%) to St. John’s Building Fund

 Per Pastor Collier, the recommendation of the Endowment Committee as stated above is considered a motion before the council, which motion was subsequently seconded by Ann;  motion carried to disburse the income as recommended by the Endowment Committee.

Gene also indicated that there is approximately $51,000 in the endowment fund; Ken Fenrick’s term is up and he has agreed to do another term;  Gene’s term is up and Eric Peterson has agreed to take his place.

             b.            Deb Fredendall.  Debbie was present to request clarification with regard to the building usage fee.  Present policy is to charge a $50 deposit.  This policy will stand, however, discretionary exceptions will be permitted.  Debbie also indicated the risograph (sp) needs to be disposed of.  “The guys will take care of this”.

 9.            Committee Reports.

            a.            Life & Growth.  Vonnie made cookie boxes out of remaining cookies from Sunday School program and delivered them to shut-ins.

             b.            Parish Ed.  Ann reported confirmands are completing their requirements. 

             c.            Youth.  Heather reported that Keith Henning and Karl Korfmacher will start youth group; organizational meeting scheduled for December 27^th.

             d.            Fellowship.  Discussion about welcome station, information to be made available and persons to be available.

             e.            Stewardship.  Kris discussed looking for ideas on how to get others involved and possibly attending the new member meetings; simplify time and talent sheet; have congregation fill out time and talent sheet after church service; Ann will find out when Sunday School sings next time and possibly distribute time and talent sheets at that service.

             f.            Bldg & Grounds.  Basement leak fixed.

 g.         Music & Worship.  Saturday service discussed; Kris volunteered to learn projection; discussed revamping sound system.

h.         Memorials.  No report.

 i.          Social Concern.  Donna Johnson indicated she will work with Hunger.

 10.       Old Business:

            a.            Call Committee.  Bob Johnson reported on progress of Call Committee, which is in process of completing the congregational profile; Committee wanted 5 criteria from council for new pastor.  Council’s criteria: Leadership, worship, evangelism, education, and confirmation/youth.  Bob will deliver criteria to Committee.

             b.            Church Renovation.  Pastor suggested replacing pew cushions first and form a committee to make recommendations for behind the altar.  Volunteers for the committee would be sought at annual meeting.

11.       New Business:

            a.            Severe Weather Policy.  Upon review of the severe weather policy, the following additions were recommended:

                        (1)  Add to paragraph 1 (to provide for sufficient notice of cancellation of Saturday night service):  “Cancel by 12:00 noon for Saturday evening service.”

                         (2)  Add to paragraph 3:  “Council president shall notify the Church Secretary of any cancellation and Church Secretary shall notify the webmaster of such cancellation.”

 **Deb…Please add above language to Severe Weather Policy.

             b.            Annual Meeting.  The annual meeting is scheduled for January 31^st.

             c.            Budget.  Discussion on budget.  Typo under 2010 administration supplies.  Figure should be $4200, instead of $420. 

 d.            Piggly Wiggly Account.  Vonnie Hatlen motioned to cancel the open account at Piggly Wiggly due to accountability; second by Donna Johnson; motion carried.  Bob Johnson to contact Deb on this.

             e.            Registration Fees.  Ann recommended reinstating registration fees for Sunday School and Vacation Bible School to help offset fees.  Kris Finfrock motioned to set a $5.00 registration fee for Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, with a $10.00 registration fee cap per family effective January 1, 2010 (the registration fee would be initiated with summer VBS and fall registration for Sunday School); second by Donna Johnson; motion carried.

 Members expressed concern that Sunday School money is going into the general account, instead of education.  Bob will ask Debbie to contact counters so that money is designated to education.

            f.            Deb’s Vacation Hours.  Ann will check with Steve and Maynerd regarding Deb’s vacation/remaining vacation/comp time/carryover issues.  No action taken.

 12.            Pastor’s Report.  Pastor indicated all is going well.  Letter of Agreement for Interim Pastoral Service was executed.  Pastor Collier graciously indicated he would not look for an increase in salary in 2010.  

11.            Adjournment.    Kitty motioned to adjourn the meeting at 9:45 P.M.

                                                            Respectfully submitted, (and farewell!)

                                                            Rhonda Crans, Secretary

Welcome Interim Pastor Rich Collier

Pastor Rich comes to us as interim Pastor. He has served as full-time interim Pastor for the last 15 years in our synod. His last assignment was with Faith Lutheran Church in Janesville. Although he lives in Mayville (Dodge County), he will be driving to Evansville Mondays through Thursdays as well as Sundays. He welcomes phone calls 920-904-4818 or emails to revcollier@sbcglobal.net.  Pastor Rich writes, “I am pleased to be here with you at St. John’s and intend to stay until you are able to call a new Pastor.”

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