Minutes of St. John Lutheran Church + Bingen

Voters Assembly Meeting

(subject to approval)

Date and Time:             July 13, 2009 8:00 p.m.        

Called to Order by:       Chairman Michael Scheumann

Devotions:                     Pastor John Dreyer opened with a prayer from the LSB, Page 307 “To Open A Congregational Meeting”.  Stanza 1 of Hymn 648 in the LSB “Glorious Things of You Are Spoken” was sung.

Recording Secretary’s Report:        

   M/S/C    To approve the April 27, 2009 Voters Meeting minutes as corrected.

Treasurer’s Report:        Jay Witte presented the fist 6 months salaries and maintenance report (attached).  Jay commented that the expenses are lower than expected as Bingen’s share of the Wyneken budget was lower than originally expected.  As of June 30, 2009 the expenses are exceeding contributions by $21,406.72.

   M/S/C    To accept the Treasurer’s report as presented.

Financial Secretary’s Report:           Delin Kleine presented and discussed the second quarter report (attached).

   Delin noted that: The Thrivent Giving Plus program contributions are down from last year, however the members need to get their contributions in earlier as Thrivent has reduced the gross amount being donated countrywide this year.

   Furthermore, the Elmo Ehlerding memorial was accidentally included in Bingen’s funds.  It has been forwarded to Wyneken.

   M/S/C    To accept the Financial Secretary’s report as presented.

Pastor’s Report:     Pastor John Dreyer presented his report of the membership changes (attached).

There were seventeen members confirmed – Caitlain Myra Anderson, Chelsea Elaine Bergman. Cody Austin Fuelling, Grant Alan Kleine, Casey Edwin Krueckeberg, Alexis Nicole MacDowell, Kyle Benjamin Macke, Willie David Mahlan, Nicole Marie Norton, Leah Danielle Oetting, Emma Louise Scheumann, Nathan Robert Scheumann, Jordan Taylor Schroeder, Nicholas James Schwartz, Clayton Beau Selking, Kayla Nichole Selking and Mark Lawrence Shepherd.

There was one marriage – Bart Comer and Lindsay Lockwood on May 23, 2009.

There was one baptism – Miles Carroll McKean on July 5, 2009.

M/S/C    To accept Linda Sue Landis as a member transferring from Holy Cross, Fort Wayne.

Three members were transferred to their eternal glory – Erna Clara Elizabeth Scheiman on April 30, 2009, Mary Elizabeth Scheumann on June 4, 2009 and Richard Martin Bultemeier on June 8, 2009.

M/S/C    To transfer Becky Peconge Linnemeier to Prince of Peace, Grabill, IN

M/S/C    To transfer Kevin Lee Brown, wife Tracy Ann, children Kyle Everett and McKenzie Kaylee to Redeemer, Marquette, MI.

M/S/C    To transfer Hollie Renee Mowery and child Abigail Reese to St. Peter, Fort Wayne, IN.

M/S/C    To release from membership Jennifer Ann Garringer as she is joining a church outside of our fellowship.

As of July 13, 2009 there were 761 souls and 625 communicants.

Pastor currently has 5 adults in his catechism class.  There will be another class starting in August with 2 additional adults.

Pastor will also be starting an informal social committee.  It was suggested that he look to chairmen of the various standing committees for possible members.

Pastor is also working on a “Welcome Packet” for Sunday visitors.  This packet would explain how our services work and the meaning behind how we worship.

Elders’ Report:       Steve McBride reported that Pastor Barnes and Pastor Hinkle are interested in helping Pastor Dreyer with his visits.  The Pastors would work with Pastor Dreyer and at his discretion. 

   M/S/C    To hire Pastor Barnes and Pastor Hinkle to be used at Pastor Dreyer’s discretion at $20.00 per visit location with mileage at the IRS rate up to a maximum total of $6,000.00 thru the end of the year.

Trustees’ Report:      No Report.

Deacons’ Report:   Todd McBride reported that Chris Caston of Innovative Concepts Audio &Video, Inc. looked at the sound system and has ordered the parts necessary to repair the system.  Chris will also work on the Parrish Hall TV so that the TV will play DVD’s

Wyneken School Board:        Mark Scheumann presented his report as follows:

The roof project is on schedule with some minor cost over runs so far.  The school board is aware that the screws holding the insulation in the old gym are protruding to far through and will need to be addressed.  If necessary, the screws will be cut off.

On August 8, 2009 the new play ground for the day care will be installed.  Help is needed.

On July 24, 2009 at 8:00 a.m. painting will be done in several rooms.  Contact Mark if you can be available to help.

The Wyneken annual association meeting is August 3, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. in the Bingen Parrish Hall.  Mark encouraged everyone to attend the meeting.  The School budget will have about a $27,000.00 increase or 4% and this will be discussed at the meeting.

St. John’s Board of Education:         No Report

Board of Stewardship:        No Report

The Planning Board:           No Report

Board of Evangelism:         Dennis Braun reported that Bingen had a booth at Hoagland Days featuring a model of the Church and School.  Thursday night was good.  Friday night and Saturday were slow.

Wills Committee:       No Report

Cemetery Committee:        No Report

Lutheran Laymen’s League and Lutheran Hour:             No Report

Church Extension:              Pastor reported for Michael Fifer, as Mike was unable to attend tonight’s meeting.

   Pastor and Mike attended the District convention.  Mike was Bingen’s delegate to the convention.  It was noted that the delegates rejected the Blue Ribbon Commission’s recommendation on the LC-MS restructuring.

Men’s Activities Committee:            No Report

Lutheran Home:                  No Report

Lutheran Foundation:            No Report

Old Business:

Michael Scheumann reported that they are still working on Pastor Dreyer’s call documents.  Pastor is still working on renting or selling his house.  Currently, it appears that he will be renting his house.

New Business:

M/S/C    To elect the following individuals to the nominating committee: Michael Scheumann, Trent Kleine, Steve McBride, Keith Macke, Darrin Scheumann, and Dennis Braun.

   Roger and Carrie Macke would be interested in the upstairs piano, as it is no longer used.  It was mentioned that the Witte family may have donated the piano.  The family will be consulted prior to any action taken with the piano.  This item will be discussed at the next voter’s meeting.

   There was discussion on the new bulletin format – both positive and negative.  The main area of contention was the omission of the written scriptures. An informal showing of hands indicated that a majority of voters did not have an issue with the new bulletin format.

   Furthermore, the bulletins need to be on our web site in a timely fashion prior to the Sunday services (Friday or Saturday).

   There are 65 members signed up for “The Lutheran Witness” magazine at a subscription rate of $15.00 per year.

   M/S/C       To adjourn 9:17 p.m.

   Pastor Dreyer closed with prayers from page 298 of the LSB and the Benediction.    

Members Present:       32

Others Present:              1

                                                                        Respectfully Submitted

                                                                        Jeffery L. Kiess