December 2025 Council Minutes

ELDERS

·         Donna Munsch and Jim Harbo in attendance at December meeting.  Schedule was set for December.

·         John Nicolai to be asked to give a short presentation on our security needs at the next Elders’ meeting, and then to the church Council.

·         Date for Reformation Sunday set (at December Council meeting) for November 24, 2026.

·         Discussion about hiring Pastor Rockett as a part-time pastor.

 FINANCIAL SECRETARY AND TREASURER’S REPORT

·         MSC to approve Donna Munsch and Betty Bujas. Treasurer’s report for November is attached.

·         Roy Merz asked if Memorial Fund was ever on this report.  The Memorial Fund has never been reported on Treasurer’s report.  The church secretary keeps an account of donations and expenditures.  Will ask Gerrie Oliver to give us an updated Report, and in the future, if the report changes, we will ask Anne Ottomanelli to give us this information.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

·         No applications received for the December 6 “Happy Birthday Jesus!” program, consequently it was canceled.

·         Possibility of a Lenten story hour will be scheduled with a storyteller.

MISSIONS AND EVANGELISM

·         No report.  (Tally of votes for 2026 Missions will be reported at January Council meeting.)

·         Our pledge to the New Jersey District for 2026 is $300.00.  MSC to approve Janice Pierro and Donna Munsch.

·         The question of Rev. Dennis Rockett becoming our part-time minister was discussed.  We are thankful and blessed with all Pastor Rockett does for our congregation and want him to enjoy his retirement.  After great consideration, it was decided unanimously at the Congregational meeting at this time it was best not to have a part-time minister.

·         Corrections were discussed on the prayers listed in our bulletin.  To be corrected.

·         Council voted to give Gerrie Oliver a monetary gift and flowers for her dedication and service as our Church Secretary.  MSC Roy Merz and Ann Cavalli.

·         The use and possible purchase of a lapel mic was tabled until January meeting.

·         Anne Ottomanelli, new church secretary, will be introduced to the congregation in the bulletin, “The Lamplighter,” and an email blitz.

·         In the New Year, Zoom account will be established in order to have interactive discussion with Council members unable to attend in person.  If necessary we will purchase a large screen.  To be investigated.

CALL COMMITTEE

·         The Call Committee, at the request of Pastor Gewecke, submitted a compensation package for the pastor to be called.  President Gewecke’s response was as follows: “This estimate is a good starting place for discussion and planning.  I will take some time right after the Christmas break to review your proposal and offer some suggestions.”

CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP/SOCIAL ACTION

·            No report

PROPERTY

·         Steps repaired in front of church.

·         Church computers replaced.

·         Lots of leaves raked.

·         Christmas wreaths purchased and placed on church doors, nativity placed on church portico.

·         Fellowship Hall tree decorated, thanks to all who helped!

·         Fresh tree for sanctuary purchased.

STEWARDSHIP

Stewardship Sunday will be November 15^, 2026, with a short preview skit on November 8^th announcing Stewardship Sunday the following week.  A Time & Talent sheet will also be distributed at the “preview.”

OLD BUSINESS

·         Budget was approved for 2026 at December 9 Congregational meeting.  MSC Janice Pierro and Roy Merz.

·         Roy Merz will follow up with Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts to get their schedules in order to include in our publications.

NEW BUSINESS

·         Carillon playing Christmas music.

·         Altar Guild to determine if we use faux flowers on the altar.  If they decide not to use faux flowers, the church will fund the fresh flowers when no one signs up.

·         The Council unanimously agreed to the give monetary Christmas gifts to the following people:  Pastor Dennis Rockett, Roy Merz, Linda Beddoe, Marjorie Vandervoort.

·         Our pledge to the New Jersey District for 2026 is $300.00.  MSC to approve Janice Pierro and Donna Munsch.

·         The question of Rev. Dennis Rockett becoming our part-time minister was discussed.  We are thankful and blessed with all Pastor Rockett does for our congregation and want him to enjoy his retirement.  After great consideration, it was decided unanimously at the Congregational meeting at this time it was best not to have a part-time minister.

·         Corrections were discussed on the prayers listed in our bulletin.  To be corrected.

·         Council voted to give Gerrie Oliver a monetary gift and flowers for her dedication and service as our Church Secretary.  MSC Roy Merz and Ann Cavalli.

·         The use and possible purchase of a lapel mic was tabled until January meeting.

·         Anne Ottomanelli, new church secretary, will be introduced to the congregation in the bulletin, “The Lamplighter,” and an email blitz.

·         In the New Year, Zoom account will be established in order to have interactive discussion with Council members unable to attend in person.  If necessary we will purchase a large screen.  To be investigated.

CALL COMMITTEE

·         The Call Committee, at the request of Pastor Gewecke, submitted a compensation package for the pastor to be called.  President Gewecke’s response was as follows: “This estimate is a good starting place for discussion and planning.  I will take some time right after the Christmas break to review your proposal and offer some suggestions.”

·         We are currently waiting for his suggestions.

LADIES AID

No report by Janice Pierro