CHAMPAIGN COUNTY THRIVENT CHAPTER MEETING
Monday, May 5, 2003 6:30PM
Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville, IL
Chairman Judy Rademaker called the meeting to order. Present were Judy Rademaker, Bobbie Schnitkey, Bob Hesterberg, Michael Johnson, Norm Fisher, Darrell Brandt, Bruce and Eleanor Dani and guests, Dick Vollmer and Rev. Lynn Podoll.
Following a welcome to our guests, a motion to approve the minutes from the previous meeting was made, seconded and carried.
The financial director was not present to give a report.
A legal requirement to admit new members into the chapter was discussed. A list of 62 new members since February 1, 2003, was turned over to the records director. Bob moved and Bobbie seconded to approve the new members. MC
Michael Johnson, Congregational service team director had no report, but had several questions and concerns that were addressed.
A printout of officers and their responsibilities was handed out by the chairman.
Discussed items to bring up at the Chapter training session on May 17, 2003.
Unfinished Business
The Eastern Illinois Food Bank project has been reported and approved.
The St. John’s Library project for purchase of books for the school is tentatively scheduled for June 28, 2003 has been reported and approved.
Discussed the Myron Mennega/Debbie DeMay Benefit and treatments and problems each of them are facing.
New Projects
Pastor Podoll - the Champaign-Danville Circuits of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod are planning "A Celebration of Missions in Music and Ministry" on June 8, 2003 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Champaign. This project is for mission education and inspiration for the 23 churches in these two circuits of the LCMS. The guest speaker will be Mr. Gary Thies, Mission Development Counselor for LCMS World Mission. The celebration will also feature a joint choir from the participating congregations as well as other music. Due to the anticipated number of people attending the event, it will need to be held in the gymnasium of the school rather than the Sanctuary. This makes it necessary to rent an electronic organ which will cost $950. We will also have costs for printing, honoraria, advertising and mailings for which we need additional funding. Each congregation in the circuit has been asked to donate $25 and a family from Broadlands has pledged up to $500. Discussed wording on poster indicating sponsorship by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Gifts gathered at the event and any other funds left over will be used for the printing and distribution of Bibles in the Nuer language to immigrants from the Sudan who now live in America, as well as people in Kenya and Ethiopia, who speak and read the Nuer language and for new hymnals for fellow Lutherans in Kazakhstan.
Discussed using regional funding for this type of project. Bob Hesterberg moved to have Lynette and Pastor Podoll contact the regional office to see if this would qualify and if there is enough time to get regional funding. If not, the motion includes $800 from Champaign County Care Abounds in Community Funding. Seconded by Mike. MC.
Dick Vollmer, Congregational Coordinator from the Lutheran Church of Mahomet presented information from the Belarus Fund Raiser, a dinner and auction held on April 23, 2003 to raise funds for an Art School in Smilovichi, and Mission Outreach. Bobbie moved to match $800 of funds raised, seconded by Lynette. MC. Bobbie will check into matching funds since the event has already happened. If not will use it as a service project, so that funds do not have to be deposited into the chapter account.
Thrivent privacy policies were discussed. Dick Vollmer indicated that Congregational Communicators can now get a list of all Thrivent members in their congregation.
Discussed youth project of St. John’s, Champaign going to Indian Reservation in South Dakota. Funds could not be used for transportation costs of the youth attending, but for VBS materials and building project materials. Request $800.00 as a service project. Receipts for all supplies and materials will have to be turned in to the chapter so that funds can be distributed. Motion was made, seconded and carried to approve $800 for this project.
The congregational coordinator from Sadorus has requested matching funds for a luncheon to be held following worship on May 18th for two families. The first, is a man who had a heart attack, surgery and has no job; the other for a lady with cancer and has no health insurance. Forms for requesting matching funds need to be filled out. Motion was made, seconded and carried to match up to a $1,000 for each person on a $ for $ match for a total of $2,000.
The Mennega/DeMay fundraiser for the two cancer patients was discussed. The fund-raiser will be an all day event, from 2:00 - 8:00 p.m. the Gifford Fire Department and Lions Club organizing the event. Discussed reconsidering the amount of money to each family. A motion to raise the amount matched to $5,000 from $2,500 per family was made, seconded and carried.
Discussed funding for LSSI - Lutheran Social Services Concert to be held on Thursday, May 8th. Proceeds go to Children’s Community Services in Champaign. Time frame is a concern. Advertising cannot be done in this short of time. Decided that not enough time was available and that next year or later on this year if they have another project, we can help if we have more notice.
The Urbana Post Prom committee has requested funds since in the past AAL has helped them out. Post Prom will be on May 18th from 1 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is a drug-free, alcohol free environment for juniors and seniors and their dates. Requested matching funds for up to $300 in their final fund-raising event. Discussion followed. Monies raised would have to be deposited into the Chapter account and with all the school districts in the chapter it was decided not to fund this type of event.
Discussed the Boy Scout meeting room renovation. Total estimate for repairs is approximately $715.00. It was decided that the Boy Scouts were the ones benefiting and should come from congregational funding.
A request for $35 from operating funds to provide refreshments for the Food Drive workers was presented. Bobbie moved and Mike seconded to provide $35 from the operating fund for refreshments for the workers sorting food from the Postal food drive.
Join Hands Day was discussed and will be held on June 21, 2003.
Discussed the Chapter mailing service. Can be used to identify chapter leaders, list projects and inform of upcoming meetings. At least six weeks is needed to do this. This mailing will be sent by the regional office to all churches in the chapter.
Norm Fisher reported on the web-site he is working on and is still checking into a digital camera for the chapter.
Baptismal medallions can be engraved by a person in Philo for a cost of $5.00.
Discussed upcoming training session at St. John’s.
Our next chapter meeting will be held on Monday, June 9th, at 6:30 p.m. at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Urbana.
Respectfully submitted,
Lynette Renfrow.