Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer, St. Louis, MO

The meeting was called to order by President Fred Bodimer III.
There were 12 members present, 5 guests. The meeting was opened with prayer by Luther DeCuir.

The previous meeting was January 18, 2004. The minutes were included in the last Messenger. A motion was made, seconded and passed to approve the minutes as printed.

Fred Bodimer reviewed the schedule of services coming up
Seder Meal Maundy Thursday, 6:30, meal and service
Good Friday evening service. There was a questioned whether there would be one. Luther will check with Pastor Rall.
There will be a special meeting between Luther DeCuir, Jonathan Kraemer and Pastor Rall.

Elders
Pastors Jonathan Kraemer and Carl Toelke are sharing the services.
Jonathan Kraemer has a problem with his schedule. His mother is ill. He will need to return to Canada to be with his family this summer. Also his wife is pregnant. He needs to cut back on his weekly duties here at Our Redeemer. Right now he is scheduled to be at the church Monday and Thursday evenings.

Luther, Carl and Jonathan are going to schedule a meeting. They need to decide who would do what at Our Redeemer.

The Elders thought one person should do the confirmation classes. Luther could do the confirmation. Carl or Jonathan could continue to do Bible class.

Carl reported we do have a couple of people who have been previously been members. They will start taking communion.

Confirmation. Luther reported there are four young people between the ages of 13 and 15 who could be in the confirmation class. Should they be in the same classes with the adults? The teens could meet after church. It was decided Luther will conduct the adult group after church, and Gloria the young adult group after church. The pastors will continue with Bible class. This would start the Sunday after Easter – April 18.

Elders will discuss the in-between.

Manny and Luther plan to start their visits soon. Manny has had back problems. He is doing Spanish services on Sundays in Springfield, MO.

Treasurer’s Report – Chuck Wuensch

The reports for January 2004 and February 2004 were presented. (copies are attached to the original minutes) A motion was made, seconded and carried to approve the reports as presented.
Luther talked about an interest-free loan for his truck repairs. $2,500 for a rebuilt engine. He does use the truck to tow the trailer for Jesus Rocks.
A motion was made that the church pay $250 and the remainder be an interest-free loan to Luther for repairs. The motion was seconded and passed.
The details of the loan will be worked out and a letter agreement will be signed setting out the repayment schedule, the payments will be deducted from his salary, and also the agreement will state that if for some reason he leaves our employ the entire balance will be due.
The minutes of the previous meeting were corrected. Jonathan Kraemer’s name is spelled Kraemer. Karate classes are Mondays and Thursdays.
Grant--Lutheran Foundation. It was reported a request has been turned in. They need more details.
Gloria brought up the idea of a tax preparation site. Tax preparation for people who cannot afford to have it done. AARP and another group may want to set up a site at Our Redeemer.
Ray Marti brought up the sign idea again, 4 feet x 3 feet. Luther pointed out it was discussed a couple of years ago. We would need a sign big enough for our purpose.

New Business
Luther had information on purchasing a lapel mic system to plug into our system.
VHF - $275-$300. With this we may pick up cell phone calls or CBs.
UHF - $275-$400. We would not pick up the calls.

A motion was made that we purchase the UHF system. Seconded and passed.

Luther received a call from our neighbors. Our lighting system is not working. The mercury lights on the front and side of church have not been working. He told them we would check into it.
Luther received a call from a Presbyterian pastor. Would we be interested in donating church space for a service here at Our Redeemer? There was a question why he hadn’t contacted Curby Memorial Church. Luther will call him back and advise him we are not interested, he will suggest the pastor contact Curby (it sounded like it would be for a youth program).

Seder Meal. Volunteers are needed. Will communion be open to everyone? Luther checked with Carl Toelke. Carl explained how it would be done. It is not actually communion until the last time wine is consumed. Only those who should will take communion. Those not communing will drink grape juice.

There will be an Easter Breakfast, 8:00 – 9:15 a.m.

A motion was made to adjourn. The meeting was closed with the Lord’s Prayer.

Respectfully submitted.

Jane Prahlow