Council Meeting-Nov. 2010

• The Henrik Hudson Male Chorus and the Chatham High School Choir will perform at CoE on Friday, December 10, 2010 at 7:30 P.M.
  Refreshments will follow the performance. Tickets will be $5.00 for individuals and $10.00 for families. Kristen announced that our church sign appeared on "Face Book!"
• A date for a Christmas pageant has been suggested: December 19, 2010. A congregation Lunch is suggested.
• Services will return to the basement in January to save on heat expenses in the Sanctuary.
• Kirsten will hold a re-training session for acolytes on Saturday,December 4, 2010, at 10:00 A.M. Etiquette at the front of the church and during service will be reviewed.All present acolytes and anyone else interested in participating are encouraged to attend.
• There is a sign-up sheet attached to the cabinet at the back of the church for those who would like to share in providing the "Children's Sermon" during the service.
• Donations for the luncheon following the funeral for Herman were numerous and the fellowship and memories in good keeping. Donations from the Witthoft bereavement will be applied to the "Lift" fund.
• There is a sign-up sheet on the front of the cabinet at the back of the church for "Sunday Morning Coffee-hour" host/hostessing.
• Mac, Bruce, and Marcia have cleaned and organized the smaller apartment in the parsonage for office-space rental. Asking monthlyrent is $400.00 plus electric. Thanks for your constant and consistent good work, M, M & B!
• Mac has met with representatives from Main Care and Suburban Propane about the condition of the four furnaces in the church and parsonage. Basic safety and replacement repairs are needed. The oldest furnace which heats the sanctuary cannot be serviced; parts are not available. It also produces extreme enough heat to melt insulation on pipes and should be replaced. It is suggested that the smaller furnace be re-ducted into the sanctuary as well and the older one be dismantled, because a new unit estimates at $10,ooo. The cost of the basic repairs will be: $1150.75 The annual maintenance service contract for three furnaces will be $808.33. A commercial rate for oil on a budget plan is offered.
• The new lift is being manufactured and should be available for installation by the beginning end of November.
• The Marion Stegman fund donation of $100.00 was made. It is suggested that a donation jar be placed at the back of the church to continue support of this local charity.
• It seems that an agreement for sharing cluster ministry with St. Luke's and other northern Columbia County congregations was not implemented last year. We will need to vote at our annual meeting.
• Our share of secretarial costs this year have not covered all expenses. Therefore, our costs will increase in January from $175.00/month to $377.50/month, or $4,529.00 annually. This includes secretary salary, benefits, paper, newsletter, copier, and "Sunday & Seasons" bulletins.
• It is suggested that the Cluster Newsletter be available quarterly and that individual congregations undertake to distribute paper copies as needed to elderly persons and those without internet access. With this in mind members can "adopt" a shut-in or elderly member by sending or bringing the weekly bulletin to them: Please submit additional names by placing note in the offering plate.
• The church directory is in progress. A nearly complete list of names and addresses is available. Doug has three scheduled photo opportunities: Nov. 30th at church, 4:00-7:00 P.M., Dec. 7th at church, 4:00-7:00P.M., Dec. 14th at his home studio, 4:00-7:00 P.M. Pictures can be ordered directly from him according to three packages as listed on our web page. There is no fee for the photo sittings. Retakes are welcome. Pictures can be available in time for Christmas. Samples of Doug's beautiful photos may be found at:
  

http://douglasstalker.shutterbugstorefront.com/chathamphotos

OR
http://dougstalkerphoto.com/

• Pastor continues his offer of training for visitation with the Eucharist. No one has been able to take advantage of it yet.
• Claire devotedly continues keeping up with registering church occasions and documents.
  

The next Congregation Council meeting will be on DECEMBER 7, 2010, 7:00 P.M.

Council Meeting - May 4, 2010

• Cluster picnic planning meeting is June 15th in Hudson for the August 15th picnic at Crellin Park.


• The dedication of the new rocking chair will be Sunday, May 9th. Russ A. has added a plaque to the chair.


• The consolidation service, first communion, and reception were well received; attendance: approximately 90 persons. Three former ministers attended: Peter Klotz, John Califano, Roger Beiswenger. Serena Mollenkopf-Grill sent a written message and David Roppel sent regrets. Bishop Marie Jerge officiated. Pastor Robert Isaksen was installed as pastor of CoE. Pastor Slater of St. Luke's in Valatie and Cluster coordinator attended, as did David Preisinger, representative and counselor from the Synod offices.


• Pastor provided more information on the handicap access lift. Its suggested placement on the inside of the last stained glass window on the right wall at the rear of the church would require a shortened pew and some adjustments in the basement. A quiet motor on the lift will evidently keep disruption to a minimum during the service.


• Assistance was requested of the Pastor with the performance of the ushers group, particularly during communion. Those willing to participate will have a rehearsal after church service as soon as possible.


• Organist Amy, who played at the consolidation service, has suggested a young man as organist to the congregation. The average rate of pay for Sunday Service is $100.00! Quick! Someone learn to play!


• The coffee hour provided after the church service by the social ministry group--Beverly & Gary ---has been successful. A particular thanks goes to Shelly C for the delicious cakes and cookies from Bella Napoli in Albany. Yum! Yum!


• The food pantry is in constant need of donations, and that a member of the church recently came and asked what the needs were, then promptly purchased and delivered to the pantry.


• The dedication of the "Resurrection Window" will be included in the service on May 23rd, Pentecost Sunday.


• Any news from church members, dates of events, and prayer list inclusions should be submitted to the cluster secretary, Sharon.


• There will be sign up list and welcome pad available at church service to gather the information for the directory: name, address, telephone, email.


• Doug is continuing with pictures. There will be an alphabetical listing of members and a picture section.


• Marcia will follow up with the request of the Stalkers for a date in July for the annual yard sale.


• Pastor is requesting one woman and one man delegate from CoE to attend the "Synod Assembly" with him on Monday, June 7, 2010. Christ our Emmanuel will be recognized as a new congregation at the assembly in the Rochester Riverside Convention Center.


• Pastor will be attending Camp Kalumet from August 22-29, 2010.


• NEXT COUNCIL MEETING: TUESDAY, JUNE 1, 2010

Council Meeting, March 9, 2010

MEETING OF THE CONGREGATION COUNCIL OF CHRIST our EMMANUEL LUTHERAN
CHURCH - March 9, 2010

In attendance: Marcia, Patty , Kristen, Pastor Robert Isaksen, Gary, Christa, Linda O.
Absent: Mac, Ken W.

Two guest craftsmen for the restoration of the Resurrection Window from Christ church made a presentation of the progress. Chuck W of East Chatham (929-3993) [studio in Great Barrington off Monument Valley Road on Stoneybrook Rd.: 413-528-6287] and contractor Erin G explained the stages beginning with the initial bench rubbing to establish a map for reassembly, continuing with removal of the glass pieces for cleaning, scraping of the metal and casting for new metal frames for each piece of glass. The window is of opalescent glass with interior face plates for the face and hands of the angel, in the style of LaFarge/Tiffany, perhaps from the Baird Glass Studio of Boston. There is a similar window in Malone. Various pieces and the bench tools for the reassembly were depicted on a computer video. It is estimated that the window will be ready for installation over two days from the 10th to the 20th of April, 2010. The remaining cost is $14,107.50.

Chuck estimated the replacement value of the current circular window in the sanctuary at $2500.-$3000.; with an additional amount for framing for an estimate of $4500.00. This is no indicator of actual resale value, but does provide information for consideration in selling or donating the circular window. The contractor will crate the window upon removal for storage until a decision is made. Erin mentioned "King Richard" for the marketing of the circular window.

Doug attended the meeting with wonderful first proofs of head shots in various styles from his photographic studio. He has started collecting church member pictures for a directory, and will be available in the parsonage over the next couple of Sundays for parishioners to have their pictures taken.
Doug's Web-page:
http://douglasstalker.shutterbugstorefront.com

The minutes of the council meeting of February 9th were reviewed with some comments and updates:

----estimates on a replacement furnace are deferred
----two additional furnaces in the parsonage are yet to be cleaned and serviced

----the new church sign is installed; Marcia retrieved the box of letters and explained procedure for lettering on the sign; A sign keeper committee may need to be
requested.

----the completed, amended Constitution has been submitted to the Upstate New York Synod; a "Synod" identification number should be forthcoming

----the annually requested ELCA report of membership, finances, programs, and ceremonies is past February deadline but in progress, Patty is collecting information and making completions

----the long-awaited pastoral letter is still in the hands of the cluster secretary; Marcia will inquire into the delay

----the color of the carpeting for the Sanctuary has been chosen by consensus and will be installed after the installation of the restored window

----a single checking account is pending

---- Pastor updated the health news of Carol and Hank; he is able to drive again and surgery for her heart valve replacement was accomplished this week; the church has sent a card and will offer assistance as needed

The minutes were accepted as discussed.

Patty Bervy distributed the "Treasurer's Report" for February=======

Pastor and Linda O discussed educational materials available from www.augsburgfortress.org. Two levels--pre-readers and early-readers--would suit CoE needs. Linda distributed ideas from the "Kids Celebrate Worship" series.

A new rocking chair for the children's corner from the Mennonite furniture store, given in memory of Nancy Alger by the Alger and Brennen families will need a special dedication. Pastor distributed a list from the Evangelical Lutheran Worship book for Blessing for Worship Furnishings. Heidi indicated at church service that she would inquire about a plaque to be attached to the chair. A dedication during a church service will be planned with a request of Doug for a picture and possible newspaper article.


Pastor suggested an organist be hired for Easter Sunday and the CoE celebration and installation of congregation and pastor on April 25th. at 2:00 in the afternoon. Past payment has been $100. per service. Andrew and Gretchen were suggested. Marcia will follow up.

The addition of a piano or keyboard would be of assistance to the worship and music committee, especially in the basement services. Pastor has ordered an easy choir book and a simplified key board book, as well as musical CDs from the Hartford Seminary sale to enhance worship services. A donation request for a keyboard could be announced, before further discussion and inquiry into a purchase.

The following committees from the sign-up sheets are now functioning: (chairperson listed first)

ALTAR COMMITTEE: Marcia, Jeanette, Donna, Liz
AUDIT COMMITTEE: Ken , Deb, Bob
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION: Linda O, Tara, Richard, Ginny
CLUSTER COMMITTEE: Christa, Patty, Marcia, Mac
COMMUNION ASSISTANTS: Marcia, Dawn, Richard, Bob, Kristen
DIGITAL ORGAN: Marcia, Kristen
FELLOWSHIP COMMITTEE: Patty, Malcolm, Doris, Jeannette, Gary, Anne, Beverly, Kristen
FINANCE COMMITTEE: Patty, Carole, Linda
MUSIC & WORSHIP COMMITTEE: Richard, Pastor, Kristen
PROPERTY COMMITTEE: Mac, Bruce, Gary, Alex
SOCIAL MINISTRY (Visitations): Marcia, Richard, Doris, Dawn
WEBMASTER: Deb

A "Mission Statement" sign for the bulletin board will be prepared by Christa. It will be the touchstone for discussion of long-term planning for the church year activities, tentatively scheduled for consideration after the celebration ceremony.

The April 25th celebration service of Christ our Emmanuel Charter members and friends is to be planned at the next council meeting:
---special invitations, including former pastors
---installation of pastor service
---installation of charter members (all members of the current
congregation), children, and new members service
---music
---pictures, announcements
---preparation of sanctuary and basement---clean up after
installation of window and carpeting
---finger foods, drinks, and dessert decisions

The next Congregation Council Meeting will be on: TUESDAY, APRIL 6, 2010 7:00 PM

Council Meeting - February 2010

MEETING OF THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL COUNCIL OF CHRIST our EMMANUEL
LUTHERAN CHURCH

FEBRUARY 9, 2010

In attendance: Marcia Sarro, Ken Wilber, Patty Bervy, Pastor Robert
Isaksen, Gary Wheeler, Christa Lordi, Linda O'neil
Absent: Mac MacDonald, Youth Member

Pastor led the "Charter Council" into its deliberations with
historical perspectives as comparisons for encouragements in the near
future, with analogies to the "Transfiguration of Our Lord".

The minutes from the Annual Meeting from January 24, 2010 were
distributed to Council Members.

The minutes from the interim Congregation Council from January 7th,
2010, were reviewed and discussed:

--election of congregational council
--church property---furnace cleaning/service--two completed @
$168.00, parsonage pending; Patty Bervy to obtain additional estimate
on new furnace
--new church sign--pending at meeting time but installed during the
week of Feb. 9th
--information about the handicap lift is pending
--merging of finances is proceeding
--Linda Stalker has agreed to manage the "Improvement Fund" with the
inclusion of donations for the special "window" and " handicap-lift"
funds
--estimate for replacement of plastic protective window panels
temporarily set-aside
--new members were received on January 25th
--April 25, 2010 will be Consolidation Celebration and official
installation of Pastor Isaksen
--Pastoral letter on the church logo (by Doug Stalker) letterhead is
to be mailed this month
--Constitution changes have been made; Christa will submit with
required information to "Upstate New York Synod"

--Pastor's cell phone: 646-530-0790; email: bpisak1@yahoo.com

Patty Bervy reviewed the budget for 2010 with correction.
The January Treasurer's Report before financial consolidation:
Deposits: $3,654 Disbursements: $2,031.24
The flat payment of $3000.00 for Mission Support to the ELCA will be
distributed over 12 months.
The unpaid increase in the Cluster Secretary costs will show in the
next financial statement. Current cost about $175./month
Treasurer's Report accepted.

The Sunday School will meet in the upstairs rooms of the parsonage
Sundays at 11:00 AM, weekly. There is a coffee hour available after
church. Parents of Sunday School children, parishioners, and guests
are welcome to stay and enjoy fellowship. Linda O'Neil will notify
the newspapers of the correct times.

There has been activity to rearrange the Sanctuary as well as the
winter worship space in the basement. Several rows of pews were
removed to allow for space for the Children's table at the rear of
the sanctuary during worship. The children's carpet from the former
Christ Church is to be used under the children's table. The main
altar has been placed a floor level. There is now seating for
110-115 people in the sanctuary. A suggestion for two rocking chairs
in the children's area for moms and/or child comfort needs came from
Pastor's experiences. An opaque or semi-visual screen could be
considered as needs arise. Pews were placed for worship in the
basement parallel with the side windows and altar arrangement,
creating a more devotional environment.

Members should contemplate the new arrangements and consider what
floor covering for the sanctuary would be most useful and durable.
Suggestions for plain wood floors after removal of the old carpeting,
and/or new carpeting, or area runners were made. Ideas and fact-
finding to be considered at the next Council meeting.

Ken will contact the company which is restoring the Resurrection
Angel Window from the former Christ Church to proceed with
installation in the Chatham church. A suggestion is made to sell the
current round "Bible" window on Ebay, and to list it on the blog site
with Deb Ulmer's assistance.
--- motion by Patty made with consensus on these two issues

Patty Bervy and Ken Wilber will establish a single checking account
consolidating monies from both churches, with the required security
signatures.
A motion by Ken that the balance of the estimate for the installation
of the window be transferred to the "Improvement Fund"---Council
consensus
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is still needed for Pastor's
benefits and Board of Pension documents.

A discussion ensued concerning the investment of larger amounts of
money in the "Mission Investment Fund" (MIF) of the ELCA, or in a
Certificate of Deposit, or other money market fund. The church can
borrow from the MIF for improvements and earn interest on the
investment. Comparison of interest rates needs to be made.

Pastor has received a fee for services rendered and is making a
donation of $62.50 to the "Lift" fund and $62.50 to the "Haiti"
relief fund of the Lutheran Church.

Hand addressed envelopes are ready for the mailing of the Pastoral
letter which is being prepared by the cluster secretary. A check of
the sanctuary guest book could clarify some addresses.

There will be a Service on Ash Wednesday, February 17, 2010. Pastor
will prepare the special bulletin which will include communion and
imposition of ashes.
Marcia will pick up bulletins. Due to lack of space in the winter
worship basement a "soup and sandwich" session will not be possible
this year.
Pastor is pleased to have a comprehensive list of music for the
accompanying machine. Perhaps speakers could be added in the
basement for better sound.

The officers of the Congregation Council are elected as follows:

President: Marcia Sarro
Vice President: Ken Wilber
Secretary: Christa Lordi

The treasurer elected by the Congregation on January 24, 2010:
Patty Bervy

Appointments made by the Congregation Council for 2010:

Financial Secretary: Candice Tubbs
Improvement Fund Deputy Treasurer: Linda Stalker
Property Management: Richard MacDonald
Worship and Music: Richard Tucksmith
Christian Education: Linda O'Neil
Sunday School Superintendent: Richard Tucksmith


A motion by Ken with Council consensus that there be a requirement
for a second signature--that of the treasurer-- for disbursements
from the "Improvement Fund"

Patty Bervy requests permission to order a church address stamp for
mail and payments. Motion by Gary to purchase---council approved
Stationery and envelopes are available through the cluster secretary.

Patty Bervy presented the annual request from the ELCA for audit/
financial information (Patty to complete), sunday school information
(Richard Tuchsmith to complete), and congregation statistics (Marcia
to complete).

A new directory of congregation members would be an asset for the
charter membership. The Council would like to request Doug Stalker's
help with pictures of members as this becomes better established, and
Deb Ulmer's help with a possible computer printing of an address/
picture booklet.

The installation of the Congregation Officers will be on February 14,
2010.

Pastor reported on the health difficulties encountered recently by
Carol and Hank Bartel. Carol is hospitalized with need of surgery
for heart valve malfunction and Hank has had an accident which
resulted in a broken shoulder. Their families are assisting, but
church members are asked for prayers and support as much as possible.

The Congregation Council made the following responsibility appointments:

Deb Ulmer----Web site manager
Outgoing members of the church council----Nominating Committee
Ken Wilber----Annual Audit Supervisor with the Finance Committee
Marcia Sarro---Altar Committee Chairperson, Social Ministries Committee
Claire Wheeler----Ceremony recorder
Patty Bervy---Fellowship Committee
_____________----Cluster representative

Kirsten Bervy, acting Youth Member on the Congregation Council, will
post committees for volunteers from the congregation.

Pastor announced a church conference which meets monthly called
"Lutheran Ministerium" to be held at the Coburg Village Lutheran
Nursing Home in Athens/Catskills.

The meeting completed and adjourned with "The Lord's Prayer".

Council Meeting Notes - January 7, 2010

The Annual Congregational Meeting will be on Sunday, January 24, 2010 after a shorter Service, with coffee available.

Church Service commences in the basement of the church on Sunday, January 10th and continues through March. "Coffeeklatsch" will be after Service from now on.

Election of  nine members to the Congregational Council and a Treasurer at the Annual Meeting.
        The proposed slate:
                1-year term:          Ken Wilber, Christa Lordi, Patty Bervy
                2 -year term:        Gary Wheeler, Marcia Sarro, Linda Stalker, Richard MacDonald, Linda O'Neal
                2-year term for treasurer:  Patty Bervy
                1-year term:  a youth from the congregation (as mandated by the new
decisions of the Synod, along with the directive for a young adult
representative)
                        Richard Tuchsmith will ask if his son would be willing to serve on
the council as youth representative.

        There can be nominations from the floor as well.

Let's all give Doug Stalker, our professional resident photographer, a round of applause for the wonderful job he has done! He is stepping down as committee chairman and has placed a box of pertinent property papers at the disposal of the new Church Council.  He has compiled a list of emergency numbers for heating and plumbing, furnace, electric etc.

The new church sign has been approved by the Town of Chatham.  Final
design details need to be submitted.  The Council would like to ask
Mac (in absentia) to follow-up on this and have the sign installed as
soon as possible.

The proposed handicap lift information needs to be brought before the
congregation with an explanation of design, location, function,
reconstruction, cost, and necessary permits.  The "Easy Lift" company
of Albany has given an estimate.

Sunday, January 25th is being considered for the receiving of new
members into the congregation, particularly Bob and Beverly Isaksen,
and Linda O'Neal.

This is the charter year of this congregation and all members
will be new members at the April 25th Consolidation Celebration.

Looking Ahead to 2010

Aren't we lucky we have another year of worshipping together ahead - and many more!

Here are some things to look forward to:

Sunday, April 25, 2010:
Celebration of consolidation of Christ Lutheran and Emmanuel Lutheran churches and formal installation of Pastor Bob Isaksen. (Talk about a cause for celebration!) Reception is to follow. Hopefully, Bishop Jerge will join in the fun.

ANNUAL CONGREGATION MEETING
January 24, 2010, after Service.
Voting: Council Members---7 (3 for one year, 4 for 2 years)
Treasurer---one for 2 years

The nominations for Council and Treasurer by the congregation are being confirmed for service. A slate will be discussed at the January Council meeting for presentation at the annual meeting. Nominees: Gary, Patty, Marcia, Doug, Linda, Mac, Ken, Hank, Tara, Debby, Richard, Bob, Linda O., Christa
Nominations will also be possible at the time of the annual meeting.
New Council members will be installed the next Sunday, on January 31st.

Next Interim Council meeting: January 7, 2010, 7:00 PM

Epiphany will be celebrated on January 3rd in the Sanctuary. The following Sunday, January 10th, the congregation will begin to meet in the basement for the winter months.