Absent: Steve Litz, Emily Steward, Keith Williams

I. Opening Activities

• Meeting called to order at 7:00pm by Vice President Dan Grim
• Devotions led by Rich Saffron

II. Admin

• Motion to approve the July 19^th, 2010 Council Meeting Minutes: Linda/2^nd Josh. <Motion Carried>

III. Committee Reports

• Pastor Moore – No report.
• Pastor Ginny – Written report.  NO Action Items for Council.

• Christian Stewardship –Bill. Written report and treasurer’s report. General giving down -2.77%; Expenses up +1.24%.  Motion for Stewardship Committee to review the criteria for awarding Klotz Scholarship to recipients. Pastor Moore/2^nd Patty <Motion Carried>.  Discussion of financial trends of declines in both giving and attendance.
• Christian Education – Rich. Written Report.  Noted suggestion to move Confirmation Reunion to Fellowship Committee.  Discussion of age restriction for Sunday School Teachers.  All confirmed members may participate as part of a teaching team. Bulletin announcement to be restated. Motion to have policy reviewed or created to ensure we are meeting guidelines relating to two-deep leadership with alternative protocol action. Melissa/2^nd Chris <Motion Carried>. Noted intention of this motion is to ensure the safety of both leaders and participants involved in congregational activities.
• Social Ministry –Patty. Written report.  NO Action Items for Council.
• Memorial Gifts – Josh.  Written report. NO Action Items for Council.
• Vision 2011 – Pastor Moore.  No report.  NO Action Items for Council.
• Worship & Music – Joe.  Written report. NO Action Items for Council.

IV No Meetings

• Union Board
• Library
• Staff Support
• Communication
• Long Range Planning
• Youth Ministry
• Fellowship
• G.O.D.’s TEAM
• Property

V. Unfinished Business

• Fundraising Protocol- Under legal review.
• Disaster Recovery Plan- In process.
• Gathering Space Display – Ready to move forward with purchase of LCD screen.  Funding is designated for this project as Stewardship growth.
• Stephen Ministry – Informational meeting held.  Motion for Council to approve implementation of Stephen Ministry and to approve necessary funding of up to $5300.00 for program costs from the Staff and Program Development portion of the Living Legacy Endowment Fund.  Melissa/2^nd Donna. <Motion Carried>. Melissa to work with Communications on announcement to Congregation.
• Confidentiality Agreements – Dan is completing final draft.
• Council requests Property Committee to complete unaddressed items regarding network administration by September Council Meeting (from last month).

VI. Correspondence

• No Correspondence this month

VII. New Business

• Staffing Proposal – Final presentation of staffing proposal moved to September meeting. Council is requested to readdress financial trend as it relates to Staffing and maintaining the vision for growth in ministry.

VIII. Next Meeting

• Monday, September 20, 2010 at 7:00pm (Regular Meeting of Council)

IX. Closing Prayer

• The meeting was adjourned following The Lord’s Prayer.
• Motion to adjourn: Rich/2^nd Donna. <Motion Carried>

Respectfully Submitted,

Melissa Metzger

Absent: Chris Pirotta, Rev. Dennis Moore

I. Opening Activities

• Meeting called to order at 7:00pm by President Keith Williams
• Devotions led by Josh Dietz

II. Admin

• Motion to approve the June 21^st, 2010 Council Meeting Minutes: Josh/2^nd Chuck. <Motion Carried>

III. Committee Reports

• Pastor Moore – Written report. NO Action Items for Council.
• Pastor Ginny – Written report.  NO Action Items for Council.

• Christian Stewardship –Bill. Written report and treasurer’s report. General giving down -2.87%; Expenses up +4.51%.  NO Action Items for Council.
• G.O.D.’s TEAM –Donna. Written report.  NO Action Items for Council.
• Fellowship – Emily.  Written report.  NO Action Items for Council.
• Social Ministry –Patty. Written report.  NO Action Items for Council.
• Property – Chuck.  No minutes.  NO Action Items for Council.
• Memorial Gifts – Josh.  NO Action Items for Council.

IV No Meetings

• Union Board
• Library
• Staff Support
• Communication
• Vision 2011
• Long Range Planning
• Youth Ministry
• Christian Education
• Worship & Music

V. Unfinished Business

• Fundraising Protocol- Under legal review, to be completed this week.
• Disaster Recovery Plan- In process.
• V2011 Gathering Space Display – In process.
• Stephen Ministry – Informational meeting on 7/22 at 7:00pm with Pastor Erika Wesch from Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church in Doylestown.
• Confidentiality Agreements – Rich to contact Synod office to see if they have a template or guidelines.  Chuck received a sample agreement for review.  Discussion of application of confidentiality to those encountering sensitive and/or financial information.
• Council requests Property Committee to complete unaddressed items regarding network administration by September Council Meeting.

VI. Correspondence

• Note of thanks received from Bear Creek Camp for our donation of $500.00
• Donation received from the Lioness Club in the amount of $1,000.00; which was deposited to the V2011 account.

VII. New Business

• Rejoicing Spirits – Joe shared the vision of the program for UELC.  Motion to move forward with Rejoicing Spirits Ministry: Joe/2^nd Chuck.  <Motion Carried>.
• Staffing Proposal – Proposal prepared by sub-committee was reviewed and discussed.  Motion to approve staffing proposal as presented by Council staffing sub-committee; with final draft to be presented to Council at August 2010 regular meeting of Council: Patty/ 2^nd Karin. <Motion Carried>.

VIII. Next Meeting

• Monday, August 16, 2010 at 7:00pm (Regular Meeting of Council)

IX. Next Meeting

• The meeting was adjourned following The Lord’s Prayer.
• Motion to adjourn: Donna/2^nd Chuck. <Motion Carried>

Respectfully Submitted,

Melissa Metzger

Dottie Bealer, Lori Beck, Andrea Brunner, Mike Downy, Mildred Gilbert, Joan Hansel, Linda Houser, Dale Laub, Ainsley Long, Carl Maurer, Betty Moll, Harold Reitz, Jr., Roby Reitz, Bruce Ritter, Richard Saffron Sr., Ron Spagnoletti, Roger Steele, Karen Stevens, Virginia Pirrotta, members of our congregation and community who struggle with employment, people affected by the natural disasters and our service people and those serving overseas.  We join members of the Northern Lehigh Mission District in praying for St. John, Bath and their Pastor Jay Wetzel.

Sunday Morning Fellowship – Thank you to today’s Hosts: Tracy & Tom McGowan

An FM sound enhancement system is available for your use.  Please see the head usher for a personal receiver if you need this service.  Please turn off all cell phones.

What is Rejoicing Spirits?  Rejoicing Spirits is an innovative and inclusive ministry which reaches out to enrich the spiritual lives of individuals with developmental disabilities along with their families, friends and the local supportive community.  This is done by offering a meaningful and adaptive Christian worship service and fellowship time.  The Rejoicing Spirits worship service includes lots of music and joyous singing; brief, concrete and meaningful messages; and plenty of opportunities to both participate and serve.  The “no shushing policy” gives worshippers the freedom to worship as God has intended for them, without fear of judgment or criticism.  It also has been gaining popularity as a great worship opportunity for all families, especially those with young children, since it has lively music; handheld instruments; and a free, expressive environment.  We are getting organized and working toward beginning the worship services here at ULC.  They will be held the fourth Sunday of every month at 2:30 PM.  The first service will be held on October 24.  For more information, or to find out how you can help, contact the church office at 610-767-6884.

Harvest Home (Sunday, September, 19) – In place of the ushers receiving the offering, everyone will be asked to come forward with their offering (regular and Harvest Home) and gifts of canned goods, boxed food and/or fresh produce for the Food Bank and place them at the altar.

Rhythm Instruments needed – The music committee for Rejoicing Spirits is looking for handheld rhythm instruments (such as wooden blocks, maracas, handheld “clappers” – anything that can be used to “make a joyful noise”) for the participants to use during the worship services.  If you have any instruments, or find any at yard sales, etc., that you would like to donate, please bring them to the church office.

We need Sunday School teachers and a Christmas program coordinator for the 2010-2011 school year.  For more information please contact Cindy Pugh at 610-776-0451 or email at softball8@rcn.com.  All confirmed members are welcomed.

Musicians Wanted – We are looking at possibly forming a “Praise Band” here at ULC and need musicians interested in sharing their talents to the glory of God.  Rehearsals would be held a couple times a month with a goal of providing musical support for worship on occasion, for Rejoicing Spirits worship (held monthly on Sunday afternoon) if requested, and possible concert venue as well.  Guitars, keyboard, percussion and other instruments welcome.  The ability to at least provide some back-up singing is a plus—but not necessary.  Technical support also needed.  Roadies welcome at a later date.  If it sounds like something you’d be interested in, fill out a Ministry Response Card (please check line #1 and include what instrument you play) or contact the church office (office@unionlutheranchurch.org or 610-767-6884).  Hope to form a group by early September to begin rehearsing.

Parish Nurse’s Hours – The parish nurse’s office hours are the second Sunday of the month during the Christian education time slot.  Join a parish nurse in room 208 for a blood pressure screening.  Browse through the educational information.  Look at the two periodicals from the Mayo Clinic – Mayo Clinic Women’s Health Source and Mayo Clinic Health Letter.  These publications offer the most current information on many topics.  The parish nurse is available to assist you with any health issue at this time.  The parish nurse is available anytime by contacting the church office.

Your Help Is Needed – Volunteers are needed to host our new member receptions.  They are held on the 4^th Sunday of January, April and September for people attending our new member classes.  You need to provide and serve light refreshments, including coffee, tea and cold drinks.  You would also have to clean up afterwards.  If you are interested in helping, or would like more information, please contact the church office at 610-767-6884.

Addresses of College Students – We would like to send newsletters to our youth who are away at college so they can keep informed as to what is happening at Union Lutheran.  If you have a student in college, please call the church office and give us their address or write it down on the back of a “ministry response card” on a Sunday morning and place it in the offering plate or send us an email.  Please indicate whether or not they are a Freshman.

Weekly Bible Study starting in September – Would you like to know more about the Bible lessons that will be presented during the weekly worship services?  Why not come to our Bible Study held on Wednesdays from 10:00 – 11:00 AM starting on September 8^th in Room 202.  Pastor Moore will lead a discussion/study of the lessons that he will use to preach the upcoming Sunday.  You do not need to come each week – come as you are available.  All you need to bring is a Bible and a desire to learn.

Important!! If you or a member of your family is in the hospital, don’t assume that we will know.  The hospitals no longer notify the church office about admissions.  In order for the pastor to provide the best possible care, please personally contact the pastor or the church office so that the pastor can visit you or your family member.

Prayer Scarves for College Freshmen – We are getting set to send prayer scarves to our youth who are Freshmen in college (or students who have never received one), but we need your help.  We need the addresses of these students – those who are away at school and those who live at home.  If you have a Freshman in college, please call the church office and give us their address or write it down on the back of a “ministry response card” on a Sunday morning and place it in the offer plate or send us an email.

Book Club – Mentors are usually people who are older, patient and wise.  Someone who understands you, helps you see the world, and gives you advice to help you through life.  For Mitch Albom, that person was Morrie Schwartz, a college professor who he lost track of and fortunately was able to reconnect with during Morrie’s last months of life.  Tuesdays with Morrie is our next Book Club selection.  We’ll discuss this book as well as compare it to our July selection by Mitch Albom – Have a Little Faith. We’ll discuss this selection on Sunday, September 19 at 9:15 AM in room 107.  Pick up the book in the church office and join us for a lively discussion!

Living with Loss Support Group – When someone we love dies, we often feel overwhelmed, frightened and lonely.  Sharing our thought and feelings with others who have experienced a loss can alleviate our sense of aloneness and can give us needed encouragement.  On Wednesday evenings, September 29 to November 3, from 6:30-8:00 PM, a six-week grief support group will meet here at ULC.  Led by a counseling professional, the group will share experiences and coping strategies.  The group, which is sponsored by Heintzelman Funeral Home, is free but advanced registration is required.  For more information or to register, please call Diakon Family Life Services at 1-888-499-2699.

Bulletin Sponsors – Each week, we ask people to sponsor bulletins for the worship services.  Sign-up lists are on the media center bulletin board.  Please sign up on that list or call Cheryll Kosar for bulletins (610-261-0242).  The cost for worship bulletins is $20.00 and children’s bulletins is $3.00.  Your sponsorship may be paid when you sign up or paid on the Sunday you are sponsoring.  Please use a pew envelope and indicate “bulletin sponsor”.

The Library Committee needs your help. They need someone to staff the library on the 1^st and 4^th Sundays of the month.  This can be two different people.  The library is staffed during the fellowship hour from 9:00 – 10:30 AM.  To volunteer, or for more information, please contact Jo Anne Creyer at 610-262-3204.

Murder Mystery Theater: The Funsters are inviting you to attend the Murder Mystery Theater at the Cork ‘n Bull Restaurant in Peddlers Village in Lahaska, PA on September 10 at 7:15 PM.  To make a reservation, contact the restaurant at 215-794-4000, and indicate that you are part of the Funsters and want to be seated with the group.  Seating is based on tables of 6, 8 or 10 people.  The cost is $48.95 per person (includes dinner, show, tip and tax) and can be paid by credit card, and picked up at their reception center 15 minutes before show time.  There are no refunds.  If the show is cancelled you can select an alternate date to see the performance.  The dinner theater is not handicapped accessible!!!  The show is entitled ”Lucy, I’m Dead”, a takeoff on Ricky and Lucy.  We understand the actors mingle and audience participation is encouraged.  Dress is casual…it is recommended the ladies bring a light sweater as the room is well air conditioned…men are requested to freeze!  You could consider driving down before the show and enjoying the shops of Peddlers Village or surrounding environs.  We would suggest leaving ample time to arrive at the restaurant to see the show.  Remember tell the reservationist you want to be with the Funsters! Any questions please contact Roy or Carolyn Bottjer…610-395-6867.

The Blessing of the Animals will be held, weather permitting, in the outdoor worship area on Sunday, October 3, 2010 – 4pm. If the day is rainy, the service will be held in the Family Life Center.

All animals are welcome provided they are under physical control (leash, harness, bridle, or crate) and are safe to be around others. If your pet is unable to be present, and article representing them (picture, collar, toy, halter, etc.) will be blessed on their behalf.

Please bring a chair for your comfort.

Our first Rejoicing Spirits service will be held on Sunday, October 24th at 2:30pm

More information about this new ministry or Union Lutheran Church can be found at the following websites – www.rejoicingspirits.org

Don’t miss out on the fun

We are asking everyone to bring a dessert.  Some will be used in the cake walk.

The day will begin at 1:30 PM with music from the group, “Jack and Friends.”  Our first cake walk is scheduled for 2:30 PM with another to follow later.  Bring a chair so you can sit under tents and enjoy and relax the day away.  We are looking for people to donate prizes for the cake walk (cakes, toys, games, watermelons, cookies, candy, etc.).   Please email the office at office@unionlutheranchurch.org indicating how many will attend.

Because this is such a big event, we are looking for some extra help.
volunteer:   to prep food on Saturday (11 AM – 1 PM)
volunteer:   to set up (11:00 AM – 1:00 PM);  to clean up (5:30 – 6:30 PM)
volunteer:   to help serve food or to run games

If you are willing to help in any of these areas, please email us at office@unionlutheranchurch.org!

All post-high school students enrolled in any type of college, trade school, or technical school are invited to apply.  Those who applied last year but were not awarded a scholarship are eligible and encouraged to apply again.  If you are interested in applying for this scholarship download an application from our website today! [Download PDF]

Applications must be completed and returned to the church office no later than Sunday, July 18.  Submitted applications will be reviewed by a committee who will determine the awards and recipients and checks will be distributed at the beginning of worship on August 15.  If you have any questions regarding this procedure, please call the church office 610-767-6884.