Welcome to St. Jacob's Lutheran Church

Good things at St. Jacob’s
Sunday School attendance is up.
Worship attendance is up.
Ministry to Floriede Lindler was greatly appreciated.
Pastor’s Report Pastor
• David thanked the church elders for their leadership in worship service during his absence.
• Encouraged all men to attend the SCMD retreat in April.
• The Safety Team is working on the development of a Response Team for medical emergencies.
• The Discipleship Team encouraged the congregation to continue to donate to the Mercy Bucket Program.
• The Property Team reported that Chad Lindler will remain as Chairman and Gerald Lindler and Danny Shealy will serve as Co-Chairman.
• The NALC fresh eyes summit meeting will be March 10th, 11th, and 12th. Questionnaires will be mailed to all members for response in preparation for the meeting. All congregational members are encouraged to attend on Saturday, March 11th.
• Council is discussing a 3 phase plan to proceed with plans to improve church property. This plan will include the church facility, the office building facility, and the parking lot.

Council Briefs for January Meeting Good Things at St. Jacobs in December:
Good Food and Attendance at Christmas Dinner
Church was beautifully decorated for Advent and Christmas Season
• Worship and Music Team will purchase new paraments and/or altar cloths with contributions from holiday giving and memorial funds.
• Council agreed to move forward with Fresh Eyes for Summit meeting.
• Tommy Faulk elected as Vice Chairman and Brenda Smith will continue to serve as Secretary.
• Time and Talent Sheet responses are being compiled.
• Council agreed to discuss timing of Christmas Eve Service for next year, perhaps moving it to an earlier time.
• Council has agreed to pursue purchasing new pew cushions for the church. Before proceeding, Council will look into other property needs at the church and office building. A committee was assigned to address this. Any suggestions will be coordinated with Property Chairman as needed.

Good Things for November 2022

• The Up and Going Thanksgiving dinner and meeting.
• Abundance of good desserts provided for The Hub Thanksgiving meal.
• NALC health kit collection and assembly along with the Chili Cookoff meal
• Good participation to put up Chrismon trees and decorations.

Reports

• The Council received the Pastor’s report. The new Administrative Assistant, Jean started with SJLC on December 1, 2022. The Pastor will be away from the office Jan. 27-28 for the Congo Mission meeting in Rosenberg, TX, and also Jan. 29 – Feb 3 at the Clergy Convocation & Bishop’s Ministerium in San Antonio, TX. Elders will lead worship services on Feb. 3, 2023.
• Bob provided the treasurer’s report. The church has spent 79.97% of the 2022 budget. The Estate Gifts and Bus Sale accounts will remain open in 2023. The Council approved using the following funds for the purchase of green paraments and alter clothes: Amazon Smiles, Holiday Giving, Memorial Fund and Facility Rental donations.

All ministry team reports were received by the council. Notes of interest were as follows:

• Staff Support: The Administrative Assistant position has been filled by Jean effective December 1, 2022. The Youth and Family Minister position remains open. The Staff Support committee will recognize all staff at Christmas with gift cards.
• Christian Education: Sherrie McTeer will continue to teach both of the children’s classes through December 2022. There is a need for assistance beginning in January of 2023. There will be no Sunday School on Christmas Day.
• Congregational Care: Pound cake donations provided for The Hub Thanksgiving meals were very appreciated. There was enough donated to provide for 400 meals.
• Discipleship: There continues to be a need for food donations and/or funds to provide meals for We Care. The Up and Going collected and delivered more than 50 pounds of food to We Care in November.
• Property: no report
• Stewardship: The Audit team met on Nov. 14, 2022 to review the youth account and all records were accepted as presented. There was a request from the Finance Committee to move this account to general funds; however, the Council approved to keep the Youth Fund Account open so that funds will be available when needed.
• Worship and Music: The Sanctuary was decorated for Christmas.

Old Business:

• Fresh Eyes for Mission Summit: The Council approved moving forward with planning of the Fresh Eyes for Mission Summit and will discuss further in January.
• The Nursery Attendant position was tabled.
• Review of the Safe Sanctuary policy was tabled.

New Business

• Council discussed the time of the Christmas Eve Service and the possibility of having an earlier service; however, after a brief discussion, we will continue with the 7:00 p.m. service for Christmas Eve this year.
• There was discussion regarding leaving the offering plates at the back of the Sanctuary and discontinue the passing of the plates during Sunday morning service; however, after discussion, it was decided to continue to pass the plates.
• The Executive Committee will have a Mutual Ministry meeting with Pastor David on Thursday, December 15th at 3:00 p.m.

Good Things for October 2022

• The Up and Going trip to the Newberry Museum.
• Golden Ager’s Sunday (10/23/22) was a great success!
• Trunk or Treat Halloween party and lock-in

Council Briefs for November 2022

• The Council received the Pastor’s report. Pastor David is continuing to do the administrative duties in addition to his regular duties, as the search for an Administrative Assistant continues. The Pastor will be on vacation Nov. 14 – 19, 2022.
• Bob provided the treasurer’s report. The church has spent 74% of the 2022 budget. The Council has established an ‘Estate Gifts’ account. A decision to for appropriation/ distribution of these funds will be determined at a later date.
• All ministry team reports were received by the council. Notes of interest were as follows:
  • Staff Support: The Administrative Assistant position remains open. If you know of an interested candidate, please speak to a Council Member or Staff Support Committee member
  • Congregational Care: St. Jacobs will provide pound cakes for the Thanksgiving meal at The Hub. Volunteers will be needed following the Thanksgiving Eve ser[1]vice to assist in cutting and packaging the cakes.
  • Discipleship: Bags to replace Mercy boxes should arrive before Thanksgiving.
  • Property: The person who purchased the Church bus has reimbursed St. Jacob’s for the citations received prior to him re-tagging the bus.
  • Stewardship: The Audit team met on Oct. 21, 2022 to review the 3rd quarter records for the General Fund. All records were accepted as presented.
  • Worship and Music: New Chrismon trees and other decorations have been purchased for the Advent and Christmas season.

• Fresh Eyes for Mission Summit: A handout will be distributed to the congregation during the Congregational Meeting on December 4, 2022.
• The Administrative Assistant position remains open.
• The Council has approved the final budget proposal for 2023. This budget will go before the Congregation for final approval at the Congregational Meeting on Dec. 4, 2022. A handout will be available for members to pick up two weeks prior to the Congregational Meeting. These copies will be made available in the Narthex.
• The Council is seeking interested members to fill 5 vacated seats for the 2023/2024 term. Election for these seats will be held at the December Congregational meeting. Any members interested in filling a Council representative seat should notify one of the current Council members.
• A decision was made to delay further discussions regarding the purchase of a small bus.
• The Pastor shared a thank-you note from the AA group that meets at St. Jacobs, thanking the Church for the use of the building. Also, a note was received from Sherry Floyd for the gift from St. Jacobs in honor of her retirement.
• The Agenda for the Annual Congregation[1]al Meeting was set as follows:
  • Election of Council Members for 2023
  • Approval of 2023 Budget
  • Handout for Fresh Eyes for Mission Summit

Good Things for September 2022

• The Up and Going ‘Apple Run’ was a huge success.
• Men’s Bible Study is going well
• Lutheran Men’s Sunday was wonderful, especially, the choir!

Council Briefs for October 2022

• The Council received the Pastor’s’ report. Pastor David is continuing to do the administrative duties in addition to his regular duties, as the search for an Administrative Assistant continues.
• Matt Burt provided the Youth and Family Ministry report highlighting plans for October to include the Trunk or Treat Halloween Party and Lock-In, planned for October 28, 2022. Changes to the Sunday School curriculum are planned so that there will be two classes. These two classes will be divided as 4th graders and younger, and 5th graders and above. Also, included in Matt’s report was the Operation Christmas Child boxes. The last day to turn-in boxes is November 14, 2022.
• Bob provided the treasurer’s report. The church has spent 67.7% of the 2022 budget.
• All ministry team reports were received by the council. Notes of interest were as follows:
• Staff Support: The Administrative Assistant position remains open. If you know of an interested candidate, please speak to a Council Member or Staff Support Committee member.
• Christian Education: Sunday School teachers are needed to assist with children’s Sunday School classes. Interested parties should contact Donna Fulmer or Sherrie McTeer.
• Congregational Care: A meal was provided for the family of Mr. Jim Haack. Plans are in place for the Golden-Agers Sunday on October 23, 2022.
• Discipleship: 45 Mercy boxes have been delivered to We Care. The team is researching using bags instead of boxes, for easier handling.
• Stewardship: Time and talent sheets will be distributed in the bulletin for 3 weeks. The congregation is encouraged to fill out and return their time and talent sheets for 2023.
• The Council continues to review the NALC “Fresh Eyes for Mission Summit” that was presented at the September Council meeting.
• The Council is seeking interested members to fill 5 vacated seats for the 2023/2024 term. Election for these seats will be held at the December Congregational meeting. Any members interested in filling a Council representative seat should notify one of the current Council members.
• The Property Committee is researching the need for a small (non-CDL) church bus. More information will be forthcoming.
• Jacobs has been designated as beneficiary of funds from two estates. These funds have no restrictions or pre-determined designations for expenditures. The Council is researching costs for needed property improvements to the Church Sanctuary and grounds as a possible use of these gifts.
• The Council has reviewed proposed 2023 budget requests from each of the Committees. A first reading was completed, and recommended changes have been made. At the November Council meeting, the Council will finalize the budget for 2023 in preparation for presentation and voting by the Congregation in December.

Good Things at St. Jacob’s in August 2022:
Reception for Sherry Floyd

Trees removed in front of Administration Offices and stumps ground down

Sale of Church bus for $8800

Pastor provided a handout to the Council about “NALC Fresh Eyes for Mission Summit”. The Council was asked to review the program for discussion at the October meeting.

The Pastor has stepped down as the leader of the Carolina Region Mission team. Pastor David plans to use this time to focus on the growth of St. Jacobs.

The Council interviewed and offered the Administrative Assistant position to a qualified candidate; however, she declined the offer due to personal reasons. The Administrative Assistant position remains open. If anyone in the congregation is aware of a qualified and interested candidate, please contact a member of Staff Support or a Council Member.
Staff Support Policy and Procedures draft was reviewed and approved by the Council.

The Congregational Care team provided an excellent reception for Sherry Floyd.

The team will be meeting for revision on the Bereavement Groups.

The Stewardship team met to complete plans for the upcoming Yard Sale on September 24, 2022, and to determine a date for the distribution of Time and Talent sheets.

The Church bus was sold on August 27, 2022, for $8,800. Many thanks to Nate Nickel for his work on the completion of this sale.

A copy of the 2022 Budget was distributed to the Council. The Council will be working on the 2023 budget at the upcoming meeting in October.

In lieu of Homecoming, it was decided to celebrate a “Golden Agers” Sunday on October 23, 2022. A meal is planned to follow the service, with the church providing fried chicken, b-b-q, hash, and rice. The congregation will be asked to bring covered dishes for sides and desserts.

The Up and Going Apple Run was planned for September 15, 2022. The Church will pay for the rental of 2 passenger vans, with the cost not to exceed $800. (The trip was completed at a cost of approximately $600)

The Safe Sanctuary Policy was reviewed by the Council with a lot of discussion and was tabled for later review.

Pastor David received a request from a local AA Women’s group, requesting space to meet on Sunday evenings.

The Council approved the request, allowing the group to meet in the Church Administrative Building.

Good Things for July 2022
• Mercy boxes are still being received and delivered
• Columbia Fireflies baseball game for youth and families

Council Briefs for August 2022
• The Church has received $49,837.60 from the Addy Estate. This money has been placed in a separate designated estate funds account. There were no restrictions or specifications by the family as to how these funds should be used.
• The Church has spent 55% of the budget for 2022.
• The Council is considering 2 dates for Homecoming – October 2nd or October 9th, 2022. The date will be determined upon availability of a guest Pastor.
• The Council received the resignation of Sherry Floyd with her anticipated retirement of August 31, 2022. The Administrative Assistant job description was updated by the Staff Support Committee and has been reviewed and approved by the Council.
• The Finance Committee presented a recommendation to the Council to update the insurance on the Church buildings. The valuation by Brotherhood Mutual determined that St. Jacobs was underinsured on the Church Building by $852,250. The Finance Committee reviewed the content valuation of each building and made the necessary changes, as well as recommending additions to several areas of general liability. The premium will increase from $9,623 to $11,623. The Council approved these updates to the insurance coverage.
• The Stewardship Committee was asked by the Council to meet and prepare to distribute Time and Talent sheets.
• The Council has requested that Council liaisons meet with Team Leaders regarding their budget requests for 2023.
• The Up and Going presented plans for the annual apple orchard trip. It is scheduled for September 15, 2022.
• The Council received a thank-you note from Sherry Floyd in appreciation for her time of employment with St Jacobs. Her last day of employment is planned for August 31, 2022.

Good Things at St. Jacob’s for June:
• Up & Going resumed regular meetings
• Lutheran Men BBQ
• Recognition of Graduates
• Vacation Bible School
Briefs for July 2022
• Pastor David will start his Mission Trip to the Congo on August 1st. He will be away from St. Jacobs from August 1st – August 19th, 2022. During this time, the Elders of the church will conduct Sunday Services.
• Pastor David will be starting First Communion classes beginning July 10, 2022. First Communion will be July 31, 2022 for those who complete the class.
• Treasurer’s Report: The Church has spent 45.47% of the annual budget.
• Discipleship: The Church has delivered 20 Mercy Boxes to We Care.
• Stewardship: The Council approved September 24, 2022 as the date for the Church Yard Sale.
• Worship & Music: The Worship & Music Committee will be meeting to plan the annual Church Homecoming event.
• The Council approved the sale of the Church bus. If anyone is interested in purchasing the bus, please contact Michael Corley at mcorley0814@icloud.com for additional information or to make an offer.
• The problems that had been reported with the sound system in the church seem to be resolved at this time. The reported issues were related to Radio Frequency (RF), not the microphones.
• Matt has provided a spending plan for the Youth & Family Ministry to the Council, which was approved at the July Council Meeting. He will be given a debit card to use for the approved expenses from the youth account.
• The Council is planning to meet with the Staff Support Committee to update job descriptions.
• The Council approved to relocate the Music Director’s office from the Choir Room to the Church Office Building.