St. Jacob’s Lutheran Church Council Meeting Briefs September 2, 2025
Good Things at St. Jacob’s for August
- The Renovations look great – exciting to see the changes from Sunday to Sunday
- Pastor Brian and his message
- Youth Participation
- Approval of Sale of 5.25 acres
Pastor’s Report
- Pastor shared a Summary Report of the NALC Convocation.
- Several updates were approved for the NALC Constitution. We will vote on them at our December Congregation Meeting. Must vote within six months of the closing of the Convocation.
- Follow up to the Fresh Eyes Summit. Information shared for the first time. Waiting on materials to determine our participation. The new initiative is Renew-Equip-Transform. This is a method to renew declining, stagnant, or plateaued congregations. More information to follow.
- Four CMR Congregations welcomed in the last 12 months to the NALC.
- Pastor also shared the SC Mission District Supply Schedule for congregations who do not have a Pastor. He will supply for Silverstreet on October 5th, and the lay members will conduct our service.
Ministry Teams
Staff Support: Susan
- Met with all staff for an annual review/meeting.
- All staff reviewed 2025 budget and requested 2026 budget items as needed.
- No changes in salary/employment agreements recommended from Staff Support.
- Budget for Staff Support submitted to the Finance Committee.
Safety: Robert
- Inventory was made of the eight fire extinguishers. Will be recharged in December 2025.
- Plan to recertify team members (CPR and AED) in November or December.
Christian Education: Sherrie
- Christian education opportunities continue for everyone with Sunday School and various Bible studies.
- Finalizing budget requests for 2026.
- Will determine activity to celebrate our Sunday School Program and attendees.
- Pastor asked that we all be thinking about who can lead VBS next year.
Congregational Care: Billy
- Finalizing budget requests for 2026.
- Preparing for Golden Agers and Homecoming in October.
Discipleship: Lynn
- Mercy Bag Donations: ο Eleven mercy bags plus another eighteen pounds of donations delivered to We Care in August.
- Disaster Shed:
- Expecting delivery from Joy Mission on Sunday, September 7th
- Inventory
- 389 Storm Buckets
- 482 Hygiene Kits
- 90 Elementary School Kits
- 44 Kitchen Kits
- 112 Bibles
Property: Gerald / Danny
- Parking Lot – landscaping plans have been approved. Waiting on land disturbance permit and grading plans approval.
- Received a risk inspection report from Brotherhood Mutual (church insurance provider). Provided a risk inspection of property and provided recommendations to help reduce/prevent losses due to their observed problems.
- BBQ pit building/shed, portions covered with leaves. Action: Roof has been cleared of leaves.
- Basketball court area, sidewalks, and parking lot – concrete/asphalt surface is not level and has cracks that are trip hazards. Action: To be solved with parking lot renovation.
- Basketball goal pole needs padding on the bottom four feet. Action: The basketball goal will be removed with parking lot renovations.
- The playground equipment is not up to National Playground Safety Institute standards and there is no impact absorbing material on the ground under it. Action: The playground has been permanently closed, not to be used. The existing playground will be removed with parking lot renovations.
Worship and Music: Marie / Julie
- Scheduling maintenance of organ to coincide with carpet installation.
- Will also need to purchase a new fair linen with the altar size change. Approximate cost is $313 plus tax and shipping.
- Marlene is going to add fabric to paraments. Cost unknown at this time.
Sanctuary Renovation Update
- Carpentry work will be 95% complete this week.
- Hoping painters will start next week (September 8th).
- Discussion of when to notify congregation when we will move to the Fellowship Hall for services. This must be done on Thursday.
Planning for Council Nominations
Congregation is asked to provide 5 new nominees for 2026 Council. Council serves two years and is off two years before eligible to be renominated.
Next scheduled meeting is October 7th, 2025.
