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St. Jacob’s Lutheran Church Council Meeting Briefs August 4, 2026

Good Things at St. Jacob’s for July

  • Successful VBS.
  • Attendance has been up for Sunday service.
  • Parking lot is still underway but also being able to be used.

Pastor’s Report:

  • We had a couple of large but successful funerals this past month. Thank you to all that were involved in making sure the families had everything they needed.
  • VBS and Bible studies went well.
  • Celebration of confirmands will be August 30th.
  • Blessing of the backpacks will be August 9th.
  • Ellison baptism will be August 16th.
  • Pastor will be on vacation August 19th -27th.

Treasurer’s Report:

  • As of this month, offerings are behind last year by approximately $23,000.

Ministry Team Reports

  • Christian Education
    • VBS was Monday, July 13th -Thursday, July 16th with the theme “Illumination Station.”
    • Our average attendance each night was 61.
    • VBS total expenses – $2,625.72 ($1,562.26- meals; $1,063.46- materials).
    • Prayers for our program and increasing attendance for Sunday school and for volunteers for both Sunday school and nursery.
  • Congregational Care
    • Assisted with the 250th anniversary meal for our celebration on July 19th.
    • Assisted the Christian Education Team with VBS.
    • Provided finger foods for the family of Mrs. Ramonia Lindler’s visitation on July 24th.
    • Provided a meal to the family of Ms. Francis Bowers on July 29th .
  • Discipleship
    • As of July 31st, there was no change in the inventory of the Auxiliary Storm Shed.
    • Donated 24 Mercy Bags to We Care weighing 371 pounds and included 17 dozen fresh eggs.
  • Property
    • Picnic shed was removed.
    • Continued work of the parking lot.
    • Exterior lighting for church office and parking lot to come later.
  • Safety
    • Guided traffic during funerals safely.
    • Continue to monitor church grounds.
    • We have located former military trainers who may re-certify CPR and AED for safety team members.
  • Staff Support
    • Laurie is receiving training and information to begin using Constant Contact for communication (email/newsletter).
    • Need help promoting digital media position.
  • Stewardship
    • AJ to provide a temple talk to focus on “treasures” tithing and giving.
  • Worship and Music
    • Plans for a worship and music meeting at the end of August.
    • Beginning plans for advent season and Christmas.

Old Business:

  • Child and Youth Protection Policy:
    • Council has reviewed the revised policy and suggested a few changes. These will be sent to Judy.
  • Property Team to give quotes on exterior lighting for the church office.
  • Lexington County landscaping plan.
  • Replace signs at intersections – tabled.

New Business:

  • Budget items – all council representatives should get budget items for 2027 from their ministry teams. Deadline is September 1 st .
  • 2027 council member candidates are needed by next council meeting.

Addendums:

  • On Sunday, July 26th a special called meeting was held immediately following service. Members received a short presentation on the additional cost needed to complete the parking lot project and to use funds from the Sites’ endowment. With the majority in favor, the proposal was approved.
  • On July 29th an email motion was made to establish a fund for playground donations using a past donation made in memory of Pepper Ellisor. Council voted unanimously by email and text to establish a Playground Fund. The fund was immediately made available on Vanco and was included as a gift suggestion in memory of Mrs. Ramonia Lindler.
  • Council was presented with a request from the Property Team for a new HVAC unit.
    • Wilson’s performed a 6-month HVAC checkup and filter change on the Church and Office units.
    • The sanctuary right side (organ side) unit would run but there was no cooling. Essentially no refrigerant (freon) in the system. The cost to put freon in would approach $3,000 with no guarantees to a 20-year-old unit.
    • The Property Team received quotes to replace the unit from Wilson’s.
      • Option 1: Armstrong 5 Ton 14.3 SEER2 heat pump split system and ecobe Wi-Fi t-sat control for $10,965. Additional cost would be needed for this option because it requires additional wiring by an electrician.
      • Option 2: Moov-air Side Discharge 5 Ton Ultra High Efficient 17.5 SEER2 heat pump system and ecobe Wi-Fi t-sat control for $12,950. This unit requires no heat strips due to being efficient down to less than 5 degrees. Current wiring is compatible.
      • Both quotes include installation, disposal of old system, reconnect to existing supply and return ductwork with modifications as needed.
    • The Property Team recommended that council go with option 2.
    • The remaining budget does not cover this so Council would need to provide a budget increase if we are to pursue this replacement. Council would need to act on this ASAP so we could move forward with this request if granted.
    • Council voted unanimously on August 12th to approve option 2 as recommended by the Property Team.

 

** Next scheduled meeting is Tuesday, September 1 st at 6:30 PM in the church office. **

August 28, 2026 @ 2:50 pm
Council Reports, Other Happenings