Jacob’s Lutheran Church Council Meeting Briefs October 7, 2025
Parking Lot Update by Danny
- Lexington County satisfied with permits and ready to issue.
- Waiting on DHEC to approve the land disturbance.
- Once Lexington County issues permits, Danny will have preconstruction conference to get us started.
- Danny also plans to follow up with Lexington County on some of the constraints that should not be included.
- Meeting with contractor this week to confirm pricing.
- Based on costs of special drainage structures to capture sediment, we will put in an acre retention pond.
Demo of New Electronic Giving Page – Susan
- Susan provided an update on the new electronic giving page. Based on the approved motion by Council, the Finance Team selected Vanco as our electronic giving platform. This same platform is used by other local churches. St. Jacob’s is behind providing in this electronic giving option.
- She shared our St. Jacob’s website and showed where the Giving option can be found on the menu bar. She showed the tiles that have been set up for each income account that are the primary ones that members give to today.
- Susan provided a QR code and walked Council through the process. It is extremely easy and straightforward. We have it set to include the processing fee. Individuals giving can choose not to include the processing fee. When this is done, the church will pay for the processing fee out of the general fund.
- Other features include the following:
- Make a onetime gift.
- Set up reoccurring gifts – every week, every two weeks, twice a month (1st and 15th), monthly, quarterly, and annually.
- Based on frequency, givers can decide when to start and the date of the giving.
- Givers can also set up an account for information to be saved and not require re-entry each time.
- Designations may also be provided in honor or memory of loved ones.
- Gifts can be given by credit card or from bank account (checking or savings).
- QR code will be printed in the worship folder each week.
Good Things at St. Jacob’s for September
- Birthday Party.
- Congregational meal fundraiser by LW for Andy.
- Lutheran Men Sunday – John did a wonderful job with the message.
- Mandy accepted position as our interim Treasurer.
Pastor’s Report
- Pastor highlighted activities for the month and significant upcoming dates.
Treasurer’s Report
- Sherrie introduced Mandy, our new interim Treasurer. We have also ended our contract with our bookkeeper.
- Mandy reviewed monthly budget report which includes both income and expenditures. She shared that our expenditures exceed our income year-to-date through September 30th by $5,840.25.
- Cleaned up all the dedicated restricted fund accounts and reviewed those balances.
- Plans are to use the bank’s bill pay process for sending out checks.
- Transfers will be made quarterly to LM, LW, and LY if funds have been received. Still working through process for Up and Going.
- Cleaned up account numbers and names in QuickBooks.
- An email account has been set up for all treasurer related correspondence.
- Laurie is scanning documentation and storing on the google drive. This will streamline the process for treasurer related bills and receipts.
- Mandy emailed all credit card holders with procedures for sending receipts with the credit card statement.
- Next step is to forecast revenue and expenses through the end of the year.
Ministry Teams
Staff Support: Susan
- Provided updates to staff on sanctuary renovations as it affected their job duties and responsibilities.
Safety: Robert
- Contact made for recertification of team members on CPR and AED.
- Contact made and training planned for “Stopping Bleeding” in January 2026.
Christian Education: Sherrie
- Christian education opportunities continue for everyone with Sunday School and various Bible studies.
- Looking at VBS options for 2026. If we order early, we can receive discounts on items.
Congregational Care: Billy
- Preparing for Golden Agers and Homecoming in October.
- Plans are to give each of our 39 Golden Agers a card with gift from the church.
- Meal placed with Kwik-Way. Lutheran Men providing BBQ and hash.
- Requesting congregation to bring desserts.
Discipleship: Lynn
- Mercy Bag Donations
- Eleven mercy bags plus miscellaneous cleaning supplies were delivered to We Care in September.
Property: Gerald / Danny
- Notice of Intent for land disturbance submitted to DHEC. Checking with SCDOT about encroachment permits. Hope to have all permits by end of the week.
Stewardship:
- No report.
Worship and Music: Marie / Julie
- Made alterations to green paraments.
- New Fair Linen approved for purchase.
Old Business:
Action Items of September 2, 2025, meeting
Property Team:
- Parking lot update provided.
- Moisture control in disaster shed to be handled with parking lot.
Stewardship:
- Brandon talked with David Hahn. Next step is to find members to help with keeping website updated with current events and happenings. Susan has volunteered, and Laurie would be the other team member. Brandon to coordinate next steps.
Finance:
- Child Safety Document – We have changes that need to be made and then follow back up with the Insurance Company. – No Update
- Prepared 2026 Proposed Budget for Council review – presented to Council.
- 250th Anniversary Plans:
- Follow-up on Time Capsule location.
- Agreed that if any organization wants to provide a meal they could.
Sanctuary Renovations:
- Update since Council meeting. Sanctuary is complete and was rededicated on October 19th, 2025
“In as much” Day:
- Planning for the Fall – will look at options as temperatures cool off. There has been a request from Catholic Church for help in repairing porch and railing for member of St. Jacob’s and Catholic Church.
Council Nominations:
Planning for Council Nominations – need to start preparing now and accept nominations. Council serves two years and is off two years before being eligible to be renominated.
**Next scheduled meeting is November 4th, 2025, at 6:45 PM in the church office.**
