by Lee Rockwell, Council President
I appreciate this opportunity to share with our congregation the actions and discussions from our June 13 Congregational Council meeting.
- Participation in the Nebraska Synod Vitality Issue was approved. First Lutheran will participate in an 18-month project which will begin this coming September and run through March, 2025. We will join with several additional churches within the Nebraska Synod to explore three large areas of discernment: (1) determine our congregational identity; (2) who are our neighbors (discern context and the surrounding community to which First Lutheran is a part; and (3) discern the next most faithful steps and lean into God’s invitation to come and see, follow, experiment and serve. A leadership team of 6-10 participants broadly representing our congregation will be selected. The congregation is encouraged to suggest members of the team. Please email me suggestions of members before July1. The Council also approved the $950 participation fee to the Synod.
- The Council discussed the progress underway in developing program suggestions emerging from the congregational Town Hall meeting April 30. The Executive Committee has determined it is best to focus on a single issue that can be addressed during the coming year. With the working title of Family First, initial planning is focusing on our individual families, our family relationships within First Lutheran and our families within Lincoln. This initiative and the Synod Vitality Initiative issue should complement each other. Planning will continue and a series of actions should be ready for congregational discussion at the next Town Hall meeting which is now planned for August 6.
- A new church management software program was approved which will greatly expand our capability to access and utilize our membership database.
- A 15 foot property easement was granted to Lincoln Electric System which will run north/south along 70th Street for underground lines replacement. A $3,600 administrative payment will be made to First Lutheran to cover the cost of a possible tree removal.
- A report was presented and discussed concerning First Lutheran’s participation in the recent Star City Pride celebration. First Lutheran was one of several Lincoln churches to participate. Good discussions were held with visitors to our booth, giving our hosts the opportunity to share and discuss our Welcome Statement.
- A report from the Call Committee indicated that a second interview was held with a single candidate for Associate Pastor and that the candidate withdrew from further consideration. Appreciation was expressed to Call Committee Chair, Dawn Brock, and the committee for their diligent work.
- The monthly financial report indicated that revenue through May 31 exceeded expenses by $22,638 (see the monthly financial report below). This is largely due to the budgeted salary and expenses for an Associate Pastor not being expended. It was also noted that revenue over the summer months is usually below expenses. The congregation is encouraged to remain current with their pledges during the summer.
Lastly, we are encouraged with the planning which is taking place for specific elements supporting our future directions. We look forward to continued planning in the weeks ahead and the opportunity for congregational input and dialogue at our August 6 Town Hall.
