The meeting was called to order at 6:05 PM in the Large Fellowship Hall. Pastor Nettleton let the devotional, tied to the past Sunday’s worship theme, by reading Psalm 34 followed by a prayer. The minutes from the June 8, 2021 meeting were approved as circulated. There were no Official Acts to report for June. July’s Official Acts consisted of the funeral for + Charles Natale Calvano. Also noted as corrections were the addition of the March, 2021 death of + LeIla Hein and the May 2021 funeral for + Marilyn Bruny. Eric provided the Treasurer’s report which included mention of the absence of school tuition income during the summer but that the overall year-to-date budget picture was better than at the same point in either of the past two years.

Board Reports

On behalf of the preschool, Stephen indicated that the Monday–Wednesday morning classes for the fall term are full and that there are nine students enrolled in the Tuesday-Thursday sessions.

Jim provided the Board of Human Needs report. Generous donations by Congregation members provided a sizeable number of backpacks and school supplies as well as $270 in other donations in addition to a $250 Thrivent gift card allowing for the purchase of even more backpacks and supplies. The Clothing Closet has recently reopened and is once again providing clothing for those in need. The Food Pantry/Food Bank is regularly assisting five-ten families each week with their nutritional needs.

Eric, Grant and Tom provided a joint update on Trustee activities including improvements made to the parking lot and ongoing efforts related to landscaping on the south side of the Church.

Parish Administrator’s Report

Tom reported that the preschool’s tuition assistance fund remains available on an “as needed” basis. Carpet and tile cleaning had been completed throughout the St. John’s facility. In anticipation of the annual budget preparation process being complete later in the fall Tom also provided various Board liaisons with handouts and instructions to begin the process.

Old Business

The first Old Business agenda item involved recurring discussion surrounding St. John’s reopening facilities and room use policies when requested and used by outside groups. All Saint John’s small groups as well as most other small outside groups have resumed facility usage in accordance with COVID-related guidelines. Discussion surrounded a standing request by one external large group to resume meeting on a weekly basis as well as a preliminary request from Lifeline Screening targeting a December date with both requesting to use the Large Fellowship Hall. Following discussion a motion was made and seconded to reopen the facility to the outside groups with a “cap” or limit of no more than 45 participants at any time and while maintaining social distancing and other COVID guidelines. The motion passed by a show of hands with two Council members dissenting.

New Business

The first item of New Business involved a question about the posting of financial data and Official Acts on the Saint John’s website. It was noted that financial updates are already provided to Congregation members via distribution of the monthly Eagle. Following discussion a motion was made and seconded to post Church Council minutes but to exclude other more detailed financial documents from the website. The motion passed unanimously.

The second item of New Business was the formal adoption of Columbarium guidelines. Following brief discussion there was consensus to table further discussion until the September Council meeting at which time Council members will have had ample time to review the guidelines.

The meeting adjourned at 6:51 pm with everyone standing for the Lord’s Prayer.

The thirteen members of the Church Council are the “Board of Directors” of the congregation, tasked with general oversight of the life and activities of the congregation to the end that everything be done in accordance with the Constitution and Bylaws.