The church council meets on the third Tuesday of every month. If you have a question or comment about a topic you read about here—or about anything pertaining to the life of Saint John’s—please contact one of your Council members. Here are the notes from the February 2013 meeting.

Pastor Al Schroeder, our Circuit Counselor, visited with the council. He gave us an overview of the call process and explained the District’s role in guiding and facilitating the congregation with our call. He emphasized the need for all of us to use our faith and understanding to operate within God’s will, that the congregation may be led by the Holy Spirit to select the right pastor for Saint John’s. The next step in the process will be completing the congregational self study. Forms will be distributed after worship for members to complete and return.

We have already received the names of three pastors for consideration. You will be hearing more about this aspect of the process over the next month!

Offerings in January were down after a strong December. This is not uncommon, and we hope for a more normal month in February. Some January expenses were also higher than normal due to some periodic payment schedules, and February expenses should also be closer to average. With the sale and closing of all of our rental houses on Garfield Street now complete, our monthly debt service is now down to $501 per month!

Some boards, like the Elderberries, Adult Ed, Trustees, and others are active and running well. Others, like Stewardship and Outreach, are re-starting after a period of inactivity. There are many boards (see last month’s newsletter) that could really use your time, talent, and participation. Please check with the church office or any council member about how your interests can fit with the church’s needs. There is a place for everyone; please help!

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.