CONGREGATIONAL COUNCIL MEETING
PALMYRA CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2007 – 1:00 PM

Call to Order: Moderator Bob Rhine called the meeting to order and led the congregation in a brief devotional period.

Agenda – Bob Rhine called for any questions regarding the agenda and when there were no objections entered it to be followed.

Minutes of Past Meeting –Minutes from the November 19, 2006 meeting were read by Shirley Spahr, Church Clerk.
There was discussion that in order to save time, instead of reading the minutes in the future we print the minutes and have them available on the website.
MOTION: Move that in the future we print minimal copies of the minutes and have them available at the Congregational Council meeting as well as publish them on the website.
Moved –John Heisey Second – Dave Stahr Passed – No opposition

MOTION: Move that we approve the minutes from the November 19, 2006 meeting.
Moved – Steve Hoffer Second – Dave Stahr Passed – No opposition

Treasurer’s Report – The Treasurer’s Report was presented by Treasurer Beth Lefever. Beth reported total year-end surplus for 2006 was $27,560.73. The surplus was allocated as approved in the 2006 budget among restoring outreach items that had been cut to 2005 levels with the remaining surplus split evenly between Outreach and Building Dev. and Repair. Unified giving for 2006 was $548,988 and Outreach $512,203 in 2005. The Treasurer’s Report will be filed for audit.

Growing Faithful Disciples & Stewards Task Team Report – Due to Steve Meyer’s absence, Bob Rhine requested the team to give a report in the November 2007 Congregational Council meeting.

Membership Report – Russ Bucher read the Membership Report noting 3 deaths and 4 new members by transfer of membership and 2 new members by baptism since November 2006.

Facilities Development Task Team Report – D. John Grace updated avenues being explored for facility development are the purchase of land, whether our current facility can be improved and whether the Pine Woods would be desirable. Land being considered is still in extended inspection and review periods regarding an access easement after which the Church would vote on the purchase. A second tract of land is being considered in the same general area. The Pine Woods will be considered a potential site also. Our existing Church building and its functionality and access as well as costs to improve is being explored with an architectural firm at no cost at this time. Further updates will be announced in the near future.

Congregational Health Task Team Report – Gary Wizer named members diligently working on the team and read their mission statement, as published in the next Envoy. He reported that they have been gathering information and interviewing outside organizations and people to guide them in providing a means for expressing, understanding, and facilitating positive outcomes on concerns that have been expressed by the congregation. Recommendations will be made to the Board.

2006 Year-End Reports Distribution – Tom Smith requested the Teams reports. Reports on activities worked on in year 2006 were given by the Communications, Deacons, Education, FaithQuest, Fellowship, Leadership Calling, Outreach, Pastoral Relations, Property, Stewardship, and Worship Teams. Copies are on file.

Reports presented and on file
Senior Pastor’s Report – Pastor Landes
Pastor of Visitation Report – Prepared by Pastor Dubble and presented by Bob Rhine
Pastor of Christian Nurture’s Report – Pastor Lohr
Director of Music & Special Ministries Report – Martha Shaak (Marti expressed her plans for retirement in summer 2007)

Sharing of Joys and Concerns

Bob Rhine thanked everyone for preparation of the meal prior to this meeting and for their interest and participation in the meeting.

Closing Prayer – Pastor Landes led the congregation in prayer.

Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 2:20 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Shirley Spahr
Church Clerk