THE LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD

VOTERS MEETING

SEPTEMBER 10, 2006

Steve Graef, President, called the meeting to order at 12:10 pm.

Pastor Saxe opened with prayer.

Thirty-four voters were present. A list is on file.

Minutes from May 7, 2006 were reviewed with a correction made by Walter Meyer to the Elders report. The sentence was corrected to read “The Elders will interview congregational members about these practices and report to the September Voters Meeting”.  The minutes were approved as corrected.

Bert and Gloria Beyer were recognized as future new congregational members.

Elders:
Paul Duffau reported that some congregational members have been interviewed in regard to liturgical practices. In order to involve the whole congregation, the Elders will lead a three-week Lutheran Liturgical Practices and Traditions Forum will be held during the Sunday School Hour starting October 15 to inform, ask for input, and discuss these practices with all members of the congregation.

Trustees:
Bob Mead reported that he is currently reviewing projects. A Fall Work Day is tentatively scheduled for October 14 and will be confirmed in the bulletin.

Community Concerns:
Darlene Murphree submitted the agenda for the October meeting. Items on the agenda are as follows: Food Drives in October/November, community wide Blood Pressure Screening and Blood Drives in December and February, Sweatshirts and Cookies for Place of Hope in December, a Pot Luck in January, guest speakers from Meals on Wheels and The Lutheran Hospice.

Financial Secretary:
Jenine Bristol’s reported that the weekly shortage in contributions continues. The average weekly shortage is $564.71. The envelope contributions for this year throughout September 30 are a shortage of $29,760.16. A full report is on file.

Treasurer:
Frank Meyer reported that all bills are current. However, “extra duties” like United Ministries have not been supported. A full report is on file.

Pastor:
Pastor Saxe reported that he continues to conduct Adult and Private Instruction classes and work closely with the Elders. Four new members will transfer in as soon as they are released from their congregation.

Unfinished Business:
 President Graef asked the Voters to nominate and vote on a delegate and alternate to represent us at the October 7, 2006 Circuit 18 Electoral Meeting  in Irmo. Paul Duffau made a motion:

To nominate Jenine Bristol as our Delegate and Jim Derrick Alternate to the Electoral Meeting. 
Joan Winkelman 2^nd the motion. All present approved.

In addition, President Graef asked the Voters to nominate and vote on Lay and Pastoral representatives that our Delegate will nominate at the Circuit Electoral Meeting for the Synodical Conference in 2007. Paul Duffau made a motion:

That our Delegate nominate Walter Meyer as the Circuit 18 Lay Delegate.  Bill Tribbett 2^nd the motion.  All present approved.

Pastor Steve made a motion:
To nominate Pastor John Rickert of Spartanburg as Pastoral Delegate. Larry Hyman 2^nd the motion. All present approved.

President Graef announced a Special Voters Meeting to be held October 1 to introduce and review the changes to the Constitution proposed by the Committee and approved by the Council for Voters review. Sue Ellen Schulz will post the proposed constitution on the church website for review prior to the meeting. The proposed constitution will be emailed to the LCGS email list and hard copies will be available at the church two weeks before the October 1 meeting.

New Business:  Walter Meyer made a motion:
That a questionnaire be prepared and distributed by the Board of Elders, after the Lutheran Liturgical Practices and Traditions Forum, to establish the consensus of the members about the following:

1.    The display of icons in the Sanctuary (yes/no/don’t care)

2.      The use of incense (yes/no/don’t care)

3. The Display of Jesus figure in the Sanctuary (yes/no/don’t care)

4.      Other related concerns

and that the Elders report at the January Voters Meeting.

Jerry Frericks 2^nd the motion.  The motion passed with 20 in favor and 14 opposed.

President Graef announced that the Servant Leaders Workshop is scheduled for Saturday, September 23 from 9AM to 1PM. All elected officers and appointed committee chairs are invited. The purpose is to set some goals in some or all of the following areas: youth support, needed facility projects, stewardship, outreach.

A motion was made and seconded to adjourn at 1:15 pm.

Pastor Saxe closed the meeting with prayer.

Respectfully submitted,

Monika Santiago