The council met on Sunday, June 22 for its monthly meeting. The following are highlights from the meeting. 

Council Highlights

       Devotional Activity

       Jeanne Flynn led the Council in a Devotional Journey Against Racial Injustice. Council reflected on scripture passages, engaged in reflection and prayer around three themes: 

       • Call to Justice

       • Empathy in Action

       • Hope and action

       Discussion included experiences with the No Kings protests and immigration issues. Pastor Krista reminded the Council that, as Christians, we are called to welcome and care for the stranger.  

       Metro Chicago Synod Assembly

       Randy Steinheimer and Gregg Kobliska provided Council with an update about workshops attended, including: 

       • Governance: legal issues for churches; need to update constitutions; importance of maintaining political neutrality

       • Finance: need for regular audits of church accounts

       • “Being Re-membered”: focus on diverse cultures, with openness to worship elements from around the world

       Bishop Curry was re-elected Bishop of the Metro Chicago Synod.  

Action Items

       • The council did not approve any specific action items this month, but is prepared to act on any emerging agreement with District 129. 

Committee Highlights

       Property Team

       • Matt Greising and Pastor Krista provided Council with an update about ongoing discussions with District 129 regarding improvements to the playground area and courtyard space. Discussions are progressing but there is not yet a specific proposal on which to act at this time. 

        • Matt provided updates on building projects, including replacement of the kitchen floor in the basement and drywall repair in the banner room.  

       Children, Youth and Family Committee

       • The VBS program has sufficient volunteers, but we are looking for more participants. It’s not too late to sign up for VBS, so please encourage neighbors, family members and others to sign their kids up for the program. Please see VBS information in the Friday email for details. 

       Stewardship Committee

       • The Stewardship Committee is working on the completion of the annual update of the member roster as well as this year’s stewardship theme. Constitution Review Committee

       • The Constitution Review Committee has met and reviewed its charge. The council will review the portion of the constitution related to Council membership, duties, terms of office and other matters and discuss those issues at its July meeting. 

Upcoming dates: 

        • Outdoor worship and summer fun will take place on Sunday, July 6. See the Friday email for details. 

        • The summer pops concert will take place on Wednesday, July 9. Please see the Friday email for additional information. All are welcome to attend. 

       • A Budget and Benevolence Forum will take place on July 26 and 27 following worship services. A mid-year budget update and report on volunteer service and special contributions to our outreach and community partners will be provided at that time.  

The Council is committed to open communication and ongoing transparency with the congregation. Please feel free to reach out to a Council member with your questions.