COUNCIL NOTES SEPTEMBER 25, 2012

7-9PM Greenwood Office
Present: Pastor Eric Likkel, Elders David Anema, Mike Elenbaas (representing Teresa), Biff Gaitan; Deacons Mark Nelson, Kristen VanderLinden 

Eric Likkel notes: 

Check-in – Prayer

Deaconal updates:
 – Children’s Ministry: Mike read Teresa’s update; included hearty affirmation of Angie’s work in prepping entire year’s worth of Big Kids Bible Workshop material! Also looking forward to involving Aaron VL in youth mentoring alongside Mike E. w/Josiah, Gabe 
– Stewardship: numbers have remained flat through summer and into early fall 
– Sunday Volunteers: Deaconess Kristen very interested in cultivating subculture of encouragement and volunteer appreciate, outside of event/ceremony approach 
– followup next Council; also discussed possibility of hosting a “Holiday Blues” party for the community in Belltown as our December 30 Groundworks project, inviting the Seniors from Simons, etc.; would partner w/Belltown Covenant folks, NH, etc. 
– Music: leader Mark feeling alright about how music is going in general, but desires more time to search for new songs; also still feels that gooseneck mic would improve communication/leadership from up front on Sundays 

Responding to Road Crew member’s email; addressed specific issues communicated to Council by a Road Crew member; instructed Elder to present Council’s thoughts, ideas, challenges, and encouragement to member 

Fall Fellowship Feast & Ministry Calendar/Opps: Eric presented overall theme for Oct.7 worship and potluck: the Lord works in us through each other; fellowship is built in to our spiritual growth/transformation; specific opportunities and challenges for Emmaus Road, especially Small Group life and service, will be highlighted; several fellowship opportunities throughout the year including possible shared events with sister congregations in the CRC Cluster were also presented 

Future Elders/Council - 4th Tuesdays

TABLED: Belltown update; CRC Office Bearers Covenant/Classis Oct10

OCTOBER 23 ELDERS AGENDA to include: • reorg. Districts • survey Emmaus Road re: individuals’ and households’ connection level • Prayer Renewal throughout Emmaus Road 

NOVEMBER 27 COUNCIL AGENDA to include: • Leadership role pairing/sharing, viz. Teresa/Mike’s suggestion • Volunteer Appreciation – cultivating common practice throughout Emmaus Road • Holiday Blues Party – December 30?