Christian Ed – no update  

LCW – On September 11, 2022, the LCW hosted a church picnic following the church service.  The committee provided hotdogs and buns and condiments and those in attendance supplied the pot-luck salads and desserts.  The picnic was well attended, and we were blessed with the presence of the wonderful comfort dog, Jeremiah, who provided comfort to all of us.  Thanks to Marilynn Sells for arranging to have Jeremiah with us.  Even though the weather was rainy, we all enjoyed the picnic and fellowship.

Stewardship – no update  

Personnel Committee – no update  

COVID taskforce – no update  

Worship and Music Committee – The Committee met on Wednesday, September 13th. Judy updated us on the Altar Guild.  Everything is going well with members going up for Communion at the Altar. We discussed the possibility of returning to Communion around the Altar but will hold off for now. Discussion regarding the Pet Blessing on October 2nd at 11:30. We’ll use the old Banner out front to advertise. Dog treat bags and Cat treat bags will be handed out. Water bowls will be available.  And Certificates will given to the pet owners stating that their pet had been blessed with the date. The next meeting will be held on November 14th at 11:00 AM.

Senior Spirits – no update

Lunch Bunch - Lunch Bunch was held on Tuesday September 13th at Public Landing Restaurant in Lockport. 14 people attended and a good time was had by all. Next month Lunch Bunch meets at Chuck’s Southern BBQ in Darien on October 11th at 11:30 AM

RIC – The Reconciling In Christ committee, consisting of Pastor Adam, Toni Blesy, Sheila Ruh, Bobbie Sejnost and Sherry Sejnost, met on September 6th at 4:00 P.M. to further discuss RIC and Lord of Life’s path to becoming a Reconciling In Christ church. Pastor Josh, from Gloria Dei and a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, provided much information and insight about the importance of welcoming and affirming all members of the LGBTQIA+ and answered questions committee members had. Pastor Adam provided each member of the committee the book Rescuing Jesus, which we will discuss as we develop Lord of Life’s welcome message and continue the journey becoming a Reconciling In Christ church. The committee’s next meeting is October 4th at 4:00 P.M. during which we will discuss the first 2 chapters of Rescuing Jesus. New members to the committee are welcome.   

Finance – August donations were very good. The $18,584 total is the highest August in the last ten years, exceeding a very weak 2021 ($12,343) by $6,240 and a weak 2020 ($13,365) by $5,219. August expenses ($17,922) were higher than 2021 by $1,912, but lower than 2020 by $977. August operations generated a $662 surplus. The year-to-date deficit decreased to $36,039, the highest at the end of eight months not only in the last ten years, but in the last 20 years by more than $6,000. At the end of eight months, 66.67% of the year, 64.4% of the budget was spent. Most categories that exceeded 64.4% were highly seasonal. However, it should be noted that in prior years the percent expended has been several percent lower than the completed portion of the year. Donations through August recorded in Shepherd's Staff agree in total and by fund with the financial records. No pass-through funds are overdrawn. Five on-line donations totaling $375 were received by the last counters report date (08/29/22). There were no Thrivent donations (YTD there have been 3 Thrivent donations totaling $222). The balance sheet remains strong. There is no long-term debt. Total assets have decreased by $32,177 since 12/31/21. The decrease is due to the operational deficit. It should be noted that the exceptional deficit stems from reduced donations. Compared to August of 2013 with a slightly lower year-to-date expense, donations are nearly $15,000 less and the deficit more than $16,000 higher.

Property – The new water cooler has been received and will be installed this fall. Stephens Plumbing and Heating is still on track for the fall HVAC equipment check which will be on November 3rd. The sealing of the parking lot was completed on September 15th. Moving of the material from the southeast portion of the Sanctuary to the southwest room is complete.  Repair of the rotted potions of the cross along 75th Street is in progress - completion expected by September 23rd.      Pricing has been received for cleaning the carpet in the Fellowship Hall and Narthex. Pricing is more than we would like to spend (approximately $1,600). Pastor will attempt a sample cleaning to see if the cleaning is practical to perform in house. Pastor Adam continues to work on the zoom cameras in the Sanctuary including the sound quality.

Children and Hunger – No update  

Hospitality – No update