CHURCH COUNCIL MINUTES -- APRIL 20, 2006

Present: Pastor Joan Gunderman, Pastor Chris Meier, Mary Backlund,
    Dave Brabec, Jim Eitrheim, Sharon Ingvoldstad, Tami Lueck, Elizabeth
    Sawdey, Ernie Teie, John Wallin and Lisa Houle, new Director of
    Children's Ministries
Absent: John Windh

The meeting was called to order at 7:11 p.m. by President Brabec.

We Assemble in God's Name
Pastor Joan lit the Christ Candle and led us in Praise and Thanksgiving.

President Brabec asked for any corrections or additions to February's minutes. On item #7, Mary corrected the statement to read, "Mary will bring to the next council meeting, more information about terrorism insurance." Jim made the motion, seconded by Mary to approve the February 9th meeting minutes as amended. Motion carried

Discussion of whether or not to print unapproved minutes before council approval was acted upon. Mary made the motion, support by Jim to not publish or post on the website any minutes until they have been approved at the next council meeting. Motion carried.

March's minutes were brought up for corrections and approval. Pastor Chris amended the minutes to have the minutes read Luther Crest Day Camp instead of Luther Crest Day. Pastor Chris made the motion, supported by Ernie to approve the amended minutes. Motion carried.

Treasurer's Report was presented by Mary Backlund
Mary gave highlights of the treasurer's report. The motion was made by Ernie, second by Jim to approve the treasurer's report. Motion carried.

Lisa Houle, new Director of Children's Ministries was introduced to the council. Lisa has her Master's Degree in Learning Styles and Communications from NDSU. Her first day of employment started on the 16th of April.

Pastor Joan Gunderman's Report
The pastor's report included the following: 

  1. Synod Assembly - April 28-30th 
  2. 40 Days of Purpose
    • Kick-off is April 30th
    • Roughly 125 participants have signed up for small groups
    • Council members urged to attend 
  3. Visioning Process
    • Recommend Roy Oswald, Alban Institute 
  4. Staff
    • Installation of Lisa Houle will be on May 7, 2006
    • The search for a new office manager is in progress. There were 19 applicants 
  5. Council Seminar
    • A council meeting is being planned for a Sunday in June after the last service.
    • "The Great Permission: An Asset-based Field Guide for Congregations" booklet will be reviewed. 
  6. Comp days/Vacation
    • April 24 - 25: Comp days
    • June 15 - 22: Vacation 
    • June 29 - Aug. 7: Vacation 
  7. Luther Crest
    • Teacher, afternoon mini-session Women's Week - June 25 - 29: "On Loan" from LCC
Pastor Chris Meier's Report
  1. The upcoming wedding to be held in the church on April 22nd will be presided by an outside pastor. One of the church's wedding coordinator is assisting in the preparation of this wedding. 
  2. 21 confirmation students will be confirmed.
  3. There will be a review of the current Sunday School curriculum.
  4. Lyle Amundson & others continue to make improvements on the Computer Resource Room.
Elizabeth Sawdey’s Youth Report 
  1. Youth worship on March 26th went very well!  Aerial gave an awesome sermon.
  2. March 26th was “Camp Sunday” to promote Luther Crest Bible Camp.
  3. Easter Brunch went very well.
  4. Summer events coming up with the youth include:
            Boston: June 17 - 24
                San Antonio: July 7 - 17
  5. June 11th there will be a Commissioning Service at the church for the youth & their trips.
  6. This summer, the 7t -9th graders will get together on Thursday for 6 weeks to do a new program with Bible studies, service projects and a lot of other fun stuff.
  7. Confirmation is Sunday April 23rd.
  8. The YOUTH WISH LIST……
                Musical instruments
            Sr. High Retreat
            Motivational Speaker
Sharon Ingvoldstad’s Congregational Life Report 
  1. The kitchen committee met on April 18th and began organizing the store room.
  2. The committee is in the process of selecting a chair person for this group.
  3. There is a lot that needs to be done.
  4. Prayer Chain leadership: Arlene Rice would like to be relieved of this responsibility. This request to find someone is being circulated through the prayer chain.
John Wallin’s Property Report
  1. Terry Kleven and Bob from Century Pipe Organ came on April 4th and installed the new set of pipes and tuned the old pipes. They will return in May to hook up the electrical components.
  2. Tyler Feldt, landscaping student from Central Lakes College has drawn a map of the church’s property and has made recommendations for low maintenance but aesthetically pleasing additions for consideration.
  3. 524 intermediate light tan blocks were purchased to enhance & prevent eroding around the church.
  4. Jerry Williams requested the need for a video taping/service room with a suggestion that it be located above the current ceiling area next to the Celebration Center. 
  5. Terry Hanson from Norson came and reviewed areas that need upgrading, addressed safety issues and areas to improve the outside appearance and energy saving devices within the church.
  6. Perry Setterholm’s position as custodian will end the last day of May, 2006.
Ernie Teie’s Worship & Music Report
  1. A thank you and congratulations for all those responsible for a very successful and spiritually uplifting Lenten season.
  2. The Lenten services were well received and the services during Holy Week were wonderful.
  3. A special and sincere thank you to John Wallin for all his work in getting the new organ pipes installed in the Sanctuary.
Tami Lueck’s Education Report
  1. Sunday School will come to a close on May 7th with a Spring Jamboree.
  2. The Spring Jamboree, planned to be held between services would include: a Scavenger Hunt, root beer floats, VBS sign up and an Open House of the Computer Resource Center.
  3. Lisa Houle is our new Children’s Ministry Director.
  4. Vacation Bible School FIESTA is planned for June 5th-9th. Lisa will assist in recruiting volunteers.
Old Business
  1. Pipe Organ – discussed earlier
  2. Money Handlers – arranged
  3. Purchase Order Policy
  4. Personnel Committee – Personnel Policy Review
Jim Eitrheim’s Personnel Committee Report
  1. Lots of activity this past month. Job descriptions have been reviewed; advertising has been completed for applicants and the interviewing of applicants has been held.
  2. Lisa Houle was hired.
  3. A number of applicants have applied for the job of Church secretary. Once this is completed, the committee will search for an Administrative Assistant.
Old Business continued
  1. Clarence Holden Trust – placed to be the last item for discussion
New Business
  1. Blood Drive – September 14th  Sharon will check into possibly finding a coordinator.
  2. Outreach Chair Resignation  Accepted with regret, Aimee Jambor’s resignation due to her teaching commitment and schedule. Possible replacement with recommendations will be brought up at the next council meeting.
  3. Duplo Lease. Pastor Chris made the motion, second by Ernie to lease a new Duplo. Motion carried. Having a printer that will collate/staple and copy 11X17 pages will be researched and a report will be brought back to next council meeting by John Wallin.
  4. The 21 Confirmand names for 2006 were presented to the council.
Clarence Holden Trust Discussion. At 9:40 Wallin made the motion, seconded by Eitrheim, to extend the meeting another 15 minutes. Each voting council member had an opportunity to summarize how this money may be best spent. Each council member is requested to give further prayer and consideration for the best use of this gift.

We go out in God’s Name
  1. Pastor Joan led us in a closing prayer.
  2. We adjourn to serve: Sharing the Peace of God.
Motion by Teie, second by Eitrhiam to close the meeting. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 10:13 P.M.

Respectfully submitted by
John Wallin for John Windh, Secretary