MINUTES: CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
January 20, 2008

Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by outgoing president Dave Brabec at 9:30 a.m.

Prayer: Pastor Gunderman led us in prayer.

Approval of Minutes: Minutes of the 11-18-2007 Congregational Meeting Part-1 (election) were approved.  M/S/P (Del Ring/Dick Brumfield).

Financial Report: Mary Backlund presented the 2007 year-end financial report. Subsequent to discussion, the report was approved. M/S/P (Mike Smith/John Wallin).

Call Committee Report: Colleen Both provided an update of committee activities. The congregational survey has been completed, summarized  and forwarded to the Synod office. The Synod office will now search for potential candidates for the Associate Pastor position.

Senior Pastor’s Report: Pastor Joan reviewed highlights of her report as presented in the Annual Report.

President Exchange: Outgoing president Dave Brabec turned the meeting over to incoming president Darrell Paske.

2008 Budget: Mary Backlund presented the 2008 budget as proposed by the church council.
  • Comments/Questions: It was moved by Dan Frank and seconded by Mark Hallan to adopt a budget giving staff a 4% increase as opposed to a 2% increase. Discussion followed. Dean Maier recommended that we should not adopt a deficit budget, and Pastor Joan indicated that it could be awkward for staff to accept a 4% raise and then not meet budget. Motion failed.
  • Budget Approval: M/S/P (Chuck Nielsen/Bob Becker) to adopt the 2008 budget as presented.
  • Bill Nemitz expressed gratitude to Mary Backlund for her many years of service on the Council. Mary was recognized with resounding applause.
Question: Marlene Larson asked about the accuracy of the current membership role. Pastor Joan indicated that each January the roles will be reviewed. Pastor Joan further indicated that our constitution bases active membership on two things - financial giving and communion participation (C8.02c). LCC has kept no communion records for years, so active membership has only been determined by means of financial giving. We will soon begin using communion cards to be in compliance with the constitution and to have a more accurate picture of membership activity.

Recognition: President Paske expressed thanks to outgoing council members Dave Brabec, Mary Backlund and John Wallin for their dedicated service.

Closing Prayer: Led by Pastor Jerry Raedeke, thanking God for all who serve our congregation.

Adjourn: Meeting adjourned by president Paske at 10:25 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Denny Holmen, secretary