COUNCIL MINUTES -- JUNE 12, 2008

Present: Darrell Paske (President), Colleen Both, Sharon Ingvoldstad, Donna Trapp,  Tim Bergin, Dean Maier, Carol Smith, Tom Larson, Tami Lueck and Denny Holmen
Absent: Pastor Joan (vacation)

Call To Order

We Celebrate Our Past

  • Approved minutes, as written, of our 5/8/2008 meeting. M/S/P (Smith/Larson).
  • Approved May 2008 financial report as presented by Tim Bergin, treasurer. M/S/P (Lueck/Holmen).

Strategic Planning Goals

  • Cottage meetings produced a list of items to be considered for quick completion. The list was reviewed and will be discussed at the July meeting at which time Council will identify items to be addressed.

Old Business

  • Phone system update - Tom Larson reported that permanent wiring (two electrical outlets) is in place for key system components. At this time, the system is working better. Will continue to monitor performance.

We Present Our Offerings

   Youth

  • Mission trip update - Stock sales went well, thanks to all who participated. Youth are meeting every Wednesday evening for bible study and bonding before the trip.
  • Year-end review - Confirmation Guides met for a year-end review and brainstorming session. Many ideas were discussed. We will meet again to modify the program for next year.
  • Summer Stretch has started - Have 12 participants and they do a service project, have bible studies and a bit of fun.
  • National Youth Synod Gathering - Planning for a possible trip in 2009.
   Stewardship
  • Committee has been meeting monthly planning strategic direction. Drafted a proposed plan for stewardship year around (Share, Save, Spend) focused around four primary objectives:
    •    Education
    •    Leadership identification
    •    Funding of church ministries and operations
    •    Communication
   Congregational Life
  • First Aid - In the event of emergency, cold packs are in the large kitchen freezer. “For emergency use only, clean and replace if used.” First aid kits available in both kitchens.
  • Kitchen - Marlene Larson and Sally Hodgson cleaned the storeroom and have sorted equipment. Thank you! \
  • Organ recitals - Approximately 50 attended Cathy Taylor’s recital. We served coffee, iced tea and lemonade. Still need a pan of bars for Laura Raedeke’s recital next week.
  • Ministries Opportunities booklet - Need someone with computer skills to proceed.

   Property
  • Parking lot - Crack repair will be done in June to be followed by striping.
  • Preventive maintenance proposal for Thelen Heating and Roofing to service all church equipment. Maintenance would be done twice a year in the spring and fall for $275.00 per service. Total cost = $550.00 per year. M/S/P (Smith/Ingvoldstad).
  • Parsonage - Property Chair Tom Larson and Treasurer Tim Bergin met with Laurie Winters regarding additional repairs and/or remodeling. It was agreed that no additional repairs be made until approved by the Church Council.
  • Phone system - See “Old Business.”
   Worship and Music
  • Choir room cabinets have been installed. Final cost was $5,537.36 (estimate was $5,544.00).
  • Handbells class cancelled due to insufficient number of registrants.
   Outreach
  • Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) - Our next hosting opportunity is June 29th through July 6th. Had IHN wrap-up meeting to discuss what has gone well and what needs improvement.
  • Name badges - The number used keeps growing. More have been ordered.
   Education
  • Well project - A special thank you to all who made the project a success. Our goal was reached. Monetary donations are still being accepted as well as necklaces and bracelets. Baskets are still for sale for the corporate phase of the project. Again, thank you to all who contributed.
  • Vacation Bible School is in session June 9 - 13. Eighty-six kids are attending and we have many volunteers. The place has been hopping, dancing, singing, Jesus and crafts.
  • Luther Crest Day Camp will be held July 28 - 31 at Nisswa Park.
  • A special thank you to Janet, Tammy and the Children’s Ministry Team for all they have done this year to make our Children’s Ministry Program a meaningful and enriching experience for our children and their families.
   Personnel
  • “Benefit Package  #1" (pastors) was reviewed and discussed by Council. M/S/P (Bergin/Both). 
  • Job descriptions - Committee work is in progress.
  • Call Committee - Two candidates have been called back for second interviews. Interviews will be conducted June 23rd and 24th.
Adjourn - M/S/P (Lueck/Larson)  

We close with prayer, giving thanks and asking for guidance. All are welcome at Council meetings. Approved minutes and approved financial reports are available in the church office to any member upon request.

If you would like to have something on the Council meeting agenda, please submit it in writing addressed to President Paske and delivered to Laurie in the church office no less than one week prior to the monthly Council meeting. The Council meets the second Thursday of the month. If the request is submitted less than one week prior to the next Council meeting, it will be addressed at the following monthly meeting.

Respectfully submitted,
Denny Holmen, secretary


    Contact us:
    Lutheran Church of the Cross
    On Hiway 13 just east of Hiway 371 at Sportland Corner
    P.O. Box 29
    Nisswa, MN 56468
    Phone: 218/963-2564     Fax: 218/963-0294
    Email: lcc@lccnisswa.org