SALEM LUTHERAN CHURCH COUNCIL
The Salem Lutheran Church Council met April 11, 2007 at 7:30 p.m.
The board members present were Tami Alphs, Lynn Bartness, Scott Helgeson, Jerry Hoffman, Deb Kingland. Jennifer McGrady, Rick Orban, Bob Peterson, Gaye Sletten and Pastor Weeg
Missing: Wanda Playter and Stephanie Seemuth
Guests: Bart Winter and Sheila Stelter

Call to Order by Deb Kingland
Devotions were given by Pastor Weeg.

Secretary's Report: Each council member individually read the secretary's report. The report was received and filed.
Correspondence: Gaye Sletten read a letter of thanks from Jill Skogen, Youth for Christ Area Director, for the use of Salem for the Lake Mills Opportunity fund raiser. Gaye also read a letter of thanks from the ELCA for the contributions we gave in 2006.
Treasurer's Report: Scott Helgeson reported the following balances as of March 31: MBT checking $34,331.61, MBT Principal $101,592.47, General Fund Balance $75,029.12 and Total Fund Balance $134,197.54.
Financial Secretary's Report: Tami Alphs reported that the General Fund Income for March was $28,144.00, with the total income for March being $29,006.19. Tami also reported that giving statements will be sent out next month and they will look at sending another statement around the beginning of October and then again at the end of the year. The financial reports were received and filed.

BOARD REPORTS:
Board of Worship and Music: Bart Winter reported in Stephanie Seemuth' s absence. Bart reported that their board has all services organized through May 6th.
Board of Stewardship and Social Ministry: Lynn Bartness reported that their board will be putting out information in the newsletter and possibly in a bulletin insert about stewardship to keep people aware of opportunities to use their gifts to serve.
Board of Education: Bob Peterson and Sheila Stelter reported on their boards activities. The 4 year olds - 1st grade will be singing on Mother's Day. They are looking at other Sundays for the rest of the youth to sing. Ten Salem 5th graders received their first communion at the Maundy Thursday service and celebrated prior to the service with a pot-luck. They are currently working on new curriculum and are looking for teachers for next year. They were having a Vacation Bible School meeting on Thursday, April 12th. April 29th will be the last day of Sunday school. They have been having Prayer Pals meet weekly, one grade per week for a Bible story and craft time. May 2nd is Faith Statement night for the 9th Grade confirmation class, with confirmation being May 8th. There was a meeting held on March 24th about the 8th Grade confirmation and they set October 28th as the date for 8th Grade Confirmation. They also reported that the Pre-school is having registration April 15th & 18th and they anticipate a great year. May 4th is the last day for Pre-school with their end of year program being held on April 29th. Sheila also reported that Jan Belica is substitute teaching for Marlys Cavett as she is out for medical reasons.
Board of Youth: Deb Kingland reported in Wanda Playter's absence. The youth will be holding a garage sale the first weekend in May in conjunction with city wide garage sales. If you have any items to donate please bring them to the youth room. Katie continues to come up with more ideas for the youth in addition to planning for this summer's youth mission trip. There will be a "Meet Katie" coffee held between services on April 29th and they hope everyone will come and meet Katie and officially welcome her to Salem.
Board of Life and Growth: Jennifer McGrady reported that they were not able to meet today because of the weather. They are working on getting the rest of the envelopes delivered that have not been picked up yet. They are also in the process of getting together a portable bulletin board to be displayed in the Narthex with current events, new members, etc. The board is looking at organizing a new member's social event to include those members added in the past couple of years. They are also planning to begin organizing a women's retreat sometime in the fall.
Board of Property and Management: Jerry Hoffman reported that the engineering firm will be at Salem on Thursday, April 12th at 10:00 am to look at the bell tower. The board is reviewing what mowing needs to be done. Jerry reported that the boiler has just a couple small things left to be worked on and then the project should be complete. When the weather gets warmer they are planning to paint the brown trim around the outside of the church and are looking for volunteers to help with this project. There was a discussion about the blowing of snow against the building. Jerry explained that the problem is that we cannot blow the snow into the street so there are not many other options. We could look at using a blade instead of using the blower, but noted there would be the added expense of hauling that snow away.
Pastor's Report: Pastor Weeg reported that Holy Week and Easter Services seemed to go well with a lot of work from a lot of people in a short time. Next year the planning for this will be done earlier and be more organized.
Call Committee: Rick Orban reported that they are starting the interview process with potential associate pastor candidates with some very good candidates.
All board reports were received and filed.

OLD BUSINESS:
Deb Kingland reminded all that they should be keeping minutes from their board meetings and turning those in to Gaye. Also, everyone should be working on your procedural manuals so they will be ready to pass on to the incoming board chairman and copies should also be given to Gaye Sletten, the Council Recording Secretary.
Tami Alphs handed out the schedule for picking up the offering. Tami assigned each council member a certain month when they and their board are responsible for picking up the offering from all 3 services.

NEW BUSINESS:
Deb Kingland reported the Synod Assembly meeting is being held June 8th & 9th at Luther College. Pastor Weeg will be attending. If other council members are interested in going they should contact Pastor Weeg so reservations can be made.
Deb Kingland requested each board put together a list of things they need volunteers to help with now and in the near future. We will then put together a list of these specific volunteer needs and they will be included in a weekly insert in the bulletin to get these volunteer positions filled.
Jennifer McGrady made a motion to send half the loose Lenten offering to Bible camps and use the other half to support Salem youth in their mission trip this summer. The motion was seconded by Tami Alphs and all approved.
Rick Orban, Council Vice President, is going to hold informational meetings in the coming months during coffee forum between Sunday services to help answer questions anyone might have and keep the congregation in touch with what is happening with the Boards, Council and Call Committee. There will be announcements in the bulletins about when these forums will be held.
Motion to adjourn was made by Tami Alphs and seconded by Bob Peterson. All approved.

The next meeting will be Wednesday, May 9th at 8:00 p.m.
Meeting was closed with the Lord's Prayer.

Gaye Sletten Recording Secretary