SALEM LUTHERAN CHURCH COUNCIL
The Salem Lutheran Church Council met August 9, 2006.

The board members present were Don Aamodt, Tami Alphs, Scott Helgeson, Jerry Hoffman, Deb Kingland, Rick Orban, Bob Peterson, Wanda Playter and Gaye Sletten. Guest, David Kingland. Absent: Carolyn Swanson and Jennifer McGrady

Opening Devotions and Prayers were given by Deb Kingland.

Secretary's Report:
Each council member individually read the Secretary's Report. Motion to accept the minutes was made by Wanda Playter and seconded by Tami Alphs. All Approved
Correspondence:
Jerry Hoffman presented a letter from Keith Helland of Helland Insurance Agency stating that Essential Insurance Services conducted a Risk Improvement Survey of Salem on June 13, 2006. The purpose of the survey was to develop current information on the operations and to assist in identifying and controlling potentials for accidents and losses as they relate to coverage provided. The result of the survey was that there are no suggestions for improvement needed.
Treasurer's Report:
Scott Helgeson reported that the General Fund Balance as of July 31, 2006 was $38,553.42. Scott reported we have started paying on the cemetery fund load, which is now down to $35,855.
Financial Secretary's Report:
Tami Alphs reported that the General Fund Income for July was $30,363.15, with the total income for July being $32,569.51. Motion to accept the treasurer's report and the financial secretary's report was made by Bob Peterson and seconded by Jerry Hoffman. All approved.

BOARD REPORTS:
Board of Worship & Music:
Deb Kingland reported in Carolyn Swanson's absence. She reminded everyone that there will be only one service on Installation Sunday, Sept. 24th. Hopefully there will be a reunion choir and also the Sunday school kids will be singing.
Board of Stewardship and Social Ministry:
Don Aamodt reported that Rally Sunday, Sept. 10th is when the Ministry Fair will be held. Time and Talent sheets will be handed out a couple Sundays before that date and then again on Rally Sunday. They will need a representative from each Board to be available at the Ministry Fair to answer any questions people may have. Don also reported that the Brotherhood will have a pancake breakfast on Sunday, August 20th from 9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. The free-will offering will go toward the children they sponsor in Guatemala. Don also reminded us of the pie and ice cream social on Saturday, August 19th following the 5:30 p.m. worship service that will be sponsored by the Life and Growth Board. These events on August 19th and 20th are being held to give everyone an opportunity to welcome Pastor Weeg and his wife, Peggy.
Board of Education:
Bob Peterson reported they are ready for the new Sunday school year, with most of the teaching positions filled. Teacher installation will be on Rally Sunday, September 10th. Bob also reported that their board is working on getting the faith stepping stones going again and also finding guides for the 7th grade confirmation class.
Board of Youth:
Wanda Playter reported that all mission trips are done for the summer. All trips seemed to be very successful.
Board of Life and Growth:
Deb Kingland reported in Jennifer McGrady's absence. They are working on a picnic following the 10:30 service on August 27. This will be sponsored by the Salem Council and its Boards. Deb will send out an e-mail as a reminder of what food is needed from each Board and who will need to work. The Life and Growth Board will also be working with the WELCA Serving Committee to plan a lunch that will follow the installation service on Sunday, September 24th. There will only be one service that weekend and that will be on Sunday at 10:00 a.m. Sunday school will still meet at 9:35.
Board of Property and Management:
Jerry Hoffman reported they are continuing to paint areas around the church. Jerry also reported they are still trying to schedule a time for Randall Construction to come in and look at the water leak on the bell tower. We were supposed to be on last week's City Council agenda to discuss the cemetery sidewalks, but that was postponed. They took bids on pest control for the church and have signed a contract with Plunkett's Pest Control. David Kingland reported that he was asked about possibly tuning the organ. David checked on this and the company that tunes the organ suggests waiting until the heat gets turned on. So, we will wait to tune the organ until later this fall. Jerry Hoffman made the following two motions:
1) Authorize the upgrade and installation of new sound and lightening equipment provided by a member and the relocation of the main sound console from the balcony area to an area on the main sanctuary floor adjacent to the organ.
2) Authorize the selection and training of 4 volunteer audio/lighting technicians to operate the new sound and lighting equipment - 2 for the 8:30 a.m. service and 2 for the 10:30 a.m. service
The motion was seconded by Scott Helgeson and all approved. David Kingland will provide the training and help select people.
Pastor's Report:
Deb Kingland reported that Pastor Norris visited 43 shut-ins and served 41 home communions. Pastor Norris has requested to take the month of December off. Some discussion was held and the council approved as long as Pastor Norris lets those he is visiting know he will be gone. The Council discussed some things we are looking for in an Associate Pastor. The main qualities that were brought up were an evangelist with strength in working with youth and young families.
Call Committee Report:
David Kingland reported they have talked to Darrel Gerrietts, the Bishop's Representative, letting them know that the current call committee is ready to begin working on finding the new Associate Pastor. David reported that the Staff Management is working on getting contracts out to the pre-school teachers. They are also currently looking at insurance coverage for Son-Shine Pre-school.
Motion was made by Jerry Hoffman and seconded by Rick Orban to accept these reports. All approved.

OLD BUSINESS:
Deb Kingland reported that there was great response to the 30 days of prayer for our Pastors. She also said the Pastor Weeg and his wife felt blessed to have so many praying for them.
Deb Kingland reminded all boards to keep working on their procedural manuals.

NEW BUSINESS:
Deb Kingland reported that Scott Helgeson and Gary Honsey are working with Vernon Hagen on promoting Brotherhood at Salem. They are hoping to get more men of the church involved in this. All adult males are members of Brotherhood, which quite a few people didn't realize.
The Altar Guild will also be informing more people about what they do and hope to have more people join and become part of Altar Guild. There will be an opportunity to find out more and sign up at the Ministry Fair on Sept. 10.
Deb Kingland and other Salem members have been approached about hosting some evangelist musicians. The Council agreed that we would be very open to the idea of hosting an event in the future.
Deb Kingland expressed the possible need for someone that is a detail-oriented person to take care of administrative duties at the Church. All thought this would be a great idea if we could find someone willing to do this. Interested persons should talk with Deb Kingland.

Transfers away: Dotty Mittelstadt

Motion to adjourn was made by Tami Alphs and seconded by Bob Peterson. All approved.

Next meeting will be Wednesday, September 13th at 8:00 p.m.

We closed with the Lord's Prayer.

Gaye Sletten
Recording Secretary