The Salem Church Council met January 12, 2006 in the Lounge.
Those present were: Pastor Dykstra, Pastor Mackey, Scott Helgeson, Deb Kingland, Doug Bruhns, Dianne Gardner, Don Aamodt, Keith Helland, Linda Rasmusson, Bob Peterson, Jerry Hoffman, and Kathy Gilbertson. Absent: Amy Olson. Guests: David Kingland representing the call committee, Jen McGrady and Doug Harmon.
Pastor Dykstra led us in devotions and prayer.
President Scott Helgeson thanked the outgoing board members for their service on the council.
Each council member individually read the Secretary's Report. Motion was made by Linda Rasmusson and seconded by Deb Kingland to accept the minutes.
The Treasurer's Report was given by Doug Bruhns. It was noted that December was a good month financially. Doug was able to pay our budget commitments such as Waldorf, Lutheran Social Services, Bible Camps and Sunday school. There is still a $39,000 debt to the cemetery fund. As of December 31, 2005 we have a balance of $ 8447.78.
The Financial Secretaries Report was given by Dianne Gardner. The amount of $64,280.00 was deposited in December. Dianne reported the year end statements have been sent out.
A motion was made by Jerry Hoffman seconded by Bob Peterson to accept these reports.
Board Reports:
Board of Worship and Music: Keith Helland reported his board met with the new board members for the coming year and went over their duties as new board members.
Board of Stewardship and Social Ministry: Don Aamodt reported the 2006 pledged amount of $273,000 was down from last year. It was noted each year we take in more than the pledged amount. Last year the pledged amount was $280,000 and $339,000 was given. We received $84,000 in non pledged which totaled $426,000 for 2005.
Board of Education: Bob Peterson reported Camp Kickoff will be Sunday, January 15 at 11:30 to discuss the summer camp schedules. A spaghetti dinner fund raiser is scheduled for February 19. The board requested carpet put in the rooms to help with the noise.
Board of Youth: no report
Board of Life and Growth: Linda Rasmusson reported four groups and seven women have signed up for the new Bible study being lead by Pastor Mackey.
Board of Property and Management: Jerry Hoffman reported Bill Georgia and Doug Hanna have temporarily taken over the custodian position until replacements are hired. The board has written a new job description and the board is ready to advertise for that position. A promissory note was drawn up and signed for the money borrowed from the cemetery endowment fund in the amount of $39,000 with 4% interest per year. A letter from the Enduring Gift Fund Committee was presented to the council recommending that the Loretta Austin Estate funds for 2006 be applied towards the stained glass window repairs with a challenge to the congregation to match the $15,654.22. After discussion a motion was made by Dianne Gardner and seconded by Doug Bruhns to accept the board's recommendation.
One in Christ Parish Council: Doug Harmon reported the council voted to give their half of a 2 month full severance pay of salary and benefits to Deb in hopes that the Salem council would do the same. It was noted the council approved on that at the December meeting.
A motion was made by Keith Helland and seconded by Deb Kingland to accept these reports.
Call Process Report: Pastor Dykstra shared with the council that he has received a letter of call with the intent to accept, in Grand Forks, North Dakota and February 26 will be their last Sunday. Pastor Dykstra requested he would like to share this with the congregations at our services this weekend.
David Kingland reported on what the role of Pastor Mackey will be during the call process and explained all the options available during this vacancy. The call committee has a profile of objectives and goals and they are ready to start the interviewing process.
Old Business: Doug Bruhns presented the budget proposal to the council to be approved for the annual meeting. After discussion a motion was made by Linda Rasmusson and seconded by Don Aamodt to accept the proposed budget. Dianne Gardner voted Nay. Scott Helgeson reported after reviewing our present accounting system and the bylaws of the constitution the church is to have only the Treasurer signing checks. It was noted all other checking accounts will be asked to be closed in following the bylaws of the constitution. Deb Kingland reported on expanding the job description of Helen Rice. Helen will act as the accounting assistant to the financial secretary along with other duties. A motion was made by Doug Bruhns and seconded by Don Aamodt to accept the new job description.
New Business: The Annual Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 26, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. The Call Committee and the 2006 budget will be open for questions and discussion during adult forum on Sunday, January 22. A motion was made by Keith Helland and seconded by Deb Kingland to accept Manise & Myrtle Erickson as new members of Salem. Transfers: Kevin & Kodi Rohne and Jennie Finer.
The next meeting will be held Thursday, February 9, 2006. A motion to adjourn was made by Dianne Gardner and seconded by Doug Bruhns.
We closed with the Lord's Prayer.
Kathy Gilbertson
Recording Secretary