SALEM LUTHERAN CHURCH COUNCIL
The Salem Lutheran Church Council met January 16, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.

The board members present were Tami Alphs, Lynn Bartness, Scott Helgeson, Jerry Hoffman, Deb Kingland, Jennifer McGrady, Rick Orban, Bob Peterson, Wanda Playter, Cindy Haugsdal, Gaye Sletten, Pastor Weeg and Pastor Jordon.
Guests: Kris Colby, Alex Rice, Doug Harmon, Bill Tweeten, Marlys Christianson, Bart Winter and David Kingland

Call to Order was made by President Deb Kingland.

Deb Kingland welcomed the guests who are candidates for new council seats.

Devotions and prayer were given by Pastor Weeg.

Secretary’s Report: Each council member individually read the secretary’s report. The report was received and filed.
Communication and Correspondence: Gaye Sletten read a thank you from Joyce Sherman with Hospice of North Iowa, for the use of the chapel for the Tree of Life. Gaye also read thank you letters from the following for donations they received from Salem: Iowa Lutheran Campus Ministry, Waldorf College, Ingham Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camp and Riverside Lutheran Bible Camp.
Treasurer’s Report: Scott Helgeson reported balances as of December 31st:  MBT checking $31,348.79, MBT Principal $85,069.16, General Fund Balance $143,554.95. Scott reported that the Cemetery Loan has been completely paid off and Salem is now debt free.
Financial Secretary’s Report: Tami Alphs reported that the General Fund Income for 2007 was $350,503.41, with the total income for 2007 being $596,542.23.
The financial reports were received and filed.

BOARD REPORTS:
Board of Worship and Music: Cindy Haugsdal reported they will be using the Holden Series again this year for Lent. Cindy also asked the board/council members who are going out of office if they will continue to help with serving communion. You do not need to be on a board or the council to serve communion.
Board of Stewardship and Social Ministry: No report.
Board of Education: Marlys Christianson reported they are going to be moving the 8th grade Sunday school class out of the Lounge to free up room for the Young Families Group. Marlys also reported there were requests for carpeting in the younger children Sunday school rooms. There was discussion that there has been carpet in those rooms before and they had trouble keeping them clean. There was a suggestion to possibly look at getting area rugs.
Board of Youth: Wanda Playter reported the youth will be hosting “Soup”er Bowl of Caring on Sunday February 3rd. They will be asking Salem members to bring $1 and a can of soup with them to worship on February 3rd. The proceeds and soup will go to the local food bank. Katie also continues with many activities for the youth.
Board of Life and Growth: Their board is working on the planning of the Women’s Retreat on March 29th.
Board of Property and Management: No report.
Pastor’s Report: Pastor Weeg talked about a Council “retreat” in-house lead by Darrell Garietts, Assistant to the Bishop, that he would like the new Council to attend on February 24th. Pastor Weeg also talked about possibly getting some people together that may be involved in the long-term vision/planning for Salem to meet with Patricia Dever, Church Building Consultant for the ELCA’s Mission Investment Fund. She helps frame the issues, asking the right questions about ministry and community needs as well as assessing current facilities. The Council agreed that Pastor Weeg should follow up with her since she will be in the area, to possibly meet with her on February 11th. All board reports were received and filed.

OLD BUSINESS:
Jerry Hoffman reported that Groe Electric has completed their work for the magnetic lock system for the church. Currently we are waiting for River City to come and complete the installation.

NEW BUSINESS:
Scott Helgeson passed out the new 2008 budget. There was a lengthy discussion about the budget. Some minor adjustments were made. A motion was made by Tami Alphs and seconded by Lynn Bartness to approve the proposed 2008 budget as revised and present it to the congregation for a vote at the annual meeting. All Approved.

Deb Kingland thanked both those coming on and going off the council for their willingness to share their time and talents to advance God’s work in our congregation and community. Installation of new Council/Board members will be held Sunday, January 27th.

Motion to adjourn was made by Scott Helgeson and seconded by Jennifer McGrady. All approved.

The next meeting will be Wednesday, February 13 at 7:00 p.m.

Meeting was closed with the Lord’s Prayer.

Gaye Sletten
Recording Secretary