SALEM LUTHERAN CHURCH COUNCIL

The Salem Church Council met on June 9, 2004 in the Lounge.

Those present were: Pastor Dykstra, Pastor Mackey, Scott Helgeson, Deb Kingland, Dianne Gardner, Keith Helland, Bob Peterson, Wayne Nyguard, Amy Olson, Jerry Hoffman and Kathy Gilbertson. Absent: Linda Rasmusson and Doug Bruhns. Guest: Connie Sabin.

Council member Dianne Gardner shared his faith journey with the council. Pastor Mackey led us in prayer.

Each council member individually read the Secretary's Report. Motion to accept the minutes was made by Wayne Nyguard and seconded by Deb Kingland.

The Financial Report was given by Dianne Gardner. The amount of $38,919.94 was deposited in May.

No Treasurer's Report was given. As of May 31, 2004 we have a balance of ($11,432.24). It was also noted a bank loan of $14,000.00 was needed to pay the final expenses from the kitchen project and the monthly bills. A motion was made by Jerry Hoffman and seconded by Bob Peterson to accept these reports.

Board Reports:
Board of Worship and Music: Keith Helland reported the board has recommended going along with the joint parish worship service in the park in August. A date will be set at the next parish meeting. This Sunday is Synod Assembly in Waverly; the board has asked Allan Swanson and Nate Sletten to conduct the services. Other volunteers were asked to read scripture.

Board of Stewardship and Social Ministry: Wayne Nyguard reported the bulletin board is up in the fellowship hall. A special offering has been taken for Padre Costillo to assist with medical expenses. A check will be sent to them for approximately $2200.00. The time and talent sheet are due this weekend.

Board of Education: Bob Peterson reported on June 29 at 6:00 the board will be cleaning up the Sunday School rooms and hallways and prepare them to be painted. Vacation Bible School is this week and they have 96 children in attendance. A program will be given on Thursday, June 10 with a meal at 6:00. Rally day is scheduled for September 12. The board is working on possibly donating back packs for Safe Passage.

Board of Youth: Amy Olson reported the mud volleyball is scheduled for June 13 at Tenolds. On June 18 Deb Bachman and a group will be leaving for a mission trip to Louisiana. Keep them in your prayers. A parish wide pool party has been scheduled for June 26. A day of boating and skiing is planned for July 15. In August the board is planning a trip to Lanesboro.

Board of Life and Growth: Pastor Mackey reported the board is working on the hosts schedule for greeting at the doors before the services. The farmers market will be set up in the Narthex again with the donations going to World Hunger.

Board of Property and Management: Jerry Hoffman reported the lawn mowing is going well which was contracted with Scott Hanson. The nursery room is being cleaned out and will be the bride's dressing room. The parsonage is having updates and repairs done to it. It was noted that the insurance premiums were down from last year.

One In Christ Parish Council: Scott Helgeson reported on the budget change due to the closing of North Prairie after June. Salem's portion will be 55.5 % of the parish budget. There was discussion on the budget and it was noted again we are struggling to make payments due to the summer months of lower attendance.

Motion was made by Dianne Gardner, seconded by Amy Olson to accept these reports.

Old Business: Synod Assembly is the weekend, June 11-13 at Wartburg College. Our parish pastors, youth director and delegates, Helen Rice and Dianne Gardner will be attending. The pastors reminded/invited the council to join the pastors for prayer in the sacristy at 8:25 on Sunday mornings.

New Business: Connie Sabin updated the council on the ALPHA program. They will have temple talks to inform the congregation on the program. They are planning on starting the program in September and will be looking for leaders. Most of all the committee has asked for our prayers. The pastors will be leading a 4 week discussion on the ELCA homosexuality. The meetings will be Wednesday evenings at 7:00. A motion was made by Deb Kingland and seconded by Bob Peterson to accept Matt & Jenny Levine, Madison, Chance and Hope as new members of Salem. Transfers were Sheila Berger and Bennett to Asbury United Methodist.

The next meeting will be held Wednesday, July 14. A motion to adjourn was made by Dianne Gardner and seconded by Amy Olson.

We closed with silent prayer for our council prayer pals and the Lord's Prayer.

Kathy Gilbertson
Recording Secretary