SALEM LUTHERAN CHURCH COUNCIL
The Salem Lutheran Church Council met May 21, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.
The board members present were Rick Orban, David Kingland, Marlys Christianson, Doug Harmon, Kris Colby, Cindy Haugsdal, Bill Tweeten, Pastor Weeg, and Pastor Jordon. Call to Order was made by Rick Orban. 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: Kris Colby reported on thank you letters from the Northeastern Iowa Synod for our continued support showing our year to date contribution of $14,000.00 and from the Evangelical Lutheran Church for our gift of $1,145.00 to the World Hunger Appeal. There was also a letter from Ingham Okoboji Bible Camp updating us on their ministry. Pastor Weeg reported he had received an email from the Synod asking us to consider supporting the needs of the displaced workers in Postville, Iowa.
Treasurer’s and Financial Secretary’s Report: David Kingland reported for Bill Tweeten: Income & contributions of $32,813.26 for the month of April and expenses of $45,229.88 with a difference of -12,416.62. The year to date giving is $154,588.51 with expenses of $165,313.99 leaving a difference of -10,725.48. It is a concern that expenses are exceeding income.
There is also a need for the Pastors to have a church credit card because some vendors we do business with will only allow purchases with a credit card. Bill Tweeten has requested the bank issue a credit card for the pastors for use when a card is required to make purchases or reservations. . There was also discussion about our policy regarding paying bills. If a bill has a due date it is important to get the appropriate approval and submit the bills so the Financial Clerk can get them paid on time.

BOARD REPORTS:
Board of Worship and Music: Cindy Haugsdal reported Nate Sletten has accepted a band director position and will not be able to fulfill his commitment to the Outdoor services as originally planned. He will be in charge of June services (except 6/15). Bill Georgia and Katie Zenk have agreed to cover the rest of the summer. No one has volunteered for the head usher position so the board of worship and music will find ushers for each of the 12 months and that person would be responsible to fill their month at the 8:30 and 10:30 services. There is a sign up sheet to usher for the Sat. night service . Cindy has revised the usher guidelines to show the change in offering procedures. Ushers will no longer be required to count the offering and take to the bank now that the safe has been placed outside the church office. Cindy also reported they have received 5 of the new ELCA hymnals to be distributed for review. The search continues for a Choir director.
Board of Education: Marlys Christianson reported the recruitment for Sunday School teachers has begun. They would like them to attend the S.A.F.E. workshop scheduled for June 8, 2008 from 2:00 to 5:00 PM. It is a program recommended for staff, Sunday school teachers and anyone dealing with the youth. A survey was given to teachers and it showed concern whether the children are learning enough with the rotation program (creeds, commandments, bible stories, etc).  Also, Pastor input is being requested on the curriculum for the 7th & 8th grade Sunday School classes in coordination with their Confirmation classes.  The Board is also looking for a person to lead music during the Sunday School hour as Kari Haugsdal will be leaving for college. There was also a request for clocks in the Sunday school rooms.
Board of Stewardship and Social Ministry: Pastor Weeg reported for Lynn Bartness the Venture training was well attended and they will be focusing on stewardship all year rather than just once a year. They have some exciting things to share with the congregation in the coming weeks.
Board of Youth: No report.
Board of Life and Growth: No report.
Board of Property and Management: Rick Orban reported on the windows. The stain glass windows hidden behind the organ pipes in the pipe room will need to be either boarded up or fixed at a cost of $8.000.00. This amount was not in the original $42,000.00 quote. There is one more assessment to be done on the boiler and more quotes will be coming. He also reported the roof on the Sunday school building needs to be assessed for possible replacement and he will be checking on different options.
Pastors Report: Pastor Weeg reported the Synod assembly will be held June 14-15th at Wartburg College. The Global mission experience is July 17-20 in Lacrosse Wisconsin. He also suggested getting started with the visioning process and plans are being made.
Pastor Jordan reported the need for an adult chaperone age 21 or older for the mission trip to Utah on June 14-22. He is working with Ree Pederson and the board of Life and Growth on staffing the nursery as a paid position. He is working on an adult bible study for the summer with possible meeting times on a Monday or Tuesday evening. The young families will be getting together this summer for a ball game.
Old Business: Rick Orban has been added as an authorized signer for the primary checking account at MBT.
New Business: none discussed
Motion to adjourn by David Kingland and seconded by Doug Harmon.

The next meeting will be Wednesday, June 11, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. Meeting was closed with the Lord’s Prayer.

Respectfully submitted,
Kris Colby, Recording Secretary