SALEM LUTHERAN CHURCH COUNCIL
The Salem Church Council met on November 18, 2004 in the fellowship hall.

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

Pastor Mackey shared his faith journey with the council and led us in prayer. President Helgeson read the correspondence.

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

The Financial Report was given by Dianne Gardner. The amount of $34,571.67 was deposited in October.

The Treasurer's Report was given by Doug Bruhns. As of October 31, 2004 we have a balance of $ 19,283.96. Doug noted we have not paid back the bank and cemetery loans that we borrowed to meet our monthly payments. A motion was made by Amy Olson and seconded by Jerry Hoffman to accept these reports.

Board Reports:
Board of Worship and Music: Keith Helland reported there will be a sign up sheet for anyone interested in participating in the Christmas Advent candle lightening during each service. The Waldorf Women's Choir will be singing on Sunday, Nov. 21, 2004.

Board of Stewardship and Social Ministry: Wayne Nyguard reported this is Stewardship weekend. Please turn in your pledges. Kathy Gilbertson reported the Pricilla Circle collected 77 Christmas shoeboxes.

Board of Education: Pastor Mackey reported the Christmas program will be on Sunday, December 19 at 2:00. The Sunday School has been averaging 100-120 students per week in attendance from K-12. Pastor Mackey will read a Christmas story during forum time on December 19. The new children's envelopes are being used and the money collected is going into the Sunday School fund. The WOW program has been very well attended with 60-70 kids per week.

Board of Youth: Amy Olson reported the youth went on a bowling outing with 17 attending. In February and April there is a group signed up for Youth Encounters. The mission trip to Kentucky next summer has 8-10 signed up to attend. Deb has several Bible study groups meeting each week. Plans are being made for a soup and pie fundraiser, December 5 after church for all the trips. December 12 the youth are decorating cookies and delivering them to shut-ins from the church. On January 30 there is snow activities planned weather permitting. On April 16-17, 2005 will be their famine day.

Board of Life and Growth: Pastor Mackey reported the hanging of the greens will be November 27 at 9:00. The board is planning a family movie night for next year.

Board of Property and Management: Jerry Hoffman reported the boiler has been repaired. The trees have been trimmed and the grass has been seeded. The lounge is almost completed and looks great! The board is seeking bids on the stained glass window repair. They will be using the $5000 already collected to repair the windows that are falling apart.

One In Christ Parish Council: Scott Helgeson reported the budget will be voted on Sunday, November 21 at 9:45. Salem's portion of the budget is $213,000.00.

Motion was made by Wayne Nyguard seconded by Dianne Gardner to accept these reports.

Old Business: Pastor Dykstra and Pastor Mackey discussed with the council the letter from the pastors of the parish. The board discussed the budget in great detail. (The Letter is reprinted in the December Informant.)

New Business: Doug Bruhns will have budget numbers ready for the council to review at the next board meeting. Wayne Nyguard, Scott Helgeson and Amy Olson from our board volunteered to be on the nominating committee with other members of Salem to fill a few vacancies and positions where terms are expiring this year. A motion was made by Doug Bruhns and seconded by Dianne Gardner to accept Kevin & Janet Hebrink, Kyle, Keith and Wade as new members of Salem.

The next meeting will be held Thursday, December 9, 2004. A motion to adjourn was made by Dianne Gardner and seconded by Doug Bruhns.

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

Kathy Gilbertson, Recording Secretary