SALEM LUTHERAN CHURCH COUNCIL
The Salem Lutheran Church Council met October 10, 2007 at 6:30 p.m.

The board members present were Tami Alphs, Lynn Bartness, Jerry Hoffman, Deb Kingland, Jennifer McGrady, Rick Orban, Wanda Playter, Cindy Haugsdal, Gaye Sletten and Pastor Jordon.
Scott Helgeson, Bob Peterson and Pastor Weeg were absent.
Guests: Dave Steffens Sr., David Kingland, Marlys Christianson

Call to Order was made by Deb Kingland.

David Steffens Sr. came representing the Enduring Gift Committee. He noted that their committee is in the middle of revising their by-laws. They will be bringing the new by-laws to the Council for approval. If the Council approves the revisions, they would like to bring this to the congregation at the annual meeting. David also mentioned that they recently received a $100,000 gift to the Enduring Gift Fund from Ron and Ardis Langfald.

Devotions and prayer were given by Pastor Jordan

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 note from Stone Soup for letting them worship with us and for the gift they received. Gaye also read a thank you from Carol Moe and Marianne Overland for the use of the church for the blood drive.
Treasurer's Report: David Kingland reported in Scott Helgeson's absence. Balances as of September 30th: MBT checking $31, 314.44, MBT Principal $103,407.44, General Fund Balance $75,282.17 and Total Fund Balance $133,882.86. David did note that there is a new entry in the asset section called Franklin Templeton Money Fund, which contains the proceeds from the parsonage sale and the donation to the organ fund. This money is available as needed.
Financial Secretary's Report: Tami Alphs reported that the General Fund Income for September was $34,879, with the total income for September being $41,626.70. Tami reported that she has the giving statements ready to go out to all members, but they are waiting to include stewardship information in the mailing.
The financial reports were received and filed.

BOARD REPORTS:
Board of Worship and Music: Cindy Haugsdal reminded everybody of the Ryan Hulshizer organ concert coming up on October 29th at 7:00 pm. Cindy also reported that the offering pickup seems to be going well with the ushers doing this. Other notes from their minutes are: They are planning 3 communion stations for Confirmation Sunday, October 28th. They are in need of a volunteer coordinator for the home communion program. Kate has completed the revision of the wedding guidebooks. Cindy also reported that usher guidelines have been written and are being reviewed by the board and will be sent out to ushers for additions and corrections.
Board of Stewardship and Social Ministry: Lynn Bartness reported that Stewardship Weekend will be November 17th & 18th. They will have it set up so the congregation can come forward with their pledge cards, time and talent sheets and offering during that service. They will have information sent out to all members along with the giving statements. It will include the estimate of giving cards and time and talent sheets. After receiving the estimates of giving, they will be doing analysis on the giving and report back to the congregation.
Board of Education: Marlys Christianson reported in Bob Peterson's absence. Marlys reported that Confirmation will be held on Sunday, October 28th at the 10:30 a.m. service. The 9th grade retreat will be October 20 - 21st and Faith Statement Night will be held Wednesday, October 24th. Deb Kingland noted that the Council is invited to the Faith Statement Night and that we will hold a brief meeting afterward to vote on accepting the Confirmands. Marlys also noted that they are in need for a 7th Grade teacher. Third Grade Bibles will be presented on Sunday, October 14th. Marlys reported that their board has given $200 to the WOW program.
Board of Youth: Wanda Playter reported that the youth will be selling Herberger cards again, with proceeds going for Operation Shoebox. Senior Activities: Hayride and s'mores coming the end of October or beginning of November. Movie night will be held Saturday, November 10th at 8:00 p.m. Pizza and prayer has moved from Tuesday to Monday and continues to be well attended. Katie is also coordinating acolytes, PowerPoint runners, musicians, as well as altar guild assistants for worship each Sunday. Future programs they are looking at are a Senior Girls Study and also starting up weekly devotions on Wednesday nights to nurture post confirmation students with word, prayer and Christian fellowship. They are also looking at a Faith Alive Retreat for our Jr. and Sr. High students with a team from Wartburg College.
Board of Life and Growth: Jennifer McGrady reported that the picture directory sign up is going well. The Life and Growth Board is now signing up people to serve coffee in the narthex before the JC4U service. Jennifer also reported that they have a Women's Retreat scheduled for Saturday, March 29th. They have a main speaker and special music lined up for that and they plan to have some youth involvement in the retreat as well. The new pew cards will be in place starting the weekend of November 2nd.
Board of Property and Management: Jerry Hoffman reported that the courtyard cleanup is going well, with some overgrown shrubs getting removed. The down payment for the next series of stained glass windows to be repaired has been sent in. Glass has been ordered for Pastor Jordon's desk. The microphone updates, wiring and installation are in the process of being completed. Jerry read a report from the Cemetery treasurer stating a CD came due and it was reinvested. They have sold 17 burial sites to date in 2007. They have given the church $6,000 for maintenance and mowing for the current year. Jerry also reported they put out bids for snow removal and the only one that returned the bid is from Larson Contracting. There was then discussion again on the locking and unlocking the church. Jennifer McGrady made a motion to put in a magnetic lock on one door in the church. Once this is installed, key fobs can be signed out as needed for events scheduled at the church, signing these out from the office. The motion was seconded by Tami Alphs and all approved. The staff will handle unlocking and locking the church.
Pastor's Report: Pastor Jordon reported items he is working on. He is continuing work on ministry to families with children, young families. Pastor Jordon reported that he will be participating in a required First Call Theological Education program.
All board reports were received and filed.

OLD BUSINESS:
Deb Kingland reminded all that they should be keeping minutes from their board meetings and turning those in to Gaye. Also, everyone should be prepared to turn in their procedural manuals at the November Council Meeting.

NEW BUSINESS:
Deb Kingland reminded all of the Fall Cleaning Day coming up on October 27th. She was looking for volunteers to head this up, however, since no one has come forward to be in charge, Deb said she would head it up again this year.

Deb Kingland also reminded all that the Nominating Committee is currently meeting and if anybody had ideas of volunteers to call for positions, to make sure and get those names to Jennifer McGrady, Rick Orban or Lynn Bartness.

A motion was made by Tami Alphs and seconded by Wanda Playter to accept Greg, Jan, Lauren and Kristopher Belica as new members of Salem. All approved.

Transfers away: Jill Helgeson.

Motion to adjourn was made by Jerry Hoffman and seconded by Lynn Bartness. All approved.

The next meeting will be Wednesday, November 14th at 7:00 p.m.

Meeting was closed with the Lord's Prayer.

Gaye Sletten
Recording Secretary