SALEM LUTHERAN CHURCH COUNCIL
The Salem Lutheran Church Council met October 8, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.
The board members present were Rick Orban, Kris Colby, Marlys Christianson, Cindy Haugsdal, Ron Langfald, Bill Tweeten, Nicole Hermanson for Alex Rice, and Pastor Jordon.
Call to Order was made by Rick Orban.
Devotions and prayer were given by Pastor Jordon.
Secretary’s Report: Each council member individually read the secretary’s report. The report was received and filed.
Communication and Correspondence: Kris Colby read a thank you from the Red Cross for the use of Salem for the blood drive. She also reported on a letter from the ELCA encouraging Salem to consider the Missionary Sponsorship Program.
Treasurer’s Report: Bill Tweeten reported the following balances:  Income & Contributions of $40,244.58 for the month of September and expenses of $51,472.22 with a difference of $(11,227.64). The year to date giving is $338,731.48 with expenses of $393,491.04 leaving a difference of ($54,759.56). The last payment of $18,000.00 was made for the window. The credit cards have not come in yet but the debit card has been issued and will be used for postage only. There was also a $5,000.00 donation to the Enduring Gift Fund.
Financial Secretary’s Report: none

BOARD REPORTS:
Board of Worship and Music: Cindy Haugsdal reported the hymnal campaign is going well with enough pledges for 364 hymnals and the new sound system has been paid for in full. They are still searching for a traditional music /choir director and it was agreed they should continue to advertise for this position. The position was offered to an interested applicant but the offer was not accepted. They have also been passing around a sign up sheet at each service for anyone who is interested in ushering. Cindy also reported “the life survey” will be distributed at all services on Oct. 18 and 19, 2008.
Board of Stewardship and Social Ministry: No report
Board of Education: Marlys Christianson reported that a fund raiser to sell Bible covers will begin next week. The Sunday school has been collecting offering for Toys for Tots, and the plans for the Christmas program are being finalized. There will be no Sunday school on November 9, 2008 (Consecration Sunday) but the Sonshine Preschool will sing at the 8:30 service and the Rotation Sunday School children will sing at the 10:30 service. Marlys also reported the Sunday school is in need of more chairs and Ron Langfald will look into the cost of purchasing them. The 2nd and 3rd grade classes will be receiving Bibles on Reformation Sunday, October 26, 2008, with the Pre-K thru 1st graders singing at the 10:30 service.
Board of Youth: Nicole Hermanson reported for Alex Rice that a mission trip is being planned for July 19 – 25, 2009 and they will be going to New Mexico. There is a hay ride planned for October 22, 2008 with a rain date of October 29, 2008. There was also some discussion about scholarships for the Salem graduates who will be attending a Lutheran College. Most Lutheran colleges will match amounts up to $500 or $750 so it was agreed that it would be nice to set up a scholarship fund for this purpose. It can be discussed further at the annual meeting in January.
Board of Life and Growth: Pastor Jordon reported this board has been busy working with the Stewardship board on Consecration Sunday.
Board of Property and Management: Ron Langfald reported he called the company that quoted them a price for the window on the north side of the church and they explained the price was increased because of the procedure it would take to replace the window. Ron also reminded everyone of “Clean up day” at Salem on October 11, 2008 at 9:00 A.M.
Pastor’s Report: Pastor Jordon reported Amy Gauger has started her position in the nursery and is doing well. It has been full every Sunday since she started. He also reported that confirmation is in full swing with 24 in attendance. He will be attending a conference next week.
OLD BUSINESS: Rick Orban met with members of the Enduring Gift Fund board and they would like have a professional financial adviser speak with the congregation about including Salem in their estate planning.
NEW BUSINESS: none
New Members: Tami Butler
Transfers: none

Motion to adjourn was made by Cindy Haugsdal and seconded by Bill Tweeten. All approved.

The next meeting will be Wednesday, November 12, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. Meeting was closed with the Lord’s Prayer.

Respectfully submitted,
Kris Colby
Recording Secretary