First English Lutheran Church

Congregation Council Meeting

Jan. 22, 2008

Present: Karen Dorn, John Zweig, Mike Lokensgard, Peter Peregrine, Diane Bemis, Laurie Berkedal, Bruce Catterton, Mark Des Rochers, Jeff Diehl, Wayne Luck, Kirsten Owen, Jeff Picken, Pastor Detweiler, Pastor Dismer, Pastor Lyle. Also in attendance: Brenda Smongeski,

Walt Rugland.

Excused: Dan Baumbach,

Laurie Berkedal, Fred Hauser,

Nancy Hershfield, Pastor Lyle.

Mike Lokensgard gave the treasurer’s report. On the bright side, giving has increased this year by almost 6 percent, and may exceed that amount by the end of the year, and ECHOES already is showing a positive balance. However, overall income is still below budget, and expenses are roughly at budget, so we will end the year with a deficit. In addition, we will not be able to pay down the line of credit we established this year. A motion was made and seconded to approve the treasurer’s report, and to authorize continuation of the line of credit into the 2008 budget year. Motion passed unanimously.

Turning to old business, Pastor Detweiler gave an update on the capital appeal. Church staff and leaders have all been solicited and their pledges will be in by the end of the year. A gathering will be held for potential major donors at the North Site on Jan. 3, 2008, from 7 to 8 a.m. Pastor Detweiler reminded the Council of how important the campaign is for the future of the church, particularly given the very tight budgets we have faced in recent years.

New business focused on the budget for 2008. The initial budget presented to the Executive Committee, which held ministry team spending to 2007 levels but included a 0.5 percent increase in charitable giving along with other anticipated increases, showed a deficit of nearly $200,000. The Executive Committee meeting asked Walt Rugland to identify areas where income could be increased and expenses decreased, and he presented these to the Council. After lengthy deliberation, the Council unanimously agreed to present a balanced budget to the congregation that anticipates increased income, reduces some expenses, and decreases charitable giving to 10 percent of benevolence. However, the budget does not cover any potential shortfall from this year, nor does it pay down the existing line of credit.

Ministry team reports: John Zweig presented a cash management policy developed by the Support Ministry Team to help Ministry Teams manage their budget and coordinate spending with the FELC office. The policy was endorsed by the Council.

A. Youth:

1. A motion was made and seconded to amend the continuing resolution to specify the name, Youth Ministry Team be renamed Family and Youth Ministry Team. Motion passed unanimously.

2. The role of youth coordinator is being reviewed.

B. Worship: Discussed the role of the music director position at both sites.

Treasurer’s report: Mike Lokensgard

A. A written report and financial summaries were submitted including: Contributions Year to Date, Expenses Year to Date, 2007 Weekly Offering, 2007 Revised Budget Expenses Year to Date, and ECHOES.

B. A motion was made and seconded to approve the treasurer’s report with the acknowledgement that the budget has shown giving growth in excess of

5.8 percent, falling short of our line of credit, and authorizing the continuation of our line of credit to the 2008 budget. Motion passed unanimously.

Treasurer’s Report: Mike Lokensgard presented the end of year report as distributed in the annual report. A motion was made and seconded to approve the report. The report was approved unanimously.

Old business:

A . Capital appeal has had one breakfast gathering with potential major donors and two more are scheduled.

B. Nominations committee for 2009 proposed members are D. Bemis, M. Dahm, K. Dorn, P. Kayser, D. Putzer, and P. Snow.

C. Capital appeal: Leaders of the church will be invited to gather at the North Site on January 3, 2008, from 7 to 8 a.m.

New business:

A. Council, Executive Committee and ministry team roles and responsibilities were discussed. Many churches employing ministry teams have a smaller Council of 6 to 9 members and give more responsibility to the ministry teams. The idea of reducing the size of the Council was discussed and met with general approval. John Zwieg will charge a task force to explore this idea once the new Council is in place.

B. Council members will serve the Lenten meal on March 5 at the North Site.

A. Official Acts: A motion was made and seconded to approve the November Official Acts as presented. Motion passed unanimously.

B. 2008 FELC Budget

1. The documents, “FELC Budget Worksheet” and “Development of the Estimated Benevolence Amount for FELC 2008 Budget Plan” were presented. Discussion followed.

2. A motion was made and seconded to propose Column D to the congregation at the annual meeting increasing the pastoral staff budget to $283,000, leaving $3,520 revenue for the year. Excess revenue will be used to pay down the line of credit and increase grants up to 14 percent of the benevolence base. Motion passed unanimously.

C. The document, “Proposal for Restructuring the Leadership of First English Lutheran Church” was presented. Discussion followed.

D. The “Capital Appeal Resolution” was presented. Discussion followed. A motion was made and seconded to adopt the resolution. Motion passed unanimously.

Closing Prayer: The Lord’s Prayer

Adjourn: A motion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting. Motion passed unanimously.

Submitted by:

Peter Peregrine, Secretary