First English Lutheran Church

Congregational Council Meeting

North Site – Aug. 26, 2008

Present: John Zweig, Peter Peregrine,

Jeff Diehl, Mark DesRochers, Karen Dorn, Ellen Evensen, Amy Henderson, Wayne Luck, Dana Olson, Jeff Picken, Steve

Uslabar, Pastor Detweiler, Walt Rugland

Excused: Dan Baumbach, Nancy

Hershfield, Mike Lokensgard, Kirsten

Owens, Pastor Dismer

Devotions: Amy Henderson

Discussion: “Traveling Together,” Peter Peregrine

Approval of minutes: A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes of the July 22, 2008, special Congregational Council meeting. Motion passed unanimously.

Call Committee update: Karen Dorn reported that Mary Bauer will begin her duties as associate pastor on Sept. 1, 2008, and is excited to begin her work as confirmation and Sunday school begin. John thanked Karen and the members of the Call Committee for their work.

Ministry team reports: The ministry team minutes were reviewed. Discussion followed. A motion was made and seconded to approve the ministry team minutes as presented. Motion passed unanimously.

Treasurer’s report: Jeff Diehl submitted a written statement entitled, “FELC Budget Summary” and a 2008 budget summary of revenues, proposed and actual. The Council discussed stewardship within the church and identified areas of investigation to improve stewardship. A motion was made a seconded to approve the treasurer’s report. Motion passed unanimously.

Old business:

A. Capital Appeal, “We Are Called”: Walt Rugland reported that $1.825 million has been pledged to date with 229 congregational members pledging to the appeal. The goal is to secure more than $2 million and close the campaign in October.

B. The Lead Pastor/Associate Pastor Role Task Force job descriptions will be updated to comply with agreed changes at the June 2008 meeting and then e-mailed to Council members.

C. Special congregation meeting update: The congregation approved the call of Mary Bauer as associate pastor of FELC.

New business:

A. Support Ministry Team

1. FELC Trust Fund Continuing Resolution: This resolution covers the trust’s authority, the requirements for Council coordination and action, delegated authority, admonishments, the spending plan and the accountability. A motion was made and seconded to approve the FELC Trust Fund Continuing Resolution as presented. Motion passed unanimously.

2. FELC Trust Investment and Management Protocols: These supplement the continuing resolution to govern actions by the Trust. A motion was made and seconded to approve the FELC Trust Investment and Management Protocols as presented. Motion passed unanimously.

3. FELC Audit Guide: The audit guide will be used for the next audit to be performed this year. Following the audit, the audit guide will be reviewed for any needed changes.

4. Gift Policy: The Support Ministry team reviewed and approved a new Gift Policy to align gifts to the church to the revised operation of the Trust.

5. A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes of the Support Ministry Team for June and August 2008. Motion passed unanimously.

B. Pastor’s reports

1. Pastor Dismer submitted a written report dated August 2008 and a Continuing Education report, “St. Olaf Conference on Worship, Theology and the Arts, July 21-25.”

2. Pastor Detweiler submitted a lead pastor’s report dated August 2008 and an article, “Beyond Corporate: New Insights on Larger Churches.”

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

Closing prayer: The Lord’s Prayer

Notes taken by Judy Snavely