First English Lutheran Church

Congregation Council Meeting

North Site – Sept. 23, 2008

Present: John Zweig, Peter Peregrine, Jeff Diehl, Karen Dorn, Dan Baumbach, Ellen Evensen, Amy Henderson, Nancy Hershfield, Mike Lokensgard, Wayne Luck, Dana Olson, Jeff Picken, Steve Uslabar, Pastor Detweiler, Pastor Bauer, Pastor Dismer,

Excused: Mark DesRochers, Kirsten Owens, Walt Rugland

Gathering activity: A reception was held to welcome Pastor Bauer as associate pastor of First English Lutheran Church. John welcomed Pastor Bauer.

Opening Prayer: John Zweig

Discussion: “Traveling Together,” Dana Olson and Jeff Picken

Confirmation presentation – Andy Moscinski distributed the brochure entitled, “First English Lutheran Church Confirmation Ministry C3: Christ, Community, Confirmation 2008-09 and Volunteer Opportunities in Confirmation Ministry,” outlining the goals and mission of the confirmation experience. Andy also encouraged Council members to consider the various volunteer opportunities available to them and asked them to help support confirmation ministry.

Approval of minutes:

A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes of the Aug. 26, 2008 Congregational Council meeting. Motion passed unanimously.

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 the following documents: FELC Budget Summary, FELC Interesting Facts 2008, FELC 2008 Budget Summary, 2008 Weekly Offering. Jeff noted that “both the Support Ministry Team and the Stewardship Committee are looking at ways to raise awareness specifically to the members who do not provide FELC with an annual pledge.” Steve Uslabar submitted a document entitled, “Generation to Generation: Stewardship Campaign 2008,” which suggests “three weeks of temple talks, focus on generation to generation, keynote speakers to speak to their own experience and reason for giving, with the focus being bigger than them, being part of something larger and lasting longer than them.” A motion was made a seconded to approve the treasurer’s report. Motion passed unanimously.

Old Business:

A. Capital appeal, “We Are Called”: Pastor Detweiler reported that $1.85 million has been pledged to date. The campaign will close on the first Sunday of October. Temple talks are being scheduled to say thank you to those who contributed to this capital appeal.

New Business:

A. Strategic planning discussion

1. John Zweig submitted a letter to the Council, pastors and staff regarding FELC Strategic Planning 2009, stating “the Council must review programs, identify opportunities for improvements and develop goals and strategies to support our church mission.” The Council, pastors and staff are asked to complete the FELC Strategic Planning Survey and return the survey to Judy by Sept. 25, 2008. The information will be compiled and distributed to Council members before Oct. 7, 2008.

2. Nominating Committee discussion – Karen Dorn noted the committee will be meeting to discuss candidates to be placed on the 2009 ballot. The committee will readdress requirements written in the bylaws regarding the number of candidates on the ballot, the number of members sitting on the Council and make recommendations to the Council, continuing this discussion at the October meeting.

3. Election of officers - Jeff Diehl requested that the process of electing officers who serve as the Executive Committee be clearly defined. This topic will be placed on the October agenda.

B. Pastors’ reports

1. Pastor Dismer submitted a written document and “Requirements for Membership: Which Ones Matter?”

2. Pastor Detweiler submitted “A Lead Pastor’s Report September 2008” and continued discussion on an article submitted in August entitled, “Beyond “Corporate”; New Insights on Larger Churches.”

3. Pastor Bauer submitted a written report which focuses on her first two weeks at FELC and her goals for the next month.

4. Official acts: A motion was made and seconded to approve the official acts for June, July and August 2008. Motion passed unanimously

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

Closing Prayer: The Lord’s Prayer

Minutes taken by Judy Snavely