First English Lutheran Church

Congregational Council Meeting

North Site – Oct. 28, 2008

Present: John Zweig, Peter Peregrine, Karen Dorn, Dan Baumbach, Ellen Evensen, Amy Henderson, Mike Lokensgard, Wayne Luck, Steve Uslabar, Pastor Detweiler, Pastor Dismer

Excused: Jeff Diehl, Nancy Hershfield, Dana Olson, Jeff Picken, Pastor Bauer, Walt Rugland

Devotions: Kirsten Owens

Discussion: “Traveling Together” – John Zweig distributed the document, “Discipleship Model; Growth Steps.” Discussion followed.

Approval of minutes: A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes of the Sept. 23, 2008 Congregational Council meeting. Motion passed unanimously. A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes of the special Congregational Council meeting on Oct. 7, 2008. Motion passed unanimously.

Ministry team reports: The ministry team minutes were reviewed. Discussion followed. The following correction was made to the Worship Ministry Team minutes dated Oct. 14, 2008; Christmas services: Downtown – 3 p.m., 4 p.m. 4:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. 10:30 p.m.; North site – 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. John stated the goals’ documents of each of the ministry teams are to be updated and submitted by Oct. 30, 2008. Council members are asked to review the goals and offer any issues and/or concerns to John. He will relay those concerns to the respective ministry team chairs. A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes as corrected. Motion passed unanimously.

Treasurer’s report: Jeff Diehl submitted the following documents for Council review in his absence; “FELC 2008 Budget Summary,” “2008 Weekly Offering,” “ECHOES Gift & Thrift,” “FELC Budget Summary.” Discussion followed. The Council wishes to thank Jeff Bemis, Jeff Cieslik and Mark Des Rochers for all the work they have done to promote and to facilitate the growth ECHOES has experience during the transition this past year. A motion was made and seconded to approve the treasurer’s report. Motion passed unanimously.

Old business: Strategic Planning 2009 – finalize: John submitted the document, “Special Council Meeting October 7/21, 2008 Summary Minutes+Input from Council Members.” Discussion followed. See the attached document. Peter Peregrine, Jeff Diehl, Jeff Picken and Dan Baumbach will identify what our congregation is doing as FELC continues our goal of following a discipleship model. The information will be shared with the congregation at the annual meeting.

New business:

A. Nominating Committee Discussion - Karen Dorn: The committee has contacted members of the congregation. Two members have agreed to be placed on the ballot, and a third member is “likely” to agree. The committee is securing six representatives for the synod assembly and two for Fox Valley Lutheran Homes. The nominating committee anticipates a full slate within the next few weeks.

B. Bylaws – Peter Peregrine submitted a document suggesting changes to the bylaws: Article V Officers and Article VI Congregation Council, offering several options that may more closely reflect the way the Council wishes to more efficiently operate and do the work of the church. Discussion followed. Peter will submit a revised document to the Council for further review based on the discussion.

C. Pastors’ reports: Pastor Detweiler and Pastor Dismer submitted written reports.

D. Annual meeting: A motion was made and seconded to set the annual meeting on Feb. 1, 2009 at 12 p.m. at the Downtown Site. Motion passed unanimously.

E. Official acts: A motion was made and seconded to approve the Sept. 2008 official acts. Motion passed unanimously.

F. A document identifying the full and part-time FELC employees was submitted for Council information.

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