First English Lutheran Church

Congregational Council meeting: Nov. 25, 2008

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

Excused: Pastor Dismer

Guest: Bishop Jim Justman

Devotions: Jeff Picken

Approval of minutes: A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes of the October 28, 2008 Congregation Council meeting to include the results of the Council’s 2009 strategic planning. Motion passed unanimously.

Ministry team reports: The ministry team minutes were reviewed. Discussion followed. Jeff Picken noted the Worship Ministry Team is creating a memorial gift list requesting council members submit suggestions. A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes as presented. Motion passed unanimously. The Council is asked to carefully review the 2009 ministry team planning grids to be ready for the budget review process at the next meeting. A motion was made and seconded to provisionally approve the 2009 ministry team planning grids as presented. Motion passed unanimously.

Treasurer’s report: Jeff Diehl submitted the following documents: FELC Budget Summary, FELC 2008 Budget Summary, 2008 Weekly Offering, Echoes Gift & Thrift, FELC Budget Summary. Discussion followed. A motion was made and seconded to approve the treasurer’s report. Motion passed unanimously.

Temple Talks will be presented to the congregation during December, reminding them of the importance of fulfilling their financial commitment to the church; Downtown Site: 8:00 Steve Uslabar and Jeff Diehl, 9:15 Mike Lokensgard, 10:30 Peter Peregrine. North Site: 8:30 Nancy Hershfield.

John Zweig will write a letter to the congregation concerning year-end gifts as well as establish a rotation schedule for the temple talks at the North Site.

Executive Committee Report – Pastor Detweiler & John Zweig

The Executive Committee minutes from Nov. 18, 2008, were reviewed and discussed. John Zweig presented an overview of Council’s and the Executive Committee’s activities regarding the concerns of members of both the Council and the congregation. He concluded his remarks with commentary about the importance of following Matthew 18:15-17 as we share our concerns with members and leaders of FELC. The principles of this verse are reconciliation and the development of quality relationships with each other for the best of the church.

Bishop Justman distributed and discussed the documents explaining Matt. 18:12-14 and 15-17, “A Model for Healthy Living.” He introduced proposed “Listening Posts” to allow members of the congregation and church leaders to share their concerns about the style of the lead pastor and the concerns about the direction of FELC at this time with each other and the lead pastor. The goals of “Listening Posts” were highlighted. The plan is to identify leaders, train them regarding the Listening Post concept and begin the Listening Post process. Discussion followed.

Pastor Detweiler has suggested that FELC contract with a consultant to assist our congregation in assessing the current state of FELC three years following transition and offer recommendations for improving our governance, strategize the operation of two sites and to provide coaching to the lead pastor and his staff, as well as, the Council. From proposed listening sessions, additional objectives would be developed. Discussion followed. A motion to table consideration of a consultant was made, seconded and approved.

Old business:

A. Stewardship report (Commitment Sunday) - Steve Uslabar:

a. Steve thanked Andrew Sather, Jeff Picken, Charlie Holtebeck, Molly Ford and Walt Rugland for their Temple Talks during the weeks leading up to our commitment Sunday.

b. He noted the goal of the Stewardship Committee is to increase the number of members of the congregation to make a commitment.

c. Letters have been sent out to thank congregation members for their gifts, letters reminding the congregants to send in their pledge cards, and additional letters were sent to those who give regularly, but do not commit letting them know that we would appreciate a commitment.

B. Bylaws – Peter Peregrine: Peter presented the revised document as suggested by the Council at the October meeting. The changes would allow for reducing the membership size of the Council, redefining how the officers are elected and revising the requirements of the Nominating Committee. Discussion followed. A motion was made and seconded to present the revised bylaws document to the congregation at the Annual meeting for consideration and approval. The results of the voting were 11 in favor of the motion, two voted no, and two were absent during the vote.

C. Nomination Committee - Karen Dorn: Six congregation members have agreed to be on the ballot. The committee is searching for one more nominee.

New business:

A. Pastor’s Reports: Pastor Detweiler, Pastor Bauer and Pastor Dismer submitted written reports. Pastor Mary noted the Outreach & Social Ministry Team is considering providing a “Warming Shelter” at the North Site possibly in February.

B. Peter Peregrine: Feb. 8, 2009, 1:00 to 4:00, one week after the Annual meeting, is set aside as a meeting for new and old council members to review council member responsibilities, council goals and responsibilities.

C. Official acts: A motion was made and seconded to approve the October 2008 Official Acts. Motion passed unanimously.

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 and reviewed by John Zweig, president