First English Lutheran Church

Congregational Council meeting: March 25, 2008

Present: John Zweig, Jeff Diehl, Karen Dorn, Amy Henderson, Mike Lokensgard, Dana Olson, Kirsten Owens, Jeff Picken, Steve Uslabar, Pastor Detweiler, Walt Rugland

Excused: Peter Peregrine, Nancy Hershfield, Dan Baumbach, Bruce Catterton, Mark Des Rochers, Wayne Luck, Pastor Dismer, Pastor Lyle

Devotions: John Zweig

Approval of Minutes: A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes of the February 26, 2008 meeting after some minor changes. Motion passed unanimously.

Ministry Team Reports: The minutes were reviewed. Discussion followed. Support Ministry informed the Council that Paul Barth has been hired full-time for full-time maintenance at the Downtown Site. A motion was made and seconded to approve the Ministry Team minutes. Motion passed unanimously.

Treasurer’s report: Jeff Diehl – No official report. As for the budget, the maintenance budget is strained by unanticipated repairs and snow removal. The Support Ministry Team is monitoring this closely.

Old business:

A. Capital appeal: Walt distributed “We Are Called-Gift Table.” Discussion followed. Celebration Sunday will be held on April 20, 2008 when the DVD and brochures will be shared with the congregation during the worship service. The first $2.4M raised through the campaign will be put toward debt-reduction before any maintenance needs are met.

B. Council meeting dates: he schedule was reviewed and approved: Feb. 26, March 25, April 22, May 27, June 24, Aug. 26, Sept. 23, Oct. 28, Nov. 25, Dec. 16. There is no meeting scheduled for July.

C. The devotion schedule was reviewed.

New business:

A. Pastor Detweiler:

1. Attendance has grown significantly for the first time in the past 10 years.

2. The Worship Ministry Team has learned that Anne Laver, the organist, will be leaving FELC at the end of June. The ministry team will be reviewing options for music direction at both sites.

3. Mark Paisar has been hired to play the organ in July and August at the Downtown Site.

4. Sandy Potts is working part-time to promote church endowments.

B. Official Acts: A motion was made and seconded to approve the February 2008 Official Acts. Motion passed unanimously.

C. Other discussion:

1. Suggest the assisting ministers be given the phonetic spelling of the names highlighted in the prayers of the church.

2. Reminder: A special congregation council meeting will be held on Monday, March 31, at 7 p.m. in Room 110. Agenda and support information to sent to Council members by email.

Closing Prayer: The Lord’s Prayer

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

Nancy Hershfield, Secretary; minutes taken by Judy Snavely