First English Lutheran Church

Congregation Council meeting

Downtown Site – Feb. 24, 2009

Present: Peter Peregrine, Mike Lokensgard, Steve Uslabar, Dan Baumbach, Jeff Diehl, Ellen Evensen, Dean Haas, Gordy Jeppson, Kathy Larson, Dana Olson, Dong Pham, Jeff Picken

Excused: Amy Henderson, Mark DesRochers, John Zweig

Guests: Brenda Smongeski, Kathie Kommers, Lori Hartz

Devotions: Peter Peregrine

Approval of minutes: A motion was made and seconded to approve the corrected minutes (correction of names in old business section A2 and new business section B, and which nominee fills the vacated Council position) of the Jan. 27, 2009 Congregation Council meeting. Motion passed unanimously. A motion was made and seconded to approve the amended minutes of the Feb. 8 special congregation Council meeting, to correct the presence of Dean Haas at the meeting and to include accepting the resignation of Pastor George Detweiler. Motion passed unanimously.

Ministry team reports: The ministry team minutes were reviewed. Discussion followed. 1) It was suggested to have an “inactive status” category of members and that number would be passed along to the treasurer to ensure accurate data for stewardship purposes and no mailings would be sent to that category. 2) The Council encouraged small-group leaders to have conversations with the Congregational Growth Ministry Team as to the energy around youth programs and activities. 3) Peter expressed the desire of the Congregational Growth Ministry Team to have a Council member join its team. 4) There was clarification on the process of leasing the parsonage to the Housing Authority of Appleton. 5) Brief discussion of Echoes and pursuit of a 501(c)(3) classification. A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes as presented. Motion passed unanimously.

Executive Committee report: Office hours for March 1 will be staffed by Peter at the North Site and Ellen at the Downtown Site. Ellen Evensen volunteered to attend the Appleton conference, along with Dong Pham on March 1, 2009.

Treasurer’s report:

1) Steve Uslabar presented the challenging financial condition we are in after one month of this budget cycle. Discussion followed. Motion was made and seconded to accept the treasurer’s report. Motion passed unanimously.

2) A motion was presented from the Executive Committee to pay synod benevolence quarterly. Discussion followed. Motion passed unanimously.

Old business:

1) Staff reorganization: A motion was presented from the Executive Committee to amend Mike Dismer’s call to full time as of May 1, 2009, with the Executive Committee authorized to work out the details of the amendment. Motion passed unanimously.

New business:

1) Worship Ministry Team is creating a memorial list for application of undesignated funds. There was discussion on the distinction between the memorial list created by the Worship Ministry Team and the priorities list that the Support Ministry Team is working on.

2) A motion was presented from the Executive Committee to charge the Support Ministry Team to explore ways by which FELC might seek directed gifts for special projects or memorials. Motion passed unanimously.

3) A motion was made and seconded to authorize the Outreach & Social Ministry Team to rent the parsonage under Section 8. Motion passed unanimously.

4) Pastor’s reports: It was decided that we would discuss the report from Pastor Detweiler at the special Council meeting on March 3. A motion was made and seconded to approve the pastor’s reports as presented. Motion passed unanimously.

5) The Listening Posts summary was handed out. It will be available at the church and on the Web site for congregation members.

6) An interim staff organization chart was handed out for review and discussion at the special Council meeting on March 3.

7) Official Acts: A motion was made and seconded to approve the January 2009 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: Dana Olson