First English Lutheran Church

Congregational Council meeting: April 22, 2008

Present: John Zweig, Peter Peregrine, Nancy Hershfield, Jeff Diehl, Mark DesRochers, Karen Dorn, Amy Henderson, Mike Lokensgard, Wayne Luck, Dana Olson, Jeff Picken, Steve Uslabar, Pastor Detweiler, Pastor Dismer, Pastor Lyle, Walt Rugland

Excused: Dan Baumbach, Kirsten Owens

Guests: Jeff Bemis, Jeff Cieslik, Don Monson

Devotions: Nancy Hershfield

Discussion: “Traveling Together,” Ch. 4, “Elements of Discipleship,” FELC Council Study

Approval of minutes:

A. A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes of the March 25, 2008 Congregation Council meeting. Motion passed unanimously.

B. A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes of the March 31, 2008, Special 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 – Jeff submitted the following documents: FELC Budget Summary, ECHOES Gift & Thrift, 2008 Weekly Offering, FELC 2008 Budget Summary. A motion was made and seconded to accept the reports as presented. Motion passed unanimously.

Old business:

A. Capital appeal, “We Are Called”: Walt Rugland - Walt reported that $1,040,000 has been pledged to date. The Sunday, April 20, Temple Talks were well received. To help the congregation remember the importance of this appeal there will be Temple Talks and inserts in the Sunday bulletins.

B. Special meeting update; John: – John distributed the documents “Agreed Goals and Objectives” and “Covenant of Conduct.” A motion was made and seconded to accept the goals and objectives. Motion passed unanimously.

New business:

A. Outreach & Social Ministry; Jeff Bemis, Jeff Cieslik, Don Monson

1. ECHOES – rent increase: Jeff Bemis distributed the document, “ECHOES Gift & Thrift budget sheet.” A motion was made and seconded to give authority to the ECHOES subteam of Outreach & Social Ministry the authority to negotiate a binding 3- to 5-year contract for the use of larger retail space. Discussion followed. Motion passed unanimously.

2. The Outreach & Social Ministry Team was concerned that ECHOES needs a separate oversight group from the ministry team. John Zweig pointed out that the Goals and Budget for 2008 as approved created a subgroup of the Outreach and Social Ministry Team to provide oversight of ECHOES.

3. Jeff Bemis reminded the Council that this subgroup is focusing on ECHOES. There is a need to increase the membership of the Outreach & Social Ministry Team. Following a ministry team membership update, the Council will place an emphasis on finding new members for the ministry team.

B. Pastor’s report

1. Pastor Lyle announced that Wednesday LIFT will be held at the North Site from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

2. Pastor Detweiler distributed the document, “Embracing transition, new opportunities.”

3. Pastor Dismer noted Confirmation Sunday is April 27, 2008. He will be attending the board meeting for Crossways.

C. Accept Bruce Catterton’s resignation from the Council: The Council accepts Bruce’s resignation with regret and wishes him the best.

D. Fill unexpired term for Bruce: A motion was made and seconded that John begin the process of filling Bruce’s unexpired term. Motion passed unanimously.

E. Official Acts: A motion was made and seconded to approve the 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

Submitted by: Nancy Hershfield, secretary

Minutes taken by Judy Snavely