Salem Lutheran Church Council

Salem Lutheran Church Council September 15, 2016 Draft Minutes

Call to Order Vice-President Simon Bauer called the meeting to order at 7:02 PM

Present: Absent: Simon Bauer - Vice President Troy Gessner – President Bruce Johnson - Secretary Jerry Nelson Emily Fischer Loren Viere – Treasurer Deb Anderson Holly Palmersten Cathy Wilhelm Lanette Wise Doug Miller Susan Douma Pastor Marlene Elmstrom

Staff Present: Eric Blake

Acknowledgement of Christ’s Presence and the Stranger – two empty chairs

Devotion and Opening Prayer. After reading from scripture, Pastor Marlene shared a story about Monarch butterflies she observed in a tree that made it seem like it was moving and how that reminded her about the importance of one. Altogether we have weight and power. She challenged the Council to think of itself like the Monarch that make a journey every year. We are on a journey as children of God, blessed by God. When we do it together and with grace, the Holy Spirit will honor us and the Kingdom will be served. She then led the Council in prayer.

Approval of agenda Susan Douma moved, Emily Fischer seconded the agenda be approved. Motion passed without objection.

Approval of minutes of August 18, 2016 Lanette Wise moved, Susan seconded approval of minutes as submitted. Motion passed without objection.

Approval of Consent Agenda Bruce Johnson moved, Holly Palmersten seconded approval of consent agenda. Passed without objection. . Reports Pastor’s Report. Pastor Marlene reported she is settling in and delighted with the team she has to work with. She is looking forward to moving into the home Salem leased for her. She is listening and learning a lot. Pastor Marlene plans to meet with the Call Committee to serve as a spiritual advisor. She is reviewing/learning Salem’s policies and procedures and noted she is very sensitive to risk management. Already looking ahead—she informed the Council that Christmas & New Years Day are on Sunday this year and recommends having services at 8:30. Pastor Marlene is overwhelmed with the graciousness and hospitality she is experiencing at Salem.

Interim Administrator Report. Eric Blake began his report by sharing that saying hello and goodbye involves lots of details. His finance training is done, but Lisa Miller will remain on the payroll through the end of the year to help w/year end stuff. Eric has hired Alyssa Foster to assist with Youth Program tasks while he is focused on learning Salem’s systems. The Sunday Night Adult Gathering has been held four times now with attendance ranging from 20-40. He is getting ready for the Fall Retreat and reported that Camp Twelvestone has received a substantial boost for 2017 with the commitment of a Maple Grove church that will bring 98 kids. Eric reported several infrastructure-type issues that need be addressed such as the door bell, WIFI, door entry system, phone system, painting hallways, and painting Pastor Marlene’s office. Financial Report: August 2016 Simon Bauer reported that our expenses were $12,000 higher than our revenue, but that it was not as bad as it sounds. August had only four Sundays (compared to 5 last year). VBS and Youth Summer Camps/Trip expenses all came in August (and within budget) and the Labor Day weekend offering (Sept. 4) was substantial.

Personnel Committee Emily Fischer reported the Committee had been working on Pastor Marlene’s hire and arrival and was now turning its attention to staff job descriptions and the renewal of the pension/health care benefits through Portico.

Stewardship Committee Deb Anderson reported the Time and Talents survey has been placed in the bulletin and is due by the end of the month. Emily will do a temple talk about it this Sunday.

Property Committee Simon & Doug Miller met with Earl and took a tour of the building. Roof repairs have worked out well. There are other annual maintenance items to be addressed. They are looking at bids for parking lot sealing and striping. Some loose carpet repairs will be made. The carpet needs to be replaced fairly soon.

Nominating Committee Cathy Wilhelm reported that Therese Melrose has agreed to coordinate the committee. They will start their recruiting earlier. Therese is collecting notes from last year’s Committee work. There are many seats to fill this year and they are open to any suggestions. The Nominating Committee requested ideas for the criteria/characteristics they should be looking for in Council candidates. Council suggested someone with bright ideas, time, spiritual strength, passionate, committed, enduring, good listener, good speaker, team player, community engaging.

Call Committee The Committee has not met, but will gather next week with Pastor Marlene. She informed the Council that the Synod is waiting until some things are more comfortable at Salem before they send candidates. She said the Congregation is in a state of anxiety—as are many Congregations in transition--and that’s not a good time to look at candidates. She informed the Council that Synod pastors are busy, with only two of them working with churches instead of three. We have to be patient and wait for the Spirit. There are 600 pastoral vacancies nationally and soon there will be 1000 due to retirement. There will be ongoing communication to the Congregation. Bruce asked for the criteria by which the Synod determines a Congregation is ready to consider candidates for Sr. Pastor.

Emily reported that Fare For All went well (Sept. 12). The “hot buys” were very popular. 178 households were served and 110 families used the “shoe bus.” She said she was very grateful for the volunteers and more will be needed more for Holiday packs.

Old Business  Interim Pastor Agreement/Arrangements: The lease for the home in St. Cloud is all set and Lanette and Cathy are coordinating the furniture arrangements.  Congregation Survey Follow-Up: Bruce reported that he has had conversations with some families and there is interest in some kind of campaign to raise funds for Salem’s mission and Capital improvements. However, there is no other progress to report. . New Business  Capital Improvement Plan: Council discussed a list of Capital Improvement needs at Salem, how priorities will be set and how they will be paid for. Organ, kitchen, parking lot, carpet, men’s bathroom, entry system and phone system were a few of the items discussed. The Property Committee will gather and co-ordinate estimates and other information and report back at the next Council meeting.

Adjournment and Closing Prayer Bruce moved to adjourn the meeting. Emily seconded. Motion passed without objection. The meeting adjourned at 8:44 PM and concluded with the Lord’s Prayer.