May 2007

The council met on Thursday, May 10.

Steve Hanson opened with devotion and prayer.

Terry Johnson told Steve Hanson that we need hold a congregational meeting to vote on breaking ground and approve the financing. The meeting should be held in June or July time frame. There was discussion about holding the meeting during a week night or on a Sunday. We would need approximately 60 people to attend the meeting. It was decided that the meeting should be held on Sunday, June 24.

Pastor Durk shared his report. The Mayor’s brunch was a success. His Germany trip was inspiring and educational and he will hold adult forums to share more detail. The new member brunches are going well with good turnouts. He enjoyed leading the First Communion Workshop. Because so many of the staff are part time, he is holding “All Staff Meetings” every other month. This is turning out to be very helpful.

Pastor Durk reviewed Pastor Chris’s report.

Pastor Chris is very appreciative of all the support from the congregation during her surgery and recovery period.  She is leading the Military Support Team in hosting a community event at the church on July 15. The prayer team is doing a wonderful job and the prayer shawls are a great success.

Steve Wagner gave us a financial review.  April numbers are great. 

There was discussion of another capital fund drive. Other options for raising additional money prior to building were, Bonds, additional loans and buy a brick. Also, Larry from Kairos is still willing to help us figure out how to raise the needed money. 

Rick Moulton reviewed the congregational attendance for the past 4 years.  The attendance has been dropping at a significant amount.  The January-April numbers have fallen over 20% in the last four years, with a 7% drop between 2006 and 2007. 

Laura Winge gave an overview of the Vision presentation. The Vision team has worked hard to come up with a vision, mission, values and strategies.  The council review the vision and we will vote on it in June. Council is also reviewing strategies to bring about change.

Steve Hanson discussed that Shelly Halverson and Brad Stamas are interested in joining the personnel committee.  Steve made the motion to appoint Brad and Shelly to the Personnel committee for two-year terms beginning June 1. Steve Wagner seconded the motion.

Pastor Durk gave an update on the search for Director of Children’s & Family Ministries. They have five candidates with one very high on the list. They have one interview left and will make an offer once that is complete. They hope the position will be occupied by early June.

Terry Johnson brought to the councils’ attention that the city would like us to hold an open house so that the neighbors of the church can see the plans for the addition. If we give the city the date and time of the meeting, they would send postcards to our neighbors. It was decided that the church should get the mailing addresses of these neighbors from the city and use this as a recruiting opportunity. We could invite the neighbors to church and show them the plans between and after services.