Bethany Lutheran Church
Council Meeting Minutes
May 19, 2008
Meeting called to order by President Laurie Carlsen at
5:35 p.m.
Present: Byron Bunnell, Laurie Carlsen, Susie Carr,
Pastor Jeff Elmquist, Joe Erickson, Ed Glaubitz, Dave Henningsen, Sandy Johnson, Carol Kohlmeyer,
Steve Parkman, Pastor Russ Sorensen, Nancy Vrieze.
Absent: Kristen Davis, Tammy Lundquist, Don Storm,
and Gail Weber.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Ed Glaubitz moved, seconded by Sandy Johnson, to approve
the agenda as amended. Motion carried.
DEVOTIONS
Nancy Vrieze led devotions.
ENRICHMENT TIME
Pastor Russ discussed his meeting with Dr. David Anderson and explained a congregational evaluation he would like all Council Members to be prepared to complete by the next Council Meeting.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Susie Carr, moved, seconded by Nancy Vrieze, to approve the May minutes as amended. Motion carried.
MINISTRY TEAM REPORTS
s Pastor Russ provided a written report and recapped the
Senior Pastor's Conference.
s Pastor Jeff provided a written report.
s Gail Weber provided a written summary.
s Angie Buchli provided a written summary of youth
activities.
PRESIDENT'S REPORT
s Laurie thanked those Council Members who were able to
attend the Graduation Banquet.
s Thank you notes sent to Bethany from the Laney family
and the Synod were read.
s Laurie advised that the summer Council meeting dates are
set for June 16th, July 21st and August 18th. She
acknowledged the increased absences during the summer
months due to vacations, but stressed the importance of
having a quorum present for each meeting.
s Staffing for the French fry booth at the Barron County
Fairgrounds is underway and Laurie advised those
interested in assisting to contact Jodi Bunnell.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
s Susie Carr reported that the Education Committee is
looking into a new Sunday School Curriculum.
s Sandy Johnson asked about the Property Committee's
plans for sealing the parking lot.
s Pigeon abatement efforts have been made and are ongoing.
FINANCIAL REPORT
s Ed Glaubitz presented the financial report.
s Ed noted that on the summary a correction needed to be
made to the "Worship Supplies" entry. The account is
over budget by approximately $1900.00 as opposed to
under budget as stated.
s Much discussion was held regarding the budget deficit and
the Ministry Challenge. Ed Glaubitz volunteered to
prepare and present a Temple Talk in June to further
explain our current finances to the Congregation and how
the Ministry Challenge is required to offset the shortfall.
s Nancy Vrieze moved, seconded by Joe Erickson, that the
financial report be accepted as amended. Motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS
A. Sound System Update - Pastor Russ reported that he has
been in contact with Kingdom Sound of Eau Claire
regarding the refund of the deposit posted. He advised
that $10,500.00, not including interest is due from
Kingdom Sound. Pastor Russ further advised that the
final invoice from Audio Architects has been received in
the amount, less deposit, of $26,495.00. Pastor Russ also
advised that Audio Architects would be conducting formal
training this month.
B. Hand-in-Hand Task Force - Pastor Jeff announced the task
force has been called and has met. Details of the members,
meeting and objectives are set forth in a written report.
President Carlsen was excused at this time and Vice-President Joe Erickson presided over the balance of the meeting.
C. Youth Challenge - Council members were reminded of the
initiative to meet and learn the names of three youth
members of our Congregation as part of our commitment
to the Hand-in-Hand initiative.
D. Audit Committee - Nancy Vrieze reported that the Audit
Committee has been established. Members of this
committee will be Randy Krautkramer, April Nelson and
Amy Richter. Members of the Audit Committee will serve
three-year terms. Initial terms will be staggered to ensure
continuity and will commence in June. The initial audit
will be completed in July.
E. Pigeon Abatement - Discussed during Committee Reports.
F. Carlson Estate - Ed Glaubitz corrected information that
was published in the April Minutes as relates to the bequest
from the Carlson Estate. It was originally thought that
there was a $10,000.00 per year bequest to Bethany for the
next ten years. The bequest was in fact a one-time bequest
of $10,000.00 that Bethany has already received and
deposited in the Estate account.
NEW BUSINESS
A. Luther Park - Mission Concerns has been advised that
Luther Park has a budget shortfall of $22,000.00
B. Mexico Mission Trip - Pastor Russ advised that 20 youth
members of Bethany would be participating in the Mission
trip to Mexico, leaving on July 5th.
C. Stewardship Initiative - Pastor Russ presented his
preliminary plans for this year's Stewardship initiative.
Although still in the developmental stages it is being
proposed that we attempt to reach all 700 families of
Bethany in small groups. The focus of these groups will be
to present Bethany's mission and ministry and will follow
the "Four Key" principles. These meeting will be held in
the homes of "Host" volunteers and will be led by Pastor
Russ. Sunday morning sessions will be available as well for
those unable to attend one of the small group meetings.
Pledge cards will not be distributed at these meetings but
will be mailed a week or so after the completion of the
presentations. Meetings for those willing to serve as hosts
will begin in August, with the actual meeting to be
completed in September. More information will be
presented in the coming months as plans are finalized.
OPEN DISCUSSION ITEMS
s No open discussion items brought to the table.
ADJOURNMENT
Vice-President Joe Erickson adjourned the meeting at 7:30.
Respectfully submitted,
Byron Bunnell, Secretary
NEXT MEETING:
Monday, June 16, 2008 - 5:30 p.m.
Devotions: Byron Bunnell
