Minutes of the
79 members were in attendance.
President John Kopp called the meeting to order and presented the agenda. Information will be presented on each item, followed by a discussion session. Voting will follow after all items have been discussed.
1. 2006 BUDGET
· Increases are due to: staff compensation, anticipated heating fuel cost increase, and increase in benevolence.
· Mortgage payment stands at $12,244/month; building fund contribution in 2005 is $7,127/month and in 2006 will be $6,336/month.
Discussion:
Q: How long will the building fund be intact?
A: About 10 years, but will be less each year
Q: Is it possible to prepay on principal each year?
A: We could look into that.
Q: Are pastoral salary changes (salary, housing & benefits) reflected in the proposed budget?
A: Pastor Tom’s compensation package is the same overall as in the past, but divides up differently. The 2006 budget allows for compensation of a family, but actual spending will depend on the person called to be our pastor and will vary. The budget is a guess at needs and timing of call.
A motion was made to accept the 2006 proposed budget. Discussion continued with vote to follow discussion of all agenda items.
Q: Worship supplies line is higher; why?
A: This is a realistic reflection of this year’s expenses.
2. CHURCH COUNCIL
· 2006 nominees were introduced: Jen Woodford, Erik Schlict, Karin Neuvirth, and Steve Howe. They have been nominated to serve a 3-year term.
3. CALL COMMITTEE
· Nominees were introduced: Beth Krolak, Janis Evers, Bob Nassif, Amy Kopp, Bruce Larson, Bill Angerman, Gary Meldahl, and Paul Mainz. The constitution requires 6 members; the nominating committee asks that 8 members be elected, with 2 of them serving as alternates.
Discussion:
Q: Why is there no youth representative on the call committee?
A: The call committee has the right and responsibility to delegate ad hoc committees to solicit feedback from different parts of the congregation; youth will be one of those groups.
Q: The call committee will be looking for a senior pastor, and we know we will be calling an associate pastor at some point also. Why not call both at once?
A: The synod recommends call a senior pastor first, to allow his/her leadership role to develop. Budget also allows enough for one pastor at present. Options: could hire a second interim pastor, to “overlap” with Pastor Tom or senior pastor before calling associate pastor.
Q: What if a husband/wife team was available?
A: If it seems to be a possibility with available candidates, we could consider that option.
Q: If you have 6 voting and 2 non-voting members, how will this work out?
Also, what kind of majority will be needed?
A: The nominating committee followed the synod recommendations in having alternates sit on the committee. The committee will need to work out who will carry out specific tasks; many people outside the committee will also be involved in the process. The process will be addressed in next part of meeting.
4. INTRODUCTION TO THE CALL PROCESS
The Call Process Manual is in the office, or you can read it online at http://www.semnsynod.org/call_process/callprocessmanual.pdf
Steps the call committee will follow:
Step 1: A Time for Farewell (done already)
Step 2: A Time for Interim Ministry (we
have already taken this step)
Step 3: A Time for Self-Study (this is
where the call committee will begin)
Step 4: Elect a Call Committee (we have
nominees already)
Step 5: The Work of the Call Committee
Step 6: Calling your New Pastor
Step 7: Welcome and Installation
Discussion:
Q: Will the work of the Long-range Planning Committee/Visioning process be used in the call process?
A: Yes, and also many other groups will be asked for input.
Q: With self study, is there a congregational survey that goes to all members?
A: Yes, it is included in the synod materials.
Q: What is the timeline?
A: There is no specific timeline given. Usually the interim period is 8-12 months; that depends on candidates available also. The congregational profile step usually takes a few months.
A comment was made that it will be very important for the congregation to provide prayerful, positive support to the call committee during the process.
Voting was done on paper ballots, with the following 3 items:
1. Approval of the 2006 Budget
Yes
No
(RESULT: 74 yes, 1 abstained)
2. Elections to the Church Council
(Terms to begin in January 2006; vote for four people)
Jen Woodford
Erik Schlict
Karin Neuvirth
Steve Howe
(RESULT: 75 votes for each nominee; 0 against)
3. Elections to the Call Committee
Do you approve the election of the following eight candidates?
Beth Krolak, Janis Evers, Bob Nassif, Amy Kopp, Bruce Larson, Bill Angerman, Gary Meldahl, Paul Mainz.
Yes
No
(RESULT: 75 votes for the slate of nominees; 0 against)
MMS to adjourn the meeting (
Respectfully submitted,
Beth Krolak, Church Council Secretary