Present: Paul Evers, Sheila Bennett, Tim Olson, Lori Bates, Scott Kruse, Jen Woodford, Michele Saack, Pastor Dave, Cynthia McLaren, Wes Niemitalo, and Donna Caflisch.
The meeting was brought to order by President Jen Woodford. Pastor Dave led the devotions and we discussed the final chapter of the book “Reclaiming the L Word”.
Motion to approve the agenda was made by Sheila Bennett and seconded by Scott Kruse. Motion carried. MMS Scott Kruse/Sheila Bennett to approve the November meeting minutes. Motion carried.
Michele Saack presented the financial report for November with good news that income exceeded expenses by $5225. Tim Olson reported on the results of Consecration Sunday and that was also good news, with 175 pledges made totaling $443,624 so far. Grant Christianson has been working with the figures compared to other years and estimates that another $91,137 will be given from people that contribute but do not submit an estimate of giving card. And Jen pointed out that it is not just about money but about the participation of the congregation that is so good to see.
Jen asked for discussion on how to use the Giving Fund. It was noted that ELCU had cut the Campus Ministry budget. Also, there was a request to provide some funds to help pay for the dinners GSC volunteers provide at the Dorothy Day House. It is believed that more people would like to volunteer but aren’t able to donate the food. After discussion, a MMS, Scott Kruse/Lori Bates, to donate $2000 from the Giving Fund to Campus Ministry and $1000 from the Giving Fund to purchase script for Cub Foods that can be used to purchase food for meals at the Dorothy Day house. Motion carried. Donna Caflisch will work with Beth Krolak on the details of purchasing and distributing the script to the Dorothy Day house volunteers.
Michele Saack presented the 2008 budget. She explained that the final budget that will be brought to the Annual Meeting on January will have the actual December number so the numbers will be slightly different. After some discussion on various parts of the budget a MMS,Scott Kruse/Sheila Bennett, to approve the budget so it can be presented for a vote by the congregation of GSC at the Annual Meeting on January 27. Motion carried.
Lori Bates reported that the Worship Committee is working on several things, including Acolyte robes and the hearing enhancement technology that is required by law at GSC. They will work with Property and Technology on this.
Donna Caflisch reported that the Giving Tree has been very successful and that the wood carvings are selling well.
Jen reported that Bita Fynskov, Steve Carr, Jackie Brown, Carole Lucas, Steve Willman and Sue Lee have been selected for the Calling Committee and Duane Gross is available as an alternate.
Scott Kruse reported that Thrivent Lutheran will be presenting “More Than Money Matters” workshops during the Lent soup suppers from February 13 through March 12 from 5:45 to 6:45. Pastor Dave noted that Bonnie Louks will give the presentation. The information will be in the January Messenger.
Thank you cards were written to Bill Angerman for his work on the Consecration Sunday program. January thank you cards will be written to the volunteers at the wood carving table.
The first council meeting of 2008 will be on January 28, 2008. Tim Olson, Wes Niemitalo and Paul Evers have finished their terms so the new members will be taking over.
MMS Scott Kruse/Sheila Bennett to adjourn the meeting and the motion carried. The closing prayers were led by Pastor Dave.
Respectfully submitted,
Wes Niemitalo