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Board of Outreach & Fellowship
Past Minutes

OCTOBER 8, 2007

Members Present: Joyce Johnson, Kari Krause, Inez Lunde

Members Absent: Lynda Alfson, Patti Gregor

Devotions: Inez Lunde

The minutes of the September 10 meeting were approved.

Old Business:

1. Joyce gave an update from the Planning Council.

2. The Young at Heart dinner was a success with 35 seniors attending. Gift certificates worth $250.00 from local business places were given as prizes from the Board of Outreach budget. A special thanks to Joyce and Kari for representing the Board of Outreach. Inez helped with invitations, table set-up and decorations.

3. Music in the Park monies were divided between two groups. Bethel Contemporary Music group was given $100.00 to use as needed for music supplies. The balance of $50.00 was given to the local food pantry.

4. The Board of Outreach will serve coffee on November 4, 2007. Cookies will be baked the day before.

5. We discussed coming up with an idea of doing something special for the congregation at Christmas time. This was tabled until our November meeting.

New Business:

1. There will not be a citywide Christmas parade this year. The local chamber is making plans to set up a drive through at Welles Memorial Park. Booths will be set up there for those interested in participating.

2. Our next meeting will be November 12, 2007 at 6:00 p.m.

Inez Lunde, Secretary

SEPTEMBER 10, 2007

Members Present: Joyce Johnson, Kari Krause, Inez Lunde

Members Absent: Lynda Alfson, Patti Gregor

Devotions: Kari Krause

The minutes for May and June were approved.

Old Business:

1. Joyce reported from the Planning Council meeting that a congregational meeting will be held October 14 from 10:00 - 11:00 for the election of boards and officers.

2. Shana Klindt made 12 very nice quiet bags and our children are using them.

3. The Young at Heart dinner will be October 4, 2007. We help the BLCW with this project as before. There are still monies available so the cost will be shared with the BLCW.

4. The music in the park was a great success. The $150.00 that we received from the parks and Recreation Department will be divided between the Richland/Wilkin Food Pantry and the music group who performed at the park. We will check with Laurie Lekang on their needs.

5. The college pizza party was also a success. Over 500 were served. Bethel gave out bottled water to the students.

New Business:

1. We discussed ideas of things we might do as our year ends. We still have $1,134.00 remaining in our budget. We hope to serve coffee after services in the near future.

2. Our next meeting will be October 8, 2007 at 6:00 p.m.

Inez Lunde, Secretary

JUNE 14, 2007

Members Present: Kari Krause, Joyce Johnson, Lynda Alfson

Members Absent: Jody Schnaidt, Inez Lunde, Patti Gregor

We will be approving the May and June minutes at our August meeting.

Old Business:

1. Shana Klindt has donated 12 quiet bags to Bethel Church. Inez and Kari will get the new bags will and placed in the sanctuary. A thank you will be sent to Shana and placed in the Beacon and the weekly church bulletin.

2. Finalized plans for Music in the Park on August 1st. Kari will get the watermelon and bring supplies we need to the park on that Wednesday. Joyce will get the notice for the Music in the Park into the Beacon. Laurie Lekang has agreed to "head up" the music for this event. The music goes from 7:30 - 8:30.

New Business:

1. Joyce discussed the Newcomer’s list that Sandy gets from the Welcome Lady of Wahpeton/Breckenridge. We will be making a final decision on this at our August meeting.

2. We are invited to have a "joint meeting" on July 10th @ 7:00 p.m. with the Board of Social Ministry and Global Mission at the church if any of us can make it. It will be to discuss our "duties" when the boards are combined.

3. There will be NO JULY MEETING!!! Our next meeting will be Monday, August 13th @ 6:00 p.m. at the church.

Kari Krause, Acting Secretary

MAY 7, 2007

Members Present: Joyce Johnson, Kari Krause, Jody Schnaidt, Inez Lunde, Lynda Alfson

Members Absent: Patti Gregor, Lisa Bassingthwaite

Spiritual Direction: Jody Schnaidt

Minutes of the April meeting were approved.

Old Business:

1. Planning Council Update - a lengthy discussion was held on the new Board of Outreach and Christian Fellowship. We are still not sure if we will be included in this new endeavor. Our terms are up in January so we will wait for new direction.

2. Thank you notes were read from members who received Easter baskets. We certainly need to continue this project. Bills were paid to members for this project.

3. No date has been set for the "Young at Heart" social but it will be held sometime in June. We will work with the BLCW board on this.

4. It was decided to serve watermelon along with the music in the park on August 1, 2007 from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Some arrangements are being made for entertainment.

5. The children’s "quiet bags" are being used during the church services. Joyce spoke with a member of the congregation who will be making new bags. We will assemble them at the June meeting.

New Business:

1. We will not be meeting during the month of July, 2007.

2. Meeting adjourned. Next meeting will be June 4, 2007, at 6:00 p.m. Kari will lead the spiritual direction.

Inez Lunde, Secretary

APRIL 9, 2007

Members present: Joyce Johnson, Kari Krause, & Inez Lunde

Members Absent: Patti Gregor, Lynda Alfson, Jody Schnaidt, & Lisa Bassingthwaite

Inez led the Spiritual direction.

March minutes were approved.

Old Business:

-Planning Council update:

A forum will be held on April 15 to review changes to congregational by-laws. There will be a special congregational meeting on April 22, at 9:30 a.m. to vote on new by- laws.

The Board of Outreach, the Board of Social Ministry, & and Global Mission Society may be combined. This is still confusing at this time.

-The Easter basket project was "fantastic" and we will need more baskets new year. We thank the many volunteers that delivered these baskets. At least 35 baskets were delivered.

-The Palm Sunday service was a memorable service and won’t soon be forgotten. The Easter egg

invite idea was great. We especially loved seeing all the palm branches.

-No date has been set for the "Young at Heart" social, but it will be held sometime in June. We will work with the BLCW board on this.

-It was decided to serve watermelon along with the music in the park on August 1, 2007 from

7:30 - 8:30 p.m. Some arrangements are being made for entertainment.

-The children’s "quiet bags" are being used during the church services. Joyce spoke with a member of the congregation that will be making new bags. We will assemble them at the May meeting.

New Business:

-Bills for the Easter basket project were turned in to Joyce.

-We are all invited to attend the forum being presented by the Board of Stewardship on Monday, May 14, at 7 p.m. Charles Lane will be speaking on the topic of stewardship.

-$100.00 will be taken from our budget for the END Synod Campus Ministry.

Meeting adjourned.

Next meeting will be May 7, 2007, at 6 p.m. Judy will lead the spiritual direction.

Inez Lunde

Secretary

MARCH 13, 2007

Members Present: Joyce Johnson, Kari Krause, Jody Schnaidt, Inez Lunde

Members Absent: Patti Gregor, Lynda Alfson, Lisa Bassingthwaite

Spiritual Direction: Joyce Johnson

Minutes of the February meeting were approved.

Old Business:

1. Planning Council Update - a forum will be held on April 15 to review changes to congregational by-laws. There will be a special congregational meeting on April 22, 2007 at 9:30 a.m. to vote on new by-laws. It was mentioned that we are responsible to work with the Global Mission Society. Also, that in the near future we will join with the Board of Social Ministry as one board.

2. Outreach Challenge 2007 ideas were discussed. These will be printed in the Bethel Beacon.

New Business:

1. Pastor Jule_ joined us in our discussion of our Palm Sunday invite project. She will be giving out eggs with a special invite in for our Easter Sunday services during her children’s message. Some of these eggs will be available for the entire congregation to use to invite others to our services.

2. We will again work with the BLCW to sponsor a social for all members that are 80 and over - our "Young at Heart" date to be set.

3. On March 31 at 10:00 a.m. we will put together Easter baskets for homebound members and others needing our love and support. It was also decided to send some Easter greetings to our members in the armed services.

4. It was decided to serve watermelon along with the Music in the Park on August 1st. We will need to invite some entertainment for this event.

5. The children’s "quiet bags" are being used during the church services. There is a need for more of these bags. We will be looking into supplying 10 more of these bags.

6. Meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m. Next meeting is April 9, 2007 at 6:00 p.m. Inez will lead the spiritual direction.

Inez Lunde, Secretary

FEBRUARY 12, 2007

Spiritual Direction: Joyce Johnson

Minutes of the January meeting were approved (Inez/Lynda).

Old Business:

1. Planning Council Update - Joyce said there wasn’t much to report

2. Vocation Sunday - we all agreed it appeared to be a success with many people participating by dressing up to show their profession.

3. Reaching Out in Love - we had probably 20 people attend. The information was very useful and there were many questions and comments. The seminar should be counted as successful.

4. Outreach Challenge Ideas - email Joyce if you think of any.

New Business:

1. Easter Basket Ideas - last year baskets with crosses, candy, etc were brought to homebound members the week before Easter. It was discussed that we could expand delivery to other people in the congregation (grieving, etc.). Easter is April 8. We will decide on course of action at March meeting.

Visioning:

1. Invite - discussed Music in the Park August 1

2. March meeting will discuss letter from FFF (Faithfully Fit Forever?)

JANUARY 8, 2007

Members Present: Joyce Johnson, Jody Schnaidt, Kari Krause, Patti Gregor, Lynda Alfson

Members Absent: Inez Lunde, Lisa Bassingthwaite

Joyce led the Spiritual Direction. She has also assigned facilitators for each month for this task. Lisa will lead the discussion in February.

The minutes of the December meeting were approved.

Old Business:

1. Planning Council update - Joyce

- By-laws need to be finalized and approved at a special congregational meeting. The target date is for the By-laws to be effective in 2008 so the Outreach Board will remain through 2007. Our board’s budget will be set at $1,500

- The Global Mission Society will be under the Board of Outreach

- We may be involved in updating and revitalizing the church website

2. Vocation Sunday

- Set a date of February 11; Joyce will check into the date with the office and advertise in the Beacon

3. Congregational Forum on Grief

- Speaker will be Jeanne Putnam on February 11

- Kari will introduce Jeanne and advertise in the Beacon

- We will serve coffee and hold the forum in the Centennial Room

New Business:

1. February meeting set for February 12 @ 6:00 p.m.

2. Valentine Cookie Gram - this has since been delayed to Easter

- Bake on 2/10/07 at 1:00 p.m. if kitchen is available; set up table in hall to pass out cookie bags on Sunday, February 11

3. Date Night

- Lynda checked with Synod office for materials. There is no specific date night program set up but numerous resources on topics such as marriage enrichment, parenting, etc.

- Joyce will visit with Sharon Trudell (Lay Ministry) to see if this would overlap with other Bible studies that they are setting up.

Visioning, Planning, Setting Direction:

1. Joyce will put some outreach ideas in the Beacon

2. Invite

 

NOVEMBER 13, 2006

Members Present: Joyce Johnson, Kari Krause, Jody Schnaidt, Lynda Alfson

Members Absent: Inez Lunde, Lisa Bassingthwaite, Patti Gregor

Spiritual Direction: Kari Krause

Minutes of the last meeting were approved (Jody/Kari).

We had a discussion of ways to reach out to families who are grieving. Some ideas were offering child care, having care packages available, offer a grief support forum.

Old Business:

1. Planning Council - nothing to report.

2. College Bible Study - tabled as Lisa was absent.

3. Coffee Hour - we will serve rolls and coffee on December 3. The board will meet Saturday, December 2 to bake rolls. Joyce has coupons to buy the dough.

4. A thank you note was received from Pastor Mark & Joyce Manning and their family from Breckenridge Lutheran for the welcome basket that we presented to them.

5. Christmas Parade - there was only one volunteer from the congregation to help with the float so we decided to skip this parade. In the future, we will try to organize a parade committee.

6. Vocation Sunday - we will pick a date at the next meeting. Joyce has received materials from the Synod Office and will run off copies for each of us.

7. Parents’ Group - there will be a meeting Wednesday, November 15 to organize this. So far there will be two preschool teachers and one outreach member in attendance. A suggestion has been made to send out a special invitation for Christmas programs to the preschool parents with a mention of the upcoming group information.

8. Couples Group - Lynda has not yet contacted the Synod Office to check on Resources.

New Business:

1. December meeting - we will meet at the Wilkin on December 11 at 6:00 p.m.

2. Adopt a Grandparent Program - Joyce brought up the idea of families "adopting" a grandparent - an elderly person who may not have family near by. We will discuss this again at the next meeting.

Lynda Alfson, Secretary

OCTOBER 9, 2006

Members Present: Joyce Johnson, Kari Krause, Lisa Bassingthwaite, Patti Gregor, Jody Schnaidt, Lynda Alfson, Inez Lunde

Guests: Pastor Gary & Pastor Jule_

Spiritual Direction: Joyce Johnson - "God’s Leaders are Free"

The minutes of the September 11, 2006 meeting were read and approved.

Old Business:

1. Joyce reported that the Beacon deadline for information is the 20th of each month. Items for the Sunday bulletin must be in the office by Thursday noon. We are to be sure and sign up to have our pictures taken for the new directory. The Wahpeton Conference Assembly will be on October 12, 2006 at the Galchutt Lutheran Church. We are all invited to attend.

2. Lisa is checking into some spiritual direction for college students. She will report back in November. We may have college students here on Wednesday nights for supper, Bible study and worship. This would show the students where our church is and they would become familiar with our building.

3. A lengthy discussion was held on Bethel’s participation in local parades. Bethel is in need of some permanent signs or even a float that can be used many times during the year. It was suggested that we put a message in our bulletin for some volunteers to help with the Christmas Parade entry or we may put it off for this year.

4. We will volunteer to serve coffee sometime in November if there is an available date. We like the idea of serving cookies to show our thanks and also to invite others with our cookie bags.

5. Joyce reported on the contents of the gift bag given to Pastor Mark Manning and his family. It was a very nice gift with many gift certificates to local businesses.

6. It was suggested that next year at our college pizza party we have some type of bag to give each person to carry all their gifts in.

New Business:

1. Lisa will lead the spiritual direction at our next meeting which will be November 13 at 6:00.

Visioning:

1. There seems to be a need for a couple’s Bible study. These small groups could be held while the children are in Sunday School or even in the evenings. Lynda will contact the Synod Office for material on parenting and marriage enrichment.

2. It was suggested that sometime on a Sunday morning in the near future we celebrate a "Vocation Sunday". Pastor Gary is very interested in such a type of Sunday. Here we would show where and how we "live out our story". Joyce will contact the Synod Office for material on vocation Sundays.

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 7:20 p.m.

Inez Lunde, Secretary

SEPTEMBER 11, 2006

Members present: Joyce Johnson, Kari Krause, Lisa Bassingthwaite, Patti Gregor, Jody Schnaidt, Inez Lunde

Spiritual Direction: Joyce Johnson

All responded by telling of their highs and lows for the day and also telling of our God given talents.

Old Business:

1. It was decided at Planning Council to evaluate staff members and that our church by-laws would be changing. New Member Sunday will be October 8 with a potluck dinner. Sponsors for these new families are needed. A new computer will be purchased for Pastor Jule_ .

2. Church posters at NDSCS are outdated. This matter will be turned over to the pastors and the ministerial association.

3. The Pizza Party at NDSCS was a success. There were 155 pizzas served and we may need more next year. It was suggested that next year we have more plates and napkins, that each church brings what they are responsible for, volunteers must not eat before students and it would be nice to have some music at this event. It was also stated that since there are a number of small children attending with their parents, it would be nice to have some event for them.

4. We will not be entering the NDSCS parade this year, but will consider it for next year.

5. We are interested in supporting college Bible Study. Lisa will look into this further.

New Business:

1. Money is available for training for our board if any of us are interested.

2. We decided to make up a gift bag for the new pastor at Breckenridge Lutheran Church. This will be our way of welcoming him and his family into our community.

3. Our board is interested in serving cookies and coffee at Sunday morning fellowship again soon.

4. Our next meeting will be October 9, 2006 at 6:00 p.m.

Inez Lunde, Secretary

AUGUST 14, 2006

Members Present: Joyce Johnson, Kari Krause, Lisa Bassingthwaite, Patti Gregor, Inez Lunde, Pastor Gary Mikkelson

Members Absent: Jody Schnaidt

Lynda Alfson will join the board at the next meeting.

Spiritual Direction: Joyce Johnson

The minutes of the July 11th meeting were read and approved.

It was stated that as of the end of July we have $1,160.42 remaining of the $1,500.00 we were budgeted at the beginning of the year.

Old Business:

1. Music in the park was a great success and we heard many favorable comments. An estimated number of people attending were 125; we served three large watermelons. The cost was $17.00. The music was well received but we would like to have more Christian music next year. The Parks and Rec Department gave us a donation of $150.00. It was decided to equally give $50 to Richland/Wilkin Food Pantry, Red River Human Services, and Someplace Safe.

2. The NDSCS Pizza Party will be held on August 21, 2006 from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Our board ordered 500 yellow clips with our church name and address on them to give to the students. Cost of these is $427.45. Bethel Church will pay $129.68 towards the food served. Thanks to all the people who signed up to help at this event.

3. We discussed our joint meeting with the Board of Social Ministry, Carl Likness and Jeff Hage. It was stated that if we unite these two boards some events and projects may be lost in the shuffle.

4. A later date will be set for our Vocation Sunday. Joyce will check with the synod office for more information.

5. Joyce will update the posters on the bulletin boards at NDSCS that give information about our church and our pastors.

New Business:

1. A discussion was held on Bethel’s participation in upcoming parades. We received an entry form from the Headwater’s Day Parade to be held on September 9th. The question was asked "What are the benefits of us being in these parades?" More discussion to follow.

2. Our next meeting will be Monday, September 11 at 6:00 p.m. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

Inez Lunde, Secretary

JULY 11, 2006

Members Present: Joyce Johnson, Kari Krause, Lisa Bassingthwaite, Inez Lunde

Members Absent: Jody Schnaidt, Patti Gregor

The first part of our meeting was held with the Board of Social Ministry, Carl Likness and Jeff Hage. Carl and Jeff discussed the church by-laws and how plans are to unite our two boards and call it Board of Outreach and Christian Fellowship. This new board will have five members and have three standing committees. We will be discussing this in more detail at future meetings.

We then met as our board. The minutes of the June meeting were discussed and approved.

Old Business:

1. Music in the Park: This will be held on August 2, 2006 from 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. We decided to serve watermelon instead of ice cream because of the warm temps. Kari will be setting up the tables, napkins and the banner. Lisa will purchase the watermelons at Sam’s Club and also solicit local businesses for handi-wipes. We will all be there to help and are asking for more volunteers from the church. We are very happy to report that Rick & Pam Hendrickson will take charge of the music for that evening.

New Business:

1. The Pizza Party at NDSCS will be held on August 21, 2006. Michelle Fehr of the ministerial organization has been in touch with us on this. We will need help with this function. We hope to get Thrivent family members involved to get funds from Thrivent. Joyce will be checking into a gift for the students, just some type of token to remind them of Bethel’s interest in their church life. There could be as many as 500 students attending this party.

2. Motion carried to invite Lynda Alfson to become a member of our board in the absence of Mina Hanson who moved away from Wahpeton.

Inez Lunde, Secretary

June 12, 2006

Members Present: Joyce Johnson, Lisa Bassingthwaite, Kari Krause

Members Absent: Jody Schnaidt, Patti Gregor, Inez Lunde

Devotions: Joyce Johnson

Minutes from the May meeting were read and approved.

Old Business:

1. Senior Tea: It went very well. Positive comments and feedback were given by all who attended. Plans are to have another "tea" next year and possibly to include not just members of Bethel but also members of our community who are 80 and older.

2. Sundaes in the Park: Kari is working on setting up music. A few suggestions were given again. She had contacted one musical talent, but they declined at this time. She is checking other options. Also, Kari will put a notice in the Beacon and Sunday bulletin to ask for volunteers to help us.

3. Vocation Sunday will be September 17. More on that at later date.

4. Congregation Celebrations: A few names were suggested who could possibly head up this area. Joyce will contact them and get back to us. (Would help in recognizing birthdays, anniversaries, etc. of our congregation members).

New Business:

1. Linda Miller from the Global Mission Society was to attend our meeting. Joyce will contact Linda to inquire as to what information she wished to share with our board and get back to us.

2. July meeting will be held with the Board of Social Ministry on Tuesday, July 11 @ 7:00 p.m. Please read the by-laws that were handed out or mailed to you. They will be addressed at that meeting because there has been some major changes to them.

3. Birdfeeders were discussed for the nursing homes. It was suggested by a member of our congregation that this would be a wonderful thing for residents in the nursing home to have to keep themselves occupied, etc. Joyce will check with the nursing homes to see if they have any guidelines or stipulations to having things like this, since birds do tend to make a "mess"

4. Parades: It appears that Bethel is one of the few churches that doesn’t participate in a lot of community parades. Bethel has participated in the Holiday parade in the past. We will discuss at a later date.

5. Joyce informed the board that the congregation did vote to approve the call to Jule_ Ballinger for the Associate Pastor.

Kari Krause, Acting Secretary

MAY 8, 2006

Members Present: Joyce Johnson, Inez Lunde, Jody Schnaidt, Lisa Bassingthwaite, Kari Krause, Mina Hanson

Members Absent: Patti Gregor

Devotions: Kari Krause

Minutes of the April 10th meeting were read, approved and accepted.

Old Business:

1. We received thank-you cards and much favorable comments on the Easter baskets we delivered to our homebound members. It was suggested we reach out to more members such as the residents at the nursing homes, men who are homebound and maybe even some single moms.

 

2. Our coffee and cream Sunday on April 30th was a success but we did have trouble getting the people to mix and meet new members. We will try it again when people aren't leaving for a forum and are staying in fellowship hall.

 

3. We discussed our evening in the park on August 2, 2006. We will be serving ice cream sundaes with toppings and water. Joyce will contact Pastor Gary to see if he wishes to help us with this.

 

4. We will be looking into doing a Vocation Sunday in the fall.

 

New Business:

1. A discussion was held on the Welcome Wagon Organization here in Wahpeton conducted by Mrs. Doris Strand. She sends lists of new residents to churches and the Board of Outreach pays $5.00 per month for this list. We will continue this through December and then discuss it again.

 

2. Since Mina will be moving soon and this was her last meeting, we gathered to have a supper and fellowship. We will miss her and wish her God's Blessings in her new home.

 

Our next meeting will be June 12, 2006 at 6:00 p.m.

Inez Lunde, Secretary

April 10, 2006

Members Present: Joyce Johnson, Jody Schnaidt, Lisa Bassingthwaite, Inez Lunde, Kari Krause, Mina Hanson

Members Absent: Patti Gregor

Devotions: Mina Hanson

Minutes from the March 13 meeting were read and approved (Mina/Jody).

Old Business:

1. Easter Baskets: We assembled 22 baskets after our meeting with various goodies and keepsakes and each member was assigned to deliver the baskets to the list of homebound of our congregation during this Easter Week.

2. Wednesday Evening/Sundaes in the Park: Kari and Patti will meet/talk about this and bring some more info to our May meeting. It is set for August 2nd.

3. "Senior" Tea: Inez and Bev McRoberts are working on the plans for this. It has been set for Thursday, May 11th at 5:00 p.m. Inez handed out an outline of the menu, greeting, setting up, etc. Joyce suggested that our board donate monies toward some of the expenses from the "Young at Heart" fund. We all agreed that was a good idea. Our board is working with the BLCW on this.

4. College Bible Study: On hold until next fall.

5. Old Fashioned Worship: Tabled until May meting. Tentatively for fall.

6. Posters for College: Joyce is working on these. Waiting until we have our new Associate Pastor in place to make permanent posters. For now, we will promote special events and worship times on the posters.

7. "Reversing Unwelcoming Habits": Discussion held on the handout we received at last meeting. All agreed it was very informative. We are working on starting a greeter program that emphasizes "Going to the worshipers, instead of them coming to us". We will discuss more at May meeting.

New Business:

1. Vocation Sunday: We are looking at Sunday, September 17 as a possible date. Congregation would be encouraged to show their "occupation" to everyone.

2. Coffee Hour/Ice Cream: Set for Sunday, April 30th.

3. Congregation Celebrations: Would like to start putting births, anniversaries and wedding info etc. into the bulletins and/or monthly Beacon. Contact person would be needed. Will discuss more at our May meeting.

4. Visioning, Planning, Setting Direction: Everyone is encouraged to keep thinking of ideas and visions to bring to our future meetings. Praying and working together to help Bethel reach its goal as a Congregation of Believers!!!

5. Next Meeting: Monday, May 8, 2006 @ 6:00 p.m. Kari Krause will be the devotion leader.

Kari Krause, Acting Secretary

March 13, 2006

Members Present: Joyce Johnson, Jody Schnaidt, Patti Gregor, Inez Lunde, Kari Krause, Mina Hanson and Pastor Gary

Members Absent: Lisa Bassingthwaite

Devotions: Joyce Johnson

Minutes from the February 13 meeting were read and approved.

Old Business:

1. Easter Baskets: These baskets are to go out to the 23 residents on our Homebound List the week before Easter. We received this list from the church office. This board will meet on April 10 to fill the baskets with items such as cross bookmarks, candy, resurrection eggs and a Bible verse.

 

2. Wednesday Evenings in Park: We have been assigned August 2, 2006 as our night in the park. Time will be 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Patti and Kari volunteered to organize some music and ice cream sundaes for this event.

 

3. Senior Tea: We will be working with the BLCW on this event which will be for seniors in our congregation. Inez will contact the BLCW and work with them.

 

4. Greeting Volunteers: A discussion was held on our feelings about greeters in our church. We were all given a copy of an article entitled "Reversing Unwelcoming Welcome Habits". Pastor Darrel shared this article and we will read and discuss this at our next meeting.

 

5. Old Fashioned Worship Service: The Board of Lay Ministry will work with us on this for next fall. Jody and Joyce will work up our proposal.

 

6. Bethel Signs at NDSCS: Joyce will work on getting up new/up-to-date posters about Bethel at the college.

 

New Business:

1. Budget: Our proposed budget amount for the year is $1,500.00. The Planning Council suggests we keep a close eye on our spending.

 

2. 2006 Goals, Objectives, Vision, Planning and Setting Directions: The Planning Council plans to set up some 2006 Goals and Objectives which will be helpful in our planning for this coming year. Much discussion was held on ways to make our church more hospitable and friendly. We should be aware of this when we visit other churches.

 

A discussion was held on the visitor pads that we are to sign and how they are used to contact visitors and prospective new members. We talked of ways to make our coffee hour friendlier to newcomers and mix up the groups that gather each Sunday so more would get to know each other.

 

 

Pastor Gary shared that he sees a need for small groups, especially for new members to get them involved in the church after they become members.

 

Pastor Gary suggested that a Acelebrate vocation Sunday@ would be a good way to get to know what members vocations are or have been. The board thought this is a great idea.

 

3. Mina Hanson stated she would be resigning as of the May meeting. She and her family will be moving to Indiana. The nominating committee will be replacing her. We are urged to suggest names of congregational members who may be interested. The entire congregation will miss Mina and her family. We do wish her God's Blessings in her new home.

 

4. Next Meeting: Monday, April 10, 2006 @ 6:00 p.m.

 

Inez Lunde, Secretary

 

February 13, 2006

Members Present: Joyce Johnson, Jody Schnaidt, Lisa Bassingthwaite, Kari Krause, Mina Hanson

Members Absent: Patti Gregor, Inez Lunde

Devotions: Jody Schnaidt

Minutes from the last meeting were reviewed with only one change being made. It was that Joyce will go to all the Planning Council meetings and will only call one of us when she CAN'T attend. Lisa made a motion to accept the minutes and Jody seconded the motion.

Old Business:

1. Discussion on Cookie Sunday held February 12. All members felt it went VERY WELL!! We had a lot of positive feedback and are in agreement it should be held next year. Approximately 144 Cookie Grams were distributed. We Abaked@ 480 cookies and sampled a few and also Aburned@ a few all in good fun!

 

2. College Bible Study: Lisa has addressed this with a prospective study leader and is awaiting a response. We will discuss again at March meeting.

 

3. Joyce checked on Wednesday evenings in the Park and Wayne Beyer will get back to her with available dates to choose from in June, July and August.

 

4. Senior Tea was discussed. (For the older generation) There is money available for this in the AYoung at Heart Club@. Final plans and a date to be discussed at March meeting. Looking at a May date with possibly a speaker.

 

5. Easter Baskets: Kari will put a notice in the Beacon to ask for congregation to donate any baskets they may have. Ideas discussed as to what to include in the baskets. The baskets are for our homebound congregation members.

 

6. Care Bags: This project has been dropped per Pastor Gary and discussion is still in progress as to what board should handle this area.

 

7. Bethel signs at NDSCS are very outdated; will have these updated as soon as possible.

 

New Business:

1. Much discussion was held on issues regarding Ushering and Greeting at Bethel and how we felt as a group that this was part of our Acalling@. We decided to compile a list of prospective people from our congregation who we felt would be awesome at greeting people who come to worship at Bethel. Each of our board members are to compile their own list and bring it to the March meeting. Our vision is to have a Greeter at every entrance into our church on every Sunday.

 

2. Many ideas and suggestions were held regarding our vision for the Board of Outreach, such as holding an old-time service (polka), helping young mothers in our community by hosting their young children for an afternoon of crafts and baking while they shop, etc. It is our intention of this board to reach out to as many people as possible and increase fellowship in our church and community.

 

3. Joyce updated our board on the last Planning Council meeting and also on the Call committee for the Associate Pastor.

 

4. Our next meeting is set for Monday, March 13, 2006. NEW TIME FOR THIS MEETING IS 6:00 P.M.

 

Kari Krause, Acting Secretary

January 9, 2006

Members Present: Joyce Johnson, Jody Schnaidt, Lisa Bassingthwaite, Kari Krause, Patti Gregor, & Inez Lunde

Member Absent: Mina Hanson

Devotion Leader: Joyce Johnson

Minutes: The Board of Outreach and Fellowship focuses on invitation and service.

Our Board seeks to reach out with an invitation to all to enter into a living relationship with Jesus

Christ. Our board seeks to encourage members to serve our neighbors in a spirit of care and

compassion. Joyce will be the chairperson and Inez will be the secretary.

Visioning, Planning, Setting Directions:

This board has not been active the past 2 years so much discussion was held. Points of interest

were as follows:

. We will take turns attending the Planning Council meetings the 1st Monday of each month.

. Purchasing the Home Touch Subscription which is mailed to shut-in members along with the weekly church service bulletin

. Purchasing birthday and sympathy cards for the pastors to send to members.

. Purchasing visitor pads

. Provide care bags for grieving families that could contain such items as books on grieving, items from funeral homes, mints, pins, or candles.

. Chocolate chip cookie Sundays-this could be for new members, visitors or unchurched in our community.

. Special projects for Easter, Mother's Day

. May-Tea=s for Senior Citizens

. June-Bingo at nursing homes

. July-events in park such as an ice cream social

. August-events involving college students like pizza parties-held during week

. September-events for rally Sunday

. October-participate in NDSCS Homecoming Parade.

. December-participate in Holiday Parade

 

It was decided that we would sponsor fellowship coffee on February 12, 2006. We as a board will meet on Sat. February 11, at 1 PM and bake Valentine cookies. These cookies will be for adults as well as the Sunday School children. We will have some extra Acookie grams@ with a special message in them for members and visitors to take and share with someone not in attendance on that Sunday.

This board has an annual budget of $1500.00 to be used for projects.

We will check the bulletin boards at NDSCS to see if Bethel Church has information about our church services. It is important to get these students knowledgeable about Bethel.

There being no further discussion we closed with the Lord's Prayer.

Inez Lunde, Secretary

December 8, 2003

Members Present: Linda Johnson, Wayne Mastel and April
Lauritsen

Absent: Sharon Trudell, Anne Retzlaff and Cheryl
Krueger

Advisor: none

Guests Present:  none

Devotion Leader: Wayne Mastel

Minutes of November were approved.
   
Old Business:

a. Christmas parade went well, weather was good!  6
adults and 6 kids handed out candy canes
    played Peter Eide Christmas music on the float.

b. Wednesday night suppers will go on, there is enough
help through May.

Meeting adjourned at: 7:30 p.m

Submitted by: April Lauritsen

November 10, 2003

Members Present: Linda Johnson, Wayne Mastel, Anne
Retzlaff, Cheryl Krueger and April Lauritsen.

Absent: Sharon Trudell

Advisor: none

Guests Present: Pam Hendrickson

Devotion Leader: Linda Johnson

Minutes of October were approved.
   
Old Business:

a. Was agreed to increase budget to 100.00 to cover
cost in case we continue the Wed evening suppers.
Total budget is 1,800.00

b. Ministry Fair went well, was down on people who
came through.

New Business:

a. Holiday parade is set for November 28th at 6:00 p.m
   We will meet at 1:00 Sunday November 23rd at the
Ottertail shop to decorate the float and put the
messages on the candy canes. 1,000 need to be done.
   The title is the hidden gift, Pam Hendrickson came
to our board with the idea and we all agreed.
   We will string lights around the wooden cross and
somehow incorporate a Christmas tree around it and
have children sit on the float holing gifts, we will
also have adults and confirmation kids to hand out
candy canes. We will paint he message on plywood on
the back of float and put the church banner on also?

b. Board of Outreach to do the supper in December?
Wayne will let us know.


Meeting adjourned at: 7:50 p.m

Submitted by: April Lauritsen

October 13, 2003

Members Present: Linda Johnson, Sharon Trudell, Wayne Mastel, Anne Retzlaff, Cheryl Krueger and April Lauritsen.

Absent: None

Advisor: Pastor Chris Anderson

Guests Present: none

Devotion Leader: Wayne Mastel

Minutes of September were approved.

Old Business:

a. New Member Orientation and New Member Sunday went well.

b. Note cards will be mailed out to the sponsors of the New Member so that they can call them and see how they are doing, the list will be given to office to be mailed out.

c. Wednesday Evening suppers Need to be advertised more Sharon made posters of our worship times and Wednesday night suppers and posted them around the science school. Need a board to volunteer for November 5th supper, our board agreed to take it if no one volunteers.

d. Signs for the church to guide visitors in the right direction for certain places in the church are still in the works, Wayne is checking on some details.

New Business:

a. November 14th and 15th are the dates set for new and old board members to get together and come up with a new mission strategy?

b. Ministry Fair Sunday October 26th, between the two worship services Theme- discipleship, Felisa came up with an idea for our booth, Sharon will do some more brainstorming on the idea. We will set up Sat. time?

c. Christmas Parade Linda is checking to see if there will be a parade this year. Board members to bring back ideas?

d. A wish list is being set up for all boards as to anything they may need or want?

e. We all agreed that the budget for our board looks fine.

f. Was mentioned that Joyce Johnson is now dealing with the willing servers list?

Meeting Adjourned at 8:10 p.m

Submitted by: April Lauritsen

August 11, 2003

Members Present: Linda Johnson, Sharon Trudell, Wayne Mastel, Anne Retzlaff and April Lauritsen.

Absent: Cheryl Krueger

Advisor: Pastor Chris Anderson

Guests Present: none

Devotion Leader: Wayne Mastel

Minutes of July were approved.

Old Business:

a. Visitor Center - Having a computer set up to show congregation how to surf the church web site. Discussed having it up possibly on Rally Sunday, New Member Sunday and during the Ministry Fair. Was also discussed about having it up at New Member Orientation to help the new members learn about the web site.

b. New Signs around church - Getting ideas? Was suggested to put up a sign made on the computer.

New business:

a. New Member Sunday September 28th Orientation? Was suggested to have a sign up sheet for people who would be willing to host a family. Linda will talk to Joyce about doing a temple talk about hosting a family.

b. College Pizza Party Monday August 25th 5:00 - 7:30 p.m We will be setting up at 4:30 p.m We will be doing giveaways again this year; all the churches will be participate in the drawings. We will have the drawings only once during the night. Wayne got some prizes from the Christian Book store, a 2 books, cd holder and cd. He will also check out Wahpeton deli and video and some gas stations. Was suggested to ask people form our congregations who own businesses to donate prizes. Was brought up to put the churches business card in with the prizes Wayne got. The other churches are also looking for prizes. On the tables we will have highlighters, the Bethel Banner, business cards, information sheets. We will be asking the board of education if we can use the freeze pops in the freezer for college pizza night.

c. Rally Sunday is Sunday September 7th We will be setting up a sign with information on rally Sunday. The sign will cost $39.00 for 1 week.

d. Sunday evening praise will be Wednesday nights all through the year at 6:30 p.m starting August 27th. We will also be serving supper the first Wednesday night of every month, the boards will take turns with helping with the suppers. The first supper will be held September 3rd from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Our board will do the first supper consisting of Barbeques, chips, pickles, bars, lemonade and water. We are to be there at 5:15 to help.

Meeting Adjourned at 8:45 p.m

Submitted by: April Lauritsen

July 14 2003

Members Present: Linda Johnson, Sharon Trudell, Cheryl Krueger and April Lauritsen

Absent: Wayne Mastel and Anne Retzlaff

Advisor: Pastor Chris Anderson

Guests Present: Felicia Mastel

Devotion Leader: Sharon Trudell

Minutes of June were approved.

Old Business:

a. Visitor Center Cheryl brought the table clothes she purchased. (Green, purple, white and red) We tried them on the table and they look nice. Also discussed having a computer set up at the visitor's table but would need someone to tend to it? 

b. Signs to show people where things are in the church. Felicia brought pictures she took of some churches in Fargo/Moorhead so we could get some ideas. Was suggested that someone could come into the church and give us advice about where we need to put the signs.

New Business

a. College Pizza Night Monday August 25th 2003 at 7:00 p.m Decided to give away prizes again this year, but maybe only once and earlier in the evening. We will discuss more on this at next meeting.

b. Was mentioned about possibly keeping the Wednesday night service throughout the year.

c. Was mentioned about doing radio ads for Rally Sunday? We will discuss more at the next meeting.

Meeting Adjourned at 8:30 p.m

Submitted by: April Lauritsen

June 16, 2003

Members Present:  Sharon Trudell, Wayne Mastel, Anne Retzlaff and Cheryl Krueger.

Absent: Linda Johnson, April Lauritsen

Devotion Leader: Wayne Mastel

Minutes of May meeting were approved along with the budget.

Old Business:

1. Felisa stopped at five or six different churches in Fargo to view their direction signs.  Pictures should be available at the July meeting.

2. New Member Follow-up - we had a very good discussion with Joyce and Pastor Chris about the pastors calling on the new members a few weeks after they have become members to ask if everything is going okay or if they have any questions.  They were very understanding of our point that a call from a pastor would carry a lot of weight versus a host couple or lay person calling on them. 

3. Visitor's Center - Cheryl found a very nice and fitting table cover set.  Motion carried (Retzlaff/Trudell) to have Cheryl order and purchase a set of four.  Cheryl will order and get them to Joyce when they arrive. 

New Business:

1. Joyce represented the Discipleship Planning Team.  She had a short program with questions following.  Part of the discussion followed was the possibilities of doing radio ads for Rally Sunday (this will be on the July agenda).

Wayne Mastel, Acting Secretary

Members Present: Linda Johnson, Sharon Trudell, Wayne Mastel, Anne Retzlaff and April Lauritsen.

Absent: Cheryl Krueger

Advisor: Joyce Johnson

Guests Present: none

Devotion Leader: Wayne Mastel

Minutes of April were approved.

Old Business:

a. Budget looks good, it has been changed so that we know what we spent the money on.

b. New Member Orientation Follow Up Contact Host to call the families they sponsored to see how things are going. Was decided to send out note cards to the host to let them know to contact their families. Linda will contact Sandy on getting the notes sent out.

c. Congregational Objectives Wayne has asked other boards to take on some of our responsibilities. The Board of Lay Ministry will take care what to do about contacting the non-active members. Our board's responsibilities include visitors center, hospitality, new members and Stephen ministry.

d. Visitors Center Cheryl is working on getting the covers for the tables. Greeters are asked to stand closer to the visitor's table at the beginning of the service and after the service to direct people to coffee hour. Was discussed to possibly having plaques made to direct visitors where certain areas in the church are, such as fellowship room, office, nursery and etc.

New Business

a. Welcoming Visitors Greeters are asked to stand closer to the visitor's table at the beginning of the service and after the service to direct people to coffee hour. Was discussed to possibly having plaques made to direct visitors where certain areas in the church are, such as fellowship room, office, nursery and etc.

b. Home Visits Was discussed as to having pastors visit the new members before and after they are received as new members, Wayne will discuss this with Pastor Randy.

c. Window Survey Response was in bulletin

d. In the process of putting together a new picture directory sometime possibly in September 2003. The photographer will be life touch.

Meeting Adjourned at 8:15 p.m

Submitted by: April Lauritsen

April 14 2003 

Members Present: Cheryl Kruger, Linda Johnson, Sharon Trudell, Wayne Mastel and April Lauritsen.

Absent: Anne Retzlaff

Advisor: Pastor Chris Anderson

Guests Present: none

Devotion Leader: Sharon Trudell

Minutes of March were approved.

Old Business:

a. New Member Orientation and New Member Sunday 
Both went well 
The donuts, fruit and juice, were purchased at Jubilee Food excellent!! 
Donuts 27 dozen mixed cakes 
donuts $57.37 
Grapes 6 lbs, orange juice 3 gallons $14.23 
Fruit oranges, banana's and apples $19.63

b. Interactive Visitors Table Cheryl contacted Joyce about the colors of tablecloths to be purchased. We need a purple one, Cheryl will purchase one.

New Business:

a. College Program Felisa will be the contact person We will do the same as we did last year, having information about what Bethel has to offer and purchasing prizes to give away.

b. Nominating Committee Looking for candidates to be elected for the boards in January 2004.

c. Discussed future Vo- Ag usage of church.

d. VBS 7 community churches are putting it on at Evergreen United Methodist Church 
Sunday June 8-12 
5:30-8:45 p.m 
$10.00 a child 
1 leader for every 5 kids 
Community project park benches 
Mission project food pantry

e. Confirmation is May 4th

f. Discussed congregational Objectives as to which ones apply to our board.

Meeting Adjourned at 8:10 p.m

Submitted by: April Lauritsen

March 10, 2003

 
Members Present: Wayne Mastel, Cheryl Kruger, Sharon Trudell, and April Lauritsen.

Absent: Anne Retzlaff and Linda Johnson

Advisor: Pastor Chris Anderson

Guests Present: none

Devotion Leader: April Lauritsen

Minutes of February were approved.

Old Business:

a. Business cards for visitors table Bill came to $43.66 for 500 cards. They are gray speckled background with black writing. Sharon Trudell will talk to her husband about making a holder for the cards. It was decided that we would change the tablecloths on the visitor table with the changing of the church colors. Cheryl Krueger will talk to Joyce about the colors of table clothes we need and the size of the table and then Cheryl will purchase the ones the church doesn't have on hand. Joyce Johnson said she would take care of changing the table cloths for the table.

b. Sign Sayings Anne and Cheryl will continue to take care of it.

c. Home Touch Page Was decided to renew, April will email Sandy to renew.

New Business:

a. New Member Orientation Sunday March 23 2003 at 4:00 p.m, supper will be at 5:30 p.m Will serve pizza and pop Linda and Sharon will take care of the Orientation

b. New Member Sunday Sunday March 30 2003 10:45 am service 14 families joining, 14 hosts needed, Cheryl and April will help Linda and Sharon find hosts for the families. Wayne, Cheryl, Anne and April will take care of the coffee hour on New Member Sunday. We decided to serve cake donuts, fruit, juice and coffee. The Sunday School kids will be included to be served donuts and juice. Felisa will take care of ordering the donuts and fruit.

c. Worship Space Renewal Meeting Will be changed because it conflicts with New Member Sunday.

Meeting Adjourned at 7:40 p.m

Submitted by: April Lauritsen

February 10 2002

Members Present: Cheryl Kruger, Linda Johnson, Sharon Trudell, Anne Retzlaff and April Lauritsen. Note: Linda Johnson was chairperson for the February meeting since Wayne was absent.

Absent: Wayne Mastel

Advisor: Not Present

Guests Present: none

Devotion Leader: Linda Johnson

Minutes of January were approved.

Old Business:

a. Visitor Center- Who is responsible for caring for the visitor center? Ideas for the visitor center? Changing the colors? Wayne checked out getting business cards, they will be on gray fleck paper with maroon and black ink, 500 cards for $41.00.

b. Annual Meeting Went very well.

c. Advertising for the church on radio and TV? Will budget for advertising on radio, TV is too expensive. Was brought up to check with channel 8 and 19.

d. Sign Sayings are good for the next two months.

New Business:

a. Home Touch Page Discussed if we should renew it of not, $20.00 for 1 year. We received good feedback on it from people who get it.

b. New Members in 
March Orientation - March 23 
New Member Sunday - March 30 
Applications will be in by March 9th.

Meeting Adjourned at 8:15 p.m

Submitted by: April Lauritsen

January 13 2003

Members Present: Wayne Mastel, Cheryl Kruger, Linda Johnson, Sharon Trudell, Anne Retzlaff and April Lauritsen.

Absent: None

Advisor: Pastor Chris Anderson

Guests Present: None

Devotion Leader: Sharon Trudell

Minutes of December were approved.

Old Business:

a. New Member Sunday will be held twice a year.

b. Was agreed to change the wording of New Member Sponsor to New Member Host.

c. Was reported that we have 11 care bags on hand.

New Business:

a. Was mentioned the church is inquiring about having a greeter Sunday morning to welcome people and direct them to coffee hour.

b. Talked about a taxi service that will bring people to and from church for worship Sunday mornings.

c. Annual meeting will be held January 26 between the two services. Our board to serve coffee and rolls, which will be served on karts in the sanctuary. Lind Johnson will check on purchasing the rolls. We will also have rolls for the Sunday school children.

d. February 9 2003 is Winter Fun Day at the park.

e. Vonnie Opoien is the new treasurer.

f. New Events for 2003 
Advertising for the church - Christmas worship ad on radio Sponsor money to advertising, we agreed to budget money for advertising if need be.

g. Ways to make visitor center better Make note cards with information about church, pastors, service times, phone numbers and email address. Wayne will check on cards, possibly colored ones.

Meeting Adjourned at 8:15 p.m.

Submitted by: April Lauritsen

December 9, 2002

Members Present: Wayne Mastel, Cheryl Kruger, Linda Johnson, and April Lauritsen.

Absent: Sharon Trudell and Anne Retzlaff

Advisor: Not Present

Guests Present: none

Devotion Leader: Wayne Mastel

Minutes of November were approved.

Old Business:

a. Christmas parade went well considering the cold and windy weather

b. Board of Lay Ministry attended our meeting briefly to continue discussion on the topic of inactive members. Will meet with them again possibly next month to continue discussion.

c. Was decided to give the left over candy canes from the Christmas parade to the office and they can use them however they wish, at the Christmas program and at the visitors table.

d. New Member Sunday Joyce has concerns about too many people joining if we have it only twice a year. Was agreed to have it twice a year, unless there becomes a problem of too many wanting to join.

New Business:

a Calendar:- February, March and June do not have any events written down for these months, all board members are to think if any items that need to be added.

b. Annual Report needs to be submitted by January 10, 2003 -Home touch Page will be added to report 
-Annual meeting will be held the last Sunday in January between services.

c. Was brought up to possibly change New Member Sponsorship to New Member host or possibly another suggestion?

d. Salary review 3.5% raise

e. Reviewed congressional Objectives 
-Continue college outreach 
-Nothing needs to be added or changed, looks good!

Meeting Adjourned at 8:00 p.m

Submitted by: April Lauritsen

November 18  2002

Members Present: Wayne Mastel, Cheryl Kruger, Linda
Johnson, Anne Retzlaff and April Lauritsen.

Absent: Sharon Trudell

Advisor: Pastor Chris Anderson

Guests Present: none

Devotion Leader: Anne Retzlaff

Minutes of October were approved.

 Old Business:

a. Finished going over the budget, was approved by all
members and is ready to be submitted to the office.

New Business:

a. Christmas Parade Friday November 29 at 6:00 p.m
-We will meet at the church at 5:20 p.m
-We will do a manger scene this year
-Wayne will take care of getting the float ready
and finding some music
-April will make a sign up sheet for kids to
volunteer to help with the parade by handing out candy
canes or being angels, shepherds, or Wiseman, we need
6-8 younger kids and 6-8 older kids to help.
-April will be Mary, Her husband, Josh, Joseph and
their daughter Jesus
-Anne will take care of putting an announcement in
the bulletin for help with the parade.

b. Church Sign
-Anne and Cheryl will decide on saying for the
months of Dec. Jan. and Feb., they will also put an
announcement in the beacon for anyone who any ideas
for more saying for the New Year.

c. Linda Johnson went to the Planning Council Meeting
and gave us a report
-Discussed worship space
-Nov 19 salary update
-Faith income- will do at different time of year,
not enough money raised need 10,000 received 3,800.
-Brandon due sent a very nice thank you for the
scholarship he received, will be printed up in beacon
-Annual meeting January 26 2003
-Board Reports
-Pastors putting together a discipleship team
-Christmas Program Sunday December 15 at 6:30 p.m


Meeting Adjourned at 8:20 pomp

Submitted by: April Lauritsen