May 6, 2008

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Mike Bassingthwaite; Pat Pithey, Pastor Gary Mikkelson, Dawn Pehl; Larry Bontjes; Pastor Julé Ballinger; Monica Zentgraf; Diane Finnie.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Sonja Christensen; Jeff Hage; Bob Caranicas;

1. SPIRITUAL DIRECTION:  Monica Zentgraf

2. APPROVAL OF April 1st, 2008 MINUTES

Motion to accept: Pat Pithey Second: Larry Bontjes (Motion carried)

3. TREASURER'S REPORT:  April Update:

·1 Envelope Offering for April $29,447.40

·2 Year to date $123,193.91 (2007 was $115,579.00)

·3 April deficit of -$4,426.15 compared to 2007 surplus +$2,200.00

·4 Year to date deficit -$1,043.37 compared to 2007 surplus +$1,168.00

·5 Benevolences are paid

·6 Checking account balance $3,175.49

·7 Savings balance $37,837.48

·8 Building Fund $3,660.23

·9 Heating system fund took in $24,010.00 and the first quarterly payment of $4,058.33 was paid. Current loan balance is $44,641.67

Motion to accept: Dawn Pehl Second: Pat Pithey (Motion carried)

4. OLD BUSINESS:

1. Director of Worship and Music Committee

·1 Mike Bassingthwaite reported that the time line is going to be longer than originally expected

·1 Several variables in the process being discussed

·2 Committee continues working on job description

2. Fundraising Committee

·1 Pledges to date are over $40,000.00

3. Vision 2008 (plan to finalize)

·2 Several written comments were turned in after Sunday’s Forum

·3 Reminder to be in bulletin & announcements this Sunday to get Vision 2008 comments into the office by May 15

·4 Planning Council will be the group to synthesize this information and formulate a plan for implementation

·5 Timeline: Comments to be in office by May 15; First meeting has been tentatively set for May 21, at 5:15

5. NEW BUSINESS      

1. Asbestos repair update (Board of Properties)

·1 Larry Bontjes from Board reported that this project should be completed by the Thursday of this week, possibly sooner.

2. Summer Schedule (Board of Lay Ministries)

·2 Sunday Morning Services at 9:00 A.M. and Mid-week Services will be Wednesdays at 5:45

3. Summer Planning Council Schedule

·3 Meeting time will remain the same Tuesdays at 7:00

6. REPORTS

Pastors Reports:

Pastor Julé :

·4 Spent time at a "Silent Retreat" which was a wonderful experience

·5 Attended the Synod Assembly and participated in leading the worship services

·6 Confirmed 16 youth

·7 Had the Law Enforcement come in to talk to the youth and their parents regarding Drugs and Alcohol and learned about "Farm Parties"

·8 34 youth currently signed up to go the next National Youth Gathering in New Orleans

Pastor Gary:

·1 New member Sunday there were 8 family units that joined

·2 Since January the smallest "Come as You Are" service had 125 in attendance

·3 Clare Byron, Mary Ann Loock and Bev McRoberts will be covering for Sandy in the office while she is out

·4 There will be a June beacon but it may be a simplified version

Board Reports:

Board of Outreach & Christian Fellowship – Dawn Pehl

·1 Vickie Schmidt did a special presentation regarding the Border to Border Missions

·2 Summer Service in the Park will be July 9th

·3 There will be a "Team Bethel" for the Relay for Life on June 13th anyone interested contact the board

·4 Looking into working on the next New Member Sunday which is the end of September

Board of Christian Education -- Pat Pithey

·1 Senior Recognition Sunday is May 18

·2 June 11th is the Drive-in Car Show

·3 Family Valley Fair Day will be June 7

·4 Continuing to work on Adult Education opportunities

Board of Property – Larry Bontjes

·1 Work has been done on the ceiling tile project in the north hall, one small section remains to be finished

·2 Checking into getting a youth group (possibly the Scouts) to help with the clean up of the church yard

·3 Will be looking at the possibilities for the renovation of the two rooms next to the library

Board of Lay Ministry - Sonja Christensen (No Report)

Board of Stewardship – Jeff Hage (No Report)

7. May/June Schedule

·1 Worship & Music Meeting May 13th, 6:30

·2 Vision 2008 Meeting May 21, 5:15

8.  Closing: Lord’s Prayer

Next meeting: Tuesday June 3 @ 7:00 p.m.

Spiritual Direction:  Sonja Christensen

Respectfully submitted,

April 1, 2008

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Mike Bassingthwaite, Pat Pithey, Pastor Gary Mikkelson, Sonja Christensen, Dawn Pehl, Rod Romereim, Bob Caranicas, Diane Finnie

MEMBERS ABSENT: Jeff Hage, Pastor Julé Ballinger, Monica Zentgraf

VISITORS: Confirmation students Ryan Sheeley & Nick Prchal

1. SPIRITUAL DIRECTION:  Dawn Pehl

2. APPROVAL OF March 4 & March 15, 2008 MINUTES

Motion to accept: Sonja Christensen; Second: Dawn Pehl; (Motion carried)

3. TREASURER'S REPORT:  March Update:

·1 Envelope Offering for March $39,196.41 (2007 was $33,000.00)

·2 Year to date $93,746.51 (25.3% of Budget)

·3 Total Lenten Offering $4,273.00 and Easter Offering $1,781.00

·4 March Surplus is $9,916.88 compared to 2007 of $5,005.00

·5 Year to date Surplus $3,382.78 compared to 2007 deficit of -$1,017.00

·6 Benevolences are paid

·7 Checking account balance $7,782.71

·8 Savings balance $37,766.43

·9 Building Fund $3,492.23

·10 Heating System fund transferred $4,561.05 from savings to pay Climate Makers for additional valves, deposited $170.00 from fund drive, memorials, etc. for a balance $3,320.59

Motion to accept: Rod Romereim; Second: Pat Pithey; (Motion carried)

4. OLD BUSINESS:

1. Director of Worship and Music Committee

· Diane Finnie reported that the committee has gathered job descriptions from other churches comparable to Bethel and are reviewing them. Items are being highlighted from the various job descriptions and compiled to begin formulating a job description for a Director of Worship and Music position that would fit Bethel’s needs.

2. Congregational Meeting (Furnace Issues)

·1 Mike Bassingthwaite reported that the Congregational Meeting went very well.

·2 First Agenda item relating to the additional costs of valve replacement was informational

·3 Motion was passed to make repairs to the insulation of the pipes in the tunnel

·4 Motion was passed to proceed with installing an electric backup for the furnace system contingent on the fundraising committee raising the additional funds.

·5 Mike Bassingthwaite asked the Board of Property to add the pipe insulation repairs to their agenda so that those repairs could get underway and be completed before the air conditioners are needed.

3. Fundraising Committee

·1 Committee is working and are confident the will he able to raise the requested funds.

4. Vision 2008 (What’s next?)

·2 Harvey Link and Gloria Dohman met with the Executive Committee and suggested a second meeting with the original group of Board and Committee members to go over the findings.

·3 April 17th was set for the meeting. Pizza at 5:45 with meeting to begin at 6:15.

·4 Vision 2008 Forums were set for Sunday April 27th at 10:00 A.M. and Sunday May 4th at 10:00 A.M. to share ideas and get input from the congregation.

5. Asst. Ex. Director Position

·5 No new names were presented to the Planning Council

·6 Mike Bassingthwaite will contact the Nominating Committee and ask them to have a meeting regarding this position.

5. NEW BUSINESS      

·1 No new business

6. REPORTS

Pastors Reports:

Pastor Gary:

·2 Attending the Synod Assembly in Fargo this weekend where the election for the Bishop will take place. Synod website will probably have the names of the final two candidates posted by Sunday morning. Looking forward to being a part of this process.

·3 April 7-11 will be out for continuing education event

·4 Board of Lay ministry to have discussion regarding summer and fall worship schedules

·5 Confirmation plans are being made for Sunday May 4th at 1:30

Board Reports:

Board of Outreach & Christian Fellowship – Dawn Pehl

·1 Have put together and mailed out a coffee hour schedule

·2 Working on outreach with new members to keep them connected

·3 Inviting a mission planning coordinator to meet with the board

·4 Working on setting up Summer Worship in the Park

Board of Christian Education -- Pat Pithey

·1 Met with Adult Education Planning Committee

·2 Senior Recognition is set for Sunday May 18th

·3 Vacation Bible School will be June 2nd to the 5th

·4 Drive-in Car Show to be held again this summer

·5 Bob Caranicas reported on the 30 hour famine. 18 youth participated and raised $1234.50. This was a great event, several guest speakers came in, the group went bowling, and everyone enjoyed a meal together at the end of the 30 hours.

Board of Property – Rod Romereim

·1 Ceiling tile replacement will begin in the west hallway from the Sanctuary to the Fellowship Hall

·2 Upcoming will be the concrete project at the south entrance.

·3 Pastor Gary noted that the railings by the sidewalk on the east entrance are bent, the board will look into repairs

Board of Lay Ministry - Sonja Christensen

·1 Currently working on worship schedules

Board of Stewardship – (No Report)

7. April/May Schedule

·2 Confirmation Service May 4th 1:30 P.M.

·3 Vision 2008 Forum April 27th 10:00 A.M.

·4 Vision 2008 Forum May 4th 10:00 A.M.

8.  Closing:

·1 Pastor Gary offered a closing prayer

Next meeting: Tuesday May 6 @ 7:00 p.m.

Spiritual Direction:  Monica Zentgraf

Respectfully submitted,

March 4, 2008

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Mike Bassingthwaite, Pat Pithey, Pastor Gary Mikkelson, Jeff Hage, Pastor Julé Ballinger, Monica Zentgraf, Sonja Christensen, Dawn Pehl, Diane Finnie

MEMBERS ABSENT: Larry Bontjes, Bob Caranicas

VISITORS: Confirmation Students: Tracy Braaten and Mentor Tracy Peterson; Alison Boock and Mentor Wendy Clift; Tony Smith and Mentor Mike Bassingthwaite

1. SPIRITUAL DIRECTION:  Diane Finnie

2. APPROVAL OF February 5, 2008 MINUTES

Motion to accept: Sonja Christensen; Second: Dawn Pehl; (Motion carried)

3. TREASURER'S REPORT:  February Update:

·1 Envelope Offering for February $26,282.00 (2007 was $22,888.00)

·2 Year to date $54,550.10 compared to $53,046.00 in 2007

·3 Benevolence payments were paid

·4 February Deficit is -$4,531.49 compared to 2007 of -8,097.00

·5 Year to date deficit is -$6,534.10 compared to 2007 of -$6,022.00

·6 Checking account balance -$2,231.38

·7 Savings balance $42,250.88

·8 Building Fund $3,237.23

·9 Heating System fund balance $3,150.59

Motion to accept: Jeff Hage; Second: Pat Pithey; (Motion carried)

4. OLD BUSINESS:

a. Board Committee Structure

·1 Mike is making an updated list regarding Board Committee Structure and will be emailing that list to members of the Planning Council

b. Synod Assembly Delegates

·2 Synod Assembly is April 5th & 6th

·3 Mike Bassingthwaite, Monica Zentgraf, Dawn Pehl, Rich Pehl and Diane Finnie will be the 5 voting delegates; Pastor Gary and Pastor Julé will also be attending

·1 Election of the new Bishop will be held at the assembly; an open forum to hear the candidates will be held at the Living Waters Lutheran Church in Fargo on March 7th from 7:00 - 9:00 P.M.

c. Director of Worship and Music Committee

·1 Committee will meet Wednesday March 5th at 7:30

·2 Committee members are Kelly Voss, Lori Buboltz, Suzanne Pehl, Paul Lekang, Dee Jensen, Monica Zentgraf, Diane Finnie, Pastor Gary, and Pastor Julé, with Tilford Kroshus serving as a liaison for music staff

d. Furnace Issues

·1 Mike Bassingthwaite contacted Great Plains regarding our gas rate. They only have two rates: Firm and Interruptible. We are now paying a firm rate.

·2 Board of Property has been looking into estimates to add an electric boiler to current system which would be $24,800.00

·3 20 to 25% of this cost would be due to a new electrical panel that would have to be installed

·4 Mike explained the estimated difference between the primary source being gas in comparison to the primary source being electric

·5 Planning Council will wait for a proposal from the Board of Property in regard to the furnace issues and will hold a special Planning Council meeting on March 15th at 8:30 A.M. to discuss the proposal

e. Fundraising Committee

·1 Committee members are Darin Zaun & Perry Miller- co-chairs; Blake Peterson – Secretary; Norma Nosek, Steve Fischer, Steve Krohn, Bruce Due, and Harvey Link. Carl Likness will serve as consulting advisor

·2 Committee has titled the campaign as "Boiler Maker Campaign"

·3 Darin Zaun and Carl Likness addressed the Planning Council and stated that the start date for the fundraising campaign is April 1st.

·4 Clare Byron will be handling contact lists and keeping track of the pledges

·5 Pledge cards have been prepared and will be distributed

f. Vision 2008

·1 Meeting will be Saturday March 15th from 9:00 – 11:30

·2 Each board provided the Planning Council with a list of initial vision ideas

·3 Mike Bassingthwaite provided as summary of the board lists which will be given to the vision facilitators at a planning meeting to be held Thursday, March 6th at 6:30

5. NEW BUSINESS      

·1 Mike Bassingthwaite gave the council an assignment to brainstorm names for the position of Assistant Executive Director and bring a list of names to the next Planning Council meeting.

6. REPORTS

Pastors Reports:

Pastor Gary:

·2 A new computer has been installed in the Church office and Pastor Gary now has a computer back in his office

·3 First Communion preparation is underway with Maundy Thursday and Easter Sunday set as dates for First Communion

·4 9th grade retreat will be at Red Willow Bible Camp March 7-9

·5 11 weddings already on calendar from now through August

·6 Will be attending a continuing education event April 7-11

·7 New Member Sunday will be April 27th

 

Pastor Julé:

·1 Just returned from a vacation in Mexico

·2 There were 2 mentor events this last month both of which had great attendance

·3 Ivy Schulz has been hired as the Youth Activities Coordinator

·4 20 youth to be participants in a 30 hour famine on March 28-29

·5 Will be participating in a Silent Retreat in Fargo for 4 days so won’t be at the next council meeting

Board Reports:

Board of Outreach & Christian Fellowship – Dawn Pehl

·1 Board served a Lenten Meal

·2 Working on a schedule for coffee committee

Board of Christian Education -- Pat Pithey

·1 Worked a Basketball Tournament as a fundraiser

·2 March 9th from 9:00 – 10:00 will be Sunday School Volunteer Appreciation

·3 Working on Adult Education

·4 Family Feud event will be March 16th at 6:30

Board of Property – Report given by Mike Bassingthwaite from Board Minutes

·1 Additional valve work to be done by Climate Makers was completed

Board of Lay Ministry - Sonja Christensen

·2 Working on an usher schedule

·3 Worship schedule to be evaluated after an initial nine month period

Board of Stewardship – Jeff Hage

·1 Discussing changing the offering envelopes

·2 Working on a 12 month schedule for monthly stewardship emphasis

7. March/April Schedule

·1 March 15th Mini-Vision 2008 9:00-11:30 for Board Members & Committee Members

·2 March 15th 8:30 Special Planning Council Meeting

·3 April Board of Ed meeting changed from April 1 to April 8th at 5:30

8.  Closing: The Lords Prayer

Next meeting:

·1 Tuesday April 1 @ 7:00 p.m.

Spiritual Direction:  Monica Zentgraf

Respectfully submitted,

February 5, 2008

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Mike Bassingthwaite, Pat Pithey, Pastor Gary Mikkelson, Jeff Hage, Pastor Julé Ballinger, Bob Caranicas, Monica Zentgraf, Sonja Christensen, Larry Bontjes, Dawn Pehl, Diane Finnie

VISITORS: Confirmation students & Mentors: Alyssa Mund and Mentor Julie Caranicas; Jeris Grueniech and Mentor Kathy Czichotzki; Lucas Berndt and Mentor Naomi Braun; and Dustin Thompson and Mentor Sonja Christensen

SPIRITUAL DIRECTION:  Mike Bassingthwaite

APPROVAL OF January 8, 2008 MINUTES

Motion to accept: Jeff Hage Second: Larry Bontjes (Motion carried)

TREASURER'S REPORT:  January Update:

·1 Envelope Offering for January $28,268.10 (7.6% of budget) 2007 was $30,158.00

·2 Benevolence payments were paid

·3 Deficit is -$2,002.61 compared to surplus in January 2007 of $2,075

·4 Checking account balance $2,181.21

·5 Building Fund $3,092.23

·6 Heating System fund final payment to climate makers was made $2,435.00

·7 $785.00 paid for asbestos removal

Motion to accept: Jeff Hage Second: Pat Pithey (Motion carried)

OLD BUSINESS:

1. Orientation Meeting Follow up – Mike Bassingthwaite

·1 Attendance was good

·2 Reminder to Board Chairman to make sure Board Members receive materials from Orientation meeting if they were not in attendance

2. Financial Review report

·1 Review was completed

3. Bishop Election Process (Jan 27th Conference Meeting) – Pastor Gary Mikkelson

·2 Pastor Gary, Larry Gast, Bob Caranicas and Diane Finnie attended the Conference Meeting

·3 16 candidates were to be voted on and after 3 ballots the following five names were submitted to the synod from the Wahpeton Conference: Jeffrey Sandgren, William Rindy, Kathryn Hoffman, Naomi Garber and Andrea Nesdahl

·4 The following 9 candidates will be on the ballot for the Bishop Election: Andrea DeGroot-Nesdahl; Naomi C. Garber; Bruce A. Vold; William (Bill) E. Rindy; Stephen A. Wold; Philip A. Blom; Harold C. Hallanger; Philip L. Larson; and Jeffery L. Sandgren.

·5 These bishop candidates will be available for open forums on March 7 at 7:00 P.M. at Living Waters Lutheran Church in Fargo; March 8 at 10:00 A.M. at Sharon Lutheran Church in Grand Forks; March 8 at 7:00 P.M. at St Olaf Lutheran Church in Devils Lake; and March 9 at 3:00 P.M. at St. John’s Lutheran Church at Jamestown.

 

·6 The forums are open to everyone

Mike Bassingthwaite read a letter from the synod office regarding making a contribution to the synod endowment fund in honor of Bishop Foss; it was decided that we would plan for this in September.

NEW BUSINESS      

1. Synod Assembly (April 5-6 in Fargo)

·1 Assembly will be at the Civic Center

·2 Members planning to attend as delegates: Mike Bassingthwaite; Monica Zentgraf; Dawn Pehl; and Diane Finnie; Pastor Gary and Pastor Julé will also be attending

·3 Mike will make some contacts to find a 5th delegate

2. Installation of Officers and Board Members (February 24th)

·1 Installation will be held on Sunday February 24th at all three services

·2 Officers and Board Members may attend service of their choice

3. Director of Worship & Music?

·1 Mike Bassingthwaite asked Sonja Christensen to explain to the Planning Council why the Board of Lay Ministry would like a Director of Music & Worship

·2 Sonja related the motion made by the Board to form a task force by April to do a visioning for the next 3-5 years for staffing, building, music, spiritual growth & stewardship

·3 Board of Lay Ministry proposes that a committee be put together to explore the possibilities of a new staff position for a Director of Music & Worship

·4 Pat Pithey made a motion to establish a committee to explore Bethel hiring a Director of Music and Worship; Second: Monica Zentgraf

·5 Discussion was had (motion carried)

·6 Mike Bassingthwaite volunteered to work with the Pastors and the Board of Lay Ministry to establish this committee

4. Vision 2008?

·1 Discussion was had regarding a visioning process

·2 Boards are asked to do a 3-5 year vision process at their meeting and bring a one page vision outline to the next Planning Council meeting

·3 A Mini-Vision 2008 is scheduled for March 15, 2008 from 9:00 – 11:30 with all Board Members and Committee Members to be in attendance

5. Furnace Issues

·1 Mike Bassingthwaite explained that the old furnace system was a dual system and it was unknown that the church received a reduced rate on the gas portion; since the installation of the new system we have now been moved to a firm rate

·2 Board of Property has been asked to talk with Great Plains regarding the rate increase and to research possibilities of a back up system

6. Fundraising Committee Report – Mike Bassingthwaite/Jeff Hage

·1 Committee is in place and directed to raise funds to pay back member loan for new furnace

·2 Larry Bontjes made a motion to amend amount for fundraising committee for an additional $10,000.00 to take care of asbestos repairs needed before the air conditioning can be used this summer; Second: Dawn Pehl

·3 Discussion was had (Motion Carried)

7. Pastors Reports:

Pastor Gary:

·1 Noted that the November Planning Council meeting will need to have a schedule change due to the Presidential Election

·2 Looking forward to full Lenten Season

·3 Noted to Board of Property that he is having some computer problems

Pastor Julé:

·1 There have been two baptisms this month with several more coming up

·2 Working as part of the Synod Assembly Team

·3 Two mentor events coming up

·4 Will be on vacation February 18-25

·5 Bob Caranicas will be assisting with Lenten Services

8. Board Reports:

Board of Outreach & Christian Fellowship – Dawn Pehl

·1 Board will be meeting for the first time on the 13th

·2 Serving the Lenten meal on the 13th

Board of Christian Education -- Pat Pithey

·1 Serving Lenten meal on the 20th

·2 Interviewing two candidates for the Youth Activities Director

·3 March 9th will be Sunday School Volunteers Appreciation at 9:00 A.M.

Board of Property – Larry Bontjes

·1 Working on furnace issues

·2 Upcoming projects: Curtain in the Fellowship Hall; Concrete at South entrance

Board of Lay Ministry - Sonja Christensen

·1 Continuing discussion on Director of Music & Worship

·2 Talking about upcoming seminars

·3 Still need sign ups for three Lenten Meals

Board of Stewardship – Jeff Hage – no report

9. February/March Schedule

·1 February 18th Youth trip to Andes Tower

·2 February 24th Installation of Officers and Board Members at all 3 services

·1 March 15th Mini-Vision 2008 9:00-11:30 for Board Members & Committee Members

10.  Closing: Lord’s Prayer

Next meeting:

·1 Tuesday March 4 @ 7:00 p.m.

Spiritual Direction:  Diane Finnie

Respectfully submitted,

JANUARY 8, 2008

MEMBERS PRESENT: Larry Gast, Ron McBeth, Pat Pithey, Pastor Gary Mikkelson, Mike Bassingthwaite, Jeff Hage, Pastor Julé Ballinger, Bob Caranicas, Monica Zentgraf, Sonja Christensen, Larry Bontjes, Dawn Pehl, Diane Finnie

MEMBERS ABSENT: Dick Geiselhart, Sharon Trudell, Joyce Johnson

SPIRITUAL DIRECTION: Ron McBeth

Motion to modify agenda to add item under new business regarding new member loan: Jeff Hage Second: Monica Zentgraf (Motion carried)

APPROVAL OF December 4, 2007 MINUTES

Motion to accept: Mike Bassingthwaite Second: Jeff Hage (Motion carried)

TREASURER'S REPORT: December Update:

Envelope Offering for December $47,379.38

Year to Date Offering is $358,093.48 (100.87 % of Budget) increase of $16,887 from 2006

Christmas Offering was $5,104.00 (2006 = $3,437)

Plate offering in December was $2,008.03

Year end revenue was $382,305.44 (2006 = $365,443.24)

Benevolence payments for 2007 were paid in full

Year end expense total is $371,874.20 compared to budget of $392,286.30

Surplus for December $19,531.33 compared to $15,568 in 2006

Year end surplus $10,431.24 (2006 = $5,550.00)

Checking account balance $24,226.18

Building Fund $2,857.23

Heating System fund $6,265.59 (payment of $4,396.00 will be due mid January) final payment to climate makers still needs to be made

Motion to accept: Jeff Hage Second: Ron McBeth (Motion carried)

OLD BUSINESS:

1. Fund Raising Plan Report - Jeff Hage

Following people have agreed to serve on the fund raising campaign committee: Darin Zaun, Steve Krohn, Harvey Link, Norma Nosek, Blake Peterson, Perry Miller.

Motion made by Jeff Hage to appoint the above six people to the fund raising campaign committee with a goal of $50,000.00, and to give that committee a list of names for additional people willing to help with the campaign. Second: Mike Bassingthwaite (motion carried)

2. 2008 Budget Status - Jeff Hage

Jeff presented a copy of the proposed budget and explained some additional changes

Discussion was had regarding surplus in the checking account

Motion was made by Mike Bassingthwaite to move $20,000.00 from current checking account balance to the savings account. Second: Jeff Hage (motion carried)

Budget proposal is recommended to Planning Council for approval at the annual meeting

3. Bishop Election Process Conference meeting January 27 @ 4:00 p.m. in Milnor (January 16 candidates will be on web)

The following Planning Council members and/or proxy members will be attending the Conference Meeting: Pastor Gary, Pastor Jule_ , Larry Gast, Bob Caranicas, and Diane Finnie

4. Orientation Meeting Plan - New Board Members (January 19) - Mike Bassingthwaite

Meeting is set for 9:30 - 11:30; all new board members and executive committee are to attend

5. Financial Review Team Update - Larry Gast

Vonnie Opoien, Carla Sheeley, and Londa Darwin will do the financial review

NEW BUSINESS

1. Agenda for Annual Meeting

Larry outlined and reviewed the agenda for the annual meeting

Mike Bassingthwaite to do opening devotions

2. New Member Loan

Larry explained the current member loan regarding the furnace purchase, $48,700.00 @ 5% interest over three year term and the possibility of a new member loan for $48,700.00 with no interest

Motion to move forward with a refinance of current member loan: Monica Zentgraf Second: Pat Pithey (motion carried)

3. Pastors Reports:

Pastor Gary:

Week after Christmas was on vacation

Thank you to outgoing Planning Council and executive committee members

January 20th is the Christian Unity Service at 3:00 p.m.

Pastor Jule_ :

Christmas program was wonderful

Lenten theme is planned out

Working on plans for continuing education

Mentor events have happened for 9th graders

9th graders will provide day care for the annual meeting on January 27th

Comments from Bob Caranicas:

Heading to California at the end of January for next class

Noted Beacon report on the Synod Endowment Fund

Board Reports:

Board of Outreach - Joyce Johnson (no report)

Board of Social Ministry - Ron McBeth

Donated $100.00 to Books for Africa

Joint meeting of Board of Outreach and Board of Social Ministry. Dawn Pehl to be the new chairperson

Board of Christian Education - Pat Pithey

Working on staffing for the Youth Activity Coordinator position

Board of Property - Larry Bontjes

Working on researching the possibilities regarding the asbestos issue

Discussion on new heating unit in the boiler room

Board of Lay Ministry

Setting up Lenten Suppers

February 6th will be hosted by Board of Lay Ministry and will be a baked potato and topping night

Requested other boards to host a Lenten Supper

Continuing to work on the possibility of a Director of Worship & Music

Board of Stewardship - Jeff Hage

Board approved budget proposal

Would like to see a capital improvement fund in the future

Carl Likness and Jim Strege have agreed to meet with the new fund raising campaign committee to help get them started

4. January/February Schedule

Board of Stewardship already met; no meeting on January 14

Board of Outreach & Christian Fellowship meeting moved to February 12 @ 6:00

5. Closing Prayer

Next meeting:

Tuesday, February 5 @ 7:00 p.m.

Spiritual Direction:

Respectfully submitted,

Diane Finnie, Secretary

November 6, 2007

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Larry Gast, Ron McBeth, Pat Pithey, Dick Geiselhart, Monica Zentgraf, Pastor Gary Mikkelson, Mike Bassingthwaite, Sharon Trudell, Jeff Hage, Pastor Julé Ballinger, Joyce Johnson, Bob Caranicas, Diane Finnie

SPIRITUAL DIRECTION:  Larry Gast

APPROVAL OF October 2, 2007 MINUTES

Motion to accept: Ron McBeth Second: Dick Geiselhart (Motion carried)

TREASURER'S REPORT:  October Update:

·1 Envelope Offering for October $36,766.00 (2006 = 36,425.00)

·2 Year to Date Offering is $281,354.10 (2006 = 260,000.00) (79.25% of Budget)

·3 August and October benevolence payments were made

·4 Surplus for month of September $5,355.92 (2006 = $6000.00)

·5 Year to date deficit balance is – 6,060.28 (October 06 was -$12,279.00)

·6 Checking account balance $7,615.61

·7 Walk in Faith $3,575.59 being moved to Heating System Fund

·8 Building Fund $2,462.23

Motion to accept: Mike Bassingthwaite Second: Jeff Hage (Motion carried)

OLD BUSINESS:

1. Fundraising Plans – Jeff Hage

·1 Suggested that a committee be put in place to handle the fundraising efforts instead of having it be the responsibility of the Board of Stewardship

·2 Asked Planning Council to refer names of people who could be on the fundraising committee

·3 Will be placing an article in the December beacon regarding the Heating System Fund

2. 2008 Budget Status Update – Jeff Hage

·1 Proposed budget sheets were handed out and reviewed by line item

·2 Discussion was had regarding increases to the budget, rearrangement of some line items due to boards combining, and additional expenses

·3 Continuation of discussion on budget status will be placed on the December Planning Council agenda

NEW BUSINESS      

1. Bishop Election Process

· November 18th at 10:00 A.M. there will be a forum on the Election Process

· December 2nd at 10:00 there will be a second forum on the Election Process

· January 27th will be Synod Conference Meeting regarding Bishop Election

2. 2008 Congregational Annual Meeting Date will be January 27th at 10:00

3. Board Orientation

·1 Mike will send out notice to all new board members encouraging them to attend the January meeting of their board and for all Chairpersons to attend the January Planning Council meeting

·2 An orientation meeting for all new board members will be planned for sometime in January.

4. 2007 Congregational Objectives – Status (moved to December meeting)

5. Pastors Reports:

Pastor Gary:

·1 Shared a Thank You and some pictures from the Northwood Lutheran Church

·2 Doing 3rd grade Bible orientation

·3 Will be placing envelopes in the pews for Synod Endowment offering

Pastor Julé:

·1 Attended a wedding in Texas

·2 Group of youth went to Valley Fair

·3 Two groups participated in Hay Rides

·4 Trunk or Treating in parking lot on Halloween

·5 Christmas program planning is in progress

6. Board Reports:

Board of Outreach – Joyce Johnson

·1 Meeting changed from the 12th to the 19th

Board of Social Ministry – Ron McBeth

·2 Board not meeting on the 13th

Board of Christian Education -- Pat Pithey

·3 Working on reviewing the job description for the Sunday School, Confirmation and youth coordinators

·4 December meeting changed from the 11th to the 6th at 5:30 P.M.

Board of Property – Dick Geiselhart

·5 Finishing up of the heating system upgrade has been delayed a few days, waiting on a pump that should be here as of today. Some asbestos was found when replacing some of the piping and it will have to be removed before things can be completed. If the pump arrives today the system should be fully functional by Friday, if the pump does not arrive today completion should be by next Friday.

Board of Lay Ministry - Sharon Trudell

·6 Doing a review of the worship schedules and attendance, and review shows attendance is up

·7 Looking into additional microphones for 3rd worship service

·8 Working on job description for a Worship Director

Bob Caranicas shared his experience to Berkley for the TEEM Program and stated that the program is

great and he is looking forward to his next class which is the end of February.

7. November/December Schedule (no additional changes)

8.  Closing Prayer

Next meeting:

·1 Tuesday December 4 @ 7:00 p.m.

·2 Spiritual Direction:  Ron McBeth

Respectfully submitted,

September 10, 2007

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Larry Gast, Ron McBeth, Pat Pithey, Dick Geiselhart, Monica Zentgraf, Mike Bassingthwaite, Jeff Hage, Joyce Johnson; Diane Finnie

ABSENT: Jay Erickson; Bob Caranicas; Pastor Gary Mikkelson, Sharon Trudell; Pastor Julé Ballinger.

SPIRITUAL DIRECTION: Larry Gast

Heating system – Board of Property and Management – Dick Geiselhart

·1 Bill from Climate Makers said the $32,000.00 would not increase by the opening of the additional nine steam traps, and that if the Condensate receiver tank didn’t need replacing that amount would be deducted from the estimate. Normal repairs of the nine steam traps are included in the $32,000.00, if larger amounts of piping needed to be replaced than normal they would contact the church for approval before going forward. He also stated they would be willing to change some of the wording in the estimate to make it clearer.

·2 The addition of the extra costs on the estimate for the new boiler was because the current boiler is too large for the building and this causes inefficiency. The $15,000.00 would be for a boiler that is more suitable for the size of the building.

·3 Annual maintenance costs for the steam system for chemicals is $500.00 - $600.00.

·4 Climate makers stated that if we are looking for a short term solution at the least expense, their recommendation is to stay with the current system. If we are looking for a long term solution with less maintenance costs and an estimated annual savings of $2500.00 on heating costs, they recommend converting to a hot water system.

·5 Monica asked how many bids we had received and Dick said there were three. The question was raised as to whether or not we should seek a bid from Great Plains Natural Gas as they also install boiler systems.

·6 Dick Geiselhart made a motion to withdraw his motion made at the September 4th meeting to present the current proposal to the congregation of completely overhauling the current heating system at a cost of $32,000.00, which motion was tabled. Pat Pithey seconded. Motion carried. Table is now cleared.

·7 Board of Property recommends a conversion to a hot water system.

·8 Dick Geiselhart made a motion to convert the current steam system to a hot water system for a cost of $48,000.00, as estimated by Climate Makers, and to present this proposal to the congregation at a Special Congregational meeting on September 30th at 10:00 A.M. Jeff Hage seconded. Motion carried.

·9 Discussion was had regarding the time line of completing this project before the colder weather sets in as the heat will have to be off in the building during part of the project. The project will take approximately three weeks to complete once the bid has been accepted. It was agreed that the sooner the project can be started the less chance there would be for problems with cold weather.

 

·10 Larry Gast and Dick Geiselhart will send out a letter to the congregation by the end of the week explaining the proposal to replace the current steam system with a new hot water system at a cost of $48,000.00 with funds to be acquired through a member loan followed by a capital improvement fund drive to begin in January to repay the member loan.

·11 Notices of the September 30th meeting will be placed in the Bulletins for the next two Sundays.

Meeting was closed with the Lord’s Prayer.

Next meeting:

·1 Tuesday October 2 @ 7:00 p.m.

·2 Spiritual Direction:  Jeff Hage??

Respectfully submitted,

September 4, 2007

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Larry Gast, Ron McBeth, Pat Pithey, Dick Geiselhart, Monica Zentgraf, Bob Caranicas, Pastor Gary Mikkelson, Mike Bassingthwaite, Sharon Trudell, Jeff Hage, Pastor Julé Ballinger; Ivy Schulz, Joyce Johnson, Diane Finnie

ABSENT: Jay Erickson.

SPIRITUAL DIRECTION:  As this will be her last Planning Council Meeting Ivy Schulz asked to do spiritual direction. She conducted an exercise in team work, trust and leadership with all council members participating.

APPROVAL OF August 7, 2007 MINUTES

Amended Item 2 under New Business to read

·1 Mandatory background checks to be a policy

·2 Substance abuse checks to be relational not a policy situation

Amended Board of Social Ministry report to read

·1 Global Missions met with Board of Social Ministry with Pastor Julé and Jeff Hage explaining the restructuring, meeting went very well

Motion to pass with amendments: Mike Bassingthwaite; Second: Ron McBeth (Motion carried)

TREASURER'S REPORT:  August Update:

·1 Envelope Offering for August $19,211.00

·2 Year to Date Offering is $206,063.04 this is 58% of budget.

·3 Benevolence payments not made

·4 Mortgage Payment taken out of the Building Fund Account

·5 $1,100.00 transferred from Board of Lay Ministry to TEEM Account

·6 Deficit for month of August – $8,412.10

·7 Year to date deficit balance is – 21,780.30 (August 06 was $18,433.57)

·8 Undesignated Checking account balance: -$8,085.19 (this is covered by the designated funds money in the account)

·9 Walk in Faith $11,865.59

·10 Building Fund $3,722.23

Motion to accept: Dick Geiselhart; Second: Sharon Trudell (Motion carried)

OLD BUSINESS:

1. TEEM Program- (Theological Education Emerging Ministry) Sharon Trudell

·1 Board of Lay Ministry is excited about Bob’s involvement and transferred $1100.00 from its training account to the TEEM program

·2 Bob reported that he is meeting with Pastor Harvey Henderson two hours each week and that it has been an uplifting experience. He is looking forward to getting through the next four weeks and then heading to San Francisco for his first class session.

2. Heating system – Board of Property and Management – Dick Geiselhart

·1 Presented revised proposal from Climate makers regarding repairing heating system

·2 Repairs to completely overhaul current system would be $32,000.00

·3 Conversion to Hot water system would be $48,700.00

·4 Board of Property proposes that repairs be made instead of new system

·5 Congregational approval of this type of expenditure is necessary and options for payment need to be explored

·6 Monica checked at a local bank regarding the possibility of making a loan

·7 Motion was made by Dick to present the current proposal to the congregation after some changes in the wording and a better detailing of the costs

·8 After much discussion a motion was made to table the motion to present the current proposal to the congregation, seconded by Joyce Johnson, motion to table carried

·9 Council asked Dick to contact Climate Makers to get answers to some additional questions raised at this meeting

·10 A Special Planning Council Meeting is scheduled for September 10th at 8:00 P.M. to review additional information from Climate Makers and to formulate a proposal to be brought to the congregation

3. Nominating Committee – Dick Geiselhart

·1 Committee moving along

·2 Requests that anyone having any names to suggest for nominations please submit them to the nominating committee

NEW BUSINESS      

1. Fundraising Plans – Board of Stewardship – Jeff Hage

·1 Working on fall campaign and a future capital improvement fund

2. 2008 Budget Status Update – Jeff Hage

·2 Putting together a budget packet

·3 Salary recommendations for boards that have a staff member to be presented to Board of Stewardship before September 24th

·4 Salary review committee will meet September 24th at 7:00 P.M.

·5 Finalized Budgets by board to be presented to Board of Stewardship by second week of October

3. Plan for Election Meeting (date, time, format) – Larry Gast

·1 Election Meeting will be Sunday October 14th

·2 Voting will be by secret ballot

·3 Nominating committee responsible for putting together ballot

4. Northwood Church Needs – Pastor Gary

·1 Read latest update from Bishop Foss

·2 Parsonage was moved off its foundation

·3 September 9th an offering will be taken to be sent to the Synod office that will be forwarded to the Northwood Lutheran Church to help with repairs

·4 Sunday school children are also designating the offering for the month to the Northwood Lutheran Church

·5 Ivy Schulz is originally from Northwood and still has family there. She will be attending a Peer Ministry event at Red Willow Bible camp and they plan to go to Northwood to do some mission work

Larry noted that last year in September we participated in a special offering for the Synod endowment fund which provides salary enhancement for those in rural ministry and assists new ministers in paying off loans. It was agreed that we would again support this fund and the Board of Stewardship will schedule a Sunday for this offering.

5. Pastors’ Reports:

Pastor Gary:

·1 Evaluations for salary review committee handed out. They need to be returned by middle of September; the goal being to be completed by 1st week of October

·2 Will be out of office to Fair Hills Leadership Conference from Noon Monday September 10th to Noon Wednesday September 12th, but will be on call for congregational needs

·3 Took a straw poll of the council as to who would attend each of the new service times. eEch service had a show of hands

Pastor Julé:

·1 Mission trip to Milwaukee was phenomenal; kids and chaperones were amazing

·2 Free spaghetti supper with show & tell by mission trip attendees September 23 at 6:30 p.m.

·3 Leaving on Monday for Montana for a continuing education event to meet with Eugene Peterson along with 15 others who were involved in the Lilly Program.

·4 Confirmation is beginning with a lot of changes, mentorship in the 7th grade

·5 Laura & Julie are doing a great job with the Sunday School program

·6 Youth Room update is at a stand still due to lack of finances

6. Board Reports:

Board of Stewardship – Jeff Hage

·1 Working on Budget & Fall Campaign

·2 Will be setting up Synod Endowment offering Sunday

Board of Outreach – Joyce Johnson

·1 College Pizza night served over 500

·2 Music in Park with Watermelon was a success

Board of Social Ministry – Ron McBeth

·3 Donated $100.00 to Elementary Schools for snacks & milk

 

Board of Christian Education – Pat Pithey

·4 Transition between boards going well

·5 Orientation for Confirmation September 5th

·6 Sunday School Teacher Orientation September 6th

·7 Raised question should background checks be put into the board budget or in another area.

·8 Cindy Smith is Board Chair for Adult Education

·1 Board of Property – Dick Geiselhart - after much thought – nothing else to say

Board of Lay Ministry - Sharon Trudell

·2 New Hymnals have been placed in the pews

·3 Purchased 250 Hymnals, will determine how many more are needed at next meeting

·4 Sharon met with the group who expressed concerns regarding new time schedule for worship services and said it was a very good discussion. They asked to meet again at the end of October to see how things are going. One of their concerns is that when the winter weather sets in, the 8:00 and 9:00 hours might be too early for those older people who prefer a traditional service to be able to get out, and requested that if possible the 9:00 and 11:00 services be switched in January as a trial to see if it works better

·5 Usher orientation is September 23rd between services

7. Staff Reports: Bob Caranicas

·1 The way the new system works Bob is no longer required to attend Planning Council meetings but stated that he intends to continue attending as he sees them as a learning experience as he expands his role in the church

·2 By the next regular meeting he will be on his way to San Francisco for his first class in the TEEM Program and asked that we all keep him and the other members of the TEEM Program in our prayers through their journey to California and their journey into the next step of their education

8. September/October Schedule (Diane to notify Sandy of changes to calendar)

·1 Special Planning Council Meeting Monday September 10 at 8:00 p.m.

·2 Usher Orientation September 23 between services

·3 Milwaukee Mission Trip Spaghetti Supper, Show & Tell September 23 at 6:30 p.m.

·4 Salary Review Committee September 24 at 7:00 p.m.

·5 Free Breakfast October 14 from 7:30-9:30

·6 Congregational Election October 14 at 10:00 a.m.

9.  Closing Prayer

Next meeting:

·1 Tuesday October 2 @ 7:00 p.m.

·2 Spiritual Direction:  Jeff Hage??

Respectfully submitted,