Cross of Christ Church Council

Minutes of October 21, 2009 meeting

Attendance:

President Krin Berg called the meeting to order at 7:35 pm in the Fellowship Hall of Cross of Christ.  Pastor Lane led us in devotions.   

Review of Agenda:  Sheri Johnson added Discussion of Simply Giving under New Business and Patrick Forsyth added Discussion of Investment Policy  under Open Discussion.  The agenda as amended was unanimously approved upon motion by Jeanne Tippery, seconded by Denise Thompson. 

REPORTS:

Pastor Lane’s Report - September:

2 weddings, 2 rehearsals, 3 Pre-marriage meetings,

2 Funerals, 1 Pre Funeral meeting; 1 Synod Stewardship meeting; 1 Finance Cabinet;

2 hospital visits, 14 home visits (4 with communion); 3 Staff meetings; 2 Financial Peace Classes

1 football game, 1 volleyball game

3 Lutheran Campus Ministry meetings (1 State meeting)

Pastor Louise Stromberg       September  2009:

Visits:      Hospital – 1               Home – 13 (2 with Communion for 3)

               Office Visits: 2           Premarital: 1
Events & Activities:  VVHC Bible Study           VVHC Prayer Group – 2 sessions

C of C: Stewardship Cabinet Mtg         Education Cabinet Mtg             Executive Cabinet Meeting

Council Mtg.                50th Anniversary Committee Mtg                      Staff Support Committee Mtg

Lunch with Pastor Lane & Pastor Mark (LV)

Community:  HCILTRO annual meeting

Synod: Conference Mtg            Bishop’s mtg                Synod Staff Stewardship Mtg

Vacation Days:  0   Holiday: 1  Days Off:  5  Sick Day: 1/2   Personal Days: 0

President’s Report:

President Krin Berg was pleased to report she has received several positive comments from Members about the St. Peter’s bell which is now proudly displayed on the Cross of Christ grounds.  Krin and all Council members present thanked Justin Zmyewski for his leadership and hard work on this project. 

Secretary’s Report (minutes) of the September 16, 2009 meeting were unanimously ratified upon motion by Sheri Johnson, seconded by Denise Thompson. 

Financial Administrator’s Report:  Patrick Forsyth indicated year-to-date cabinet expenditures are under budget.  Some discussion was held regarding the Evangelism/Stewardship/Mission budgeted amounts of 7% to SE MN Synod and 1% to designated missions and how we should be planning to meet those predetermined amounts.  The Financial Report was unanimously accepted as presented upon motion by Jeanne Tippery, seconded by Darlene Paulson.

Financial Secretary’s Report:  Patrick also highlighted the Financial Secretary’s report which indicates we are slightly ahead of last year in giving.  The Financial Secretary’s Report was unanimously accepted as presented upon motion by Darlene Paulson, seconded by Sheri Johnson.

Cabinet Reports:

Education Cabinet:  Met to plan Cradle Roll Graduation.  Presented Bibles to 3^rd graders.  Plans for special stewardship education events.

Evangelism Cabinet Report – September:  Five notes have been sent to persons who visited Cross of Christ worship services during the month of September.  The photo directories have been made available for members to pick up.  Lynn Meyer encouraged Council members to review the photo directories on the table in the narthex to identify any they may be able to deliver.  A mailing will be done to those unclaimed. 

Finance Cabinet:  Patrick Forsyth indicated the Investment Committee met a couple of times and one of their recommendations is to make quarterly reports to the Council regarding the endowment account.  The third quarter 2009 report reflects a $20,454 gain and $900 used for painting the Fellowship Hall.  Overall, the endowment account has recovered the majority of losses suffered during the market’s poor performance period which began in early 2008. 

The cabinet heads were reminded they need to develop their budgets for next year.  The individual cabinet budgets should be given to Patrick or Sheri (preferably by email) by Nov. 9^th to give them time to prepare a preliminary budget for review by the full Council at the Nov. 18^th meeting.  Sheri requested the individual cabinet budgets be developed using the same categories as is used within the profit & loss statement of monthly financial report.  

Personnel Cabinet:   Ann Abraham reported another staff support committee meeting is scheduled for next week.

Property Cabinet:   Wayne Olson reported in Grant Olson’s absence.  New chairs for the Fellowship Hall have been ordered from Sam’s Club but have not yet been delivered.  Justin Zmyewski is being asked to fabricate a cart for storing the new chairs.

Stewardship & Mission:  Stewardship Theme:  Make it Simple  Off to a good start.  Plans for emphasis through November 15 which will be our Commitment Sunday.  Lisa Skifton reminded us that Saturday October 31^st is Neighbor Day and she would welcome more volunteers.  The Habitat for Humanity house construction is well under way with several Cross of Christ members volunteering many hours. 

Worship & Music:  Garry Edward continues to research audio/visual equipment.  The cabinet is meeting on October 24^th to pick out hymns. 

Youth and Family.  Denise Thompson will be updating her approach to planning Youth & Family activities and, due to lack of participation, probably will not schedule monthly events. Rather, she may focus more on the events that were successful such as Noah’s Ark and the Loggers game.  She will report further next month. 

W/ELCA  President Rae Evenson reported on the recent W/ELCA events such as the Good Earth Quilt Auction, SE MN convention in Rochester and the fall supper at which 815 meals were served.  Election of W/ELCA officers and the annual thank offering took place on October 16^th .  Potato peeling for lefse will be on Nov. 18^th.  Rae wants the pastors to be thinking of church needs to be considered when W/ELCA officers do their annual fund allocations in early December. 

50^th Anniversary Committee:  The Celebration Service has been set for August 29^th 2010.

We had the rededication service for the Cornerstone and the St Peter’s Bell. The Men served the lunch following the service.  Letters have been sent to all former pastors or pastors’ families where the pastor is deceased.  The Theme for the year has yet to be decided.  Dinner Caterer has been contacted and settled on. Tickets for the meal will be $10. Royce Bergsgaard has designed the tickets.  A DVD will be made of the history of Cross of Christ for a collectable.  The Worship Service for the day continues to be worked on.  Winona Hims have been contacted and have agreed to sing in an afternoon program. 

Pastor Lane reported on last night’s meeting.  The committee will be putting book marks in hymnals to advertise the 50^th anniversary.  The theme for the event is…. Take Up The Cross.

Old Business:  None.

New Business:  Discussion of Simply Giving:  Sheri Johnson made the Council aware of an accounting change in the Simply Giving program and made a motion to continue with the Simply Giving program nonetheless.  Lynn Meyer seconded the motion which passed unanimously.

Open Discussion:   Church Membership  Pastor Lane explained some confusion among certain member families about the status of their membership.  He recommended that the W/ELCA treasurer provide the administrative secretary in the church office with W/ELCA records of donation.  Lynn Meyer made a motion that the Council declare a financial contribution to W/ELCA be considered as a gift of record to Cross of Christ.  Denise Thompson seconded the motion which passed unanimously.  It was agreed the Evangelism Cabinet should develop a plan to address the matter of membership. 

Church-Wide Survey:  Justin Zmyewski resurfaced the concept of doing a church-wide survey and described a potential process for carrying this out.  It was agreed the Evangelism Cabinet and Executive Board should take on this responsibility and work with Justin to implement such a survey.  All Council members should submit suggested survey content ideas directly to Justin. 

Discussion of Investment Policy:  Sheri Johnson reported on a Finance Cabinet meeting and how they developed the investment policy by researching multiple existing policies and drawing what they liked from each.  Patrick distributed a draft version of an investment policy for the C of C endowment fund.  Patrick encouraged Council members to review this draft and respond to Sheri Johnson, Mickey Meyer, Pastor Lane or himself with feedback.  This will be considered as a New Business item on next month’s Council agenda. 

Calendar:  

Adjourn  The meeting adjourned at 9:15 pm upon motion by Garry Edwards, duly seconded by Denise Thompson.

President Krin Berg led us in the benediction.

Submitted respectfully, 

Lynn Meyer - Secretary

Next Council Meeting:  Wednesday, November 18^th 7:30 pm.

Reminder to Cabinet Heads - - 2010 Budgets due to Patrick or Sheri by Nov. 9^th.

Cross of Christ Church Council

Minutes of August 19, 2009 meeting

Attendance:

President Krin Berg called the meeting to order at 7:05 pm in the Fellowship Hall of Cross of Christ.  Pastor Lane led us in devotions.   

Review of Agenda:  Krin Berg added Report on Relay for Life and Lynn Meyer added Progress report on inventory and appraisals to the agenda under Old Business.  Pastor Lane added Fund Raising for Carpet, Fund raising for painting under New Business.  The agenda as amended was unanimously approved upon motion by Lynn Meyer, seconded by Garry Edwards. 

Report on Relay For Life:  Guests Mary George and Carol Meeks thanked the Council for allowing them to hold the August 7-8 Relay For Life event at the church and reported upon a most successful result of raising over $72,000 at the event itself with more funds still coming in.  They would like the Council to consider allowing them to have the event here again next year because it is possible to hold the Relay For Life in the same community for two years in a row.  No action taken on that request now.

REPORTS:

Pastor Lane’s Report –June-July: 

8 Hospital visits, 10 home visits(2 with communion), 2 weddings, 7 pre-marriage counseling visits. 6 office visits. Personnel support meeting, Executive meeting, Habitat for Humanity groundbreaking, ELCA Youth Gathering(it was a great trip! The youth are writing about their trip and it will be made into a pamphlet to hand out in church next Sunday. We will also be doing a program the 4^th Sunday in September (27^th) with video and pictures during the Worship Service), Lutheran Youth Triennial meeting in Hattiesburg, 6 days vacation.  Pastor Lane added verbal comment to his written report by emphasizing what a wonderful trip he and C of C youth had to New Orleans.  He reported on the ELCA’s passing of a revised social statement by exactly the required two-thirds vote. 

Both Pastor Lane and Pastor Louise suggested Cross of Christ conduct a forum to review the entire issue of the revised ELCA Social Statement which will be available soon on the ELCA website. 

Pastor Louise Stromberg       June 2009:

Visits:   Hospital – 5      Home – 9 (1 with Communion)                         Office – 5         Phone – 2 

Funerals:           June 5^th - Evelyn Quinnell (Family service & Visitation)

                  June 24^th – Carol Christopherson (Rushford Lutheran- Hoff Funeral Home)

Baptism:  Katelyn Delia Bollig – June 20th        

Events & Activities:  VVHC Communion                      VVHC Prayer Group – 2 sessions

            HHS Baccalaureate & Graduation                    Graduation Open Houses:  6

            Baptism Reception:  Edwards twins & Rockwell family (Bollig)

            90^th Birthday Celebration – Minerva Thompson

C of C: Education Cabinet Mtg.            Evangelism Cabinet Meeting     Executive Cabinet Meeting

Council Meeting                 Stewardship Cabinet     Hymn Selection

Contemporary Rehearsal    Pastoral Staff Mtg. LSS – Mankato      Circle Briefing

Community:  Son’s of Legion Supper

Synod: Women Clergy Group

Continuing Education:  Pre-retirement Seminar

Vacation Days:  1   Holiday: 0 Days Off:  5 Sick Day: 0   Personal Days: 0

Pastor Louise Stromberg       July 2009:

Visits:  Hospital – 3       Home – 12 (2 with Communion for 3)   Office – 5         Phone - 1

Funerals:  July 17^th Doris George (Visitation)

Events & Activities:  VVHC Bible Study           VVHC Prayer Group – 1 session

            HHS Baccalaureate & Graduation        90^th Birthday Celebration – Cora Wheaton

C of C: Evangelism Cabinet Meeting     Staff Support Meeting   Circle Briefing

Community:  Ministerium Mtg  Houston Hoedown Ice Cream Social

      Community Band Concert        

Synod: Women Clergy Group

Conference Pastor’s Outing

Vacation Days:  5 (1 Sunday)   Holiday: 1 Days Off:  4 Sick Day: 0   Personal Days: 0

President’s Report:  No report.

Secretary’s Report (minutes) of the June 17, 2009 meeting were unanimously ratified upon motion by Garry Edwards, seconded by Ann Abraham. 

Financial Administrator’s Report:  Patrick Forsyth referred to his written report which reflects a YTD loss of $14,492.  The Financial Report was unanimously accepted as presented upon motion by Jeanne Tippery, seconded by Darlene Paulson.

Financial Secretary’s Report:  Karen Todd indicated that member offerings are usually down during summer months as reflected in her report.  There is over $2,300 in the St. Peter’s Bell Project.  The Financial Secretary’s Report was unanimously accepted as presented upon motion by Pastor Lane, seconded by Garry Edwards.

Cabinet Reports:

Education Cabinet:  Vacation Bible School was a great week.  52 students participated.  14 adults and 14 youth & young adults lead, taught or assisted in many ways.  Bike the Block raised $792.47 for world hunger.  Cost for VBS is around $1,000.  W/ELCA will use money designated for youth to help with these costs.  Shelly Edwards is working on Sunday School teachers for next fall.  List is nearly complete. 

Evangelism Cabinet Report – June-July,  2009.  Eight notes have been sent to persons who visited the Stone Church and Cross of Christ worship services during the months of June and July.

We have met on three occasions to finalize the photo directory.  Goal #2.  The initial proof copy of the directory came back to us from Olan Mills the second week in July which we then reviewed, edited as necessary and sent our finalized version back to them on July 17^th.  We are expecting delivery of our directories by early September.  We have been notified that the on-line photo directory is available for administrative review and set up which Pastor Louise and Karen Todd are currently working on.  Once finalized, the on-line directory will be accessible on our church website.  We were able to use our earned credits to receive quite a number of free directories so we intend to make them available to all members – plus we may be placing photo directories in the church pews which would be another great way for our members to get to know each other.  We have already received 1,000 each of two different photo postcards which are available for our use.  Lynn Meyer passed examples of these postcards around to Council members and encouraged them to use these as appropriate. 

Our next project will be to review our membership roster and develop a strategy for inviting inactive members to participate in activities related to our upcoming 50^th anniversary celebration.  Goal #1.

Finance Cabinet:  No report.

Personnel Cabinet:   Ann Abraham reported the first staff support meeting with our pastors has taken place with a second one is scheduled for September.    

Property Cabinet:   Stone Church:  Wayne Olson has installed the new cabinet in the narthex and reported the new entrance doors are in but not yet complete.  He has a bid of $1,650 to install bat protection.   

Cross of Christ Building:   Grant Olson reported the seal coating of the parking lot has been done by   B & D Seal Coating of Caledonia at a total cost of $2315.  The bill was given to Patrick Forsyth to be paid.  Grant provided estimates for carpeting of the fellowship hall ranging in cost from $6,062 to $9,100.  No action required at this time. Although the Property Cabinet had selected a chair from Sam’s Club to replace those in the fellowship hall, further research is necessary because that particular chair is no longer available.  Grant has a bid from someone to paint the fellowship hall, library and back hall including heat registers for $1,800. 

It was agreed that the Executive Board would appoint an anonymous three-member committee to select colors and coordinate the carpet, chairs and paint projects. 

Cross of Christ Grounds – see comments under Old Business.

Stewardship & Mission:  Community Garden:  Refer to the Parish Visitor which highlighted the number of volunteers, the number of hours worked, and the amount of produce so far. We could always use more volunteers!  Kelsey Solum will be teaching a sauerkraut-making session on Mon., August 24th at 6:30 p.m. at the Nature Center for those who are interested.

Bike the Block/Tour de Revs:  Children attending VBS raised $792 to help fight World Hunger by participating in Bike the Block.  This was to help support the Tour de Revs mission to raise millions of dollars to help fight World Hunger.

Habitat for Humanity:  We exceeded our goal of raising $1500 to help support our local HH house. THANK YOU to all who contributed. Those who contributed $ can sign their name on the piece of wood in the church's narthex, which will then be put in the HH home. Part of the money was used to purchase a dishwasher and part of the money will be used to purchase trees for the yard.  Groundbreaking was August 2nd. There will be more details later about how volunteers can help build the house.

Worship & Music:  No report.

Youth and Family.  Did not meet…but have several events planned. 

1  Water ski trip on August 29^th (not the 30^th as indicated in PV & bulletin)

2  Paint ball in September with Trinity of Spring Grove.

3  We will be working on the Habitat for Humanity House and inviting other youth groups to join us.  Pastor Lane added that he is in the process of communicating with other local churches about selling maple syrup.

W/ELCA  President Rae Evenson reported on the August 9^th trip to Lanesboro when over 50 people from Cross of Christ participated in the Over The Back Fence live radio broadcast from the Commonweal Theater.  A nominating committee has been selected to work on 2010 officers.  On August 14^th a group of church volunteers processed 45 gallons of sweet corn for the October 7^th Fall Supper.  W/ELCA gave $200 to each youth member who made the trip to New Orleans.  W/ELCA has purchased Corelle dinnerware to replace the existing heavier dinnerware which has been sold to one individual. 

Old Business: - St. Peter’s Bell Tower  In order to formalize a motion initiated via email by Lynn Meyer during the month of July to the Council Members (in the absence of a regularly scheduled meeting), the motion was restated at this time to read  "I make a motion that the Council move forward with the planned installation of the St. Peter's Bell on the Cross of Christ grounds once the amount of $1,200.00 has been raised for this phase of the project."  The motion had been seconded electronically by Pastor Lane so the question was called and was unanimously approved. 

Discussion took placed about the installation of the St. Peter’s bell; type of finish, if any; color of cement base, engraved marker, etc.  The Property Cabinet was given the responsibility to work out the details and was instructed to move forward with this project as soon as possible.  Justin Zmyewski will be project manager and is to initiate and coordinate the work required to complete the installation of the St. Peter’s Bell on the Cross of Christ grounds. 

Inventory and Appraisals:  An insurance agent is in the process of updating the appraised value of the Cross of Christ properties.  Progress has been made by our pastors and administrative secretary to update the documentation of the contents within the church buildings. 

New Business:   Safety Deposit Box   Pastor Lane explained the need to update the signatures on the card for gaining access to the Cross of Christ safety deposit box at Eastwood Bank.  Garry Edwards made a motion to change the signatures for gaining access to the Cross of Christ safety deposit box at Eastwood Bank of Houston, MN from Dana Kildahl and Sherry Johnson to Karen Todd and Pastor Lane Zaffke.  The motion was seconded by Grant Olson and passed unanimously.

Advent Candles:  Justin Zmyewski made a motion as recommended by the Worship Cabinet to purchase oil-powered Advent candles at a cost of $380 to be taken from memorial funds.  Garry Edwards seconded the motion which passed unanimously. 

Quilt Room:  After brief discussion, Pastor Lane made a motion to keep the quilt room unlocked.  Lynn Meyer seconded the motion which passed unanimously.

Carpet, Chairs and Painting:  Lynn Meyer made a motion to move forward with the project for new carpeting in the fellowship hall, the purchasing of new chairs for the fellowship hall and painting of the fellowship hall, library and back hall as proposed using funds from multiple sources as available including any donations from members toward these projects.  The projects are to begin when funds are available.  The motion was seconded by Grant Olson and unanimously approved. 

Bat Protection at Stone Church:  Wayne Olson made a motion to proceed with the bat protection at the Stone Church at a cost of $1,620 to be paid out of allocated funds.  Pastor Lane seconded the motion which passed unanimously.  Wayne will contact the contractor who bid this project.

Open Discussion:   Snow removal  Justin questioned what is being done about snow removal for the upcoming 2009/2010 winter season.  After some discussion, it was agreed this matter should be further reviewed by the Property Cabinet. 

Church-Wide Survey:  Justin queried the status of a church-wide survey which had been suggested by the Worship Cabinet in March.  Garry Edwards indicated they will be looking at that project again after school starts.     

Calendar:  

Adjourn  The meeting adjourned at 9:02 pm. 

President Krin Berg led us in the benediction.

Submitted respectfully, 

Lynn Meyer - Secretary

Next Council Meeting:  Wednesday, September 16^th 7:30 pm.

Cross of Christ Church Council

Minutes of June 17, 2009 meeting

Attendance:

President Krin Berg called the meeting to order at 7:05 pm in the Fellowship Hall of Cross of Christ.  Pastor Louise led us in devotions.   

Review of Agenda:  Krin Berg added St. Peter’s Bell Tower to the agenda under Old Business and July Council Meeting under New Business.  Grant Olson added Insurance Information under Open Discussion.  The agenda as amended was unanimously approved upon motion by Lynn Meyer, seconded by Lisa Skifton. 

REPORTS:

Pastor Lane’s Report – May: 

2 Funerals and planning, 4 office visits, 5 hospital calls, 2 communion visits, three non communion visits, 3 baptisms, 1 wedding, 3 pre-marriage visits, 2 days of maple syrup work, 1 Staff development meeting, three days vacation (1 Sunday)

Pastor Louise’s Report – May:

 

Visits:  Hospital – 5                   Home – 6 (1 with Communion for 2 people)

            Office – 1                     Phone - 2

Events & Activities:       VVHC Communion                  VVHC Prayer Group – 2 sessions

VVHC Bible Study                                           Open House:  Dan Smith’s Graduation

C of C: 50^th Anniversary of Groundbreaking with Sunday School

Contemporary Rehearsal                                  Evangelism Cabinet Meeting - 2

            Executive Cabinet Meeting                                Council Meeting

            50^th Anniversary Committee Mtg.                     Pastoral Staff Mtg. LSS – Mankato

            Annual Review                                     Lunch with Stone Church Cleaners

            WELCA Mtg. at Stone Church

Community:      Band Shell Grand Opening                    Community Garden Blessing

Synod: Synod Assembly                                   Conference Meeting

      Women Clergy Spirituality Group Retreat

      ELCA Think Tank Stewarship Call

Continuing Education:  Talk- Walk – Lead Stewardship Kairos:  25 Contact Hours

Vacation Days:  0   Holiday: 1   Days Off:  4   Sick Day: 0   Personal Days: 0

President’s Report:  Krin Berg shared a thank you note from the Synod for Cross of Christ’s $11,550 in contributions.  She also informed the Council she will be having a President’s Report in the Parish Visitor.

Secretary’s Report (minutes) of the May 20, 2009 meeting were unanimously ratified upon motion by Garry Edwards, seconded by Pastor Lane. 

Financial Administrator’s Report:  Patrick Forsyth indicated there was a small profit for the month of May largely due to there being five Sundays of offerings.  The endowment fund account showed a favorable increase since last month.  The Financial Report was unanimously accepted as presented upon motion by Denise Thompson, seconded by Darlene Paulson.

Financial Secretary’s Report:  In Karen Todd’s absence, Pastor Lane highlighted the Financial Secretary’s report and stated total giving continues at about the same level in spite of the economic recession.  The Financial Secretary’s Report was unanimously accepted as presented upon motion by Garry Edwards, seconded by Denise Thompson.

Cabinet Reports:

Education Cabinet:  Cabinet met on June 10^th to work on Vacation Bible School (VBS).  Will be August 2-6^th from 6- 8 pm.  We are recruiting staff and helpers.  Information will be in the newsletter with a registration form.  We have begun looking at Sunday School materials.  Next meeting:  June 24^th at 6:30 pm.  Jeanne Tippery and her fellow Education Cabinet members invite church members to volunteer to work at VBS.  Anyone interested in working during VBS should call the church office.

Evangelism Cabinet Report – May,  2009

Eight notes have been sent to persons who visited Cross of Christ worship services during the month of May.

We have continued to work on Goal #2 – the photo directory.  We are nearing completion of our responsibilities - which include gathering photos, creating a preliminary design/layout of ministry pages and printing off a membership roster - before handing over everything to Olan Mills for their production which is intended to happen by the end of this week if we can complete the membership roster by then.

To promote Cross of Christ in our community, we have placed posters at various places such as Money Creek Haven, Cushion’s Peak Campground, Valley High Golf Club and the Brickhouse Bistro publicizing our Cross of Christ and Stone Church summer worship service times.

Our next focus will be to develop a plan for contacting inactive members.  We wish to welcome them back to our congregation and to invite them to our 50^th year celebration.   

Finance Cabinet:  Met this evening just prior to the Council meeting.  The cabinet is working on an investment policy by reviewing sample policies gathered by Patrick Forsyth.  They will take good ideas out of each policy reviewed and put together a proposed investment policy for the Council to review at the August meeting. 

Personnel Cabinet:  We have completed the job review process for our two pastors.  We have formed a staff support committee and are trying to find a time for that group to meet.  

Property Cabinet:   Stone Church:  Wayne Olson indicated the roof and front entrance cement work is done and that the new front entrance doors should be delivered and installed within the next two weeks.  There will be a new cabinet installed soon in the narthex to replace the cabinet that was removed during recent construction.  The water heater in the kitchen failed and has been replaced.

Cross of Christ Building:   Grant Olson indicated they are getting prices for new carpet and chairs but a timetable has not yet been established for the purchase or installation of these items. 

Cross of Christ Grounds – see comments under Old Business.

Stewardship & Mission:  Lisa Skifton reported our congregation has raised approximately $900 to date for the Habitat for Humanity project.  She stated according to Jim Edwards there will be a meeting soon to determine when ground breaking is to occur and that it will probably be in July. 

The Community Garden project is going nicely.  Lisa read a thank you note from Audrey Alfson to all Cross of Christ volunteers who have worked and continue to work diligently to make this community project a success.  That note will be posted on a church bulletin. 

Worship & Music:  Continue to work on getting information and pricing for audio/visual equipment and intend to get bids from three different contractors.  We picked the hymns for services through August. 

Youth and Family.  Denise Thompson reminded everyone of the Loggers game on June 20^th.  The Noah’s Ark trip initially planned for July 10^th will be pushed out to Friday, July 17^th.  The cost is approximately $24 per person for the park plus the cost of the bus ride.  Denise will have sign up sheets available at both churches and will require a commitment of a certain number of participants by a particular deadline date in order to lock in these prices.  Specific pricing and deadline information will be provided on the sign-up sheets.  Without the required number of advance participant commitments, the trip will be cancelled.  Youth in 8^th grade or younger will require a chaperone. 

W/ELCA  President Rae Evenson reported on the May 22^nd W/ELCA event at the Stone Church indicating the antiques expert’s presentation had been very well received. 

All seniors have now received a quilt from our W/ELCA quilting ladies.

A trip to the Commonweal Theater in Lanesboro is being planned for August 9th for C of C Members to participate in the “Over The Back Fence” radio program at a cost of $5 per person.

Old Business: -   St. Peter’s Bell Tower.  Discussion took placed about the installation of the St. Peter’s bell on the Cross of Christ property as part of the upcoming 50^th Anniversary celebration.  Specifically, it is intended that this installation can be completed by October 4, 2009 when we celebrate the laying of the cornerstone.  Justin Zmyewski again presented a design concept for how the St. Peter’s bell would be suspended between three metal rods standing on a cross-shaped base.  Lynn Meyer made a motion to approve Justin’s design concept for installation of the St. Peter’s Bell as part of the 50^th Anniversary celebration.  Grant Olson seconded the motion.  After discussion the motion unanimously passed.   

Additional discussion on the subject of the St. Peter’s bell resulted in two additional motions. 

Garry Edwards made a motion that the Council initiate a fund raising effort to collect no less than $2,500 by September 1^st, 2009 prior to approving construction of the St. Peter’s bell project for completion by October 4^th.  Denise Thompson seconded the motion which passed unanimously.

Pastor Lane will discuss the need for this fund raiser in his Parish Visitor article. 

The Council members then went outdoors to visualize and decide upon a location on the church grounds for installation of the St. Peter’s bell tower.  Once back inside, a motion was made by Denise Thompson to place the St. Peter’s bell on the northwest section of the property, just south of the big spruce tree, placing the structure parallel to the sidewalk leading to the front door.  Darlene Paulson seconded the motion which passed.  It was agreed this placement would give the best exposure of the bell from the street and while approaching the church building.  One person abstained from voting. 

Justin is to continue gathering cost information from various contractors for cement work, comparing various metal costs, etc.  Council members who may be involved in gathering cost figures should email that data to Lynn Meyer (highlife@acegroup.cc) who will, in turn, forward this information to all Council members who have email capability. 

New Business:   Do we need a Council meeting in July?  After discussion, Garry Edwards made a motion that the Council not meet in July unless a matter of urgent business surfaces.  The motion was seconded by Denise Thompson and unanimously passed.

Open Discussion:   Insurance:  Grant Olson reported on his meeting with Cross of Christ’s insurance agent to research the status of insurance coverage for the purpose of knowing whether we are under or possibly over insured.  The agent is going to check on whether or not it might be advisable to have an appraisal done on the properties, depending upon the cost of such appraisals.  It was agreed there is a need to develop appropriate documentation of the contents within the church buildings but no assignments were made in this regard.   

Calendar:  

Adjourn  The meeting adjourned at 8:40 pm upon motion by Garry Edwards, seconded by Lisa Skifton.

President Krin Berg led us in the benediction.

Submitted respectfully, 

Lynn Meyer - Secretary

NOTE:  NO COUNCIL MEETING IN JULY and August 19^th Council Meeting begins at 7 pm

Cross of Christ Church Council

Minutes of April 15, 2009 meeting

Attendance:

Vice President Garry Edwards called the meeting to order at 7:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall of Cross of Christ.  Pastor Louise led us in devotions.  President Krin Berg arrived at the meeting and assumed the chair.

Review of Agenda:  Lisa Skifton indicated Jim Edwards was present to provide an update on the status of the Habitat for Humanity project in Houston.  Mr. Edwards was given the floor and reported the family has been selected but is not yet being announced.  He reviewed a kit of instructional materials including a timetable for completion of the project.  He mentioned potential fund raising activities and indicated any donation checks should be made payable to Habitat for Humanity with Thrivent Financial for Lutherans written on the memo line of the check.  Ground breaking is tentatively set for May 23^rd.  Jim Edwards is the contact person for any questions or concerns about the project and can be reached on his cell phone: 507/459-2427. 

The matter of discussing Cabinet Safeguard Language was added to the agenda under Old Business.  The agenda as amended was unanimously approved upon motion by Denise Thompson, seconded by Grant Olson.

REPORTS:

Pastor Lane’s Report – March: 

Lenten Services, 1 Funeral, 13 home visits, 6 hospital visits, Maple Syrup project work, 5^th grade communion, 1 Lutheran campus Ministry Meeting, 1 meeting with Bishop Usgaard,1 Executive meeting, planning for 50^th anniversary, Hymn picking session

Pastor Louise’s Report – March:

 

Visits:         Hospital:     4 (1 with communion for 4 people)      

                  Home:        9          Office:  2;         Phone:   2

Visitation & Funeral:     Harley Westby (assist); Visitation, Family Serv & Funeral:  Florence Thronson 

Events & Activities: Circle Briefing

            Communion Preparation Classes – 2 sessions;  Book of Faith Bible Study:  2 sessions

            VVHC Prayer Group – 2 sessions,

            VVHC Bible Study       VVHC Communions

            Olan Mills Photo Sessions

C of C: Contemporary Rehearsal

            Cabinet Workshop       Exec Cabinet Meeting               Council Meeting

            Education Cabinet Mtg.            Evangelism Cabinet Mtg & Directory Calling Mtg

Community:            Festival of Owls Pancake Breakfast

Synod:                    Women Clergy Spirituality Group Mtg

Worship:                Preach: 3/1, 3/8, 3/18, 3/25, 3/29.       Liturgy:  3/15.

Vacation Days:  5;   Holiday: 0;    Days Off: 5;    Sick Day: 0    Personal Days: 1 (Sunday)

President’s Report:  After talking to several members this last month, I sense a great deal of optimism about the direction the church is taking with the goals we have set. Now we need to make sure we are continually working toward achieving those goals.

Secretary’s Report (minutes) of the March 18, 2009 meeting was unanimously approved upon motion by Garry Edwards, seconded by Darlene Paulson. 

Financial Administrator’s Report:  Patrick Forsyth and Sheri Johnson were absent from this meeting.  The financial statement for the month of March showing a $7400+ net income was approved upon motion by Lynn Meyer, seconded by Rae Evenson. 

Financial Secretary’s Report:  Karen Todd highlighted the Financial Secretary’s report indicating offerings were up largely due to there being 5 Sundays in March plus Lent services.  This report was approved upon motion by Grant Olson, seconded by Ann Abraham. 

Cabinet Reports:

Education Cabinet:  No report.  Will be meeting on April 23^rd.

Evangelism Cabinet:  Ten notes have been sent to persons who visited Cross of Christ worship services during March.

Pictorial Directory:  Olan Mills took 199 photos for the directory during their 5 days at Cross of Christ in March.  We have 11 appointments on the make-up/snowbird date of April 29^th. This means we have exceeded our goal of having 200 or more family photos in our new directory.  Pastor Louise and Lynn are meeting regularly to work on developing the activity pages and other final details of the photo directory.  Lynn asked Cabinet heads to please contribute photos illustrating the mission of their various cabinets.

Executive Cabinet: We met April 8. We discussed the SMART goals. We have begun setting up a 50^th anniversary Committee. We also discussed the Maple Syrup Project. We have asked that there be a meeting with the leaders from this project after the May 15^th MN Maple Producers Annual Meeting that Pastor Lane will attend.

Finance Cabinet:  No report. 

Personnel Cabinet:  Pastor Lane and Louise will be meeting to set their specific SMART goals. Following that meeting reviews will take place.

Property Cabinet:   We met April 8.  Listed below are priorities we discussed and will address at this time.

1.      Electrical issues in the Library

2.      Repair wall in Fellowship Hall where water fountain was.

3.      In room #125, investigate additional storage shelving units.

4.      Check into “tree” to be planted for our “groundbreaking” event

5.      Check on St. Peter’s bell

6.      Paint fellowship hall, library and entry doorway and room #125.

Grant Olson reported on a very good meeting and indicated Roger Meyer is already in the process of doing several of these miscellaneous repairs.  Grant expressed concern that due to the church building’s age, there will be on-going need for this type of upkeep and, in particular, mentioned the need to replace the Fellowship Hall carpeting reasonably soon.  W/ELCA was asked to provide information on moneys currently being earmarked for this carpet project. 

Stewardship & Mission:  Met on April 2^nd to plan for goal implementation.  See following:

Goal #1: To promote our mission work in the greater Houston community, the Stewardship and Mission Cabinet will encourage Cross of Christ members to volunteer at least 100 hours and fundraise a minimum of $1500 in “change” to support the Habitat for Humanity House in Houston, between April and October of 2009.

1.       By Easter we will display a poster and container to begin collections and on Easter Sunday we will have baskets for a special collection.

2.      We will create a visual means of displaying progress on hours and monetary gifts.

3.      May newsletter will invite people to participate in this project.

4.      As soon as volunteers are needed we will develop a plan to recruit them. 

Goal #2: To provide food for the community and to promote inter-generational community relationships, the Stewardship and Mission Cabinet will invite Cross of Christ members to volunteer in the community garden weekly from June to September.  To facilitate this goal, we will need at least 5 people to work for at least one hour on each Sunday between 10 A.M and 1 P.M and on each Wednesday between 6 P.M. and 8 P.M.

1.       In the June NLT we will highlight the community garden.

2.      Each week, beginning in June, we will have a signup sheet at worship.

Goal #3: Stewardship and Mission will sponsor at least one educational activity per year for the next ten years to increase awareness of good stewardship habits.

1.       Pastor Louise will get information on suggested program from Pastor Lane.

Worship & Music:  Pastors and accompanist met to pick hymns. We discussed use of different liturgy. We will be using the 3^rd Liturgy setting for communion Sundays in May. We will use the 10^th Liturgy setting for the two no communion Sundays except for the Contemporary Worship on May 24^th. We have also put data together on church attendance for a number of years.

Youth and Family.  We had bowling night with a number of people.  This was a successful family event which proved to be a lot of fun.  We continue to work with Financial Cabinet and Stewardship Cabinet to provide a Dave Ramsey Town Hall meeting on the topic of financial peace in this time of a depressed economy.  Denise Thompson is organizing a special Twins game family event.

There are a number of adults and youth meeting on Sat., April 18^th to organize a youth band for playing anthems during church services.

W/ELCA  President Rae Evenson reported on a successful Easter breakfast.  W/ELCA members are attending the Root River Conference spring meeting in Rushford tomorrow.  W/ELCA is looking to be more “green” and is considering purchasing dishware to lessen the amount of disposable food-service products currently being used.  They will be publishing an article in the next Parish Visitor about this.

Old Business: - Cabinet Safeguard Language.  A statement of proposed language which reads…. “If a cabinet seeks to commit to a single expenditure or a single contract that is above the line item budgeted amount for the expenditure by 25% or $1000 (whichever is the lesser amount), the Council must be notified before the contract or commitment is ratified.”  was discussed.  Lynn Meyer made a motion to approve this language and that it be added to the Cross of Christ Bylaws under C12.12.00 Cabinet Authority and Responsibilities: Budget and Planning – and further that this bylaws amendment be presented and acted upon at the Cross of Christ congregational meeting in January, 2010.  The motion was seconded by Pastor Lane and unanimously approved. 

New Business:   No new business.

Open Discussion:  President Krin called attention to the format of the Stewardship & Mission Cabinet report which includes the recitation of goals and the status of implementation.  Krin would like other cabinets to adopt this format for future reports.

Calendar:  

Adjourn  The meeting adjourned at 8:42 pm upon motion by Garry Edwards, seconded by Lisa Skifton.

President Krin Berg led us in the benediction.

Submitted respectfully, 

Lynn Meyer - Secretary

Next regular Council meeting is 7:30 pm on Wednesday, May 20th, 2009

Cross of Christ Church Council

Minutes of March 18, 2009 meeting

Attendance:

President Krin Berg called the meeting to order at 8:43 pm in the lounge at Cross of Christ.  Pastor Lane led us in devotions.

President Krin handed out a sheet describing additions to the printed Council agenda: New Business items 1) Cabinet safeguard language, 2) By-laws change, 3) Adoption of goals, 4) Worship Cabinet survey and 5) Other.  The agenda was unanimously adopted as amended to include the above new business items upon motion by Sheri Johnson, seconded by Darlene Paulson.

REPORTS:

Pastor Lane’s Report – February: 

            1 Stone Church meeting, 5 hospital visits, 1 pre-marriage visit, numerous office visits,

            1 5^th grade communion class, confirmation classes, 5 home visits

Pastor Louise’s Report –February: Pastor Louise indicated she may be traveling to northern MN this weekend for the funeral of a family member.

 

Visits:         Hospital:     4         Home:  12 (2 with communion for 3 people)  Office:  2;  Phone:   1

Visitation & Funeral:     Neil Gaustad

Events & Activities: Valentine Brunch; Arnie Mindrum’s 80^th Birthday Open House;

            Youth & Family Movie Night;   Sunday School Carnival

            VVHC Prayer Group – 2 sessions, VVHC Coffee

            VVHC Bible Study       VV Manor Communions – 5 people

            Council Meeting           Exec Cabinet Meeting              

            Education Cabinet Mtg.            Evangelism Cabinet Mtg & Directory Calling Mtg

Community:            Ministerium Meeting

Synod:                    RR Conf Mtg         RR Conf Assembly       Women Clergy Spirituality Group Mtg

Vacation Days:  0 (1 Sunday);   Holiday: 0;    Days Off: 3½;    Sick Day: 0    Personal Days: 0

President’s Report:  President Krin Berg expressed her thanks for all the cabinets’ work at last Sunday’s retreat to develop goals for 2009 and indicated these goals would be published in the next Parish Visitor.  She also read a thank you note from the Women at Izanzu Central Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania expressing their appreciation for Cross of Christ’s support.

Secretary’s Report of the February 18, 2009 meeting was approved upon motion by Lisa Skifton, seconded by Jeanne Tippery. 

Treasurer’s Report:  In Patrick Forsyth’s absence, Sheri Johnson highlighted the February financial statement reflecting expenses were $1909 less than budget in February; however, the expenses exceeded income by $1917.  It was agreed the Finance Cabinet will publish a monthly report in the Parish Visitor.  At Mickey Meyer’s suggestion, Patrick will be asked to add a year-to-date column to the statement of expenses in the monthly report to the Council. 

Financial Secretary’s Report:   Was made available for Council members’ review.  No action taken.

Cabinet Reports:

Education Cabinet:  No report

Evangelism Cabinet:  Four visitor notes have been sent since last month.

Pictorial Directory:  We have completed the task of making photo appointments from our end and have sent Olan Mills everything they need to call all C of C members who have not yet scheduled their photo session.  To date approximately 185 photo appointments have been booked which is pretty good but we hope to have over 200 to qualify for more bonus pages in the directory.  A reminder to those persons who have graciously agreed to accept registration duty during the actual photo sessions…..Lynn will contact these volunteers again closer to March 24^th when photo sessions begin.  Anyone unable to work at the registration desk at the time they have accepted, is to please make arrangements for somebody else to take their place.

Offering Envelopes have been received and placed in church pews.   This is a good thing for those members who do Simply Giving and don’t have offering envelopes for the Lenten services.

Finance Cabinet:  Sheri Johnson has talked with Patrick regarding how Cross of Christ needs to change the existing practice of payments to the Synod. 

Personnel Cabinet:  Ann Abraham indicated their cabinet will soon be meeting with the pastoral staff with regard to performance reviews.

Property Cabinet:   Grant Olson indicated the Property Cabinet(s) will be meeting monthly prior to the Council meetings.  In April they will meet on the Sunday just prior to the Council meeting but thereafter they may meet a week earlier in order to prepare their report for inclusion in the Council packets.  Cabinet reports are due to the Administrative Secretary in the church office by the second Wednesday of the month. 

Stewardship & Mission:  No report.

Worship & Music:  Pastor Lane reported we will be having contemporary worship services the last Sunday of each month.  

Youth and Family.  No report.

W/ELCA  President Rae Evenson reported the Cross of Christ W/ELCA Executive Board have rewritten their constitution and bylaws using a model provided by the ELCA as their guide.  The newly written document was presented at the C of C March 10^th W/ELCA meeting and will be voted on at a future meeting prior to being sent to the SE MN Synod.  Rae displayed the quilt W/ELCA is donating to the March 28^th Valley View fund-raising auction.  The W/ELCA Board suggests a committee be formed to coordinate the overall program of the upcoming 50^th Anniversary celebration.  It was agreed there should be an article written for the Parish Visitor asking for volunteers to be on such a committee and that the committee would be required to report to the Council on a monthly basis regarding their progress.  W/ELCA is looking to be more “green” and is considering purchasing dishware to lessen the amount of disposable food-service products currently being used.

Old Business: - No old business.

New Business:

Cabinet Safeguard Language:  After brief discussion about a concern raised last month by Denise Thompson relating to how cabinets are authorized to spend their budgeted funds, it was agreed not to take action on the matter at this meeting.  Rather, the Youth and Family Cabinet is asked to write a policy for review at the April Council meeting concerning governance of the cabinets’ budgeted funds. 

Bylaws change:  Lynn Meyer explained that the recently approved Cross of Christ Bylaws state that the Personnel Cabinet is responsible to review and evaluate the paid staff of the congregation annually while in practice it is in our C of C Senior Pastor’s job description to review and evaluate the non-pastoral staff.  Lynn made a motion that the Bylaws section describing the Personnel Cabinet’s responsibility C12.12.05, second sub-point be amended to read…”Review and evaluate the paid pastoral staff of the congregation annually.”  The motion was seconded by Garry Edwards and unanimously passed.  Lynn laid out a timetable for having this bylaw amendment approved at the congregational annual meeting in January, 2010. 

Adoption of goals:  Krin Berg referred to the hand-out document containing the cabinet goals as developed on March 15^th, 2009.  Grant Olson made a motion to change Goal #3 for the three-part Property Cabinet to read…”The three property cabinets will meet every Sunday monthly before the Wednesday Council meeting.”  The motion was seconded by Jeanne Tippery and passed unanimously.

Church-wide Survey:  Garry Edwards surfaced the idea of doing a phone survey of the congregation to seek their input on church activities; what they like and what they don’t like, including worship, and why they do or do not attend activities or worship.  The Council members agreed this is a great suggestion.  Therefore, the Worship Cabinet will develop a plan of action including suggested language for a phone survey and bring this matter back to the Council for further review and action.

Other:  Pastor Lane made a motion to spend up to $300 of undesignated funds to purchase two hand-held wireless microphones.  The motion was seconded by Darlene Paulson and was unanimously approved.  Pastor Lane will attempt to get these mikes before Palm Sunday.

Calendar:  

Adjourn  The meeting adjourned at 9:25 pm upon motion by Pastor Lane, seconded by Lynn Meyer.

President Krin Berg led us in the benediction.

Submitted respectfully, 

Lynn Meyer - Secretary

Next regular Council meeting is 7:30 pm on Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Cross of Christ Church Council

Minutes of February 18, 2009 meeting

Attendance:

President Krin Berg called the meeting to order at 7:40 pm in the Fellowship Hall at Cross of Christ.  Pastor Lane led us in devotions

The agenda was unanimously approved without amendments upon motion by Sheri Johnson, seconded by Lynn Meyer.

REPORTS:

Pastor Lane’s Report – January/February:  6 hospital visits, 1 week continuing Ed in Florida, 1 family wedding, Annual meeting, 1 basketball game. 1 executive Cabinet meeting

Pastor Louise’s Report – January/February:

 

Visits:         Hospital:     5         Home:  12 (4 with communion for 7 people)      Office:  2

Visitation & Funeral:     Kenneth Carlson

Events & Activities: VVHC Prayer Group – 2 sessions, VVHC Communion; VVHC Coffee

                              VVHC Bible Study VV Manor Communions – 9 people

                              Council Meeting                 Meeting with Olan Mills on Directory

                              Annual Meeting                  Hymn Selection Mtg            W/ELCA Bible Study for Mtg

Community:            Cancer Auction

Vacation Days:  2 (1 Sunday);   Holiday: 1;    Days Off: 7;    Sick Day: 1    Personal Days: 0

Secretary’s Report of the January 24, 2009 meeting was approved upon motion by Garry Edwards, seconded by Darlene Paulson. 

Treasurer’s Report: Patrick Forsyth indicated expenses exceeded income for the month of January by about $6900 largely due a decline in January offerings – felt to be due to bad weather and resultant lowered worship attendance.  Patrick will be reallocating a transaction currently shown as an expenditure in the Cross of Christ general building maintenance account into the Stone Church account to more accurately reflect payment for the security system recently installed at the Stone Church.  The Treasurer’s report as amended was unanimously approved upon motion by Ann Abraham, seconded by Denise Thompson.   

Financial Secretary’s Report:   Was made available for Council members’ review.  No action taken.

Cabinet Reports:

Education Cabinet: Sunday School took Valentines to Valley View Health Care and Valley View Manor on February 8^th. 

>  The SS Carnival is planned for February 22^nd.  Last Sunday of SS is May 3^rd: 

>  A celebration of the 50^th Anniversary of Groundbreaking for Cross of Christ is being planned as well for May 3^rd.  SS will begin with a video presentation of photos of that day.  SS children will then go outside.  We would like to request permission of Grounds Cabinet to plant a tree somewhere in the church yard.  Games will be played and a lunch will follow.

>  Good Earth Village week is planned for July 26-31.  SS will show the DVD to encourage students to attend.  DVD will be running during Carnival to encourage parents to send their children. 

>  Vacation Bible School :  August 2-6 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.  We need a coordinator for the week.  Will use theme of Discovery Canyon

>  We will begin the Book of Faith Initiative with a 7 week class on Sunday evenings at 7:00 p.m. beginning March 22 entitled: “Opening the Book of Faith”

>  Space usage and the need for 1^st floor classrooms was discussed.  These are vital to our SS and VBS because of accessibility, bathroom needs and air conditioning. 

>  SS would like to convert to using smaller lightweight tables in the classrooms upstairs.  It is believed that there are tables in other rooms that might be available. 

It was agreed the Education Cabinet and the Cross of Christ Grounds Cabinet will work together on the matter of planting a tree during the 50^th anniversary of groundbreaking celebration. 

Evangelism Cabinet:  Fifteen personal notes were sent to visitors who worshiped at Cross of Christ during early December and January.

Pastor Louise and Lynn Meyer held a cabinet meeting on Feb. 10^th to review our intentions for the upcoming year and review status of current projects. 

Pictorial Directory:  We have 104 appointments made to date with only one more Sunday left for sign-up before or after worship services.  This accounts for less than half of our congregate members.  After Feb. 15^th all church members who have not made photo appointments will need to be called so we will ask for volunteers to help in making those calls - - a time-consuming project for sure.  It behooves us to get as many members signed up as possible in order to qualify for free “activity pages” and other bonuses such as visitation brochures and ministry cards. 

Church Council Photos:  Beginning at the February 18^th Council meeting, we will be taking photos of all Council members for display on the church website and on a bulletin board in the Fellowship Hall.  The photos will be accompanied by a brief description of each cabinet’s responsibilities. 

World Day of Prayer occurs on Friday, March 6^th and will be held at the Baptist Church beginning at 1:30 pm.

Offering Envelopes have been ordered to be placed in the church pews for those who are visitors, don’t have envelopes or forgot their envelopes on a given Sunday. 

Finance Cabinet:  No report 

Personnel Cabinet:  Ann Abraham indicated their cabinet has postponed doing the annual performance reviews until after the annual meeting and change of Council leadership.  It was pointed out that the newly approved bylaws stipulate that the Personnel Cabinet reviews and evaluates the paid staff of the congregation annually.  This raises the question as to whether or not this may conflict with the position description of the senior pastor who has been conducting annual reviews of paid staff.  Pastor Lane and Ann Abraham will further review this matter.  Nancy Runningen has offered to be on the Personnel Cabinet this coming year.

Property Cabinet:   No report.  The matter of a storage building is on the agenda under Old Business.

Stewardship & Mission:  No report.

Worship & Music:  No report.  

Youth and Family.  Met Sunday, Feb. 15^th.  Denise Thompson reported on the January 31^st family ski trip saying those few who attended had a great time.

W/ELCA  President Rae Evenson reported on the February 7^th Valentines Brunch with 108 ladies in attendance and about 15 Men in Worship providing the meal.  The ladies have “do days” in February and March.  World Day of Prayer will be Friday, March 6^th, at the Baptist Church beginning at 1:30 pm. 

Old Business:

Storage shed.  It was reported that Richard Carr of Houston’s zoning office indicates a storage shed cannot be built on the boulevard or in the parking lot.  Grant Olson was told by a local plumber that the water heater in the storage area on the east side of the building is a sealed unit and not a fire hazard.  The C of C Building and C of C Grounds Property Cabinets will further review appropriate storage of the snow blower.  Pastor Lane made a motion to table the matter of a storage shed for the time being.  The motion was seconded by Denise Thompson and unanimously passed.  The matter of usage of existing building space will be an agenda item at a future Council meeting.

New Business:

Pastor Lane and Krin Berg presented a PowerPoint program which had been developed by the Executive Board to inform the Council members of their authorities, responsibilities and expectations.  The presentation touched on the need for intra-cabinet communications, budgeting and planning.  Krin encouraged Cabinet heads to invite additional members to work with them and to diversify, making an extra effort to include younger members.  She emphasized the need to set goals and described the process of establishing SMART goals:  Specific, Measureable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely.  She outlined possible goals for each cabinet. 

The Council discussed a format for soliciting cabinet membership and for setting goals.  It was decided we will hold a Cabinet Fair after services on Sunday, March 1^st, at which time Cabinet heads invite church members to work with them during the year.  On Sunday, March 15^th after worship the Council will have a workshop to include the newly added Cabinet members.  We will have lunch followed by a goal-setting workshop; probably noon – 3:00 pm.

Open Discussion:

Denise Thompson raised some concerns relating to how Cabinets are authorized to spend their budgeted funds during the year.  She will prepare her thoughts in writing for review and discussion at a future Council meeting.

Sheri Johnson called attention to how Cross of Christ is currently making payments to the Synod and will discuss with Patrick Forsyth the need to make a change.  

Calendar:  

Adjourn  The meeting adjourned at 9:32 pm.  President Krin Berg led us in the benediction.

Submitted respectfully, 

Lynn Meyer - Secretary

Next regular Council meeting is 7:30 pm on Wednesday, March  18, 2009

Cross of Christ Congregational Meeting

January 25, 2009

Council President Nancy Runningen called the meeting to order at 10:25 am.

Pastor Lane led attendees in devotions.

President Nancy Runningen indicated the Nominating Committee’s Report and the ballot of 2009 Nominees in the agenda booklet needed to be amended to include the position of Secretary with Lynn Meyer as the nominee.  Also the position described as Church Accountants needs to be referred to as the Financial Administrator and the Nominee needs to be Bluff Country Financial Services.  That concluded the changes to the agenda booklet being used to guide this meeting.

Susan Virock made a motion to approve the minutes of the January 27, 2008 Cross of Christ Congregational Meeting as written.  Krin Berg seconded the motion which was then unanimously approved.

The Senior Pastor, Associate Pastor and President’s Reports were contained in the meeting packet.  President Runningen thanked Larry Jerviss for his past years of service to the church along with those Council members whose time of service concludes at this meeting:  Jerry Knudsen, Gene Lundak and Matt Schutte.  She thanked Larry Pupp for his service as Vice President of the Council this past year as well.  She expressed her pleasure at serving as Council President for the past two years and once again wanted to encourage church members to participate in the Simply Giving program of regular automatic offerings to the church.

Patrick Forsyth representing Bluff Country Financial Services highlighted the Treasurer’s Report indicating the report shows Cross of Christ ended the year 2008 over budget by just under $5,000 and that lawn mowing and furniture/equipment costs were the primary areas over budget.  He explained, however, that if we factor in the contributions from W/ELCA and others, we actually ended the year just under budget.  Judy Williams made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s report as presented.  Darlene Paulson seconded the motion which was then unanimously approved.

Patrick continued by highlighting the Financial Secretary’s Report in behalf of Karen Todd by stating this report represents receipts coming into the church including total giving and memorials.  It also provides info on moneys within the Youth Ministries checking account.  John Campe made a motion to accept the Financial Secretary’s Report as contained in the written packet.  David Fadness seconded the motion which was then unanimously approved.

Elsie Olson highlighted her 2008 W/ELCA Report and expressed pride in the women’s accomplishments over the past year resulting in allocations totaling $11,100.00 to worthy causes both inside Cross of Christ and beyond.  Charlotte Kerrigan made a motion to accept the W/ELCA President Report prepared by Elsie Olson and the W/ELCA Treasurer Report as prepared by Dorothy Bergsgaard.  Karen Martin seconded the motion which was then unanimously approved.

Jo Amundson made a motion to accept the Stone Church Cemetery Association Financial Report as presented in the meeting agenda packet.  Gene Lundak seconded the motion which was then unanimously approved. 

President Runningen referred to the Pastoral/Congregational Statistics Report for 2008 which itemized the number of services provided at Cross of Christ such as weddings, baptisms, funerals, confirmations and the like.  Donna Bestor made a motion to accept the statistical report as presented.  The motion was seconded by Joyce Fadness and then unanimously approved.

Gene Lundak presented the report of the Property Cabinet by stating his report highlights ten of the more significant projects accomplished by this cabinet during 2008 and lists ten projects that have surfaced still in need of attention and completion.  He thanked the many volunteers who have worked behind the scenes to complete much of this cabinet’s responsibility this past year during his chairmanship.  Howard Solie made a motion to accept the Property Cabinet report as presented.  The motion was seconded by Sheri Johnson and then unanimously approved.

President Runningen referred to the amended Nominating Committee’s ballot for nominees to fill Officer, Council, Cemetery Board, Head Usher and Synod Assembly positions.  Judy Williams made a motion to accept the slate of nominees as presented by the Nominating Committee.  Jan Campe seconded the motion which was then unanimously approved.  Thereafter a motion was made by David Fadness to cast a unanimous ballot for all nominees.  Judy Williams seconded by motion which was then unanimously approved.

Those persons who volunteered to serve on the 2010 Nominating Committee are Inez Abraham, Patrick Forsyth, Nancy Runningen and Judy Williams.  Charlotte Kerrigan made a motion to accept these persons as the 2010 Nominating Committee.  Karen Martin seconded the motion which was then unanimously approved. 

OLD BUSINESS:

Lynn Meyer reported on work done by the Constitution Committee comprised of Pastor Lane, Pastor Louise, Lynn Meyer, Larry Pupp, Nancy Runningen, Lisa Skifton and Paul Solberg who, using the Model Constitution for Congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America document as their primary guide and taking into consideration our congregation and Council’s current practice as well as desired future direction, developed the proposed amendments before the congregation for approval. 

In addition to word-smithing and format changes, the more significant proposed amendments include:

• In Chapter 11 (Officers) the officers of the congregation are to be the President, Vice President and Secretary (eliminating the Treasurer position) because in practice our accounting services are being done on a paid consultant basis.  We refer to that position as the Financial Administrator which is overseen by the Finance Cabinet on the Council.
  
   

• In Chapter 12 (Congregation Council) Deacons and Trustees are eliminated on the Council and provision is made for the Council to be divided into various Cabinets which are then spelled out in the Bylaws. 
  
   

• In Chapter 13 (Congregation Committees) the Board of Education Committee and the Board of Youth Ministry Committee are eliminated and provision is made in the Bylaws for and Education Cabinet and a Youth and Family Cabinet on the Council.
  
   

• The Bylaws now spell out the specific Cabinets on the Council and their authorities and responsibilities which include in part the development and management of a budget and regular reports to the Council:  In most cases, the cabinets will each be represented by one person on the Council.  The Cabinets include:
  
  > The Executive Cabinet (President, Vice President and Secretary)
  > Education Cabinet
  > Evangelism Cabinet
  > Finance Cabinet
  > Personnel Cabinet                                                 > Stone Church Building Cabinet
  > Stewardship Cabinet                                             > Cross of Christ Building Cabinet
  > Worship Cabinet                                                    > Cross of Christ Grounds Cabinet
  > Youth and Family Cabinet
  
   

• The Bylaws now provide for the President of the W/ELCA to be a voting member on the Congregation Council.

Lynn Meyer explained these proposed amendments had been approved by the Council and all requirements had been met to notify the Members in writing prior to this meeting regarding the intent to amend the Cross of Christ Constitution and Bylaws.  If approved at this meeting, the changes will be implemented immediately and these same amendments need to be ratified without change at the Annual Meeting in 2010.  Assuming ratification next year, the approved amendments would then be sent to the Synod and become effective thereafter. 

Lynn Meyer made a motion to approve the proposed amendments to the Cross of Christ Lutheran Church Constitution and Bylaws in accordance with the edited document dated January 18, 2009.  The motion was seconded by Lisa Skifton which was then unanimously approved.

NEW BUSINESS:

Sheri Johnson presented the budget for 2009 as proposed by the Finance Cabinet.  Discussion ensued as surfaced by Richard Carr regarding concern over insufficient funding in the area of education.  Mr. Carr encouraged the Council to give greater focus to the need for bottom-up growth in our congregation which has been losing membership.  John Campe’s concern over the lack of funding built into the budget for Good Earth Village was appeased by an explanation that our W/ELCA organization donated $500 and the Council approved $1,000 to Good Earth Village this past year.  In response to a question raised by Mary Bremseth, Ms. Johnson explained that the Evangelism/Stewardship/Mission budget is partially based on a percentage of our congregation’s level of giving as recommended by the Synod.  

Jerry Knudsen made a motion to approve the 2009 budget as proposed.  The motion was seconded by Mike Berg and was then unanimously approved.

Rae Evenson called attention to the upcoming 50-year anniversary of the Cross of Christ building and suggested the Council establish a committee to organize this celebration.  Laying of the church cornerstone occurred in 1959 and the dedication service was held in August, 1960. 

Karen Martin expressed an interest on the part of several women of the church in having an opportunity to provide input to the appropriate Council Cabinet and/or committee regarding the creation of a storage building whenever that project comes up for discussion and action.

The Southeastern Minnesota Synod ELCA 2008 Ministry report was included for informational purposes and required no action.

Pastor Louise closed the meeting at 11: 25 am with a prayer and a benediction.

Respectfully submitted,

Lynn Meyer, Secretary