May 10, 2006
1. Call to Order/Opening Prayer
The meeting was called to order by Council President Tom McKenna at 7:00. Tom stated that we surpassed the 46 members needed for a quorum. Pastor Hermansen opened the meeting with a prayer
2. Review of Annual Report
Tom explained the contents of the report and encouraged all members to read the report in depth. Tom reviewed the membership statistics. According to the statistics, there has been a growth in membership.
3. Review of Financial Report
Tom gave an overview of the giving. For both the general fund and the building fund giving is below what is needed.
The saving account has $180,846.20. With increased costs for staff and decreased giving, we will have to transfer money from the saving account to cover operating and building expenses.
4. Internship
Pastor Hermansen explained that the Grand Canyon Synod has asked Lord of Grace to accept Andrew Schlecth as a pastoral intern. This will be at no cost to Lord of Grace.
Lord of Grace was chosen to be an intern site because we are still considered a mission church and because Lord of Grace has strong leadership.
The duties of the intern will include helping with bible studies, preaching occasionally, and other duties as assigned. The intern will not be responsible for developing any new programs. The internship begins August 27, 2006 and will continue for twelve months.
John Reeves and Richard Krohn shared testimonials regarding Mr. Schlecth and spoke highly of his skills and commitment to his faith. The congregation approved accepting Andrew Schlecth for the 12 month internship.
5. Thanks to Outgoing Council Members
Pastor Hermansen expressed gratitude to the outgoing council members Tom McKenna, Mary Revie, and Len Mowinski. Pastor Hermansen presented gifts to each of them.
6. Nominating Committee Recommendations
Julie Salaz, chairperson of the Nominating Committee, reviewed the list of nominees for the council positions, nominating committee and Synod Assembly. Vicki Shearer was elected as president; Mike Stein was elected as Property Team Leader; Chris Pendelton was elected as Youth Team Leader and Pandora Larsen was elected as Education Team Leader. Don Lawler, Elizabeth Teager and Cappie Bennett were elected as Synod Assembly delegates. Elected members for the Nominating Committee include Nathalie Janke, Jim McCarty, Julie Salaz, Len Mowinski and Tom McKenna.
7. Constitutional Amendments
Tom McKenna reviewed the recommended changes to the Lord of Grace constitution.
Tom recommended making changes to the constitution on a bi-yearly basis in order to stay in line with the church-wide synod constitution. The constitutional amendments were approved by a vote of 72 Yes 2 No and 2 Abstain
8. Synod Assembly
Don Lawler asked for prayers as the delegates to the Synod Assembly struggles with several important issues facing the church at this time.
9. Adjournment
Stephen Simi moved to adjourn the meeting. Julie Salaz seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously