The following is an historical record of past Annual Reports for reference purposes by the congregation.

ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING MINUTES

January 31, 2010 

I.          CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by Pres. Reese at 10:15.  The opening hymn, “Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service” was sung by those gathered, accompanied by Pr. Collier.  Pr. Collier opened the meeting with a prayer.

II.        APPROVAL OF 2009 ANNUAL MEETING MINUTES

            Motion to approve the minutes of the meeting held in 2009 regarding the business of 2008.  (C Butts, S VerKuilen)

            Discussion:  none

            Action:  carried

III.       TREASURER’S REPORT

Motion to approve the treasurer’s report. (S VerKuilen, J Schuh)

            Discussion:  (led by Shelly Andrew & Ann Schoenenberger)

• Encountered major computer problems in the past few months, losing information.  Most has been recovered, with only about 6 weeks left to reconstruct. 
• 2009 had less money receipts than anticipated
• All bills were paid, but benevolence to Synod is behind.

            Action:  carried

IV.       PASTORAL REPORT

• It was a tough year losing Pr. Schaefer, but at the same time we can be happy for his decision to be with his wife
• Congregation is doing well, is strong and healthy
• Cong. this size looking for a pastor is usually looking at a pastor moving to their 2^nd call and usually stays 5-10 years.  Aside from Pr. Schaefer’s shorter stay, we have been in the normal range.
• National economy will continue to be a challenge in 2010.  Many churches are reporting giving is down 20% – 30%.  We are doing okay, but there is always room for improvement.
• Looking forward to the new year and to a new pastor

V.        ORGANIZATION REPORTS

            Individual organization reports are contained in the Annual Report packet.

            Motion to approve the organization reports as a block. (C Butts, J Schuh)

            Discussion:  none

            Action:  carried

VI.       ENDOWMENT FUND REPORT

            See report in Annual Report packet. 

VII.     ELECTIONS

1. a.     Skaalen Sunset Home:  Vonnie Hatlen accepted the nomination  (S VerKuilen, B Lawrenz)  Discussion:  none;  Action:  Carried
2. b.     South Central WI Synod Assembly June 5-6:  Pastor Collier will attend.  Dave Persons, Steve VerKuilen, and Glenace Smelcer accepted nominations.  (B Lawrenz, S Andrew) Discussion:  none;  Action:  Carried
3. c.      Board of Ushers:  Doug Soetaert accepted nomination.  (C Butts, J Schuh) Discussion:  none;  Action:  Carried
4. d.     St. John’s Endowment Fund:  Eric Peterson accepts the nomination.  (S VerKuilen, C Butts)  Discussion:  none;  Action:  Carried
5. e.     Care Closet Representative:  Steve Eager accepts the nomination.  (J Schuh, S Herman)  Discussion:  none;  Action:  Carried

VIII.    OLD BUSINESS  (none)

IX.       NEW BUSINESS

1. A.    Synod News by Carolyn Butts
   1. It is “Our Synod” not “The Synod”
   2. New church in Beloit – San Jose, with 100 people worshipping
   3. New church in Monroe – Peace Lutheran
   4. LEAD workshops Feb. 13^th at St. Luke’s in Middleton
   5. 50+ people in the Candidacy Program
   6. Largest class for Lay School so far.  Encourage people to take a class.
   7. ELCA was one of the first organizations on the ground in Haiti for earthquake relief.  St Paul is out of health kits, please consider providing supplies.
   8. Thank you for support of the Synod and the ELCA
   9. B.    2010 Budget
      1. a.     Benevolence

Motion to set rate of benevolence at 6% of receipts  (C Butts, H Krueger)

            Discussion: 

• We are instructed to give our “first fruits to the Lord.”  Take it off the top, not after bills are paid
• “worth a try for a year”
• If we are too low on funds to pay bills, we could do special appeals, or…
• Hold another meeting for discussion
• “Carolyn Butts could write an article for the Visionotes regarding benevolence activities”
• “maybe this would fire us up!”
• This could be a good point for discussion with potential pastors
• Currently we were budgeted to give $12,000/yr., which is roughly 6%

            Action:  carried

1. b.      Proposed Budget

Motion to approve the budget as presented by the council  (P Abey, A Schoenenberger)

            Discussion:  none 

            Action:  carried

  X.        OTHER BUSINESS

            A.  Sanctuary Redecorating Committee

Council would like an ad-hoc committee to investigate options and make decisions regarding completion of the sanctuary redecorating (replace pew cushions, alternatives to the curtain behind the cross).  Bob Johnson has info on the cushions, including an estimate of approximately $8,500.  Volunteers include Carolyn Butts, Sue Reese and Steve VerKuilen.

            B.  Call Committee

Steve VerKuilen provided an update on the call process.  Our profile has been submitted to the Synod.  Highlights include talents/appeal to younger families, balancing needs of more traditional components, confirmation, youth group revitalization, outgoing personality, leadership skills, and 4-15 years experience.   The call committee is working on interview questions.  The Synod is looking at several candidates the might match our needs.  The Synod only has about 9 openings at this time.   

1. C.    Computers

The computer problems included not having enough memory.  More memory has been added and we have on-site backup working daily.   

XI.       ADJOURNMENT

            Motion to adjourn at 11:07 AM  (C Butts)

XII.      CLOSING

            The meeting closed with all present reciting The Lord’s Prayer. 

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Herman