Bethany Lutheran Church

Thanks to everyone who participated in our Donuts to Dollars meetings on Sunday March 14 and Sunday April 11.  The presentations are available by clicking on the link(s) below.

Donuts to Dollars March 14 2010

Donuts to Dollars_April11_2010

Donuts to Dollars – May 2 2010

Learn more!  Join us for the Business Leaders Forum on Friday May 7.

Bethany Lutheran Church
Council Meeting
Room 210
7:00 pm   February 23, 2010

1.  Walk With Jesus

2. Meeting Call to Order and Approvals

a. January 2010 Minutes – Motion A

b. Agenda Additions?

3. Pastors’ Reports -  Pastor Ron and Pastor Ruth Ann

4. Membership Statistics – Report_BLC Measures

5. Reports

a. Financial Report - Financial Report Jan 2010 and FinChart Jan 2010

b. Budget process for 2010/11 – FinanceTaskForce recommendation 2010_11

c. Dollars to Donuts Financial Forum – Report_Donuts to Dollars

6.  President’s Topics

a. 2010 Council Objectives – Council objectives for 2010

7. Council Liaisons – Task Force Committee Program 2010

8. Mandatory constitutional changes – Motion B   Report_Constitution changes 2010

9.  Closing Prayer

_______________________________________________________

Motion A – Approve the January Council minutes.

Motion B – Approve the mandatory constitutional changes.

Bethany Lutheran Church
2009 Church Council Meeting Minutes
February 23, 2010

The regular monthly meeting of the Bethany Lutheran Church Council was held on Tuesday, February 23, 2010, at 7:05 p.m., in Room 210 with President Andy Gift presiding.  Members present included Don Abram, Derek Birznieks, Maren Diercks, Peggy Furgason, Dan George, Brenda Greenwald, Ron Guse, Joel Halvorson, Heather Kekstadt, Bill King, Kevin McAuliffe, Terry Pickett, Michelle Stone Kraus, Del Hock, Pastor Ruth Ann Loughry and Pastor Ron Glusenkamp. Becky Godec was excused. The meeting opened with a Walk With Jesus devotion by Terry Pickett at 7:06 pm. Pastor Ruth Ann opened the meeting with prayer..

Addition to Agenda: None.

Reports:

Financial Report for January-Joel Halvorson
Pastor’s Report – Pastor Ron Glusenkamp & Pastor Ruth Ann Loughry
Proposed 2010/11 Budget – Financial Task Force
BLC Metrics – Joel Halvorson & Andy Gift
Constitutional Changes – Joel Halvorson

Motions:

Motion A – A motion to approve the December Council minutes was made by Don Abram and seconded by Ron Guse. It was approved unanimously.

Motion B – A motion to approve mandatory constitutional changes was made by Don Abram and seconded by Peggy Furgason.  It was approved unanimously.

Recommendations:

1. 2010 budget proposed by Financial Task Force at $1,950,000. It will be taken to Exec Committee for consideration.
2. Council Objectives for 2010: 1) Continued alignment of staff and resources with MVG 2) Evaluation of programs with specific attention to Outreach (form ministry team), Stewardship, Worship and Youth programs and 3) Facilities improvements based on the priorities of the Facilities Team..

Action Items:

1.   Dollars to Donuts Financial Forums, dates were set and council members signed up to attend: March 14, April 11, May 2

The meeting adjourned with prayer by Pastor Ron  at 9:15 p.m.

Bethany Lutheran Church
Council Meeting   Room 210
7:00 pm   January 26, 2010

1.  Opening Prayer and Devotion

2. Meeting Call to Order and Approvals

a. December 2009 Minutes

b. Agenda Additions?

3. Reports

a. Finance Treas Report Dec 2009 and FinChart Dec 2009

b. Financial Task Force

c. Review monthly financial activities FinMgmnt schedule

d. Budget process for 2010/11 Memorandum – budget 2010_11

e. Housing allowance Report_pastors

4. Personnel

a. DH&W going forward Report_personnel_012610

b. BECC update

5.  President’s Topics

a. 2010 Council appointments Barbara Bell and Gwen Grace

b. Goals for 2010

c. Council Liaisons

d. Council meeting format – slice of life, walk with Jesus

6.  Closing Prayer

Bethany Lutheran Church
2009 Church Council Meeting Minutes
January 26, 2010

The regular monthly meeting of the Bethany Lutheran Church Council was held on Tuesday, January 26, 2010, at 7:00 p.m., in Room 210 with President Andy Gift presiding.  Members present included Don Abram, Derek Birznieks, Maren Diercks, Peggy Furgason, Dan George, Becky Godec, Brenda Greenwald, Ron Guse, Joel Halvorson, Heather Kekstadt, Bill King, Kevin McAuliffe, Terry Pickett, Michelle Stone Kraus. Excused members included Del Hock, Pastor Ruth Ann Loughry and Pastor Ron Glusenkamp. The meeting opened in prayer by Brenda Greenwald at 7:04 pm.

Addition to Agenda:

Michelle Stone Krause requested that membership turnover be added to the agenda. Brenda Greenwald updated progress on the Organist Search Committee.

Reports:

Director of Finance, Joel Halvorson – Financial report for December, Pastor’s Report (In abstentia), Personnel Issues, Budget Preparation memo for 2010/11, Consecration Sunday update, profiles for Gwen Grace and Barbara Bell.

Motions:

Motion A – A motion to approve the December Council minutes was made by Peggy Furgason and seconded by Terry Pickett. It was approved unanimously. A minor correction was made by Becky Godec as she was listed as both present and excused.  She should be excused only.

Motion B – A motion to approve the use of bequest funds to eliminate the six-month deficit for the General Fund of $69,085 was made by Ron Guse and seconded by Derek Birznieks.  It was approved unanimously.

Motion C – A motion to approve the housing allowance $36,000 for Pastor Ron and $29,000 Pastor Ruth Ann was made by Don Abram and seconded by Dan George. It was approved unanimously.

Motion D – A motion to approve the use of up to $6000 Founders Campaign Savings to fund the Director of Health & Wellness through June 30, 2010 was made by Peggy Furgason and seconded by Michelle Stone Kraus. It was approved unanimously.

Motion E – A motion to approve the appointment of Gwen Grace to the Audit Committee for three years was made by Brenda Greenwald and seconded by Ron Guse. It was approved unanimously.

Motion F – A motion to approve the appointment of Barbara Bell to the Bethany Foundation to complete the remaining term of Del Hock was made by Don Abram and seconded by Michelle Stone Kraus. It was approved unanimously.

Recommendations:

1. Joel recommended scheduling three Town Hall meetings throughout the budget setting process before the final congregational meeting and vote.   There was general agreement to have Financial Task Force set three dates. He would like to see representation from Council to the Business Leader’s Forum on February 5 as a preliminary opportunity for input.
2. Recommendations for 2010 Goals: Addressing stewardship and declines in contributions, clarification of activities happening with youth program, addressing and understanding all aspects of worship, discussing what does growth mean and how do we go about it (setting up an Outreach Ministry Team). Have discussions about sound system, chapel expansion, parking lot maintenance, front entrance enhancement.  The Executive Committee will continue the discussion regarding 2010 goals and report back to Council in February.
3. Continuing with Walk With Jesus was generally agreed on for new members and the previous member who hasn’t done it yet. Remaining months will be filled in with devotions.
4. It was recommended that the Fellowship Ministry Team report on why new members were attracted to and joined Bethany.
5. Council recommends that the membership turnover discussion be tabled until the pastors are present and able to participate in the discussion.

Action Items:

1. Don Abram has put together  Financial Task force, consisting of Terry Pickett, Ron Guse, Don Abram, and Joel Halvorson. They will review the budget, discuss current economic conditions and make recommendations for the rest of this budget year and the upcoming budget coming up for congregational approval.

The meeting adjourned with prayer by Peggy Furgason at 8:50 p.m.

Accomplishments:

• -Received $410,000 toward our year-end goal of $560,000.
• -Received total contributions to the General Fund of $1,934,000.
• -Received $355,000 toward the Founders Campaign for Debt Reduction that will help us reduce our long-term debt from $2,700,000 at the beginning of 2009 to nearly $2,100,000 in January, 2010.
• -Implemented the Founders Campaign Savings program which includes $120,000 from 2009.
• -Received gifts from two generous bequests that total nearly $350,000.
• -Reduced General Fund operating expenses by 10% from 2008 levels (or nearly $150,000 per year).
• -Several hundred members, including children, have completed their Spiritual Gifts inventory and are offering their gifts through many different ministries here at Bethany.

We rejoice in the gifts that God has provided to Bethany and each of us individually, acknowledging that it all belongs to God, now and forever.

Challenges:

• The General Fund incurred a deficit of $74,000 in 2009 due to:
  • ­-Total expenses for 2009, including operating expenses, debt service, Founders Campaign savings and benevolence commitments, totaled $2,008,000*.
  • ­-Decline in contributions to the General Fund compared to previous years.

Action Steps:

• -Leadership will begin budget development for 2010/11 starting this month.
• -Stewardship Ministry Team will increase faith formation efforts to specifically address the intersection of money, giving and the ministry of all of us as the church.
• -Take the Spiritual Gifts inventory to connect you with your individual gifts and passions for ministry at Bethany and beyond.
• -Decide today how you can contribute financially to Bethany’s ministries. No matter the amount, every person’s participation is important.

We lift our challenges to God and ask for wisdom as we steward the gifts and finances for the work of the Lord at Bethany.

(*updated January 11, 2010)

[thru December 2009]

December Results:

• General Fund giving for the month of December was $66k behind budget – $289k actual versus $355k budgeted.

• ­Disbursements (excluding capital expenditures/FC savings) for the month were $168k which was slightly higher than budgeted disbursements of $166k.

• ­Operating gain for the month was $121k versus a budgeted gain of $189k.  Including the capital expenditures, the net gain for the month was $91k compared to a budgeted gain of $161k.

• ­Total operating expenses less benevolence and principal/interest was $125k for the period versus the $114k budgeted for the month.

• ­Cash flow for the General Fund increased by $115k.

• ­Compared to last year, we received $55k less in contributions while operating expenses were $17k less than last year.  Including capital expenditures, our net gain for this December was $56k less than last year ($91k net gain in 2009 versus $147k net gain in 2008).

Fiscal year-to-date results:

• ­General Fund giving for the year is $991k which is $148k less than budget of $1,139k.

• Disbursements (excluding capital expenditures/FC savings) through December are less than budget by $21k.  Operating gain for the year is $102k versus a budgeted gain of $230k.  Including the capital expenditures/FC savings, the net loss for the year is $71k compared to a budgeted gain of $62k.

• ­Total operating expenses less benevolence and principal/interest is $116k/month (on average) for the first six months versus $116k/month budgeted.

• ­Cash flow for the year in the General Fund has decreased by $69k during the first six months of the fiscal year.

• ­ Compared to last year, our contributions are $129k less than last year and our operating expenses have decreased by $123k.  Our total expenses (including capital expenditures/FC savings) have decreased by $17k.  Our net financial position has decreased by $111k compared to last year at this same time.

Bethany Lutheran Church
Council Meeting   Room 210
7:00 pm   December 8, 2009

1.  Opening Prayer {7:00}                                                                      Pr. Ruth Ann

2. Meeting Call to Order and Approvals {7:05}                     Doug

a. October 27, 2009 Minutes*
b. Agenda Additions?

3. Reports {7:10}

a. Clergy                                                                                               Pr Ron & Pr Ruth Ann
b. Treasurer/Finance discussion                                              Kevin & Joel, FC Savings request and Bequest request
c. Looking ahead financially                                                        Doug

4. Personnel {7:44}

a. DH&W going forward                                                                 Pr. Ron
b. Organist search committee                                                     Doug
c. Kathy’s emerita benefits                                                           Doug

5.  President’s Topics {8:01}

a. Nominating committee representatives*                         Doug
b. Reflections on 2009                                                                  All
c. Closing comments                                                                       Doug

6.  Closing Prayer {8:13}                                                                    Pr. Ron

Bethany Lutheran Church
2009 Church Council Meeting Minutes
December 8 2009

The regular monthly meeting of the Bethany Lutheran Church Council was held on Tuesday, December 8, 2009, at 7:00 p.m., in Room 210 with President Doug Aldrich presiding.  Members present included Peggy Furgason, Kevin Dempsey, Don Abram, Deb Bayles, Sherri Koelbel, Heather Kekstadt, Bill King, Michelle Stone Kraus, Karen Witt, Pastor Ron Glusenkamp, Pastor Ruth Ann Loughry.  Andy Gift and Becky Godec were excused. The meeting opened in prayer at 7:00pm.

Reports: Pastors Ron and Ruth Ann (clergy reports), Treasurer Kevin Dempsey (Treasurers Report), Director of Finance and Administration Joel Halvorson (Council reports: Candidate for Director of Health & Wellness, Consecration Sunday update, Use of Founders Campaign Savings for Rit Vogel, Use of Bequest Funds for Required Wireless Microphone Change in Sanctuary).

Motions:

1. A motion to approve the Council meeting minutes from November 24 was made by Sherri Koelbel.  Minutes were approved unanimously.
2. A motion to approve use of up to $7,000 of bequest funds for the required wireless change in the Sanctuary was made by Sherri Koelbel.  Approved unanimously.
3. A motion to approve the use of Founders Campaign savings for 10 hours per week for Rit Vogel from Jan 1 – Jun 30 2010 was made by Deb Bayles.  Approved unanimously.
4. A motion to appoint Karen Witt and Kevin Dempsey as Council representatives to the Nominating Committee was made by Sherri Koelbel.  Approved unanimously.

Recommendations:

None.

Action Items:

1. Bill King requested that Council help recruit Sunday morning ushers.
2. Michelle Stone Kraus recommended that Council review the Mission Trip booklet from 2009 if they have not already done so.

The meeting adjourned with prayer at 9:00 p.m.

Bethany Lutheran Church
2009 Church Council Meeting Minutes
December 8 2009

The 2010 Council convened immediately after the 2009 Council meeting was adjourned.  The out-going Council members were excused.  These members included Sherri Koelbel, Karen Witt, Deb Bayles, and Kevin Dempsey. Doug Aldrich remained as President of the Council meeting.

Motions:

1. Nominations for President: Andy Gift. Del Hock made a motion that the nominations be closed. Peggy Furgason seconded the motion. Unanimous vote for Andy Gift.
2. Nominations for Vice-President: Peggy Furgason. Ron Guse made a motion that nominations be closed. Don Abrams seconded the motion. Unanimous vote for Peggy Furgason
3. Nominations for Treasurer: Terry Pickett and Don Abram.  Del Hock made a motion that nominations be closed. Heather Kedstadt seconded the motion. By secret ballot Don Abram was elected Treasurer.
4. Nominations for Secretary: Heather Kedstadt,  Ron Guse made a motion that nominations be closed. Don Abram seconded the motion.  Unanimous vote for Heather Kedstadt.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m.

Bethany Lutheran Church
Council Meeting
Room 210
7:00 pm   November 24, 2009

1.  Opening Prayer {7:00} – Pr. Ron

2.  Walk With Jesus {7:02} – Becky

3.  Guest Speaker {7:12} Stephen Ministry – Leslie Schopp

4.  Meeting Call to Order and Approvals {7:30} – Doug

a. October 27, 2009 Minutes*

b. Agenda Additions?

5. Reports {7:32}:

a. Clergy - Pastor Ron & Pastor Ruth Ann

b. Treasurer/Finance discussion – Kevin & Joel Treasurer report Nov 2009 and Financial Chart and Financial Discussion

c. Brokerage Account approval* – Joel Report

d. Housing Allowance approval – Joel Report

d. Congregation Meeting – Andy

6.  Schedules for December and January{7:55} – Peggy

7.  President’s Topics {8:00} – Doug

8.  Personnel {8:25} – Pr. Ron

a. DH&W going forward

b. Organist Committee

c. Performance Evaluation – Joel Report

6.  Closing Prayer {8:59} – Pr. Ruth Ann

Church Council Meeting
Bethany Lutheran Church
November 24, 2009

Present: Pastor Ron Glusenkamp, Pastor Ruth Ann Loughry, Doug Aldrich, Kevin Dempsey,Peggy Furgason Andy Gift ,Heather Kekstadt, Joel Halvorson, Kevin McAuliffe, Karen Witt, Becky Godec,  Deb Bayles, Terry Pickett,  Don Abram, Sherri Koelbel

Excused: Bill King, Michelle Stone Kraus

Reports:

Clergy reports – Pastor Ron Glusenkamp and Pastor Ruth Ann Loughry
Treasurer report – Joel Halvorson and Kevin Dempsey
Financial Discussion report – Joel Halvorson
Brokerage Account – Joel Halvorson
Housing Allowance – Joel Halvorson
Performance Evaluation – Joel Halvorson

Approved Motions:

October minutes corrected to include Terry Pickett as being present.  Motion to approve the October minutes as corrected by Sherri Koelbel and seconded by Peggy Furgason.  Approved unanimously.

Motion to approve housing allowance for Pastor Ruth Ann Loughry by Andy Gift. Seconded by Karen Witt. Approved unanimously.

Motion to approve additional brokerage account with A.G. Financial Services. Inc. by Don Abram.  Seconded by Heather Kekstadt. Approved unanimously.  Andy Gift abstained from the vote.

Action Items:

The annual Council workshop will be held on Saturday, January 16, 2010.

Pastor Ron requested discussion and guidance regarding the Clergy Report.

Maren Dierks to provide information for the December meeting regarding the request to provide housing facilities for the Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) program starting in January 2010.  Karen Witt will work with Maren to understand the Cherry Hills Village municipal code.

Adjourned at 9:29 p.m.

Bethany Lutheran Church
Council Meeting
Room 210
7:00 pm   October 29, 2009

1. Opening Prayer {7:00} – Pr. Ruth Ann

2.  Walk With Jesus {deferred until November}

3. Meeting Call to Order and Approvals {7:02} – Doug

a. September 22, 2009 Minutes*
b. Agenda Additions?

4. Reports {7:03}:

a. Clergy – Pr. Ron & Pr. Ruth Ann
b. Treasurer - Treas Report Sept 2009 and FinChart Oct 2009
c. Congregation Meeting – Andy

5. Discussions and Recommendations {7:29}

a. Special Guest Review – Paul Hill Vibrant Faith

6.  Closing Prayer {8:59} – Pr. Ron

Bethany Lutheran Church
Church Council Meeting Minutes
October 29, 2009

The regular monthly meeting of the Bethany Lutheran Church Council was held on Tuesday, October 27, 2009, at 7:00 p.m., in conference room 208, with President Doug Aldrich serving as President and Secretary Peggy Furgason, Vice President Andy Gift,  Other Council members present: Don Abram, Deb Bayles, Sherri Koelbel, Becky Godec, Heather Kekstadt, Bill King, Michelle Stone Kraus, Karen Witt and Terry Pickett.  Pastor Ron Glusenkamp, Pastor Ruth Ann Loughry.

Excused Members:  Director of Finance and Administration Joel Halvorson,  Treasurer Kevin Dempsey,  Maren Diercks.

The minutes for September were approved.

Reports:

Treasurer’s Report (attached)

Congregational Meeting Report, Andy Gift

Facility Report, Terry Pickett (attached)

Vibrant Faith Ministries Report by the Executive Director, Rev. Dr. Paul Hill

Motions:

Approve Council minutes for September 22, 2009.  (Moved by Michelle Stone Kraus, Seconded by Don Abram.).   The Motion approved unanimously.

Approve the Facility Team Report to allocate $10,800. from the Founder’s Fund to repair and replace the roof in the Church’s Administrative offices. (Moved by Sherri Koelbel, Seconded by Deb Bayles) The Motion was approved unanimously.

Discussion and Recommendations:

Council recommended that the Executive Committee develop the format for the Congregational meeting on November 15, 2009

Presentation by Vibrant Faith Ministries Coach, Dr. Paul Hill. A time for conversation and reflection on “What is God in Christ calling us to do in this time in this place? “.

Action Items:

Executive Committee will develop the format for the November 15, 2009 Congregational Meeting.

The meeting adjourned with prayer at  9:05.

The following information was provided at the Annual Meeting on November 15 2009:

Agenda

Senior Pastors Report

Foundation Report

The True Treasure of the Church by Pastor Ronald T.  Glusenkamp, Senior Pastor

I Love to Tell the Story by Pastor Ruth Ann Loughry, Associate Pastor

Sharing & Caring by Caitlin Trussell, Pastoral Intern

Finance & Administration by Joel Halvorson

Faith Formation by Pastor Ruth Ann Loughry

Christian Education by Rit Vogel, Minister of Faith Formation for Children’s Education

Family Ministry by Joni Grundman, Minister of Faith Formation Family Ministry

Youth Ministry by Kevin Dragseth, Minister of Faith Formation with Youth

Adult Learning Team – Growing through Learning by Mark Lacy, Adult Learning Team Leader

Music at Bethany by Dan Grace, Chancel Choir Director

Nurturing and Caring for Children at BECC by Mary Lloyd, Director

A Year of Challenges and Commitments by Doug Aldrich, Council President

Treasurers Report by Kevin Dempsey, Treasurer

Bethany Lutheran Church Foundation by Don Filegar

The Fellowship Team by Deb Bayles

Worship Music Ministry Team

Global Mission Task Force

Health and Wellness Cabinet by David Laverty

Caring Ministries by Pastor Ruth Ann Loughry

XYZ (Xtra Years of Zip) by Michelle Stone Kraus

Benevolence Task Force by Cathy Evans

Bethany Women’s Ministries by Carole Cameron, President

Property Report by Joel Halvorson

Stewardship Ministry Team by Ron Bruggeman

Audit Committee by Jeff Finnin

Founders Campaign by Joel Halvorson

Book of Faith Resolution

The annual meeting of Bethany Lutheran Church and the Bethany Lutheran Church Foundation was held at noon on Sunday, November 15 in the Great Hall.  The agenda included the election of Council members, Foundation Board members, BECC Board members, Nominating Committee members and the Bethany representatives to the Rocky Mountain Synod Assembly in 2010 with the following outcome:

New members of the Council: Derek Birznieks, Dan George, Brenda Greenwald, Ron Gusé, Del Hock

New members of the Foundation: Matt Christian, Terry Jeddeloh, Beth Walker

New members of the Nominating Committee: David Sather, George Sverdrup

Synod Assembly Represenatives: David Furgason, David Scott, Jean Scott, Helen Marquardt

New members of the BECC Board: Judi Burchfield, Bill Moeller

Thank you to everyone who agreed to be on the ballot.

Read the agenda and reports from the meeting.

Read the Annual Report online.

Bethany Lutheran Church
Council Meeting
Room 210
7:00 pm   September 22, 2009

1.  Opening Prayer - Pastor Ruth Ann

2.  Walk With Jesus – Kevin M.

3. Meeting Call to Order and Approvals - Doug

a. August 25, 2009 Minutes
b. Agenda Additions?

4. Reports:

a.  Stewardship – Ron Bruggeman  Report
b.  Audit – Jeff Finnin Management Letter and Financial Statements
c.  Clergy – Pastor Ron and Pastor Ruth Ann Pastor Rons report and Pastoral Ruth Ann’s report
d.  Finance/Administration Director – Joel  DFA report 091809
e.  Treasurer – Kevin  Treas Report 091809
f.   Breakout Sessions – Peggy, Kevin and Doug Breakout summary

5. Discussions and Recommendations

a. Council Report Template – Kevin   BLC Council Report Template V092809
b. Council and EC Minutes Template – Doug

6. President’s Items

a. Term Limits for Ministry Teams – Doug

7. Other – Pastor Ron  Book of Faith Resolution

8.  Closing Prayer - Pastor Ron

___________________________________________________________________________________

Bethany Lutheran Church
Church Council Meeting Minutes
September 22, 2009

The regular monthly meeting of the Bethany Lutheran Church Council was held on Tuesday, September 22, 2009, at 7:05 p.m. in conference room 210.  Attending officers were Doug Aldrich (president and presiding), Andy Gift (vice president), and Peggy Furgason (secretary).  Other Council members present were Don Abram, Deb Bayles, Maren Diercks, Becky Godec, Heather Kekstadt, Bill King, Michelle Stone Kraus and Karen Witt.  Clergy and staff were Pastor Ron Glusenkamp, Pastor Ruth Ann Loughry and Joel Halvorson (director of finance/administration). Excused were Kevin Dempsey (treasurer), Terry Pickett and Sherri Koelbel.

Reports:

Joel Halvorson on behalf of Ron Bruggeman on Stewardship (attached);

Pastor Ruth Ann to Council (attached);

Pastor Ron to Council (attached);

Worship&Music Ministry Team on organist characteristics (attached);

Jeff Finnin on BLC Audit (attached);

Joel Halvorson for F/A Director (attached);

Kevin Dempsey & Joel Halvorson for Treasurer (attached).

Motions:

Approve Council minutes for August 25, 2009.  {Moved by Don Abrahm , Seconded Bill King}.  The motion was approved unanimously.

Approve the continuing education requests for Pastor Ron, Pastor Ruth Ann and Kevin   to be funded by the Stenstrom Bequest. {Moved Peggy Furgason, Seconded Andy Gift}. The motion was approved unanimously.

Adopt the Book of Faith Resolution.  {Moved, Peggy Furgason, Seconded Michelle Stone Kraus}  The motion was approved unanimously.

Discussions and Recommendations:

Council recommended that the Executive Committee consider a policy about continuing education requests to provide guidelines and/or restrictions to be considered important issues for any future education requests.

Council recommended that the Communications Task Force review a Council Corner column in the Beacon as Council streamlines minute-taking procedures with the Robert’s Rule of Order.

Council recommended that Doug Aldrich and Jeff Finnin coordinate with the Foundation to align auditing procedures for both the Foundation and Council to be handled by one accounting firm.

Council recommends that the Executive Committee discuss the continuing financial challenge for the General Fund and ways to support Council’s discussion in November regarding this subject.

Council was given reports of the three breakout sessions at the August Council meeting and the overall summary prepared by the three recorders.  This is work in progress.

Doug recommended to Council that we continue to be intentional about getting more people involved with ministry teams and plan for appropriate turnover to ensure we have a consistent flow of new energy and ideas.

Council recommends the use of the standard report format that was prepared and circulated by Kevin Dempsey.  The format is important.  Use of Powerpoint or any other software is not important.

Action Items

Doug Aldrich and Jeff Finnin will meet with the Foundation chair to discuss audit procedures and alignment for one accounting firm to handle both audits. {11/15}

Each Council member should review/critique the summaries of the breakout sessions and communicate to Kevin, Peggy and Doug possible actions for them to develop and report to Council.  {10/16}

The form for Bethany members to self-nominate for the Organist Search Committee will be available and distributed at Chancel Choir and the Hospitality Desk.  Information will also be made available in the weekly church bulletin. {9/30}

Each Council member should sign up for a time to volunteer on Consecration Sunday, November 1.  A signup form was circulated.

The meeting adjourned with prayer at 9:15 pm.

Bethany Lutheran Church
Council Meeting
Room 210
August 25, 2009

Click on link(s) next to agenda item to view reports

1. Opening Prayer {7:00} Pr. Ron

2.  Walk With Jesus {7:02} Bill King

3. Meeting Call to Order and Approvals {7:12} Doug
a. July 21, 2009 Minutes
b. Agenda Additions

4. EC Report: Health and Wellness Director {7:16}   Andy Gift (oral report)

5. Pastors Reports {7:30} Pastor Ron and Pastor Ruth Ann

6.  Finance Report {7:45} Kevin & Joel
a. July, 2009 Results Treasurer report 082009
b. Bequest Spending Plan (see motion in minutes)

6. Worship and Music Report {7:55}    Pr. Ron, Pr. Ruth Ann Worship_Music report (provided subsequently to Council)

7. President’s Items {8:10} Doug

a. Breakout Session All
“How are We Doing, Where are We Going?”  – Thoughts and feedback

8.  Closing Prayer {9:00} Pr. Ruth Ann

___________________________________________________________________________________

Bethany Lutheran Church
Church Council Meeting Minutes
August 25, 2009

The regular monthly meeting of the Bethany Lutheran Church Council was held on Tuesday, August 25, 2009, at 7:00 p.m., in Room 210, with Council President Doug Aldrich serving as the chair and Secretary Peggy Furgason, Treasurer Kevin Dempsey, Pastor Ron Glusenkamp, Pastor Ruth Ann Loughry, Intern Caitlin Trussell, Director of Finance and Administration Joel Halvorson, and Council members Karen Witt, Bill King, Sherri Koelbel, Andy Gift, Maren Diercks, Becky Godec, Kevin McAuliffe, Michelle Stone Kraus, Terry Pickett, Deb Bayles and Heather Kekstadt being present. The minutes of the July meeting were approved as written.

Reports: Pastor Ron (Report to August 2009 Council attached), Pastor Ruth Ann (Report to Council attached), Kevin Dempsey and Joel Halvorson (Treasurers Report attached). Oral reports were given by Sherri Koelbel, chair of the Communications Task Force, and Andy Gift, for the Nominating Committee.  Andy also gave an oral report from the Executive Committee regarding the position of Health and Wellness Director.

Motions: A motion was made by Deb Bayles to use $71,000 of the $100,000 received from the bequest, as a September pre-payment for debt reduction with the remaining $29,000 placed in a reserve account. The motion was seconded by Sherri Koelbel. The motion was approved with one negative vote.

Recommendations: None

Action Items: None

Council members went into breakout sessions at 8:30 p.m.