Council Meeting Minutes
Atonement Lutheran Church
Thursday February 10, 2005
7:05pm
Attendance:
Council members: Tony Houfek, Nancy Jahnke, Joe Myhre, Steve Klaers, Kay Christenson, Pastor Tim Thompson
Visitors: Bruce Jahnke, Pastor Kisten Thompson, Tom Sawyer
Synod representative: Assistant to the bishop Nancy Maeker
Pastor Tim offered a Bible verse for meditation, which was read aloud by Pastor Kisten and Joe Myhre in turn, and followed by a time of open prayer.
For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. Jeremiah 29:11
Business:
1. Exit
Interview
Nancy Maeker conducted the exit interview with Pastor Kisten Thompson, which
ended with prayer at 8:40pm.
2. Approval
of Council Minutes
Nancy Jahnke moved to accept the January Council Meeting minutes as read.
Steve Klaers seconded the motion. Motion passed.
3. Report on
FCC rent increase
President Tony reported that Pastor Paul and FCC agreed to a facility use increase
to $250 per month beginning May 1, 2005.
4. Appointment
of Tom Sawyer to Council
Council President Tony Houfek presented Tom Sawyer as his appointment to the
Council seat vacated by Nita Nelson in the position of Secretary Elect, with
Tom’s consent. The Council confirmed this appointment by unanimous vote.
5. Report on
Task Team
Steve Klaers reported on the task teams plans which include:
Weekly communication on task team activity at Sunday Services.
March 6 meeting with the congregation to solicit their input.
Meeting with congregation to discuss results prior to the May
Congregational
meeting.
6. Pastoral Coverage
President Tony asked Nancy Maeker for a clarification on the definition of a “call” and for an opinion on whether the Council has authority to increase Pastor Tim’s hours from 0.6 to 1.0 FTE.
She reported that Pastors Tim and Kisten’s letters of call were identical, separate and independent calls to Atonement, so Pastor Kisten’s resignation does not change the status of Pastor Tim’s call. She also reported that she had consulted with Bishop Rogness on the question of the Council’s authority to increase Pastor Tim’s hours. She read comments from the Bishop that this was certainly within the Council’s authority, and was common practice in such circumstances.
Nancy Jahnke moved that Atonement increase Pastor Tim Thompson’s hours of employment from 0.6 to 1.0 effective March 1, 2005. The excess in budgeted pastoral compensation for the month of March will be presented to Pastor Kisten as an honorarium. On April 1, 2005 Pastor Tim Thompson’s salary will be increased to synod guidelines as allowed by budget but will not exceed total budgeted pastoral compensation for 2005.
Joe Myhre seconded the motion.
Motion passed.
Nancy Jahnke and Cheryl Broostin will plan Pastor Kisten Thompson farewell party.
Pastor Tim will convene the nominating committee and Tom Sawyer will be the council representative on the nominating committee.
Steve Klaers closed with prayer at 9:55pm.
Meeting adjourned at 9:55
Kay Christenson, Secretary