Cabinet Minutes
January 9, 2007
Present: Caroline and John Berger, Pastor Glenn, Mary Briggs, Katherine and Kent Eklund, Greta Gauthier, Bob and Marge Jamieson, Craig Johnson, Mary Mergenthal, Rhonda Morrison, Irene Opsahl, Ivan Swenson, Pastor Glenn and Pastor Amy.
The meeting was called to order by the president at 7:05 p.m.
The Cabinet Minutes for January were accepted.
Devotions: Pastor Glenn shared devotions, from his continuing education class today, and based on the wedding of Cana in John, chapter two. Servants are told what they are to do. What we do as people of this congregation is what is within our reach to do. These are all manageable as at the wedding when Jesus made commands. We are not asked to create miracles, but to trust what we can do, which become “the wine from heaven”.
Staff reports: Pastor Glenn is very thankful for the congregation’s support for his continuing education course about vocation and its relationship to preaching. The members of the class will all be preaching a sermon on the same Bible passage next Sunday and then will be comparing them.
He briefed the Cabinet about the ending poverty initiatives the next three Sunday evenings in which the churches of St. Anthony Park are collaborating
Pastor Amy reported that the first non-ski high school retreat will be a full week-end. Soup suppers will be important for the youth for their trip this summer. Of concern is having enough hot water for washing the dishes; Caroline B. will appoint a group to orient those who use the kitchen. Carol K. has been very helpful in recording the finances for the youth, its programs and financial supporters. An Advent Scripture passage from Isaiah was “foot printed” and is hanging in the stairway.
Commission reports:
Executive Committee Report: The foci were the budget, the Civil Discourse document, and delegates to the Synod convention.
Treasurer’s Report: There was a discussion of the budget to be presented at the annual meeting. Gifts in December were very generous.
Ivan S. made a motion that was seconded by Kent E. to set aside $20,000 in a restricted investment account for building repairs; the motion was passed unanimously.
A motion was made by Marge J. and seconded by Mary M. for a restricted account of $3,226 for the financing of pastors’ sabbaticals; the motion was passed unanimously.
Kent moved, and Ivan S. seconded a motion that the first proposed budget amounts for increased salaries for staff (music, nursery, bookkeeper, and janitor) be posted. The motion was passed unanimously.
Thanks was expressed by everyone to John for all his work as treasurer.
Education Commission: Greta G. reported that the 4th and 5th grade classes have been merged. April 15 will be the first communion. Planning for Vacation Bible School has begun.
Youth Commission: Mary B. reported that the LSS fundraiser, “Sponsor a Family” was a huge success; $3090.26 was raised, doubling what has been raised in the past.
Church and Society Commission: Irene O. presented some new and creative ideas for Souper Bowl of Caring Sunday.
Membership and Church Life Commission: A potluck meal is planned for January 28th after the second service.
Worship, Music and Arts Commission: The new hymnals are fully subscribed!
Misc. There was consensus that the synod be a co-sponsor of the “Bridges Out of Poverty” workshop to be held on April 21.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Marjorie Jamieson, Secretary