Thursday, November 10, 2005

TO:  Walker Church Council members

RE:  Minutes of October 13 meeting

prepared by Nancy Larsen

Walker Church Council Meeting Minutes, October 13, 2005

Present: Bonnie Beckel, Sara Schoen, Jim Feldman, Dianne O’Donnell, Larry Nielsen, Julia Phillips, Jesse Watkins, Steve Sandberg, Sally Kuehn, Wayne Bailey, Nancy Larsen.

Bonnie led the opening.

The minutes of the last meeting were approved as corrected.

Sara gave a report as Reconciling Congregation representative. MSP that Walker Church submit our name as supporting Out Front Minnesota and their efforts to oppose anti-gay marriage amendment.

Larry Nielsen discussed the meeting and potluck after church on Sunday November 20. Spens Morley of SAVE will lead a program about suicide awareness. Also, there will be an opportunity on Sunday December 11 to view the DVD “A Fierce Goodbye” which is also about suicide. There will be small group discussions afterward.

Larry also talked about the energy gathering retreat for Walker Church with Chuck Lofy on November 18 and 19 at Joyce Church. Julia will build a phone tree to call members about this.

Larry also discussed offering space to a United Methodist Spanish-speaking congregation that could be started. MSP that the Council write a letter to the conference expressing interest in exploring the possibility of planting a new Spanish-speaking UMC congregation at Walker.

Julia Phillips reported for the Stewardship and Finance Committee. Walker is spending more than we are taking in. She suggested the pledge drive be punctuated by speeches about why we love Walker every Sunday. Nancy volunteered to give the first one.

Wayne reported for the Trustees. They decided to deny the IMF the opportunity to give future concerts at Walker due to alcohol use. The Trustees plan to winterize the church building and repair the parsonage once it’s vacant. They will continue to discuss whether to retain the parsonage.

Sally reported for Outreach. The Kid’s Club has had good attendance. During the past month Outreach has given assistance to two homeless individuals. Grant writing is going well. After some discussion, it was agreed that Walker should start a Compassion Fund for the assistance of people in need who come to Walker for help. We talked about adopting a family for Christmas.

There was a Children’s Education Committee report from Sally. Confirmation classes are starting. Mary Parker has been meeting with the older Sunday School kids on Sunday morning before the service, but it is being moved to mid-week.

Steve Sandberg reported for the Staff-Parish Relations Committee about the questionnaire about what kind of pastor we want. About 35 questionnaires have been completed. After an evaluation of the questionnaires, the committee will present the results to the congregation for feedback.

Larry reported for the Membership Committee. There was a successful dessert party for prospective members. Four people are joining on the coming Sunday.

Sara reported about the Judicial Council and the General Conference as Reconciling Congregations representative.

Stewardship and Finance Committee reported that we cannot increase Diana’s or Jennifer’s hours due to budget constraints.

The next meeting of the Walker Church Council will be December 1 at 7:30 p.m.

The meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Larsen, Secretary