Walker Church Council
February 23, 2006

Present: Jesse Watkins, Bonnie Beckel, Jim Feldman, Steve Sandberg, Sally Kuehn, Larry Nielsen, Jennifer Gahnstrom, K.C. Bretzke, Wayne Bailey, Cindy Kennedy, Paris Dunning, Al Hildenbrand, Nancy Larsen.

The minutes were approved as read.

Sally gave a report for Outreach. Outreach is short of money, so Sally proposed to cut her hours from 20 hours a week to 12 hours a week as of March 1. She is also proposing to give back some of her salary from previous months to the Outreach budget. Three grants may come in in May. In that case, Sally’s wages will be restored to their previous level.

MSP With regret we accept Sally’s proposal to cut her hours to 12 per week until such time as finances permit to restore her hours and salary.

Cindy also suggested bringing this decision to the congregation and taking a donation for the Compassion Fund.

Steve spoke for the Staff Parish Relations Committee. There was a spirited discussion of whether we want a part-time or full-time minister. The District Superintendent Liz Lopez suggested a candidate for Walker that wants to work 30 hours a week. The Committee accepted the candidate for consideration. They are readying questions to ask the candidate and thinking about how to welcome a new minister into our midst.

Paris discussed the health care amendment to the Minnesota constitution which Waker Church advocates and has taken on as a project. On March 28 there will be a rally at the State Capitol sponsored by Minnesotans for Affordable Health Care.

Larry suggested asking Chuck Lofy to lead a workshop on how Walker can best transition to a new Minister.

Larry also mentioned a proposal by Reconciling Ministry to change negative language with respect to gay and lesbians in the Book of Discipline. They are proposing that it be passed by the Annual Conference to be sent on to the General Conference.
MSP that we put Walker on the list of congregations that support the Reconciling Ministry’s proposed amendment.

In the absence of Julia Philips, Jim gave the Finance Committee’s report. Things are tight. There is $800 in the operating fund, but no cushion. The apportionments for last year have been paid, but we need to recoup funds.

Nancy gave the Celebration Committee report. During Lent we will meditate in public places that need our support as a spiritual discipline. We are thinking of City Hall, the State Capitol, police stations, schools, etc.

Sally talked about the Bible stories that they have been teaching in the Sunday School during the past month. She also discussed Mary Parker’s group of preteens and Alice’s confirmation group of Explorers.

Larry talked about the adult education class on Sunday morning which has been viewing the video “Living the Questions” and discussing it.

Wayne gave the report for the Trustees. The Gospel Concert was a success. The meditation room is to be rented out. The fire panel keeps sending out a signal to the Fire Department so that they come. Henry Schultz is ensconced at the parsonage. The flags on the building keep coming off.

The meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Larsen
Church Council Secretary