Walker Church Council
May 25, 2006

Present: Jesse Watkins, Larry Nielsen, Jennifer Gahnstrom, K.C. Bretzke, Nancy Larsen, Al Hildenbrand, Paris Dunning, Sally Kuehn.

The minutes were approved as read.

Highlights from Walker Church Council Meeting: 
Parsonage update, rent/sell decision:  
• We have to fix it up before we either rent or sell, and we have some time thanks to a generous delayed payment loan offer from Kristine Smith. 
• If we rent, we want to rent to a nonprofit agency that will manage the property for a use consistent with our mission (and remaining free from property tax).  Larry and the Trustees are inviting Simpson Housing to look at it. 
• If we sell, remember that the proceeds can only be use for capital (building) purposes, although we may use any interest we earn on the funds for any purpose.
 
Financial status and outlook:
• We met our two matches totaling $3,000, and actually went over some!  Thanks to Tom Judge and pals for the pancake breakfast, Judge Bennett for the CD release concert, and others for their extra efforts.
• Our traditional rummage sale hit an all time high and the silent auction was also successful, leaving us in good financial shape at this time.
• Please keep up your regular gifts during the summer so that we can continue to be on budget.  Thank you.
 
Welcoming the new Pastor, Walter Lockhart:
• Pot luck luncheon his first Sunday, July 2.
• SPRC will look for volunteers to host small (6-8 person) dinner parties in their homes in July and August to help him/us get acquainted.
• “Getting to Know You” will be the theme of the annual Walker retreat September 1-3 (Labor Day weekend)

Al Hildenbrand spoke for the Trustees. The legal proposal for Kristine Smith to assume the mortgage is sitting on her lawyer’s desk being put into a contract. The fire alarm company has agreed to split the bill for the false alarms. We are responsible for $270. Saturday June 3 will be a work day. We will work on the pastor’s office. Al also talked about his experience as lay delegate at Annual Conference.

David West will emcee Larry’s roast on June 11 with KC as back-up.

We discussed ways in which to welcome Walter into our community.

Paris Dunning spoke for the Peace With Justice Committee. The legislative session ended without debating the health care amendment. Now they are looking for a new project.

Jennifer discussed the many projects she has been involved in, the new directory, the monthly Walker Talker and Building usage, which includes May Day, the silent auction, James’ play, the Southside Family School’s play, The Friend’s talent show and City Lights Ballet.

Larry summarized the past year with all its rituals and stated that the peace pole he is donating to Walker will be dedicated June 11.

Sally talked about project for Outreach and the grant writing that is going on with the help of Miriam West and Kristine Smith. Sally will work on a volunteer basis from June 1 to September 1. If a grant comes in which covers any part of the summer, Sally will receive back pay. If the grant does not cover the summer months, she will not receive back pay.

The meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,
KC Bretzke and Nancy Larsen