Walker Church Council
April 19, 2007

Present: Walter Lockhart, Wayne Bailey, Julia Philips, Bonnie Beckel, Sally Kuehn, K.C. Bretzke, Mary Parker, Nancy Larsen, Janet Court, Joe Hesla.

Bonnie opened the meeting. The minutes were approved as read.

Walter announced that seminarian Linda Warner will be our new intern 11 hours a week September 2007 through May 2008 for $233 a month. It was MSP that the Finance Committee offer her June, July, and August in addition at the same rate of $233 a month.

Wayne reported that sound equipment valued at $2400 has been stolen. It was insured, but there is a $1000 deductible. Walter has bought two new mikes and fitted a new key to the door. Wayne added that there will be a work day Saturday May 26. The church that meets in the sanctuary Sunday afternoons would like to rent Sally’s old office. Mary said she might want to move out of her present space and move into Sally’s old office. Would the afternoon church want to rent her space, she wondered?

Julia reported for the Stewardship Committee that Walker is in good shape financially due to a combination of factors: Outreach is paying rent, we are renting the parsonage, and Walter has reduced his hours. Therefore we are paying our apportionments on a monthly basis and are up to date. There was a $3050 profit on the rummage sale not including Sally’s food sales. There will be no fall rummage sale; instead there will be a warm clothing giveaway for the neighborhood.

Joe reported on the Peace with Justice project of advocating for a union for the Walker Healthcare Facility. There will be a meeting in Bishop Sally Dyck’s office next Wednesday with Lynn Starkowitz, two of her colleagues, and three people from Walker Church. Joe is pleased with the participation of Walker members.

Sally said Outreach is working on replacing James for the tree planting project, who has dropped out due to illness. She will be part of a job fair at Powderhorn Park to help fill summer positions for youth.

Wesley Church will not be closing but merging with Central Park UMC in St. Paul. Sunday May 20 will be their last service in their present incarnation. It will be a day of celebration with a free meal at noon and a community celebration at 2:00 pm. Walker members are encouraged to participate and help.

K.C. reported for the Membership Committee that there will be a dessert gathering and meeting for prospective new members at Sarah Elizabeth’s Sunday at 7 pm. New members will join on Mother’s Day.

Mary reported for the Sunday School that they will be presenting the sermon “The Whole Armor of God” on May 20. It will be a skit.

Walter reported that church will be in the park June 3, 17, July 8, 22 and August 5, and 19. He also reminded us that Gay Pride Sunday will be June 24.

The Walker Talker deadline is next Monday. The summer planning retreat is still planned for Labor Day weekend. The meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Larsen, Church Council Secretary