Walker Church Council
August 16, 2007

Present: K.C. Bretzke, Bonnie Beckel, Walter Lockhart, Sally Kuehn, Julia Philips, Janet Court, Wayne Bailey, Mandy Catlette, Nancy Larsen.

Bonnie led the opening.

The minutes were approved as read.

K.C. reported the planning for the church retreat is progressing well. Telling our stories is the theme. We will share the survey results at the retreat.

Julia reported that we are doing well financially. The Minnesota Conference is recalibrating the apportionments. This may be a problem for us. Walter will guide us through this process. Julia did apply for assistance for 2008, so we will be paying $5000 instead of $15000 for apportionments next year.

Julia is planning the silent auction. It was scheduled for October 13, which is the weekend of the Women & Spirituality Conference in Mankato, which several Walkernwomen are going to. She is looking at rescheduling for that reason.

Bonnie said the Peace with Justice Committee is thinking of sponsoring workshops on racism for members of Walker Church run by Quakers. There would be a initial meeting, then the committee would need a commitment from a core group of at least five or six to continue with the workshops. There could be a retreat in 2008. Julia thought a women’s camping retreat with work on racism included would be appealing. Walter thought the men’s group would be interested.

Walter reported that Carrie Feldman wants to rent the basement of the church the last weekend of August 2007 for an anarchist group she belongs to. There would a sleepover, so Walter is asking the trustees to find someone to stay in the building overnight with the group. Walter is going to grant Carrie’s request.

Walter presented a motion. It was MSP that Walker Community UMC establishes a supplemental education fund to rpovide for tutoring for K-12 students who are below grade level. Funds will be solicited from individuals and foundations to provide for this need. The pastor with consultation with the Director of Outreach will approve distribution. No administrative fee will be charged at this time.

Sally and the Walker intern Linda Warner are working on the energy challenge. We are 1/3 to 1/2 of where we want to be, said Sally. The goal is to have 100 Walker families to sign up. Members will be encouraged to join at the retreat and on Homecoming Sunday, September 9.

Sally the after school program will begin in September instead of October as in the past.

Wayne as Trustee Chair reported several completed projects. He noted the new sound system is finicky and Al Hildenbrand is monitoring that. There is a work day scheduled for October 13.

K.C. reported that all four guests of a recent Membership Committee dessert reception have joined. More receptions are planned.
The meeting was adjourned.