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The Council meets on the third Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. It oversees the ministry of the congregation and answers to the Voters Assembly. The Council consists of the congregational officers and a representative from every board. Officers for 2012 are: President: Ron Ruppel V.Pres: Dennis Gilberts, Treas: Jim Hasse, Financial Secretary: Linda Kolzow, Council Secretary: Glenda Zager .
The elders work closely with the pastor. Our elders have concern for the spiritual welfare of the congregation. For the 2012 church year they are: Ed Gunderson, John Garibaldi, Jim Donatell, Mickey Babcock, Loren Shogren, Valmer Barrows.
The Board of Trustees is in charge of the physical property of the church and all legal matters. Our trustees for the 2012 church year are: Gene Uhlenhopp, Larry Severson, Jim Linnell, Roger Zager, Bob Scharmer, Jim Beecroft, Richard Barrows, Jon Owens, Terry Gove, Gene Rhode.
The Board of Stewardship/Missions educates and encourages members of the congregation in matters of Christian stewardship and Mission opportunities. Our Board of Stewardship/Missions members for the 2012 year are: Nancy Ruppel, Bill Manowski, Sue Tews
The School Board oversees the general operation of the Preschool and Child Care. The members of the school board for the 2012 year are: Judy Scharmer, Chad Owens, Lacey Knutson, Judy Barrows
The Board of Education works with various programs including Wednesday School and Vacation Bible School. Board of Education members for the 2012 year are: Cheryl Buechner, Jessica DeMontigny, Angie Ruppel, Melody Meyer, Ann Doolittle(chairperson), Donna Shogren
The Board of Evangelism and Social Ministry seeks ways to encourage and help the congregation and individual members to share the Gospel and win people to Christ. They also seek ways to make people feel a part of the church, to get people together and also to help people in need. The members of the Board of Evanglism and Social Ministry for the 2011 year are: Sharon Froehlich, Amy Miels, Karen
Linnell, Noreen Gilberts, Jane Gove
Other Positions: Office Secretary: Judy Scharmer Librarian/Volunteer Substitute Secretary: Carol Krueger and Marlene Rye Organist: Cheryl Barrlows, Linda Kolzow, and Sandy Miller Contemporary Worship Team: Sandy Miller, Ron Ruppel, Anna Miels, Jim Donatell, and Glenda Zager Choir Director: Ron Ruppel Choir Accompanist: Sandy Miller Altar Guild Chair: Nancy Garibaldi Custodian: Sandy Brown
I. GOD'S STEWARDS ARE GOD'S STEWARDS What does this mean? God's stewards are stewards by virtue of creation and their re-creation in Holy Baptism; therefore, they belong to the Lord. What does God's Word say about this? Gen. 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Is. 43:1 But now, this is what the Lord says--he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: fear not, for I have redeemed you. I have summoned you by name; you are mine. (cf. 43:1-3a) Rom. 6:4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. (cf. 6:1-11) 2 Cor. 5:16-17 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! (cf. 5:14-17) Eph. 2:8-10 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. How is this done? As children of God through faith in Jesus Christ, and with the Holy Spirit's help, we will: • Recognize that we are made stewards by God's activity; • Respect Christian stewards for Whose they are; and, • Remind stewards that they are God's new creation each day. As children of God through faith in Jesus Christ, and with the Holy Spirit's help, we will not: • Use short-cut methods that consider stewards to be merely "donors," "clients" or "customers" or means to an end; • Neglect to name the name of the Lord who is the Source of all stewardship; or, • Present stewardship as limited to a single area of life, such as money.
II. GOD'S STEWARDS ARE MANAGERS, NOT OWNERS. What does this mean? God's stewards have been entrusted with life and life's resources and given the privilege of responsibly and joyfully managing them for Him. What does God's Word say about this? Gen. 2:15 The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. Ps. 24:1 The earth is the LORD'S, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. (cf. Ps. 89:11) 1 Chron. 29:14 But whom am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. (cf. 29:1-20) 2 Cor. 8:5 And they [Macedonian Christians] did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will. (cf. 8:1-7) Luke 12:48b From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. (cf. 12:41-48) 1 Tim. 6:17-19 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. How is this done? As children of God through faith in Jesus Christ, and with the Holy Spirit's help, we will: • Encourage proper management of all of life and life's resources for God's purposes; • Promote materials and approaches to stewards that are firmly grounded in the Owner/manager understanding of stewardship; • Encourage cheerful, firstfruit, proportionate (including but not limited to tithing) living and giving in all areas of life by Christian stewards; and, • Receive and use God's gifts with thanksgiving. As children of God through faith in Jesus Christ, and with the Holy Spirit's help, we will not: • Approach the steward as if he or she is the Owner; • Neglect to remind the steward of Who the Owner is; • Forget the Owner for the sake of the interests of the entity being represented; or, • Fail to remind Christian stewards that greater blessings call for greater responsibility to manage them according to God's purposes. From your Board of Stewardship
St. Paul Lutheran Church - Quarterly Voters’ Mtg. 1/27/13
Ron Ruppel called the meeting to order and Pastor Miels opened with a prayer. There were 33 voting members in attendance.
Pastor’s Report : One baptism coming up, 8 students attending confirmation with 4 scheduled to be confirmed on 5/5, Sunday AM Bible Study averaging about 15 people, Wednesday youth group, that meets from 6:00-8:00, is averaging 12 students and has a sliding party scheduled with Sheppard of the Valley in March and ECU service averages about 10 people each week. Pastor is working with the Cumberland Ministerial Group -- SPL scheduled for Ruby’s Pantry in Sept. and will be helping with a 5th quarter CHS activity. He is also doing some counseling and there is a Couple’s Retreat scheduled for 4/13, “Jews for Jesus” is scheduled for Palm Sunday along with, possibly, a Pontius Pilate play. The Vicar is scheduled to preach here on 2/27 and 3/13. Pastor also talked about the work that he has been doing regarding the CHS play “Inherit the Wind” and an issue concerning the Freedom from Religion Foundation in regard to the Barron County Board of Supervisors, Rev. Baoteng’s mission in Ghana, and an outreach to Amish folks. Pastor finished his report by mentioning his goals for 2013 and commenting that he and his family feel blessed to be a part of SPL.
Ron R. reported on some goal setting recently worked on at the All Boards Meeting and Judy indicated that she will print the 2013 goals set by each Board in the January Newsletter.
There was no new Membership Activity to act on and the Minutes from the November 4th Voters’ Meeting were approved as printed.
Treasurer’s Report: Jim Hasse gave a very encouraging financial report which reflected a positive balance for 2012 of $12,841. Jim also answered several questions regarding the church finances and was recognized for the excellent job that he does as Treasurer. With a motion from Judy S. and a second by Mary F. the Treasurer’s report was approved as presented.
There was no Unfinished Business so the assembly moved on to New Business.
New Business: There were four items for discussion -- two were on the agenda and two were added. The first item involved Pastor’s Parsonage Allowance. Jim H. explained that some wording in the agreement needed to be changed. A motion was made by Jim H. with a second by Ed G. to set the Parsonage Allowance at $30,000 (in lieu of a %) until Pastor asks for a change. The motion was approved. The next item was about proposed updates to the by-laws. Ron reported that based on the January Council Meeting, it has been recommended that all council and board members are to review the Constitution and by-laws and submit change considerations (updates) for discussion at the February and March Council Meetings. Based on that discussion the Council will then make some recommendations for the April and July Voters’ Meetings (changes need to be discussed at two Voters’ Meetings before action is taken). Note: Judy S. will make some copies of the Constitution and by-laws and leave them on the back table for anyone needing or wanting to review them. The third item was in regard to the Debt Reduction Program. A motion was made by Larry S. with a second by Dennis G. to use $10,000 of the $12,841 (reported above) toward the Debt Reduction Program. The motion was approved. The final item under New Business was a suggestion by Dennis G. to use dollars from the Lemke Bequest and/or the Congregational Fund to finish with the Debt Reduction Program. Dennis mentioned that this would save a substantial amount of interest and at the same time the congregation could pay the money back to the fund(s) at a pace that the budget would allow. A couple of motions were almost made but not voted on. Ron R. did then motion to withdraw the incomplete motions with a second by Nancy G. That motion was approved. A motion was then made by Dennis G. with a second by Mary F. to have the council consider the above proposal (using Lemke or Congregational Funds) and then to bring their recommendation back to the voters. The motion was approved. Jim D. then made a motion with a second by Ann Owens suggesting that the Council could call a special Voters’ Meeting to discuss and act upon the recommendations made by the Council regarding the use of money in existing funds to apply toward Debt Reduction. The motion was approved. Bill M. inquired about Thrivent Choice dollars and Jim Hasse explained that the amount fluctuates.
The meeting was adjourned with The Lord’s Prayer J. Garibaldi - acting secretary
St Paul Lutheran Church Council, February 19, 2013
Attendance: Pastor John, Jim Hasse, Roy Riebe, Ed Gunderson, Linda Kolzow, Roger Zager, Sue Tews, Amy Miels, Karen Linnell, Ann Owens, Glenda Zager. Devotion: Pastor’s Devotion was based on Luke chapter 6. Pastor’s Report: 2 baptisms scheduled with 2 more upcoming. Conducted 1 non-member funeral, many visits to home shut-ins, Confirmation progressing, conducted ECU services, letter to Advocate editor and advertising concerning high school play, related film at Theatre upcoming. Minutes of January Meeting: Accepted as read. Treasure/Financial Secretary Reports: Accepted as read. Board of Elders: *Pastor Erickson will fill in while Pastor attends convention and youth gathering. *Pastor requested absence on Oct. 25 to officiate at relative’s wedding. *Larry gave membership report. * Copies of by-laws disseminated, to be returned by March meeting. Constitution needs to be amended to coincide with new by-laws. * Concordia Plan Services states 3% of Pastor’s salary can be put toward payment in lieu of housing. *Pastor will request same summer worship schedule as last year. Board of Trustees: *Changed batteries in thermostat & downstairs school room. * Lock in pole barn keyed to church. * Jim Williams will build shelves in pole barn. * Brandon will change neon light to fluorescent, other cross and lightings discussed. Brandon will also repair kitchen light. * Replace AC in counting room. Remove AC from acolyte room. * Weather stripping needed in some doors. Board of Christian Ed: * Adopt mission project. * Stress stewardship and tithing with children. * Reviewed spring curriculum. * “Journey To Cross” for Easter with children viewing 12 stations of cross. * Youth brunch a success. Youth will assist with Lenten suppers. * Plans to meet with Faith Lutheran & Pipe Lake for Bible study. Board of Stewardship & Missions: * Will include report of annual giving in March newsletter. * Add missionaries & Bible translators to prayer list. * Contact Amy to request any assistance to youth group. * Thank you to all who donated and are donating to debt retirement. Board of Evangelism & Social Ministry: * Made changes to by-laws subject to approval. * Jews for Jesus presentation * Will aid in ticket mailing for theatre movie presentation. * Cradle roll materials ordered. Will begin immediately. * Valentines were sent. School Board: * Will discuss pay raises for staff. All Board reports approved. Unfinished and New Business: *All board to bring by-law changes to next meeting. * Reviewed status of church loan. * Roy reported on Circuit Forum Respectfully submitted, Glenda Zager, Secretary
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