Congregational Special Meeting

There will be a special meeting of the voting members of Zion Lutheran Church on Sunday, July 13, following the 8:30 service.

This meeting will begin at 9:45 a.m., and will be for the sole purpose of considering a proposal from the Church Council that a contract, not to exceed $130,000.00, be entered into to install a new roof on the Zion building. No other business will be considered at this meeting.

The 9:45 a.m., Family Express worship will be held as usual for those wishing to attend.

From the Council

It is with much regret and sadness that the Zion Church Council accepts the resignation of Pastor Steve Svoboda from Zion. Pastor Steve has been an outstanding pastor, servant and advocate for Zion the past 3 1/2 years. He has fulfilled his duties as Associate Pastor with enthusiasm, dedication, commitment and will be deeply missed. Pastor Steve decided to pursue a new opportunity for professional development and growth as he will assume the lead pastor role at a small church in the Cities.

May 2008 Council Meeting

May 20, 2008

• Pastor Hahn reported on a special meeting where Synod representatives explained the process of Chapter 15, he reiterated the invitation for the Pastors and Mr. Jopp to participate in a mediation process with an outside counselor, and he read Chapter 15 and the related sections from the ELCA Model Constitution for congregations. Mr. Jopp and Mrs. Jopp spoke to the council.
• John Peterson, Dick Mattson and others approached the council regarding providing funding for preservation and restoration at the Marysville church. They were given permission to make immediate emergency repairs to the back wall as approved by the Property Committee. A special offering envelope was approved for placement in the pews at the Marysville church to help fund projects there.
• Jud Goerss reported that the General Fund has a $27,000 deficit and the FIF2 Building Fund has a $18,000 deficit.
• Pastor Steve reported on staff‟s work towards a small group / large group program to commence this fall.
• Pastor Becky reported on the end of School year programs, plans for VBS and ZDC, and a staff visit to Redeemer.
• Adult Ed reported on “Opening the Book of Faith” study and plans for other upcoming study opportunities.
• Four possible names were raised to fill the 2008-2010 position on the Personnel Committee, and closed ballots were cast.

Full minutes (pdf)

April 2008 Council Meeting

Jud Goerss noted concerning trends continue in both funds, with expenses exceeding receipts.

Pastor Sogge reported on funerals, children’s programs, and her position as Dean of the NW Conference which comprises 22 churches.

Pastor Hahn reported that he has been working extensively with the transition committee, and he thoroughly enjoyed performing his first wedding at Zion.

Pastor Svoboda reported that he has been finishing details for summer youth trips, has had 10 days representing Zion in role as military chaplain, and has attended a conference at Willow Creek in Chicago on cultural shifts.

Renegotiation of Zion’s mortgage has been completed and papers signed. KleinBankcorp preapproved a second mortgage for roof and/or parking lot expenses.

Sam Monson reported that the Transition Committee would conduct a congregational survey, prepare a list of Questions and Answers for the bulletin and on the website, and are hoping their information will be gathered and turned over to a call committee by June or July.

The semi-annual mission gift from Forward in Faith was designated to the All Kids Can Learn, Inc Zambian Orphanage Project.

Pastor Hahn is planning an effort to adjust Zion’s membership roster to account for those that are no longer active members at Zion, and especially those who have joined other churches.

Full Minutes (pdf)

March Council Meeting

Click Here for the Minutes

February Council Meeting

Minutes

January 26 Council Meeting

Meet the New Council Members

At the Annual Congregational Meeting held December 2, the congregation elected 7 new council members:

December 12 Meeting

The finance report showed that the church is currently running a surplus and we are narrowing the gap between our offering and expenses. The Building fund is running slightly (approx. $3,000) behind. The year is anticipated to end in the black.

The annual meeting was reviewed, and discussion on specific procedures will continue at the January meeting.

Personnel reported that they are in the process of creating a job description for Wedding Coordinators. The 15-20 hour financial secretary position has been advertised in the paper this week, and resumes will be accepted through Thursday, December 20.

Breakdown of compensation for the pastors was approved for 2008.

Council officers were elected for 2008:
President: Idella Ziegler
Vice President: Kirk Bengtson
Secretary: Carol Clark
Treasurer: Jud Goerss

Pastor Hahn provided a handout regarding the Transition Committee for review. Nominations for this committee will be brought to the workshop in January.

Pastor Becky reported on the Kids’ Club visit to Sunrise Assisted Living.

Pastor Steve reported on next summer’s bible camp, 40 Days of Community, and a new pew card system that will begin in January.

Annual Meeting Election

Thanks for all who took the time to attend the Annual Meeting this morning. The following were elected to serve:

Church Council 2008-2010: Dirk Foster, Dave Schmidt, Doug Schmidt, Carol Clark, Charles Krause

Church Council 2008-2009: Jud Goerss

Church Council 2008: Arnold Rude

Nominating Committee: Teresa Sorenson, Marv Jopp

Zion Foundation Trustee: Mark Olson, Scott Morin

Voting Member of MAS Assembly: Kelly Hanson, Diane Paulu, Warren Myhre

Annual Congregational Meeting

All voting members are requested to attend the Annual Meeting on Sunday, December 2, 2007, following the 10:30 service (at approximately 11:30 am).

At the November 7 Meeting

Pastor Becky reported that she is leading two Bible study groups in studying the book “The Jesus I Never Knew”. She also had the opportunity to lead worship with her god daughter at two country churches on her weekend off.

The nominating committee has a list of over 90 names

At the October 10 Meeting

The Stewardship Committee is starting a new program, the theme will be “Giving is Good for the Giver”. A letter will be sent to congregation, and there will be temple talks & bulletin inserts leading up to Consecration Sunday. The council will support the concept provided by the stewardship committee and finance a catered lunch on Nov 11th, Celebration Sunday.

40 Days of Community reported that Pastor Becky is taking the lead on this with Judy Weiss.

The Finance Committee’s recommendations to hire

At the September 19 Meeting

Pastor Hahn reported on the Kairo’s Stewardship Program. They are looking at running a 5 week program called Consecration Sunday beginning at the end of September.

40 Days of Community reported that the committees are meeting on a bi-weekly basis and are looking for more volunteers within a variety of areas.

A letter from Dirk Foster, Dave Wright, Paul Freer

At the August 8 Meeting

The council met with and accepted the candidate recommended by the Personnel Committee as Interim Pastor. The Personnel Committee will now work out the details, not to exceed the current benefits package of Pastor John Folkerds.

Kairo’s Stewardship Program reported that their first meeting was held July 25 and the next large group meeting is Aug 29

What is an interim pastor?

With Pastor John’s retirement, the Zion church council voted to hire an interim senior pastor until a new senior pastor is called. What is an “interim” pastor and how is that person’s role different than that of a “called” or “settled” pastor?

Continuing Reports on the search for a Senior Interim Pastor

First, let me thank so many of you for taking the time to give your church council meaningful input as we seek to staff Zion after Pastor John’s departure in September. Over 150 members have e-mailed, written letters, participated in phone conversations and had one-to-one visits with council members giving us your thoughts and ideas. We have carefully heard you and have given thoughtful consideration to your many suggestions.

Here is another update on the Senior Pastor Position

On Wednesday, June 20, the church council met with our bishop, Craig Johnson. He discussed with us the wisdom of appointing an interim senior pastor. After a lengthy discussion the council voted to begin the interview/hiring process for that position. The synod provided us candidates who do this as a full time calling. The personnel committee, headed by Karen Mattson, will conduct interviews during the week of June 27 thru July 3. If they find a suitable candidate that name will be forwarded to the church council. We anticipate the interim Senior Pastor to serve Zion for a number of months.

Chris Swaggert, Council President

Senior Pastor Update

The church council is now looking for your imput regarding the porcess to select a replacement. The council has approved an interim Sr Pastor position and the personnel committee is evaluating candidates. You may e-mail the church office with your comments and ideas or write a letter to the church council. All e-mails and letters will be shared with all council members and eventually with the call committee for their use as we move forward in the process to replace Pastor John.

Senior Pastor Update

June 6, 2007
Dear Zion Members,

As announced in the June newsletter the church council is planning an event next week where we will systematically gather as many thoughts and ideas as we can from all Zion members who wish to “weigh in” in the process to select Pastor John Folkerds’ replacement. We have come up with a variety of ways for you to share your ideas with the church council.