Members Present: Donna Bolstorff, Minga Elftmann, Dennis Korte, Anne Lind, Don Ojanen, Scott Seeley, Pastor John Hanson 

Members Absent: Scott Steinberg

Minga Elftmann, President, called the meeting to order.

Pastor Hanson gave devotions.

Minutes from the March 16, 2010 council meeting were reviewed. A motion to accept the minutes as written was made by Scott Seeley and seconded by Dennis Korte. The motion passed unanimously.

Dennis Korte presented the Treasurer’s report. We are $1,311.75 above budget in the giving to the general fund.

Pastor’s Report: Pastor Hanson reported on his activities this last month. Looking ahead, he will be the conference dean at the Synod Assembly this month. He will be confirming three students at the May 2nd worship service. He will be holding his morning coffee and conversation time at the Pine Cone in Marcell each Wednesday at 9:00 this summer.

Pastor Hanson questioned whether the council felt we should have a healing service on the fifth Sunday in May. After some discussion, the consensus was that we should indeed hold the healing service.

Pastor Hanson has gathered information on the Vanco Simply Giving program which can be used to allow direct deposits for regular contributions to the Church checking account from members who use it. This is no longer a free program, but Pastor Hanson will bring this up in church and information will be available to those who are interested. It was decided that the Church would cover the costs for the transactions should any member decide to use it for contributions.

The pastor also announced that May 8th will be Camp Hiawatha clean up day for those who are interested in helping.

Building Report: The Building Committee did there presentation at the April 11th congregational meeting. They also met 4/12/10 with the contractor, Dale Juntunen, and the mechanical engineer. Dennis said he will meet with Woodland Bank, the Bigfork State Bank, and the Grand Rapids State Bank, as well as Mission Investments inquiring on what we will need to get a loan and on currents interest rates that are available.

Scott Seeley said he will provide names of companies that can do the abatement that will be needed before the old church is taken down.

Pastor Hanson recommended we talk to Maurice Dobson about possible storage room for the things we will be taking out of the old church at the Baptist Church. Dennis suggested that we talk to Sandy and Archie Wass about storage space they may have available. Anne said she would inquire about this. We will also be asking for volunteers to help do the moving.

Donna Bolstorff presented some concerns from parishioners and a request for another option besides the one that was voted in at the April 11th congregational meeting. The request is as follows:

Since the Congregational Meeting on Sunday, April 11, 2010, as a Council member, I have had conversation with members about the new church structure. 

 I have been asked that the Council vote to present to the Building Committee another option in order to fulfill the three goals; and in particular two goals--of having a handicap accessible building as well as to help reduce the cost to $450,000.00 or below. This option would at least include:

 1. Continue to modify the current footprint to have a 4000 to 4200 square foot structure

There was discussion regarding the necessity to provide another option when the congregation has already approved a budget and a plan. It was felt by some that this would essentially be starting over and would certainly put off any building this year. Anne commented that if we continue to change our plans every time someone isn’t happy with the decision that the majority of the congregation votes for, we will never reach our goal to have a handicap accessible building.

Donna made the motion to ratify the congregational vote of 4/11/10 without modification. This motion was seconded by Scott Seeley. The council approved unanimously.

The council discussed possible fundraising ideas. We will encourage volunteers for fundraising- several members have already expressed interest.

Ongoing Business: Having volunteer money counters for Sunday offering seems to be going well. Minga will continue to make out the schedule.

The friendship pads are in the pews. The ushers will be instructed to collect them and get them to the pastor.

Website: We now have a Facebook page.

New Business: Minga Elftmann, Bonnie Korte, and Pastor Hanson will be attending the Synod Assembly.

There will be a Parish Council Meeting on May 5, 2010 at 7:00 P.M. at Suomi.

Highway cleanup will be May 23rd at 3:00 at Ojanen’s with a potluck to follow.

A motion to adjourn was made by Dennis K. This was seconded by Scott Seeley.

Respectfully submitted,

Anne Lind, Secretary

2.Rearrange/modify the space for our absolute needs

3.Include the canopy as planned

4.Include the soft money items except the painting and staining which members could volunteer to do

5.Have no contingency fund, but rely on the contractor to keep his word about the costs presented to the Building Committee or use the extra money in our checking account for such purposes as needed

6. If the Council thought necessary, with a two-week notice,  bring this option to the Congregation for their vote