September
2008 Newsletter
From the Pastor’s Desk:
In listening to the discussions and suggestions regarding the gift from Eleanor Nelson, the following concerns arose:
1. In matters of distributing money, the potential is strong for turf wars and tug-of-war between members and groups within the church over where the money should go. This is particularly true when strong opinions exist, and it appears that strong opinions do exist at Salem. This situation can result in either adversarial negotiations and/or win-lose results, neither of which is good for our congregation.
2. When a large amount of money is available and undesignated, the tendency/temptation to spend it is strong. In other words, it is very easy to spend someone else’s money. There are enough worthwhile projects and concerns that we could spend the entire amount today, in which case the gift would be used up without proper care and regard for the future.
3. On the other hand, the practice of banking the money as a safety net for possible needs down the road and using only the interest to strengthen the congregation wastes an opportunity to position Salem to be a growing and vibrant force in the community. I can give you plenty of examples of churches that have made this mistake and are dying or dead congregations despite being on sound financial footing.
In order to address the above concerns, the following proposal was adopted by the council:
1. To be faithful to the Biblical teaching on giving, and to set a proper and consistent example to all church members, a portion of what we have been given should be, in turn, given to others. (The church council has decided to tithe the amount of the gift (10%) and has designated the Social Ministries Committee to make recommendations to council as to where the gift(s) will go.)
2. The rest of the Eleanor Nelson gift is to be turned over to the Endowment Committee to be managed and invested.
3. The interest earned by the Eleanor Nelson gift is to be distributed according to Endowment Committee guidelines, for as long as there is a principle.
4. The entire principle is to be available for use as matching funds for any project approved by the church council, with these restrictions:
a) the money is not to be used for any general budget items
b) the money is to be used only to match money already raised for council-approved projects (congregation-approved as well, in the case of large projects). For example, if the council approves a new roof at a cost of $50,000, there would be $25,000 available from the gift, providing the congregation raised $25,000. If the council approved worship service equipment costing $4,000, there would be $2,000 available from the gift, providing $2,000 was contributed by congregation members.
c) the exception to this would be money-saving, energy-efficient expenditures. The cost of these projects (doors, water heater, ac, etc.) could be paid for entirely from the Eleanor Nelson gift. That money could then be paid back to the fund from the documented savings that result from the expenditure, until the entire amount is restored.
This proposal remedies the three concerns cited above:
1. It eliminates arguments over how much should go to the Endowment Fund and how much to be made available to the congregation for immediate use.
2. It eliminates the possibility of spending sprees and the problems that come with spending other peoples’ money. No money is spent without a commitment that the congregation will contribute in kind. The congregation must believe in the project strongly enough that it is willing to sacrifice in order to achieve it.
3. It reduces any incentive to hoard money. The proposal doubles the Nelson gift from $150,000 to $300,000, not even counting the interest earned on that money while it is managed by the Endowment Committee. I don’t know of an investment professional anywhere in the world that can promise that kind of a return.
The congregation will be given a chance to reflect on this action at a congregational meeting on September 14.
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
September 14, 2008
There are several items to be discussed
Following the Worship Service
Salem Lutheran Church Minutes
August 14, 2008
The meeting was called to order by President Chuck Taylor, with the following members in attendance: Chuck Eilers, Rayma Frank, Jodi Hitz, Gary Kessler, Mike Linch, Dennis Nardy and Sherri Nissen. Also in attendance were: Flossie Roberts, John Schlaht, Warren Woods, Pastor Nate and Margaret Kneedler. Arlan Biere attended to give an update from the Property Committee.
M/S/C by Warren Woods and Chuck Eilers to approve the June minutes.
Correspondence: none at this time.
Pastor’s Report
a) July attendance averaged 100; this is first time in ten years that is has been that high.
Treasurer’s Report was given by Mike Linch.
a) Finances are looking good at this time, showing a positive balance.
b) The Eleanor Nelson Memorial will be added under memorial funds for bookkeeping
purposes.
c) Ray Hanson, Virginia Jackson and Donald Swanson Memorials have been moved
to a Money Market Account.
d) $32.00 deficit for the Compassion Child. We will ask Christian Education for the
youth to cover that expense from their fund.
M/S/C by Gary Kessler and Flossie Roberts to approve treasurer’s report.
Old Business:
a) Old financial records will be taken care of by the Finance Committee.
New Business:
a) $ 4,600 has been withheld from the contractor for unsatisfactory work in the
sanctuary. And some outside work has not been completed. There will be
approximately $ 10,000 from insurance for hail damage to the roof. The Property
Committee is looking into various options as to how to repair/redo the roof. They
are seeking bids for a pitched roof.
M/S/C by Warren Woods and John Schlaht to allow President Chuck Taylor and Arlan Biere to settle with the contractor and research roofing bids to bring to the Congregation meeting set for September 14, 2008.
b) Long Range Committee; Council has suggested having a committee for the planning
and future of the church. This committee would meet during the remainder of the
2008 year and through 2009. They will address the needs of the church such as:
property, inheritance, etc. Council members Warren Woods and Flossie Roberts and
treasurer, Mike Linch, have volunteered to be on the committee. The executive
committee call other suggested members. If anyone else would like to volunteer, and
you have not been called, leave your name in the church office.
c) Inheritance money; total of $ 150,000 from Eleanor Nelson. Pastor presented a
letter outlining discussion and suggestions for the money. (Ask to see a copy in the
church office or a copy will be presented at the September 14th Congregational
meeting, 10% should go to Social Ministry and a percentage to benevolence.
M/S/C by Warren Woods and John Schlaht
M/S/C by Warren Woods and Rayma Frank to approve Pastor’s letter with the following change to part C. The cost of these projects (doors, water heater, AC, etc.) would be paid for entirely from the Eleanor Nelson gift. That money would possibly then be paid back to the fund from the documented savings that result from expenditure, until the entire amount is restored.
d) Church mugs were printed with the incorrect address. The company has replaced
them at no charge, but does not want the mugs returned. The mugs will be offered
to members at no charge.
e) Flossie Roberts has offered to put the entire old photo collection into an album and
label them with Breta Kinkade’s help.
f) Suggestions: If a committee is cleaning and organizing items in the church, notify the
council representative, so a report can be given to the council. This will allow
members to be notified where things have been placed.
g) The public library would like to use the Fellowship Hall during Balloon Days for their
annual book sale.
M/S/C by Gary Kessler and Sherri Nissen to allow the library to use the Fellowship Hall September 19, 20 and 21 for a book sale at no charge.
Committee reports were presented:
a) Christian Education
* Bible School was a success—averaged between 72-100 children
*The kids who attended Bible camp had a wonderful time.
*There will be eight youth in Confirmation this year.
*Sunday School Kick Off with registration, Meet Your Teachers and activities will
be held Wednesday, September 3rd beginning at 6:30 p.m. Postcards will be sent.
*Rally Sunday and Third graders receiving Bibles is September 7th with a potluck
*Next meeting is September 9th at 4:30 p.m.
b) Evangelism: Pastor presented a letter to send to local and out of town inactive
members.
c) Social Ministry: The food box has been filled on Sundays and taken to the Food
Pantry. They are contacting Open Table for a date. Next meeting is September 2nd
at 6:30 p.m.
d) Church Property: see new business
e) Worship & Music
*Last Wednesday evening service will be held on August 27th
*August 31st we will begin the fall schedule
*Rally Sunday service will be held inside
f) Stewardship: Pastor presented a letter to send to local and out of town inactive
members.
g) Finance: Will go through old financial records at their meeting in September
M/S/C by Flossie Roberts and Chuck Eilers to adjourn the meeting.
The next council meeting will be September 11th at 6:30 p.m. Opening devotions will be led by Jodi Hitz. The meeting adjourned and closed with the Lord’s Prayer.
Respectfully submitted:
Sherri Nissen, Council Secretary
Education Opportunities at Salem
Adult Education:
As in the past, adult education will meet the first three Sundays of the month, at 9:00 a.m.
For September, the topic will be: Church Education.
I invite everyone interested in passing on the faith to the next generations to explore the ways we have gone about the task of teaching our young what God and faith is all about, and how we can continue to do this in the future.
9/7 Passing on the Faith: How Does it Work?
9/14 The History of Passing on the Faith. Stories and remembrances of how it was done.
9/21 The Future of Passing on the Faith. What is Sunday School going to look like in the
21st century.
Confirmation
Confirmation will kick off with a meeting on Wed., September 10, at 6:30. This meeting is for all 7th & 8th graders who would like to be involved in confirmation this year AND THEIR PARENTS. Confirmation is meant to be a challenging, thought-provoking experience in which young people get an in-depth look at what the spiritual and religious world is all about, learn the basics of the Christian faith (Lutheran style), and learn to answer for themselves Jesus’ question: Who do you say that I am?
Choir practice begins on Wednesday, September 3rd, beginning at 7:00 p.m.
SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS
09/05 Alan Shaffer 09/19 Gwen Buck 09/26 Jacob Cook
09/13 Rayma Frank Emily Schroeder Jacob Riley
Linda Hulquist 09/21 Pat Grumley Khy Sherrod
Don Mosman Jannene Jorgensen 09/27 Charles Eilers
Lacey Richardson 09/22 Lola Strauser 09/28 Annette Boswell
09/16 Carolyn Kessler 09/24 Carolyn Biere 09/29 Payton Burg
Rodney Mahn Bill Bjorn
09/17 Travis Henry Bev Butler
SEPTEMBER ANNIVERSARIES
09/05 Tim & Rayma Frank
09/05 Paul & Pat Grumley
09/16 Randy & Joni Cook
09/26 Mike & Emily Miller
09/26 Terry & Sherry Taylor
09/27 Kirk & Ann Levine
09/29 Gail & Roxie Peterson
Ella Groff, Marge Hanson, Janice Peterson, Willard Peterson and Helen Schadde. We ask God to send his Holy Spirit to comfort and strengthen these individuals.
Pfc Emily Cruse Pfc. Matthew Cruse, Major David Cruse, Sgt. Aaron Cunningham, Chief Msgt. David Groff, MGY Sgt. Mark Kinkade, Str. Airman Travis Mathis, SN Tony McNaught, SWCN Beth McNaught., SRA Zacary Sedlmayr, Col. Vic Wager III, Joseph Woodcock-We ask God to lead our young men and women who are protecting our country and serving in the Middle East. Please keep our servicepersons and the families of our military in your prayers.
Pastor Aaseng is authoring for “Working Preacher”
Pastor Nate has been writing a monthly column that offers pastoral and personal insights on the craft, opportunities and challenges of the preaching task. Working Preacher.org brings together lectionary commentary with a wide range of reflective and engaging articles on preaching.
Pastor Nate worked for 20 years as a freelance author and has more than 170 published books, nonfiction, fiction, sacred and secular for readers from age eight to adult.
The Rev. Mary Borwn of the Center for Biblical Preaching says pastor was invited to serve as columnist because of his keen writing style and gifts in preaching and pastoral collegiality.
Attention Quilters
Quilting will begin on September 2nd with a potluck starring at 12:30. Drinks and table service will be provided. Let’s begin this year with a good turn-out. Encourage someone to come and be your guest. There’s always plenty of food.
Crop Walk
Even though it’s a month away, please mark your calendar for Sunday, October 5th to participate in the annual CROP Walk for World Hunger. As always, 25% of what is raised on the walk will stay in Union County to help needy individual and families in our area. The Ministerial Alliance distributes the money to individuals in need of food. Each person’s request is evaluated and, if accepted, the money from CROP is used to put the food on the table of that family. We need walkers and those willing to pledge those walkers. Beginning, Sunday, September 14th Pastor Nate and Lynne Schlaht will have pledge envelopes ready for those who wish to take either the 2, 4, or 6 mile hike. Remember, if you can’t walk on October 5th you may still collect pledges and walk on a different day. ALL ENVELOPES that are checked out must be returned to either Pastor or Lynne.
Registration for the Walk begins at 2:30 p.m. on October 5th and the Walk begins at 3 p.m. at the shelter house west of the YMCA. In case of rain, the Walk will be held on the YMCA walking track. Healthy snacks will be provided before and after the Walk.
On Monday, September 29th, between the hours of 5 and 7:30 p.m. the Pizza Ranch of Creston will donate 15% of their buffet receipts and ALL THE TIPS to CROP. Plan to take your family out for pizza that evening!
Salem always has a great turnout of walkers and pledges. Let’s keep up the good work!
Endowment Committee
Salem Lutheran Church Endowment Fund Governing Board has arranged to meet with Greg Lewis, financial consultant with Dain Rauscher of Des Moines, on Tuesday, September 16th at 6:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. They hope to become better informed of available financial investment vehicles at this meeting. They asking members of the Finance committee and Council to attend if possible. Any members of Salem who are interested may also attend.
Words of Thanks
The Worship & Music Committee would like to thank the following members for serving on the committee: Carolyn Biere, Zach Henry and Amanda Nissen. Thank you to dedication with helping with the various services held here at Salem.
Thanks to the July Worship team for working so well together and always being willing to pitch in.
Thanks
Sherri Nissen
Salem Lutheran Church,
Thanks for the beautiful quilt. It has meant much to me that you cared.
Alex Cunningham
RALLY SUNDAY
Mark September 7th on your calendar for an exciting Rally Sunday!
We’re kicking off the new Sunday School year with an exciting day of activities. The day’s schedule begins with Sunday School at 9:00 a.m., church services at
10:00 a.m., and a potluck meal at 11:00 a.m. Be sure to bring a covered dish and table service for your family. Drinks will be provided.
The kids will kick off the Sunday School year with a second year of our new curriculum. “Akaloo” is an exciting new way to learn about God. You’ll be hearing more about it as the Sunday School year progresses.
We want Rally Sunday to be a great success and a lot of fun for the kids and adults. Make it a point to come on September 7th and bring your family and a friend. See you then!!
WOMEN OF THE ELCA
SEPTEMBER 2008 NEWSLETTER
Summer has disappeared, so it’s time to start our fall activities.
Miriam Circle will meet Thursday, September 4th, 7:00 pm at the home of Bev Butler, Linda Huffman will lead the Bible lesson and Claudia Peppers Chair Leader.
Rebekah Circle will meet Thursday, September 11th, 1:15 pm in Salem’s Fellowship hall. Breta Kinkade will be hostess and Carolyn Kessler will lead the Bible lesson.
All women and any friends are welcome and invited to attend either of these meetings.
The Fall Cluster meeting is Saturday, September 27th at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Fontanelle. Salem women will furnish coffee and Rolls at 9:00 am. The meeting will follow at 9:30 am. Call Joyce Anderson (782-5002) or Bev Butler (782-4050) if you can attend.
If anyone has news or concerns for the women, at any time, contact Bev Butler at home 782-4050.
Bev Butler