Moderator Keith Craswell called the meeting to order. He welcomed the congregation and led us in prayer. Larry Richardson was appointed Parliamentarian. The minutes of the 2007 annual meeting were approved as printed.
 

Keith thanked a number of people including Church Council, Larry Green and the Board of Trustees; the Landscaping Committee of Fred Wepprecht, Kathy Scodeller, Julia Couchman and all who assist in keeping our grounds in good shape; those who provide us beautiful music, the choirs, Debbie Brown, Judy Widrig, Janet Jensen and Bruce Camblin; Sharry Nyberg, all who teach Sunday School and work with our youth; Stephen Ministers; those who serve as tellers and office helpers; the Audit Committee and a special note of gratitude to his wife, Eulalah, presenting her with a bouquet of tulips.
 

t was moved, seconded and passed (MSP) for the 2008 Annual Meeting minutes to be approved at the next regular meeting of Church Council. Rationale: a year is too long for people to remember what additions/corrections might be necessary. Suggestion was made to provide the minutes to the congregation prior to the Council meeting for their review.
 

Sharon Camblin reported for the Budget Committee. This year the congregation requested a budget be presented before the Stewardship Campaign so they could be informed as to what was needed. The congregation engaged in a process of financial discernment as well as thoughtful consideration of our relationship with each other, how we make decisions together, our blessings, and our resources. This year, over 40 people had direct input on the budget and Church Council spent over 8 hours discussing financial issues. Because we are never certain what exactly will happen in the coming year with regard to changes in giving levels and expenses, a budget is essentially a planning document.
 

In the year 2007, a surplus exists in the amount of $20,935.13. The Committee moved and it was seconded that the 2007 budget be amended so that this money is given to Our Church's Wider Mission (OCWM). This would be a one time gift that exceeds the 10% already given to OCWM in 2007. It is a change from past practices whereby any surplus was carried into the next year's budget as a Carry Forward line item.

What is the appropriate way to use such monies effectively? Should we continue to roll that money automatically into the next budget or should we direct those funds? A question was raised: is this one time gift to OCWM making up for what we didn't do last year or is it to make up for what we aren't doing in 2008? The answer is that OCWM was fully funded in 2007. A concern was expressed that if the money is just carried forward into 2008 with no designation it could be apportioned unequally between mission and pastor salary. Responding to a question, Sharon clarified that this money came from several sources. First, our endowment funds were not correctly forwarded from the national office; second, we transferred money in the building fund generated by activities in the church to the actual budget and third, we have been frugal in our spending. The expenses of Search and Call, operations and program came in under budget. A comment was made to reinforce the confidence and faith we have in our Church Council with regard to surplus funds. Motion failed.
 

It was MSP to carry forward the 2007 surplus of $20,935.13 to the 2008 budget with that amount designated for OCWM. The 2008 proposed budget now includes that carry forward.
 

It was MSP to accept the 2007 Treasurer's report as printed in the Annual Report.
 

A motion was brought by Church Council that "all new income beyond the projected income for 2008 is allocated to OCWM and the interim pastor position if necessary". The motion was seconded. This is to help restore our OCWM giving to the 10% level and to increase compensation for the interim pastor. Currently, that amount is 12% less than Rev. Jennifer Yocum was receiving and is below Conference guidelines. It was pointed out, however, that "new income" does not account for any re-allocated expenses, revised income or any unexpected expenditures that may emerge during the year.
OCWM, local mission giving and fair compensation for our pastors were discussed. Serious concerns were expressed regarding the severe cuts in local and OCWM support as well as our responsibility to provide fair compensation for our pastors.
 

The policy of committing 10% of our budget to the basic support of OCWM has been in place for a long time as adopted by the Church Council. That is the policy now but the congregation may choose to change that policy.
This motion failed.
 

It was moved and seconded to adopt the 2008 budget as proposed with the 2007 surplus identified as a Carry Forward and the Carry Forward amount of $20,935.13 designated for OCWM.
Discussion included motions for the following amendments:
Reduce program budget from $23,000 to $17,000 placing the resulting $6,000 into local mission. The motion was seconded and failed to pass.
 

Reduce merit pool from $10,000 to $5,000 placing the resulting $5,000 into local mission. The motion was seconded and failed to pass.
 

Motion Passed to adopt the 2008 budget as proposed with the carry forward from 2007 of $20,935.13 listed in the 2008 budget as a Carry Forward and that amount designated for the OCWM line item.
 

MSP to meet again for a budget update in four months.
 

MSP to authorize the Board of Trustees to refinance the present capital debt at a more favorable interest rate as recommended by church financial advisors within the next 18 months.
 

MSP to change the name of The Carl Calhoun Fund to "The Carl Calhoun/Legacy Endowment Fund" and delete Section 6 - "Loans to the Church" of The Carl Calhoun Endowment Fund Investment Policy. This will eliminate the possibility of taking a loan from this fund.
 

MSP to authorize the Budget Committee to bring a recommendation on retiring the capital debt to the congregation in a special meeting no later than June 30, 2008.
 

MSP to accept the slate of officers, Board and Committee members as proposed by the Nominating Committee.
 

Marcia Catey was thanked for her many years of faithful service as our Church Treasurer and will be presented with a gift card to Anthony's restaurant.
 

Staff Report: Rev. Scott Opsahl announced his last day in the pulpit with us will be March 30.
Keith expressed appreciation to all of our fine church staff.
 

Passing the gavel to the New Moderator Sharon Camblin was given the gavel and congratulations as moderator for 2008.
 

A gift was presented from the congregation to Keith with many thanks for his dedication to our church.
 

Moderator Sharon closed the meeting with prayer.
 

Meeting adjourned.

 Cheryll M. Blair - Council Clerk