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St. John's Lutheran Church Le Mars, Iowa Congregation Annual Meeting January 22, 2012
Call to Order: President Kathy Stelzer called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m. Attendance: A quorum was present. Opening Devotions: Opening devotions were led by Pastor Gary Landsness Parliamentarian: President Kathy Stelzer asked for a volunteer. No one volunteered. The meeting proceeded Appointment of Tellers: Rex Knapp, Nancy Isebrand, Mark Bohner, Judy Renken
Review of 2011 Minutes: Nathan Summerside made a motion to approve the 2011 minutes as written. Mark Bohner seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Review of the Minutes of the Special Congregational meeting: Mat Trotzig made a motion to accept the minutes from the September 25, 2011 meeting. Kent Pauling seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Report from the Nominating Committee: Four members consented to have their names placed on the ballot for congregational council position. They are Larry Brangwin, Frank Summerside, Nancy Isebrand, Darrell Wiener. After calling for any further nominations from the floor Kathy Stelzer closed the nominations.
Nominating Committee for 2012: Nominations received were, Don Lake, John Brangwin, Todd Lang, Karen Schroeder, and Allyn Anderson.
Endowment Committee: Mark Bohner volunteered for the committee.
Ballot results: Congregational Council Larry Brangwin, Nancy Isebrand, Frank Summerside, Darrell Wiener Nominating Committee: John Brangwin, Todd Lang, Karen Schroeder, and Allyn Anderson Endowment Committee: Mark Bohner
Vote Count passing: Yes-142
Committee Reports
Education: Carol Halberg noted that they are looking for some new members. They are looking for a new person to chair the committee. Joan Kroepel is retiring her position.
Youth Committee: Allyn Anderson also noted that they are looking for some new members for the youth committee.
Old Business: There was no old business.
2012 Budget: Kent Pauling presented the 2012 budget pointing out that a 3% raise in salary was givin. Discussion followed. Kent Puling moved to accept the budget. Kristy Pecks seconded the motion. The motion passed with Yes-131 No-12
New Business: Delana Ihrke made Motion #1
Part IV: Proposed addition to the Bylaws of St. John's Lutheran Church
Part IV - The Pastoral Call (cf.C9:05a of the constitution)
"Single ordained ministers are expected to live a chaste life. Married ordained ministers are expected to live in fidelity to their spouses, giving expression to sexual intimacy within a marriage relationship that is mutual, chaste, and faithful. Ordained ministers who are homosexual in their self-understanding are expected to abstain from homosexual sexual relationships."
Jay Faber seconded the motion. Discussion followed
The motion failed with a vote of Yes-54 No-84 Abstained-5
Scott Ihrke made Motion #2
Part VIII: Proposed addition to the Bylaws of St. John's Lutheran Church
Part VIII- Sanctity of Marriage (or "Statement on Marriage") (cf.C9:03.b (1))
God created us male and female, and marriage is a covenant of faithfulness between one man and one woman. (Genesis 2:24-25; Matthew 19:4-6; and Mark 10:2-9). Pastors of St. John's Lutheran Church shall only perform marriages between a man and a woman. No other union shall be sanctified on St. John's Lutheran Church property or by a St. John's rostered leader.
Jay Faber seconded the motion. Discussion followed
Mark Bohner called the question. Dan Landsness seconded the motion.
The motion failed with a vote of Yes-62 No-79 Abstain-2
Pastor Landsness asked for a round of appreciation for the out-going council members Rich Ellefson, Ed Utesch, Mat Trotzig, and Margie Pigg.
A round of applause for appreciation for Pastor Marcia Young who is retiring at the end of February.
A round of applause for appreciation for Kathy Stelzer as president of the council this past year.
Closing prayer: Pastor Greg Gabriel closed the meeting in prayer.
Kathy Stelzer adjourned the meeting at 2:23 p.m.
Respectfully submitted Margie Pigg Secretary Annual Report 2012
St. John's Lutheran Church Le Mars, Iowa Special Congregation Meeting September 25, 2011
Call to Order: President Kathy Stelzer called the meeting to order at 9:30 A.M.
Attendance: A quorum was present.
Opening Devotions: Pastor Gary Landsness opened with prayer.
Parliamentarian: Iris Hemmingson
Appointment of Tellers: Norm Nielsen, Rose Heeren, Mark Strub and Elvira Nielsen
Secretary: Margie Pigg
Iris Hemmingson reviewed the procedures for the meeting.
Mat Trotzig read the following amendment that he submitted to the council in February.
Pursuant to Paragraph C15.03 of the Constitution for St. John's Lutheran Church, Le Mars, Iowa, the undersigned voting member asks that the Bylaws of St. John's Lutheran Church be amended by including the following Section under Part V - MEETINGS OF THE CONGREGATION.
New Paragraph 12: Proposed motions at any Congregational Meeting must be submitted in writing, signed by a voting member, and presented to the church office: a. not later than December 31st for an Annual Meeting, or b. 16 days prior to any Special Congregational Meeting. The entire text of the motion and the name of the voting member submitting the motion will be set forth in the meeting agenda. Only motions set forth in the meeting agenda will be considered at the Congregational Meeting, unless the congregation votes to suspend the rules in accordance with Robert's Rules of Order. Amendments Germaine to all such written motions may be considered during the Congregational Meeting.
Mat Trotzig made the motion to accept the amendment to the Bylaws. It was seconded by Steve Anderson.
Discussion on the measure followed.
Les Hemmingson made an amendment to the motion and Phyllis Bates seconded it.
The amendment read as follows:
Pursuant to Paragraph C14.03 of the Constitution for St. John's Lutheran Church, Le mars, Iowa, the undersigned voting member asks that the Bylaws of St. John's Lutheran Church be amended by including the following Section under Part V - MEETINGS OF THE CONGREGATION:
New Paragraph 12: proposed motions at any Congregational Meeting may be submitted in writing, signed by a voting member, and presented to the church office by December 31st for an Annual Meeting: or 16 days prior to any Special Congregational Meeting. The entire text of the motions and the name of the voting member submitting the motion will be set forth in the meeting agenda allowing members adequate time to consider the motion.
Discussion of the amendment to the motion followed.
Brian Michaelson called the question.
Vote to end discussion was taken by a hand vote.
The majority voted to end discussion on the amendment.
A hand vote was then taken on the amendment to the original motion.
The majority voted against the amendment to the original motion.
Discussion continued on the original motion.
When discussion ended, President Kathy Stelzer asked the tellers to hand out the paper ballots for a vote on the original motion.
The final count of the ballots was
Yes 69 No 23
The motion passed with a 2/3 - majority vote.
The meeting closed with the Lords Prayer.
President Kathy Stelzer adjourned the meeting.
Respectfully submitted Margie Pigg Secretary
St. John's Lutheran Church Le Mars, Iowa Congregation Annual Meeting January 23, 2011
Call to Order: President Mat Trotzig called the meeting to order at 1:00 P.M.
Attendance: A quorum was present.
Opening Devotions: Opening devotions were led by Pastor Greg Gabriel.
Parliamentarian: Iris Hemmingson
Appointment of Tellers: Allyn Anderson, Nancy Isebrand, Todd Lancaster, Mary Klopp, and Steve Anderson.
Secretary: Donna Macek
Review of 2010 Minutes: Dr. Mark Stelzer made a motion to approve the 2010 minutes as written. Scott Ihrke seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
Report from the Nominating Committee: Four members consented to have their names placed on the ballot for congregation council positions. They are Becky Klohs, Greg McInnis, Julie Athens and Kathy Stelzer. After calling for further nominations from the floor, Mat Trotzig declared the nominations closed.
Nominating Committee for 2011: Nominations received from the floor were Kathy Stelzer, Mat Trotzig, Donna Macek, Dan Albert, and Kristy Pecks.
Ballot Results: Congregation Council: Becky Klohs, Greg McInnis, Julie Athens and Kathy Stelzer. Nominating Committee: Kathy Stelzer, Mat Trotzig, Donna Macek, Dan Albert and Kristy Pecks.
Overview of 2010: Mat Trotzig highlighted the President's Report and commented on the huge success of Bethlehem Revisited. The congregation came together for the community, and despite the bad weather, there was great attendance. A round of applause was offered to the members of the committee who worked so hard to organize Bethlehem Revisited.
Committee Reports: Outreach: Nathan Summerside noted a change to one of the Local concerns. The 2% allocated to help the after school program for at risk kids at Our Savior's (Nostra Salvador) will change due to the fact that this program closed this week. Youth: Allyn Anderson thanked everyone involved with the Youth committee. Savings Account Report: The question was asked if there is a limit as to how much money can be used for a loan from the endowment fund. Iris Hemmingson answered by saying that the money is loaned with interest, so the church ends up coming ahead when loaning the money.
Old Business: The president pointed out that there was discussion last year of whether the bylaws should be amended to include a cap of $25,000 on borrowing unless a special congregational meeting is called to exceed that cap. A proposal by a member for such an amendment to the bylaws had been presented to the congregational council last fall. The council recommended against the adoption of that amendment. The member withdrew the request that this be placed as an action item on the agenda. There was no further Old Business.
New Business: Delana Ihrke made a motion to direct the church council to set up a series of congregational meetings with representatives from the ELCA, LCMC and NALC to become more educated with these other Lutheran organizations. The meetings should be held in May or September. This motion was then seconded by Scott Ihrke. After much discussion, Brian Michaelson made an amendment to this motion. The amended motion was to direct the church council to set up a congregational meeting with only ELCA representatives to further understand what the ELCA is all about. The meeting should be held in May and/or September. The motion was seconded by Dr. Mark Stelzer. After much discussion, the amendment was passed by written ballot with 51 YES votes and 39 NO votes.
A motion was made by Delana Ihrke to direct church council to instruct the pastors that they are required to call on every person who expresses intent in joining St. John's. Further, they must begin a practice of calling on (phone or person) every member of St. John's once during each year. The motion was seconded by Scott Ihrke. After much discussion, the motion was not passed. Voice ballot was used.
A motion was made by Delana Ihrke to direct the church council to begin the process of determining if St. John's can continue to support two full-time pastors. The motion was seconded by Scott Ihrke. After much discussion, the motion was not passed.
The president asked for a round of applause for the outgoing council members, Donna Macek, Kathy Stelzer, Kay Peters, and Rhonda Justice, and thanked them for their service.
2011 Budget: Ross Harden is retiring as the treasurer for the church council and a round of applause was offered for his many years of faithful service. Anyone interested in becoming the treasurer should contact the church or Mat Trotzig, Larry Petersen, or Pastor Gary Landsness. Ross moved to accept the 2011 budget as presented. The motion was seconded by Mark Stelzer. After discussion a written ballot was used with 69 YES votes and 18 NO votes.
Closing Prayer: Pastor Gary led the congregation in prayer, ending with the Lord's Prayer.
Adjournment: Mat Trotzig adjourned the meeting at 3:11 p.m.
Respectfully submitted Donna Macek Secretary
St John's Lutheran Church Congregational Annual Meeting January 24, 2010
Call to Order: President Kay Peters called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m.
Attendance: A quorum was present.
Opening Devotions: Opening devotions were led by Pastor Gary Landsness.
Parliamentarian: Mat Trotzig
Appointment of Tellers: Rex Knapp, Scott Ihrke, Dr. Mark Stelzer, and Steve Anderson.
Secretary: Ronda Keenan
Review of 2009 Minutes: Nathan Summerside made a motion to approve the minutes as written. Dr. Mark Stelzer seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
Report from Nominating Committee: Eight members consented to having their names placed on the ballot for congregation council positions. They are Tony Chihak, Gabe Davis, Wayne, Heien, Gerry Ihrke, Steve Jester, Roma Lancaster, Greg McInnis and Larry Petersen. Brian Michaelson moved that nominations be closed. Steve Anderson seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
Nominating Committee for 2010: Nominations received from the floor were Kay Peters, Scott Ihrke, Steve Anderson, Elvira Nielsen and Angie Watson.
Endowment Fund Committee: Two names were nominated from the floor. They were Iris Hemmingson and Norm Nielsen. Rex Knapp made a motion that nominations be closed. Peggy McAllister seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
Ballot Results: Congregation Council: Tony Chihak, Gerry Ihrke, Roma Lancaster and Larry Petersen. Nominating Committee: Kay Peters, Scott Ihrke, Steve Anderson, Elvira Nielsen and Angie Watson. Endowment Fund Committee: Iris Hemmingson
Overview of 2009: Kay Peters highlighted the President's Report commenting on the sanctuary renovation project that has been completed and the congregation's support of the project. She also encouraged members having concerns about any issue within the congregation to personally contact a council member.
Committee Reports: There were no questions or comments on the reports.
Old Business: There was no old business brought to the attention of the congregation.
New Business: Rich Schultz brought to the congregation the issue if the ELCA currently represents the core values of St. John's. Mr. Schultz moved "the body direct the council to explore the benefits of affiliating with another entity instead of the ELCA and report back at a congregational meeting on or before August 2010." The motion was seconded by Delana Ihrke After much discussion, a written ballot was obtained. The motion was defeated with 46 yes votes and 66 no votes.
Delana Ihrke requested the council consider bringing forward at the next congregational meeting a bylaw change, placing a cap on the loan balance and any increases to the loan balance be accomplished through a congregational meeting. Kay Peters noted the efforts made throughout the past year to communicate the congregation’s financial situation to the members.
2010 Budget: Ross Harden moved to accept the 2010 budget as presented. The motion was seconded by Kathy Stelzer. A written ballot was used with 93 yes votes and 15 no votes.
Closing Prayer: Pastor Greg Gabriel led the congregation in prayer, ending with the Lord's Prayer.
Adjournment: Brian Michaelson moved to adjourn the meeting. Ross Harden seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 2:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Ronda Keenan Secretary
St John's Lutheran Church Congregational Annual Meeting January 25, 2009
Call to Order: President Brian Michaelson called the meeting to order at 1:00 PM.
Attendance: A quorum was present.
Opening Devotions: Pastor Gary Landsness
Parliamentarian: Iris Hemmingson
Appointment of Tellers: Les Hemmingson, Rex Knapp, Don Law and Norman Nielsen.
Secretary: Yvonne Law
Review of 2008 Minutes: Daniel Landsness made a motion to approve the 2008 minutes as written, second by Norman Nielsen. Motion carried.
Report from the Nominating Committee: Fourteen people consented to having their name placed on the ballot for council positions. They are: Rich Ellefson, Carol Hallberg, Tim Kass, Becky Klohs, Heidi Klingbeil, Stuart Klingbeil, Paul Kolker, Marylyn Muecke, Larry Peterson, Margaret Pigg, Bill Rieken, Mat Trotzig, Ed Utesch and Bill (Jill)Young.
Nominating Committee for 2009: Nominations from the floor were: Linda Harden, Audrey Kindwall, Peggy McAllister, Brian Michaelson and Bill (Marcia)Young.
Endowment Committee: One name was nominated - Lynne Bogh. Allyn Anderson made a motion to close nominations from the floor, second by Joan Kroepel. Motion carried.
Ballot Results: Congregation Council: Rich Ellefson, Margaret Pigg, Mat Trotzig and Ed Utesch. Endowment: Lynne Bogh. Nominating Committee: Linda Harden, Audrey Kindwall, Peggy McAllister, Brian Michaelson and Bill (Marcia)Young.
Committee Reports: Pastor Landsness commented on the 2008 Benevolence giving as a sign of a healthy congregation. There were no other questions or comments on the reports.
Old Business: No old business was brought to the attention of the congregation.
New Business: No new business was brought to the attention of the congregation.
2009 Budget: Ross Harden made a motion to accept the 2009 budget as presented. Second by Daniel Landsness. There was no discussion. A paper ballot was used with 84 yes votes and 8 no votes.
Overview of 2008: President, Brian Michaelson highlighted various facts about St John's from his written report. He also thanked the Pastoral and other staff for their dedication to St John's.
Closing Prayer: Pastor Gabriel led the congregation in prayer, ending with the Lord's Prayer.
Adjournment: Daniel Landsness made a motion to adjourn, second from Brad Pick. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted Yvonne Law
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