OUR ANNUAL MEETING for 2007

Election Results

Elders Secretary: Edna Howard
Church Treasurer: David Mercer
Elders: Beth Beardsley, David Lewis, Gus Prinsell
Trustees: Bruce Brenneman, Roselyn Danner, Ralph Kerr
Nominating Committee: Casda Danner, Doug Gaerte, Jane Zike
District Conference Delegates: Dick Alderman, Gerry Alderman, Storer Emmett, Wilma Emmett, Sharon Hibbard, Skip Lord, Doug Mayhle, Judi Mayhle, Gus Prinsell, Louise Prinsell, Debbie Young, Paul Young

Other Items of Business

n      The pastoral staff shared a few highlights from their year of ministry. It is evident that many lives have been touched and transformed as God works through the wide-ranging ministries of our church. Gratitude was expressed for our staff and their commitment to God and to this congregation.

n      Bill Roeske, chair of the Trustees, mentioned a number of projects the Trustees, with the assistance of many from our congregation, were able to complete this past year. Among the completed projects were: new sanctuary roof, parking lot stones, resource room shelving, rooms painted, window air conditioner units in the offices, and the sanctuary renovation project. The Trustees will continue to work on updating the building and grounds in the year ahead. Thanks especially to Dick Halberg for his leadership on the sanctuary renovation project.

n      The Treasurer reported that we are ending the year with a budget surplus. The exact figures are yet to be determined but a conservative estimate is $35,000. The congregation voted to empower the elders in distributing this money with an eye on the elders original proposal of: 10% Partners Beyond; 10% Partners at Home, 50% Sanctuary Sound System Costs, and 30% for Trustee Projects.

n      The congregation approved the budget for 2006-2007 as presented, which includes a 5.3% increase from the past year’s budget.

n      The fundraising for the organ is less than $30,000 from the original cost of more than $450,000. We are grateful for all who have given even as we continue to raise funds for the remainder of the project. We have paid virtually all of the expenses from the renovation with the following financial situation:

Gifts and other church funds                  $  37,055

Borrowed externally                             $140,000

Borrowed internally                              $  20,745

Total Expenses to Date             $197,800

n      Pastor Wes also updated the congregation on the progress of the organ installation. Unfortunately, we have discovered in the past few weeks that the organ builder has exhausted his funds. The builder is going to be short at least $70,000 Canadian. This is very disturbing news to which the church leaders have been attempting to find a solution. The elders, in cooperation with the college, have been exploring a variety of options. Both institutions are in agreement that the most productive option seems to be extending a loan to the builder, high risk though it would be. This loan would be offered with a number of conditions and stipulations. The goal is to protect our investment and to have the organ completed in a timely fashion. The college is committed to completing this project with us and to bear the burden with us in order to reach the conclusion we desire. Following lengthy discussion, the congregation voted to empower the elders to represent the church in working out the best solution toward reaching our goal. This is an unpleasant situation that is frustrating and distressing, but we are committed to bringing it all, through the grace of God, to a positive conclusion. We covet your prayers for the elders, the college leadership, and the builder in this process.