June Johnsen, Council President, opened the meeting by encouraging congregation members to email their concerns and questions to her or any council member.

She named 2009 as “The Year of the Youth”

· VBC participants sang “Every Breath I Take” led by Rob Williamson

· 35 kids attended VBC in July.  Hope to have two camps next year.

· Two youth, Kyle and Pancho, who attended the ELCA Youth Conference in New Orleans gave a report.  They described their experience of volunteering in a local school while in New Orleans. Eleven youth and two adults attended the event.

· Three youth, Emily, Angelina, and Andrea gave a report of their experience at the Sea-Sand-Serve Mt. Cross camp that they attended.  They participated in a beach clean-up program while there.

· Tyler and Dylan reported on their experience at VBC. Monthly youth fundraising events have raised the money needed for the trips the youth have been able to take. Justin requested $13,000-$16,000 at the beginning of the year for the youth budget and was allotted $3000. Money raised by events such as the pancake breakfasts, golf tournament, car wash, “Don’t Forget the Lyrics” night, and donations to the Tree of Life have exceeded $18,000. 

· Youth room has been remodeled using recommendations from a free energy audit. Refrigerator has been down-sized and more efficient insulation has been installed. 

  Future plans include:

· Mexico mission trip to build a school and a church

· Water purification project

· Hire a Children’s Education and Music Coordinator

 Other business:

· Congregation is in need of a Thrivent representative

· Praise director position needs financial support

· Building Fund will provide money to buy a storage shed to help organize church supplies, replace office windows, paint the trim on the old church, put timers on A/C units.

· A full-time janitor/landscape maintenance position is being developed

MaryAnne Jordan reported that the Finance Committee has completed a mid-year review. 

· A/C unit replaced in preschool.  Preschool paid ½ of cost.

· Worker’s comp insurance has increased.  Preschool paid 2/3 of cost.

· Checking into maintenance contracts for A/C units.

· Bathroom remodel almost completed in compliance with ADA.  Building fund covered ½ , Tree of Life donations covered ½.

· Coffee bar is awaiting tile to complete.

· 5,10, and 15 year projection of church costs is being developed by Les Johnsen and Bob Andersen.

· Contributions to the Manna Food Pantry continue to come in.

· Colombarium Project has $11,500 from the Ethel Andersen Memorial Fund. 

· An audit review by Sheri Scarrott gave us a grade of A-.

· MaryAnne encouraged members to call or email with any questions.

Blair Aas reported that the Budget Committee is “on fire” as well.

· Stewardship drive has been successful

· 2010 Budget

Ø Budget requests need to be emailed to Blair or MaryAnne

Ø Once information is gathered, the Budget Committee will work with Stewardship Pledge Drive to come up with a budget plan to present to council. 

Ø Two budget forums for members will be offered in November before final council approval

June mentioned some of the community building activities happening at St. Mark’s:  fun fundraisers, BBQ, Rivercats game, Israel trip in March.

Pastor presented the Project Team launch which was initiated at the May 31st Pentecostal Congregation Retreat.  The teams are:

· Project Home Care—Etta Sivertsen, leader

· Family Night—MaryAnne Jordan/Bob Andersen, co-leaders

· VBS Revamp—Justin Devine/Dennis Sweeney, co-leaders

· Resource List—June Johnsen/Helen Bergoust, co-leaders

· Grant Proposal Writing Team—MaryAnne Jordan/Pat Broschard, co-leaders

· Concerts on the Corner—Larry Nelson/Terry Simms, co-leaders

· Neighborhood Needs Assessment—Pat Broschard/ Pastor Todd, co-leaders