Present: Pastor Erika Nilsen, Greg Bennett, Landen Stoen, Matt Delaney, Eric Davidge, Guy Kelm, Beth Bastian
Absent: Wendy Adamson, Jessamyn Foley, Jane Peterson
Pastor Erika led devotion
Consent Agenda
Financial Report Review:
- Eric shared and reviewed the Financial Notes, Report, and Attendance.
- It was verified that Erika received the new credit card.
Council Actions
Columbarium Team
Steve Jones reviewed the success of the Columbarium to include the first interment, of Eldo and Borghild (Bugs) Schmidt, with the dedication of the Columbarium after services on July 20th. It was well attended.
The team requested and received five different bids for paver and sidewalk work surrounding the Columbarium. The committee supports a Black Rock Landscaping bid which includes labor, pavers, and removal of stumps. Steve reported on the committee’s current budget and that disbursements for engraving and a bench are expected. The Columbarium committee is requesting funds to begin the paver/sidewalk work that would augment their current funds for the project. In the future, the committee will also do landscaping (fence, peace garden) to be completed by identified church members.
Discussion included whether the money being requested could also include landscaping materials at this time using some of the available capital campaign money.
It was moved, seconded and approved to fund the paver/sidewalk project and future landscaping needs. (CC.2025.07.01)
Check Signers
Anne’s request to update check signing abilities was discussed. It was motioned, seconded and passed to update the approved signers (CC.2025.07.02) Eric will contact our bank to expedite the process.
Lawn Maintenance
The lawn mower (donated) is coming to the end of its lifespan. Matt looked into the pricing of lawn services vs. the price of a lawn mower. It would be advantageous to have a one time payment as opposed to a longer term contract. He received a recommendation for purchase and asked about the budget. The budget in Church Operations-Maintenance Services Long Term Repair was reviewed. A motion was approved up to $5,299 for a lawn mower purchase. (CC.2025.07.03)
Updates for Council – Executive Update: Greg B.
Capital Campaign Update
Greg will be sending out a letter updating the congregation on both the progress and success of the capital campaign. In addition, he recommended for consideration pairing a Community Event (on par with what was organized by Koreann this year) to celebrate the conclusion of year one, year, two, and year three of the capital campaign. Discussion was supportive and Greg will be approaching Koreann about taking this on.
Discovery Team – GSB
Of the groups who have been meeting, the discussion has been positive and filled with good energy and excitement about where we are.
The Discovery Team will have another meeting with Peter Reuss.
A survey has gone out to the congregation and results will be compiled and shared as a part of the ongoing discovery.
One more large conversation will take place on September 7th (Same time of kicking off MS Youth Group, Club 56//Rally Day) and The conversation will be “Where is the Spirit Leading Us?” Both Executive and Pastoral leadership are pleased with the leadership of the Discovery Team and Peter.
Barrett Property – No Updates to Report
Pastoral Update: Pastor Erika
Staff Reviews:
Erika has met with Jane Peterson (VP). Interviews will begin in August and move forward with leadership from Jane and Mike Bialka. Information will be gathered and use for staffing needs/support.
Wednesday Dinners:
Darrell has put together a team to put together a Wednesday Supper weekly. The council is supportive.
Wednesday Night Programming:
Erika and Tim are contemplating the timing of Wednesday Church services as it relates to confirmation students. It is recognized that 9th grade confirmands are sometimes getting out of programming later. It is hoped that by starting Wednesday services at 6:15, confirmands can get home earlier; tending to spiritual/physical needs. Matt suggested polling confirmation families to gather more information. Erika will work with Tim to gather this information.
Joint Community Church Service August 20th at Lyman P. White Park in Brainerd, MN
Music Ministry: Koreann would like to come to council next month to share ideas/vision for growing music and kid ministry at LOL.
Missional Updates
Guy shared that he and Erika met with parents of young families (7 to 8) for the last two Tuesdays as a discovery process with Children’s Ed.
These parents seem to be happy with children pulled out during service. They expressed that they would like to see additional ministry (fellowship, divided study); it does not need to be every Sunday.
They also discussed milestone and cross generational ministries beyond what is currently in place.
Guy advocated for filling the need for youth ministries for grades 4 and down, recognizing Tim takes care grades 5 and up. It is recognized that we have holes in youth ministry; holes in hoped for offerings and holes in identifying individuals to step into ministries.
Final discussion centered on starting a focus group to discover, design and meet this need with a future budgeted line item. This would reflect the clear message from capital campaign discovery and listening results around children’s education programming.
Landon shared that the recent youth mission with other groups was a very positive experience. Breakfast, devotions, 6 or 7 hour work day with more lunch and evening devotions as well as church connection time. Landon liked the newer organization and leadership.
Matt has been talking with contractors about our roof problem and getting bids. He will share out proposals for discussion at the next meeting to discuss current roofing needs.
Closing Prayers
