COUNCIL MTG. MINUTES

A. Revised Budget: The Council reviewed the proposed revisions of the 2008 budget prepared by Dorothy Ashby. It was noted that interim pastoral assistance will be budgeted at $30,000. Vicar Tracy Paschke- Johannes is an active member of our congregation and is completing her internship at the Hospice of St. Vincent's Hospital in Indianapolis. She will be available to help out at Holy Trinity this next year. A further revision of her learning agreement will be worked out early this in 2008 after the Annual Meeting. The proposed total budget is $272~499. Ninety six pledges made to date total $211,586 or 77.6% of the proposed budget. After discussion it was moved and seconded to add back $1000 for the ELCA Hunger appeal (included in the 2007 budget), $1000 for synod beneficence and $500 for the Lutheran Center. The new total would be $274,999. It was moved by Pastor John and seconded by Roger Hollands to approve the amendment. The motion passed by a vote of 8 in favor and one opposed. It was moved by Vadis Davis and seconded by Roger Hollands to approve the proposed budget. The motion passed by a vote of 8 in favor and one opposed.

B. Severance package for Pastor Joe. The Council discussed a severance package for Pastor Joe. In response to a question, Pastor John explained that the Synod is not responsible for the salary of a pastor without call. Bishop Stuck made clear to the Council and to those in attendance at the forums that a severance package should be provided to a pastor who resigns. This package can be from two to four months. These funds are to be provided by the Congregation and not the Synod. The Executive Committee of the Council felt that none of the costs of severance should be included in the 2008 budget. The severance package is not a reward but just funds to provide some temporary stability for Pastor Joe and Nancy. Pastor John noted that it would be a decent and generous thing to do under the circumstances. After discussion, it was moved by Laura Adamsonand seconded by Rebecca Holmquist to accept Pastor Joe Stark's letter of resignation and to grant him three months of severance pay. The motion passed unanimously. The three month total severance is $ 18~812.67. The December salary of $6270.89 is already budgeted. The HTLC Foundation will provide $9000 and the remaining and $3541.78 will come from a money market account. There will be an open forum on January 23rd between the services to answer any questions. To conclude this part of the discussion, Vicar Tracy offered a short prayer to asking help for all those who are hurting and in need.

C. Leadership Retreat. The date for the church leadership retreat has been set for January 11-12 at the John: XXIII Center in Hartford City. The cost of $ 55 per person will be subsidized by the HTLC foundation

D. Annual Meeting. The Annual meeting is scheduled for January 20, 2008 with an alternate date of January 27 if weather cancellation is necessary. The meeting will be held after the second service following a congregational luncheon.

E. Communication with the Congregation. In order to strengthen communication with members, there will be an information session on December 23 between the services to discuss the severance package, issues concerning a second pastor and interim arrangements. There will also be information about the role of the Executive Committee and issues discussed in the forum printed in the Trinity Times and sent in letter fomI to members.

F. Letter from Frank and Rosemary Martin. Pastor John distributed the letter to the Council. It provided some thoughts on future planning and staffing needs of the Church. It will be discussed in communications with the Congregation.