Our Savior
United Methodist Church
Pastor Reg Merrill
Phone: 712-469-3510
Email: osum@iowatelecom.net

The Administrative Council met Tuesday, September 9, at Grace Center. Present were Pastor Reg, Dwayne Wallace, Virginia Miller, Judy Johnson, Judy Timan, Ray Timan, Marlene Pieper, Ted George, Ginny Gleason, Donna Stall, Sue Wolter & Nancy Westering. Pastor Reg gave devotions before the committee meetings. Dwayne opened the meeting with prayer. The August minutes were corrected to read Virginia Miller and Ray Timan were not present.

Education: Nancy reported. They had 30+ in Sunday school for the first week. All classes have a teacher. Dedication of teachers and 3rd graders receiving Bible will be on September 14.

Missions: Judy J. reported. $500 will be sent to UMCOR for flood blankets. World Communion Sunday will be on October 5. Blanket Sundays for the Thanksgiving Ingathering will be October 12, 19 and 26.

Worship: Donna reported. They discussed the prayer garden dedication. They will have pulled pork sandwiches instead of a BBQ. The date was changed to September 21. Contemporary service will be October 26. Hand chimes will be used in contemporary service. October 19 will be Children’s Sabbath and potato bar luncheon. October 12 will be Laity Sunday.

UM Men: Dwayne reported. The next meeting will be September 20. They discussed the 4 state meeting at Spencer on November 15 and several will go to that.

UMW: Grace – Ginny reported. September 9 we had a successful MISSION day. Larry Keis said, “it is always good to step into a room and see that the church is ready and looking forward to seeing us…We appreciate it and it makes us feel good.” Thanks, Bobbee, for setting the stage for AFRICA. Our UMW were so generous at noon, we had food for the members of the Administrative Board for the meal before their meetings. We are ready to swing into fall with the District Annual meeting Saturday in Algona. Iowa Conference Annual meeting at Dubuque will be October 4. Mary Kathryn Pearce will be the guest speaker. We continue to help those in need in disaster areas through our kits – especially health and layettes plus the flood buckets – the call just came in again today from UMCOR. I think we have only just begun to meet the need. We will have work days soon. Wesley – Judy T. reported. 8 ladies visited Mildred Weidauer on September 3 at The Gardens at Friendship Haven. The regular meeting is Thursday, September 11. Interfaith – See You at the Pole is September 24. Nancy Bevan and Judy will be serving donuts and juice for those who participate.

Lay Leader: Ginny M. reported. A card was sent to Bishop Palmer and Gregory. She shared a program from a church she visited.

Lay Leadership: Pastor Reg reported. We need to submit Nancy Westering and Karen Wallace as superintendent and assistant superintendent of Sunday school. Ted George made motion. Approved. Pastor read the list of Sunday school staff: Karen Wallace, Mel Pieper, Lisa Espe, Janet Stange, Nichole Ewing, Michelle Grossnickle, Jan George, Nancy Westering, Ina Tucker, Julie Tague, Amy Johnson, Niles George and Judy Johnson. Pastor moved these people be affirmed. Ted seconded. Approved.

Trustees: Nancy reported. October 26, we will have a soup dinner open to public for funds to repair car port. Wade Tucker trimmed trees. Jerrold retracted his request for a table for hand chimes due to cost of freight. They will check parsonage for repairs before church conference.

Finance: Ted reported. They discussed having a short term reserve to cover expenses when income is low. Need to anticipate drainage assessment. They have October 26 as beginning date for financial commitment program that is similar to last year. They will probably have a dinner the Sunday before Thanksgiving.

Investment Fund: Ray T. reported. They have 11 scholarships to offer this year.

Unfinished Business: Pastor Reg met will committee to identify homebound.

New Business: Dwayne will attend Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations on September 20. Bishop Trimble will be in Clarion September 14 at 2 p.m.

The next meeting will be October 7, 2008 at Grace.: