Attending: Pastor Raebel, Fred Ahrens, Tom Dehning, Leah Crim, Dave McKee, Dale Halaburt, Rob Arnold, Gail Elsner, Jeannette Ahrens

Meeting was called to order by Fred Ahrens. Pastor led in devotions, Scripture: Jonah 3 with the meditational focus that witnessing should not be seen as too much work, but that everyone is in need of hearing the message of the Word, repentance, forgiveness and eternal life. Pastor led in opening prayer.

Minutes from the council meeting of December were read. Dale Halaburt made a motion to accept the minutes, Tom Dehning seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Elder’s Report given by Dale Halaburt. There was no report due to the fact that the next Elder’s Meeting will be held on January 21.

Treasurer Report: Rob Arnold presented copies of the Balance Sheet with all Assets, Liabilities, Equity, Income, Special Offerings, Expenses, and Reimbursements. A new account 109 has been added for Health Insurance Deductibles. A motion to accept the Treasurer Report was made by Dale Halaburt and seconded by Dave McKee. Motion carried. Rob Arnold and Wanda Medina are working together to determine an upgrade for Quickbooks Online Plus w/Online Payroll. The Quickbooks will allow more access, easier use for the Church Secretary, automatic support for storage, and the charge will change from $44.36 to $75.16. Dave McKee made a motion to accept the change and seconded by Tom Dehning. Motion carried. Rob suggests that we select an on-line banking account for the church checking account. He will check local banks for any costs. The motion was made by Dale Halaburt and seconded by Dave McKee. Motion carried.

Stewardship Report: Tom Dehning reported that of the 159 stewardship forms distributed, 63 forms were returned. Everything is looking good. The stewardship board is looking for ways to promote the endowment fund. The Giving Tree was discussed as a means of giving information that the endowment fund can be used for Pre-school, music, or scholarships. The council decided that using a large, professional thermometer to show awareness of the amount of funds would be a more acceptable item than the Giving Tree concept. Dave Axtell made a motion to accept the thermometer awareness and information of the endowment fund on a bulletin board and seconded by Leah Crim. Motion carried.

Trustee Report: Dave Axtell reported that there was no report. The idea of changing the church door locks will be discussed in detail during the new business. Tom Dehning made a motion to accept; seconded by Gail Elsner. Motion carried.

Pastoral Report: Pastor reported Lectern readers do need to check with the elder to have the speaking volume adjusted, and mikes and sound checked. Elder’s Meeting will discuss this on January 21. Elders also need to discuss “the sharing of the peace“issues which have been brought to the Pastor’s attention. Pastor will be on vacation from February 13 - 21. A pastor replacement will cover the Sunday service. February 22 will be Ash Wednesday. Gail Elsner made a motion to accept the Pastor‘s report, seconded by Leah Crim. Motion carried.

Board of Education Report: Leah Crim gave the report. New members of the Board of Education will include Sharon Scroggins and Terry Postma. Midweek is going well. We have 4 new Day-Care students. We will be in need of a new Sunday School Superintendent since Bekah Postma will be resigning in June. Gina Manns and James Lewandowski’s names were put on the Youth Checkbook for signing checks. A New VBS Director will be needed for the 2012 Vacation Bible School. A committee on January 17 will discuss changes that Tera Pfortmiller wants removed from her contract . The committee will have to submit the changed contract to the voters for approval. Dave Axtell made a motion to accept the report, seconded by Gail Elsner. Motion carried.

Old Business: Pastor reported that the bank safety deposit box will cost $35 yearly for a larger box. The smaller box contents will be reviewed and resolved at the next council meeting.

Pastor reported that the 4‘ x 8‘ church sign will be located on Bob Schultz property by Kingma‘s next to the DeMotte Rotary sign. Jeff Schultz and Gene Koroncz will present the request to the city at a February 14 meeting. Once approval is received the trustees will install the sign.

New Business: Dave Axtell reported that the church door locks should be changed. Discussion was held regarding who should have a key and how the core locks should be replaced for all doors. Dave Axtell will contact a lock smith to determine the changes required. Leah Crim seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Pastor reported that Rob Arnold needs to be put on the church checking account. Leah Crim made a motion to put Rob Arnold on the checking account, seconded by Dave Axtell.

Pastor reported that $278 was donated on Sunday, January 15 to the Guidions.

Pastor also wanted to communicate about the “Group of 72”, a relational ministry. This would take commitment for food and lodging of a committee(4 - 6 people). This ministry encourages people to show that they truly care about a person, not getting a person to immediately join a church.

Dale Halaburt made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Dave McKee. Motion carried. Meeting closed by praying the Lord’s Prayer.

Jeannette Ahrens, Recording Secretary