The Lancaster County Chapter Board of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans met for their monthly meeting on Sunday, November 16, 2008 at the Swanson Center, Camp Carol Joy Holling, 27416 Ranch Road, Ashland, NE. President Jeff Peterson called the monthly to order at 2 p.m. and Roger Simmons led the opening devotion. Attendees introduced themselves and their family members in attendance. Board members present were Jeff Peterson, Shane Larsen, Judy Janssen, Vicki Onken, Keith Plummer and Margaret Simmons. Advisory Board members present included: Dennis Engelbart and Roger Simmons. At this time the group joined their family members and worked on a service project for Camp Carol Joy Holling. The hands-on service project funded by Care Abounds in Communities included putting wood chips on the Camp’s paths and trails. At 4:30 p.m. the Board reconvened the chapter board meeting. In the absence of the Records Director the president appointed Roger Simmons to record the minutes of this meeting.

The Community Service Team Director, Keith Plummer, resigned from his office effective December 31, 2008. Effective January 1, 2009 he will be assuming the duties of congregational president at Sheridan Lutheran Church. His resignation was accepted with regret. Advisory member, Dennis Engelbart, informed the group that there were 'advisors' in the group and within the chapter that could fulfill the job without having to retrain for the position. The president asked a former Board member who is eligible to serve in this capacity. The former Board member will accept the job if offered. The Board will vote on Jeff's appointment at the December Chapter Board meeting.

Director of Member Engagement Region 378: Dennis Engelbart presented information on Thrivent Financial for Lutherans new emphasis at the Chapter level which includes the 'Values of Thrivent - Faith, Family, Service and Stewardship. Additional information will be coming on how these values will be incorporated into projects. The funding for Lancaster County Chapter for 2009 appears to be $76,515 in funds for Community Service Projects (CAIC), $10,000 available in Chapter Operating Funds and additional funding for each Chapter congregation. Dennis also suggested that the chapter involve Congregational Coordinators by asking them to consider serving on sub-committees and assist with hosting chapter activities.

Events Director: The Events Director will be checking available dates at Lincoln Lutheran for the 2nd Annual Volunteer Recognition Awards Brunch. The president will check the date of the Red-White Spring Game to avoid a conflict of dates. Tom Osborne was suggested as a speaker.

Community Service Team Director: Keith Plummer presented a CAIC project request from Lincoln Lutheran Choir as the previously the project request had been overlooked assuming it was the same as the Lincoln Boys Choir request on which we had already taken action. The motion was made by Margaret Simmons and seconded by Vicki Onken that the request from Lincoln Lutheran Choir be approved for $400 if CAIC funds are available. The motion passed.

Announcements: The next meeting will be on Thursday, December 4th beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Lincoln Thrivent Office, 7431 O Street, Lincoln, NE. Information for meeting--
1. If you have received a survey from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans concerning IRS Form 990 be sure to get it completed and handed to the chapter president.
2. The possibility of co-funding an event with Lincoln Lutheran vs. Omaha Concordia at the Quest Center.
3. Submit some nominations for National Volunteer Week.

The meeting closed with prayer led by Shane Larsen. The meeting was adjourned and the group was reunited with their families for the evening meal.

Roger Simmons
Secretary Pro-Tem