Introductions were made and sixteen were in attendance.

Guillermo provided pizza, soda & water for everyone and each put in $5.00 to pay for expenses. Any additional funds will be used toward snacks for the next meeting.

Pastor Kou shared the comparison of Jonah in the Bible with our endeavors as a Circuit 3 Mission Society and the challenges God has placed on our hearts.

Pastor Kou opened the meeting with prayer.

Minutes of the December 8, 2005 meeting were reviewed and accepted as written.

A draft proposal explaining the reason for existence and our purpose was discussed. IT was agreed we need to educate the congregational members as to what our purpose is and the best ways to do this. Each church who has a website can print this on their website with a link to get the word out. Each present can share with their fellow congregational members the same information. A “rack card” with the most important information could be developed to share with others. Guillermo volunteered to work on this and bring some samples to the next meeting. It was determined that we need a “project” that could be Circuit-wide to gain the interest of congregational members all through the Circuit. Discussion determined that we need to do some brainstorming at the next meeting do determine what that Circuit wide “project” could be. Once that is determined, it will be easier to gain the interest of others.

Pastor Shoemaker, Circuit Counselor, Mission Counselor John Whaley and CNH President Bob Newton will all be included on our emails to keep them up to date.

Each congregation need to determine a primary and secondary representative so that communication can be clearly communicated on all levels. These names are to be brought to the next meeting.

Mission resources were shared by Pastor Kou. They are the Seven Mission Responses LCMS, (Learn, Pray, Give, Talk, Send, Go, Celebrate) Four Areas of Mission Involvement LCMS ( Go nearby, community, neighbors; Go away – distance, cultures, different communities; Reaching the ends of the earth and Meeting the Challenge of Acts 1:8 (But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, ant to the ends of the earth) and a Church Planting Manual CNH. All these resources are available on the websites.

Leadership training will take place at St. Paul Merced starting Saturday, January28th for those identified leaders who are interested in developing skills for leadership in their congregations. Contact Pastor Kou if anyone is interested. (722-8725)

The Circuit 3 Convocation will be Sunday March 12 at Grace Lutheran Church, Modesto from 2 – 4 p.m. IT will be primarily an opportunity to hear Dr. Newton’s vision on the State of the Church in our CNH District. All are encourage to come and to encourage others to attend.

It was determined that the next meeting would be held Wednesday, Feb. 22nd at 5:30 p.m. at Grace Lutheran, Modesto. Agenda items will be:

* Brainstorm project for circuit congregations & target at least one
* Identify needs in congregational areas – link to lead through district website
* Understand our purpose and mission statement to share with others
* Develop rack card to distribute to congregational members (Guillermo will bring samples) for better understanding & education

Congregational members need to understand and identify with the challenges and blessings involved in jumping “out of the box” that is so comfortable.

Pastor Kou and Tom will work on a short presentation to be given at the Circuit 3 Convocation March 12th. Their ideas will be shared at our Feb. 22nd meeting.

Several opportunities were shared; Campus ministry in our Community colleges and universities; Hispanic ministries, HMong ministries, Childrens' Ministries.

Church buildings are not essential. Homes, schools, parks can be used or rental of community facilities.

All participants were asked to pray that God will reveal a project for our Circuit that can be shared by all congregations so each can celebrate the rewards that God’s challenge was met!

Pastor Lange closed with prayer at 1:30 p.m.