Meeting Minutes

Federated Church September 12, 2025 Meeting Highlights

Committee Reports: Stewardship, Education, and Youth Programs

• Giving is below estimates; summer typically sees lower donations, with increases expected in fall and year-end.

• First Lutheran Church Council voted to pause their profile and split compensation in half; no major issues reported.

• Recommendation to provide budget-reading guidance at retreats or meetings, as not all members are familiar with financial documents.

• Stewardship campaigns typically occur in October or November; coordination between churches is planned.

Stewardship chair, Mike, tasked with organizing the campaign, encouraging commitments for budget planning, and possibly including testimonials.

Formalizing Collaboration with First Lutheran: Agreement and Communication

• Agreed on 50-50 sharing of pastor benefits, housing, and salary between churches.

• Pastoral relations committees from both churches to meet and finalize compensation; goal to increase Pastor Matt's salary.

• Sunday school set for 8:30 AM, starting September 21 at Federated.

• Pastor Matt to serve as liaison, attending both councils; council meeting minutes to be shared between churches.

• First Lutheran voted to pause pastor call through May; joint letter sent to both congregations via email and discussed in services.

Property and Maintenance: Facilities, Pests, and Accessibility

• Air conditioning in sanctuary failed; repairs delayed until next spring.

• Wasp infestation in Sunday school room addressed by caulking and bait stations (apple juice, cantaloupe, sugar, boric acid, bacon).

• Bait and killing stations set up near dumpster to control wasps; ongoing monitoring and sealing planned.

• Bat house constructed; South Dakota University reports 20–50% occupancy in first year; commercial bat houses cost ~$250.

• Bat house mounted on storage shed; stained dark for warmth.

New Business: Cluster Conference, Volunteer Demographics, and Closing

• Meeting minutes to be shared more promptly, possibly in the newsletter with a 'subject to approval' disclaimer.

• Collaboration with First Lutheran discussed; aim to avoid duplication and create joint traditions.

• Cluster conference meeting scheduled for Sunday, October 19th at 2 PM at Federated; hospitality and service project planning needed.

• Paul Watzke reported that Federated’s volunteer base consists of 46 active members: 18 aged 60+, 10 aged 70+, 5 aged 80+, 3 aged 90+, 9 younger/other.

• Concerns raised about aging volunteer base and sustainability; collaboration considered as a potential solution.

These minutes are subject to approval by council.