Greetings from your new council president! I will be following some big shoes (I don't mean literally but figuratively) of former president Bennet Bloomquist. Let's hope I can live up to all he has and continues to do for our church congregation and community we live in. Let's all give him a huge thank you for his tireless work!

I am honored to have attended and ran my first council meeting on February 14, yes you heard that correctly, on Valentine’s Day, but in the evening. Don't worry we all had some sweets to stay sharp as we did our work. Also starting their first term on the congregation council with me, are Laurie Harvey and Cindy Lustig. We are joining the ever-devoted, hard-working, and experienced council members, Mary Horan, VP, Bruce Kniivila, Treasurer, Sheila Davidson, Secretary, Char Meinzer, Tom Lee, Debbie Poderzay, Donna Flannigan, and Pastor Amy.

The February meeting covered significant ground and lasted nearly 2.5 hours, I was told this isn't common...hmmmm. I will say it was time well spent as many important topics were discussed. Updates from all Ministry Teams were shared: Children, Youth, and Family Team, by Char, Generosity Team by Sheila, Worship and Music Team by Pastor Amy and Fellowship by Donna. 

We are in the process of obtaining a new Property Team leader but hoping that the great work and knowledge from Ken Alaspa (present/prior leader) will continue to be with this team as there is much to do in this area for our church.

Financial reports were discussed by Bruce who turned complicated accounting data into quite understandable information.

I am looking forward to sharing more information on future projects discussed at the meeting once details are feathered out.

Finally, we must all thank Dan and Andrea Alto who will be our church representatives to the Synod Assembly!

Let us all work together and live our Church's mission statement: "....to draw all people to Christ, nurture faith and fulfill our calling to serve."

Thank you, congregation, for allowing me to be of service in the coming year.

In gratitude to our congregation and on behalf of our council.

Molly Pemmaraju, President