Christ the King Lutheran Church, New Brighton, MN

Special Congregation Council Meeting Minutes—November 30, 2009

Members present: Pastor Shelley, Cheryl Olson (P), Cindy Larson (PE), Ann Bollmeier (S), Allen Pofahl, Kim Burfeind, Len Krumm, Greg Debelak, John Foell, Scott Paulson, and Cyndi Lesher..

Members absent: Pastor Paul, Pastor Deborah, Dave Durham (T).

I. Cheryl Olson called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.

II. Pastor Shelley opened the meeting with prayer.

III. Pastor Shelley informed the Council that she has accepted a call as Pastor of Spiritual Formation at Zumbro Lutheran Church in Rochester Minnesota.

IV. A letter from Pastor Paul was read to the Council in his absence.

Dear Congregation Council,

I have asked President Cheryl Olson to read this letter to you since I am away on a week of continuing education. It is with great regret that I learned that Pastor Shelley was going to accept a call that would take her away from Christ the King. She has been a blessing to our congregation and has made a difference in the lives of children, youth and the families of our congregation and community. I will miss her enthusiastic and collegial spirit, her excellent sermons, her talent for engaging kids, her sense of humor and all of the other gifts she has for ministry. Our loss is Zumbro Lutheran Church’s gain.

Saddened as I am that Shelley is leaving, I want to offer you a word of assurance and hope. I was sad when John Stiles accepted a call. I thought it would be difficult to replace him, but the Holy Spirit led us to call Pastor Shelley and she has done an outstanding job. I was fearful that we would never find an adequate replacement for our Minister of Music, Maureen Armstrong, but again the Holy Spirit lead us to Bruce Phelps who is doing marvelous work. I trust that God will be at work again to provide CtK with a strong pastoral leader in the area of Children’s Youth and Family Ministry. I know God has done that for Zumbro Lutheran Church in leading them to Shelley. I am confident God will do that for us. Please join me in a commitment to pray for Pastor Shelley in her new ministry and for CtK, that the Holy Spirit will be at work to bring us another gifted pastor. Thank you.

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Paul

V. Resolution I

Whereas, Pastor Shelley Cunningham has accepted a call to serve as a pastor at Zumbro Lutheran Church in Rochester, MN;

Therefore be it resolved that Christ the King Lutheran Church regretfully receive her resignation and accept it; and

Be it further resolved that we thank her for her faithful and excellent service as our Pastor for Children’s, Youth and Family Ministry and wish her God’s blessings on her new ministry.

A motion was made by Cindy Larson and seconded by Len Krumm to accept this resolution. Motion carried.

VI. Resolution II

Whereas Christ the King Lutheran Church will be in need of interim pastoral services until a new full-time Pastor for Children’s, Youth and Family Ministry is called and has begun to serve;

Therefore, be it resolved that President Cheryl Olson, President-Elect Cindy Larson and Pastor Paul Larsen be appointed to serve as a Call Committee for an interim Pastor. They will search for, interview and recommend for interim call a pastor who can serve in this capacity until a full-time person begins his/her service. And

Be it further resolved that the Nominating Committee be asked to search for candidates to serve on a Call Committee for a full-time Children’s, Youth and Family Pastor recommending a slate of candidates to be put forth for election at the January 31, 2010 annual meeting of the congregation.

A motion was made by Cindy Larson and seconded by Len Krumm to accept this resolution. Motion carried.

VII. Pastor Shelley closed the meeting with prayer and the Lord’s Prayer.

VIII. Meeting adjourned at 7:22 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Ann Bollmeier, secretary

GUIDED BY THE GOSPEL: GATHERING • GROWING • GIVING