The 138 th Annual Congregational Meeting

Transcription

1 Annual Report for the Year 2018 FIRST EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 305 West 5 th Street North Platte, Nebraska (308) frstluth@msn.com Website: Facebook page: Pastor Arnold Flater: arnoldflater@gmail.com Contact Number: (563) The 138 th Annual Congregational Meeting Please bring this report with you to the ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING Sunday, January 27, :30 A.M. PAGE 1

2 INDEX TO 2018 ANNUAL REPORTS Congregation Council Members... Page Nominating Committee... Page 3 Agenda... Page 4 Minutes of January 28, 2018, Annual Meeting... Page 5 Report from Pastor Arnold Flater... Page 6-7 Foundation of First Ev. Lutheran Church First Lutheran Foundation and Shrake Fund... Page 8 Committees/Organizations: Education/Household/Youth Report... Page 9 Education/Household/Youth Treasurer s Report... Page 9 CCC Committee Caring Christians Committee... Page 10 Property Committee... Page 10 Thrivent Choice Dollars... Page 11 Worship and Music Committee... Page 11 Preschool Report... Page 12 Preschool Treasurer s Report... Page 13 Offerings from Church Services, Church Office & Parochial Summary of Receipts and Expenditures Page 14 Summary of Accounts... Page 15 Parochial Report... Page 15 Proposed 2019 Budget/2018 Financial Report... Page 16/17 Special Gifts and Designated Offerings in Page 18 Balance Sheet for First Ev. Lutheran Church... Page 19 Women of the ELCA Women of the ELCA... Page 20/21 Women of the ELCA Treasurer's Report... Page 21/ Memorials... Page 23 ELCA AMENDMENTS ELCA Amendments to the Model Constitution for Congregations... Page Blank note page... Page 30 PAGE 2

3 2018 CONGREGATION COUNCIL, TERM AND COMMITTEE Our Mission Statement -- To make Christ known in our love for one another, by service to our neighbor, and in worship of God. Office Name Term Committee Linda Lehmann Worship & Music Brent Aufkdenkamp Library Jim Falcon Treasurer Jake Wawrzynkiewicz Finance & Foundation Secretary Jody Lamberty Worship & Music Daran Rudnick Property President Jerry Stoll Preschool Becky Robinson Library Betty Knepke-Hamit CCC Committee Vice-President Mark Obermeier Property Steve Evans Emily McCreery Christian Education, Household & Youth COUNCIL MEMBERS WHOSE TERM ENDS JANUARY 2019 JODY LAMBERTY DARAN RUDNICK JERRY STOLL 2019 NOMINATING COMMITTEE Purpose of Nominating Committee: 1. Provide slate of candidates for the Congregation Council. 2. Supply names of potential Council members to replace persons who have terminated their membership prior to completion of term. 3. Replace the members of the Nominating Committee for the ensuing year. The following persons are presented for the Nominating Committee for 2019 (FELC Constitution page 20, C13.02.): A Nominating Committee of six voting members of this congregation, two of whom, if possible, shall be outgoing members of the Congregation Council, shall be elected at the annual meeting for a term of one year. Members of the Nominating Committee are not eligible for consecutive reelection. Jody Lamberty Jerry Stoll Name Needed Daran Rudnick Name Needed Name Needed PAGE 3

4 First Evangelical Lutheran Church 305 West 5 th Street, North Platte, Nebraska 138 th ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING Sunday, January 27, Call to order, 138 th Annual Congregational Meeting. 2. Devotions by Pastor Arnold Flater 3. Appointment of parliamentarian and tellers. 4. Approval of the 137 th Annual Meeting minutes (page 5). 5. Mission Statement (in unison): To make Christ known in our love for one another, by service to our neighbor, and in worship of God. 6. Report on number in attendance. 7. Report from Pastor Arnold Flater. 8. Old Business: A. Approved Amendments to FELC Constitution. [Model Constitution changes were finalized January 28, Other amendments must be ratified and be effective at the annual meeting today, January 27, 2019]. Page B. 9. New Business: A. Approval of 2019 Budget in the amount of $254,350. (pages 16 & 17) B. Selection of three to the 2019 Nebraska Synod Assembly: May 30, 2019 to June 1, 2019 at the Younes Conference Center in Kearney, NE C. Approval of Nominating Committee for (page 3) D. 10. Adjourn with the Lord's Prayer. NOTE: Council meeting at Noon Sunday, February 17, 2019 for outgoing, continuing and newly elected Council members. Continuing Council members and committee members will be installed on Sunday, February 3, Outgoing Council members will be recognized during the services. PAGE 4

5 First Evangelical Lutheran Church 305 West 5 th Street, North Platte, Nebraska 137 th Annual Congregational Minutes January 28, th Annual Congregational Meeting called to order at 9:30 am by Jerry Stoll. Devotions: Pastor Steven Berke Appointed Bob Petersen to be Parliamentarian Approval of 136 th Annual meeting minutes: Motion made by Leland Lamberty, with second by Arlene Petersen. Motion carried. Mission statement (read in unison): To make Christ known in our love for one another, by service to our neighbor, and in worship of God. Members in attendance: 60 Report of the nominating committee: Nominations open for four Council members for three-year term ( ). Nominations open to the floor. Jerry Stoll appointed Lori Evans and Claudette Nelson to count votes for the nominees to the church council. The four nominees elected to the church council: Brent Aufdenkamp, Jim Falcon, Linda Lehmann and Jake Wawrzynkiewicz. Motion to approve made by Elyse Bohling with second by Arleen Petersen. Motion carried. Old business: Report of Transition Team: Pastor Steve Berke. New Business: Motion to approve the 2018 Budget in the amount of $275,577 made by Leland Lamberty, second by Lori Evans. Motion carried. Selection of three people to the 2018 Nebraska Synod Assembly: May 31, 2018 to June 2, 2018 at the Younes Conference Center in Kearney, NE. Jill Falcon and Linda Lehmann volunteered. Motion to approve by Becky Robinson with second by Jake Wawrzynkiewicz. Approval of the nominating committee for 2018: Arlene Petersen, Claudette Nelson, Jerry Stoll, Jody Lamberty. Motion to approve made by Leland Lamberty with second by Lori Evans. Motion carried. Reallocate the ($10,194.44) Associate Pastor Fund for moving expenses and calling expenses. Motion to approve by Linda Lehmann with second by Jim Falcon. Approve Amendments to FELC Constitution. [Model Constitution changes are finalized today. Other amendments must be ratified at the next annual meeting, and shall be effective on that date, January 27, 2019]. Motion to approve by Jim Falcon with second by Lori Evans. Report on the Gift to Foundation. Pastor Steve reported a gift has been given to the Foundation for the purpose of replenishing the Shrake Fund. Adjourn with Lord s Prayer at 10:00 am. Minutes prepared by Jody Lamberty and presented on behalf of the Congregational Church Council. PAGE 5

6 Called to Be Saints Together Annual Report 2018 Pastor Flater 1 Corinthians 12:12-14,27-31a 2 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body Jews or Greeks, slaves or free and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. 14 Indeed, the body does not consist of one member but of many 27 Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. 28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers; then deeds of power, then gifts of healing, forms of assistance, forms of leadership, various kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? 31a But strive for the greater gifts. As we gather for our 2018 annual meeting, we are in the midst of a four week preaching series in I Corinthians. In Paul s greeting to his church in Corinth he brings a reminder for them and for us, for we are also, Called to be Saints Together. Thanks be to God for that promise. The Apostle Paul s letter to the church in Corinth serves as a timeless reminder of what it means to be the church. Paul carefully delivers powerful theological truth for living, the strengths of the church fellowship, and the places in which growth is needed. In this report and in the months to come, I intend to make Paul s template my pastoral direction for us as God s people. My report this first year will be divided in to those three areas. The first highlights the theological truth of who God has made us to be, entitled, The Body is One and has Many Members. The second section will review our strong traditions and gifts entitled, All the Members. The third will highlight the major challenge before us in bringing viability for a long-term future ministry entitled, Strive for the Greater Gifts. The Body is One and has Many Members Biblical and theological truth present again and again that God s gifts of creation arrive full and complete. These gifts of the creative powers of God always instruct my pastoral prerogative in developing and leading a congregation s ministry. I believe God gives us all we need for the working body of Christ. Every congregation which recognizes those gifts given by the Spirit and properly matches and seeks to grow them to the needs of the world will celebrate in abundant prosperity. Baptized into the death of Christ, we also, as Paul reminds us elsewhere, receive his abundant gifts for life. The many members of which Paul speaks in I Corinthians allows us incredible scope of service and love to the world. God s appointment of such a wide variety of gifts gives pastors and congregational leaders a detailed challenge of utilizing and growing the many members. God s plan brings us, as Paul explains in chapter 12 of I Corinthians, a long list of many gifts always placed and nurtured by the Spirit. That action of God is pure gift to a waiting world that needs such love and compassion. A central reminder that becomes a repeating chorus for Paul becomes especially vital in our present culture and national crisis. More and more, we are drawn to see how we are different from one another in negative ways. The voices of economics, politics, and sociology are manipulated to create fear-filled division. Such division will never support what God has in mind for each congregation of faith. Paul insists that while we are diverse, we are diverse in the manner of gifts we possess, not in divisions which separate. The church must not flinch in the truth that God has created and aligned us in such a way that, The Body is One and has Many Members. PAGE 6

7 All the Members I am pleased to learn the truth that First Evangelical Lutheran has a Body given by God to serve as All the Members. First Lutheran has a wonderful cadre of servant leaders who recognize the gifts God has given and are eager to see those gifts grow. The longstanding history of this ministry continues to shine forth in all aspects of what you accomplish here in this congregation, North Platte and the surrounding area, and out into the world. We have the time and talents to ensure the gift of the resurrected Christ with the next generation and the world around us. Both in careful study of our ministry profile offered to me when I was asked to consider joining you in ministry and now having spent four months in ministry with you, I see God s creative handiwork in who you are as the Body of Christ and that you are eager to mature in that gift. I invite you to carefully review the many pages of ministry reports which follow my pastoral report in thf annual report. It does take many to become and sustain the Body in this place. I do not have enough room in this short report to record individual ministries, let alone mention names of those who offer such powerful service. Please know that your gifts do not go unnoticed. Your gifts are a place of thanksgiving and celebration for me as pastor. God s creative abundance lives on at First Evangelical Lutheran Church. We are created by God to serve in this place as All the Members! Strive for the Greater Gifts. This final section, as already stated, seeks to serve in Paul s template as a call to growth and change. You have been honest with me in your profile development and hopes for the future. I recognize that many leaders of First Lutheran are concerned about the challenges you have faced in the last decade or more. We happen to live in a time in which even faithful directed congregations have experienced decline and have been forced to close their doors. That loss has been exhibited in many factors of ministry in our part of the church. I want you to know that I received and accepted this call to join with you in plans for an abundant and sustained future ministry. I did not come to be a pastor who serves a congregation in need of a chaplain to care for them in their decline and fall. My goal in our time together is to sustain a vital and energetic ministry to serve in God s creative abundance throughout this twenty first century and beyond. While it may seem bold of me to say, I believe that I have the God given experience, insight, and ministry ability to guide us to new vitality and sustainable ministry. Our decline in worship numbers and financial dependence of special funds for budget expense have, from our first interactions as congregation and pastor, been a place of concern. I also have come to quickly realize that the demands of the ministry due to program size and number of members does not match our staff size or the work load of one pastor. We need to find adjustments to both of those critical aspects of ministry. As I offer this report, I have more observations regarding this challenge and not many remedies. Time will help us focus on the critical areas of ministry growth, while asking for patience knowing that some other areas will need to wait. I am still committed, however, to bringing strong energy to our worship life and am watching carefully our growth in content, variety, and numbers. For it is in worship that God continues to create the church. Without that growth vitality and viability will decline. I have promised our leadership that this first full year will be a place of renewed vigor in our financial Stewardship. There are areas of growth that need the direct application of more staff to bring continuity. We all are called to grow in financial giving for the sake of our future. I offer this, my first annual report, in great confidence for the direction we believe God is calling First Evangelical Lutheran Church of North Platte. I am honored and excited to join with you in the journey God has placed before us. For we are, Called to Be Saints Together! PAGE 7

8 2018 Financial Report of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church Foundation of North Platte, Nebraska, Inc. Members: Chairman Jake Wawrzynkiewicz, Lee Lamberty, Joel Jensen and Bob Petersen Council Representative: Jake Wawrzynkiewicz THE FOUNDATION S FUND BALANCES AT DECEMBER 31, 2018, ARE AS FOLLOWS: These are the designated uses for the income for the various funds in the Foundation: Dora Wendeborn Trust Principle Fund* $49, Wendeborn Fund: 78% for scholarships in teacher education for students at in-state schools only; 22% for church expenses. Income Fund (Wendeborn Trust) for Scholarships $20, Wendeborn Fund earnings: 78% for scholarships in teacher education for students at in-state schools only. Income Fund (Wendeborn Trust) for Church Use $1, Wendeborn Fund earnings: 22% for church expenses. Church Operating Expense Fund <$12,346>* $12, Brewer Fund earnings: 100% for church expenses, including day-to-day operations. Associate & New Pastor Fund $69.33 Associate Pastor & New: 100% for expenses incurred when there is a second pastor or expenses incurred in attaining a new pastor. First Lutheran Church Endowment Fund <$63,709>* $116, Endowment Fund earnings: 100% for church expenses, including day-to-day operations. Charles L. & Marilyn C. Anderson Endowment Fund <$210,296.88>* Anderson Fund earnings: 100% for church property expenses. $261, TOTAL FUND BALANCES AT DECEMBER 31, 2018 $462, * This amount represents the Principle Balance of the Fund included in the total Value Amount. The principal of the funds cannot be spent unless specific and usually dire circumstances arise and certain approvals are given. The principal in each fund exists to perpetually generate income that the church can put to work. NOTE: All Foundation Assets are currently held and managed by First National Bank & Trust Company. RECONCILIATION OF FUND BALANCES: TOTAL FUND BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2017 $493, Funds Disbursed for Scholarships ($1,500.00) 2018 Earnings $9, Advisory Fees ($4,686.62) 2018 Gains on Investments Sold $30, Change in Fair Market Value ($61,197.35) 2018 Donations $15, Funds disbursed to church for calling expenses ($11,416.18) (In 2019, will receive $5,000 grant from WorkNP.com.) 2018 Funds disbursed to church for property expense ($7,384.00) TOTAL FUND BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2018 $462, Thank you for all of the donations in 2018! With these donations the First Evangelical Lutheran Church Foundation was able to pay for Call Expenses, 9 Fire Extinguishers, a New Gym Beam Smoke Detector, a Parking Lot Seal Coat and Scholarships! 2018 Financial Report for the FRED E. SHRAKE Fund RECONCILIATION OF FRED E. SHRAKE FUND DECEMBER 31, 2017 FUND BALANCE $135, Earnings on Account $3, Donations Received $31, Advisory Fees ($1,151.56) 2018 Net losses/gains on Investments Sold $4, Change in Market value ($11,670.31) 2018 Distribution to the church ($20,000.00) DECEMBER 31, 2018 FUND BALANCE $142, NOTE: Funds are invested and managed by First National Bank & Trust Company. Thank you for all of the donations in 2018! With these donations the Fred E. Shrake Fund grew year-over-year! Reported by Jake Wawrzynkiewicz, Foundation Treasurer PAGE 8

9 Committee Members: Pastor Arnold Flater, Jill Falcon, Mindee Mohr, Elyse Bohling, Heather Jensen, Debbie Slagle and Emily McCreery (Council Rep) Pastor Steve Berke held confirmation for five youth on Pentecost Sunday. New Confirmation classes began in October with Pastor Arnold Flater. The youth also met with other youth from community churches for board games and food several times. Four FELC youth and Mindee Mohr attended the National Youth Gathering in Houston in late June. The youth participated in several service projects including: Santa Cop shopping, Cody Park winter concessions, trash walk in spring and fall, served at the Harvest Dinner and sponsored the Valentine Dinner in February. High School youth met for classes from August to mid-october. The following received First Communion on March 29, 2018: Emma Grace Jensen and Sawyer Marie-Jyrney Magnuson Vacation Bible School: Thank you to Heather Jensen and Carla Jensen for a successful VBS We had 32 children 5 th grade and under, four middle school youth and four high school youth in attendance for VBS with great help from all the volunteers and Women of the ELCA. Thank you to everyone who made this year successful! Christian Ed meets the third Thursday of each month at 5 p.m. EDUCATION-HOUSEHOLD-YOUTH BALANCE 1/01/18... $4, RECEIPTS: Sunday School Offering... $1.60 VBS Donation... $25.00 Trash Walk... $ Youth T-Shirt... $15.00 Thrivent Choice... $ Family Reimbursements... $ TOTAL RECEIPTS... $ EXPENSES: Five LYON Registration... $ Video License... $ Youth Activities... $ Youth Learning Materials... $ Wednesday Evening Meal... $41.94 TOTAL EXPENSES... $1, BALANCE 12/31/18... $3, MISSION TRIP FUND BALANCE 1/01/18... $5, RECEIPTS: No receipts in $0.00 EXPENSES: No expenses in $0.00 BALANCE 12/31/18... $5, Thrivent Choice Dollars made a HUGE impact for First Lutheran Youth! We would like to thank the Thrivent Choice Committee and those who have designated their dollars to FELC Youth! Easter Egg Hunt Supplies St. Valentine s Dinner Middle School Youth Gathering LYON Assembly Fuel and Meals Wednesday Family Meals Youth Directed Donations Vacation Bible School Meals Baptism Bibles Boomwhackers Music High School Quilt Material ELCA YOUTH GATHERING FUND BALANCE 1/01/18... $13, RECEIPTS: Remaining from trip... $ Budget Transfer... $1, RECEIPTS/FUNDRAISERS: Valentines Dinner... $1, TOTAL RECEIPTS... $3, EXPENSES: Final Registrations... $1, T-shirts, backpacks... $ Hotel Marriott/Texas... $2, Meeting in Gothenburg... $36.38 Food expenses... $1, Kemah Activity... $89.95 Lighthouse Activity... $79.75 Art FX Bus Transportation... $ Valentines Dinner... $ Remaining due to ALC... $ TOTAL EXPENSES... $7, BALANCE 12/31/18... $9, NOTE: Detailed income/expenses on monthly financial statements & purchase order book. PAGE 9

10 CARING CHRISTIANS COMMITTEE (2018) Committee Chairperson: Jody Hill Council Representatives: Jody Lamberty, Betty Knepke-Hamit Committee members: Donna Keithley, Arleen Petersen, Elyse Bohling The CCC is in need of more committee members. Contact the church office or one of the committee members if interested. The committee would like to thank everyone who volunteered in helping to make this a successful year. Your participation is always appreciated. Accomplishments for 2018 Sent: Birthday cards to members celebrating their 80 th/plus birthdays; Thinking of You cards to those in care facilities or homebound; Christmas cards to members who are unable to worship with us; Postcards to visitors; Appreciation postcards to various volunteers within the church. Revised the annual Time and Talent sheet, making it more concise. Promoted Office Manager and Pastor Appreciation Months. Continued Did You Know? tidbit in the monthly newsletter. Acted as stewards for the Good Samaritan fund. Organized the God s Work, Our Hands event in which members of the congregation participated in washing and polishing the church pews. Compiled the results of the Time and Talent sheets. The information from these sheets is in a notebook located in the front office. Our mission is to share the love and bounteous gifts of God. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Roman 12:10 Submitted by Betty Knepke-Hamit PROPERTY Committee Members: Bruce Jensen, Jerry Jensen and Ernie Schuster Council Representatives: Mark Obermeier and Daran Rudnick Advisory: Olene Beck, Office Manager Goals accomplished: Property maintenance repairs made as needed. Knobels inspected the boilers and complete maintenance on all handlers. Elevator and boiler inspections completed and maintenance repairs as needed. FELC Foundation helped with the following property repairs/replacements (page 8): Re-Stripe and seal the parking lot (Bulldog Seal Coat): $5,001 Replaced nine outdated B456 10# Fire Extinguishers. (Mid Nebraska Ice, Inc.): $999 Replaced Beam Detector on Fire Alarm in gym. (Nebraska Safety & Fire): $1,384 Goals in 2019: Continue window upgrade project. Continue to upgrade the facility. Thank you for your help... To all that helped with and supported all of our projects during Girl Scout Troop for planting, watering & weeding the flower gardens. Boy Scout Troop for dethatching the lawn this spring. Thank you to all who have volunteered in the upkeep of First Lutheran Church. Women of the ELCA for the funds for property repairs. Generous gift was received for maintenance supplies. PAGE 10

11 Thrivent Choice is a giving program that allows members to choose where Thrivent Financial for Lutherans give back to non-profit organizations and congregations. First Lutheran Church receives monthly donations and a Thrivent Choice committee distributes the funds. Suggestions are always invited. Committee: Joan Johansen, Betty Knepke-Hamit, Mary Johnson and Sandra Stoll Thank you to those who have allocated their Thrivent Choice Dollars to First Ev. Lutheran Church. Beginning balance January 1, 2018: $4, Donations received for the Thrivent Choice Program during 2018: $1, Easter Egg Hunt Supplies Baptism Story Bibles Boomwhackers Music 144 Nativity Stars for Christmas Rolls/juice for Annual Meeting Devotional Books Wednesday Family Meals Three Narthex Entry Rugs LYON Assembly fuel/meals Spotlight High School Quilt Material Seder Meal/Lamb Preschool Directed Donation Salvation Army Soup Suppers Valentines Dinner: Prime Rib Youth Directed Donations Worship & Music Directed Donations Total Thrivent Choice Dollars given in the amount of: $2, Ending balance as of December 31, 2018: $3, Are you a member of Thrivent Financial who is eligible to direct Choice Dollars? Thrivent members, be sure to allocate your Choice Dollars by March 31. Choice Dollars designated during the calendar year can be directed until March 31 of the following year. For example, the Choice Dollars designated to you in 2018 can be directed until March 31, You must direct your Thrivent Choice Dollars every calendar year prior to March 31 or every time you receive notification that Choice Dollars are available. WORSHIP and MUSIC Annual Report 2018 Committee Members: Jody Hill, Jody Lamberty (Council Representative), Linda Lehmann, Charles Aufdenkamp, and Lori Evans Advisory Members: Pastor Arnold Flater and Gail Jensen The ongoing mission of the Worship & Music Committee is to ensure that the worship life at First Lutheran Church is being conducted properly within the guidelines of the church constitution and to enhance the worship life of First Lutheran through special music, banners, decorations, and special worship services. The committee was responsible for planning and organizing the following Special Services and/or activities for First Lutheran: Decorated and changed banners for Palm Sunday In charge of all aspects of the Seder Supper Purchased and prepared all food for Seder Provided music for the evening Lenten services Decorated for Easter Sunday including ordering, picking up, and setting out of Lilies and white Mums Decorated for Pentecost including ordering, picking up, and setting out geraniums Set out the American Flags for the 4th of July Service All Saints Sunday - placed candles in Sanctuary in memory of congregation s loved ones Decorated for Thanksgiving Thanksgiving Service followed by pie and coffee Decorated and Un-decorated Sanctuary for Christmas Ordered, picked up, set out and cared for 40 poinsettia plants Assisted Pastor Flater in preparing for his John the Baptist presentation Purchased a spotlight with Thrivent Choice Dollars for use in the Sanctuary Assisted with and directed North Platte Canteen sketch for Christmas Eve services Ongoing - change and maintain banners for each church season All music for every service selected by Gail Jensen Report prepared and submitted by Lori Evans PAGE 11 to be used for Worship & Music!

12 Report of the First Lutheran Church Preschool 2018 Our seventh year of the First Lutheran Church Preschool has been just as exciting and rewarding as the first! Our classroom is filled with 25 happy, curious learners that are three, four and five years old. We have two morning classes full of energetic children and have started registration for the school year! Our loving and nurturing staff continues to be the same with myself as teacher and Stacy Zierke, para. Our board of directors consists of Jerry Stoll, Church Council President, Lori Evans, Past President, Olene Beck, Office Manager, Pastor Arnold Flater, and Gail Jensen, Preschool Director. Our days are full of God's many blessings, but one in particular I want to tell you about is the love and affirmation that our preschool has received from the many families that are returning to First Lutheran Church preschool for their 2nd, 3rd, or 6th child! How wonderful to celebrate this history and longstanding connection with these preschool friends! We are so excited that Pastor Flater is also sharing his time and talents with our preschool children and their families! Each month Pastor Flater invites us to join him in Chapel time in the beautiful Church Sanctuary. This short worship time consists of a Bible story, a song and a prayer. We have had a great response to this outreach activity to our preschool families! Another highlight of our year was very successful silent auction! 40 businesses donated items and services as well as the amazing donations from the preschool families and our Church members. Because of the generous bids from everyone, we raised over $3,100! A heartfelt Thank You to all of you who supported us in this event! I want to again thank the church Council for encouraging this mission and outreach opportunity for First Lutheran Church. Thank you also to the Board of Directors who have been so supportive and uplifting in building this endeavor, and most of all, ALL OF THE MEMBERS OF FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH, who have overwhelmed us with love, and generosity in your gifts of money, supplies and prayers! In Christ s Service, Gail Jensen, Preschool Director PAGE 12

13 2018 First Ev. Lutheran Preschool Checking Account Beginning Balance January 1, 2018 $18, DEPOSITS DURING 2018 Preschool Tuition $9, Preschool Tuition $13, Preschool Snack Fee $ May 2020 Preschool Registration Deposit $75.00 Book Sale Fundraiser in May 2018 $90.00 Special Gift received in March 2018 $10, Contributions and Donations $ Thrivent Choice Dollars $ Silent Auction Fundraiser in November 2018 $3, Total 2018 Deposits: $37, EXPENSES DURING 2018 Advertising $0.00 Copier & Office $ Refund Preschool Tuition $0.00 Kitchen Supplies $81.40 Professional, Training & Meetings $ Quick-book Printer Checks $60.25 Payroll Salaries & Social Security $19, Postage Supplies $0.00 Preschool Curriculum $1, Preschool Sign Light Bulbs $17.98 Snacks & Supplies $ Total 2018 Expenses: $22, Ending Balance December 31, 2018 $34, Thank you to Thrivent Choice Committee for the allocated Thrivent Choice Dollars. Submitted by Olene Beck First Evangelical Lutheran Church: Facebook page: First Lutheran Preschool: PAGE 13

14 Shortfall Surplus FIRST EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH (Current Expenses and Benevolence) SUMMARY OF BUDGET RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES Details by month the income and expenses that supports the budget on page 16 & 17. Special or designated disbursements are not included with the monthly totals. SHRAKE/FOUNDATION FUNDS ARE YEAR INCLUDED: General Budget Offerings $282,555 $288,815 $269,208 $268,746 $255,541 $243,147 Other Special Bequeath/Gift $7, TOTAL BUDGET OFFERINGS $290,055 $288,815 $269,208 $268,746 $255,541 $243,147 TOTAL BUDGET EXPENDITURES $282,810 $285,550 $285,722 $300,843 $278,887 $259,830 SURPLUS /(SHORTFALL) $7,245 $3,265 ($16,514) ($32,097) ($23,346) ($16,683) SHRAKE/FOUNDATION FUNDS INCLUDED IN THE BELOW AMOUNTS: Shrake Fund and Foundation Funds $49,000 $20,000 $20,000 SURPLUS /(SHORTFALL) $7,245 $3,265 ($16,514) $16,903 ($3,346) $3,317 (Easter) (Shrake) Year 2018 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JUL AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC TOTAL C&B Income $14,982 $15,069 $13,882 $24,300 $15,121 $16,703 $16,989 $13,561 $14,436 $16,338 $14,483 $38,448 $214,312 13th Month $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $28,835 $28,835 Expenses $21,882 $23,278 $23,816 $22,758 $21,827 $21,122 $21,235 $19,768 $19,230 $21,379 $21,605 $21,930 $259,830 Surplus Shortfall Shortfall Shortfall (Shortfall) $(6,900) $(8,209) $(9,934) PAGE 14 Surplus $1,542 Shortfall $(6,706) Shortfall $(4,419) Shortfall Shortfall $(4,246) ($6,207) Shortfall $(4,794) Shortfall $(5,041) Shortfall Surplus $(7,122) $45,353 Shortfall ($16,683) Shrake Fund $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $20,000 $0 $0 $0 $0 $20,000 Surplus Shortfall Shortfall Shortfall Surplus Shortfall Shortfall Shortfall Surplus Shortfall Shortfall Shortfall Surplus (Shortfall) $(6,900) $(8,209) $(9,934) $1,542 $(6,706) $(4,419) $(4,246) $13,793 $(4,794) $(5,041) $(7,122) $45,353 Surplus $3,317

15 SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTS for FIRST EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH First Lutheran Church Accounts (Pages 14-19) & (Page 8) Transfer In/Out Checking from/to Savings ** Special Fund (below) balances with balance sheet monthly. Transfers are made between these two accounts each month. Preschool Checking Account BALANCE 01/01/ RECEIPTS 2018 EXPENSES BALANCE 12/31/18 $42, $46, Special Fund Checking Account $77, $65, ** See note above. Fred E. Shrake Fund (Page 8) $135, $27, $21, $142, (Page 13) Preschool Checking Account $18, $37, $22, $34, First Evangelical Church Foundation (Page 8) BALANCE 01/01/ RECEIPTS 2018 EXPENSES BALANCE 12/31/18 Dora Wendeborn Trust Principal Balance $49, $0 $0 $49, Dora Wendeborn 78% Education Fund $19, $2, $1, $20, Dora Wendeborn 22% Church Fund $ $ $0 $1, Donna Brewer Church Operating Fund $13, $ $ $12, Associate & New Pastor Fund $10, $ $10, $ st Lutheran Foundation Endowment Fund $108, $27, $19, $116, Charles & Marilyn Anderson Endowment Fund $291, $32, $62, $261, WELCA Accounts (Pages 21-22) BALANCE 01/01/ RECEIPTS 2018 EXPENSES BALANCE 12/31/18 WELCA Checking Account $1, $4, $5, $ Total Account Balances for First Evangelical Lutheran Church $770, $751, PAROCHIAL REPORT Baptisms: Children Baptisms: Adults (16 or older) Confirmations: Junior Confirmations: Adult Marriages Deaths - Removed from roster Births Baptized Membership Confirmed Membership Confirmed - Contributing - Communion Members Members added to the roster Members removed from the roster Average worship attendance (all services) Average without Christmas Eve Service PAGE 15 Submitted by Olene Beck

16 First Evangelical Lutheran Church 2018 FINANCIAL REPORT/PROPOSED 2019 BUDGET 2018 Proposed 2018 Actual 2019 Proposed GENERAL INCOME Receipts to C&B (Regular Offerings) $275,577 $242,787 $254,350 Receipts to C&B (13th Month Offerings) $0 $0 $0 Rentals, Fees, Other $0 $360 $0 Special Bequeath/Gift $0 $0 $0 Shrake Fund Foundation $0 $20,000 $0 TOTAL GENERAL INCOME: $275,577 $263,147 $254,350 OPERATIONAL EXPENSES CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Youth Accomplishments (Confirm/Graduation/1 st Communion) $500 $114 $500 Vacation Bible School $300 $199 $300 Church Camp/Youth Retreats $250 $0 $250 ELCA (National) Youth Gathering $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 Christian Education Sub-Total: $2,550 $1,813 $2,550 CARE COMMITTEE (Formally Outreach & My Place) Salvation Army Soup Suppers $150 $150 $150 Operating and Miscellaneous $0 $0 $0 Advertising $500 $715 $600 Devotional Books $600 $457 $600 Boy Scouts $150 $150 $200 Offering Envelopes $900 $812 $950 Quarterly Statements (postage) $0 $0 $0 Stewardship Program $0 $0 0 Adult Education/New Members Christian Outreach Sub-Total: $50 $2,350 $0 $2,284 $100 $2,600 COUNCIL Congregation Council Council Sub-Total: $0 $0 $240 $240 $240 $240 FINANCE Benevolence $25,000 $25,000 $25,000 Nebr. Lutheran Campus Ministries $100 $100 $100 Finance Sub-Total: $25,100 $25,100 $25,100 LIBRARY Books $0 $0 $0 Equipment $0 $0 $0 Library Sub-Total: $0 $0 $0 MUTUAL MINISTRY (STAFF SUPPORT) Continuing Education (Senior Pastor) $850 $200 $850 Mutual Ministry/Pace Sub-Total: $850 $200 $850 PARISH ADMINISTRATION Office Supplies $1,600 $1,457 $2,150 Postage $1,400 $1,025 $1,400 Assemblies $1,500 $780 $1,800 Conference Dues $100 $63 $100 Miscellaneous & Emergencies $0 $0 $0 Parish Administration Sub-Total: $4,600 $3,325 $5,450 PAGE 16

17 First Evangelical Lutheran Church 2018 FINANCIAL REPORT/PROPOSED 2019 BUDGET OPERATIONAL EXPENSES - Page Proposed 2018 Actual 2019 Proposed PERSONNEL Senior Pastor's Salary $0 $11,625 $4,950 Senior Pastor Housing Allowance $0 $3,488 $55,500 Senior Pastor Mileage Allowance $0 $0 $1,350 Senior Pastor Social Security $0 $1,156 $4,624 Senior Pastor Pension $0 $1,946 $7,809 Senior Pastor Health Plan $0 $6,666 $28,372 Senior Pastor Professional Expense/Discretion $0 $0 $500 Pastor Theological Conference $400 $494 $500 Transitional Pastor Salary $21,733 $16,388 $0 Transitional Pastor Housing $39,267 $29,609 $0 Transitional Pastor Social Security $4,667 $3,519 $0 Transitional Pastor Professional Expenses $500 $253 $0 Transitional Pastor Commuting Allowance $1,200 $655 $0 Transitional Pastor Mileage Reimbursement $1,350 $1,207 $0 Transitional Pastor Pension $7,880 $5,910 $0 Transitional Pastor Heath Plan $27,646 $20,253 $0 Pulpit Supply (6 Sundays) $1,500 $1,114 $1,500 Calling Pastor Expenses $0 $0 $0 Secretary $0 $0 $0 Office Manager $32,212 $32,212 $32,856 Custodian (36 hrs/week) $21,846 $12,189 $0 Music Director (Praise, Bell & Organist) $12,214 $12,214 $12,458 Office Manager Medical Benefit $2,618 $2,618 $2,670 Custodian Medical Benefit $2,618 $594 $0 Social Security $5,470 $4,578 $3,671 Personnel Sub-Total: $183,121 $168,688 $156,760 PROPERTY Copier Lease $5,000 $4,537 $5,000 Maintenance Supplies $3,000 $4,092 $3,000 Utilities $26,406 $28,353 $29,000 Church Property/Equip Repair $4,000 $2,567 $4,000 Insurance (Workers Comp/Property) $16,800 $16,945 $18,000 Computer/Web Site $0 $0 $0 Property Sub-Total: $55,206 $56,494 $59,000 WORSHIP AND MUSIC Bulletins $300 $281 $300 Care of Instruments/Instrumentalist $500 $404 $450 Substitute Organist/Bell & Praise Music $100 $75 $100 Copyrights & Fees $900 $926 $950 Worship and Music Sub-Total: $1,800 $1,686 $1,800 TOTAL DISBURSEMENTS: $275,577 $259,830 $254,350 SUMMARY NOT INCLUDING SHRAKE FUND 2018 Year-To-Date summary: Offerings received: $243,147 Expenses paid: $259,830 SUMMARY: 2018 Year-to-Date SHORTFALL of $16,683 SUMMARY INCLUDING SHRAKE FUND Received $20,000 from the Shrake Fund 2018 Year-to-Date SURPLUS of $3,317 Submitted by Olene Beck PAGE 17

18 Special and Designated Offerings in 2018 Summarizes the offerings received from church services and the church office that are designated towards a specific offering. Contributions received through Balance 12/31/17 RECEIPTS EXPENSES Balance 12/31/18 Advent & Christmas Bulletin Covers $0.00 $0.00 Altar Flowers (Worship & Music) $1, $2, $1, $2, Altar Supplies (Oil, Cups, Candles, etc.) $ $0.00 $ $0.00 Bell Fund $3, $3, Building Property Project $2, $8, $7, $3, CCC Activities (CCC Committee) $1, $1, Computer Fund $ $ Confirmation Camp (Christian Ed) $0.00 $0.00 Cont. Ed Fund Sr. Pastor $0.00 $0.00 Disaster Relief $0.00 $7.80 $7.80 $0.00 Education/Household/Youth (Christian Ed) $4, $ $1, $3, Calling Expenses - Foundation Reimbursement (Does not include the below Grant) $0.00 $11, $11, $0.00 WorkNP - Chamber of Commerce Grant (NP Chamber approved a forgivable three year grant to be applied to moving expenses) $0.00 $5, $5, $0.00 ELCA (National) Youth Gathering $13, $3, $7, $9, Good Samaritan (CCC Committee) $4, $3, $ $7, WELCA - Kitchen Donation $0.00 $75.00 $75.00 $0.00 Library Fund $ $ Lutheran World Relief $0.00 $0.00 Memorial Fund $34, $4, $16, $22, Mission Trip Fund $5, $5, Member reimbursed One bible ($14.59) & baptismal candles ($25.00) $0.00 $39.59 $39.59 $0.00 Offering Envelope Donation $20.00 $30.00 $50.00 $0.00 Parish Nurse Program $ $ Preschool Donations $0.00 $10, $10, $0.00 Property: Designated Expenses $0.00 $1, $ $ Special Gift to Shrake Fund $0.00 $31, $31, $0.00 Chamber of Commerce $0.00 $ $ $0.00 Council Garage Sale (Sound Desk Upgrades) $0.00 $ $40.00 $ WELCA Property Repair Donation $0.00 $1, $1, $0.00 Staff Development $ $ Thrivent Choice $4, $1, $2, $3, Vacation Bible School Offering $0.00 $75.00 $75.00 $0.00 World Hunger Offering $0.00 $1, $1, $0.00 Worship & Music Fund $ $57.40 $ Balance Sheet Funds $77, $86, $98, $65, Submitted by Olene Beck PAGE 18

19 First Evangelical Lutheran Church Balance Sheet: December 31, 2018 First Ev. Lutheran Balance Sheet does not include the Foundation, Shrake Fund and WELCA. The Balance Sheet shows the Cash Accounts for the operational budget and designated funds. Members: Jake Wawrzynkiewicz, Chairman, Pastor Arnold Flater, Ken Glass, Joel Jensen, Dr. Lee Lamberty and Bob Petersen Council Representative: Jake Wawrzynkiewicz Advisory: Olene Beck, Office Manager ASSETS CASH ACCOUNTS Checking Account $46, Special Account (Designated Funds) $65, TOTAL CASH ACCOUNT $111, TOTAL ASSETS $111, LIABILITIES AND FUNDS UNDESIGNATED FUNDS Operating Fund $46, (Liabilities and Fund Balances minus Cash) UNDESIGNATED FUNDS TOTAL $46, DESIGNATED FUND BALANCES PROPERTY FUNDS (DESIGNATED FUNDS) Building Project Fund $3, PROPERTY FUNDS TOTAL $3, SPECIAL ACCOUNT (DESIGNATED FUNDS) Altar Flowers Fund (W&M) $2, Bell Choir Fund (W&M) $3, CARE Activity Fund (CARE) $1, Computer Fund (Property) $ Confirmation Camp Fund (Christian Ed) $0.00 Cont. Ed. Fund Sr. Pastor (M&M I) $0.00 Education/Household/Youth (Christian Ed) $3, Good Samaritan Fund (Outreach) $7, Library Fund (Library) $ Memorials Fund (Finance) $22, Mission Trip (Christian Ed) $5, National Youth Gathering (Christian Ed) $9, Special Benevolence (Finance) $0.00 Special Items Fund (Finance) $1, Staff Development Fund (Personnel) $ Thrivent Choice Fund (Finance) $3, Worship & Music Fund (W&M) $ SPECIAL ACCOUNT TOTAL $62, DESIGNATED TOTAL $65, TOTAL DESIGNATED FUND BALANCES $111, TOTAL LIABILITIES AND FUNDS $111, Submitted by Olene Beck PAGE 19

20 2018 Annual WELCA report Gifts to Lutheran World Relief On November 5 th, the Woman of First Lutheran packed 106 quilts, 11 Layettes and 51 Back Packs. Bruce Jensen and Steve Evans delivered them to Brown Transfer who shipped them to Lutheran World Relief. The quilts were displayed on the pews November 4 th and blessed before shipping. Three groups of women meet each month to work on quilts. One group meets each Tuesday at 1:00 p.m., one on the 2 nd Thursday of each month at 1:00 p.m. and one each Wednesday at 1 p.m. Many of the quilt tops are sewn at home and then these groups build, tie and finish the quilts. Other women sew items for the layettes and make backpacks at home. Members of the congregation generously provide items for the layettes and backpacks and shop yard sales and bargain bins for items that can be used. LWR distributes these items around the world as needed when a disaster happens. ONGOING PROJECTS DURING 2018 Sunday Morning Fellowship Coffee: Serve coffee and donuts between 8:15 and 10:30 a.m. services. A free will offering helps defray expenses. Bingo at Centennial Park: Four volunteer groups take turns helping with bingo on the 2 nd Tuesday of each month. Funeral dinners: A lunch or meal was provided for nine families. Served light meal for each Wednesday during Lent. Keepsake baptismal napkins are handmade by Kathy Hinrichs. Bible School: Circles served 60 to 70 people for 4 evening meals. Repaired east kitchen stove Served 4 Salvation Army meals to approximately 120 people each meal. FUND RAISERS Served 40 people at Inter-Church Reserve dinner April 16 th On November 1st we served 200 people at our Harvest Dinner. Thank you for all who worked. Our special project was a pledge of $500 toward new windows and/or other beautification/maintenance of the building Greeting cards for sale in the basement OUTREACH Fifteen quilts were given to North Platte Nursing Home and five will be saved back for community projects. We gave the church $350 for communion cups. Donated a quilt to camp Carol Joy Holling for their annual auction. $100 to WELCA Spring gathering Made a quilt for each confirmed High School graduate. Made a baby blanket for each new born. To Honor 50 th wedding anniversary send card and donate $50 to Good Samaritan Fund. Purchase paper plates, cups etc. for activities Purchase batting for quilts MEETINGS Women of the ELCA board meet the 1 st Wednesday of each month. Circles meet monthly. Adah, 3 rd Tuesday at 9:30 a.m.; Eve last Sunday at 9:30 a.m.; Miriam 7 p.m. 1 st Monday; Ruth 3 rd Monday at 7:30 p.m.; Esther/Lois 3 rd Thursday at 1 p.m. Esther/Lois and Ruth discontinued having meetings but are helping with Funeral dinners and other duties assigned to circles. WELCA meets four times per year. Programs for 2018 were: March 1st Hot Pot Luck 6:30 evening meeting. Men invited. Program: Ruby Coleman spoke on genealogy. May 6 th Mother Daughter Friend Luncheon. Program: Henry Cline, 9 years old, entertained playing the accordion. September 6 th Fall Bread and Salad Luncheon. Program: North Platte Department spoke about scams. December 6 th Christmas Bread and Salad Luncheon. Program: Quest speaker, Jodi Sonneman on COSA SERVICE TO OUR CHUCH Launder tablecloths Decorate dining room/tables Inventory and clean kitchen Wash tea towels and dish rags Donate food for funerals/over events Purchase and inventory greeting cards to sell GIFTS TO CHURCH Coffee Purchase batting for quilts Provide condiments for kitchen Purchase soap for dishwasher PAGE 20

21 SPECIAL PROJECTS/DONATIONS $50 was given to each of the following: Salvation Army, Lutheran Family Services, CASA-Lincoln County, Mosaic at Axtell, Campus Lutheran-UNK, Lincoln Lutheran Student Center, Goodfellow Shoe Fund, Bridge of Hope, Rape & Domestic Abuse, Habitat for Humanity, Gift of Hope and The Connection Officers Sept 1 st 2017 August 31 st 2018 Officers September 1 st 2018-Autust President Linda Lehmann President Heather Jensen Vice-President Cheryl Fisher Vice President Linda Lehmann Secretary Joan Johansen Secretary Sharon Riley Treasurer Tammie Sanford Treasurer Tammie Sanford SPECIAL CHAIRWOMEN Bingo Volunteers: Mary Johnson Funeral Dinners: Mary Johnson Quilts for LWR: Loretta Ellett / Carla Jensen Special Dinners: Circle chairs Budget Committee: Tammie Sanford, Claudette Nelson Receptions: Board will assign Cards Sales: Shelly Trofholtz Kitchen Supplies: Tammy Sanford Rada: Tammie Sanford Cards: CCC Committee Nominating Committee: Adah Circle Lutheran World Relief: Linda Lehmann Joan Johansen, 2018 Secretary Sharon Riley, 2019 Secretary PAGE 21

22 Submitted by Tammie Sanford, Treasurer PAGE 22

23 MEMORIAL DESCRIPTION AMOUNT MEMORIAL DESCRIPTION AMOUNT Alice Johnson Window Upgrade $575 Jack Marlow Window Upgrade $200 Alvin Weil Window Upgrade $120 Karole Bell Refrigerator/Freezer $439 Ardith Woolson Pew Pads $50 Larry Allen Annual Software & Webpage $751 Audrey Flock Window Upgrade $175 LaVay Henderson Pew Pads $25 Bernard Wiechman Window Upgrade $295 Lora Hiltabidel Sprinkler - Automatic $50 Bernie Ludemann Green Paraments $690 Lorinda Einspahr Window Upgrade $125 Beulia Sonneman Green Paraments $680 Marie Bonney Library window $200 Beulia Sonneman Altar Supplies $70 Martha Woodcock Window Upgrade $190 Beverly Saathoff Window Upgrade $120 Melvin Effenbeck Glass Windows Pastor & Office $45 Casper Greenwalt Altar Supplies $122 Mertie Dick Library window $100 Casper Greenwalt Window Upgrade $48 Miller Ulmer Pew Pads $20 Casper Greenwalt Green Altar Frontal $122 Neil Reutzel Music $46 Casper Greenwalt Refrigerator/Freezer $30 Nina Jolliff Vacation Bible School $225 Clara Kolkman Library window $54 Otto Lunkwitz Window Upgrade $225 Cleda McCammon "Carols of Christmas" Music $84 Pat Griffin Window Upgrade $100 Clifton Hiltabidel Sprinklers - Preschool $1,045 Patricia Hupfer Pew Pads $20 Darrell Higgins Window Upgrade $370 Ray Peterson Window Upgrade $53 Daryel Ellis Window Upgrade $205 Ray Peterson Refrigerator/Freezer $61 Donald Murphy Window Upgrade $30 Ray Peterson Glass Windows Pastor & Office $10 Doris Bargell Altar Supplies $96 Raymond Brewer Glass Windows Pastor & Office $265 Dorothy Beidick 2 Story Bibles $25 Robert Watson Window Upgrade $160 Dorothy Ostendorf Pew Pads $25 Robert Watson Pew Pads $48 Doyle Werner Window Upgrade $100 Ron Trofholz Window Upgrade $75 Earle Flint Pew Pads $93 Ruby Knoll 12 Portable Communion Box $216 Edyth Scomp Pew Pads $20 Scott Johnson Dietze Music $35 Elizabeth Redman Window Upgrade $110 Thomas Miller Window Upgrade $15 Eugene Brase Window Upgrade $370 Thomas Miller Communion Chalice, Steel cups and Flagon $2,280 Evelyn Huntington Window Upgrade $125 Vernon Reutzel Sprinkler - Automatic $2,145 Geanive Hansen Altar Supplies $15 Viola Dickensen Library windows $100 Glass Windows Geanive Hansen Pastor & Office $10 Wayne Luenenborg 12 Banquet Tables $470 Gloria Wicks 2 Projector lamps $577 William Keithley Soup Supper $131 Gordon CM Almy: Candle $170 Wilma White Green Altar Frontal $214 Christianson Oil Helen Witt Elevator Inspection $120 Isla Lookhart Window Upgrade $165 Jack Marlow Crosses/Confirm $30 PAGE 23 Ervin & Marguerite Vencill Flowers for outside planters $31 Total memorials: $16,004

24 BYLAWS OF THE FIRST EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH OF NORTH PLATTE, NEBRASKA, INC. ARTICLE I OFFICES The principal office of the corporation shall be located at 5 th and Sycamore Streets, North Platte, Nebraska The mailing address of the corporation is 305 West 5 th Street, North Platte, Nebraska The corporation shall have and continuously maintain in the State of Nebraska a registered office and a registered agent whose office is identical with such registered office as required by the Nebraska Non-Profit Corporation Act. The registered office may be, but need not be, identical with the principal office in the State of Nebraska, and the address of the registered office may be changed from time to time by the Congregational Council. ARTICLE II MEMBERS VOTING RIGHTS Each voting member shall be entitled to one vote on each matter submitted to a vote of the members. ARTICLE III MEETINGS OF MEMBERS Section 1. Annual Meeting The annual meeting of the corporation shall be held during the month of January each year at a date and time set by the congregation council. Section 2. Place of Meeting All congregational meetings may be held at the church building, 5 th and Sycamore, North Platte, Nebraska. The congregation council may designate any place within Lincoln County, State of Nebraska, as the place of meeting for any annual meeting or for any special meeting called by the congregation council. ARTICLE IV CONGREGATION COUNCIL Section 1. General Powers The affairs of the corporation shall be managed by its council. Council members must be residents of the State of Nebraska, and voting members of the congregation. Section 2. Number, Tenure and Qualifications The council shall consist of nine (9) members plus the pastor(s). Each council member shall hold office for a period of three (3) years or until their successor shall have been elected and qualified. The members of the Congregation Council except the pastor(s) shall be elected at a legally called meeting of the congregation during the month of January. Their term of office shall be for three (3) years, with the term of office beginning at the close of the annual meeting at which they were elected. Newly elected Congregation Council members shall be installed at worship the Sunday following the annual congregational meeting. A council member may serve more than one three (3) year term but not successively with the prior three (3) year term. If any council member is absent from four successive regular meetings, without having been excused by the remaining members of the council, such council member s office shall automatically be declared vacant by the president. Section 3. Regular Meetings The Congregation Council shall hold a regular meeting on each calendar month at the church building. No notice shall be required for regular meetings of the council. PAGE 24

25 Section 4. Manner of Acting The act of a majority of the council present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the council, unless the act of a greater number is required by Nebraska law, the Articles of Incorporation, or by these Bylaws. Section 5. Compensation The council members shall not receive compensation for their services but nothing contained herein shall be construed to preclude any council member from serving the corporation in any other capacity and receiving compensation therefore. Section 6. Vacancies Should a member s place on the Congregation Council be declared vacant, the Congregation Council shall elect, by majority vote, a successor until the next annual meeting. Section 7. Informal Action Any action required or authorized by law to be taken at a meeting of the council, or any action which may actually be taken at a meeting of the council may be taken without a meeting if a consent in writing setting forth the action so taken shall be signed by all of the council members. Section 8. Interest of Council Members in Transaction Transactions between this corporation and any corporation, firm, or association in which one or more of the council members are directors, employees, or are financially interested shall be valid, provided such interest shall be known to all council members and placed in the minutes of the meeting of the Congregation Council. ARTICLE V OFFICERS Section 1. Officers The officers of the corporation shall be a president, vice-president, secretary, and treasurer. No more than one office may be held by the same person. Section 2. Election and Term of Office The officers of the corporation shall be elected annually by the council at the first meeting in each congregational year. If the election of officers is not held at such meeting, such election shall be held soon thereafter. Offices may be created and filled at any meeting of the council. Each officer(s) shall hold office until their successor has been duly elected and shall have qualified. Section 3. Removal Any officer elected or appointed by the council may be removed by the council, whenever in its judgment the best interests of the corporation would be served thereby. Section 4. Vacancies Vacancy in any office because of death, resignation, removal, disqualification, or otherwise may be filled by the council for any unexpired portion of the term. Section 5. President The president shall be chosen from the membership of the council. The president shall be the principal executive office of the corporation and shall in general supervise and control all of the business and affairs of the corporation. The president shall preside at all meetings of the members and of the council. The president may sign, with the secretary, or any other proper officer of the corporation authorized by the council, any deeds, mortgages, bonds, contracts, or other instruments which the council has authorized to be executed except in cases where the signing and execution thereof shall be expressly delegated by the council or by these bylaws, or by statute to some other office or agent of the corporation; and in general shall perform all duties incidental to the office of president and such other duties as may be prescribed by the council from time to time. PAGE 25

26 Section 6. Vice-President The vice-president shall be chosen from the membership of the council. In the absence of the president, or in the event of their inability or refusal to act, the vice-president shall perform the duties of the president and when so acting shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the president. Any vice-president shall perform such other duties as may from time to time be assigned to them by the president or by the council. Section 7. Secretary The secretary shall: a. Keep the minutes of the meetings of the members and the council in one or more books provided for that purpose; b. See that all notices are duly given in accordance with the provisions of these bylaws, or as required by law; c. Be custodian of the corporate records and of the seal of the corporation and see that the seal of the corporation is affixed to all documents, the execution of which on behalf of the corporation under its seal is duly authorized in accordance with the provisions of these bylaws; d. Keep a register of the post office address of each member which shall be furnished to the secretary by such member; e. In general perform all duties incidental to the office of secretary and such other duties as may be from time to time assigned to the secretary by the president or by the council. Section 8. Treasurer The treasurer shall: a. Have charge and custody of and be responsible for all funds and securities of the corporation; b. Receive and give receipts for monies due and payable to the corporation and deposit all such monies in the name of the corporation in such banks, trust companies or other depositories, as shall be selected in accordance with the provisions of Article VII of these bylaws c. In general perform all the duties incidental to the office of treasurer and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him by the president or by the council. The treasurer shall keep books of account of the congregation and shall receive from the financial secretary all funds and disburse them on proper orders making monthly remittances of benevolent receipts to the treasurer of the synod. The treasurer and the financial secretary shall make a written report of all financial transactions to the council monthly and to the congregation together with a satisfactory audit, at its annual meetings. All financial officers shall give corporate surety in amounts determined by the council, for which the premiums shall be paid by the congregation. Fidelity coverage provided by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America shall be deemed a fulfillment of this requirement. Section 9. Financial Secretary The financial secretary shall receive and keep a record of all income and in general perform all the duties as from time to time may be assigned to him/her by the president, or by the council. PAGE 26

27 ARTICLE VI ORGANIZATIONS WITHIN THE CONGREGATION Section 1. All organizations within the congregation shall exist to aid in ministering to its members and to all whom it can reach with the gospel of Christ. As outgrowths and expressions of the congregation s life, the organizations are subject to its oversight and direction. The congregation at its meetings or the council shall determine their policies, guide their activities and receive reports concerning their membership, work and finances. Section 2. Special interest groups other than the congregational units of the official auxiliaries of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America may be organized only after authorization has been given by the council ARTICLE VII CONTRACTS, CHECKS, DEPOSITS AND FUNDS Section 1. Contracts The council may authorize any officer or officers, agent or agents of the corporation, in addition to the officers so authorized by these bylaws, to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the corporation and such authority may be general or confined to specific instances. The council shall not, however, have the authority to buy, sell, or encumber real property, unless specifically authorized to do so by a meeting of the congregation. In order to sell, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, or make other disposition of real property, the council shall adopt a resolution recommending such action and directing that this resolution be submitted to a vote of the congregation either at an annual or a special meeting. Notice of such meeting shall be given as provided in Article III of these bylaws. At such a meeting the congregation may authorize such sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, or other disposition and may fix, or may authorize the council to fix any or all of the terms and condition thereof, and the consideration to be received by this corporation. Such authorization shall require at least two thirds of the votes which members present at such meeting are entitled to cast. After such authorization by a vote of the congregation the council nevertheless in its discretion, may abandon such sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge or other disposition of assets, subject to the rights of third parties under any contracts relating thereto without further action or approval by the congregation. The council shall prepare an annual budget for adoption by the congregation and upon following its adoption shall supervise the expenditures of funds in accordance with this budget. The council may not incur obligations which are $10, in excess of anticipated receipts, unless such obligations have been approved at a congregational meeting. Section 2. Checks, Drafts or Orders. All checks, drafts, or orders for the payment of money, notes or other evidences of indebtedness issued in the name of corporation shall be signed by such officer or officers, agent or agents of the corporation, and in such manner as from time to time be determined by resolution of the council. In the absence of such determination by the council, such instruments shall be signed by the treasurer and counter-signed by the president or vice-president of the corporation. Section 3. Deposits All funds of the corporation shall be deposited from time to time to the credit of the corporation in such banks, trust companies or other depositories as the council may select. Section 4. Gifts The council may accept, on behalf of the corporation, any contribution, gift, bequest, or devise for the general purposes or for any special purpose of the corporation. PAGE 27

28 ARTICLE VIII BOOKS AND RECORDS The corporation shall keep correct and complete books and records of account and shall also keep minutes of the proceedings of its members, council and committees having any authority of the council and shall keep at the registered or principal office a record giving the names and addresses of the members entitled to vote. All books and records of the corporation may be inspected by any member, or their agent or attorney, for any proper purpose at any reasonable time. ARTICLE IX FISCAL YEAR The fiscal year of the corporation shall begin on the first day of January and end on the last day of December of each year. ARTICLE X CORPORATE SEAL The council may adopt a corporate seal. If such is adopted it shall be in the form of a circle and bear the name of the corporation and indicate its formation under the Non-Profit Corporation Act of the State of Nebraska. ARTICLE XI WAIVER OF NOTICE Whenever any notice is required to be given under the provisions of the Nebraska Non-Profit Corporation Act, or under the provisions of the Articles of Incorporation, or the Bylaws of the corporation, any waiver thereof in writing signed by the person or persons entitled to such notice, whether before or after the time stated therein shall be deemed equivalent to the giving of such notice. ARTICLE XII PROCEDURE Those provisions of the Constitution for Congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, with latest revisions and amendments, which are mandatory for all congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America are expressly adopted by these Bylaws. The congregation may at any annual or special meeting adopt other provisions of the approved Constitutions for Congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. In the event there is a conflict between these bylaws and the approved Constitution for Congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, with latest revisions and amendments, and the Constitution of the Nebraska Synod, the conflict shall be resolved in favor of the approved Constitution of Congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, with the latest revisions and amendments, and the Constitution of the Nebraska Synod, to the extent there is not conflict with the Nebraska Non- Profit Corporation Act. Roberts Rules of Order, latest edition, shall be the governing parliamentary law of this congregation, except as otherwise provided in the Articles of Incorporation and these Bylaws. ARTICLE XIII AMMENDMENTS TO BYLAWS These Bylaws may be altered, amended or repealed, and new Bylaws may be adopted by a majority of the council members present at any regular meeting or at any special meeting if at least two days written notice is given of intention to alter, amend or repeal, or to adopt new Bylaws at such meeting. PAGE 28

29 ARTICLE XIV COMMITTEES In addition to the committees enumerated in Chapter 13 of the Constitution of First Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Congregation Council shall establish committees as needed to accomplish the mission of the congregation. Committees shall meet as regularly as necessary to effectively carry out their assigned responsibilities. At the February meeting each year, committees shall hold an organizational meeting with election of a chairperson and recorder. The Chairperson of the committee will be responsible for planning and leading the committee meetings. Meetings should follow a defined agenda to ensure business is conducted in an orderly and timely manner. Each committee recorder will be responsible for recording the minutes of each meeting. Minutes of committee meetings should be handed into the church office as soon as possible following the meeting. All meeting minutes should be an accurate reflection of the discussion held during the meeting and include the date, time and place of the next two committee meetings. The church secretary will reproduce and distribute copies of minutes to the appropriate people. ARTICLE XV INACTIVE MEMBERS Whereas from time to time member(s) of this congregation are absent from worship and the Lord s Supper, and failed to support the congregation financially for 24 months or more, Be it resolved that the Church Council shall establish the category of Inactive Member and declare said member(s) to be inactive; Be it further resolved that the Church Council shall notify in writing of the change in status of membership of said member(s); Be it further resolved that said member(s) become the responsibility of the outreach efforts of the congregation with hopes of restoring them to full membership. Be it further resolved that inactive members cannot vote and/or hold office in this congregation. Also, they shall not be counted as rostered members of the church. As Amended (January, 20 ) Previously amended at annual meetings 1995, 1996, 2000, 2012, 2015 PAGE 29

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