Lutheran Church of the Reformation

Church Council

Council Members

For 2009, the following members have been elected by the congregation to be part of the council. Pastor Conrad Braaten is an ex officio member. If you have any questions, ideas, or concerns, please feel free to contact any and all of us in person, or Christine Pommerening by email.

Officers

In November, council members elect four officers. For 2009, the officers are:

Christine Pommerening, President
Amy Northcutt, Vice President
Brian Hornbecker, Secretary
Roger Moffatt, Treasurer
Suzanne Hazard, Financial Secretary

In addition to these officers, there are the heads of the church’s divisions for parish life, community ministry, and management support. For 2009, the division heads are Craig Haas, Emily Black, and Dale Thorenson, respectively. The positions are appointed by the president, in consultation with the pastors.

Executive Committee

Members of the executive committee are the pastors, elected officers and heads of the divisions for parish life, community ministry, and management support. They meet monthly, generally on the first Tuesday, to draft the agenda for the Council meeting and to discuss ideas and issues before they are ready to bring to the council. The lay members of the executive committee conduct annual pastoral performance reviews.

Role of the Congregation Council

Pursuant to the constitution and by-laws of The Church of the Reformation (Lutheran), the Congregation Council (council) has general oversight of the life and activities of the congregation, and in particular its worship life, to the end that everything be done in accordance with the Word of God and the faith and practice of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Its duties include the following:

1. Lead the congregation in stating its mission, to do long range planning, to set goals and priorities, and to evaluate its activities in light of its mission and goals.

2. To seek to involve all members of the congregation in worship, learning, witness, service, and support.

3. To oversee and provide for the administration of this congregation to enable it to fulfill its functions and perform its mission.

4. To maintain supportive relationships with the pastors and staff and help them annually to evaluate the fulfillment of their calling, appointment, or employment.

5. To be examples individually and corporately of the style of life and ministry expected of all baptized persons.

6. To promote a congregational climate of peace and goodwill and, as differences and conflicts arise, to endeavor to foster mutual understanding.

To carry out these duties, the council is organized into the divisions and committees deemed necessary to carry out the mission of the congregation.

1. The Division for Community Ministry organizes and oversees committees and working groups which focus on the opportunities for ministry in the community and the world. This division includes a food pantry which provides bags of food to feed families of four in our community, a tutoring program for local children, Rebuilding Together which annually gathers congregation members and others to repair a neighbor’s home, and Global Mission, which focuses on Reformation’s global outreach of prayer support for a broad range of ministries and organizations, as well as on building and maintaining relationships with sister congregations around the world.

2. The Division for Management Support includes committees which focus on administrative, financial, and property matters related to the mission of the church. This division has committees and individuals responsible for preparing the annual budget, providing general oversight of the congregation’s financial operations, and maintaining and protecting all church property.

3. The Division for Parish Life involves committees which focus on ministries and concerns relating to the life of the congregation and the needs of individual members. This division is by far the largest and includes committees and individuals dedicated to worship, music, and the arts; all facets of Christian education for children, youth, and adults; caring ministries to the sick and those unable to travel for worship services; and fellowship activities such as coffee hours and special events like Oktoberfest and ice cream socials.

The council also appoints task forces and ad hoc working groups, as necessary, to carry out the congregation’s mission.

The council is comprised of the pastors and 12 individuals elected by the congregation. The council meets monthly, usually from 7 pm to 9 pm on the third Tuesday of the month. Since there are some exceptions to this schedule, it is best to confirm the date with the church office. Meetings are open and all Reformation members are welcome to attend.

Serving on the Congregation Council

Council members serve for staggered three year terms, such that four new members are elected each year. Elections are held at the congregation’s annual meeting in November. A Nominating Committee meets to develop a list of potential nominees. Individuals in the congregation are asked if they are willing and able to serve on the Council. Much prayer and discernment occurs throughout the committee’s deliberations. The committee’s slate of nominees is presented to the congregation for consideration and nominations are also taken from the floor. The newly elected council members take office immediately after the election.

Members of the nominating committee are the council members and trustee whose terms are expiring, three members chosen from the congregation, and the pastors.

For more information about Reformation’s congregation council, contact Pastor Conrad Braaten and consult Reformation’s constitution and by-laws, which may be obtained from the church office.