OUR SAVIOUR’S LUTHERAN CHURCH DIRECTORY FOR 2009 PASTOR: Christopher Martin OFFICE MANAGER: Pam Steckler CUSTODIANS: Harvey & Betty Poulsen/Pam Jensen MUSIC COORDINATOR: Jane Weber CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP DIRECTOR: Jo Beane CHOIR DIRECTORS: Sr. Choir - Gary Keller; Accompanist - Kelly Polson Kid’s Choir - Chris Schmidt & Jane Weber ORGANISTS: Elaine Jorgensen, Janice Hemmingsen and Ryan Weber CHURCH COUNCIL: 3rd Wednesday President – Dan Schmidt Vice- President – Tom Nielsen Secretary – Raydene Mathisen Treasurer – Jim Tinker First year: Kathy Jensen, Roger Fett, Joel Rattenborg Second year: Judy Baker, Bob Weber, Robert Jensen Committees Stewardship: Nate Vorm Lee Nielsen Tracy Hansen Bob Weber (Council Rep.) Worship: Elaine Jorgensen (Chairperson) Raydene Mathisen Judy Baker (Council Rep.) Jane Weber (Music Coordinator) Linda Keller Sandy Kristensen (Secretary) Education: Monica Hagedorn Kaylene Riebhoff Kathy Jensen (Council Rep.) Jenny Smith Pam Steckler Evangelism/Social Ministry: Ella Lauritsen Rhoda Jorgensen Nadine Christensen Mardelle Gilbert Elayne Sinow Roger Fett (Council Rep.) Building & Property: Jeff Nielsen Steve Mathisen Robert Sornson, Comm. Chair Kurt Nelson Arch Andersen Robert Jensen (Council Rep.) Joel Rattenborg (Council Rep.) 1
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OUR SAVIOUR’S LUTHERAN CHURCHDIRECTORY FOR 2009
PASTOR: Christopher MartinOFFICE MANAGER: Pam StecklerCUSTODIANS: Harvey & Betty Poulsen/Pam JensenMUSIC COORDINATOR: Jane WeberCONTEMPORARY WORSHIP DIRECTOR: Jo BeaneCHOIR DIRECTORS:
Sr. Choir - Gary Keller; Accompanist - Kelly PolsonKid’s Choir - Chris Schmidt & Jane Weber
ORGANISTS: Elaine Jorgensen, Janice Hemmingsen and Ryan WeberCHURCH COUNCIL: 3rd Wednesday
President – Dan SchmidtVice- President – Tom NielsenSecretary – Raydene MathisenTreasurer – Jim TinkerFirst year: Kathy Jensen, Roger Fett, Joel RattenborgSecond year: Judy Baker, Bob Weber, Robert Jensen
CommitteesStewardship:
Nate Vorm Lee NielsenTracy Hansen Bob Weber (Council Rep.)
Building & Property:Jeff Nielsen Steve MathisenRobert Sornson, Comm. Chair Kurt NelsonArch Andersen Robert Jensen (Council Rep.)Joel Rattenborg (Council Rep.)
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Nominating Committee:Jane Weber Steve MathisenNate Vorm Arch AndersenElla Lauritsen Jeff Nielsen
Scholarship:Lisa Frederiksen Craig EdsenLyle Hansen, Jr.
Women of the Word (WOW) Officers:President: Sharolyn FettVice-President: Joan NielsenSecretary: Nadine ChristensenTreasurer: Sandy ParsonsCh. Mission Growth: Jean JensenCh. Mission Action: Donis Hansen & Janice AndersenCh. Mission Community: Valetta Jensen
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2009 Church Directory Page 1-2Table of Contents Page 2Pastor Martin’s Report Page 3-6President’s Report Page 6 Centennial Celebrations Report Page 6-7Thrivent Congregation Coordinator’s Report Page 7Outreach Ministry reports Page 7-8Committee Reports Page 8-12Lutheran Women of the Word (WOW) Page 13-14Statistical Report Page 14 Educational Report Page 152009 Benevolence/2010 Proposed Benevolence Page 16Centennial Fund recommendations Page 17 2010 Proposed Budget/2009 Actual Page 18-20Special Fund Financial Report Page 21 Minutes from 2009 Annual Meeting Page 22Annual Meeting Agenda Page 23
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Annual Report of the Pastor-2009
(Jesus said) “Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” Luke 2:49 (NKJV)
Annual Reports give each of the committees and organizations within a church the time to look back on the ministry activities that took place over the past year. When you couple that with the fact that 2009 was the Centennial anniversary of the organization of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, it’s fair to say that 2009 was a year of looking back, not just on the past year, but on the past 100 years. Our annual report gives a sense of “closure” to the previous year, and gives way to a sense of uncertainty that comes with going into a new year.
As we speak of closure, writing this annual report brings about another type of closure, in par-ticular, my time as your Pastor at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Audubon, Iowa. Anytime a Pastor announces he or she is leaving a congregation, it brings about a mix of feelings, both on the part of the departing pastor and especially on the congregation that pastor is leaving behind. Many of you have expressed your deep sadness over my decision to leave Our Saviour’s and accept the call from the McConnellsburg Lutheran Parish to become their pastor. Others of you are angry, either at myself, or others in the congregation who you feel are to blame for losing a Pastor you dearly loved and respected, and hoped would remain at Our Saviour’s for years to come. And I am sure there are at least one or two people in the congregation who are not overly sad to see me leave Our Saviour’s. However you feel about the fact that I have accepted another call and left your congregation, it doesn’t change the focus I tried to instill in this con-gregation during my ministry in your midst: the importance of being about our heavenly Fa-ther’s business, which is proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ to our community and the world. Nor does it change the fact that God is the one who has brought you together as a family of faith, and kept you together this past century.
The pages of this annual report, and the two annual reports that precede it, will tell the statistical story of my Pastorate at Our Saviour’s and the ministry that took place here during that time. What they won’t tell you about are the personal interactions I have had with individuals and families at joyful occasions such as at the birth of a child, a baptism, first communion, confir-mation, graduation, and weddings. Each one of these events were unique in their own way, as unique as the people involved. What they have in common is a lot of smiles, laughter, and joy that was shared over what God was doing for us and through us in those events. I will look back on those events with a great sense of joy in the years to come, treasuring up these memo-ries, and I hope that you will, too. This past year, we were honored to see each of these events play out in the life of our congregation. You will read more about some of them throughout this booklet.
But, it wasn’t always a time of joy. This past year, and my entire pastorate, was filled with vis-its to the hospital and nursing homes, when people were sick and in need of comfort from the Word of God. We also were called many times to mourn the death of a loved one. In some cases, I was honored to be at the bedside of that dear saint as they departed this life for the promise of eternal life in paradise. I will look back on those times in our life together with great thanksgiving, for being able to walk with you during those times, and bring you assur-ances through God’s Word that even in the valley of the shadow of death, your Savior was with
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you, and because of that, and because of what He has done for you at the cross, you had no need to fear for the future, no matter how uncertain that future may have been. This was all a part of being about our Father’s business, bringing the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all stages of life.
Up to this point, we have focused on the past. Much of this booklet focuses on the past, in par-ticular, the past year. But the Annual Meeting is a time where you as a congregation will be making plans for your future. At this meeting, a budget for the new year will be adopted, dis-cussions will take place about what missions to support with Benevolence giving and the Cen-tennial Fund monies, and new council members and officers will be elected. This year’s meet-ing will carry with it some more uncertainty than usual as that Sunday will mark the beginning of a Pastoral vacancy at Our Saviour’s. You will face the reality of not having a Pastor at all until Rev. Larry Lystig arrives at the beginning of February to serve Our Saviour’s as your In-terim Pastor. I have no doubt that Pastor Lystig and his wife, Carolyn, will be a tremendous blessing and help to you as you go through the various stages of this vacancy, however long it will be.
That said, there are going to be a lot of questions this congregation will have to ask itself over the next several months as a result of this vacancy. When will we form a call committee? Who should serve on it? How long will the call process take, and will the Pastor we issue a call to even accept it? What can we expect from our Interim Pastor, and what kinds of things will peo-ple within the congregation need to step up and do during the vacancy, or perhaps even in some cases, stop doing that are not beneficial to the process? What will we be looking for in our next permanently called Pastor? What direction should Our Saviour’s seek to follow during this time? Those are just some of the questions you will be asking yourselves because of the natural uncertainty that goes along with a Pastoral vacancy.
As you seek the answers to those questions and others that will arise this year that we can’t an-ticipate right now, I offer the following as an observation as a now former Pastor of Our Sav-iour’s Lutheran Church. I realize that what I am about to write may not sit well with some of you, or perhaps all of you. I do not do so to anger anyone or to cause problems within the con-gregation; I do so because, out of a deep Pastoral love and concern for the continued spiritual well being of this congregation well into the future, I feel compelled to share these things with you so that they may be addressed and you may go about your Father’s business as a congrega-tion for years to come.
In my brief time as your Pastor, I saw several occasions where individuals, family systems, or groups within the congregation had an opinion about the way certain things should be done that was not shared by the congregation as a whole or myself as the Pastor, or was in conflict with our congregation’s Constitution and By-laws that we adopted shortly after my arrival. In an effort to have things “their way”, proper procedures based on our governing documents were not followed, feelings were hurt, and uncharitable things were said regarding the current and former Pastors that were not in the spirit of the 8th Commandment. As conflicts arose, it be-came clear to me there was a portion of the congregation’s membership that would stop at noth-ing to see that their way was won, regardless if it was in the best interests of the congregation as a whole, or fitting given the context of where the congregation and the community are at in the present time. As the Pastor, I went from being viewed by some as a “called, ordained servant of Christ” to serve you through Christ’s gifts of Word and Sacrament to “our employee” in the words of one individual in a closed door meeting to my face, to do their bidding, regardless of it
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that conflicted with the majority opinion of Our Saviour’s, the governing documents of this congregation, or the Word of God and our Lutheran Confessions, which I swore at my installa-tion as your Pastor to conform my ministry to. I realized at that point that Our Saviour’s is a divided congregation, and that what I had seen, heard, and experienced here were not the main issue, but mere symptoms of much greater issues that had not been addressed and allowed to fester over the course of many years prior to my arrival as your Pastor, and may have been fes-tering for decades.
In the end, in my humble observation based on my own experience as your Pastor, conversation with a good cross section of the congregation, and research into annual reports and other docu-ments from years past, the core issues that divide Our Saviour’s boil down to the question of whose church is this? Is this “our church” where we make decisions based on what feels good to us and our opinions as sinful human beings who look out for our own self serving interests even at the expense of others, or is this God’s Church, where our life together and decisions are based on His unchanging Word, over the ever changing thoughts, emotions, and opinions of man?
In 1932, it was decided to change the name of this congregation from the Danish Evangelical Lutheran Church of Audubon to Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church. While I have not found any written evidence to find the reason why the name Our Saviour’s was specifically chosen over other possibilities, I have to believe part of it was to remind generations to come that this was indeed a church that belongs not to the Pastor, not to the staff, not to the Congregation Council, not to the people in the congregation, but to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This is ulti-mately His church. We are merely the stewards of it, to care for it according to His Word. And sometimes, recognizing this means having to humbly submit to the authority of God’s Word over that of our own personal emotions or ideas, however strong those may be.
When you look ahead to this year and beyond, I strongly encourage this congregation to do so with a Christ-centered spirit. Ask the difficult questions that you may not have answered the way you want: Who is moving into our community? Who are we serving? Are we doing things that are turning our current members away? Is our current staff model serving our con-gregation well? What are the needs of Our Saviour’s and the community of Audubon in 2010? Have we adequately dealt with our past conflict with former pastors, and others who have left our church, or have we swept it under the carpet in the hopes that it will just magically go away? Are we afraid of offending one or two family systems at the expense of the rest of the congregation when a difficult decision needs to be made? Do we really know what Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ (LCMC) is all about and what that association has and doesn’t have to offer our congregation, or are we assuming things based on third party rumors and speculation? These are some of the questions that I feel for Our Saviour’s to survive and thrive in the future MUST be addressed in the present. It may mean you will have some tense moments at meetings, it will probably mean not everyone will be in agreement with how it should be handled, it may mean that someone doesn’t get “their way” and threats may be made, but the end result of dealing with and answering these questions together as a congregation will make the effort and hard work worth every moment, and help you to have a strong, healthy fu-ture as a congregation.
I challenge you in the years ahead, as you make decisions for ministry in this community, to never forget who is ultimately in charge of this church. Pastors will come and go. People will change. Even sometimes our synodical affiliations change. But what should never change is the fact that this church is where your Lord Jesus Christ comes to you through the means of
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grace, that is, the Word and the Sacraments to bring you the forgiveness, eternal life, and salva-tion He won for you at the cross. Those are to be what you focus your life as a congregation around. Sometimes it’s not the popular thing to do. But, as a congregation, you are called to “Be about your Father’s business.” As you reflect on the year past, and make decisions on the coming year, do so with the reminder that you are going about your Father’s business of brining the Gospel of Jesus Christ to your community and the world!
Your Servant in Christ from September, 2007-January, 2010,
Pastor Martin
PRESIDENTS REPORTAs another year draws to a close, some highlights of the council’s activity include:
We had several events pertaining to our 100 year centennial in 2009. Some highlights included the Staley’s chicken dinner, and the return of several past pastors. Many enjoyed catching up with them. The centennial committee did a great job, and deserves our thanks for their efforts.
Several projects proceeded on the building, including new curtains for the stage, completion of the kitchen project, and all new lighting in the sanctuary. None of these things would get done without the efforts of many. I think all take pride in the condition of the building and it shows. I would personally like to thank all who contributed in any way on all the projects.
Financially, the church is very sound, and the council would like to thank the congregation members for their encouragement and support.
This year there has been many highs and lows, but if the congregation continues to support the council, and all the committees, I think the New Year will be very rewarding for us all. I want to thank all committee members, council members, all staff, and the custodians for their help and dedication to the church and keeping us all rooted in Gods work and His good works. I hope the council has met the congregation’s expectations of us.
Sincerely yours,Dan Schmidt, President, 2009
CENTENNIAL COMMITTEE REPORT“Our Help in Ages Past, Our Hope in Years to Come” was the theme for our centennial
year in 2009. The centennial year began with a kickoff ham ball dinner on February 8. Approxi-mately two hundred people attended the dinner which was prepared and served by the work-campers.
Pastor Walt Kukkonen was the guest pastor on June 7. He served OSLC from 1996-2007. The Centennial Celebration Staley chicken dinner was held following worship service at the Agri-Hall followed by a program and a slide show of historic photos. Over 400 people at-tended the event.
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Pastors Carl and Mary Hansen were guest pastors on June 28. They served OSLC from 1989-1995. A potluck brunch was held in their honor following the service. Pastor Harris Hos-tager was a guest pastor on September 27. He served OSLC from 1981-1989. Pastor Hostager shared some of his memories of his time as pastor during coffee hour.
The Women of the Word hosted a Danish Coffee during T-Bone Days on August 1. They served traditional Danish open faced sandwiches, pastries, and cookies.
There are approximately 250 centennial cookbooks left for sale at $5 each. The centen-nial history book is now being compiled and will be available for sale upon completion.
THRIVENT CONGREGATION COORDINATOR’S REPORTOur Saviour’s congregation was allotted $1,250.00 for the year 2009. It was distributed
as follows:02-08-09 Community Ham Ball Dinner $500.00
The Congregational program is ending this year, so that means we will not get any funds in 2010. The role of the congregational coordinator will change in 2010 to an advocate role.
We will continue to get baptismal medallions and crosses for the confirmands.
Steve Mathisen 563-4190Mardelle Gilbert 563-2453Kyle Kjergaard 563-2359
NURSING HOME VESPERSMinisters of Our Saviour’s have volunteered to experience worship with residents of the
Exira Care Center and the Friendship Home. We thank and praise God for all who used their time, talents and gifts to the Glory of God during Vespers at our local nursing homes. If you are interested in volunteering for this ministry, contact Norma Nielsen at 563-4393.
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PRAYERFUL OUTREACHPRAYER SHAWLS are available for those who need prayer because of illness, surgery, or "JUST BECAUSE"---our ministry has extended to giving a baby prayer shawl to the newborns---we give thanks to God for those who knit, give, and pray for those in need---
HOME COMMUNION----continues to be a great blessing for those who give and those who receive---the TABLE OF THE LORD gives courage, strength and great joy and hope to all who believe and trust in the promises of our Lord---please call the church office (563-2625) or Barb or Mardelle---if you would like this Home Communion blessing---
MISSION OUTREACH---We give thanks and glory to God for the privilege we have to support our workcampers who continue their journey each summer--we send them forth with prayers and love offerings--may God bless their labors of love---
MISSION BEYONDDo pray for other mission efforts throughout the world--there are many opportunities available---we are called----may our response be "Here am I, Lord"-----please call Barb if you are want-ing more information---(563-3928)
O, GOD OUR HELP IN AGES PAST, OUR HOPE FOR YEARS TO COME-----May this cen-tennial anniversary year move us to a deep hunger and thirst for God's Word and unceasing prayer-- OUR SHELTER FROM THE STORMY BLAST, AND OUR ETERNAL HOME!!
PRAYER CELL GROWTH--This past year we have had prayer partners praying together on Monday and Friday mornings at the home of Barb Christensen’s on Circle Drive--we do invite all to join our prayer fellowship whether it be during the week, Sunday morning at 8:30 or on a Prayer Line--"for such a time as this" we must be on our knees "standing in the gap" for our World, Nation, Churches, Missions---families and all that the Spirit sheds in our hearts. All are encouraged to pray unceasing with your family, neighbors and friends---May this New Year find our prayer cells increasing in number.---all glory to the Lord-
THE BUILDING & PROPERTY COMMITTEE
Members of this committee are Bob Sornson, Arch Andersen, Steve Mathisen, Kurt Nelson & council representatives Joel Rattenborg & Robert Jensen. Monthly meetings were held in 2009, usually the second Monday evening of the month.
Projects completed in 2009 included the updating of the men’s restroom on the main floor, up-dating the lighting in the sanctuary, repairing and correcting some drainage problems on the southwest and northeast corners of the church, and with the retirement of the custodial staff, the job description was thoroughly revised and a suitable replacement hired.
The much anticipated kitchen update has begun with insulated pipes, lowered ceiling and new lighting. Work will continue to replace the countertops, sinks, faucets, drawer and cabinet pulls. New cabinets and counter space will be added in the dishwasher room to store the roasters and coffee pots. New cabinets will also be added next to the ranges. Vorm Construction is the gen-eral contractor for this project.
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Following the completion of this project, volunteers will be needed to reassess the storage areas and locations of the OSLC china and a number of other kitchen items. If you have some beliefs on how and where this should be done, you are urged to volunteer to aid in the completion of this kitchen project.
In addition to the above, the blinds in the offices were replaced with new curtains in the office manager office. The annual check of the pipe organ revealed some needed repair to the stops and pistons. An adopt a key fund raiser has just about covered the cost and we thank everyone who contributed to this project. This should be completed in March or April.
2009 was a very busy year for the building & property committee. 2010 promises to be more of the same. One item facing the committee is the enclosing of the fire escape on the east side of the gym.
If you are wanting a challenge or some involvement in the church, volunteer to assist on the building & property committee. Your contribution will be very much appreciated.
Respectfully submitted,Robert Jensen
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION COMMITTEE
The Education Committee highlights and challenges in 2009:
Winter and spring 2009 continued with the reproducible materials for Pre-K through 6th. We had our annual trip to the Friendship Home to sing for the residents. The year ended with the annual talent show.
Vacation Bible School was held Sunday July 26th through Thursday July 30th for 3 year olds –4th grade. We held it in the evening with a light supper being served at 5:00. It was a swamp theme titled Crocodile Dock. We had daily lessons and activities that reminded us of God’s power and His love for us. We were encouraged to watch for God Sightings and to Fear Not and Let Our Light Shine! The week ended with a short program for families to see what we had been doing all week. We opened VBS up to the community and had another successful year with more than 50 kids enrolled and plenty of volunteers.
A Nintendo Wii and several bible based board games were purchased for use by the Sunday School, LYO, or other groups in the church.
Fall 2009 was started with a rally day. We presented the new Pre-K students with a beginner’s bible and 3rd graders were presented their NIV bibles. The Sunday School hour was split into periods for the day with students rotating between hide & seek sardines in the social room, games in the gym and kickball on the front lawn. The Jr. High played Apples to Apples and the High School tried out the new Wii. The regular classes started the following week with stu-dents split into Pre-K, kindergarten, 1st and 2nd, 3rd and 4th, 5th and 6th, Jr High and High School. Several classes had two teachers each week or two teachers that taught every other week. We continued with the reproducible materials for Pre-K through 6th. Jr. High and High School teachers selected their own materials looking to Pastor Martin for approval.
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We are trying something different with the 3rd through 6th grade opening. We are singing on the 1st and 3rd Sundays and play a bible based game or watch a video that pertains to our lesson on the other Sun-days.
The annual Christmas program was presented during worship December 13, 2009. We received many compliments on keeping the program simple and singing traditional Christmas songs.
Plans for 2010 & upcoming challenges facing the Education Committee include the following.
Smaller Class Sizes – We will continue to combine classes that use the same materials when necessary.
Holy Communion instruction for 5th grade will be offered in the spring of 2010.
The 6th grade class will receive acolyte instruction in the spring of 2010.
We are looking for ways to invigorate the LYO group. A questionnaire was sent to students and par-ents looking for their input. Teenagers are torn in so many directions and we want to encourage them to remain active in the church by providing some fun and fellowship. We are encouraging them to in-vite their friends, including non-members to attend as well. Parents are volunteering to host the LYO group usually on the third Sunday of the month. We have had sand volleyball and BBQ, games and a bonfire, cookie making and the Praise Band leading an evening of singing. If anyone would like to lead the LYO group, please contact a member of the Education Committee.
Teacher Volunteers – We are hopeful that most teachers will sign up for 2nd semester. We are always happy to have new volunteers too.
The Committee would like to offer its appreciation to our teacher/parent volunteers and music leaders. The many activities of the Sunday School students would not be possible without the outstanding sup-port of our volunteers. We look forward to working with the youth of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church and to a rewarding 2010.
WORSHIP COMMITTEEThe Worship committee is responsible for working with Pastor Martin, church council, altar
guild, ushers, taxi drivers, Praise Band, choirs, organists, sound system and video operator, and assist-ing with all regular and special worship services at our church, Friendship Home, and Exira Care Cen-ter. Our thanks go to those who so graciously serve the Lord by participating in or by directing these many areas of worship.
Following is a summary of some of the things we worked on this past year. Special services held were Lenten, Thanksgiving Eve, and Advent. The committee continued to work on recommenda-tions from the worship survey completed in Nov. 2008. Our sound system was serviced by Midwest
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Sound & Lighting in February; speakers in the chapel, overflow, women’s lounge, and the social room are now working. Our Feb. 8th worship service recognized Our Saviour’s 100th anniversary. Pastor Peterson of Humboldt, South Dakota was our guest pastor on April 19. Church Music Sunday was held on April 26th. Special music was lined up for summer Sundays. A meeting with the Ushers was held in June to update the Usher Guidelines. A family activity with games and lunch was held in con-junction with the Education Committee following worship on July 12th. We assisted the Evangelism Committee on August 23rd with an outdoor service in the park, led by Pastor Martin and the Praise Band. Beginning in October, on the second Sunday of every month, a Praise Team started leading our congregation in a praise hymn during worship. We decorated a Christmas tree representing OSLC for Deck the Agri-Hall in November. We coordinated decorating the church for Advent. Caroling was held on December 6th.
In celebration of our Centennial, we were blessed to have several former OSLC Pastors share a sermon message with our congregation: Pastor Walt on June 7th, Pastors Carl and Mary on June 28th, and Pastor Hostager on September 27th.
The Praise Band continues to lead worship once a month at our church, August through May. The Praise Band was also a part of the worship services at the Presbyterian Church in April, the Ross Methodist Church in July, provided music for the Farm Bureau annual meeting in July, and led a gath-ering of area youth and LYO in praise songs on December 20th. The Senior Choir and Kid’s Choir meet September through May with each singing twice a month.
Our Saviour’s is blessed with many faithful volunteers that commit themselves to carrying out the work of the Lord!
The Worship CommitteeElaine Jorgensen (Chairperson) Raydene MathisenJudy Baker (Council Rep.) Jane Weber (Music Coordinator)Sandy Kristensen (Secretary) Linda Keller
EVANGELISM/SOCIAL MINISTRY COMMITTEEThe Evangelism and Social Ministry Committee work together under the supervision of our-
Pastor and the church council.Our main objective is to be compassionate to our fellow church members, visitors, new pro-
spective members and our “newborn” members through Holy Baptism. We also strive to open our hearts to mission work here at home in our community and far into the mission fields here and abroad.
We hosted 3 receptions to honor the Confirmands, Graduates and our new members. We want to thank everyone for their help and volunteering to serve, without everyone pitching in to help, things wouldn’t happen.
Ella is caring for the Cradle Roll ministry. There are currently 18 little children of God on our cradle roll.
Ella Lauritsen Rhoda JorgensenNadine Christensen Mardelle GilbertElayne Sinow Roger Fett (Council Rep.)
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STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEEIn 2009, the Stewardship Committee met the first Monday of the month. In addition to the meetings we were responsible to help with church in the park and the lunch to follow in August. Also in De-cember we served a soup supper before Advent service.
KOINONIAThe sharing of monetary gifts brings hope, joy and peace to those who are in troublesome
times. We thank God that we have been able to extend help to many who are experiencing a crisis and are in need of funds to receive this help. We also extend our thanks to everyone who contributed to this fund.
Committee: Jack JorgensenAllan Jacobsen Janice Hemmingsen
2009 Koinonia Report
January 1, 2009 Beginning Balance………………………………………...$1,372.402009 Disbursements……………………………………………………….. $123.892009 Donations and Interest……………………………………………….. $.15December 31, 2009 Balance……..………………………………………… $1,248.66
MISSION COMMUNITY REPORT The Mission Community Committee was responsible for setting the tables for 13 funerals in
2009. The first one was for Marvin Byriel on January 15, 2009 and the last one was for Laverne Kraul on October 31, 2009. They also checked with the family on what food they wanted to serve and they ordered it for them, instructing the store to bill it to the funeral home. Monthly committee groups from Our Saviour’s were then lined up to serve at these funerals by this committee. Those working on the committee were Marvin & Valetta Jensen and Marla Sunberg.
Thank you to all those who volunteered in any way throughout the year. We thank God for all of you.
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OUR SAVIOUR’S LUTHERAN WOMEN OF THE WORD2009 ANNUAL REPORT
Officers this year were:President: Sharolyn FettVice-President: Joan NielsenSecretary: Nadine ChristensenTreasurer: Sandy ParsonsCh. Mission Growth: Jean JensenCh. Mission Action: Donis Hansen & Janice AndersenCh. Mission Community: Valetta Jensen
Our ladies continued to be active in providing assistance with many events here at Our Saviour’s. These include providing and serving coffee and cookies every Sunday following wor-ship services, greeting parishioners each Sunday morning, delivering Meals on Wheels for two months during the year, Friendship Home birthday parties and helping with Friendship Home communion and cleaning the church kitchen. Our Mission Action committee kept busy sewing quilts, providing layettes, school kits and health kits for Lutheran World Relief. Our Mission committee sets up for all the funerals held at Our Saviour’s.
Our ladies helped provide food for the hamball dinner in February which was the kickoff to our centennial celebration. We hosted the World Day of Prayer in March and the United Meth-odist Church ladies provided the program. We provided salads and helped serve the Reunion Sta-ley chicken dinner in June. In August we hosted a Danish coffee during the T-Bone activities. In September we were invited to Ebenezer Lutheran Church for an Ecumenical breakfast. In October we served coffee, kringle and sandwiches following Consecration Sunday worship services for our annual fund raiser for the year. In November we made a donation to the Veterans who were honored at our church with a dinner and we also made a donation for the Thanksgiving baskets that are distributed each year in our community.
Thanks to all the ladies of OSLC for your generous support this past year and for helping make our centennial year a year to remember.
Our benevolences went to:
December 2009 Distribution of annual fundsAmerican Bible Society $100.00Lutheran Services of Iowa $300.00Family Crisis Center $200.00Global Missions Fellowship $200.00Hope Ministry $200.00Lutheran World Relief $150.00New Hope Village $100.00Oaks Indian Center $200.00
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Okoboji Camping Ministries $100.00OSLC Bible Camp Fund $100.00Story Book Project $100.00World Hunger $200.00Haiti $200.00Good Neighbor Center $200.00HESED (Chickens for change) $200.00Caring & Sharing $200.00Friendship Home $200.00Exira Care Center $100.00Cass Inc. $200.00Bethany Farm $ 50.00Total $3,300.00
Respectfully Submitted,
Nadine Christensen, SecretarySharolyn Fett, President
STATISTICAL REPORT2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
Average Weekly Worship Attendance 225 208 215 222 195 199
Baptisms 4 4 11 2 8 2
Marriages 6 2 1 3 4 1
Confirmations 9 8 10 4 12 7
Funerals 22 13 20 11 15 10
Baptized Active Membership 830 806 617 591 574 572
BENEVOLENCE GIVING IN 2009Church of Good Shepherd $1,986.20Church of the Damascus Road $868.34Faith Lutheran Church in PA $1,986.20Faith Lutheran Church in Humboldt, SD $1,986.20Haiti Lutheran Ministry (School lunch program) $3,000.00Heartland District $662.89LCMC $3,972.38LCMC-Seminarian Loan Fund $1,323.34Lutheran Services in Iowa $1,102.37Lutheran World Relief $1,102.37OSLC Mission Outreach $2,658.80New Tribes-Ken & Sue Jordan $1,323.34Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camp $2,207.14Other Benevolence $1,208.78Peace Lutheran $1,986.20Synod & Conference Assemblies $773.22OSLC Youth Camping Fund $1,929.85
$30,077.62
Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Audubon, Iowa2010 Benevolence Plan
Ministry Amount PledgedHaiti Lutheran School & Mission $3,000.00OSLC Mission Outreach Trips $2,400.00Lutheran World Relief $1,000.00Lutheran Services of Iowa $1,000.00Church of the Damascus Road $ 700.00New Tribes Mission (Ken & Sue Jordan) $1,200.00Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camp $2,000.00OSLC Youth Camping Fund $1,750.00LCMC National Office $3,600.00LCMC Seminary Debt Relief Fund $1,200.00Heartland District-LCMC $ 600.00Faith Lutheran Church, Humboldt, SD $1,800.00Church of the Good Shepherd, Florence, AL $1,800.00Peace Lutheran Church, Gulf Shores, AL $1,800.00Hesed Ministries (Uganda) $2,400.00Other/Undesignated Benevolence $1,106.56_____________________________________________Total Benevolence-2010 $27,356.56
Notes:-OSLC Mission Outreach Trips include Workcamp mission trip, and other mission trips and teams OSLC may wish to put together.-Youth Camping Fund covers some expenses related to OSLC youth attending Confirmation Camp at Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camp and other camp events.-LCMC Seminary Debt Relief Fund provides grants to help newer pastors serving congregations of LCMC to pay down their seminary related debt.-Undesignated Benevolence Funds may be distributed at the Church Council’s discretion as needs arise.
Centennial Fund Recommendations
In 1999, Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church initiated the Centennial Fund. The purpose of this fund was: “To Celebrate God’s love for us through major mission gifts to the Glory of God!” It was also decided that at the end of OSLC’s Centennial year of 2009, the monetary gifts to this fund would be distributed to various missions and ministries beyond the walls of Our Saviour’s, and the recipients of these gifts would be decided at the Annual Meeting. During the past dec-ade, $29,113.17 was donated to the Centennial fund to be given to missions.
At this 2010 Annual Meeting, the voting membership of Our Saviour’s has been given the task of deciding where the monies from this fund will be given. The Congregation Council at its December meeting adopted the following recommendations to present to the congregation with the knowledge that the congregation will make the ultimate decision on where and how much our gifts will be:
1. A request of a gift of $10,000 to Hesed Ministries was received by the Council at its Octo-ber meeting . The Council has already recommended that $2,400 be pledged to HESED from Benevolence giving in 2010.2. A gift to Faith Comes By Hearing Ministries, Albuquerque, New Mexico to translate one book of the New Testament into another language. It costs approximately $950 to translate one book of the New Testament into a language and put it into audio format for missionaries to use.3. Two relatively new groups have formed seminary and pastoral education options within and outside of LCMC and need financial assistance. Institute of Lutheran Theology (ILT) began offering online classes this fall that would lead to the awarding of seminary degrees. ILT needs to graduate a class of Master of Divinity students before it can become an accredited Seminary. ILT is Pan-Lutheran, meaning faculty and students come from many different Lutheran church bodies. Rev. Kip Tyler, Senior Pastor at Lutheran Church of the Master in Omaha, Nebraska, has been a part of this effort. Closer to home, Pastor Keith Menter at Elk Horn Lutheran Church, Elk Horn, Iowa, is on the board for the Beyond the River Academy, which specializes in equipping individuals more rapidly to serve as Pastors for smaller, rural congregations.4. One member of the congregation has suggested a one time gift to St. John’s Pre-School in Audubon, as many families in our congregation have sent their children to this Christian pre-school.5. An “extra mile” gift to some of our benevolence recipients, such as our mission congrega-tions, etc.6. A gift to an existing Lutheran college, seminary, etc. of the congregation’s choosing.A one time gift to Joy in Christ Lutheran Church, Thornton, Colorado, a new LCMC mission congregation looking to get established. The group recently began holding worship services. Other mission congregations of LCMC can be found online at http://www.lcmc.net/missiondirectory.htmlAny other worthy ideas presented at the Annual Meeting.
Other General Fund ExpensesCentennial Expenses & Income $0.00 $0.00 -$3,407.99Synod & Conference Assemblies $1,000.00 $0.00 $0.00Miscellaneous $0.00 $0.00 $538.93Total Other Expenses $1,000.00 $0.00 -$2,869.06
Total Expenses $213,937.56 $195,058.96 $196,382.58
Net Income/Loss -$15,005.56 $4,363.04 $17,811.87
Staff Salaries:The position of Custodian, Director of Contemporary Music, and Director of Contemporary Worship are salaried.
The Office Manager’s hourly rate is $12.70, at 33 hours per week.
Choir Directors (Senior Choir & Kids Choir) are paid $30 per practice, and $30 per service the choir sings.
Choir Accompanist is paid $20 per practice, and $20 per service the choir sings.
Organists are paid $30 per service
Pastoral MinistryThe “Pastoral Compensation” figures include the Pastor’s salary, housing allowance, Insurance, Pen-sion, and Education & Book Allowance. The actual 2009 numbers include the January 1st-15th, 2010 period paid to Pastor Martin on December 31st, 2009 so that he will not have to file an Iowa state in-come tax for 2010 for two weeks of service.
The increased 2010 budget reflects the agreement the Council reached with Rev. Larry Lystig, who will serve as OSLC’s Interim Pastor beginning February 1st.
The pulpit supply numbers from 2009 indicate travel reimbursement and honorariums paid to our for-mer pastors who returned as Guest Pastors during the Centennial services in 2009.
Worship Miscellaneous$1,382.98 expense for sound system
Centennial Income/ExpensesThe negative $3,407.99 under Centennial income/expenses reflects a surplus of income over ex-penses for centennial activities and cookbooks.
MiscellaneousMiscellaneous general fund expenses throughout the year that were not budgeted for.
Notes Regarding 2010 Budget Proposal & 2009 Actual figures
Yearly interest of $323.31 was divided into the special funds accounts.
Holdings - Special Funds Checking $90,587.12CD – Memorial $674.27CD - Education Fund $18,731.65CD - Loan Security (Education) $10,000.00CD – Centennial Fund $21,976.52CD – Parsonage Fund $22,607.92Total Fund Accounts $164,577.48
Other Assets - General Funds Checking Account $39,130.18Audubon County Endowment Fund $25,819.22
Total loaned Faith Lutheran Church Loan $20,000.00(Faith Lutheran pays monthly interest)Parsonage Loan—original loan issued $20,000.009-07 for $20,000.00 at 4% interest. (Pastor has paid $2,500.00 and owes $18,795.64)
President Dan Schmidt called the meeting to order at 12:15. Pastor Martin led us in prayer and devotions.
The agenda was presented. Chris Schmidt made a motion to accept the agenda and Nate Vorm seconded the motion. The motion carried.
The minutes of the 2008 annual meeting were presented. Lee Nielsen made a motion to accept the report and Kelly Polson seconded the motion. The motion carried.
All reports were approved as presented.Allan Jacobsen and Jim Tinker conducted the annual financial review. All records were
found to be in order. Wayne Hansen made a motion to accept the report and Steve Mathisen seconded the motion. The motion carried. Jim made a couple suggestions; first a list of where the benevolence funds went throughout the year, and also a brief explanation of what each spe-cial fund is for.
Pastor Martin reported on behalf of the nominating committee and presented the ballot for the new council members and executive committee. President, Dan Schmidt, Vice Presi-dent, Tom Nielsen, Secretary, Raydene Mathisen, Treasurer, Jim Tinker, council at large, Joel Rattenborg, 2 years, Roger Fett, 2 years, Kathy Jensen, 2 years, and Robert Jensen, 1 year. Bob Sornson made a motion to cast a unanimous ballot and Arch Andersen seconded the motion. The motion carried.
The nominating committee for 2009 will consist of 6 voting members from the congre-gation. Two need to be outgoing council members. The following volunteered: Nate Vorm, outgoing council, Jeff Nielsen, outgoing council, Jane Weber, Arch Andersen, Steve Mathisen, and Ella Lauritsen. Nate Vorm moved to accept the nominating committee and Robert Jensen seconded. The motion carried.
The LCMC convention will be October 4-7, 2009, at Atonement Lutheran Church, in Fargo, ND. Lee and Norma Nielsen volunteered to go, as the 2 delegates, to represent OSLC.
President Schmidt presented the 2009 budget. Arch Andersen moved to accept the budget and Roger Fett seconded. The motion carried.
Pastor Martin expressed his thanks to the nominating committee and the outgoing coun-cil members. The installation of all 2009 council members will be Sunday, January 25, 2009, during the 9:00 worship service.
Bob Sornson moved to adjourn the meeting and Duane Schmidt seconded. The motion carried. President Schmidt adjourned the meeting 12:37 P.M.
3. Approval of 2009 Annual Meeting Minutes and 2010 Annual Reports (as presented in this booklet)
4. Report of Financial Review Committee and Approval of Their Report
5. ElectionsA. Report of Nominating Committee
1. Congregation Officers (1 year terms, President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer)2. Council at Large (Terms as Indicated)3. 2010 Nominating Committee (6 voting members of the congregation, 2 of which are
to be outgoing members of the Church Council)B. LCMC Annual Convention (Oct. 3-6, 2010 in Lutheran Church of the Cross, Altoona, IA) (2 delegates)
6. Approval of 2010 Budget
7. Report of Election Tellers
8. Disbursement of Centennial money
9. AnnouncementsA. Appreciation to retiring Council members and OfficersB. Installation of all 2010 Council members and Officers to take place on Sunday, January 24, 2010 during the 9:00 a.m. worship service.
