LORD OF GRACE COUNCIL MINUTES
February 20, 2007
7:00 pm
Members Present: Vicki Shearer, Corliss Jenkins-Sherry, Pandora Larsen, Pastor Dale Moe, Carol Nichols, Dan Scott, Mike Stein, Ron Paul, and Intern Andrew Schlecht.
Members Not Present: Carol Buuck, Pastor Christopher Hermansen, Don Lawler, and Chris Pendleton.
Vicki Shearer, President, called the meeting to order at 7:05 pm.
Pastor Moe led the Council in prayer.
Ron Paul moved to approve the minutes as written. Mike Stein seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Review of Action Items:
i. The re-keying process cannot be completed until the front doors are replaced. Hopefully, this will be completed in the next six weeks—Continue.
ii. Regarding the bowing of the North wall in the Fellowship Hall. There was no written report, however Interim Pastor Schlecht reported that he had been in conversation with Chestnut Construction and may have something to report by next week—Continue.
iii. The Worship Enhancement Team has been identified and will have their first meeting in March 2007—Continue until the March Council Meeting.
[Reports Attached]
i. Pastor Moe expressed his concerns about future hiring practices. Hiring within the church, especially when you have several qualified candidates, is taxing on those involved. He suggested that the Council might consider a “mentoring” practice for the future. Vicki Shearer added that according to the Constitution, the Council does not have to confirm the hiring, only the position.
ii. Pastor Moe informed the Council that the next New Member Class will be held March 4th, 11th and 18th. He asked the Council Members to be available to meet with this group.
iii. Interim Pastor Schlecht said that he is working on an Easter Vigil to be held on Saturday, April 7th at 7 pm. There will be four parts to the service.
iv. Interim Pastor Schlecht informed the Council that the Discipleship Groups have been started.
v. Interim Pastor Schlecht expressed his appreciation for the wonderful surprise birthday party given and attended by the congregation. He is grateful for the support given to him and to his family.
i. Youth—(Chris Pendleton) No report submitted.
ii. Property/Building—(Mike Stein) See attached Report. In addition Mr. Stein stated that he has been looking into external storage possibilities and will have a report ready for Council.
iii. Outreach—( Corliss Jenkins-Sherry) See attached Report. Ms. Jenkins-Sherry reminded the Council that there will be a big food drive held in May.
iv. Gift Giving--(Don Lawler) No report submitted.
v. Worship/Stephen Ministry--( Don Scott) See attached Report. Mr. Scott informed the Council that the Organ Committee will meet on Monday, March 5th at 6:30 pm. Representatives from the Roger Organ Company will come down from Phoenix to see the church and meet with the Committee.
vi. Education—(Pandora Larsen) See attached Report. Additionally, Ms. Larsen gave an update on the pre-school and pre-school registration.
vii. Fellowship—(Joan Travis) See attached Report.
viii. Treasurer's Report--(Ron Paul) See attached Report. Mr. Paul reported that the Organ Fund is approximately $28,000. The Boy Scout banking account concern has been resolved. Ms. Shearer added that the banking account for the American Heritage Girls has been established.
i. Off-site Storage—Mr. Stein has reviewed the off-site storage options submitted by Steve and Debbie Pickard. The size of the unit and climatic condition of the building were discussed. There was general agreement that the unit should be larger than 10 x 10 and since only paper and seasonal items would be stored, climatic conditions may not be important. He has only one bid (AAtlas) at this time, but should be able to present more by the next council meeting.
ii. Safe Access—Although Mr. Lawler was not present at the meeting, he sent word that this had not been done at this time.
iii. Telephone system—Because of the current problems with the HVAC (to be discussed later), exploring a new telephone system has been delayed. It is continuing.
iv. Front Door—The research for the cost and kinds of doors needed is continuing.
i. HVAC—The HVAC in the Fellowship Hall stopped operating approximately three weeks ago. A new unit was installed. There is a question as to why the fins are bent and there was discussion about finding better coverings for the units.
(a) When the compressor stopped, it caused a malfunction in the valve. Repairs on that could cost $8,000.
(b) The warranty period could be a problem on resolving these costs. The warranty period should not expire until May 2007, the five-year anniversary date of occupancy. Mr. Stein and Interim Pastor Schlecht will set up and appointment to meet with the contractors and discuss the catastrophic problems that we have been experiencing with the units.
(c) Ms. Nichols will check the files in the office for “signed” copies of any warranties related to the units.
(d) Interim Pastor Schlecht asked the Council for permission to hire a commercial/mechanical engineer, that he recommends, to come and assess the system. He may be alble to determine the root of the problem and to eliminate any question that the system was not maintained adequately. The price may be $100 to $125 per hour. The Council agreed to allow the hiring of the consultant and asked for the following items to be accomplished:
*Mr. Stein and Pastor Moe will document the repair history.
*Mr. Stein will ask Ambient if they still have the old compressor so that the consultant will be able to assess the damage.
*The consultant will come and address the Council on the findings.
*Protective coverings for the fins will be investigated.
*Mr. Stein and Interim Pastor Schlecht will meet with Mr. Sisley at Chestnut Construction and continue serious discussions with CARRIER.
ii. Facility Development Team—Ms. Larsen presented the Council with the results of the churchwide questionnaire.
(a) She asked the Council Members to review the comments for further discussion. The Council will discuss priorities at the March meeting.
(b) Interim Pastor Schlecht will prepare summaries, and analysis of the site information, and an estimated time line for construction actions. Finally, a congregational response will be developed.
(c) Data will need to be prepared for the newsletter.
and a special video presentation to the congregation.
(d) A special video presentation to the congregation could be presented at the Annual Congregational meeting in May.
(d) There was some discussion about Mr. Lawler doing some strategic planning, but there was nothing affirmative about this activity.
iii. Report by Ms. Nichols—Ms. Nichols discussed some of the projects that she has initiated in her two week in her new position. One involves the ministries of the church. She will hand out a chart and has asked each Council Member to identify the individual and/or committee responsible for that mission. Another involves reviewing the use of the building by outside groups.
iv. Mr. Paul announced that he would be posting a summary of the monthly expenses in the corridor to the Fellowship Hall.
v. Pastor Moe shared with the Council that the Grand Canyon Synod has identified three regions in Southern Arizona for mission advancement. One of them is Lord of Grace, Marana, AZ.
Pastor Dale Moe’s Council Report—Feb. 2007
1) The Spirit of the Lord is strong in this place and for that I give thanks. May our many ministries be to His glory! Blessed faith journey as we enter Lent. I am ever grateful to all of you for your partnership in the Gospel.
2) As we journey onward in the faith I ask, “Are we witnessing, declaring such things as: ‘Come and See’!” We have much to offer as we present Christ. Let all of our ministries be to that of highlighting Christ. Invite folks to “Come and See!” Let us use our worship opportunities, our musical groups, our educational classes, our fellowship gatherings, our women’s and men’s groups, our youth activities, our outreach efforts—let us use all channels so as to share Christ. Let the very words rest on our lips as we declare: “Come and See!”
3) Wearing the ‘hat’ of employer, pastor, friend was every so difficult with the process of hiring our new staff position. I was unable to do this in this circumstance and so I resorted to wearing the ‘hat’ that I find to be primary in my calling here and that is the ‘hat’ of being pastor. Saying no to three members all of whom I have worked closely with, prayed with, worship with, etc. was ever difficult.
4) Pastor’s Chris and Gina’s wedding—truly splendid! Val’s birthday party—truly splendid! Blessings to all.
5) Thanks and gratitude to Carol Nichol’s arrival. I already have witnessed a number of blessings she has provided to our ministry here. She is a wonderful addition to our ministry staff and purpose here at Lord of Grace. Please add Carol to your e-mail listings for council. Her e-mail is: ca.nichols@comcast.net
6) Vacation dates to keep you aware of on my behalf. I am taking 4 days in March--March 9-12 so as to surprise my father for his 70th birthday in Chicago where my sister lives. My father and mother will be visiting in Chicago that weekend and I will appear (it will be a surprise) and we will have a wonderful celebration. I look forward to it.
7) New member classes—to promote, recruit and teach. These classes will be offered March 4, 11, 18 and the reception of New Members will be Sunday March 25th.
8) Many ministries happening in our midst. Praise the Lord. The life of the church is full, and let us promote this full schedule as that of spiritual growth in the Lord. Our worship life together is a foundation of our being—so please take every opportunity to gather in His name and sing His praises.
9) Scheduled events happening—preaching schedules, master planning of our ministry with Carol Nichols and staff, chapel schedule, kids church schedule, nominating team, etc. Lots of logistical things to attend too.
Intern Pastor Andrew Schlecht’s Council Report-February 2007
1) Believe it or not I will have been at LOG for 6 months come the end of February. Time has flown by so fast. And yet I also feel like I have been here a long time—I feel like you have been my friends and brothers and sisters so much longer than 6 months! Thanks for all your support and love and prayers. You are the greatest blessing I could have ever imagined.
2) Debbie and Steve and the entire internship committee still bend over backward for me and my family. Wow—what a blessing!
3) It is great to have Caroline on board. Gifted, spirit filled and called by God!
4) Working on planning the Easter Vigil Service for Saturday, April 7 at 7:00 PM. Members of the planning team are Ernie and Pat Jones, Phyllis Teager, Melissa Elias, Dawn Calkins and Cathy Lundeberg. They are a marvelous team and I can’t wait to worship and celebrate the resurrection of our Lord!
5) Continue working with Pastor Dale to develop some discipleship groups as a new paradigm for LOG. I have started two groups and am blessed by both!
6) Continue working with Carolyn Nichols on the Grief Support Group. However, we are taking a hiatus until after Easter.
7) Continue leading the prayer service on Wednesday mornings. John Reeves continues to help lead the service. He has been a great blessing! I am also hoping to find two other individuals to help lead the service. Please come and join us!
8) Continue to work with the facilities committee as we look at current and future needs.
9) Helping provide some feedback to Mike Stein regarding the warranty on the mechanical system.
10) Members of the congregation continue to open their homes and their hearts to me and my family. We are very blessed by all of you!
11) Chapel with the preschool children continues.
12) Pastor Dale and Pastor Chris are both an inspiration and incredible blessing to me.
13) The teachers at Grijalva Elementary School have asked me to come back and lead another prayer service. Perhaps this could be a monthly ministry…. God works in the most amazing ways and unexpected places!
14) I will be serving an assistant spiritual director on the Tirosh weekend February 21 (after Ash Wednesday service) to 24. I will not be at worship on February 25.
15) I have requested a few days off in March (dates to be determined) so that my wife and I can have some time together. This is particularly important since my time the first week of January was interrupted by the funeral I conducted. I will keep you updated.
16) I pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to help each of us to be mirrors in ministry, prayer and the world, so that we can reflect his glory into the dark places of the world and into the darkest of hearts, so that every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord!
Grace and peace,
Andrew Schlecht
Worship Report-Feb. 2007 Submitted by Dan Scott
1) The worship team did not meet in February
2) A schedule of Christmas decorating is being planned. We are trying to make sure the decorations are up earlier for 2007. It seemed that for Dec 2006 that the decorations were only up for a few weeks.
3) Pastor Dale and the worship team are trying to "stream line" the Grace Moment of worship by coming up with a format to specify what could (should) be included in one.
4) Flower sign-up has been going well. Casa Adobes Florists was sold, but the new owner seems willing to keep the same arrangement.
5) The organ fund has been blossoming! Ron will update us at the meeting, but last I knew we were over $21,000.
6) We had our first organ meeting in January and just had a general discussion on what types of organs would be feasible.
7) The organ committee will be meeting again in the first week of March. I will try to set up a "field trip" so that the committee members will meet at an organ dealer to hear the various types of organs.
Outreach Report-Feb. 2007 submitted by Corliss
Jenkins-Sherry
1. We had a successful dinner at Tucson house on Valentines Day. We
anticipated 16 to 20
residents but had 35.
2. The outreach team is planning to have a large food drive in May; we
will
try to get the congregation, scouts, Heritage girls, preschool and other
groups at LOG to assist in this drive.
3. We collected 3 large boxes of toiletries and medical supplies for
Corner
of Love in January.
Property Report-February 2007 submitted by Mike Stein
1. Outside cleanup took place February 10.
i. Cub Scouts did a TERRIFIC job!
2. Cracks in Sanctuary/Fellowship Hall caused by expansion and contraction.
i. Will caulk cracks in Fellowship Hall in March
ii. Wall buckling being reviewed by Structural Engineer from Chestnut construction
3. HVAC System
i. Compressor in unit to Fellowship Hall failed
ii. Authorized replacement of compressor and coils-$7,800
iii. Vicki, Don, and I met with Paul Myers, GM of Ambient Air to discuss overall system and its problems.
iv. Will pursue warranty issues
1. At issue: 5 year warranty as of installation or church occupancy 5/2002?
4. Storage unit quotes
i. Will submit one from A-Atlas 2/20/2007
ii. Will solicit/submit second from Continental Ranch Self Storage
iii.
Education Report-February 2007 submitted by Pandora Larsen
1. Vacation Bible School is scheduled for June 11th-17th. Our theme this year will be Avalanche Ranch. If you know of anyone who would like to help out or has western themed decorations, please let us know.
2. Faith talk (Sunday school between services for children whose parents attend 8:30 service.) attendance is low. Kid’s Church is going strong. We average 20-25 kids in attendance.
3. MOPS report submitted by coordinator Gina: MOPS is continually reaching out to moms, at our last meeting we had 3 new moms join us. We are currently recruiting new members for the 2007-08 steering team. We are in great need for interest in the steering team as many of the current members will not be coming back due to having babies and kids going to school. Anyone who knows any mother of a preschooler that would be interested please let me know. Our last MOPS meeting will be the 1st Wednesday in May in which we will then break for the summer. On March 7th, we will be doing an outreach project in which we will make flower arrangements and deliver them to each resident in a nursing home.
4. The Preschool report will be submitted as soon as I receive it.
5. Activities for the kids during the Lent have been planned. All kids are invited to join us for a short devotion and craft each Wednesday. They can enjoy a quick dinner and then meet in the large classroom at about 6:15pm.
6. The Facility Enhancement Team has compiled all the information from the surveys (Thanks Wayne Lundeburg). We will report on our findings at the council meeting. In March we would like to present our suggestions/ideas after hearing from council, so that we know we are staying track with what is expected of us.