LORD OF GRACE
COUNCIL MINUTES
May 15, 2007
Members Present: Vicki Shearer, Pandora Larsen, Pastor Dale Moe, Dan Scott, Mike Stein, Ron Paul, Carol Buuck, Pastor Christopher Hermansen, Rose Motzco, Ken George, John Berdahl, and Chris Pendleton.
Guest: Carolyn Nichols
I. Call Meeting to Order:
Vicki Shearer, President, called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
II. Opening Prayer:
Pastor Moe led the Council in prayer.
III. Modifications to and approval of Minute
A. Mike moved to accept the minutes as written. Ken seconded the motion. The motion
passed unanimously.
B. Action items
1. The re-keying process cannot be completed until the front doors are replaced. Hopefully, this will be completed in the next six weeks. (3/20/07) Do not have to replace the doors; can replace the hardware. Hopefully this will be done in the next three weeks. Keys will be reissued. Each key will have an individual code. (4-17-07) Continue
IV. Pastors’ Reports
See Attached report
Lord of Grace has done a phenomenal job of stewardship over the years. Many churches are cutting back but Lord Of Grace has always had the funds to do ministry. The Lord has provided. Stewardship has always been two folded 1) a plan has always been in place for spending 2) a plan has always been in place to keep funds coming in.
See Attached Report
Chris received quotes for window stickers with the Lord Of Grace website. We will order 200 stickers for approximately $100. The website address needs to be added to bulletin and newsletter.
The YES sheets can be included on the website also.
See Attached Report
V. Ministry Team Reports
A. Youth: Chris Pendleton
No report submitted
B. Property/Building: Mike Stein
See attached report
C. Outreach: Ken George
See attached report
Next major event will be at the Tucson House on the July 25th.
D. Gift Giving: Ron Paul
See attached report
Will be reviewing manual on stewardship from the synod office. Pastor and Ron will go to
the synod office to learn more about stewardship programs.
E. Worship/Stephen Ministry: Dan Scott
No report submitted
Organ installation is 90% completed
Thank you notes will be sent to those giving memorials to the organ fund.
F. Education: Pandora Larsen
See attached report
G. Fellowship : Rose Motzko
See attached report
Would appreciate any names of people who would be willing to serve on the fellowship
committee this year.
H. Treasurers Report: John Berdhal
See attached report
In process of getting connected with the bank to become a signer on the checks.
Have started looking over the software, contacted synod office for procedures, and met with
Shannan Heston. A financial review needs to be completed. During the transfer of
responsibilities from Ron to John, please copy any questions to both.
I. Pre-school report
See Attached Report
VI. Old Business
A. Yearly event calendar by all teams
The calendar will be developed this summer. Carolyn will send calendar to new Counsel
members
B. Shed and storage room clean out will be June 30, 2007 at 8AM
VII. New Business
A. Re-keying of church
Dan moved to proceed with the re-keying. John seconded the motion. The motion passed
unanimously.
B. Closing the church office for office staff on Friday at noon.
Chris P. moved to close the office on Fridays. Ron seconded the motion. The motion
passed unanimously.
An emergency contact number will be added to the telephone voice recording.
C. Council dinner with Pastor Dale and Sunni will be June 4, 2007 at 6:30
D. Lord of Grace as a vote site
We currently do not have a contract with the voting commission. Without a contract,
there is no insurance waiver. The voting commission has not paid Lord of Grace for two
years. This discussed was tabled. Ron will research the situation and will send
information to the council through email.
E. Combined Committee Night
To help promote better communication between committees and with the congregation, all
committees will meet on the second Tuesday of the month. This will enable committees to
discuss activities and programs that overlap between committees. It will also allow the
counsel members to have updated information prior to the council meeting. This will begin
in August.
F. Letter from Lutheran Social Ministry of the Southwest
LSMS is asking for an extension of commitment from Lord of Grace for volunteer hours
and money. Ken will talk to Corliss related to clarify this information.
G. How to move forward with facilities?
Based on the information from the congregational survey, proposals will be brought to
counsel. The proposals will then be presented to the congregation. The congregation will
then have to determine if they are willing to willing to put the proposals into action. The
proposals should be ready by October or November.
VIII. Closing Prayer/Adjournment
Ron moved to adjourn the meeting. Ken seconded the motion. The motion passed
unanimously.
Pastor Chris Hermansen’s Council Report—May 2007
There is nothing major to report in terms of detailed activities. Most of
the areas
that I am involved with continue as they have and for the most part work
well.
As we turn the page on a new chapter in the life of Lord of Grace I think
many of us are searching for what the future holds and what our role will be
in that future. Many of the questions will be answered in the near future
and with the arrival of Dale II. Dale II will be a great asset who will
be
able to guide and direct us in this time of transition. I am very eager
to
work with him and better understand my role as the associate pastor of a
church where the senior pastor has recently left, there aren't many seminary
classes offered in this area. Just as I am eager to work with Dale II I
am
also looking to the council to help shape my role with the church, whether
this changes or stays the same. I have a great deal of passion for this
place and feel that I have many ideas that can further enhance the life of
this community. Where I struggle is how many of these ideas do I share
and
how many of them to I wait patiently on? How do I follow my passion but
also harness it to a manageable level? I must continue to remind myself
that I was called to Lord of Grace as the associate pastor and that call has
not changed. No matter how full of ideas and passion I am there are
limits
that need to be honored. I will look to you, the council, and Dale II to
find the optimal balance for this place and my role in that change.
Please
don't hesitate to share with me your thoughts and concerns as we all look to
understand our role in the life of our church. I approach this time with
a
great deal of wonder and excitement. God only knows what the future holds
for us.
I continually look forward to working with you,
Intern Pastor Andrew Schlecht’s Council Report--June 2007
1) Continuing with Grace Groups
2) “The Surpassing Greatness of Knowing Christ Jesus my Lord!” Three sessions have been completed as of June 10. One session remaining on June 24 at 4:00 pm.
3) Healing Prayer Group continues meeting weekly at 3:30pm on Mondays.
4) Prayer Service continues on Wednesday mornings at 8:00.
5) Please note that I will be gone for summer class on July 5-14. However, I will be returning on Saturday July 7 for Erin Bernheim’s wedding.
6) My last Sunday at Lord of Grace will be August 12. The internship committee notified me that they are coordinating a farewell picnic for August 11th at Ora Mae Park starting at 3pm.
7) Attended Synod Convention in Phoenix June 7-9.
8) Assisted where I could with VBS June 11-15. It was a splendid and blessed experience. Thanks to all the volunteers for their hard work!
Treasurer Report—John Berdahl June 2007
Here is a Preliminary Treasurer's Income and Expense report for May, 2007. A final report will be sent out soon - after Shannan Heston and I have a chance to reclassify the new air conditioners to Fixed Assets ($17,043.70 through May).
At some point within the next month or two, I will also be sending you a Balance Sheet, as soon as I can complete some analysis to adjust out depreciation, (and the old air conditioners) and make sure all Funds accounts are correctly stated. We may look at a Cash Flow statement as well, once I pull one together and see if it adds any important clues to our fiscal performance. I'll also try to write a few short notes with each monthly set of statements to highlight things of special interest.
In addition, I am planning to produce some form of analysis which will attempt to explain in somewhat clearer fashion how we are doing in 2007 against a deficit budget of $56,408. Since the 2007 Budget was entered in a straight-line form, I'll be using some historical trend data to estimate how the income and expense patterns for 2007 might play out. That will also help us do a seasonalized budget for 2008.
If anyone has annual Income and Expense Actual reports for 2002 and before, I'd sure appreciate getting a copy, as the Shepherd's Staff software only seems to have 5 years' worth of data.
Well, that's the numerical stuff - now for the fun part.
It is really a joy to come into Lord of Grace church any day of the week and feel like I've just come home. My wife Lin and I have been members for just a few months, but everyone makes us feel like we've been here forever. We can clearly feel God's presence in this House, and we have no worries or doubts about the work God has yet to do through all of us. I really feel humbled and blessed to be able to serve God with all of you.
Worship Report—Dan Scott June 2007
1) The worship team discussed with Pastor Dale the council's idea of having all committees meet on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. As some of the members of the worship team are unable to drive after dark, they would like to keep their meeting time on the 3rd Saturday of each month.
2) Julie Salaz will continue to purchase flowers for the Altar, from Wal-Mart or Fry's, until December 2007. The worship team is deciding whether to continue providing the flowers after this date.
3) The worship team will not be meeting again until October 20th.
4) The organ committee will try to have a meeting next week. I will be contacting NORAM & Associates to discuss a "workshop" where we may be able to have someone come to our church to show how the organ can be incorporated into the contemporary worship service.
If anyone could give me an update on the Organ Fund, I would appreciate it.
Youth Report—Chris Pendleton June 2007
Pastor Chris and I have met about some re-structuring due to the Pastoral changes. Pastor Chris has expressed interest in remaining active with the Sr. High group, but would like help with the Jr. High group. We have planned some yes sheets to go out in the next couple of weeks to solicit for help with the Jr. High group as well as populating with motivated people a youth logistics committee to help with planning and logistics of all youth activities.
Pastor Chris is also considering a youth camping trip in July.
Education Report--Pandora Larsen June 2007
1. Vacation Bible School was a huge success. There were 167 kids in attendance. We accepted 7 walk-ins on the first day and turned away 25 to 30. This was the first year we turned away anyone. We did not want to but we did not have the supplies or space available. We had a crew of 30 adult volunteers and 30 youth volunteers working the entire week. Our volunteers are a huge part of what make this program so successful. We could pull it off without them! Here is something fun to think about. We served 850 snacks last week! One day that included over a 1000 Ritz crackers! Rose can vouch for that!
2. The Preschool rooms are being painted this week. On Monday, June 25th our first summer school session will kick off. There are 31 students enrolled and we can take up to 40. Fall enrollment is looking great too. The morning sessions are full except for Tuesday/Thursday classes. The afternoon classes have openings as well.
3. The Facility Enhancement Team needs to get rolling again. Please forgive me. I’ve been to busy the past month to coordinate a meeting. We will make that a priority this month. I will also get the information I promised to John and Rose out to them, so they can get up to speed on what has been going on.
4. MOPS meetings are off for the summer. They do continue to gather off site for some fun activities for the summer months.
5. Christian Education at Lord of Grace. After meeting with a number of my education volunteers, I would like to present my vision and goals for the 2007-2008 year. I created this from the input from those people. They are a huge part of what makes our education programs happen here. I am grateful for all of them.
Vision Statement:
Deepening Faith through Christian Education.
Goals:
Embracing, Absorbing, Learning, and Acting upon the Living Word with all people.
How do we do this?
*Pastor Chris had a great idea that I wanted to share with you all.
Unification through simplifying. Because everyone is at such different levels of understanding and the immensity of what there is to learn can seem daunting I think we need to start at the beginning and have everyone start on the same page. Whether you are in a preschool, Sunday school class or an adult bible study have the topic be the same. This way a parent could talk to their child about the same things. Also have what is taught in Sunday School/Bible study reflect what is preached on in service. This way we get the same idea across twice and through two different approaches.
Make the bible relevant to today. This is what we strive to do as pastors and it is the best way to connect people with the bible. How this is accomplished is easier said than done. This is where we can use the "series" approach to get this across.
I would love to see the entire church follow the same schedule. Some of what we have in place and have been doing for years I fear further complicates the issue rather than simplifies it. Having three to four readings on Sunday is one example. I think we need to write our own curriculum for the entire church.
I can not do this alone. I will work to get members to back me up and step up and help me with this. I am asking the council to embrace Christian Education and it a highlight of our 2007-2008 year. Without everyone’s help, I will not be able to real these goals.
Fellowship Report --Rose Motzko June 2007
- 2007 -
July- Welcome potluck for Pastor Dale Hallberg
August - Cool off and enjoy an Eegee's after 2nd service
September - Beach party with G-Rated movie in the sand lot
October 31st - Assist with the Trunk or Treat ???
Wed., Nov. 21st - Pie Social after Thanksgiving Eve service
Advent - Wed., Nov.28, Dec. 5, 12, 19 - Pie Social after services
December - Assist with the Angel Tree ???
December - Women's Tea (secret pal revealing)
- 2008 -
January -
February - Ash Wednesday Feb. 6- Soup supper
February 13, 20, 27, Mar 6, 13, 20 Soup suppers
March 23 - Easter Sunday - Breakfast???
April - Women's retreat
May -
I was also given a suggestion that the 4 x 4 groups should get together again. I understand that four couples from the two services would get together 4 times a year and then all of the groups would get together for a Progressive Dinner?
Please give me any suggestions that you think would be good for more interaction between the members from the various services.
Property Report—Mike Stein June 2007
1. HVAC
· Sanctuary unit replaced
· All major units now replaced
· Fin guards for Narthex unit on order
· Concrete pad extension poured for Fellowship Hall unit. (big thanks to J.D. Larsen for his help!)
· Thermostats to be re-programmed and unchangeable unless authorized by council
i. Tentatively, units will run from 10-12 hours/day and set at a certain temperature.
ii. Will program Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall units this Saturday, June 23.
2. Asked about Banner Storage
· Money pledged by the McKenna’s for same
· Was to be built by a member of congregation
· How do we want to proceed?