Mount Cross Lutheran Church Fellowship Committee Minutes

Minutes from October 13, 2011 Meeting

At Marsha Niedens’ Office, 445 Rosewood, Camarillo, CA

“Just as heaven will blend all God’s creation, so fellowship blends and bonds people of different backgrounds into one church, one fellowship, one faith.”

Members present: Craig Blois, Nora Fajnor, Scott Fajnor, Josh Graziani, Melissa Henry (chair), Karen Nelson, Marsha Niedens, Carol Paul (liaison)

Members absent: Lori Clem, Desta Goehner, Diana Graziani, Anne Valencia

1. Opening Prayer by Melissa Henry

2. Accepted minutes from 9-8-11 approved as amended.

3. OLD BUSINESS

Budget: Melissa read the memo of “expenditure curtailment”, an Action Item from the Church Treasurer and Executive Committee. It is to be seen how the imposed curtailment impacts our committee and future events already planned
Time & Talent Forms: The revised Fellowship T&T sheet was submitted to the Church Secretary and amended by Pastor John. Melissa submitted the new Fellowship T&T, with attached descriptions of positions and/or activities, for committee information.
Web/Photo Information: No new information presented.

4. REVIEW OF EVENTS

Rally Day – lead: Anne Valencia/Desta Goehner. Cost = $0. It was noted that for future opportunities to present a Slide Show of Fellowship Activities that we request a better location (in the shade and NOT in the sun!) so people can see slides more clearly. It was also suggested that a “brainstorming” box/sheet be available for people to suggest ideas for activities that they’d like to see. Sheet would request name and contact information.
Hollywood Bowl Trip – lead: Tracy/Craig Blois. Cost = We made $1! People that went had a fabulous time but in the future we will try to schedule it earlier and be sure to collect ticket prices from purchasers at the time of commitment. The Hollywood Bowl schedule will be researched earlier to secure a date more convenient than after school starts.
“A Taste of Mount Cross” – lead: Desta Goehner. Cost = $0. Well intended but not as well attended as hoped. Though the committee thought the event was well publicized, maybe it was not explained as well to others and we probably waited too long before starting sign-ups. Some suggestions for the future are to include host(s) names, hold this type of event more often, and possibly spread out the event over 2 weekends. Josh suggested that we tie the name “A Taste of Mount Cross” to more events involving food.

5. UPCOMING EVENTS

Relay for Life (Oct 15-16) – lead: Melissa Henry. Cost = $0. Melissa noted that Mount Cross has a maxed-out team of 22 participants but that anyone who would like to join them is welcome. Mount Cross youth will be involved with the Luminaries Ceremony.
45^th Anniversary of Mount Cross and Pastor Appreciation Day (Oct 23) – lead: Anne and Melissa. Cost = $0. A pumpkin-themed potluck is planned during the Hospitality time(s) and is no longer an official Fellowship Committee event.
Lefse Making Day (Nov 5) – lead: Desta and Heather Barry. Cost: ?? Neither Desta nor Heather were in attendance to share their vision so the committee has no details as to who is invited to participate (whole congregation?), what is needed (space? materials?), when (time?), where (Kitchen? Luther Hall? PLC? Are these even available?), and how will this be done. This event has not been publicized so Scott agreed to contact the lead people to inquire as to their intentions.
Thanksgiving Eve Pie Social (Nov 23) – lead: Anne Valencia. Cost = $40 (for supplies; Melissa will put in a request for funds). Karen will contact Anne and help out in any way necessary.
Hanging of the Greens and “A Taste of Mount Cross…” Dessert Potluck (Dec 4) – lead: Craig. Cost = $100 for Luther Hall set-up & take down to be shared with choirs 50/50 (if funds available per curtailment measure) and ~$40 in supplies thus a Fellowship cost of ~$90 from Committee budget.
Children’s Christmas Program Pizza Feed (Dec 18) – lead: Josh Graziani. Cost = $110 from the Fellowship budget to cover 50% of Luther Hall set-up & take-down (shared with Children’s Ministry) and ~$60 for pizzas and supplies (subject to curtailment measure).
Annual Meeting/”A Taste of Mount Cross…” Chili Cook-off (Jan 2012) – lead: TBD. Cost = to be reviewed pending curtailment of expenses reaching into the New Year. Item tabled until more information regarding monies available.
Progressive Dinner (Feb/Mar 2012) – lead: Craig and Scott. Cost = $TBD. New ideas were discussed but item was tabled until next meeting due to lack of new information regarding possible costs and impact of curtailment of expenditures.
Family Campout – lead: Kate Fisher. Cost = $?? Plans nor updates have not been forthcoming so will be discussed at the next meeting. A contact from the Fellowship Committee for Kate will be established to continue dialogue and assist with planning.

6. NEW BUSINESS

Softball – lead: Scott and Craig. Cost = $0. This program has been financially self-sufficient (NO financial support from Mount Cross) for many years with receipt of monies from players going directly towards registration and required umpire fees. Craig inquired about new policies regarding church related functions being processed through the treasurer because he usually has to front the registration fee(s) and wait for players to repay him. Is the church willing to front the registration fee with commitment to be repaid? Although the team name is “Mount Cross Lutheran”, currently less than 50% of roster is Mount Cross members and/or church-goers. Fellowship Committee may request money to support Church Team in the annual “All-Camarillo Churches” Softball Tournament in November or December once entrance fee is learned.
Melissa acknowledged Diana Graziani’s resignation from the committee due to a relocation and thanked her for her service.

7. OTHER BUSINESS

8. Next meeting date is November 10, 7:00 PM at the Church.

December meeting will be December 8, 7:00 PM at the Office of Marsha Niedens (445

Rosewood, Suite N, Camarillo) due to conflict with the CDC Christmas Program at Church.

9. Closing Prayer by Scott