Learning Meeting February 5, 2009

Attending: Josh, Sharon, Pastor Erik, and Tracie

1. Sunday School

Ø Ø Josh held a teachers meeting on January 11^th. Most Sunday School teachers were in attendance. Josh presented a copy of the teacher’s meeting agenda along with some of the items discussed. Of importance to Learning were the following: (items discussed by the Learning Committee were bulleted appropriately.)

*Dates where there will be group activities for Sunday school were discussed. Josh will get a master calendar to the teachers. There will be group activities on President’s Day Weekend, Mother’s Day and Memorial Day. The last day of Sunday school will be June 7^th.

*Josh will advertise for more substitute teachers. Perhaps asking parents from the classes, and make a universal list. He will give copies of this list to teachers

*Opening will be 10-15 minutes only aimed toward all Sunday school age groups.

*Teachers like the curriculum. Josh was reminded that new curriculum needs to be ordered. It was suggested that he order the rest of the year’s curriculum now.

Ø Ø Josh reported to Learning that the new High School Sunday school teacher liked the online AKALOO resources.

*Lynette suggested 5^th/6^th grades go back together to increase class size.

Ø Ø (Learning discussed this and Tracie felt strongly that 6^th should stay with the middle school. Josh felt strongly 5^th and 6^th should be combined. Tracie suggested that 3^rd grade be by itself and 4^th and 5^th combine. This will allow for the yearly teaching of the Bible along with First Communion information. This idea will be revisited in the Fall.)

*Teacher’s feel that we need to change our signs and advertising that says “Sunday School for all Ages” to “Sunday School for ages 4 and up” to prevent children who are too young from being in the preschool class.

*Teacher’s would like to see Josh have an assistant for the first part of Sunday School. During opening, they would like someone to hand out information and registration to new students, greet the families, and help new students find their classes. It was acknowledged that if Josh is doing the opening, he can not do those jobs appropriately.

*Teachers seemed open to the idea of rotating representatives into the Learning meeting. Josh will follow up.

2. VBS

Ø Ø Tracie realized she left off Jessica’s timeline for VBS on last month’s minutes. Jessica created a new timeline of what needed to be done and when. Josh was given a copy. Josh will be in contact with Jessica and Andrea so he can learn how our VBS runs. Jessica and Andrea seem organized and ready to go. Learning requested that Jessica give special attention to training Josh and informing him about all the duties that are involved in VBS’s success. It was noted that Josh has never attended a VBS at our church. Learning agreed that we should keep two key volunteers for VBS every year. (Sorry for the omission last month Jessica.)

Ø Ø Dates for VBS are August 3^rd-7^th

Ø Ø Josh attended a VBS information meeting at the Christian bookstore. He thought this was a good time to see a lot of curriculum. He has a few ideas about what the curriculum should be. It was noted that Jessica and Andrea would prefer Gospel Light. Josh will discuss and make a final decision with them.

3. Fun With Faith

Ø Ø FWF Budget was discussed. Learning agreed that Josh should not be covering “no shows” with his own money. During the Bowling Bash, Josh had students not show up and he had to pay for them anyway. Ways to prevent no shows and no payments were suggested. One suggestion was to ask for payment before the event occurred. Pastor Erik suggested Josh set up a designated account for such a situation. Josh can use this type of account as a rolling account. Overages that Josh pays out of his own pocket should always be submitted for reimbursement by the church.

Ø Ø Josh also asked Learning for approval to use funds as a deposit for future events. Learning agreed noting that the April Bash requires a $100 deposit and is $295. for 25 children. Learning ask that Josh consider if he will be able to get 25 children to this event. If it does not look like that many will be in attendance, Learning asks that he consider doing a different event so he will not lose his deposit. Josh will take this into consideration.

Ø Ø Josh’s future Friday Bashes were discussed. Josh is pleased with the turn out for the last Bash. The cost of the Bashes was briefly discussed. Josh will monitor if cost may be an issue for some families not attending.

4. Nursery

Ø Ø Josh will make a sign for the Nursery stating ages as 3 months to 5 years to clarify for parents.

Ø Ø Josh will make a list of nursery subs.

Ø Ø Council agreed to let Learning “sweeten the pot” for nursery workers. Workers will work for the last two services only making the same amount. PE will email Marilyn about the change. Josh will make a draft for Marilyn so it is clear. This change should be made on the website and on the worship folders. It was also suggested that anyone who used the nursery during first service last year be called and told about the change.

Ø Ø Josh expressed concern for late and no show nursery workers. He stated that, with Learning’s permission, he will address this issue.

Ø Ø Sharon asked if buzzers might be a possibility for the nursery. Parents would be given a buzzer when children were dropped off. If a parent was needed during the service they would simply be buzzed. This would prevent a worker from being left alone in the nursery and uphold our Safeguarding policies. (Tracie note…would cell phones on vibrate be an alternative? Sounds cheaper. We should discuss at next meeting.)

Ø Ø Parents should be signing their children in and out. (Reminded to put phone on vibrate and leave number.)

Ø Ø It was again discussed that the nursery should be shut down if two people are not available to work. This upholds our Safeguarding policies. Josh was told he could ask available people on the patio between services to fill in and keep the nursery open as long as they are on the Safeguarding list.

5. Middle and High School

Ø Ø Winter camp had 18 students attending. There was one full girls cabin and ½ a guys cabin.

Ø Ø Confirmation had a problem with food fights. Pastor Erik said the covenant would again be discussed. Kids will not be allowed to go into the parking lot as a consequence and for safety reasons.

Ø Ø Golf and Stuff will be on February 20^th. Pastor Erik is hoping between 7-10 kids will go. The cost is $15. a student

Ø Ø Pastor Erik would like to conduct Confirmation interviews with Confirmands. This would be a time for him to meet with students one on one to discuss why they want to be confirmed. Their God Stories could also be reviewed and help given.

Ø Ø Easter Breakfast was discussed. This is a fund raiser for both middle and high school. Pastor Erik needs to confirm if Kevin Churchill still would like to be in charge. A second coordinator is also needed.

Ø Ø Summer events for middle and high school were discussed. Pastor Erik would like one event a month for both groups while he is on Sabbatical. Sharon suggested she host a ping pong tournament at her house. Tracie agreed to have a pool party at her house.

Ø Ø The high schoolers are going to RAIN project. This is a chance for them to interact with school age children and a valuable community service.

Ø Ø High school continues to enjoy Ultimate Frisbee. Pastor Erik and the Kids would love to see a cross-denominational tournament to occur. There is a lot going on this year and it was uncertain if it would occur this year. The kids love the practices and hope that this time together will continue!

Respectfully Submitted: Tracie Fickenscher

Learning Meeting January 8, 2009

Attending: Josh, Sharon, Pastor Erik, Jessica and Tracie

6. Sunday School

Ø Josh will be holding a mid year teacher debrief on Sunday Jan. 11 at 10:30. This will be a time for teachers to discuss what is going well and where areas of need may be.

Ø Josh has added new teachers and has a substitute list ready for all teachers

Ø It was discussed that Learning would like to implement a rotating representative from the Sunday school teachers to attend Learning meetings. Learning feels the teachers input will help to keep Learning aware of any needs that may arise.

Ø The last date for Sunday school this year will be June 14^th. Josh will get a current calendar for Sunday school teachers so they know what to expect and when.

Ø Sunday school curriculum was discussed. Josh is aware he should order the rest of this year’s curriculum. He will also look into Akaloo web resources for the new high school teacher. Josh had currently been using “Faith Lens” for the high schooler, which has been put out by ELCA. Learning agreed this was a good curriculum but that the church had paid for the year of Akaloo and Learning preferred the high school teacher used that. Josh was reminded that all curriculum choices should go through Learning.

Ø Josh has put together a “Children’s Board” which will be out every Sunday. It will include upcoming events for FWF as well as Sunday school announcements, contests, and recognition. There will also be a place for handouts. This board should help with communication between parents, teachers and students.

7. Fun With Faith

Ø Josh likes the curriculum he is currently using.

Ø Attendance has been about 12 students. Josh hopes to raise this by possibly suggesting a carpool to parents.

Ø There are 8 more Wednesdays for FWF this year and 5 more Friday bashes. Josh gave out a list of possible ideas for the bashes.

Ø Josh was reminded that parent should be signing their kids in and out.

Ø Josh will post sign ups for snack, craft and help on the “Children’s Board.” It was brought up that the help should be a female. It is strongly felt that there should be an adult female available to protect Josh and the Church from any possible liabilities.

8. Nursery

Ø Josh would like to compile a list of subs to be available as workers need to be absent. Josh is aware that there should always be two workers in the nursery so the church is in compliance with Safeguarding God’s Children.

Ø It has also be noticed that there are sometimes children in the nursery that are not within the age guidelines. It was suggested that Josh make a sign to display that states ages 3 months to 5 years to clarify for parents.

Ø COUNCIL ACTION ITEM: Learning discussed ways to “sweeten the pot” for nursery workers. Learning would like to pay the nursery workers the same amount to only baby-sit for the last 2 services. It was suggested that we advertise, “Nursery care is provided for the 9:30 and 10:45 services.” Learning also felt that this would keep Mount Cross from paying its youth to miss worship because they are working in the nursery during all three services.

9. Middle School:

Ø There are currently 3 students and 2 volunteers going to Winter Camp. One more call will go out to invite Confirmands to Winter Camp.

Ø Pastor Erik talked about having some sort of parent workshop for the middle and high school youth’s parents. He sees this as an area of need and networking among the parents. A possible time may be during confirmation (a video night) or high school coffee house.

10. High School

Ø Fund Raising for the summer trip was discussed. Pastor Erik will be having a parent’s meeting to further discuss this. The High School Leadership team has discussed different fund raising opportunities they would like to investigate more. One is the envelope fund raiser. It is hoped that AT LEAST half of the cost is covered by fund raising.

Ø Pastor Erik is hoping some parents will step up to help organize High School events while he is in sabbatical.

Ø Caroline Hobbs had expressed interest in organizing a rummage sale as a fundraiser.

Ø It was noted that maybe Gail Weed and Kathy Berg might be willing to organize a camping trip for all the High Schoolers. This would be an event for all High Schoolers . The group is so strong Learning would love to see this sense of community continue for all High Schooler.

11. Adult

Ø Jenny Christenson is continuing a woman’s bible study in the spring. They will be having a 10 week Thursday evening study.

Learning Meeting Minutes

October 2, 2008

Attending: Sharon, Tracy, Josh, Caroline, Pastor Erik joined us after youth band practice

Council item:

Next year’s budget needs to be turned in to council by 10/14. Josh needs to get this info to our council liaison, Paul Fickenscher, before 10/14. Learning advised Josh to review Renae Rhodes old info to determine budget requirements for each area he is in charge of.

Adult ed – Jenny Christensen requested an extra $350. to the adult ed budget for women’s bible study.

Josh@mountcross.com

Josh needs Renae Rhodes old notes. We were unable to locate her packet, left for us in his box.

Sunday school. Josh is planning to budget to buy bibles for 3^rd grade students. He will buy a case.

Sharon and Josh discussed who is doing what? What does Josh need Sharon to do? Josh would like to focus on increasing attendance. Josh will ask teachers to leave attendance charts in baskets. Advised Josh to put “poster theme of the month in the grapevine”

Sharon had a teacher team request that one of the pastors lead prayer in the SS opening.

Christmas Play – We should be working on this now. We gave Josh some referrals for people to lead the Christmas play. Caroline will give Josh “friendly beasts” play, cd, etc.

Josh to do a letter of introduction to parents & list SS teachers in each class.

FWF

Halloween party to be changed to a trip to Moorpark to Underwood Farms. Josh to advise parents of change.

We discussed with Josh how things are going to date, for him. He asked that we could be direct with regards to our expectations of him. We also asked him to let us know when he isn’t getting what he needs. Asked Josh to do a report monthly for learning to outline where he is spending his 20 hours per week.

Discussed with Josh about how to contact students (no personal or individual text messages) Group texts are fine.

High School –

Concert trip last week to see Third Day/Switchfoot. Great time, great fellowship opportunity.

Relay for life is scheduled for 10/12. Sharon reports there is a lack of involvement, lack of commitment this year.

CLU trip scheduled for 10/19 has 10 kids signed up to date.

Confirmation - Good group of guides. Skating event next weekend. Kits are due this coming Wednesday.

Next meeting Thursday, November 6^th @ 7:00.

Minutes prepared by Caroline Hobbs

Learning Commission Meeting Minutes

September 16, 2008

Meeting began @ 7:00

Attending: Tracy Fickenscher, Pastor Erik, Sharon Korzan, Caroline Hobbs, Josh Graziani

Pastor Erik led prayer and a devotional, written by George Barna.

Welcome to Josh Graziani, our newly hired Director of Children’s Ministry (DCM). Our plan for tonight’s meeting is to bring Josh up to speed on all of the programs he will oversee as our DCM.

Action item

Properties Committee asked if Learning had anything that needed special attention. We discussed that the van needs some care, as follows:

• It has a growing rust spot on the top back, which has grown this past year.
• The side door does not close properly. Seems like a problem with the door seal. This should be repaired.
• The check engine light comes on, which is explained in the handbook in the glove box. It has been an ongoing problem for years, and is probably just a computer glitch. This should be corrected, or a note left in the van for guest drivers. It created some concern while we were on the Adventures on the Coast trip (until we read the handbook)
• The van needs to be cleaned & buff shined. It will look good as new when this is done.
• We need to advertise the church on the side of the van. Caroline will research magnetic, removable signs. These are very inexpensive, and not permanent. Caroline will help with the design of the sign, as needed Tracy would like the Lutheran Handbook at her coffee Sunday.

Additionally, but not an immediate action item:

• We discussed PE & Josh getting their class C license, so they can transport more people in the van. Caroline has the third row seat, which will increase the van to an 11 passenger, but a class C license is required with this many passengers.

Council/Budget info (Pastor Erik & Josh reported)

Council wanted committees to be aware that Budget/Finance overestimated the income that the church would receive on loose plate offerings for the 2008 income figures, and this is a contributing factor in why we are running at a deficit (approx. 3K per month.) Our spending is on target, but the congregational giving is down. Pastor Erik & Josh report that council has discussed proceeding cautiously with budgeting & spending for 2009. We reviewed each area of the budget as it pertains to learning. Advised Josh to contact the recent/former leaders of each area he is responsible for to find out what was, or was not, included in the budget.

Reviewed Time & Talent sheets and made changes as necessary.

Sunday school (Sharon Korzan, coordinator / Josh Graziani, DCM : both reported)

Sharon and Josh report that Sunday school went well 9/14, with great feedback reported. Great attendance figures -70 students (not including staff.) Josh plans to launch a new monthly program, and we discussed this at length. Josh would also like to encourage inviting guests to increase attendance & grow our programs. Josh would like to do monthly contests which will include participation from each class in the making of a monthly themed board. PE stressed importance of incorporating a biblical theme for each board, and everyone concurred. This concept will be launched in October, introduced at the opening, and then it will be worked on in the individual classes. Each class will receive a reward (most creative, etc.) Josh will coordinate with teachers. We discussed the openings. Who will do the opening music? Linette Angelestro had offered to lead, the opening. Sharon feels strongly about having pastor as a presence a couple times per month. We discussed pastor’s availability. Josh would like to mix things up and do a fun game as an option other than singing every week. Josh and Sharon will coordinate the opening with pastors, Linette, etc. We discussed making the student/parent flow into the PLC smoother and having the teachers a visible presence at the opening. For the high school SS class, Josh would like Tracy to continue with the coffee house Sunday once a month, which she agreed to. Josh will use this week to pop into each class. Tracy would like the Lutheran Handbook at her coffee Sunday. Josh gave the name “Savage” to his high school class (Sunday’s are very awesome-God’s education). Name tags will be implemented for teachers to wear weekly. Caroline suggested Josh order business cards.

Fun with Faith (K-5^th) Tracy Fickenscher (former coordinator) reporting

Deborah Goebel volunteered to lead F.W.F. Josh will be in contact with her to discuss her availability.

After much discussion, we decided (for the remainder of the year) on a once a month Elementary Youth Event. Josh will be Strategizing, researching and planning for the long term. Josh will plan an All Saints Day/Halloween party (promoted to our kids/bring a friend) slated for 10/29. Also a Thanksgiving and Christmas event. Regular program (2x month) will plan to be launched after first of year.

High School (Pastor Erik)

Briefly discussed. Orientation this coming Saturday, 9/20. Youth Band concert planned for November. Relay for Life in October. Sharon Korzan is spearheading this event. Brief discussion about New Orleans national youth gathering in 2009 and fundraising will be necessary. Cost will be approx. $1,000 per child.

Nursery (Tracy reported on status, & Josh will take over from here)

Briefly discussed. Heather is paid staff. Kevin Rhodes is a paid assistant.

VBS

Tabled until next month.

Confirmation

Briefly discussed which translation of bible we use in this class. No other discussion this month.

High School Youth (Michael Fickenscher provided written report, as follows)

Michael Fickenscher reports ‘The high schoolers are still excited about Switchfoot, Sept. 26. At this point all tickets are sold. We have outstanding balances from 2 of them. We purchased enough for two car loads and will have 3 adults going.

Pastor Erik met with a group of high schoolers who will form a “Leadership” group for the year. We discussed fund raising ideas and when we are to meet. Is seems like a great group to guide activities throughout the next year.

We are ready to begin the New Year in Youth Group. We are looking forward to coffee house and Starbucks Sunday. Respectfully submitted, Michael Fickenscher’

Next Meeting: The first Thursday of every month (7:00 PM/Pastor Erik’s office) will be our NEW official meeting date. Next meeting is Thursday, October 2^nd 7:00pm.

Meeting adjourned with prayer approx. 9:30pm

Minutes prepared by Caroline Hobbs

Learning Meeting

August 11, 2008

Pastor Erik, Caroline Hobbs, Sharon Korzan, and Tracie Fickenscher in attendance

• Sunday School

Sharon Korzan has agreed to be our Coordinator for Sunday School….yeah!! She will be calling Sunday school teachers from last year to confirm who will be returning this year. She will let Learning know if she needs help filling teacher positions. Sharon needs dates for Rally Sunday and the first day of Sunday School.

Curriculum was looked at. Both Sharon and Tracie felt very strongly that “Akaloo” material from Augsburg would be great for middle and high schoolers. Tracie suggested the bible background contained in the “Akaloo” curriculum may be appropriate for our 3^rd/4^th grade class. The committee considered “Akaloo” for the entire Sunday School Program. “Akaloo” can be accessed from the computer for both teacher and students. This was found as both a positive and a negative. Those teachers who had easy access to computers might find this format very quick and easy and like the flexibility of arranging their lessons this way. Caroline noted that it might be harder for those without computer and printer access. Pastor voiced a possible concern with printing unneeded material through the church office. Sharon will research “Akaloo” further and find out about prices and options for materials. Possibly, we will begin trying the program for middle and high school depending on the price. Other materials were considered. Gospel Light was Karen’s favorite. Sharon and Tracie preferred Lutheran curriculum. It was noted that the Hands On curriculum was liked by some teachers. Learning would prefer to try “Akaloo” for the entire Sunday school for the first quarter with the option to change the younger grades if it doesn’t work out.

• Director of Children’s Ministry

As there have been a few applicants for the position, Learning would like to formally request that they be very involved with Personnel in the hiring of this position. Learning would like to have a strong input into who is hired. It was felt that since Learning has the clearest idea of what is needed and ultimately would be working closely with this person, Learning would like to help Personnel hire the correct person for the position

The hours of the position were discussed. The idea of 10 hours a week to just oversee Sunday School, VBS and the nursery might be a possibility. Cutting the hours by 50% would then cut the salary by 50% and possibly open the position to others who were looking for a job with fewer hours.

• Nursery

Tracie would love to find someone to take over the scheduling of the nursery! It was suggested that perhaps a parent of a child who uses the nursery might be more appropriate. Tracie will look into this possibility further. Currently, the nursery is scheduled through the end of August.

• VBS

Karen phoned in a report to Tracie. There were 126 kids total (118 in the program, 8 in the nursery.) they had 30+ youth helpers and 50+ adult volunteers. Since Thrivent gave a sliding grant, we will have $500.donated to our program. There were snack donations of $410. Gospel Light donated all the student books an expense of around $320. For these reasons we may under budget. Karen will have the numbers for the next meeting. Jessica is working on recruiting someone to help her with next years VBS. Thank you Karen and Jessica for a great job!

• Fun With Faith

We still need a coordinator if this program is going to run this Fall.

• High School Youth Report

The high schoolers are excited about Switchfoot, Sept. 26^th. After handling fees, ticket master fees, and some other fee, tickets that we thought would be $19.95 each are actually $30.00 each. We purchased enough for two car loads. One adult driver and 7 youth for each. It was also decided that since the concert was the inspiration of middle schoolers Brett Crocket and Kevin Fickenscher, they would be allowed to purchase tickets the same time as the high schoolers. High schoolers can purchase tickets until September 7^th when sales will be open to middle schoolers. At this point all but 3 tickets have been sold. It was made clear that purchases were nonrefundable and a check holds your spot. Heather and Jay were hoping to purchase 7 tickets for themselves. They will be trying to purchase another block close to the original blocks so we can all still go together.

The high schoolers had a great summer trip. We enjoyed both our play time and our service time. A special thanks to Pastor Erik, Ris Anderson, and Caroline Hobbs for chaperoning.

Respectfully submitted, Michael Fickenscher

• Next Meeting

The time and date of the next meeting needs to be discussed. Tracie will send an email out to confirm a date and time.

Respectfully submitted, Tracie Fickenscher

Learning Meeting

June 2, 2008

Pastor Erik, Caroline Hobbs, Sharon Korzan, Roman Spandrio, Karen Thomton, Linette Angelastro, and Traci Fickenscher in attendance

• Children’s Ministry Position update.

Council agreed with Learning that it should be a salaried position. We will see what the personnel committee says. Pastor Erik to get job announcement advertised.

Concern was voiced about the job description of this position. Pastor Erik and Tracie will take the lead with input from Sharon and others on the committee to get the job description up to date and as clear as possible for the Personnel Committee.

• Sunday School

Luncheon this Sunday. Linette needs a headcount and menu suggestions.  She will do shopping and set up on Saturday. Sunday, Caroline and Tracie will host the event. Pastor Erik will lead discussion with teachers. Sharon will run the Sunday school student’s craft time. She will enlist the help of the high schoolers.

We need to look for a Key Contact for next Fall.

• Nursery

Tracie didn’t understand that Jessica was only doing nursery for May. ..so we need someone to take over. Jessica has purchased snacks. Tracie will temporarily take over during the summer. We need to find someone else to do this in the Fall if we do not have the Children’s Ministry position filled yet.

• VBS

105 kids so far. Pre K and K are closed. June 9^th we will open to the public. Karen needs a coordinator for the Thursday night dinner. Maybe the cooks club could help out?

Thrivent has given VBS a $500. donation. Thank you Thrivent.

• Fun With Faith

We need a Key Contact for next year as Tracie will be unable to do it. Some ideas were Monica Duran, Anne Valencia, Laurie Hall, Angela Spandrio. Tracie will begin talking to people.

• High School Youth Report

The high schoolers are excited about Switchfoot, Sept. 26^th. They are also looking forward to Ultimate Frisbee. We are curious how summer camp signups went and if Pastor needs help making phone calls to have more sign up. They would like to get together soon to make T-shirts and perhaps organize the concert. They would have a small group meet with Pastor to schedule the upcoming year and include both a trip to Magic Mountain and Disneyland. (If we get 10 or more to Disneyland we can qualify for group discounts.)

Respectfully submitted, Michael Fickenscher

• High School and Confirmation

The high school trip has the largest number signed up for a summer trip this year. Pastor will let high schoolers know when he needs help from them.

• Library

Charlene Sakioka has done a great job getting the Library out there. We need to follow up with her to find out if she has any needs.

• Adult Ed

Woman’s bible study is on track for Fall.

Although Roman voiced concerns that he may not be the right person for the Adult Ed “job” the committee encouraged him to stay on Learning and consider continuing to try and get a men’s bible study together. It was suggested that Roman be allowed to speak in church about what bible study can mean to a Christian man and father. Learning committee thinks Roman is actually the perfect advocate for this position and hopes he stays on.

• Other Buisness

Learning would like it to be known that this committee would love to keep the church at 2 services throughout the year. If that ever came up in a council meeting we would encourage to look at the possibility very closely.

• Next Meeting

Monday, July 28th

Learning Meeting

May 5^th, 2008

Those in attendance were Caroline Hobbs, Tracie Fickenscher and Pastor Erik

$ Learning’s recommendation for the Children’s Ministry Position

A lengthy discussion about the job description took place. Learning would like to emphasis to council that we feel this is a professional position needed to help grow our youth programs and should be treated as such in terms of hours and salary. Learning would like to recommend that the yearly salary remain what has been budgeted. ($15,000/year.) Included in the job description, Learning would like to include a “Milestone Ministry” as well as the continuation of current programs per the original job description. Pastor Erik will edit the current job description to Learning’s specifications in time for the May council meeting.

$ Nursery

Tracie will check with Jessica to see how the nursery is going. Nursery is scheduled through May, but we need to make sure June and the summer are also taken care of.

$ Sunday School

Pastor Erik suggested that we have a “Dessert and Discussion Night” with those involved in Sunday school. The idea would be that we cold both thank our teachers and get their input for next year at the same time. We also would like to give them an opportunity to give their input on the Children’s Ministry position. This will also be a time to get teachers to commit for another year if they wish. This thank you will take place on Wednesday, May 28^th at 7:00 p.m. in the Parish Life Center. Tracie will take care of invitations. Caroline will take care of food for that night. Pastor will take care of a bribery gift to get people to attend.:)

$ Fun With Faith

Attendance for this program is still down but the group we had last time seemed to have a really good time together. Parents currently attending have stated that they really aren’t crazy about the nighttime idea or even the once a month idea for next year. Learning discussed perhaps “revamping” the program for those still interested and Caroline suggested really pushing it during Sunday School and VBS this year. Pastor would still like to incorporate a once a month family event. It was overall felt that the friendships formed at this young age can only benefit the children as the enter Confirmation and High school.

$ High School Youth Report

The youth would still like to put on a fundraiser to help fund a trip to the youth gathering in New Orleans. We are planning on performing a concert in early Fall to help raise the money that we would need. On that topic, Switchfoot tickets have just gone on sale for their concert sometime soon, and there are tons of high schoolers who would like to go to that. We were hoping to buy about 15 (the same as the Fishfest tickets) and then sell them to the high schoolers (and maybe middle schoolers.) Finally, it would be nice to have a Teen Recreation Day where we could make T-shirts, play Ultimate Frisbee, and maybe plan out the year ahead.

Respectfully submitted, Michael Fickenscher

$ High School/Confirmation

The last Confirmation will be on May 14^th with the Rite of Confirmations occurring on Sunday, May 18^th. The last night of Confirmation will go approximately a half hour longer than normal so they can watch the first “Narnia” movie and have a short discussion afterwards. Pastor has planned for the current high schoolers to kidnap the Confirmands on the Friday before to welcome them into the high school youth group. At this time both the high schoolers and middle schoolers will go to see “Prince Caspian” returning to church for again a brief discussion of the biblical influences.

$ Library

Charlene Sakioka has stepped up to do the library....yeah. She should be turning receipts in to get the library back up to speed. Her goal is to have it out there 2-3 times a month....which is wonderful...

$ Adult Ed

Jenny Christenson asked and Learning approved a new Women’s Bible study by Kay Arthur.

Learning talked about some ideas for a men’s Bible study and will continue to work on developing something that the men of Mount Cross might be interested in.

$ VBS

VBS sign ups are underway. Teachers and volunteer positions seem to be under control. We look forward to a more thorough report next month.

Next Meeting: Monday, June 2^nd At 7:00pm….please ink it in!!!

Respectfully submitted: Tracie Fickenscher

Learning Meeting

April 7, 2008

Those in attendance were Pastor Erik, Karen Thomton, Roman Spandrio, Jessica Guzman and Tracie Fickenscher

$ Learnings recommendation for the Children’s Ministry Position

After a lengthy discussion about the pros and cons of rehiring this position as well as discussions about salary and hours, the Learning Committee has decided to recommend rehiring the Children’s Ministry Coordinator position. It was acknowledged that the Children’s Ministry Coordinator position might need to be reformulated and education to other church members about what the position actual does may be required. It was felt that since it was already budgeted for 20 hours a week, Learning would like to see it continue at 20 hours a week. Learning would very much like to see this position filled by early July 2008 so the new person could participate in our VBS program. We also acknowledge that the Fun With Faith program will be undergoing some changes and this could change the job description of the Children’s Ministry Coordinator. Learning would like to review the job description after council’s approval to rehire.

$ Nursery

Before her leaving, Renae hired a full time nursery worker. The second person in the nursery will have a rotating schedule of existing helpers. Jessica agreed to take on the scheduling of the nursery workers. She also felt she could find someone to do the shopping for the nursery snacks and supplies.

$ Sunday School

Linette Angelastro has agreed to take over as Sunday school coordinator. Linette will be unavailable on Mother=s Day and sent an email out to find a replacement for her. No one has yet to step forward, so Learning has decided to cancel Aformal@ Sunday school for that one day. As an alternative and to encourage families to go to church, it was decided that we would be requesting Sunday School kids to attend church to help hand out a special surprise for the mothers that are attending. We hope this will prevent people from feeling like it is a day off from church.

$ Fun With Faith

Attendance for this program is still down with only 4 attending the last meeting. Tracie has agreed to coordinate the last 3 meetings. Learning feels that next year we will need to look at alternative ways to run this program. Currently, monthly family nights or events as well as evening programs are being considered. It was suggested that the focus remain on the kids so they will continue to form Christian relationships as they enter Confirmation and High School, but perhaps offering something for the parents at the same time may help to form bonds among the parents as well.

$ High School Youth Report

Youth Rep. Report

The high school youth is really looking forward to the 2009 summer youth gathering in New Orleans, and it is time to start thinking about fundraisers to cover the costs for this trip. The high-schoolers liked the idea of having the church youth band put on a concert for a source of funding. Perhaps selling Ayouth based@ Mt. Cross T-shirts and CD’s would be a way to include the entire youth group in the fund raising.

High school would also like more social time together. (e.g. getting together to play Ultimate Frisbee, etc.). They love the Coffee House on Saturday nights and would like to get together more often like that. They also like the Coffee Sundays and working in the church services and would like to see more activities like that as well. We feel we have a strong bond and would love to find ways to make it even stronger.

Respectfully submitted,

Michael Fickenscher

$ High School/Confirmation

Pastor Erik reported that both High School and Confirmation are doing well.

$ Library

Ways to get the library out on a more regular basis was discussed. No one has stepped up to be the library coordinator, so Learning has decided to make the library less formal. When members arrive at church and see that the library is not out they will take it upon themselves to pull it out. Who ever pulls it out will then be responsible to make sure that it gets put away. Checking out of materials will also be less formal. Tracie will make a sign out/sign in sheet for people Acheck things out.@ The library will basically be run on an honor system. Learning figures it is better to make the library available to those who wish to use it than to worry about things being in perfect order.

$ Adult Ed

It was acknowledged that the woman=s bible study was again a huge success. Learning is hoping these studies will continue. Roman brought up the need for a men=s bible study and the committee agreed there was a strong need. Possible ideas to make this happen are family nights and small men’s group bible studies. It was acknowledged that the families in our church need to be forming supportive Christian bonds. Adult Ed may be contacting the fellowship committee to realize ways to make this happen.

$ VBS

Learning acknowledges that this is Karen’s 3^rd year and Jessica’s 2^nd year coordinating VBS. Although Jessica said it could be a possibility that she run it one more year, Learning feels that someone new should be brought in and trained to take over at a future time. Karen and Jessica will contact possible people. VBS is running on schedule. They are ready for student sign ups. Karen feels they will be able to fill open teaching/helping positions as sign ups occur.

$ Meeting ended in prayer about 8:30. Next meeting will be Monday May5th at 7:00.

Respectfully submitted,

Tracie Fickenscher

Learning Meeting

March 11, 2008

Present: Pastor Erik, Tracie Fickenscher, Renae Rhodes

Meeting began about 9:15

The majority of the meeting dealt with Renae Rhodes departure from her current position as Children’s Ministry Coordinator. Renae has done a wonderful job of updating each position, making recommendations and having packets ready for individuals to easily take over each area.

· Fun with Faith

o Fun With Faith is currently down to 5 or 6 attending each week. This is somewhat typical for this time of the year. We have lost kids to soccer, Cinemagic and just busy schedules. Of concern to Learning members is the knowledge that some kids are no longer coming because of personality conflicts with those that are attending. Renae and Tracie have noticed that the picking on each other and name calling has begun happening with increased frequency. Learning is concerned. Should we still have a program? How do we deal with personality issues? Renae recommends more weekend events that included the whole family to create a more family oriented fellowship. Maybe more offsite activities during the weeks would also help. She also suggested perhaps trying a Fall FWF that breaks at Christmas, and then just offer a few family events in the Spring. Learning will follow up in future meetings.

o FWF Renae’s report. Renae has FWF organized until the last party. There is a need for recreation and craft the last meeting in April and the first meeting in May. The final party also needs to be organized. Tracie has agreed to take over FWF for the last 3 meetings.

· Sunday School

o Renae again submitted a detailed packet of where the program is at and what needs to be done.

o Renae reports that the PreK -2^nd are pretty self sufficient. Both the teachers and the children seem to really enjoy the “Hands On” Sunday school curriculum. The 3rd-5^th grades seem to work out the teachers and who does what between themselves just fine. They are also enjoying their curriculum. It was recommended by Renae that we order the Hands-On Bible Curriculum for the elementary grades again next year.

o It was noted that Josh is doing a fantastic job with the middle schoolers. (Yeah Josh!) Renae recommended that we approach Josh about possibly teaching the high schoolers next year. Josh is using Augsburg Fortress as a guideline for his class. He makes up his own student material. Learning all agreed that whatever he is doing must be working as his class is well attended and faithful. Renae recommends that we ask whoever teaches middle school next year what material they would like to use

o Renae noted that the high school seems to be the problem class. The High Schoolers seem to enjoy the offsite “refueling” events, but not the traditional Sunday school. It was noted that perhaps we should look at less organized lessons for this group. High school is also in need of Subs for the 4^th Sunday of the month. It has been a real problem for Renae to find adults to take this week. It was recommended that perhaps we offer the High Schoolers two offsite events a month instead of traditional, weekly Sunday school. Learning will address again in the future.

o Learning discussed what will be done to cover the last 8-9 weeks of the Sunday school year. Learning feels it would be ideal to have one person take over for the remainder of this year and potentially next year. The names of Marta Hernandez, Chris Rebbe and Sharon Korzan all came up. Pastor Erik and Tracie will approach these people. If no new coordinator comes up, it was agreed that the members of Learning may each take a Sunday acting as coordinator.

o It was briefly discussed as to whether a volunteer could permanently attend to Renae’s duties. . Renae felt that that she liked having the position because everything in Children’s Ministry is coordinated and run the same. The down side was that she felt people became “wary” when she walked by and most didn’t want to volunteer to help. PE feels the position is nice, but perhaps some people didn’t view Renae as a coordinator but more of the person who does everything and because it was a paid position, people didn’t need to volunteer. If we have the position it should be because our program is so big that we need it. It was acknowledged that VBS is a huge volunteer project and was the reason that the position was created in the first place. Whether we have the position or not, more volunteers are direly needed!

· VBS

o Again, Renae submitted a detailed packet of where things are and what still needs to be done. Jessica Guzman is currently signed up as the VBS coordinator. It was hoped that Karen Thomton will act a co-coordinator since she has experience having done it last year. Learning will ask her immediately. Renae strongly suggests that she meet with the coordinators as soon as possible to go over individually what needs to be done as she will not be available after April 5^th.

o A designation for the VBS offering was discussed and approved. It was decided that LRCC be the recipient of the monies to use for possible camp scholarships. Learning wanted to note that this recommendation came from Renae and not as a recommendation from Desta. LRCC camps are as close as an amusement park as Renae could find and it is felt that LRCC really needs financial help. The committee thought it was a great idea and cause because the camp is fairly local and used often by our own youth.

o Renae wanted to make sure that in her VBS report it was noted that an asterisk next to a volunteers name means these people need to be called when registration starts. They have been grandfathered in because of past full time volunteering. Before they register their children however, they need to commit to volunteering again this year.

o It was also recommended that as far as youth volunteering goes, we keep it to 7^th graders (as this has been an understood promise to them) and mature high schoolers. We need to watch some youth in the Recreation area, especially if only youth are assigned to that area. Recreation would be best with either 4 mature adults or 1 adult with 2-3 mature youth volunteers.

o It was also suggested that the coordinators meet with snack people in early July to decide snacks. Then the coordinator should go out and buy snacks for the week. This should help prevent going over budget again in this area.

o Renae will write up budget for each area of VBS.

· Nursery

o Renae reports that there is still no permanent nursery care worker. We received two applications for the position. Renae’s top choice is Heather Anderson. The children seem to love her and she is responsible. Heather is only 17 years old until December though. Pastor Erik will call our insurance to clarify any age requirements regarding a permanent nursery worker. Learning is greatly concerned about the nursery situation and is afraid the current nursery might need to be shut down if a permanent, insurable worker can not be hired.

o It was suggested that the other applicant be rotated in as a second helper with the other current helpers. Renae will make sure there are names down for workers through the end of April.

o Learning has determined that we really need an adult in charge as key contact for the nursery. They would be in charge of buying juice, crackers, and disinfectants. They would also make sure we always have two attendants per service. Debbie Goebels name came up as a possibility.

· Learning Committee

o Finally, Learning discussed our own committee. We need to follow up with Roman Spandrio to find out if he is still interested in being in charge of Adult Ed. We would also like to ask Andrea Peoples if she is interested in becoming a member. We believe Caroline Hobbs is going to continue as a committee member and Tracie has agreed to help the Council Liaison by being the unofficial chair.

Meeting closed approx. 11:00.

Next meeting will be Monday, April 7^th at 7:00

Minutes prepared by Tracie Fickenscher

#update after Council Meeting: Linette Angelastro has agreed to be our Sunday School Coordinator at least through the end of the year.

Learning Commission Meeting

Minutes November 20, 2007

Present: Pastor Erik, Renae Rhodes, Tracie Fickenscher, Roman Spandrio, Caroline Hobbs

Pastor opened meeting with prayer approx. 7:45.

We welcome Roman Spandrio, who is considering the leadership role for our Adult Education Program.

Sunday School – Renae reports the average weekly attendance is 50-60 children. The Sunday School Christmas play is being coordinated by Char Wall, and all is reported to be going well. Question was raised about whether Al-Anon had been cancelled for the Saturday rehearsal. Renae reports that Al-Anon will not be cancelled. Caroline and Tracie voiced concern about a large number of children being onsite at the same time as adults who are not their teacher or parents. Renae to bring this concern to Char. Caroline reported that in years past Al-Anon had been asked to hold their meeting offsite on this day, to allow the children to safely move about the church grounds and bathrooms, as well as dress for rehearsal in their own familiar classroom with their teacher closely supervising them (this especially important for the youngest children.)

Renae reports that she has implemented that on Sunday mornings the playground is to be used only by grades 5^th and under. This will help to ensure the safety of the younger children. The older children will be allowed a teacher supervised play area on the blacktop (which Renae will cone off).

Fun With Faith – Renae reports all going well. A reminder to consider bringing back Christmas Caroling as a FWF December activity for 2008. Please calendar this reminder for 08.

VBS – Renae shared the Augsburg Fortress program for 08. On the surface, the bible lessons appear to be bible stories that make mention of plants. The theme is Rain Forest/ Recycling. The review of all publishers’ materials will again be in January. Renae may not need to attend if we review the products online ahead of time. Renae will email to all of learning committee the websites of the 4 top VBS publishers so we can review the materials/subject theme and report our preferences at the January learning meeting.

Library – Still in need of a coordinator. Caroline needs to advertise and actively seek someone to run or revamp the library.

Nursery – Renae reports the 2 staff positions in the nursery are still not filled. They have been open for several months, with volunteers watching the kids. The committee advised that we must advertise to fill the positions in the local paper. Tracie suggests putting up a notice at CFS. We discussed the salary range being $8.50-$10.00 per hour, with the personnel committee needing to approve the increase up to $10. (currently approved for $8.50) PE will obtain approval from Personnel Committee, and Renae will place the advertisement in the paper.

Adult Ed. – PE and Caroline briefed Roman on Adult Education, explaining who has recently run the program, as well as what his role as leader of the program would entail.

Pastor Erik presented materials for 2 group studies that he and Pastor John would like to implement after the first of the year. The first focuses on parenting younger children, and the second is focused toward parenting teens. Both are bible based. We discussed at length which evening of the week might work best for a majority, as well as what setting would work best. For the teen program, Roman suggests securing a core group of 3 couples who can commit to the 6 week program, and build from there. Also suggested was holding the program on Wednesday evening, during Confirmation, targeted to the parents of Confirmation kids.

The study for younger children could include the Child Development Center, Renae suggests.

Pastor Erik will take suggestions and review them with Pastor John.

PJ is looking into a 2-part Spirit Café which examines the holocaust.

Close of business - Caroline will conclude her time on the committee in January 08, as both Chair and as Liaison to Church Council. Tracie will also be at the end of her commitment period. We discussed that the Learning Committee should be comprised of several volunteers, as well as Renae & PE. Historically, Learning has been made up of the leaders of our youth and adult ministry programs; however, now that Renae leads the children’s programs, the congregation has less of the congregational input into the development of our youth ministry programs. We discussed recruiting new volunteers to serve on the learning committee, preferably people who are active in the youth ministry programs.

Next Meeting – We discussed the date for the next meeting. Roman will check his calendar and see if he is available Tuesday, January 8^th, however we need to verify this is not a church council night.

Meeting closed with prayer approx. 9:45.

*Please come to the next learning meeting having reviewed the VBS programs so that we can make an informed decision.

Minutes prepared by Caroline Hobbs

Learning Committee Meeting

Minutes 9/11/07

Attending: Pastor Erik, Renae Rhodes, Caroline Hobbs, Karen Thomton, Tracie Fickenscher

VBS- Renae provided breakdown of expenses and income. Also a breakdown of children and helpers (attached). Renae provided a breakdown of the volunteer comments. The majority of feedback was very positive, with a few suggestions for change. 118 children (similar to previous year.) 16 kids turned away this year. May have to revisit the number of youth helpers next year as there were so many on site. We again discussed and determined that we all agree that Mt. Cross should continue charging a fee for this program, as paying a fee secures the commit. The fee is needed to cover the costs of cd’s, t-shirts & plates. Pastor Erik suggested being more intentional in making people aware of scholarships.

Sunday School – SS starts Renae reports we are all set to go. We have only 1 teacher in middle school. We discussed the pro’s & con’s of having the Sunday school opening in sanctuary and how to make the logistics work for all. We again discussed revisiting a 2 service schedule, reviewing the pro’s and con’s. Caroline suggested that anyone who would like this looked into should draft a letter to church council. PE will bring forward to council the idea to have SS opening during 2^nd service.

FWF- All going well. VBS theme will continue. Tracie is doing craft. Pastors are doing bible story and opening. Sign in at 3:45 w/ start at 4:00. Parents to do snack and drink & will be volunteer for the day to lead games and recreation.

Confirmation - Pastor Erik reports parent Orientation 9/19. 1^st confirmation starts 9/26. PE reports being a little short on guides, but enough to run the program. We have completed our 1^st time having gone thru a 3 year cycle. We discussed the discipline procedure, as Tracie noted it might be best for the children to have positive discipline, rather than negative. Additional guide training might be the solution to this, per PE. Never ending night on Oct. 5^th. PE would like to see PLC have all the stuff cleared out to allow for more floor space and less cramped quarters for the kids. Some ideas are to remove older podium, eliminate all tv’s by returning them to their old storage areas. Library carts need a different home. PE will discuss with Properties.

High School youth – Pastor Erik reports they are planning 2 evening events per month. One at the Peace Lutheran Coffee house. The other will be youth gathering or a service event. Trying to promote Sunday mornings as part of youth time. A youth leadership committee will be discussed at the Orientation on 9/15.

Adult Ed. Need a replacement for Carol Paul, who stepped down as coordinator. (thank you to Carol). The job description would be for someone who could step up as an occasional leader, Coordinate Sunday mornings and schedule Spirit Café’s. Caroline to put an ad in the grapevine. & thank you to Carol.

Strategic Planning feedback- It had been so many months since we originally discussed planning, that we were a little at a loss for what Strategic planning was looking for. We discussed that we would like to recommend that we have more space, specifically a youth room. We discussed that we would like Strategic Planning to look into putting in portables for the time being. This could be where youth meet, Sunday School opening, High school SS group. There was some discussion about the storage shed that Rick Mann had mentioned was being permenantly built on back of lot. PE didn’t know about it, and Caroline and Renae only had limited info on it, having just been told by Rick Mann about it at church the past Sunday. PE to address at council tonight. After discussion, everyone on learning questioned the need for a permenant structure, rather we should look into a tuff shed or other type of movable /portable structure. This could then be sold off or moved as needed. We would also like a portable building to be looked into as an option to get us thru the time of capital campaign.

Library – Put ad in grapevine requesting library coordinator. Renae suggests that we tailor the job description. Caroline will work on this.

Need replacement for Caroline Hobbs as chair on learning after December 2007. Caroline asked Tracie to consider being chair of the committee. We would still need a council laison.

Next meeting Tuesday, October 2^nd @ 9:00am

Minutes prepared by Caroline Hobbs

Council items:

*We discussed the dates of VBS to the week of July 21-July 25. This would allow PE to attend the Youth Gathering the following week, also for Mt. Cross to participate in the National Block Party (date for 2008 needs to be confirmed). We feel that pushing off VBS to the week of Aug 4-8^th is pushing it back into the month too far. Caroline to advise council of dates, also request Fellowship to look into fitting the block party into their schedule for 2008.

*Ask council for feedback on some candidates for Adult Education leader.

Learning Commission Meeting May 1, 2007

Minutes

Present: Pastor Erik, Caroline Hobbs, Karen Vieira, Karen Thomton (went home sick), Renae Rhodes

Council Communications:

Budget deficit – We reviewed the current income/budget situation, as requested at council.

Possible/Proposed change to summer schedule - discussed that Worship & Music and council need to discuss a request to change to 2 summer services.

Charging for Educational Opportunities: Karen Thomton gathered some info together. Padre Serra charges $100. per child/per year CCD. Little Church (4&5 yr old) $50. per child during Sunday Service. She reports that all other churches charge for VBS. Upon reviewing minutes when this topic was presented last year, the minutes fro Learning 10/03/06 state as follows: We discussed the totals from VBS 06. There was an increase in the cost of materials & supplies, etc. The actual cost of VBS 05 was $3822. / 06 was $4548. Due to this, the committee decided unanimously that the VBS needs to be increased to $20. per student (up $5.00 from prior years).

Renae to provide spreadsheet showing what other churches charge, etc. We all maintain that charging for our programs is needed to keep them to the quality level that they are at.

*New Members – Renae is making contact with and welcoming all new families.

Strategic Planning: We brought the committee up to speed. We discussed that building issues are coming up and need input from Learning on the needs of our youth programs. PE asked “What are we doing & what do we plan for in the next 10 years”.

We discussed and prioritized with the most important being as follows:

· 1^st *Large multi-purpose room that can be divided & used for several youth functions. We see a current ability to grow FWF. We would like the option to be able to separate the 7 & 8 grade Sunday school classes from the High School classes. We suggest considering utilizing the upstairs of the church offices.

· Additional areas of concern that need attention :

*Library area

*The Craft room now used only for CDC – no exit

*The PLC free of everything but chairs & tables – cluttered.

*Portable storage for chairs & tables.

*Meet with CDC to discuss their needs and how we might better work with them.

*Media storage & designated spaces for items

What do we want to accomplish for our ministry? Nurture the next generation into their Christian faith.

Adult Ed.

Approx. $130. (suggested donation) raised at Tim Smith event to offset the $500. cost. His lecture was well received. Approx. 25 people attended. A cross section of people attended.

Renae mentioned that Carol Paul may be relocating out of state? Caroline to check with Carol.

Possible topic of Spirit Café’ has been requested to be presented by a member of the congregation– Healing homosexuality. We discussed that both sides of topic could be presented as we felt that not everyone feels it is a “condition’ requiring healing. We discussed that the ELCA has not made a firm stand on the position of the church on this topic, so both sides would have to be presented. We discussed that this topic might best be held at the home of the person who would like to make the presentation. PE will take our suggestions and discuss further with PJ.

Youth & Confirmation:

3 confirmations left. PE will set up a time for 8^th grade kids to practice their God Story speech. Kidnap breakfast for kids on Saturday morning- May 19^th. PE wants to help the 8^th grade kid’s transition into high school so he will possibly set up a get together immediately following confirmation Sunday.

El Camino Pines summer camp– small group has said they are going.

VBS

· Need to arrange the weekend before the start of VBS for support groups to not be on premises.

· June 8^th/June 9^th date set for Caroline & Karen T. to work on backdrops

· Hot Dog BBQ before VBS program, rather than ice cream social afterwards. Renae to work this into budget.

· Service project: canned goods daily also, the daily offerings plus basket to raffle with proceeds going to food share.

Sunday school

Easter Sunday: No volunteers to help with egg hunt. Renae doesn’t feel a craft is necessary next year as not too many kids showed up. Tracie emailed that the breakfast went well and she had plenty of help, both kids and parents.

Video for Memorial Weekend.

Mother’s day craft – no one has volunteered

Father’s day craft & volunteer brunch – no volunteers to help.

In future maybe do a “Family craft”. Renae will review. She still needs help with Mothers and Fathers day activities.

FWF

Propose we start at 3:45 next year. We will discuss this at the next meeting.

Tracie’s “term” with FWF is up. We thank her for her contribution to our church family. Learning would welcome her continued attendance and input at our Learning meetings, as we feel we need a larger “group” to help make decisions that affect the learning programs at Mt. Cross. We hope she will prayerfully consider staying on as an advisor at Learning, but understand if she has other commitments.

Library

Karen to check on times PLC is available for her to clean up and set up the library. Also, she will set up a return box in church office.

Next meeting June 5 @ 9:30.

Minutes prepared by Caroline Hobbs

Learning Committee Minutes

March 6, 2007

Attending: Pastor Erik, Renae Rhodes, Tracie Fickenscher, Caroline Hobbs

• Barbara Burrow started a new job at CSUCI. She had to resign early from learning due to her new job. We thank her for her dedication to the learning committee and the children of Mt. Cross. We wish her much success at her new job.

• Caroline volunteered to Chair Learning, unless someone else wishes to chair the committee.

• Council Communications: New janitor company now cleaning the church. They will not be doing table set up. We all need to be aware that we will need to put tables back into the positions needed for the following activities.

• Lenten Supper: Learning is on for 3/14 Lenten supper. We have the following people preparing the following soups: Tracie-Bean Soup, Renae-Lentil Soup,

Caroline-Chicken Noodle & rolls Karen T.-(open) Carol P (open). We are asked to have one vegetarian soup. Arrive at 5:00. We’ll need to do set up, serving and clean up. Also return the tables for CDC the following day.

VBS-

• Caroline reminded all that in past years, the Learning committee had to approve the curriculum selected, not just the directors. We all discussed that Learning did approve of the theme for 07, and this was just a matter that needed to be of record.

• We discussed and approved that previous years volunteers can register their children with church members if they have worked VBS week full time the year before, or in the past.

Adult Ed –

• Caroline advised & confirmed thru previous minutes (10/3/06) that Carol had requested $1,000. for her 07 budget. Minutes reflect that this was to allow for 10 speakers per year at an average of $50.-$150. per speaker.
• 3/27 Tim Smith, speaker date set. Carol requesting RSVP’s. PE to confirm (newsletter) that we are advertising that a person must RSVP for child care.

Child care will be provided to members only at the upcoming Spirit Café. The event is being advertised on radio, church newsletter, The Acorn and other places. No one has RSVP’d yet. $5.00 per person, $8.00 per couple.

• Word & Worship workshop- PE reports approx. 8 people attended.
• Funeral workshop – PE reports approx 40 showed up. May do another in the future.

• New sexuality study on hold for the time being.

Youth/Confirmation:

• Renae & PE working with Thrivent to match funds for Easter Breakfast. Reese Anderson working to co-coordinate with Tracie & PE.

• H.S. Youth trip – 8/12-8/18. Backpacking/Rafting/Hiking trip near Placerville.

Rockin’Water Christian camp. PE estimates 20 kids with 2 adult chaperones and 3 guides from the camp.

• Crop Walk coming up. Gordon Henry to speak to confirmation class to get more youth signed up.

Sunday school –

• Renae looking to buy (4) CD players. $$ coming out of designated. Renae researching new SS materials 07/08. She would like all classes to be learning the same theme weekly.

• We confirmed that SS is cancelled on 4/29 due to the Santa Paula campout.

• Revolution 2, video curriculum for teen class in Fall 07.

FWF-

• Renae would like to set up next year with both whole groups and centers. Bible telling, music, art, recreation, snack. Renae researched 2 new curriculums and recommends the Gospel Late curriculum. It would follow the same theme as VBS, including the same music. It will be advertised as a continuation of the VBS program. Learning approved the use of this new 13 week program for Fall 07.

Great way to tie VBS & FWF together.

• We discussed if a children’s choir is going to form. We discussed different scenarios in which this might work. Nothing definite at this time. Mothers day perhaps. We discussed that the SS kids could sing at the end of 1^st service, beginning of 2^nd then go to SS, & beginning of 3^rd.

No April Learning meeting.

May 1^st for next Learning meeting 9:30am. NOTE NEW TIME

Caroline to send email reminders out prior to meetings.

Minutes prepared by Caroline Hobbs

Learning Committee Minutes

December 5, 2006

Attending: Barbara Burrow, Pastor Erik, Renae Rhodes, Caroline Hobbs, & Scott Ingram (filling in for Carol Paul)

Council communications: Discussed budget for 07. Discussed annual reports needed by 12/31.

High School – Christmas party this coming Saturday at the Avery’s. Christmas nativity, Renae is heading up & all going well. The Nativity Story movie & H.S. & Jr. High movie, followed by dinner at church – Friday 12/15

PE will be meeting w/youth minister from Northridge to plan summer trip.

Event in San Francisco – Battle Cry. Leave on Friday evening, come home Sunday morning. PE considering this as an event for February 07.

Confirmation- Caroling next Wednesday 12/13. Winter camp signups are started.

Youth band will be playing at the Jr. High Winter Camp.

Sunday School – Christmas play on target. Attendance figures lower for November. SS Kids singing at Hanging of the Greens.

VBS – Renae will request Diana R & Karen T to write up annual report. She still needs final accounting for 2006 from them. Jessica Guzman will attend VBS info meeting in January with Renae & Karen

FWF- 12-14 onsite. 14-18 offsite, average attendance.

Western Institute of Zooligy, in Camarillo. Scott suggests this as a place for a field trip. Native plant garden. New Camarillo library and revamped Camarillo swimming pool.

Library – No new coordinator to date.

Adult Ed.- Still working on minor prophets. Scott suggests having a blurb in each week’s Sunday bulletin what the topic is and where being held.

Good discussion at last Spirit Café. Topic was separation of church and state. 8-10 people attended.

Roman & Angela Spandrio expressed interest in starting an in home bible group.

Women’s bible study starting Jan 9. Video driven. Tuesday evenings 6:30pm.

Scott mentioned possible Spirit Café speaker. World affairs council – Dr. Herb Gooch. PE to research. Barb also mentioned child and family speaker. PE to research.

Skipping January meeting.

Next meeting February 06, 2007. 10:00am.

Meeting adjourned at 11:00.

Minutes prepared by Caroline Hobbs

Learning Committee Meeting

Minutes 11/07/06

Present: Pastor Erik, Caroline Hobbs, Barbara Burrow, Renae Rhodes.

We reviewed last months minutes and approved.

We discussed council communications. We discussed what impact PJ’s sabbatical will have on learning programs. It may affect VBS, but Renae has a backup for bible storyteller.

High School & Confirmation

HS. Event w/relay for life. PE would organize it a little differently next year.

14-15 kids at the Avery’s house for first bible study night

Food share event 7 kids helped.

Confirmation event at Trinity Pres. Church. Approx. 14 kids attended. New family attended. They found us through our website.

Caroling at Christmas time and food share project in December for Confirmation.

Christmas party planned at the Avery’s house.

Youth Band has been happening on and off. PE trying to book them playing at Winter Camp. PE doesn’t feel the band is ready to play yet at Sunday service, so they will continue to practice. There is a faithful group but has had some hit and miss at practices because of sport events, etc.

Winter Camp in January. Sign ups in December. 6-8^th grades & 9^th-12^th grades groupings.

Renae suggests doing fundraisers to help fund camps.

Sunday School

Attendance fluctuations. Attendance awards planned for perfect and almost perfect attendance.

Snack discussion – decided to do outdoors (during Christmas play song practice time) rather than cut into class & song time.

Christmas play: Advertise to CDC & do sign at end of street.

PLC opening PE likes better. He asked us to keep in mind having the opening in the church, during the 2^nd service, in the fall.

FWF

Going well. 13-16 core group. 1^st – 5^th grades. Renae was asked to lower to Kindergarten. She will open up to Kindergarten in January. Learning thinks a good idea. See how it goes and open to Kindergarten in the fall 07.

VBS

Workshop in January. Camarillo Community. Karen Thomton, Jessica Guzman and Renae will attend. $10. per person.

Adult Ed

Spirit Café – Prop 86 was last topic. Tonight: separation of church and state issue. Need more planned for the coming year. Need to come up with a grabbing topic.

Adult SS. 10 people average attendance. Minor prophets topics.

Womens Bible Study possibly in the spring. Jesus, The One & Only. Barb is researching this.

Library

Need coordinator.

Minutes prepared by Caroline Hobbs

Learning Committee Minutes 09/05/06

Attending: Pastor Erik (Confirmation & H.S. Youth), Barbara Burrow (Chair and Library), Tracie Fickenscher (Fun With Faith), Caroline Hobbs (recording secretary), Diana Rose (outgoing VBS coordinator).

Also attending: Welcome to Carol Paul (Adult Ed) and Renae Rhodes (newly hired as our Children’s Ministry Leader), both now (re)joining the committee.

Opened with devotion lead by Barbara.

Council communication: Caroline had not attended the July council meeting. Council minutes were reviewed and little pertaining to learning appeared to have been addressed.

Safeguarding God’s Children – Program to do background check on all adults working with children in our Children’s Ministry Programs. A program is set in place, per Renae. Background checks will be done using Social Security number rather than fingerprints. Cost is $30-$40 per person. Pastor John will be the only person who will enter the data and see results. A form will be filled out by adult volunteers and given to Renae (so Renae can keep track of things.) Renae will converse with volunteers who might be unwilling to fill out the necessary paperwork to determine issues. In addition to the form, there is an online training seminar on what to watch out for, how to spot child abuse, etc. available thru the Boy Scouts of America website. We will be modeling the Boy Scouts program and will be using their online seminar and certificate. This will satisfy the requirements of our insurance company, as well as provide the training felt necessary to insure we have done due diligence in training our volunteers. The test is a 25-question test. Certificate will be printable and is necessary for all volunteers to do. Renae has a packet prepared for all volunteers and will follow up with all volunteers who do not attend the SS training seminar.

High School Youth – Pastor Erik reporting

• Megan Burrow and Kelsey Rhodes from Mt. Cross attended the National Youth gathering this past summer (they went with the Northridge youth group). PE would like them to share with the congregation their experience, and thank congregation for the funds provided for them in attending the gathering
• Rafting trip summer 06. The group stayed in downtown Sacramento and got to go to the state capitol and tour with a Lutheran representative.
• Spirit Central at Cal Lutheran. Regional wide @ T.O. “Silver Ring Thing” abstinence awaRenaess concert/seminar. Sept. 24. PE to promote this event. Learning advises advertising start ASAP.
• Regarding H.S. youth group, (1^st & 3^rd Saturdays per month) PE would like to have family’s host 2 nights per year for in-home gatherings. Learning suggests both not be in the same month. PE trying to decide if there should be additional get togethers.
• Youth band is starting up again. Fridays twice a month 4-5:00.
• PE looking into the Boy Scouts program called “Venturing” and how we might tailor it to work for Mt. Cross. This might provide some formal training and structure.

Confirmation – PE has enough guides, but would like to have a couple others as backup.

Rally Day Sunday 9/10/06 - Renae reports that all is set for Rally Day. Thee will be registration for FWF and SS. Tracy will man FWF table and Diana and Karen/VBS will have a table for VBS plates.

Sunday School – Renae reporting:

• Snack signups at SS table on Rally Day and after. Jessica Guzman overseeing snacks. Monetary donations preferred. Healthier snacks planned.
• Concordia curriculum is ordered but not in yet. (It did arrive later in the day after our meeting)
• We reviewed the SS calendar prepared by Renae, and discussed dates that there would be no Sunday school (due to Memorial day camping, Mothers Day, Fathers Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, etc.
• SS currently over budget. Renae will review spending and identify needs for coming year.
• Renae will be handling weekly SS craft, as no one has volunteered. Additionally, no one has stepped forward to be Renae’s “key” volunteer for SS. Diana suggested that the teachers keep track of weekly attendance and depositing of offering. This will free Renae up to make contact with parents, especially of new students.
• SS opening – We discussed that the leaders would be PE, PJ and Jim Gucciardo, all on a rotation schedule. I asked Renae to check with Louise Loftquist to see if she is available. The opening can be held in the PLC after 11/06. (Scott Fajnor will be holding his annual “introduction to the Bible” for the first 3 regular weeks of SS, utilizing the PLC) Caroline asked that there be a more intentional opening, with the days lesson previewed and addressed. The music leaders should know what the lesson of the day is so they can select appropriate songs and perhaps provide an intro to the lesson.
• Guests of SS will receive a “welcoming bag” filled with the schedule, registration form and treats. A great way to introduce our program/church to guests.
• Birthday bags for birthday/anniversary.
• No “stock store” this year. Gift certificates for attendance and teacher awarded attitude. Renae has procured many donations from restaurants/retailers for this.

Fun With Faith – Tracy reporting.

• Tracy and Renae have met and determined roles.
• T-shirts to be made at the first meeting. Postcards will be going out to students inviting attendance.
• 1^st and 3^rd Wednesday of the month for FWF. One pastor will teach onsite. Renae will be here onsite at beginning of gathering. She will not attend the offsite events.
• Renae will be handling the administrational tasks.
• Discussed inviting the neighborhood by handing out flyers door-to-door, utilizing the youth group and/or confirmation kids for this task. Also discussed hanging a large banner on the Tuesday before FWF to remind the neighborhood we are having FWF and all are invited.

VBS – Diana Rose reporting

• $1359.63 raised for Project Peace. Full report at next Learning meeting. Diana will have numbers together, as well as information for Caroline to take to Council, pertaining to continuing/changing the student cost for VBS in the future.

Adult Ed. – Carol Paul reporting.

• Location of Adult SS? We discussed trying out the patio again, displaying the topics for discussion on the display board on the patio each Sunday.
• Carol needs an assistant. Suggested she ask pastors to introduce her to empty nester, newer members who may have careers in education.
• We discussed Spirit Café and felt that every other month was a reasonable gap between sessions.
• PE will be researching starting an ongoing evening adult bible study group, as he now has Tuesday evenings available due to Jon Vevia leading the praise band.

Library – Barbara Burrow reporting.

• Need 2 more volunteers. Carts are getting heavier. Suggested asking high schoolers to volunteer on library cart, towards their service hours. They could wheel the books into the smaller kids and read them a story.

Additional Discussion: Renae Rhodes as Children’s Ministry Leader

• We must introduce Renae to the congregation with a formal welcome. We suggested Rally Day Sunday.
• Renae to work with CDC to invite kids to SS and FWF (older siblings).
• There was discussion that Renae has not been able to procure a “key” volunteer for SS. Also, need volunteer (s) to run the Christmas program. We discussed how we might help her to procure volunteers. We discussed that newer members need to be asked to volunteer and Renae needs to be introduced to them. Caroline suggests that Learning, as a group, go thru the church directory and identify new members and/or members with children, who are not currently volunteering in any way. Christmas program planning needs to be started in early October.

Meeting closed with a prayer led by Pastor Erik.

Next meeting date not noted. Ask that Barbara please confirm with Learning members.

Minutes prepared by Caroline Hobbs

Learning Committee Minutes

June 16, 2006

Attending: Pastor Erik, Karen Thomton, Diana Rose, Tracie Fickenscher, Caroline Hobbs, Barbara Burrow

Council Communication: Children’s ministry Leader. Caroline advised that the ad is currently running in the grapevine. PE says he believes there are applicants at this time. It is also being advertised to the CDC at this time.

Also, Caroline did not take the increase of VBS fee to council at the last meeting because she planned to take it directly after VBS ends. It was mentioned that 2 churches are now charging for VBS (Crossroads and Trinity Pres.)

Learning restructuring- CML would be taking the place of the “coordinators”, so how would learning be structured? Who would be left to be on the Learning “committee”? Barb likes the idea of having reps from the congregation as a guidance committee. Caroline reminded everyone of the important decisions and changes made to children’s ministry, which have taken place due to the input of the “learning committee”. If we do away with the committee, who would provide input for sound changes? Would we need monthly meetings? Also noted was that the CML would need someone from each position to guide them thru the 1^st year in each position. We discussed that the CML will have a key assistant(s) in each position to help them effectively run the programs, and free the CML up to promote and encourage attendance, greet children and parents, etc.

Personnel committee action item: Regards to the CML – Thanks to Karen and Paul for their work on preparing for the hiring and interviewing. How many applicants to date? When will we open the position to the public? Learning feels we should look outside of our church for applicants. One of the strong requirements of the job is someone who is outgoing with an emphasis on public relations skills, and Learning wants to reiterate this. Since we are looking for someone who also is a Christian and attends church, Karen T. suggests Christianjobs.com (her husband has dealt with them in the past.) Also, Cal-Lutheran might be a great place to find someone who is just starting out in ministry. Also, an ad at Christian Family Supply (contact Paul or Jane Rudd) would be helpful. Caroline will ask Paul and Karen for status and input on all of these ideas, as well as follow up on these suggestions for advertising. Caroline will Email status to Learning members as things progress. We discussed that Caroline was welcomed by personnel to sit in on the interviews, but would have no voting right.

Safeguarding God’s Children – VBS was asked by PJ to implement the SGC with this year’s VBS volunteers. Diana and Karen feel they have their hands full with running the VBS program and getting ready for the upcoming teachers meeting to fully implement the SGC. We discussed how we could explain why and advise the volunteers that our goal is to get everyone fingerprinted, etc. for the future. Could the mobile unit come out to our teacher meeting? PE explained we need to show the insurance company to that we are doing due diligence to implement the SGC. PE says he and PJ can mail or hand out the forms to the VBS volunteers and fully explain the need to get this done. He may have Marilyn mail them out. Caroline asked if perhaps someone outside of learning would be willing to head up the SGC program, as everyone on learning is heavily active in their own area of ministry. Learning feels the SGC task is an enormous one, and will require one person’s full attention. Perhaps a new person who has joined the church or someone involved in law enforcement? Perhaps someone retired?

Footnote for clarity – Who has determined that Learning is felt to be the committee, which would best handle the SGC – Personnel, pastors, council? I was not able to provide this info to Learning, although I was at a meeting of Personnel where we discussed this topic.

VBS –

· Music to PE. Diana asked if Erik could have the songs sorted out per class in time for the meeting. Jon Vevia will be on board this year to help with music.

· All is in order and on schedule. Teacher meeting upcoming June 28^th.

Sunday School –

· Next year PE would like to see the opening in the PLC.

· Caroline suggests that the new CML should promote songs to the kids, with the intention of getting the kids into church to sing once a month. This will increase attendance at worship by their parents.

· SS sign up at VBS Thursday night program. PE reminded us that we needed to make sure this happens. We will know by our July 11 learning meeting if the CML leader will be doing this or if we need someone else.

· Teacher recruitments for Fall? Barb will call Travis and Hilleri to ask them if they can start recruiting for Fall 06.

· Diana suggests a reminder to come back in the fall and save the date for Rally Day & 1^st day of SS. We needed to confirm these dates, and didn’t have the church calendar in the PLC to do so.

FWF –

· Slide in attendance down to 10. Tracie was concerned with how we might restructure. Would a different time be better? PE reminded us that this was designed as an opportunity to have our own kids to come back to church to build relationships with church kids. We discussed it being broken down into (2) 6 or 7-week segments.

· Caroline suggested inviting the neighborhood kids to attend (next year)– also the kids at the Las Posas school military housing area.

Confirmation & Youth –

· 5/17/06 is the last confirmation of the season.

· Beach day in July. Perhaps hooking up with Trinity pres. For a beach day.

· 2 going to national youth conference in San Antonio. Kelsey Rhodes and Megan Burrows. 10^th –17^th of July. Perhaps have them do a presentation to the church upon their return and departure.

· June 25^th – Pool party at the Burrows home.

· There are 15 youth going rafting/3 adults. Rafting in Sacramento 1 ½ days to the capital & service projects. 2 days rafting on the American river, then return home.

· Bible studies are in people’s homes. PE enjoys having the studies in homes. 5-10 people regularly attend.

· Confirmation kids, who have graduated out, should have regular jobs at church – greeters and communion assistants. This would keep them and families coming to church after graduation.

· PE put out an idea for the future of our Confirmation. Youth group at 6^th, 7^th, 8^th and have Confirmation later in 9 & 10 grades. 11^th & 12^th come back as helpers.

1) this would keep the kids involved in church later,

2) 2) Older kids are more focused on their faith. Some members of learning voiced concern. This will be discussed further at a later date.

Adult Education – Barbara reported there is a women’s Bible Study Living Free this coming June. It was also mentioned there could be a morning bible study during preschool hours.

Library – Hospice and healthcare tapes donated by Norm Williamson. Barb feels like the library needs to be rethought or restructured. It is not being used very much. Caroline suggests the SS teachers bring their classes to the library. Also suggested that the 1&2 grades use the Early Readers Bibles. We have so many of them and they are not being used.

Next meeting July 11^th. Minutes prepared by Caroline Hobbs

Meeting adjourned approx. 9:45

Learning Committee Meeting

Minutes 4/4/06

Attending: Caroline Hobbs, Diana Rose, Travis Carlsen, Hilleri Jennings.

Council Communications

Pastor Erik and Diana Rose were concerned that the wording in the CML job description has been changed Learning Commission’s original intent of the job. Diana and Erik feel that the CML should take the place of the coordinators. They requested that the wording “assist key volunteers” be corrected to “recruit volunteer assistant”. Learning wants to clarify that there will not be “2” coordinators. Diana and Erik feel that this person is to take the place of each coordinator, not be in addition to a coordinator.

**On 4/5/06 P.E. and Caroline spoke regarding this issue. Caroline went back through her notes and was able to remind PE that the CML position was originally taken to Church Council, and approved by church council, as being that of an overseer and manager of these programs. The CML will have the important task of bringing more children into the programs, as well as facilitate growth and vitalization of the programs. This will be best done by the CML overseeing the programs, rather than running them alone. The help of key volunteers in each program will be critical to the CML being able to work on growth and (re) vitalization of the programs.

Sunday School

We discussed changing curriculum in the coming year. Current curriculum is reported by many of the teachers to be poor. Liturgical calendar is currently being followed, but it was discussed that many children don’t go to church after Sunday school, and the impact of following the liturgical calendar may be lost to a number of the children. We would like the new CMC to research new curriculums and bring them to Learning to discuss and approve prior to changing. Group, Gospel Light, Augsburg Fortress, Concordia.

No Sunday school on Easter, Mothers Day, or Memorial Weekend.

Also, too many teachers missing on June 4^th, due to Santa Paula campout. A movie day is planned instead.

Need to get a SS calendar for the rest of the year in the Grapevine, and a letter to all teachers telling them the dates for the rest of the year.

Teacher appreciation? List names in newsletter and acknowledge at worship on June 11^th.

Teen class needs to do a thank you for Pete. Hilleri to handle this.

Caroline will not be returning to lead the opening, but is happy to play guitar if needed. She will discuss with Jim. PE says to discuss in the fall moving the opening to the Parish Life Center.

FWF

All seems to be going well. Not sure if fire station trip has been rescheduled and also if pool party has been scheduled.

VBS

Registration starts April 30^th.

Teacher workshop is proposed for June 28^th @ 7 PM

Sharon Korzan wrote a letter to Learning (attached) asking Learning to reconsider an increasing in charging for VBS. Trinity Presbyterian, United Methodist, Camarillo Christian Church, Family Baptist. All offer a free program.

We agreed to leave the charge this year at $15. this year, but agreed to discuss offering the program for free in the future. We discussed the impact this would have on the church budget. Increase of approx $1800. This change will be looked into in the fall.

Confirmation

Easter breakfast. Barb burrow and Rene Rhodes are in charge and report all is going well.

Lent confirmation 3^rd week of May will be the last confirmation night. Confirmation Sunday is May 21^st.

Push for camp July 23-28^th.

High School

Joining first Lutheran in Northridge this coming Sunday. 2 students from Mt. Cross will be going to the National Youth Gathering. Possibly white water rafting for the 8^th graders starting high school in the fall.

Tijuana trip. PE needs to make phone calls.

Youth Bands- A 2^nd group met this past Friday. PE discussed combining the 2 groups into one solid. He would like them to, on occasion, lead worship and possibly help with the SS opening in the fall.

Future Council item: May offer VBS for free in the future. This will be an item for further discussion at council in the fall.

Item for Personnel Committee:

CML – Rewrite description to change wording of “assist key volunteer”

Meeting adjourned approx 9:15.

Minutes prepared by Caroline Hobbs

Learning Commission Meeting

Minutes 03/07/06

Attending: Diana Rose (covering VBS for herself and Karen Thomton) Tracie Fickenscher (FWF) Caroline Hobbs (Council Liaison/secretary) Pastor Erik (Youth & Confirmation) Barbara Burrow (Chairperson)

Not Attending: Scott Ingram (adult Ed), Hillary Jennings (Sunday School-out with the flu)

Council Communications from Council retreat 2/06

A reminder that funds requests from Make-it-bake-it fundraiser dinner are to go to service & missions group (attention Cy Johnson) Deadline is 3/10/06.

WELCA – “Passing the torch” – distributed to Learning as follows:

*Lutheran world relief kits (formerly handled by WELCA) – this is a project for Fun With Faith. Info passed on to Tracie. Contact Mary Goodenough for more info.

*Bake sales fine for Sunday School project, as recently held by Pete Johnson & the Teen Sunday School class.

Info for Caroline to take to council or pass on info to other committees:

*Children’s Ministry Leader position– recommendation stands that Learning still wants the position filled, regardless of research into church wide strategic planning & studies. Learning feels the children’s programs are suffering and need the leadership the CML position will bring.

*Warren fund – special ELCA fund to provide $$ for educational purposes to congregations. Ask properties to research. We need canopies for VBS. (Per conversation w/ Rick Mann, he has been advised and will be researching canopies this spring. I will ask Marilyn to get him Warren fund info, he will take it from there)

*Learning would like to ask Fellowship Committee to coordinate with Learning committee if a campout is planned, so we know if we need to cancel Sunday School or not. In the past, and planned for this year, we have not held SS on Memorial weekend and if many teachers/families go to the Santa Paula June 4^th campout, we may also need to cancel SS again. We will need to know how many teachers will be attending Santa Paula so we can cancel Sunday School if necessary. We would like to ask Fellowship to, in the future, promote the Memorial Day campout as a fellowship event. No “planning” is necessary, just advertising & a local per to contact with questions (for new people attending) Caroline will volunteer to be the contact person. We would like to support LRCC, as they are in a restructuring status and need our support to continue to operate. (Caroline will email this info to Melinda, rather than take it to council)

Sunday School

*Teen Class - Pete Johnson needs to step down from teaching teen class due to new job and studying for the California Bar exam. We wish him much success. Barb to ask Scott Fajnor and Kevin Churchill to possibly cover for him.

*Need Sunday school attendance numbers brought to the Learning Committee meeting every month.

*Where is the Sunday School book to hand off to Hilleri & Travis?

*Need info about Easter morning given to Hilleri & Travis. Easter Egg hunt & craft need to be advertised in the grapevine. Hilleri can ask Caroline or Barb for this info.

Youth and Confirmation

*Jr. & Sr. Summer camp date needing to be set. PE wants to promote ASAP.

*Easter breakfast $$ split between Jr. & Sr. high camp trips.

*PE requested $1500 from Make it bake it. This will go for scholarships for the National Youth Gathering.

*$2,000. set aside from the endowment fund to go toward the youth summer trip (may include the NYG or a summer trip)

*Confirmation kids will be helping out with Lent services. They will be eating dinner there, and greeting and doing skits for Lent.

*High School Youth still meet once a month in people’s homes. This is going well. Crop walk is planned for this weekend, 3/12/06. Last meeting planned in May. PE wants to promote the upcoming 8^th graders, so may plan a special event to include them.

*PE will have the youth band do 1 song on Easter. Jam session planned on March 31^st, with invite letter going out to all confirmation and high school youth. Goal would be to play at the 3^rd service 1x per month.

Fun With Faith-

*Next offsite event is a ceramics painting/Easter egg. Here or in Ventura? $30. cost for having them come to Mt. Cross. Caroline & Diana both said they preferred having it held at the church.

*Swim party planned for mid May-where?

*Need an offsite event for April– event cancelled. PE suggested fire station/training facility at Camarillo Airport. Airplane museum? Al Watts is contact.

*Do we have children’s bells? Barb says we have some. PE to look into it. Tracie would like to have the FWF use them.

VBS-

*Save the date July 31-Aug 4^th.

*Items carried over from January/February meeting were: 1) Canceling the 6/7 campout, 2) Dropping the incoming 7^th grade class to allow for more CDC kids/younger kids, 3) Decision to

(Cont.)

raise fee to $20 with a max family cap $50. Learning members in attendance last month were unanimously in favor of all of these items being passed, however PE was not present and we wanted his input. We asked for his approval and he agreed.

*We discussed -0- out VBS budget at year-end by donating remaining funds to service project. This would keep things clean, with no carryover.

*9:30 a.m. start time remains, based upon the VBS end survey.

Adult Education – Scott not present, so PE reported. There has been a large attending group. Spirit Café plans in the works.

Next meeting Tuesday, April 4^th.

Meeting adjourned approx. 9:30.

Minutes prepared by Caroline Hobbs

Learning Commission Meeting Minutes

January 24, 2006

Attending: Barbara Burrow (library), Tracie Fickenscher(fun with faith), Karen Thomton(VBS), Diana Rose(VBS), Caroline Hobbs (secretary)

Not in attendance: Scott Ingram (adult ed), Pastor Erik (confirmation & youth) and Jesus Duran (council Liaison)

Welcome to Karen Thomton, joining Learning as VBS Co-coordinator 06/07 (email is– tkthomton@adelphia.net). Also, a big welcome to Hilleri Jennings and Travis Carlson

( email is hilleri@prolenders.com). Hilleri and Travis join us as SS coordinators, thru the end of June 06. They (1 or both) will be able to attend learning after February.

Council Communication : No council communication. We are hoping to have Caroline Hobbs take over as our council liaison, as she will be able to attend both Learning and Church Council. We believe that Jesus has a work schedule which conflicts with Learning, so this change in liaison would be the best move for Learning.

Council items:

*As discussed & reported for council last year, VBS needs 4 Canopies, on site, for VBS week. Because of the discussions for new buildings, will we have a permanent covering in time for VBS week, or should properties research portable awnings? Does Learning Need to discuss with Properties or is this a council issue because the funds don’t come from VBS, but from the church budget??

*Children’s ministry position status? Learning felt the need for this was somewhat “watered down” in the annual meeting handout, due to all of the other position possibilities listed. Table feedback concurred that it was a lot of info to take in over a one-hour dinner. What was written feedback on handouts? What is the status?

Sunday School- Barbara reported this month

· Hilleri and Travis join us as SS coordinators. Caroline showed them the ropes this past Sunday. Hilleri works with Char Wall, so Char will also be helping Hilleri learn the ropes.

· There was mention that Marilyn Gardner didn’t have the Sunday School calendar for the year. Diana has a SS teaching schedule calendar that Paul had handed out to all of the teachers. She will get a copy to Marilyn, Hilleri and Travis.

· Barb needed curriculum info, and this was located in the SS box. We use the “Living the Good News”, Lutheran edition.

· Barb will make sure Hilleri knows curriculum has already been ordered. The current winter quarter ends with February 26. Where is Spring curriculum being sent? Barb needs to check with Paul on this.

· Diana reports that substitute teachers are scarce. Additionally, several of the teachers don’t have a second teacher in the class and there are no subs for these classes as well. Cheryl Priest needs a partner, and has been teaching alone for months. Also, we are fortunate to have Jessica Pendolino teaching the 1^st grade class, but Learning feels we need to have an adult partner for her. We believe that Jesus Duran had agreed to be her partner, but we believe he has not been able to fulfill this commitment. We are looking for Jesus to confirm/clarify the situation with this class.

· Teachers roster is as follows:

· PreK – Diana Rose & Gary Wikholm

· K – Cheryl Priest

· 1st – Jessica Pendolino (& Jesus Duran??)

· 2^nd – Teri Crawford & Deanna Armstrong

· ¾ - John Pitch

· 5/6 – Linette Angelestro & Eric Bergh

· Teen – Pete Johnson

· Craft person – Karen Thomton

· Barbara suggests putting an “all points bulletin” email out to all church members saying we need teachers & subs. She will handle this.

· Karen suggests checking the time & Talents. Barb to do this.

Fun With Faith (Tracie Fickenscher)

· New schedule handed out. Tracie regrets that attendance is down. Started at 15, down to 9 approx.

· Dilemma with a 5^th grade student staying from FWF thru to Confirmation. This leaves him at the church unsupervised from 5:30-6:00, and since Tracie won’t leave him alone, she or PE have to stay to keep an eye on him. Tracie has spoken to the mother, but the mother went over her head to Pastor Erik. We discussed how Tracie might solve the problem. Tenuous situation, as she does not want to lose these children from FWF or Confirmation.

· Tracie received praise for the outstanding job she has done for FWF.

Library – (Barbara Burrow) Barbara has nothing to report this month

Vacation Bible School – Diana Rose & Karen Thomton

· Diana is waiting for confirmation that VBS has been set as July 31^st – Aug 4^th. We couldn’t find the church calendar to check this.

· Cub Scouts camp is concurrent, which creates a conflict for Karen, but she has chosen to fulfill her commitment to VBS.

· Campout – 6/7. We discussed to do away with this because of the change in confirmation. No one has stepped forward to run it for the past 2 years. We discussed that confirmation has a “beach day” activity and hope that this can serve as the alternative to the overnight campout.

· We discussed stopping VBS at “going into 6^th grade”. This would eliminate the 7^th grade class. No decision made yet. We will decide this at the March Learning meeting. Eliminating this class would allow us to have another young class and offer the program to more CDC families. To help ease the discomfort that this decision may have on the incoming 7^th graders, we discussed offering them positions as youth helpers and also having an evening pizza party to thank all of the youth helpers.

· Diana and Karen would like to go with the Gospel Light curriculum Son Treasure Island – Where kids discover God’s Love. Island theme. Learning loved the program theme & gave the ok to go ahead with it.

· We made a decision to increase the cost of VBS registration to $20. Per child and max $50. Per family. Costs of curriculum have increased and materials have gone up.

Youth / Confirmation: No report from Pastor Erik.

Adult Ed. – No report from Scott Ingram

Meeting adjourned approx. 8:45PM.

Next learning meeting scheduled for Tuesday, March 7, 2006 @ 7:00

Minutes prepared by Caroline Hobbs

Learning Committee Minutes

December 13, 2005

Added 12/31/05---- Please refer to pages 3 & 4 attached, showing which Sunday School tasks are being covered and which are still open – most are still open!!!

Present: Pastor Erik, Barbara Burrow, Caroline Hobbs

Council Communications:

Children’s ministry position: A motion was made and passed to set aside $15,000 for staff expansion. Learning requests from council:

1) A timeline on council’s discussing and deciding to place in motion seeking a person to fill this position.

2) Council suggested to do a study and survey to determine what our specific needs are. What is the status of the survey/study/decision to hire?

Learning Committee is concerned about this issue being pursued in a timely manner. Learning is also concerned that we do not have an active voice representing us at council. We have asked Pastor Erik to follow up with Council on the subject of the Children’s Ministry position.

Learning budgets for 06 have all been turned in to council.

We discussed possibly meeting during the day in the future. We will discuss further at the January meeting. Barb will e-mail about meeting January 10^th instead of the 3^rd.

Sunday School:

Coordinator position: Jim Gucciardo has agreed to step forward for limited specific tasks to get us through the school year. Judy Geary will be available as backup Sunday morning, but has not committed to when she is available. Aimee Pendolino will replenish the Stock store thru the end of the year. Caroline had the list of duties handwritten by Paul, however the notes were unclear. She will type up and ask Paul to clarify who has promised to cover what. If any tasks are not covered, the name of Jan Gerk came up– Pastor Erik thought of her as a possible SS coordinator.

Discussed the Christmas play and it appears all is in order with practice scheduled for Sat. & the play on Sunday.

Fun With Faith - Tracie unable to attend today. A great job on the Christmas caroling and Christmas party.

Library - Barb would prefer to put the music CD’s on one of the video carts and not spend budget money on a new cart. Barb has advertised for new volunteers and has not gotten any responses.

VBS – No need for report this month

Confirmation - Great Narnia movie night with a thought provoking discussion that followed.

High School - Rhodes hosted Christmas party. HS will meet again this Saturday for food share service project (sorting food to be sent out to those in need)

• Winter camp for both groups in January.
• Del Marto’s will host the January H.S. home meeting.
• Whitney Fajnor has been a very faithful helper. Hosts have been very good with follow through.
• Summer trip to San Antonio – Deposit in from one child so far
• PE planning to invite the 8^th graders coming into H.S. to a “to be determined” outing.

Adult Ed. Spirit Café – missionary couple going to Namibia were our most recent guest speakers. Not a large turnout but the people who did attend were enthusiastic and supportive of our guests.

Meeting adjurned at 2:00 pm

Minutes prepared by Caroline Hobbs

See pages below!!! ****Added 12/31/05

Sunday School Coordinator position thru June 2006

Jim Gucciardo – Jim has agreed to be Sunday morning set up & take down man, ONLY. He will arrive before opening to:

1) Set up screen & projector (normally in parish Life Center)

2) Take chairs off of tables & move what is necessary

After opening, Jim will:

1) Take down screen & projector. Return them to Parish Life Center

2) Ensure room is put back as it was when you arrived.

Other Sunday Morning functions - coordinator needed. (Judy Geary may be available on occasion, but has not committed to any specific days or times)

1) Birthdays and announcements at opening (get from pastor John’s mailbox)

2) Collect and count cans

3) Collect & count offering. Put in pouch in back of church.

4) Recruit subs as needed

5) Open stock store every other week

6) Take attendance & turn in at end of month (Paul has master of this form)

Ongoing duties : (coordinator needed)

1) Obtain supplies for stock store (Aimee Pendolino will do this)

2) Ensure snack supply is adequate and shop if needed

3) Distribute curriculum when we receive (Spring is already ordered)

4) Address teacher issues as they arise

5) Supply for birthday trinkets should be ok, but order from Oriental Trading if necessary.

Learning Committee Meeting

November 1, 2005

Present: Pastor Erik, Tracie Fickenscher, Paul Pendolino, Caroline Hobbs, and Gayle Johnson

Barbara Burrow was unable to attend but had prepared the agenda for the evening discussions.

Council Communications / Gayle reported:

Children’s Ministry Leader Position: Positive feedback from church council regarding hiring a Children’s Ministry Leader (Learning had recommended this a few months ago) Personnel committee researched and will do a study to determine the needs of our church. Their findings will be presented to church council. The executive committee will review and then council will look into the budget. Gayle told us that one option to fund this position for the first year would be to allocate and split the money from the hillside property (50% facility & 50% to Children’s Ministry Leader position) Approx. $30,000 total.

A complete job description & 1 paragraph abridged version of job description needs to be completed by Learning for presentation to council. Caroline will prepare this. We discussed the scope of the position and also that it might include volunteer solicitations for other ministries of the church.

Town Meeting results: This recent congregation meeting discussed changes to the sanctuary to make it multi ministry. More discussions will follow.

Safeguarding God’s Children: Recent workshop suggested/determined Mt. Cross needs to establish the Safeguarding program. Pastors and Gayle would like to set up a taskforce to set the program in motion. Gayle suggested that in lieu of someone from Learning as part of the taskforce (original suggestion) someone from the Safeguarding taskforce could come to learning to ensure communications between both groups cover all possible scenarios. Fingerprinting will be required of all persons working with children, and a mobile fingerprinting unit will come to Mt. Cross. Those not available for fingerprinting on the set dates will be asked to go to the fingerprinting unit. Fingerprinting will be offered 1X per year, after the initial 2X. Learning was supportive of fingerprinting all persons working with children.

Budget figures for 06 – Council needs our budget figures by 11/08. Some items were determined at the meeting tonight:

Fun with Faith - $400.

Sunday School - $2500.

Adult Ed - $885. (See e-mail from Scott Ingram dated 11/02/05 at end of minutes)

House Missions - $200. (Pastor Erik recommended this amount)

Confirmation - $1500.

General Youth - $1000.

Sr. High - $1000.

Jr. High - $1000.