November 8,2011
Meeting called to order at
In attendance: Pastor Erik Goehner, Carol Paul, Bill Stoll, Susan Prosser, Norm Williamsen, Allison Easley, Stan Patscheck, Pa stor John Soyster, Bob Cole, Matt Sobolik, Randy Churchill
Absent: Jessica Rebbe, Geordan Goebel, Bob Brundage
Guest: Jenny Christensen, Financial Secretary
Devotions: Carol Paul
Approval of Minutes: Minutes approved.
Body of Christ Report: Allison Easley. Likes: Person interviewed especially likes the cards sent out for birthdays, illness, etc; socializing on the patio. Concern: Are sick and homebound getting attention they need? Is enough attention being given to people who are homebound?
Stewardship Report: Jenny Christensen. Report of pledges received. Same number of people have responded to as last year at this time. Sent out 238 stewardship packets, 166 have been returned so far. A percentage gives but does not tell us what they plan to give. Per the written report, pledge cards were low one year because there was not a basket which went from house-to-house. Some pledges want their gifts used/not used for certain purposes and this is honored. With new chart of accounts next year, it will be cleaner and easier to see where money comes and goes, should make people feel more secure that their funds really are going/not going where they want. Simply Giving: About $70,000 now coming in through this program. Less than $10.00 per month fee.
Simply Giving is encouraged because of seamless flow of funds, small fee for service.
Welcome: to Matt Sobolik, newly appointed as youth representative.
Pastors’ Reports
Pastor Erik. Flamingo
insurance: Council endorses this plan for youth fundraising. Money envelope program may also be done. Pastor received a request for internship from
a
Pastor John. Stewardship Bible verses will be available in a notebook in the church. Five people are to be received in membership this week.
Treasurer’s Report: Jessica Rebbe. Hard copies provided.
By the end of October our financial position has improved. Especially surprising is the envelope non-pledged response in October. Pledged giving performance has also improved, maybe catch-up or advanced giving. Net deficit is only $18,000 because we were able to do some savings on expenses. We are getting closer to a manageable difference. Budget and Finance still thinks it is necessary to keep curtailment of expenditures policy in effect. It was recommended that the Executive Committee thank the congregation for their response to our financial situation.
Expenditure curtailment should continue.
Report of expenditure requests is not available. No requests have been denied or required Executive Committee review.
Budget and Finance Committee is still working on a new chart of accounts for accuracy of finances and programs. Some budget requests have been made. Council members should clarify for committees what a bare-bones budget is, what does it take to perform the function of the program? We can’t be cavalier with economic situation of the congregation.
Committee Reports
CDC Carol Paul. Pizza days made $183 for the school, about one month tuition for 3-day student! Thanks to all who participate. Tanya had meant to give Cathy the properly balanced budget last month but she was having technical issues so she kept distributing the unbalanced budget and not understanding what was going on and being highly embarrassed that I brought an unbalanced budget to the Council. This has now been rectified.
Endowment: Pastor Erik. Greg Shepherd will present a workshop on legacy giving, help us develop a brochure, perform a congregational survey to identify witnesses to legacy giving. Please send suggestions to Pastor Erik for “survey” suggestions. Educating about legacy giving now will help improve response later. Letter will be reworked and perhaps wait till next year to be mailed.
Welcome: Stan Patschek Working better, well aware of new members coming in this week.
Fellowship: Carol Paul. Lots of events coming up. Recipe distributed to encourage Council and congregation to join in Lefse-making. Softball fees need to be passed by Treasurer. Team season league may be $300 or $400. Maybe tournament fee is $125 or so. Maybe we need to be cautious with liability as well as bad debt. Call insurance agent about sports teams. If not a liability problem, we will as an experiment, fund the tournament. Committee should submit a budget request. Once again, Council commended Fellowship Committee on all of its fun activities.
Personnel: By error, Susan Prosser was not notified of the recent meeting. Discussion of substitute Praise Band Director when Caroline wants to take time off: follow example of choir director and organist who find a replacement and pay them.
Supervisor reviews employment performance and recommendation will then be shared with the Personnel Committee.
Property: Stan Patscheck. 20 people worked last Saturday. Reflects how congregation cares for the church.
Service and Missions:
Bill Stoll. 31 pints of blood
were donated. Upcoming service includes
Alternative Christmas and a new Habitat site opening soon in
Youth: Pastor Erik. National Youth Gathering
New Business:
1. Stewardship handled above with Jenny Christensen.
2. Follow up report on expenditure curtailment program. Awaiting report
from Jessica to reflect the nature of expenditure requests. So far, no
escalation to second level of review but some choices have had to be
made.
3.
4. Home to Stay: Lynn Bulock was supposed to provide Pastor Erik with
information.
5. 2012 budget process was handled above.
6. 2012 Nominating Committee: In place but needs to be activated. Chart available for explanation of terms of council members. Asterisked members in list are terming out and are eligible for membership on Nominating Committee.
7. Theme for 2012: set the theme for next year before the congregational meeting so we are ready to start without delay. Pastors don’t feel like they’re finished with Journey to the Center of the Soul. Limited follow through on last year’s backpacks. Need to overlay activities, not just sermons. As we go out to committees, try to emphasize theme. Set as an agenda item, do some brainstorming.
8. Congregational meeting will include a chili cook-off.
9. A motion to designate a Gift of Hope, The Burure Mission, for the Thanksgiving offering was made, seconded, and passed by acclamation.
Meeting adjourned at
Next meeting:
Devotion: Bob Brundage
Body of Christ Report: Randy Churchill
Respectfully submitted,
Carol Paul
Recorder
Mount
Meeting called to order at
In attendance: Pastor Erik Goehner, Carol Paul, Bill Stoll, Susan Prosser, Bob Brundage, Randy Churchill, Norm Williamsen, Geordan Goebel, Allison Easley, Stan Patscheck, Jessica Rebbe
Absent: Pastor John Soyster, Bob Cole
Guest: Lynn Bulock, Ericka Bigger
Devotions: Norman Williamsen Where is God? In spontaneity.
Approval of Minutes: Minutes approved.
Body of Christ Report: deferred
Home to Stay: Lynn Bulock, Ericka Bigger.
Pastors’ Reports
Pastor Erik: At Family Faith Night held in the beginning of October interest was expressed in family finance education. High school student group is enthusiastic and active. National Youth Gathering will require fund raisers. One suggestion is flocking: Pay for insurance to prevent flamingoes from flocking on someone’s lawn. Envelopes to donate a set amount of money was effective last time. Set as action item to discuss next month. When will HS youth rep be named?
Next Tuesday is Bishop’s Stewardship dinner
Pastor John: On-line report.
Treasurer’s Report: Jessica Rebbe. Hard copies provided. YTD income under budget $50,000.00. Pledged giving increased in September.
Endowment will be reconciled before posting on website. By leaving money in designated funds, we are
not using the funds effectively. Jessica
thinks we should take money from specific funds and apply them to general
income, partly because we are running at a deficit. “
Committee Reports
Endowment: Bob Brundage Legacy Giving representative Greg Shepherd gave them a lot of homework and he will be meeting on October 22 with them again. It will be an impressive program. Greg is still educating the committee so there are no actionable items yet.
Welcome team: Allison Easley Visitation sign-ups are covered through the end of October and need congregational members to sign up for future dates. Bob Cole is the new Chair. The committee name has been changed from I-Cubed to Welcome Team. The team is planning a video for prospective members.
Fellowship: Carol Paul Please post minutes and thanks from the Council for all their activities.
Service and Missions: Bill Stoll Committee members are very active and always looking for more to do. Flu shots, blood drive. On-line sign-up for blood drive is easy. Photos by Keith not done so Bill tried to do photos of Council members but many were playing golf. [Chair and Mr Prosser were first place winners. PJ was also on team, celebrating so hard that he is not able to be present at the Council meeting tonight. 29 present, 16 played golf. Ann Bensen made a hole-in-one on the putting green. Congratulations all.]
Gifts of Hope used to be called Christmas In July. Last year
the church’s Gift of Hope was for the fight against malaria, This year, ELCA is
hoping to accumulate $80,000.00 for
Stewardship: Bob Brundage. Off to good start. No stewardship dinner planned. Recognition of time gifts and commitments will be done on October 30.
New Business:
Approval of CDC Budget: Carol Paul. Budget provided. Not balanced but now have enrollment to support the downsized budget. Motion to approve proposed budget made and seconded. Discussion ensued. Approved.
Pizza sales to benefit CDC: will be providing order forms to congregation next Sunday.
Requests for Utilization of Designated funds: Susan Prosser. Hard copy of B&F minutes provided. Some projects were begun before changes were made in financial policy. To be properly handled, the Council has to approve them because the requested funding will not come from specific line items. Request authorization to spend up to $3,735.00 for the grand piano overhaul including repair, tuning and transportation. Concern for children’s choir funds was noted but because there has been recent interest in children’s choir. Children’s choir money has been there for at least 10 years and probably can be re-purposed. If children’s choir is rejuvenated, it will have funds newly dedicated to it. Concert funds are a custodial account so the council is not able to decide how to spend that money. Services have already been completed. Funding proposed to come from Concert Series, children’s choir, Ione Grailer Memorial, and Joe D’Addario Memorial. Approved by unanimous acclamation.
Music and Worship commissioned Communion ware. Now the funds need to be taken from the appropriate designated funds. Various memorial funds will be used to cover most of the costs. Currently short $686.20. At some point in time, more sources will need to be identified for this balance. Motion to authorize funding as proposed for the Communion ware. Amendment: Worship & Music should find other memorial funds to cover the additional money needed: $686.20. Amendment to motion: approved. As amended, motion to expend the funds for the Communion ware was approved by acclamation.
2012 Budget Process: schedule for budget process. Only essential expenditures should be made for the rest of the year. Applicable to all church staff and volunteers. Curtailment policy, if approved, will be presented in newsletters and bulletins until the end of the year or the Council has reversed the policy. Motion: per handout. Discussion: Too much responsibility for Treasurer; should go to Exec Committee. Motion amended: Only essential expenditures be made for the remainder of the calendar year (salaries, benefits, contracted obligations, utilities, etc.) and that any other expenditure from either budgeted or designated funds needs prior approval. Request for approval is to be submitted to the Church Office for review by the Church Treasurer and /or Executive Committee, who will have up to 72 hours to respond. This curtailment is to be in effect for all church staff and volunteers. Approved by unanimous acclamation.
Proposed schedule. Guidelines will present that only essential/bare bones budget will be entertained. Schedule will be on-line. Packets may be available in church office.
Investment management recommendation: Budget & Finance Susan Prosser Specific recommendation will wait until B&F better understands how liquid our funds need to be. Motion to Instruct that the funds be put into a bank account while in waiting in order to protect the principal. Schwab will still hold our money, not as stock but as cash. Approved.
Treasurer: Randy Churchill. Resignation letter from Jessica Rebbe was read. Recommendation made that we enter into 2-month agreement to retain Jessica’s services. Susan Prosser: Jessica Rebbe’s service has been greatly appreciated by B& F, Council and Church. As we complete chart of accounts, policies and new budget process, Jessica has provided us valuable professional services. Motion to engage Jessica Rebbe’s services for January and February 2012 at $750.00 per month to get us through the congregational meeting and implementing new policies/processes. Approved. Jessica states she will be happy to reduce remuneration if her circumstances change.
Council Vacancies: Randy Churchill. We do not have to wait till next year to start filling council vacancies; interested persons can be appointed by council to fill empty seats.
Devotions and Body of Christ: schedule addressed
Geordan Goebel: We’re
all serving our church here and we are fortunate to have religious
freedom. In
Meeting adjourned at
Next meeting:
Devotion: Carol Paul
Body of Christ Report: Allison Easley
Respectfully submitted,
Carol Paul
Recorder
Mount
Meeting called to
order at
In attendance: Pastor John Soyster, Pastor Erik, Carol Paul, Bill Stoll, Bob Cole, Susan Prosser, Bob Brundage, Randy Churchill, Norm Williamsen, Geordan Goebel, Allison Easley, Stan Patscheck, Jessica Rebbe
Absent:
Leave of Absence: Stephen Kohl
Guest: Barbara D’Addario
Devotions: Bob Cole
Approval of Minutes: Minutes approved with corrections.
Body of Christ Report: Bob Cole Knowing who Council members are: Bill Stoll will consider getting photos/info posted about Council members.
Lincoln Mayorga
will give a brief recital before he presents his documentary, “A Suitcase Full
of Chocolate,” at
Pastors’
Reports
Pastor Erik: Report will be on website. Staffing issue: A well-qualified interim director, Linda Tendler, has been hired and has already started her duties.
Endowment committee will be meeting with Greg Shepherd on Thursday. Bishop’s Stewardship Dinner is open to the church leaders. Recommend President and Stewardship Chair attend, and anyone else interested. Please RSVP Pastor Erik so he can let them know how many meals to prepare.
High School youth
are planning to attend annual conference in
Pastor John: Report posted on the web. Lynn Bulock, our diaconal minister who was
affiliated with
“Living and Believing as a Disciple of Jesus” is similar to “What Lutherans Believe.” This new series of discipleship classes starts Sept 29 for 5 Thursday nights. Open to all members and prospective members.
Treasurer’s Report: Jessica Rebbe. We are about $40,000.00 under budgeted income. $26,000.00 was moved from Schwab to cover expenses. Because of the recent downturn in our finances, B&F felt that bringing recommendations or freezing accounts would be premature but it is puzzled by the decreased receipt of pledged giving. Attendance was down in August. July through September giving is always down but compared to pledged giving for the last two years, we are well below the trended expectations.
Changing from a hybrid system of accounting to a more orthodox accounting system reflects a loss of about $6,000.00. The purpose of accounting is to show everything spent and everything coming in, ensuring transparency and accuracy. No actual dollars have changed, only reclassified so everyone can see the actual dollars received and spent.
A recent stock value loss of $8,000.00 indicates that the Schwab account is not the appropriate place for our funds. The B&F Committee is still looking into better choices to place funds.
New Business:
Disposition of
Policy on use of designated funds: Susan Prosser. Hard copy provided. Past practices for using designated funds were inconsistent and confusing. The purpose is to set a method to deal with spending designated funds. Needs to say “expenditures in excess of budget.” Motion to accept policy based on recommendation of the Budget and Finance Committee to accept with the suggested wording change. Discussion: need to look at complete expenses for all activities, which should all be budgeted in one general or specific fund. Designated funds are not to be considered as a resource for funds when budgeting. We need to know the amount of money expected to be needed as well as any additional expected sources of income (sales, donations, etc.) Seconded and approved by acclamation.
Committee Reports:
Budget and Finance: Susan Prosser. Cathy Channels and Tanya Carter of the CDC were present to discuss CDC budgeting at last night’s meeting. Declining enrollment is due in part to developmental kindergarten being offered free by PVSD. As of last night CDC still had no budget but they do have some options to meet their expenses. There is no proposed change to hourly rate of pay for CDC employees although the director and one teacher have asked for a decrease in pay. A “no cuts” budget would cause a shortfall of $31,000.00. A proposed “reduction” budget would have a shortfall of $10,000.00 which can be balanced by eliminating 5 paid holidays, reducing paid teacher prep time by ¼ hour, reduce director’s salary by $2,400.00 using reserve funds and acquiring one new student. Based on history, there may be more students enrolled even though school has already started. The Council wishes the CDC Board to understand that they need to bring themselves into compliance with their budgeting process. If no additional student materializes, CDC reserve funds should be allocated to make the budget balance. If CDC ratifies a budget on-line, maybe the Council will also do an on-line ratification of their budget. The will of the Council is to reemphasize we do support CDC and we’re here to help, but they must come into compliance. The appropriate time to help the CDC with their budget is during the fall when the church does its budgeting process. Per CDC by-laws, there is supposed to be monthly flow of financial reports. Advertise for new students in bulletin and newsletter!
Getting close to making a recommendation to take over Schwab account. One more interview planned.
Endowment: Bob Brundage. As Pastor Erik said, there will be a meeting this week with Greg Shepherd.
I-Cubed: Stan Patscheck Committee is running smoothly. Stan is stepping down from chair, Bob Cole will be interim chair. Norm has resigned from sub-chair of visitation. Alison Easley has taken on responsibility for visitation.
Fellowship: no new report
Children’s ministry: Geordan Goebel No report on Children’s Ministry. Geordan stated that he took exception to part of September 11th liturgy last week.
Mutual Ministry: Randy Churchill. Nothing to report.
Personnel: Susan Prosser. No meeting.
Property: stan nothing new
Service and Missions: Bill Stoll. Incredibly active committee!
Stewardship: Pastor John. Planning stages and will announce program soon. Worship & Music: Back to usual schedule. Send any changes in worship assistance or meeting schedules to Marilyn or Pastor John.
Youth leadership: vacant
Final Business:
Help yourself and the CDC: Handouts to invite all to share in CDC Pizza Sales. Fill out order and give to Cathy Channels the day before the pizza is to arrive. Pick up dates are the 2nd Thursday and the 3rd Friday of each month. Pizzas are take and bake from Valentino’s. They are very good. Basic price is $7.00, additional toppings $1.00 each. The school gets $4.00 for every pizza delivered!
Request was made and approval given to arrange for service recognition awards during stewardship to emphasize use of time and thanks for some exceptional service.
Meeting adjourned at
Next meeting:
Devotion: Norman Williamsen
Body of Christ Report: Allison Easley
Respectfully submitted,
Carol Paul
Recorder
Mount
Meeting called to order at
In attendance: Pastor John Soyster, Pastor Erik, Carol Paul, Bill Stoll, Bob Cole, Susan Prosser, Bob Brundage, Randy Churchill, Jessica Rebbe, Norm Williamsen, Geordan Goebel
Absent: Allison Easley, Stan Patscheck,
Leave of Absence: Stephen Kohl
Devotions: Bill Stoll
Closed Session: James Prosser present.
Approval of Minutes: Minutes approved with corrections.
Body of Christ Report: Allison Easley’s report delivered by Norm Williamsen.
Pastors’ Reports
Pastor Erik: On website.
Pastor John: Report posted on web. Thank you and gift from Steve Hammer’s youth group was received.
Pastor John will present end of life planning thoughts and ideas. He hopes people who have gone through end of life issues will come so they can share their experience with the rest, those who need to plan and gift such planning to their families.
Into the Woods deposit of $3,700.00 made today.
Treasurer’s Report: by Jessica Rebbe. July looked better than previous months. Pledged received increased from 79% in June to 96% in July; still down for the year: Currently $8,500.00 over budgeted expenses. Memorials have been re-allocated with families’ approval.
Action Items:
Bound Conscience Neutrality presentation by Norm Williamsen. Luther implores us to honor one another’s conscience. Norm wants to determine a congregational stand. ELCA has made a stand and we are members of the ELCA. We are discussing a very small portion of people who are publicly-accountable couples in a life-long, monogamous same-sex relationship, and at least one of which wants to become a pastor. The social statement holds the bound conscience language while the policy is about the rostering of PALLMSS people. ELCA definition of bound conscience allows us to respect and love each other even though we have different opinions. It seems that congregations are only taking a stand if they cannot endorse the ELCA stand or if these issues come up in a call situation. This subject may be scheduled again some timein the future.
Photo Directory Guest Patti Stouch The Committee couldn’t come to a consensus so still looking for direction from council. What criteria do we set for updating page? Notebook has the capacity to hold enough B&W pages. We could send out updates for minor changes or have info password-protected if on-line. Motion: Council states a preference for single-sided, B&W full directory in existing binders and authorize expenditure of designated funds labeled for this purpose. Motion carried by unanimous proclamation. Council advises that members should not have to make donations to cover the expense but committee may consider sponsors to defray costs.
Audit Committee Report by Susan Prosser. Written report provided. CDC has September-August school-year budget. Liaison is not yet aware of their budget process. There apparently is no budget available so Pastor John will discuss with Cathy Channels.
Budget and Finance
Policies by Susan Prosser. Hard copies of proposals provided to Council
members.
ELCA Legacy giving not yet available. Schedule next month.
Church Library by Susan Prosser One of two people who volunteered is not able to take on the task immediately but a plan may be worked out and announced in the fall.
Kitchen Audit by
Bob Brundage The Executive Committee has asked the
Property Committee to set up task force to make recommendations about kitchen
usage and equipment. Survey has been
designed with deadline of this weekend.
Resignation: Randy Churchill Children’s Ministry Director has been responsible for Sunday Scool, nursey, Fun with Faith, VBS, and Safeguarding God’s Children. Should someone be authorized to hire someone to act as interim person to cover the rest of the calendar year. Pastors to evaluate and consider changing position for the future.
Committee Reports:
Fellowship: Carol Paul Suggest to Worship and Music that since there has been an increase in youth, consider resuming children’s choir. Newbies don’t necessarily know what Rally Day is si maybe I-Cubed can contact them, invite them specifically and encourage them to learn/sign up. Fellowship planned activities, sould it be appropriate for I-Cubed to publicize and/or extend invitations, maybe use VCStar, Acorn, Happenings. Picnic Potluck is plastic-free. Feel free to bring your own chairs, dishes, eating utensils. Fellowship time is the ½ hour between services. Still looking for hosts for the congregation-wide A Taste of Mount Cross.
Worship and Music has asked to resume the children’s choir.
Budget and Finance: See Committee Meeting Minutes on website.
To be on agenda next
month:
Out of state property
Classical concert series
Policy on authorization ro expend designated funds
Meeting adjourned at
Next meeting:
Devotion: Bob Cole
Body of Christ Report: Bob Cole
Respectfully submitted,
Carol Paul
Recorder
Mount
Meeting called to order at
In attendance: Pastor John Soyster, Pastor Erik, Stan Patscheck, Carol Paul, Bill Stoll, Bob Cole, Susan Prosser, Allison Easley, Bob Brundage, Randy Churchill, Jessica Rebbe
Absent: Norm Williamsen, Geordan Goebel
Leave of Absence: Stephen Kohl
Devotions: Carol Paul with thanks to Pastor John for keeping a file of devotions for our use when we forget to prepare.
Approval of Minutes: Minutes approved with corrections.
Body of Christ Report: Randy Churchill will report next month.
Pastors’ Reports
Pastor Erik: Pastor Erik sent a copy of the devotions used during his last youth trip.
Pastor John: Report posted on web. He was focused on family this past month and gives thanks to the congregation for their support. Homework for next month is to read info he e-mailed about bound conscience neutrality.
Treasurer’s Report: Jessica Rebbe. Income is well under expected income. Net income is at a loss. Budget & Finance discussed need to freeze some budget items. Contingency fund will be suspended till things turn around. We may have to use designated funds if they are relevant to needs. Financial secretary reports have not been going out quarterly. We should revive sending this out again on a quarterly basis. Income is at 90% of pledged. Usually it is at 98% midyear. Pastor will ask Jenny to start sending out quarterly reports again, beginning with mid-year reports. Will also have Stewardship report in next newsletter. Pastor John views stewardship and budget as two entirely different entities: Stewardship is our need to give; Budget and Finance is how we manage the church monies.
Jessica reviewed some of the memorial funds with Marilyn. Entries were made to consolidate funds where possible. Jessica will get us list of account changes.
Property valuation question. Maybe we need to do an inventory to reflect current values/replacement costs. This is important for insurance, budgeting and possible future financial needs.
Committee Reports:
Property Committee: Budget is $5,000.00 for maintenance. Air Force study concluded that it costs 2% of replacement cost of a building to maintain it. Property would like to increase its maintenance budget. $3,900.00 has already been spent, much of it on finding/repairing a leak. The committee is asking to increase its budget to 1% of estimated replacement cost, to $10,000.00. If there is an overage at the end of the year, the committee would like that overage to pass into a deferred maintenance fund.
Budget and Finance will not authorize this request at this time in light of the prior Treasurer’s Report and because there are several accounts that Property manages. Property will reassess/re-present in the fall.
Major project question: Stan has been working on 20’ by 20’ storage area which could be located at the far end of the parking lot. Cost would be mitigated by church labor talent but waterproofing and stucco should be done by professionals for warranty purposes.
Endowment Fund: No follow-up has been done yet on presentation.
I-Cubed: Visitation chart needs to be used! Not limited to church council but there is not yet a protocol for visitation. A limited number of people have been contacted.
Committee meetings: Some committees have not posted minutes recently. Council would like more info on Children’s Ministry. Each of us needs to encourage our committees to send agenda or minutes to the office for posting on the website.
Budget and Finance: See Committee Meeting Minutes on website.
Proposed financial policy presented:
· Recommendation on Memorial Fund Contributions is time-bound since the Memorial Committee has made many attempts to contact families to manage memorial funds. Suggestion that memorials of $100.00 or less, pool those funds. For funds exceeding $100.00, establish categories for fund use. Categories: Worship and Music, Scholarship (camp, preschool, trip, etc), Endowment Fund. Categories may be an on-going resolution. What has been spent out of general memorial funds? Maybe small amounts will be shunted to Endowment. Already designated funds will be allocated. Specific recommendations of categories will be made next month.
· Policy on Approval of Contractual obligations proposed for centralizing and review of contracts. What constitutes a contract? Does it include rental equipment? Park rental? Service agreements? Intent of this policy is to know 1) when church is obligated/liable and 2) for on-going money outlay. All contracts, no matter what the dollar amount or frequency, need to be filed in the office for review. Guidelines for on-going agreements and dollar amounts will be considered and proposed at the next meeting.
Jessica has been doing a fine job and we appreciate her attention to detail and her ability to point out areas where changes should be made for improved financial management.
Policy regarding budget controls will be discussed next month.
We have property in
Use of church facilities by outside groups. We fronted money for “Into the Woods.” Last year we made money, had many Mt Cross youth, lot of congregation support. We probably won’t do this again. Classical concert series and CDC also use church. CDC makes contribution to church. Concert series makes invisible contribution by maintaining piano and other instruments. AA and NA make small contributions, not because we ask but because it is part of their organizations’ programs.
Action Items:
1.
Devotions for August Bill
Stoll
2.
45th Anniversary of MCLC (
3.
Expansion: Stan Patscheck. It has come to everybody’s attention that
this building is too small to accommodate our congregational activities. Building is 118 ft long, 33 feet wide. Max distance it can go out is about 30 feet
(20 feet from property line. First
thoughts were to put in basement level for classrooms and restrooms. Will keep exterior walls, remove roof. He talked with city about parking: not an issue for this proposal. Primary consideration is open/green
space. Consider contacting current owner
about property to south of our property.
Randy will contact owner to discuss scenarios. Stan needs to locate plot plans so he can
overlay his ideas and take the drawings to the city. He needs to get city to comment on drawings
before he can make any other suggestions.
4. Other:
Endowment committee e-mail vote on approving scholarships: Distribution approved via e-mail as
recommended in June minutes. Committee
to make report to congregation of the distribution.
Meeting adjourned at
Next meeting:
Devotion: Bill Stoll
Body of Christ Report: Allison Easley, Randy Churchill
Respectfully submitted,
Carol Paul
Recorder
Mount
Meeting called to order at
In attendance: Pastor John Soyster, Pastor Erik, Stan Patscheck, Carol Paul, Kris Korzan (Youth), Norm Williamsen, Randy Churchill, Geordan Goebel
Absent: Susan Prosser, Bill Stoll, Donna Kohl (CDC), Bob Brundage, Bob Cole, Allison Easley
Leave of Absence: Stephen Kohl
Devotions: Stan Patscheck: leadership by example
Approval of Minutes: typo corrections will be done and minutes re-submitted
Insurance review: Nancy Bond presented summary and explanation of all our insurance coverage. Work comp policy renews in October, based on salaries reported. Recent increase in work comp premium was caused by state changing policy requirement for preschool vs. daycare classification.
Maintaining sexual misconduct coverage at $1M even though most insurers are decreasing this to $500,000. The only people not covered under sexual misconduct are strangers, people not authorized by congregation. Policies and procedures need to be followed to avoid misconduct problems.
Coinsurance penalties are incurred if you don’t insure for high enough value. Agreed value is based on building and does not include contents like the organ, stained glass, and bells. Mt Cross is currently valued at $180 per square foot.
We have no earthquake policy and are requesting
Crime: embezzlement should not happen because the person writing checks should not be signing checks. If it is the same person checks should say that checks require two signatures. Bank will not look at that but the person receiving the check should question if there are not two signatures. Until we order new checks, two signature statement should be printed when the check is printed by bookkeeper.
Incidental liquor liability is included in the current policy and covers all church-related activities.
Personal property of key employees, pastors, is covered to
$50,000.
Directors and Officers policy includes unlimited legal costs.
Water coverage includes sewage backup, not rain damage because of roof disrepair or damage.
General liability covers, among other things, food poisoning. Umbrella liability policy covers rental vehicles up to $50,000 replacement cost.
Directors and Officers liability includes full prior acts. It also covers identity theft for pastors and council members, even if not church-related ID theft. There is a death benefit in the event of death of clergy. Questionable if Council President would be covered.
FYI, Lutheran Credit
Union is in
Employment is one of the biggest insurance problem
areas.
Picture Directory Update: Patti Stouch not present. I-Cubed was asked to give input to the directory task force. If we do it correctly now, then in the future it may not be so expensive to keep current.
Body of Christ Report: Stan Patscheck All the answers were the same: enjoy the friendliness of the congregation and knowing congregation cares. What needs improvement? Young adult Bible study needed; more room for gatherings. Perhaps young adults are very busy with family and jobs so this has not been a strong focus. Ideas for expanding facilities will be addressed again.
Pastors’ Reports
Pastor Erik: Not on web yet but has hardcopies. Synod assembly format changed. Impressed by caliber of candidates involved in our synod. Our synod top giving for ELCA World Hunger Appeal. Also big fundraiser for Malaria Campaign. Need to recruit more people to get involved at synod level. Starting new Lutheran periodical.
Received seven scholarship applications. No quorum to vote on recommendation for scholarships. Discussed and subject to e-mail approval of Council. $9000 to distribute. $7000 to scholarships for $1000 each, $1000 to mission endowment fund (missionary sponsorship) $1,000 to Pastor’s Discretionary Fund.
Pastor John: posted on web.
Treasurer’s Report: Jessica Rebbe presented highlights of written report. Chart of accounts has been started so will have new account numbers next month. Each month she and Marilyn study about 10 accounts to correct, continue, delete, etc. Will make recommendations after all accounts have been addressed. Mortgage principle reduction is about $8000 per year without making extra payments. Balance last year was incorrect so it only looks like principle reduction was $4000. (See Long Term Liabilities, account 29.) Profit and loss statement: less loose plate and non-pledged money coming in than planned. We also had a couple unexpected bills related to EDD issues. Under-budget on expenses so we are in a good position per budget. The summary report Jessica prepares is appreciated.
Uncommitted donation income is difficult to estimate. More people have not pledged this year.
Council gave Jessica info from
Committee Reports:
I Cubed: Moving along positively. Need new sign-ups for visitation. New procedures with card file. Visitation person to come after last service to get names of visitors.
Children’s Ministry: Pitch Burst: lots of energy and preschool families present, too. Video on podcast at website/Worship and Music
Property Committee:
Workday this Saturday
Youth: Summer trip next week.
Action Items:
Meeting adjourned at
Next meeting:
Devotion: Norman Williamsen
Body of Christ Report: Randy Churchill
Respectfully submitted,
Carol Paul
Recorder
Mount
Meeting called to order at
In attendance: Susan Prosser, Bob Cole, Pastor John Soyster, Pastor Erik, Stan Patscheck, Carol Paul, Randy Churchill, , Allison Easley, Kris Korzan (Youth), Norm Williamsen, Bob Brundage
Absent: Bill Stoll, Geordan Goebel, Donna Kohl (CDC)
Leave of Absence: Stephen Kohl
Devotions: Susan Prosser, inspired by her Grand Canyon Experience last month.
Approval of Minutes: Moved and passed. Accepted with typo corrections.
Body of Christ Report: Prepared by Bill Stoll and reported by Randy Churchill. Bill will be asked to submit a digital copy of his report so the kudos can be passed on to Music and Worship/choir and praise band.
Pastors’ Reports
Pastor Erik: During Holy Week he went to Casa Pacifica to teach about Holy Week. Maybe we should do Holy Week in a nutshell for our children.
Tent Event was great. Expand activity next year?
Mt Cross Young Adult group had first meeting. 20 to 35-year olds, single, unmarried. Definition of young adult is still evolving.
Confirmation Sunday is this week and 8 students will be confirmed.
20 students are signed up to go to
Thanks to Char Sakioka and Kevin Churchill for all their hard work and organization of the Easter breakfast.
Sociology studies show parents and grandparents are important in shaping children’s faith. So what are we doing to promote parenting encouraging faith? Ditto for congregations being important in shaping faith.
A group from
Pastor John:
Tent event, ditto.
Let Marilyn know if/when your group is meeting to schedule space and to let people know so they can give their input.
Confirmation is Sunday. Pictures of old Confirmation classes are back up on the wall. Pastor John is still trying to get more pictures and names posted. So far Mt Cross has confirmed 342!
Summer schedule starts June 5,
Into the Woods: 9 performances beginning July 8, running 2 weekends.
Treasurer’s Report: Given by Susan Prosser, Chair of Budget ad Finance. She has reports but they have not yet been posted. Summary sheet of Jan through April. Income is still behind, largely due to under-realized Envelope-Non Pledged category. Pledged giving has increased to 97%. March had large expenses so April does not look as good for income as it was. Assets remain remarkably unchanged. Total assets have only changed by $2200 to the good. Total bottom line of balance sheet is also only changed by $2000 to the good, to about $1.5 million.
Items to be reviewed by Treasurer and the Committee:
· Why is there such a discrepancy of salaries and benefits between actual and projected?
·
· Checking/Savings balance: somewhat lower than it has been in other years. Do we need to set a minimum balance to meet expenses?
· Should any midyear recommendations for budget adjustment or advisory be made?
Attendance 2011: Jan up by 50, Feb up by 120, March down 99, April 38 less than last year.
Committee Reports:
Randy read reports on the website and noted that some committees have not posted reports in awhile, particularly children’s ministry, stewardship, mutual ministry, and youth. Stewardship is not expected to post until they meet again.
He also noted that the CDC report states “to raise funds for shortfall of funds.” CDC needs to know that we appreciate it, it
is a part of
Budget and Finance:
Working on making a recommendation for financial management of the
Schwab account ($192,000). This is NOT
the Endowment Fund. Council made a
resolution a month or two ago to engage a management advisor. Is there a
preference for management to be truly local?
Two recommendations are in Westlake Village. Church-based investment fund would not allow
us to communicate readily with the advisors nor access our accounts quickly
because they are in
Accounting for events, big and small. See Action items.
I Cubed: Stan chair, Bob Cole member of committee. Nora and Scott Fajnor were sponsors for new members. Introducing new members before The Peace is an excellent invitation for members to greet the new members. Mugs/info have been given to several new visitors. Bob Brundage was able to get in touch by phone with another man/couple. Jo Holler has offered to provide the red books. The Committee will get in touch with her to let Jo know what information would be helpful. We should broaden/clarify usher/greeter new member responsibilities, especially for new visitors. Online instructions are lengthy so maybe alerts on the back counter might be helpful. Maybe send instructions with the e-mail advising people when they serve. Pastor Erik suggested a routing plan for visitors to have them sign book and capture e-mail and phone number, give cup, contact by greeter in addition to pastors. Paul Christensen used to have running list of people who were contacted. Considering luncheon for new members/visitors. Used to be a potluck with sponsors bringing food. Stan will contact Pastor John to follow up on these ideas.
Nametags at Tent Event were easily accepted. Helped to have regular service attendance on tag, too.
Property Committee: A lot of new people, a lot accomplished.
Action items:
Seconded and approved by proclamation. See attachment.
An audit of the CDC will be done for the benefit of the CDC and congregation. The Audit Committee may also do other special inquiries, e.g., contractual agreements.
Consider an honor system checkout? Refer to Children’s Ministry? Is library on T&T sheet? Grapevine article for librarian? Susan Prosser will prepare newsletter item.
Meeting adjourned at
Next meeting:
Devotion: Stan Patscheck
Body of Christ Report: Stan Patscheck
Respectfully submitted,
Carol Paul
Recorder
Mount
Meeting called to order at
In attendance: Susan Prosser, Bob Cole, Pastor John Soyster, Bob Brundage, Stan Patscheck, Carol Paul, Randy Churchill, Norm Williamsen, Allison Easley, Geordan Goebel, Donna Kohl (CDC)
Absent: Pastor Erik, Kris Korzan (Youth), Bill Stoll
Leave of Absence: Stephen Kohl
Guests: Brian Fisher (Endowment Chair), Greg Shepherd from Planned Giving
Devotions: Carol Paul
Endowment guest speaker: Greg Shepherd, employed by ELCA as Regional Gift Planner. He helps people plan gifts to charity because there are different kinds of trusts and variable tax implications . His focus is to allow givers to give more to the church and less to the US Treasury. Greg asks: how many members died this year? How many remembered the Church in their will? Only 8% will leave a gift. As Lutherans, we’re good stewards and givers. Trying to change church culture to change lack of planned giving through wills and trusts. Reasons Lutherans do not give through wills and trusts:
· didn’t think about it,
· never got around to it, (only 30% of Lutherans have will or trust)
· don’t know how,
· no one asked (The John Creen Story: A wealthy Lutheran who donated $1M to Robert Schuller to build Crystal Cathedral. No Lutherans had asked him for a donation!)
Giving is one way to express our love of God. Even people with almost no assets can give something. Wants to lift up planned giving using Endowment Committee. Greg and Committee will meet monthly. Process starts with a review of bylaws to make sure we are in compliance with federal law. Then a survey of current planning, brochure designing, workshop, second year thank you program are highlights of the process.
Planned giving stimulates current giving.
Brian Fisher: we lost 40% in stock downturn a few years ago. Because of a generous gift from Adda Lukehart, we have the capability of generating more funds to serve our mission without taking away from current giving. We think that church will benefit from this system and knowledge for giving of this kind.
Susan Prosser: Endowment funds have traditionally been used for scholarships but may also be used for other purposes.
Approval of Minutes: Moved and passed. Accepted as published.
Body of Christ Report: Susan Prosser. Only one input. Best liked: quality of worship, Communion every week, overall sense of social responsibility of community, activities for seniors and young families are interesting.
Ideas to consider: Stick-on name tags on occasional Sundays, feature family or person in newsletter, provide a general opportunity for people from different services to meet.
Pastors’ Reports
Pastor Erik: on vacation.
Pastor John: Tent
Event May 1;
He encourages us to look at the Camarillo Health Care District website for resources. Do we need to let neighbors know about parking in the street May 1 because of tent in parking lot and 3 services in one?
Treasurer’s Report: Given by Susan Prosser. Budget performance: revenue slightly down to 90% of anticipated income. Last month 86% of expenses, now 98% of expenses, assuming 1/12 flows evenly throughout the year, which it does not. Susan always looks at attendance record to find correlation. March down, maybe related to weather. April has festival Sundays so there maybe catch-up in expected income. Last year we were $13000 down, this year only $10000 behind.
Committee Reports:
CDC: Donna Kohl: enrollment for next year is down. Basket donations were successful: $500 from church members, total $1400. There is need for 1 ½ scholarships for next year. Fundraiser Pizza on Thursdays and Fridays. Pizzas are $7, CDC gets $4. (They are really good! From Valentino’s between Fostar’s and Bread Basket in Ralphs shopping center.) Asking MBC for funding for scholarship money. Also looking for one more board member. There will be 3 openings in June, 2 have been filled, one still available.
Icubed: New
name for new member committee.
Introduction, Initiation, Integration.
Alison, Norm, and Stan are
leaders. Putting program in place to
greet and get visitors to join in our fun and worship. Allison is researching advertising. Signage to tell people we’re here, too. Welcome with new members being recognized,
gift for new visitors so members can
recognize the visitors walking around with item. Info will be taken from their signing the
guest book and member will visit them with cookies and
Randy will donate signs when ICubed determines what it wants. Caring Committee will no longer be listed as a separate committee since it is being absorbed into ICubed.
Property: Workday last Saturday accomplished a lot.
Action items:
Discussion: Mr Shepherd may tell people what they need to ask their lawyers and accountants but he may not practice law if he is not an attorney. He will be paid by ELCA. Capacity to designate use of gifts may not be the case vs memorial gifts which may be designated. What guides the investment of the endowment funds? The Treasurer manages the fund. We are invested with the ELCA Pooled Trust. Endowment Committee determines where funds are disbursed. Moved and seconded to sign Legacy Plan Giving Covenant. Passed by unanimous proclamation.
Meeting adjourned at
Next meeting:
Devotion: Susan Prosser
Body of Christ Report: Bill Stoll
Respectfully submitted,
Carol Paul
Recorder
Mount
Meeting called to order at
In attendance: Susan Prosser, Bob Cole, Kris Korzan (Youth), Pastor John Soyster, Bob Brundage, Stan Patscheck, Carol Paul, Pastor Erik Goehner, Randy Churchill, Norm Williamsen, Bill Stoll, Allison Easley, Karen Fanner (CDC)
Absent: Geordan Goebel, Donna Kohl (CDC)
Leave of Absence: Stephen Kohl
Devotions: Kris Korzan The Businessman and the Fisherman
Approval of Minutes: Moved and passed.
Executive Committee meeting minutes read.
Body of Christ Report: Randy Churchill Interviews found congregation to be characterized as friendly and caring, casual atmosphere and friendship, compassionate people. Improvements: younger and older families socializing more; more social activities desired for a special needs adult.
Pastors’ Reports
Pastor Erik: Jon Vevia’s high school choir was a positive presence last month.
Winter camp last 2 Sundays:
12 high school and 9 junior high the following week. Enjoys the camaraderie and conversation,
participation of other groups. Had youth
alumni helping at camp this year. It was
a special joy to see them become leaders.
Speakers from New City Parish and
Channel Islands Conference will be meeting here
Pastor John: Ash
Wednesday at St Columba’s at
Treasurer’s Report: Given by Susan Prosser. Somewhat different format of reporting. Now seeing end of Jan. Accounting because monthly closing will be done with full reconciliation so will not be reported as quickly as we are used to. In January, pledged givers gave over 98% of pledges. Attendance was above last year for Dec and Jan.
Balance sheet is comparison to previous year. Investment account 10.52 has grown and will be addressed in Budget & Finance report. There is less in checking and savings than last year. Increase in endowment account 14.4 is a reflection of gifts. Management and philosophy of accounts will be addressed later. “Suspense” is an accounting term used for temporary assignment of funds until they can be debited/credited to the proper line. Profit and Loss statement is clear. Credit card accounts were established last summer so pastors did not have to use their personal accounts and then submit the expenses.
Chart of Accounts has 3 accounts and reflects budget Jessica inherited. The next budgeting cycle begins in October 2011.
Committee Reports: Committees to do work, council to give guidance. CDC by Karen Fanner: The CDC Board is proposing to put together baskets to raffle because the budget is tight. Budget is tight because there was a 387% increase in workers’ compensation insurance premium this year. They also want to renew their scholarship fund. They propose selling 10 tickets for $10; every $30 earns a 5-ticket bonus. Hoping to realize $300. The school is currently collecting donations for the baskets. Drawing will be the Monday after the Spring Sing. There will be only one prize per person. If someone’s name is drawn more than once, the subsequent baskets will forfeited and new winners will be drawn.
Karen was advised that instead of selling tickets, the must be made available by “suggested donation.” She was also advised that everyone planning to acquire tickets be told of the one-win policy when tickets are offered.
Spring Sing is performance for parents which is a big CDC
event. [Scheduled for
Budget and Finance: Topic of the month: Management of investments. Professional investment managers are being requested. Treasurer will propose some people she works with and we may choose church-affiliated investment managers to interview, too. Investment guidelines and selection of an investment manager should be done first, then have them work with us to define/refine our philosophy and strategies. Concern is that most professional managers’ goals are to maximize profits. We have to find someone to follow our parameters. It was suggested that we use ELCA management.
Motion made that the church’s invested funds be professionally managed and that the Budget and Finance Committee be directed to review and interview optional managers and return to the church council with a recommended investment management contract. Discussion: This is for the $181,000 currently held as mutual funds.
Budget and Finance is committed to meeting monthly because they need to undertake lots of matters and move forward. Motion was carried unanimously.
Property: Big Screen
TV and projector. Is there a Technology
Committee? A Tech Committee might be
better suited to take over this requisition.
Gil Valencia works in IT and is investigating and beginning to address
all our technical needs. Sanctuary
projector is large and difficult to reach.
Hearing aids might also be included.
Request funds through Make, Bake, Celebrate. Ask Gil and Ann Valencia, Mike Hobbs, and Jim Gramacki to help with purchase/plan
task force. Can we move on immediate
need for TV? Urgency by
April 9 is a work party at
Van usage is not the responsibility of Property. Anyone can call office to provide license and get put on church’s insurance plan if they want to use the van for church business.
Action items:
Focus area: Journey to the Center of the Soul.
Membership chair on leave of absence. Need task force for a year? Membership is introduction, initiation, integration. Introduction is how people walk through the door, learn about church. Initiation is Baptism and affirming Baptism. Integration is how we get them actively engaged in the life of the congregation. Do we want one team or 3 smaller teams? Introduction: new kiosk/welcome center, strong greeter awareness of visitors, gifts for visitors, cookie visitation, recognition/identify visitors during service, follow-up to visitors, new member orientation/pastor visitation, routine monthly Come Learn About Mt Cross meeting. Initiation: orientation/ classes. Integration : sponsors, new member luncheon Pastors need help forming this group. 3 council members to 3 Is Committee to find task force members. New Member and Caring committees to be combined? Also Service and Missions and Fellowship committees will play an important role.
Consider trustees structure for Property and Budget with the rest of Council to be 3 Is to make sure we make progress. This will require one person to be responsible for 3 Is. Stan Patscheck offered to be that person. Members of new 3 Is team are Allison, Bob Cole, Stan, Norm. Carol will make list of members. Allison is relieved of Worship and Music assignment.
Sign up for devotions and BOC reports.
Meeting adjourned at
Next meeting:
Devotion: Carol Paul
Body of Christ Report: Susan Prosser
Respectfully submitted,
Carol Paul
Council Secretary
Mount Cross Lutheran
Church
Church Council Minutes
Meeting called to order at
In attendance: Susan Prosser, Bob Cole, Kris Korzan, Geordan Goebel, Pastor John Soyster, Bob Brundage, Carol Paul, Pastor Erik Goehner, Randy Churchill, Norm Williamsen , Kris Korzan , Stan Patscheck
Absent: Keith Selbrede, Allison Easley, Bill Stoll, Steve Kohl and Donna Kohl (CDC rep)
Agenda: should we hold elections since some members are missing. Need to re-appoint Jennifer Christiansen and put Jessica Rebbe into minutes.
Introductions of Council members: council terms, liaisons, memberships, duties and responsibilities.
MountCross.com website: go there to read all reports before each Council meeting. How We Serve. Church Council. Hard copy of reports may be available on request from the office.
Transitions in personnel has brought out some issues which Susan Prosser wants to address before election of officers and assignment of committees. Her concerns are that the Budget and Finance Committee wants to ensure transparency as well as have someone overseeing policy decisions which the Committee feels may have high impact on the congregation. Because the newly-appointed Treasurer, Jessica Rebbe, will not be able to attend Council meetings this year, she will have to report in written format and/or through another person. Susan’s suggestion is that the Executive Committee become more active, perhaps with the Vice President becoming a liaison to the Budget and Finance Committee. This will provide a vehicle for items to come before council regarding management of investments, interpretation of reports, etc. Also, the more people who know the back story, the better. This was deemed by the membership to be a good plan. The Vice President will be the intentional link between Budget and Finance, Treasurer and Council.
Executive Committee elections: Motion to nominate Randy Churchill for President was seconded and carried by unanimous proclamation.
Motion to nominate Susan Prosser for Vice President was seconded and carried by unanimous proclamation.
Motion to nominate Carol Paul Secretary seconded. Carol expressed desire to share recording responsibilities with someone else is she should be unavailable because she thinks the duty should not fall on Pastor John’s shoulders. Stan Patscheck stated he would step forward to do it. Motion carried by unanimous proclamation.
Treasurer: Motion to confirm appointment of Jessica Rebbe Treasurer was seconded and carried by unanimous proclamation.
Financial Secretary: Motion to re-appoint Jenny Christiansen as Financial Secretary was seconded and carried by unanimous proclamation.
Committee liaisons: Merging Stewardship and Caring for year round stewardship and caring for new members may warrant another council assignment because there are so many areas we think are important. It is expected that some Committees will work together, eg., Stewardship, Caring, Membership.
Membership areas: Attraction, Meeting and getting to Baptism/Confirmation, Integrating, Shepherding . Shepherding is Caring, concern for retention. 7 Person Rule: if you can call 7 people in the congregation friend, you feel connected and a part of the group. Caring: prayer shawls, Stephen ministry, angel hands, communion ministers, etc. Caring is a resource for Membership and should find ways to work with Stewardship.
Change New Member to Member Committee. Caring is a resource for Membership. Committee chairs are not necessarily council members.
Budget and Finance: Bob Brundage liaison. Susan Prosser will be executive committee rep per discussion above.
Caring: Bob Cole chair and liaison.
Endowment: Bob Brundage liaison, Brian Fisher chair.
Membership: Norm Williamsen will share responsibilities with Steve Kohl.
Fellowship: Carol Paul liaison, Melissa Henry chair.
Learning and Youth: Geordan Goebel liaison. Kris Korzan is Youth rep.
Mutual Ministry: Chair: President of the Congregation Randy Churchill, Membership is other Executive Committee members, Susan Prosser and Carol Paul.
Personnel: Vice President of the Congregation Susan Prosser.
Property: Stan Patscheck liaison, Gordon Bergh chair.
Service and Missions: Bill Stoll liaison assigned in absentia. Gordon Henry chair.
Stewardship: no liaison assigned. Lisa Hatfield chair.
Worship and Music.: Allison Easley is being assigned since it is available and her preferences and gifts are not known.
All liaison and chair positions are subject to review and change at our March meeting.
New business for next meeting: Council to kick off wine project.
New business before next meeting: Lenten Soup Supper sign-ups.
Meeting adjourned at
Next meeting:
Devotion: Kris Korzan
Body of Christ Report: Randy Churchill
Respectfully submitted,
Carol Paul
Council Secretary
Mount Cross Lutheran Church
Church Council Meeting
December 14, 2010
Present: Keith Selbrede, Randy Churchill, Kris Korzan, Steve Kohl, Donna Kohl, Geordan Goebel, Charlene Sakioka, Susan Prosser, Pastor Erik, Pastor John
The meeting was called to order at 7:06 p.m.
Devotions were prepared by Bob Brundage and read by Char Sakioka. After the devotions Randy Churchill took a moment of personal privilege to announce that Kris Korzan has been accepted to West Point. Applause followed.
The minutes were reviewed and approved as printed.
Pastors Reports:
Pastor Erik
· He gave a summary of recent activity from the Service & Missions Committee, including the annual Hickory House Christmas event, support for six families (organized by Kim Avery), Operation Christmas Child (Fun With Faith), Alternative Christmas market (malaria project) and Fair Trade craft sale (which raised $990).
· He reported that Martin Mannason was interested in having a dinner at the church on Christmas Eve for those who might not have family to be with. As an alternative, he offered baking cookies to give out after the services. Discussion suggested there would be great challenges in finding people to help on Christmas Eve. Better to find (soon) an alternate date when more people would be willing to help? 12/26? The first Sunday of Jan?
· He asked whether we might be interested in sponsoring Kimberly Avery as she competes in the Miss Ventura County pageant. Council felt official and financial support from the church would fall outside of our mission statement and be inappropriate.
Pastor John
· Reminded the Council of the process for accessing memorial funds.
· Alerted the Council that we have a ‘new’ staff member: Jayne Pompey is the new bell choir director (1/1/2011).
· Thanked Helping Hands for their good work and Crossbeams for giving up their 12/3 program for the larger than expected Janet Kohlmeier memorial service.
· Alerted the Council that there is a new liturgy coming in the new year for the Traditional Services. Setting 8. Sample available on the church website.
· Reminded the Council of the dates for the Annual Meeting (1/30/2011), Leadership Retreat (2/5/2011) and Council installation (2/6/2011).
Treasurer’s report:
· Randy briefly walked us through the P&L statement, the year to date budget report and the balance sheet. Bottom line: we’ve got money in the bank and we are in a good financial situation. Indications are that congregation is in a supporting mood and we are in good shape for expanding the budget.
· We received another anonymous $10,000 end of the year stock gift.
· The question was asked, related to stocks we own, about our exposure to risk with these investments. No clear answer at the ready but this is on the table for discussion and action early in the new year.
· The question of an audit of the church’s books was also raised. Agreed we should have one. We have a committee in place. It has not been done for several years and with the new financial team in place, now is a good time.
Committee Reports
· Fellowship – Planning another Chili Cook-off at 4 p.m. on January 30, 2011 to lead into the Annual Meeting.
· Service & Mission – See Pastor Erik’s report above.
· Worship & Music – See Pastor John’s report above.
· CDC – Donna Kohl explained that this was her first meeting and she is looking for guidance as to her role. Randy mentioned that the Preschool has recently had its Worker’s Comp. classification changed and their rates are increasing about 272%. We should be aware of the impact this might have on their annual ‘facility use’ contribution to the church.
· Nominating Committee – Keith has gathered the committee and is helping them to get going and will continue to provide leadership. They meet again 12/16/10.
Action items
· Membership growth. Susan asked if we had numbers of new members in 2010. Pastor John did not have them at the ready but they will appear in the Annual Report. Steve Kohl said he would work on revising the metrics we use for determining the increase in membership – worship, baptized, confirmed, etc.
· Time & Talent follow up. Pastor John reported that we have received most of the T&T reports we are likely to get. The complete listing will be available at the annual Leadership Retreat. And the accountability list will be revised so every category has a name who will follow up with those who have volunteered.
· By-law changes. Proposed changes have been published on the website and a paper copy is available in the Narthex.
· Stewardship program update. As of 11/30 total pledges are $339,348 and additional pledges are still coming in. Jenny Christensen reports that nearly $50,000 of this is new pledging, both by new members and those who had not pledged previously. Also, 50 households have indicated plans to give but not pledge.
· Keith reminded everyone that contributions to the Annual Report are due 12/26.
· New Bell Choir director – see Pastor John’s report above.
· Budget review/discussion. Susan led a step by step narrative of the 1st draft 2011 budget. Randy gave praise to Marilyn Gardner for her support to the process in her new role as Bookkeeper and to Susan for her leadership. Susan complimented the members of the Budget & Finance Committee for their help, which comes from much experience.
· This looks to be the first Mount Cross budget that will exceed $500,000.
· Category by category, Susan detailed the proposed amounts for both income and expenses, filled in background justification for the requests and answered questions the Council had.
· All categories were reviewed by all except the compensation for the pastors.
· When pastor’s salaries were discussed, the pastors were excused.
As Pastor John was the secretary pro tem, the time of adjournment will have to be filled in later.
Respectfully submitted,
Pastor John W. Soyster
Recorder pro tem
Council Minutes
November 9, 2010
In attendance: Bob Brundage, Bob Cole, Kris Korzan, Randy
Churchill, Charlene Sakioka, Keith Selbrede, Susan Prosser
Absent: Lisa Hatfield, Mike Laskey, Pastor John, Steve Kohl, CDC rep.
Devotions: provided by Susan Prosser, story of Douglas and the empty hand that was the teacher’s, moral: you never know who you will touch when you reach out
Approval of minutes: moved and seconded to approve minutes with minor changes
Body of Christ Report: no report due to assigned council member being gone
Pastor Erik’s report: (see report on the web-site) shared newsletters from LRCC (Lutheran Retreats Camps and Conferences), shared update on Many Meals, shared about youth service projects and thank you’s
· It was commented on the report in regards to Many Meals…expressed concern about sign-ups not filling up fast enough…need more on-going publicity…newsletters, temple talks, sign-ups on patio, brochure, photographs, etc. to keep it in people’s minds,
Treasurer’s reports: Randy passed out Profit and Loss statements, and Balance Sheets to the council, we do have a deficit, but we are under expenses, we have been in similar financial situations before and usually are able to break even when we include the extra giving around December and Christmas.
· It was commented on that we still need to give some extra publicity to make congregation aware of our deficit and need to make final giving “push” before the new year.
· It was then commented that whatever we say to the congregation we lift up positive with the concern and especially thanks to those who have pledged and followed through at a 99% rate.
· People expressed that last year’s newsletter article was well-written and a gentle reminder that the church can use year-end gifts and that they are tax deductible.
Committee reports: (see the web-site for full minutes) highlights:
· Fellowship…is sponsoring Sunday School program, providing pizza dinner, theme is LIGHTS (Let’s Invite God into our Hearts Together), people are invited to someone to come to Christmas program who might not be able to come otherwise and then take them out to look at lights after
· Property…property is being re-keyed this Thursday, November 11…notices will be put out for people to get new keys…Church work party scheduled for Saturday, December 4th at 8:00 AM…special thanks to neighbor whose landscapers trimmed our trees for free
· Council was reminded that Annual reports from committees need to be submitted by December 26.
· Annual meeting will be on Sunday, January 30th…Fellowship committee suggested that we do the chili cook-off theme again this year, but re-vamp some of the ideas, council suggested some new categories. The time was set as 4:00-5:30pm…meeting starting at 5:30pm…council gave the “nod” to Fellowship to run with the dinner and theme
Action items:
Budget process…appeal has gone out to all the committees to get in budget requests by November 22, a number of requests have already come in…it was brought up that we might do a second appeal to remind committees again to get their requests in on time.
Stewardship process…it is very heartening that pledges have increased this year up to 121 from 101 giving units last year, it was commented that the door-to-door, person-to-person stewardship campaign seems to make a difference in terms of response
New Business:
· It was commented that we had talked about a flat screen TV or Powerpoint projector for Parish Life Center, new computers for church office, wiring for video and sound so that activities in sanctuary could be seen in other areas of church campus
· The idea was that we might come up with a “technology plan”…a comprehensive vision of new technology for church campus
· A regular visitor to Mount Cross suggested doing a Thanksgiving meal for those from church who don’t have other places to go…the council thought that the Many Meals night already filled that need, suggested that the person be directed to serve there or other areas like chili cook-off
· Randy Churchill moved to elect Kris as vice-president since he is stepping down to be treasurer, seconded by Charlene Sakioka
Adjourned at 8:45pm
Mount Cross Lutheran
Church
Church Council Minutes
Meeting called to order at
In attendance: Susan Prosser, Bob Cole, Kris Korzan, Geordan Goebel, Pastor John Soyster, Bob Brundage, Carol Paul, Pastor Erik Goehner, Charlene Sakioka, Randy Churchill, Stephen Kohl
Absent: Keith Selbrede, Lisa Hatfield, Patti Stouch, Mike Laskey
Devotions by Bob Cole Music instruments of the old testament. God is not limited in the ways to use instruments nor ways to praise Him.
Approval of Minutes: Moved that minutes be accepted with minor change.
Body of Christ Report: Bob Cole: Strengths: friendliness, lot of different ways of showing caring, choirs, fellowship, people, pastors. needs to appeal to younger demographicOne person questioned noted that people must get involved in activities to get to know people. Weakness: appeal to younger demographic. Discussion of mid-20s people: perhaps there are fewer people in that demographic in Camarillo. There should be plenty of young people because of the University and community colleges. Do other local churches have large groups of this age? Maybe we could share resources and activities. Maybe we should try to start hosting a group of 20-somethings.
Pastors’ Reports
Pastor Erik:
Good response and attendance at rock service last weekend.
Special service for dedication of grave marker for Kayla Gucciardo. Suggestion to start some idea to carry Kayla’s name to commemorate the accomplishments of her life so other young people may ask about her and be inspired by her.
Pastor John: Proud moment this weekend with rock service.
Many First Communicants.
Stories of Faith in Action may be added to annual report.
Bishop’s meeting: general thought is that all churches should make on-line contributions possible. Also, there are no Council membership contacts/links on our website and this should be remedied in some way.
Questions raised about the data collected regarding attendance. Original idea last February was tending old members as well as encouraging new growth. Will we use the data to start a planned program to contact those MIA, using different levels of contact, eg, postcard, phone call, etc? Would this fall on caring committee (which does not currently exist)?
Treasurer’s Report: Randy Churchill will ask for a change of report format for ease of understanding. Consulted with Bob Winters. There was a posting omission which has now been corrected. Because we have a substantial amount of money in designated and memorial accounts, Randy proposed surveying computer needs. Computer consultant may provide needed installation etc. as his donation to the church. Randy will call Audit Committee to request audit. There has been some concern about the handling of donations after services. The Nominating Committee should look for someone who is interested in being Treasurer before congregational elections. Work comp insurance audit is to be done this week.
Question about designated funds: In the past, the Treasurer made decision for management and use of these funds. Memorial funds are usually used with the approval of family.
Committee Reports:
Budget and Finance: Figure looks different than Treasurer’s report because this number reflects what was budgeted, not actual.
Request will be put out to Committees for proposals for 2011 budget. May also open conversation with MBC Committee to add their activities to the budgeting process. Used to be a function of WELCA but is now a function of the whole congregation, so maybe it should be a congregational budget process.
While we are transitioning fiscal personnel is deemed to be a good time to address budget category and process changes.
Music and Worship: discussion of merging services while keeping integrity of each service. Will try to launch Setting 8 in January. There is openness to interplay but not total change of either format.
Service and Missions: Alternative Christmas focus on ELCA malaria project.
Endowmnet Committee: will meet with planned giving representative about legacy giving, etc.
Action items:
Time and talent sheets: Improved use of time and talent evidenced by those serving at the CDC dinner this past weekend.
Proposed bylaw changes: changing commission to committee. Also, changing bylaws to reflect what is really being done. Can this be handled as continuing resolution? This is not a constitutional amendment, this is a bylaw change. If we put it on the agenda early, then we can use the changes later at the meeting…. Maybe. Changes must be submitted to the Council and Congregation in a timely manner. Annual meeting January 30, 2011. Moved that proposed amendments as put forth be presented to the congregation. This is: + to allow proclamation passage of slate.
+ reflect that nominations for council are not usually established by November.
Seconded and approved by proclamation.
Stewardship: baskets are moving. Unfortunately, someone left a basket on someone else’s front porch; it was unknown how long it had been there.
Meeting adjourned at 8:50 with the Lord’s Prayer.
Next meeting:
Devotion: Lisa Hatfield
Body of Christ Report: Lisa Hatfield
Respectfully submitted,
Carol Paul
Council Secretary
Meeting called to order at
In attendance: Susan Prosser, Bob Cole, Kris Korzan, Geordan Goebel, Pastor John Soyster, Bob Brundage, Bob Winters, Carol Paul, Pastor Erik Goehner, Charlene Sakioka, Randy Churchill
Absent: Keith Selbrede, Lisa Hatfield, Patti Stouch, Stephen Kohl, Mike Laskey
Devotions by Kris Korzan: Genesis 32:22 Jacob wrestles with God. What our names mean.
Approval of Minutes: Moved that minutes be accepted as published.
Body of Christ
Report: Randy Churchill: forum of 8 men:
Pastors’ Reports
Pastor Erik:
Update on Many Meals: Coordinator is Erin Carty. She has set up a separate e-mail/website to sign up for Many Meals. If we transfer coordinators we don’t have to update. Peace Lutheran is our partner on second Thursdays.
Josh Graziani has talked with Pastor about Learning Committee creating a Children’s Ministry Team to work on Christmas program, Sunday School, VBS, FWF. There are also people to coordinate high school youth ministry and confirmation (guides). Adult Ed still falling on Pastors to shepherd.
Special worship service October 10: Praise Band with Prodigal Son theme.
Bishop
Stewardship Dinner next Monday in
Pastor John:
Pastor John
led a memorial service for Bernice
Gunther. She was a resident of
Good feedback from summer service theme.
Time and Talent sheet should be edited by each committee.
Cooks Club: Hanging of the Greens is coming up. May consider re-naming group. May make it a “task force” configuration: Bar-B-Que, Breakfast Club,
Sept 18 worship assistant reminder announcement. All tasks have been revised.
Treasurer’s Report: August was not a good month. Deficit $16000. 3 paydays and only 4 Sundays. Susan Prosser noted that Sunday attendance compared to last year was 125 less. YTD not suffering because expenses less than budgeted. Marilyn learning details of week-to-week bookkeeping tasks. By end of month she will be well-trained. The new Treasurer will be taking over Oct 1.
Bob Winters was given recognition for his years of service and his new position, consulting as needed in the future.
Committee Reports:
Stewardship: Vineyard-oriented baskets going out to vignettes, pony-express style, on October 3, returning October 24. Keep grapes and bring them to church to attach to mural vines. Neighborhood foremen will monitor progress of baskets. Phase 2: follow up those who did not respond. Phase 3: neighborhood service project.
Service and Missions: Kris Korzan and
Gordon Henry are Relay for Life coordinators.
Benefit is for cancer research and treatment.
Action items:
Membership growth: New member orientation in October.
Block Party: Damage to altar rail from candles. Sowed good will in neighborhood. Not a lot of consistency in guest book. Pastor John thinks that using phone/e-mail from raffle tickets would change tenor of our invitation to the guests.
Appointment of new Treasurer: Randy Churchill to be appointed as Treasurer to fulfill unexpired term without stipend, moved by Paul, seconded by Brundage,
approved by proclamation.
Blending services: If we could merge traditional and contemporary services, it would be wonderful, melding both expressions in one service. Suggestion will be taken to Worship and Music Committee.
Meeting adjourned at
Next meeting:
Devotion: Bob Cole
Body of Christ Report: Bob Cole
Respectfully submitted,
Carol Paul
Council Secretary
Mount Cross Lutheran
Church
Church Council Minutes
Meeting called to order at
In attendance: Keith Selbrede, Stephen Kohl, Susan Prosser, Bob Cole, Kris Korzan, Geordan Goebel, Pastor John Soyster, Bob Brundage, Bob Winters, Carol Paul, Matt Sobolik (guest)
Absent: Charlene Sakioka, Lisa Hatfield, Patti Stouch, Mike Laskey, Randy Churchill, Linette Angelastro, Pastor Erik Goehner
Devotions by Stephen Kohl: You can never tell where your impact on others ends. Mark 9: 36-37
Approval of Minutes: With minor corrections.
Body of Christ Report: Spoke with 3 people in mid-40s. One expressed feeling comfortable, thinks there is new growth in this age group, feels vibrancy in this age group. One mentioned that at some point in the past the children met in church before being sent off to Sunday School classes. Perhaps that practice might be brought back. This report will be sent to PJ. Consider creating a link to post these reports online.
Pastors’ Reports
Pastor John: Spread
the word that August 29th service will be at
To accommodate congregation for another large funeral,
wiring had to be run from church to
September 18: worship assistant training
Pastor Erik: Written report since Pastor Erik is on vacation. Susan Prosser has comments and questions about Many Meals. It might be a good idea to put a link on our website to the Many Meals website.
.
Treasurer’s Report: We currently have a deficit $9000. Last year at this time we had a deficit of $4000. We increased our spending in this year’s budget. Income is $18,000 less than budgeted. Expenses are less than budgeted by $7,000. Deficit will probably increase in August and September.
Geordan suggested putting Treasurer’s report before Pastors’ Reports on agenda so the Treasurer may leave the meeting earlier.
Committee Reports:
Budget and Finance:
Treasurer replacement (Action Item), to be discussed now so Bob Winters
is available for comment and then may leave meeting. While waiting for Jim Prosser to prepare a
contract (generously offered pro bono)
for the bookkeeper, Tanya Carter,
authorized at the
No one has stepped forward to be Treasurer. Susan is requesting onus of finding a new Treasurer be removed from Budget and Finance. No one has even inquired about Treasurer position. Job has not yet been re-defined to reflect removal of bookkeeping function. The successful candidate will have financial experience and be able to oversee bookkeeping. Motion for the Executive Committee to take on the responsibility to recruit a new treasurer. (Prosser/Paul) Discussion of by-laws allowing this. Motion carried.
Property: Advised
that we will be drilling holes in patio for stabilizing canopy to increase
safety and reduce liability.
Stewardship: Seeking foremen for various vignettes (vineyard subdivisions). Training foremen August 24. In early October, church members will receive stewardship materials and return them to church on October 24. Each Mt Cross neighborhood will to do some service project and will steward a bottle of wine to use during Communion.
Action items:
Neighborhood Open House: Membership has made some good progress toward the Block Party. Door hangers are being made for neighborhood and to put in bulletins for members to give to neighbors and friends. Discussion of live music. Need cones, maybe someone directing traffic. Herb and Jo Holler have generously offered to donate Mt Cross coffee mugs. Youth will be asked to distribute door hangers when they are ready. Susan Prosser will make kiddie treat bags with Sunday School times enclosed. Congregation members attending the event are asked to park on streets.
Rally Day: Day after Block Party. May not be as many tables out as usual because of big block party event the day before. Tailor Block Party to neighborhood, rally Day to church membership.
Meeting adjourned at
Next meeting:
Devotion: Kris Korzan
Body of Christ Report: Randy Churchill
Respectfully submitted,
Carol Paul
Council Secretary
Mount
Cross Lutheran Church
Church
Council Meeting – July 13, 2010
Attendees: Bob Brundage, Bob Winters, Charlene Sakioka,
Pastor John Soyster, Keith Selbrede, Lisa Hatfield, Bob Cole, Susan
Prosser, Steve Kohl, Carol Paul, Geordan
Goebel.
Meeting
called to order by Keith at 7: 06pm.
Devotions
were to be led by Randy Churchill (absent).
Approval
of minutes: Motion to approve with minor editorial corrections
(Brundage/Goebel).
Report
from the Body of Christ by Susan Prosser: Interviewed two mothers: one with young children, one with older
children. Long term members, who were flattered to be contacted. Strengths: people connections, people to
people spirit, pastors are genuine and earnest.
Youth program is good, basics are well covered. Would like to see stronger Sunday school for
adults. Asks if people would go to third hour on Sunday for adult Sunday
school? A little more focus on youth
counseling or include youth that are not naturally drawn and somehow reached
out to. Need for more personal contact
through phone or personal outreach; not so much reliance on email and
website. 2nd person said
family programs are great. Fun With
Faith is a great idea, but hard for working parents to participate. Would like more emphasis on adult
education. Concern that CDC doesn’t meet
the needs of working church-member families (i.e., no extended day care
available).
Pastors’
Reports
Pastor
Erik: on trip. Susan asks about scheduling first communion
directions for k-3 students. Susan
recommends newsletter article explaining the changes and the purpose behind
them.
Pastor
John: Thought Godspell was great. He is very proud of the way the cast and crew
pulled it together. Summer series is
going well. Shared that his response to
Geordan’s concerns about the Synod assembly process gave him time to reflect on
his own feelings about it. He shared
some of those thoughts in his report, and there will be more to come.
Treasurers
Report: net income is better than we thought, small error found, low
impact. Deficit is minus $4,100.00. Our ytd is down about $8500.00 Total expenses under budget.
Committee
reports:
Budget
and finance: Minutes of July 12th meeting posted. No success in finding replacement for Bob
Winters as Treasurer. Pursued finding
bookkeeper instead. CDC bookkeeper has
expressed interest in helping. Lisa
expresses concern about paying a non-member twice what the current budget for
volunteer is to perform a role she feels should be fulfilled by a
volunteer. Bob and Susan share if Lisa has any solutions she is
welcome to offer them. Majority of
council feels a bookkeeper is better idea than continuing to pursue
volunteer. Geordan moved we take four more
weeks to pursue volunteer, but approve finance recommendation next meeting if
no one steps forward. Lisa seconds
motion. Motion defeated. Motion made to
approve authorization to Budget & Finance Committee to negotiate and
finalize contract with Tanya Carter as bookkeeper and modify duties of current
treasurer (Sakioka/Paul). Keith shares
again that more time is needed. Carol
shares people who want to opt out should be honored. Motion carried.
Fellowship: Blueberry table went well. Hot dogs next weekend.
New
Member: Neighborhood open house block
party Sept 11th. Try to invite surrounding neighbors who might
potentially have interest in becoming part of Mount Cross. Food, entertainment, booths, possible blood
drive and 9/11 memorial. Theme of Tending The Vineyard is mentioned again.
Stewardship: Met and organized a skeleton structure of
fall stewardship plan. Minutes are
posted.
Action Items:
Redirect
local benevolence from Camarillo Ministerial Assoc. to Campus
Interfaith. Keith makes
motion to redirect funds; Bob Brundage seconds motion; motion passed.
Meeting
adjourned at 8:58 p.m. with The Lord’s Prayer.
Respectfully
submitted,
Lisa
Hatfield
Recording
Secretary
Next
meeting: Tuesday, August 10, 2010, 7 pm
Devotions: Stephen kohl
Body
of Christ Report: Stephen Kohl
Mount Cross Lutheran Church
Council Meeting – May 11, 2010
Attendees: Bob Brundage, Bob Winters,
Charlene Sakioka, Mike Laskey, Pastor Erik Goehner, Pastor John Soyster,
Carol Paul, Randy Churchill, Keith
Selbrede, Bob Cole, Geordan Goebel
Not present: Steve Kohl, Lisa Hatfield, Kris Korzan, Gail
Baird, Susan Prosser,
Meeting called to order by Keith at
7:01.
Devotion by Mike Laskey: Psalm 30:11-13. God turns mourning into gladness.
Approval of minutes: Change “late”
service to “contemporary.”
Approved, subject to correction.
Report from the Body of Christ by Mike
Laskey: Person interviewed felt welcome
without being pressured. Feels that the
same people do all the work. Another
person thought that more creative ways to worship, eg off-site service with
picnic, might be good.
Pastors’ Reports
Pastor Erik:
Many Meals: July 15 will be our first night. We are paired with Peace Lutheran. We will serve on the third Thursday every
month. Charlene has access to vegetables to use for meals and
carry-away food.
We may also use congregational donations
of fruits and vegetables. Expect 80 to 100
people based on St Mary’s attendance.
Pastor has compiled a list of people interested in helping with Many
Meals but the biggest concern is that we need to get point people to coordinate
tasks. Training session will be at
Trinity June 17th, time to be verified by Pastor Erik.
Confirmation: Class members will have cycled through
contemporary service worship assistants by this Sunday. The hope is to plant the seeds of service. Students are primed for using Time and Talent
sheet in third year of Confirmation Class.
There will be 14 students being
confirmed May 23rd.
Rites of passage: We will recognize graduating seniors and
pre-school students who won’t be here next year to receive a blessing at church
on June 5.
Second annual youth band concert: June 5
at 6:30 to 7:30. Pastor Erik will
use a video at this gathering to inform the congregation about where the high
school summer service project.
Pastor John: Thanks for support as he prepares for
celebration of Kayla Gucciardo’s
life.
Godspell: Mt Cross will be hosting a production of
Gdspell, the Gospel of Matthew presented
in Broadway musical form, July 7-10. The production company will be using our
facilities to practice from mid-May till end of performances.
Newsletter: Will be published once a month for now.
Summer worship schedule: New schedule
starts June 6. Already planning
an end of summer party August 29 at
Mission Oaks Park with one worship service in the park followed by picnic. Pastor John will be taking some Sundays off
because of family needs.
Treasurer’s report: report is on web-site. Last year income was better but this year
our spending/expenses are in line with what was planned.
Marilyn is able to do week to week
bookkeeping in a pinch.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Personnel (Randy Churchill)
Nursery attendants: Discussed request for change in wages for
nursery attendants for special events.
The Sunday morning rate will
remain the same. The request is for
special events (soup suppers, Hanging of Greens, etc) to increase the hourly rate from $8.50 to $10
per hour with a 3 hour minimum. The dollar amount this would minimally
affect the budget. There is a little
space in the budget to provide the funds out of the currently budgeted line
item. Moved, seconded and unanimously
approved by acclamation.
Jenny Christensen is stepping down as
bell director Dec 31, 2010. Discussion
of successor.
Property report:
PLC:
Council apprised of PLC remodeling
plans to include flooring, closet, painting, and possible window
treatments. Discussion of noise, use of
one wall for projection. Motion for PLC
changes made, seconded and unanimously approved.
Ross Crockett Eagle Scout project: Council informed of labyrinth being in
process now. Question of when to ask
Council for approval of plans. Motion to
approve labyrinth made, seconded and unanimously approved by acclamation.
Kitchen maintenance: Property would like to know if Cooks’ Club line item funds may be used by Property for kitchen
repair and maintenance. Pastor John
states he is planning to address inactive groups/activities later in year. No decision nor action taken.
Caring
(Bob Cole)
Van:
Would like to see the van used to get people to church for
functions/services. Would like someone
to coordinate this service. Pastor Erik
and youth are chief users of van. First
Sunday of month high schoolers use van to go to coffee. Need team of drivers and then get word out to
people who would use it. Property
committee is responsible for maintaining
the van.
Endowment (Pastor Erik)
Committee is in process for approving
Endowment disbursements.
Committee chair: Brian Fisher has agreed to chair the
committee.
Fellowship (Charlene Sakioka)
Charlene announced she stepping down
from Fellowship Committee.
Worship and Music (Pastor Erik)
Summer of Service is summer theme. Will include areas congregation is associated
with: Many Meals, Slidell connection,
ELCA, park clean-up, etc.
BUSINESS/ACTION ITEMS:
1. MBC funds: request for laminated flooring is for $800, not $500 as reported. The difference will be taken from the “MBC
Fund TTBD” line which will be reduced by the $300. Tending the Vinyard item is support for
this year’s expenses for our church theme.
Council unanimously approved distribution of funds.
2. 2010 Focus areas
Attendance project: Data from red books now in PJs hands and he
will be deciding what to do with info and passing on suggestions to caring to
respond to information/needs.
Meeting adjourned at 8:32 pm with The
Lord’s Prayer.
Respectfully submitted,
Carol Paul
Secretary
Next meeting Tuesday, June 8, 2010, 7 pm
Devotions: Geordan Goebel
Body of Christ Report: Geordan Goebel
Council
Meeting –
Attendees: Bob Brundage, Bob Winters
Charlene Sakioka, Mike Laskey, Pastor Erik Goehner, Kris Korzan, Pastor John
Soyster, Carol Paul, Randy Churchill,
Keith Selbrede, Lisa Hatfield, Bob Cole, Gail Baird, Susan Prosser
Not
present: Steve Kohl, Geordan Goebel,
Linette Angelastro
Meeting
called to order by Keith at
Devotion
by Char Sakioka: It’s not a blessing to
spread ourselves too thin.
Commentary: Core Values statement
is our way to filter activities so we, as a congregation, don’t try to be all
things to all people.
Approval
of minutes: Unanimously approved as they stand.
Report
from the Body of Christ by Char Sakioka.
Strength is our people. Weakness
includes not directing latecomers for appropriate seating times, routes; lack
of activities for 25- to 40-year-old age group.
Too bad there’s no nursery for early service.
Pastors’
Reports
Pastor
Erik: Installation of Conference Pastor,
Nancy Switzler, at Our Redeemer. Consider pulpit exchange with Our Redeemer
and Our Savior. Thanks to Charlene
Sakioka and Kevin Churchill for organizing Easter breakfast. $1600 donated. May still get a few hundred dollars from
Thrivent. Also thanks to an anonymous
donor for $500 for the youth breakfast.
Confirmation students will be helping out as contemporary service
assistants in an effort to encourage lifelong service in the church. Thank you letter for $5000 donated by MtCross
members for
Pastor
John:
Same
sex matters: new info on website since
report written; will update link.
Treasurer’s
report: report is on web-site. Deficit at end of March $12,000. Three payrolls added $10,000 to expenses. Adda Lukehart gift sent to Endowment
Fund. Endowment fund and Schwab account
looking good since recovered from stock market loss and gifts have been
contributed. Discussion: Is there a planned reserve amount? Should we contribute more to Endowment
Fund? Accelerate mortgage payment? Income is seasonal. Easter weekend income was $17,000. We fully budget our projected income but do
not consciously make an effort to increase reserves. Finance committee will discuss using
designated debt reduction line item and reserves.
Action
Item 6 discussed out of order while Treasurer still present. Budget Committee and Treasurer met to discuss
replacing Treasurer. Job description and
requirements created by Bob Winters.
Budget Committee will ask Council for feedback/recommendations. Constitution requires, since treasurer is a
member of Executive Committee, Treasurer must be a member of the
congregation. Committee still has not
decided on how to proceed with candidates.
Discussion: May consider
accounting service to do the bookkeeping to avoid burnout. May also consider payroll service,
computerized/automatic bill-pay. Checks
require 2 signatures. The Budget
Committee also some correspondence for further increase for mission support and
audit procedures which they will discuss at next meeting.
COMMITTEE
REPORTS:
Bob
Cole (Caring) and Steve Kohl (New
Member) commended for remarkable reports posted. Very informative. Attendance project needs to be defined.
Personnel
will be discussing babysitter.
Worship
and Music will consider starting summer schedule sooner/ ending sooner or
later.
CDC
on track for sign-ups. Summer school
will be 4 weeks, 3 classes.
Caring: need more people/volunteers, especially for
Angel Hands;
Youth: good participation of youth in community
activities.
Service
and Missions: will talk about it
later. TJ trip interest/fears have led
to diminished involvement. This year
only 6-7 people going. May want to
consider doing more local work, for instance, a Habitat weekend or New City
Parish, Indian Reservation. Summer of
Service focus may be implemented. May
develop list of services needed by members of congregation.
Fellowship: wants to work with Membership on block party.
BUSINESS/ACTION
ITEMS:
NEW
BUSINESS:
Thanks to
Gail Baird and Jen Churchill and the other helpers for the Schindler sale. Got $1400 proceeds for church. Thanks to the Schindler family.
Virtual tour
of church may be something we may want to do.
First
Lutheran is now Good Shepherd Lutheran, Association of Free Lutheran
Congregations.
Calvary just
leased out 3M property for youth.
Meeting
adjourned at 8:47pm with The Lord’s Prayer.
Respectfully
submitted,
Carol
Paul
Secretary
Next
meeting
Devotions: Mike Laskey
Body
of Christ Report: Mike Laskey
Mount Cross Lutheran Church
Church Council Meeting – March 9, 2010
Attendees: Bob Brundage, Randy Churchill, Bob Cole, Gerodan Goebel, Lisa Hatfield, Stephen Kohl, Kris Korzan, Carol Paul, Susan Prosser, Charlene Sakioka, Bob Winters, Pastors Erik & John.
Not present: Keith Selbrede, Mike Laskey, Gail Baird.
Meeting called to order by Randy Churchill (Vice President) at 7:03.
Devotion by Carol Paul: Appreciate gifts from God even if they are not exactly what we asked for or expected.
Minutes from the February 6, 2010 Council Meeting. Amendments:
·
Change to read that Bob Brundage is liaison to Endowment Committee from
Council,
·
Change to show that the policy was noted that Budget & Finance
Committee members not serve on other committees.
·
Change: that at next meeting we continue discussion about goals and
themes.
Report from the Body of Christ by Carol Paul. Carol asked two gentlemen about our congregation. Strengths: people are our strength; Pastor John gives great sermon; variety of outreaches and ministry. Needs improvement: want more opportunities to “hang” with more young families; more people need to be involved, but people might not want to get involved because it means a long duration; need to identify new members, pictures if possible; would name tags be an idea?
Pastors’ Reports
Pastor John: thanked us all for vacation to celebrate 10th anniversary. Goals are to work with and support committees. ELCA’s decisions from last August: fresh updates on policy manuals, link is on website. Updating Church Council roster: Linette Angelastro decided not to be elected to a second term. We neglected to elect Bob Brundage to his third term so he was appointed by Council to a new term. Time & Talent accountability project: chart is being sent around to indicate who should be responsible to make sure those who volunteered to serve are contacted. Randy is now the Council liaison to Worship & Music Committee.
Pastor Erik: Had two big snow weekends at camp; 21 students went from high school. Continued discussion of “Many Meals” that was begun at the retreat. Trinity Presbyterian has agreed to host it. Meeting next week to discuss. Mid-May a target date to launch. Hopes to have lay person to help. Investigating younger age for first Communion (those entering Kindergarten). As part of the preparation process, considering an-all church, multi-generational approach to continuing education about the Sacrament of the Altar.
Treasurer’s report: report is on web-site. If you are short on time, look at summary reports. We are okay- running a little deficit. Better than last year this time. Income is a little under budget. Expenses are good.
BUSINESS/ACTION ITEMS:
6. Make, Bake and
Celebrate. Reviewed the process for
receiving requests: must come through a committee to be considered. The MBC Committee should be considered on par
with the other standing committees so that they can have a voice in making
recommendations. Event is April 17.
7. Appointment of a new
Treasurer: Bob Winters would like to
retire this year. Decided that Treasurer
and Budget & Finance Committee should find replacement. Council can make
recommendations, needs to be a member.
Bob has been asked to give framework of position. We will also review the stipend to make sure
it is appropriate.
8. 2010 of focus areas of
action: during retreat we targeted
increase our effort to take care of our own, and proactively see new
membership, or care for those out in the rest of the world. Susan Prosser brought resources from a
previous ELCA evangelism campaign: Christ wants his church to grow -
spiritually, geographically, and numerically.
Other theme was vine and branches, barrel and staves. Steve Kohl shared he has some great ideas for
increasing membership. Tending the
vineyard mentioned, as a Biblical theme.
Leadership (Keith, Randy, Susan, and Lisa) will work with pastors to
review ideas to come up with final choices.
9. Questions raised about the
attendance project. Reasons we ask
people to sign the “little red books” needs to be made more clear. Please put in bulletin. Will Easter Sunday be put in project? Barbara D’Addario is monitoring attendance.
10. Kris Korzan brought a
proposal for a youth job bank. Young
people who are able to do different tasks would be connected with members in
need of services. This is not a fund
raiser for the youth group, but rather an opportunity for youth to earn some
money for themselves. Council was
agreeable.
11. Randy mentions secret
strength of our church is our contemporary service. Asks if we shouldn’t advertise…or make CDs of
the service to share with those who might not know about this option for
worship.
Meeting adjourned at 8:47pm with The Lord’s Prayer.
Respectfully submitted,
Lisa Hatfield
Secretary
Next meeting: Tuesday, April 13, 2010, 7:00 p.m.
Devotions & Body of Christ Report: Charlene Sakioka
Mount Cross Lutheran
Church
Church Council Minutes
Meeting called to order at
Discussion of estate planning: Memorials Committee extant. Council must be sure to send thanks to families for memorial gifts.
New Business:
Selection of committee chairs and liaisons
Discussion: Possible conflict of interest of Budget and Finance members prohibits serving on other committees.
It may behoove Council to encourage cross-training for multiple committees.
Should we establish a New Member Committee? May be same as Evangelism and Welcoming and Caring Committees; maybe we need a new name for current committees; Out-reach Committee would be more friendly than “Evangelism”; perhaps a strategic New Member Task Force/Initiative for the short term would be useful.
Pastor John will help find chairs for committees [needing one] and revive committees needing direction.
Liaisons are communication conduits between chair/committee and Council.
Bob Brundage Chair Endowment
Carol Paul Liaison Property
Kris Korzan Youth Leadership Team Liaison Learning and Youth
Steve Kohl Chair New Member Committee
Bob Cole Liaison Caring
Geordan Goebel Liaison Learning and Youth Chair Sharon Korzan
Linette Angelastro Liaison Worship and Music
Randy Churchill Chair Personnel committee
Executive Committee Mutual Ministry
Lisa Hatfield Chair Stewardship
Mike Laskey Liaison Service and Missions
Susan Prosser Chair Budget and Finance
Patti Stouch/Gail Baird CDC Board
Charlene Sakioka Liaison Fellowship
Keith Selbrede
House Missions [Committee] is staying on list but is not staffed.
Election of new officers
President: Keith Selbrede nominated and accepted by proclamation.
Vice President: Randy Churchill nominated and accepted by proclamation.
Secretary: Lisa Hatfield and Carol Paul as co-recorders nominated and passed by proclamation.
Treasurer: Bob Winters nominated. Bob wants to be replaced by beginning of next budget cycle. Will train someone who can learn/do Quickbooks. Stipend for service.
Financial Secretary: Jenny Christensen nominated.
Endowment: Bob Brundage nominated. All 3 positions accepted by one proclamation.
Schedule for devotions and Body of Christ reports circulated for sign-ups. Council meets 2nd Tuesday of each month.
Question of plans and objectives/focus for this year for each committee was raised at Annual Congregational Meeting. Natural church development imagery may lend itself to this year’s mission and goals. If the Church is a barrel, it is only as large and healthy as the shortest stave. Each stave needs to be long enough to hold the contents.
Next month each Committee should bring goals to use with this barrel with grapevine analogy for this year’s program.
Our by-laws include some rules which may work better for our congregation if they were altered a bit. Pastor John has identified these and prepared the necessary information so the Church ill be ready to address this when we have our next congregational meeting.
Lenten supper schedule: Feb 23 Council
March 3 Property
March 10 Choirs & Praise Band
March 17 Personnel
March 24 Fellowship/Softball
Many Meals: Pastor
Erik has been talking about teaming up
with other churches in
Positive feedback from Council. Financial contribution is about $60 per night but food is donated. May also consider purchasing (at a discount)sacks of food from Food Share for people to take home in addition to meals served. Paper/plastic discounts may be realized by economy of scale if multiple congregations cooperate. Will need to work out 501c for donations for the night that we would
provide financial support. . Randy Churchill moved to further develop plan for community meals. Passed by proclamation. Pastor was advised to call to tell Trinity Presbyterian that the Council endorsed going forward with planning.
Meeting adjourned at
Next meeting:
Devotion: Carol Paul
Body of Christ Report: Carol Paul
Respectfully submitted,
Carol Paul
Council Secretary
Mount
Cross Lutheran Church
Council
Meeting – January 12, 2010
Attendees: Bob Brundage,
Keith Selbrede, Bob Winters Charlene Sakioka, Susan Prosser, Gail Baird, Mike
Laskey, Jason Graziani, Paul Fickenscher, Pastor Erik Goehner, Kris Korzan,
Pastor John Soyster.
Not
present: Linette Angelastro, Carol Paul, Diana Hagen .
Meeting
called to order by Keith Selbrede at 7:03.
Devotion
by Lisa Hatfield, from her ‘antique’ devotional book.
Minutes
of the December meeting were approved.
Report
from the Body of Christ by Lisa Hatfield.
Discussion: Council felt there
was merit in the concern that there be improvement in the training of ushers
and guiding late comers to the service, down the side instead of down the
middle aisle during services.
Pastors’
Reports
Pastor
John: See website for complete
report. Updated his pastoral goals:
Contacting and possibly removing inactive households; more focus on committees that
don’t have chairs; providing further opportunities for discussing/understanding
the decisions that were made at the Churchwide Assembly last summer – how the
interpretation of the Bible and the ministry policy changes. Stewardship responses a few more have come
in, follow up notes will come next. Call
Marilyn if you need time and talent participants. The information is available.
Pastor Erik: See website for complete report. Reported that Gifts of Hope raised just over $8000 (at Mount Cross) and over $50,000 by all participating churches in our conference. Winter retreat coming up at El Camino Pines. “Never-Ending-Night” by junior high youth with four other churches - about 130 kids. It was the first year we did a service project with project understanding in Ventura serving the homeless - made breakfast in a bag - 600 bags over night bef