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MGLC Council Meeting Minutes
October 13, 2005
Members Present: Steve Hanson, Steve Wagner, Shelly Halverson, Sue Schwedler, Kathy Bruha, Erik Scott, Laura Winge, Mike Eggers, Patty Branch and Paul Backer
Members Absent: Todd Treml, Dave Palm, and Geoff Jones
Staff Present: Pastor Durk, Pastor Chris and Melinda Nelson
Guests: Dick Wehrs
Steve Hanson opened with prayer.
Kairos Update
The Schwedler’s and the Grimley’s are working on a video of the Kairos presentation to have available for check out.
Dick Wehrs gave us a Kairos report update. We do what we do as a response to God’s blessings. There is a pattern between the congregation – clear strong message about core mission – articulate that to the congregation. This lays a good foundation. Great appreciation felt in this congregation for our pastors and council. The recommendations are on page 16. Communications Team will be formed – try to answer the questions before they are even asked. Regarding the purpose statement – how do we make it more tangible? Inward vs. outward – to intentionally say what our inward and outward focuses are. What does it mean to be inwardly focused? Break that down into ministry areas.
What is the purpose for each of the new ministry areas and how do we communicate that purpose? The fall stewardship theme is our purpose statement. Mission statement/core values – set the stage for why you are targeting a particular area.
Some numbers for a capital appeal were discussed:
Congregations Capacity at 1 1/2% = 1.37 million, at 2% = 1.8 million, at 2 1/2% = 2.286 million. Look at things like how many members, how many attend worship, average income for zip code = $87,000, average income for county = $79,000, giving to annual budget, operating expenses, how many households versus income estimate per household divided by 3 year appeal = $91 million income.
The Stewardship Team and Pastor Durk invited people to serve on the Appeal Advisory Committee – this will be the core group – Tanya Peplinski, Peter Gjervold, Roger Parkhouse, Roger Nelson, Debbie Kropp, Kevin Kropp and Steve Wagner. Beginning to identify team leaders – Teri Johnson and others have said yes to this task.
The level of enthusiasm, clarity, and passion can determine what % we will attain. We have unique circumstances – it’s a third appeal – 1.5% should be easy. People have a deep yearning for things to be different. The October 30th meeting needs to coordinate with Stewardship – Steve, Todd and Laura.
Is there a similar analysis for general giving – national average is 1.5%. What benefit is there to knowing this number? So we can dumb down to it?
Laura Winge advised that letters have gone out this week – four different styles based on the situation, thanking and encouraging people to continue to be current, or to catch up or to pledge, or consider a one-time gift, or for big gifts that have never been received.
Facilities Team: Steering Committee – is the guiding process; Building Committee is the design process. We would like to draw talent from both teams. This can represent a fresh start – have people on the team who have the respect of a majority of the congregation. This is a new day – honor what we learned – but not be limited by it. Sue Schwedler said it is good for people to say if they want to be on it and see who else wants to be on it. If too many come forward to serve, maybe council chooses. We may need someone who has expertise to lead. Council formally authorizes new facility team.
Keep the congregation informed! We need updated reports in every bulletin – even if nothing is happening. Also, a page on the website with a running record of activity.
Dick provided us with an overview of the process for an appeal. Deepening our spirituality is a main focus. We are a large church appeal so there will be 10 teams. Non-profit guide of 10% of goal = the top gift. Teams will include – Communications – packet of material – case statement, our response sheet, math, etc… Spiritual Life Team – Pastor Chris willing to lead – one page faith stories, prayer partners, etc…Advance Giving Team – identify lead givers (a capacity for making a lead gift or a passion for the congregation)/an event for them, etc….Messenger Team – phone calling (2 calls). Kick this off in February, four weeks prior to pledge Sunday. Pledges start coming in March 1. Invite folks to contribute at same level or better for January and February. Talk about first fruits giving. People could give before the year ends for tax purposes. Leadership Team puts together an event that builds, imagine an upside down wedding cake.
MGLC Foundation Presentation
John Weum and Jeff Zweifel came to present on behalf of the team. The foundation is a trust fund, endowments – what is the benefit? And who will benefit? See handouts. They have been meeting every Tuesday am since July. They want to give a clear picture of how funds will be used – leaning toward New Mission/Outreach, enhancing ministry versus going to the budget, special projects. They want to preserve the principle ½ in fixed and ½ in equity – looking at options for investing. Spend income or perhaps short term loans. Next step is bringing corporation back into good standing with the state, getting tax exempt status, then transfer funds. Currently a $7,900 balance. They would like to do a kick off event, but may wish to wait until late spring to do this (after the capital appeal), they would like information on the Foundation on the website and to create a brochure. The council thanked them for their work thus far.
Pastor Reports
Pastor Chris highlighted Adult Ministry and Caring Ministry. There is a women’s retreat at the end of January and a new Women’s Fellowship Group meeting once a month at Old Country Buffet. They are calling more befrienders and will train at the end of the month. She is involved with the youth committee and doing fundraising together for the Group Workcamp and ELCA National Youth Gathering.
Two fundraisers were approved by the Executive Committee – Butterbraids for the youth and helping an ELCA church in New Orleans.
Pastor Durk reported that Steven Hanson is the chair of the Personnel Committee. We have hired a Janitor – Brandon Peplinski, a job share Receptionist – Tanya Peplinski and a Worship Coordinator – Ken Turnquist. We continue to grow in our Purpose Statement. Discussed hurricane response in New Orleans and the new confirmation curriculum is good. See Pastor Durk’s report for more detail.
Round Rabbits (Ministry Updates)
Worship, Arts and Music – Patty said they are repairing some of the hymnals, there is a new Visual Arts team (Sue is stepping down) and seven people are interested in serving-they will meet Wednesday’s at 8:00 pm, Christmas poinsettias will be ordered soon.
Evangelism – Erik said they are thinking about programming for the year – lots of items worthy of doing, BUT they need people on the team to help execute. Any prayers or names that you can share for people willing to commit to a project would be appreciated.
Stewardship – Laura advised that building, youth and adult have received their Time and Talent lists. More are coming – Tanya is putting them together with names and e-mails.
The goal is to close out this year’s capital fund in a strong fashion. Good news – a $50,000 pledge looks like it will now be received. Customized letters should arrive tomorrow. Fall Stewardship has no special theme – two newsletters about Focus on Stewardship. First edition in October, second edition – 1st week of November with pledge cards, November 13 is first stewardship Sunday. Main theme of first newsletter will be focus on Ministry in Action – Befrienders. If there is anything that didn’t get funded last budget and purpose statement and what each phrase means are future topics. Our giving in general is down – 56 families give 58% of the dollars. 110 families give 0 - $5.00, 300 families give $0. 475 total giving families. All mail will go first class to make sure that they arrive in homes on time. Pie and thank you the week after Thanksgiving.
Adult Ministry – Sue said that there was a Car Care ministry starting and the Women’s ministry is growing.
Social Concerns – Mike Eggers talked about the response to Katrina, Habitat for Humanity efforts for Katrina, and Mission trip – all of these were discussed at their last meeting. Normal updates on DR, JNL, and press release on Group Workcamp. A new idea called Opportunity International are loans to start small businesses – looking at ways this can be used.
Youth – Paul reported that Confirmation is off to a good start. 9:00 am on Saturday is adopt a highway – lots of drivers, not many youth. Our area is East Fish Lake Road – Hemlock to Applebee’s. Boo for Food will be Wednesday, October 26 – good help with driving, Confirmation Dinner is on Thursday, October 27 – help on clean up still needed. Looking at fundraisers – more fundraising requests will come through June of 2006. Senior High events planned – Retreat December 3-4 – cost only $65.00, Peter Eide Concert with Lord of Like and Advent – December 11, Cross Eyed Worship – good event, attendance a little low, Sunday AM Bible Study – Jennifer Martinson is co-teaching with Sarah. New curriculum for confirmation. Confirmation retreats are all lined up. NW Book event – gift-wrap at the store, college care packages – working with Ruth on this. Pop Machine is the biggest revenue creator – looking for someone to shop for pop and load it – to manage the system. Sarah is doing a great job and is a big help.
Youth Director Position is being advertised and an interview team is in place – Deb Raabe, Heidi Schwedler, Geoff Jones, Pastor Chris, Ruth Blom and Jon Brandon. Paul is doing a great job – creating excitement.
Children’s Ministry – Kathy told about a new ministry – Play and Praise meeting the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month in the am – people can just come. October 29 is a Hayride for the family from 5-8 pm; Christmas Program will begin practices October 29. All Saints Braids will be paraded through church on November 6.
Financial Update
Charitable contributions will be received for Hurricane Katrina. $140,000 will come from the city about a week after we sign the assessment document. This is from the easement we are giving to the city.
We are 7-8 thousand behind budget. November 1 ($5,300) and for the next six months, we will pay Kairos for the capital fund appeal. On the capital fund net year to date we are at –52,385. Offerings for September at –9,181 from budget. This gives a year to date variance of –7,877, with a 1 to 2 % discrepancy. $3,500 still needs to be sent to World Servants. Attendance is running steady. It is important to note that we have a $4,500 principal reduction on our mortgage each month. We are running a large positive in Administration and this is because the youth position is making up some of this. Capital Fund at the end of September is $65,943 + a $50,000 gift to come would help our position.
Melinda distributed budget worksheets – begin to think about this for next year. November 1st she would like a preliminary run at the numbers. Can be modified if you are meeting with your committee’s after November 1. December council will review the budget.
New Business
There are 19 new members who wish to join MGLC. Shelly motioned to accept the new members, Paul seconded, all approved. Listing of new members provided.
It was reported for Dave Palm that we are going to declutter some areas of our church building. We need to clean out some things. A dumpster will be available on a Saturday am. They are working on a fast and simple plan.
Approval of September Minutes
Motion to approve the September 8 regular council meeting and September 27 special council meeting minutes. Laura moved, Kathy seconded, all approved.
Meeting adjourned at 9:15 pm with the Lord’s Prayer.
Respectfully submitted,
Shelly Halverson
Next Council Meeting: Thursday, November 10, 2005, 7:00 – 9:00 pm, MGLC
Devotion/Prayer to be led by: Erik Scott