Church Council Minutes

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August 2008 Council Highlights

The Council members for the 2008-2009 year are:

Gary Caldwell, Paula Grassl, Eila Harkönen-Hart, Tim Hutton, Carol Matteson, Dana McIver, Elva Mikk, Gary Rapp, Cathy Smith, Jonathan Trost, Patrick Uhazie, and Bill Weber.

AT THE JUNE 22 COUNCIL MEETING:

  • Officers were elected for the 2008-2009 year: Jonathan Trost, President; Dana McIver, Vice President; Tim Hutton, Treasurer; and Elva Mikk, Secretary

  • The Outreach Funding Team - there was an update given for the Gambela, Ethiopia Water Project. The Council approved $5,000 in funds for this project.

AT THE AUGUST 18 COUNCIL MEETING:

Our guests were Pastor Rick Klafein and Mr. Brian Kane, Executive Director for Interfaith Action. Interfaith Action is a Monroe County-based federation of congregations dedicated to organizing for the common good. It is an affiliate of the PICO (People Involving Communities for Organizing) National Network, which represents 1000 congregations and one million families across the nation. In the words of Interfaith Action’s mission statement,

“We are people of faith who want to build one community where families and businesses can thrive in safe and healthy neighborhoods.”

  • The church council will look at ways in which we might walk with this organization as we seek to be a real and viable presence here in the city of Rochester.

  • In the Facilities Manager’s report, it was noted that there is a significant amount of mold in the nursery. Appropriate steps will be taken to deal with that situation. In the meantime, the location of our nursery has changed. As our bulletins now indicate, parents of nursery-aged children may go with their children to Room 204, on the Sunday School floor. This will not only provide a safer environment for the children but will also give increased exposure of our Sunday School space to parents of pre-Sunday School children.

  • At our meeting we welcomed two of our newest church council members, Carol Matteson and Gary Caldwell.


May and June 2008 Council Highlights

This report covers highlights from May and June 2008 Council meetings. Also, refer to the President’s comments in the Annual Meeting report. Council completed a study of the final chapters of Power Surge. Council members Bill Weber in May and Dana McIver in June led reflections on the next steps in moving forward with action, trusting that some risk taking is needed to yield the results desired. The “light we provide in the darkness” and the love we show toward our neighbors will produce the forward momentum needed in our mission and vision.

In our May meeting, guests Dave Preisinger and Dan Juers led discussion of ways to fashion a closer relationship of support and collaboration as the Nile Lutheran Mission and our ministry evolve. Bill Weber outlined the Facilities Vision Team plan to relate any physical changes in the facility to the developing needs of the church. Those needs will include those ideas being formulated by the Outreach Task Force who plan to have a report by October 2008.

In our June meeting Tim Hutton reviewed the budget proposal and responses from the June 15 Budget Forum. This opportunity to preview the budget was perceived as valuable for the congregation and the staff.


April 2008 Council Highlights

This report covers highlights from March and April meetings. I had the responsibility as Council member to lead the discussions in March regarding how the concepts in Power Surge can be operationalized in the workings of the council and in our committee structure, sort of looking at the nuts and bolts of how this “works” in a real world. We are fortunate to have already benefited from steps in the right direction through the forward looking vision of our pastors and leadership of our Core groups. At our April council meeting Tim Hutton led us through steps in providing training and ongoing support for the leaders of the projects taken on by the disciples.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM OUR MARCH MEETING
Treasurer Tim Hutton reported on the final phase of his annual audit, that of the Community Arts Academy. Molly and Donna appreciated the attention to details and support in their ongoing efforts to provide a program that strives to meet their mandated requirements. Mutual Ministry representatives Dana McIver and Jonathan Trost reviewed their report, providing a summary of the comments of our staff and congregation members gained during their interviews. Recommendations to Council included ways to convey appreciation to those who participate in team efforts, ways to make requests for minor repairs of the facilities, and ways to share leadership responsibilities among our discipleship as we train new leaders.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM OUR APRIL MEETING
Facilities Manager John Sherman brought to us his recommendation of Jerry Brown for the position of Assistant Sexton which Council voted unanimously to approve. The Outreach Task Force provided an impressive report of the population currently served, special Skills and talents provided by the volunteers involved, and the goals and dreams of each of the programs. This analysis also helped identify the resources needed to continue to move forward with their ministries.


January-February 2008 Council Highlights

This report will cover highlights from January and February meetings, as Council will not be meeting until March 31 , after the Scroll dead line. Due to federal holidays, Easter, and Council officers and staff being away, our usual 3rd Monday of the month meetings have been off cycle.
 

You have all received a card with the six marks of discipleship outlined for those of you who have not yet had the opportunity to study the various chapters in Power Surge. Council members Gary Rapp in January and Elva Mikk in February led lively discussions of how these can help our council be strengthened and renewed.
 

AT OUR JANUARY MEETING

Pastors’ Report included a brief review of the Urban Team Cluster Report. The “4 D’s” that we are encouraged to heed include Discerning the needs of the community, Developing our mission, Designing our plan, and Disciplining the laity. We are well on the way with this 4th “D,” and look forward to further discussions with Gerritt Hansonn in the spring about how our church and others in Rochester can best meet the needs of those around us.
 

AT OUR FEBRUARY MEETING

We were joined by Donna Dyer and Molly Hamilton for a report on the activities of the Community Arts Academy. These leaders and their Steering Committee continue to seek ways in which they can reach a greater cross section of our community’s youngsters.

This is one of those times of the year when we all do some stock taking. It is time for the nominating committee to plan for replenishing our numbers for those whose terms are expiring. It is also time to prepare a budget. But just as our Stewardship Committee helped us think about our financial budgeting and giving response, we are also to examine how we as individuals are going to spend our energies and talents. We have outreach programs that are in need of renewed support by means of volunteer hours, publicity, attendance at events, and our prayers. The devotion and energies of groups such as the Community Arts Academy, for one, need some serious bolstering to help this program reach more of the young people for whom it is intended. Each of our Core Groups have been challenged to identify what they need in their budgets to move forward with the focus of their efforts. But it is through the 4th mark of discipleship, Service to those in need, that we can multiply our th impact beyond any budgetary predictions.
 


December 2007 Council Highlights

Once again, Council opened the meeting with prayers of Kyrie and Gloria. Jonathan Trost reviewed the chapter in Rev. Michael W. Foss’s Power Surge dealing with the culture shock that takes place when churches move from a membership model to a discipleship model way of thinking and functioning. Roles and expectations change and training occurs to help use the new found energy and the gifts of talent each person brings to the interdependent discipleship. Daily prayer and daily Bible reading help provide the focus and humility that sees opportunities for sharing, caring and forgiving. We continue our study.

Here are a few highlights from our December 17th meeting:

Pastors’ Report
Using our Mission and Vision statements as a framework, our pastors outlined the past month’s activities. Worship during Advent has been greatly enriched by so many who contribute their time and talent once again for beautiful sights and sounds to express our joy of this season. New Christian Formation projects are underway. Stewardship is gearing up for Commitment Sunday, to take place on March 9, 2008. Council voted to call a Congregational Meeting (in February) to address the need for expenditures for a new sound system. The current system is too outmoded to be upgraded to provide for the needs of the congregation such as an audio loop (for the hard of hearing) and means to properly record our services in a CD format for better distribution. More information in the next Scroll.

Director of Music Report
Jamie provided attendance figures for Choir participation and Vespers. The sandwich board advertising Vespers and the Music Series has been destroyed by the weather, and needs to be replaced. Please see Jamie if there is someone who would like to help create a replacement sign.

Facilities Manager
The East Avenue entrance has been found to be unsafe due to deterioration of the stone steps. A sign has been placed to alert anyone to the temporary inability to use that entrance. Every effort will be made to continue to show the availability of other active entrances and ongoing activities at the church.


November 2007 Council Highlights

Once again, Council opened the meeting with prayers of Kyrie (requests and intercessions) and Gloria (Thanksgiving); very fitting as we approached Thanksgiving Day. Cathy Smith reviewed the 6 elements essential to the success of a discipleship-based church model as presented in Rev. Michael W. Foss’s Power Surge. These six elements are, in themselves, faith building activities long recognized as part of a prayerful lifestyle. An active spiritual life guides leaders who see and cast a vision for the church and help align the institutional structures of the congregation with the vision. Leaders strive to inspire and communicate the vision to the congregation in multiple ways. Our study continues.

HERE ARE A FEW HIGHLIGHTS FROM OUR NOVEMBER 19 MEETING

Pastors’ Report
Using the newly adopted Mission and Vision statements of the congregation and the core groups as a framework, our pastors outlined the past month’s activities as they fit within those statements. A letter from Rev. Dr. Jerrett L. Hansen, was received, expressing appreciation for our participation in the ELCA Urban Team Rochester visit October 26, 2007. We look forward to their feedback in late winter.
 

Facilities Managers Special Report
John Sherman reported on the outcome of the repairs to the parking lot drain system, and the need for further drain system repairs beyond the location of the current blockage removal. Estimates for further work will be reviewed.


Sudanese Ministry
Pastor Doug reported on the African National Leadership Summit which he attended at ELCA Headquarters in Chicago. There was extensive discussion concerning the Sudanese experience in Rochester and our ongoing relationship with the Rochester Nile Sudanese Ministry. There will be further talks in January 2008 to explore the role of Incarnate Word in their future and how this fits within our Mission and Vision.


Council Member Replacement

The Nominating committee presented the name of Bill Weber as a candidate to fill one of the two vacant positions on the board. Council voted unanimously to have Bill join the Council to fill a remaining 2 year term


Inactive Membership List

Following 2 years of deliberation and review, a list of names of inactive members (those who have not attended services or made a financial contribution in more than 2 years) has been accepted by the council. Routine mailings, including the Scroll, will no longer go to those on this list. At any time in the future, anyone on the inactive list can be readily re-activated, receive pastoral care, and be welcomed at any time. Anyone who feels they are being included in this inactive category in error, please contact the church office.

 


October 2007 Council Highlights

As has become our custom, Council members open our meeting with prayers of Kyrie (requests and intercessions) and Gloria (Thanksgiving) as we prepare for the deliberations of the evening. Paula Grassl continued our study of Rev. Michael W. Foss’s Power Surge, exploring the discipleship-based church model wherein all have the ability to minister to others, developing the tools to do this through mentoring by the pastoral staff. Various Core Groups are also in study of these concepts and involved in thought provoking discussions. As we move forward this year, our Mission and Vision statements, prayers and discussions will help us discern the ways in which we can best meet the needs of our congregation and the community in which we live: those to whom we are called to minister and serve as disciples of Christ.

Pastors’ Report
Ongoing Worship and Christian Formation projects were described. Plans for the ELCA Urban Cluster consultation session October 26, were reviewed. Sound system upgrade estimates and recommendations were also discussed and a time frame for potential approval and installation were proposed.

Director of Music Report
Jamie Bobb reported on the success of the October 14 Camp Cory Vesper Service involving music by the six churches’ children and youth that attend the August children’s choir retreat.

Facilities Managers Special Report
John Sherman presented his concerns about the parking lot drain and the estimates for repair of the collapsed storm drain piping. Council voted to authorize this repair as soon as possible before winter weather sets in to avoid future flooding and water damage to the basement wall.

Candidates for the Sunday sexton position have been interviewed. A recommendation for hiring will be brought to our next council meeting.

Sudanese Ministry
Pastor Doug will be attending the National Sudanese Summit at ELCA Headquarters in Chicago in November. Our Rochester Nile Sudanese Ministry relationship continues to be in need of our support and prayers as they grow and serve the Sudanese in the Rochester area.


August 2007 Council Highlights

Pastor Doug opened the first council meeting of the 2007–2008 season, with an introduction to a new book by Rev. Michael W. Foss, called Power Surge. We will be basing the devotions at the start of each meeting over the next year on this publication, exploring the concept of learning to view our congregation in terms of “discipleship,” rather than a “membership.” This “discipleship” model of ministry emphasizes spiritual leadership of the pastors with the congregation of disciples driven by its commitment to mission and vision as they clarify and articulate their values and beliefs. This is an opportunity to examine a new model for our lives and the life of our church.

Council members for 2007-2008: Joanne Lembach, president; Dana McIver, vice president; Tim Hutton, treasurer; Kelley Madden, secretary; Cathy Smith, Paula Grassl, Matt Fuehrer, Jonathan Trost, Gretchen Rehberg, Elva Mikk and Gary Rapp. Here are a few highlights from our August meeting. (Reminder: Council and core group meeting minutes are placed in the notebook below the bulletin board at the entrance near the nursery.)

PASTORS’ REPORT
Thanks to Jamie Bobb and all who helped lead worship on Sunday, August 12 . This service of hymnody and readings was very nourishing to many in attendance. The entire congregation is encouraged to come out for Blessing of the Back Packs on September 2 , Rally Day and installation of Sunday School Teachers on September 9 , the installation of Church Council members and Core Leaders on September 16 , and a special Vespers Service dedicating the th relighting of the bell tower later in September.

SEXTON REPORT
John Sherman presented on overview of his goals and objectives as he examines our building as it is currently, and how it can improve under his scrutiny. He brings a life time of experience in the field of maintenance and management of this type of physical plant that requires care to maximize its performance and appearance. John welcomes comments from the congregation and can be reached through the office and on the voice mail at our main number.


May-June 2007 Council Highlights

Jamie Bobb opened our meeting in May with a reflection on a hymn text in which we consider the mystery of the Ascension from the point of view of the angels. They are delighted and amazed at the transformation of humanity by the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. The angel’s point of view provides a unique perspective for reflection. We, like the angels, can seek the holiness in everyone we meet. We can emulate the life of Jesus, leading to new beginnings in our mission and ministry. In June, Greta Kolcon reflected on her favorite Psalm, Psalm 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God.” How many times are we just too busy. Does it every cross your mind that you are busy simply for the sake of being busy? We need to stop, and remember that everything is for God; it’s about exulting him. Take a minute and look for the reflection in the magazine The Lutheran on the same verse.

  •  Arlene Gashlin was our guest in May, presenting the nominees for the elected positions at Incarnate Word. Thank you to this year’s nominating committee: Arlene Gashlin, Bob Lewis, Jack Pickering, Ulrika Davidsson, Greta Kolcon, and Tom Madden.
     

  • Cathy Smith, Treasurer, presented the proposed budget for fiscal year 2007-2008 as recommended by The Word Supported core group. As usual there was much discussion, revolving around the best way to balance the budget, continue to reach out in significant ways to our community (locally and globally), to grow our programs, to take care of our building and grounds, and to acknowledge the hard work of our staff. We will present a balanced budget at the Annual Meeting; thanks to all of you who contributed so generously to the ministry and mission of Incarnate Word.
     

  • The Word in Action core group is planning an Incarnate Word booth for the Park Avenue Festival. If you’re going to the festival, stop in and say hello. Or volunteer to help at the booth. See Monika Andrews or Dana McIver if you’re interested in helping out.
     

  • Council discussed funding a few exciting new projects: A new sound system (to upgrade and enhance the current sound system in the sanctuary), purchasing new tables and chairs for the auditorium, repairing the lights in the tower and the cross, and patching/striping the parking lots. These capital projects are often paid for with monies from the Greater Incarnate Word (GIW) fund. If you’re interested in helping with upgrading and enhancing our facility, please consider donating to GIW!


April 2007 Council Highlights

Jonathan Trost opened the April Council meeting with a reflection on the significance of the death and resurrection of Jesus. In the Eucharist we are fed spiritually and we receive the forgiveness of sins. Jonathan asked the intriguing question: What blessings would we receive through the Eucharist had Jesus not been raised from the dead? Unlike our praise and jubilation in response to the Easter story, the Bible tells us the people who lived this story reacted with fear, terror and embarrassment to the news of Jesus’ resurrection. Despite all that Jesus had told them, they didn’t expect his resurrection. Jesus knew this; his first words to the disciples were ‘Be not afraid’. We need to think about the disciples’ response–it is, in some ways, completely understandable. The resurrection is quite incomprehensible. It is described, witnessed and declared but we cannot completely understand it, as epitomized by the disciples’ reaction: stunned and shocked. We need to remember their reaction—we should always be amazed, even stunned, at the grace and love that God showed us through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Donna Dyer and Molly Hamilton were our guests, discussing the current Community Arts Academy (CAA) year and plans for Summer Camp 2007. In worship on Sunday, April 22, the Girls’ Ensemble and dance group from CAA will give us a nd glimpse of what they do in this after-school program. CAA continues to look for Incarnate Word members interested in volunteering their time and talents in different capacities. Contact Molly or Donna at
the church if interested.


Pastors’ report
Summer Celebration, an opportunity for kids to put the theme of the worship service into action, will be continued during worship in July and August.

Financially, our expenses for March ran under projected expenses, but income continues to lag significantly. Historically, Easter (April) is a ‘catch-up’ time after the slower months of February and March. It is important that you make sure to be up-to-date in your giving.

Pledges continue to come in to the church office. If you haven’t turned in a pledge card, please do so as soon as possible. Incarnate Word council members, core group chairs and other leaders will be gathering in a mini-retreat in June to discuss the outcome of the February 3 Congregational Visioning Workshop and to plan specific goals for the next 2-3 years.


February and March 2007 Council Highlights

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another. Ephesians 4:32
Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Romans 8: 35

Gretchen Rehberg opened our February meeting with a devotional on the seeds of kindness, based on Ephesians
4:32. Kindness and tenderheartedness comes from within and is manifest outwardly to other people. Jesus showed his compassion with his actions. We can be Christ-like in our words and actions. Start with one kind act a week and it will become natural to express your faith in your words and actions.

In March, Paula Grassl combined readings from Romans and I Corinthians with thoughts about making choices and facing challenges in our lives and as a church. We as a church council hope to make choices that nurture others and help them experience the joy of knowing Jesus. All of us face the challenge of ignoring signals from our culture. The drive to accumulate more and more things, but sooner or later we realize that we feel the most fulfilled when we are giving back. Finally, some people are with us forever, even if they move away or die. We feel the love and spirit of Jesus across more than 2,000 years. We feel his presence and his Spirit is with us. It is his joy and peace that we are driven to convey to others. May God bless everything we do as a church to bring God's love and compassion to others.

Pastors' Reports
Our 9 graders will be traveling to Albany on Saturday, March 24 to meet with our Lutheran political advocate, Daniel Hahn. Along with a tour of the state house, they will learn all that the Lutheran Church is doing to advocate for those with little or no voice in society. Senior high youth (9-12 graders) have an opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. this summer on a servant event to Luther Place, July 23 through July 27.

Treasurer's Report
Expenses continue to run slightly under projected expenses, but income is lagging behind by a larger amount. Please make sure your pledges are up-to-date. An agreement has been drawn up between Incarnate Word and Eastman School of Music allowing students and faculty of Eastman to make use of the Holtkamp and Bohler organs to learn how to apply at mutually agreed upon times that do not interfere with Incarnate Word's worship and rehearsal schedules.

Did you know the Word in Action core group works hard to invite the community to Incarnate Word? You can help, too! Invitations have been created to make it easy to invite your family and friends to Incarnate Word's beautiful services during Holy Week. Invitations will also be hung on the doors of people who live in the community surrounding the church. If you'd like to help Incarnate Word be a more inviting church, please contact Monika Andrews or Dana McIver to volunteer.


Council Highlights—January 2007

In January, Joanne Lembach revisited several themes in Kelly Fryer’s book Reclaiming the “L” Word–Renewing the Church from Its Lutheran Core. One important idea developed in this book is ‘The World Needs What We Have’. How do we as a church let the world know what we have? We are surrounded by God’s love, grace and forgiveness – and everyone should experience the liberation of forgiveness. Over the next few weeks the Stewardship Team and the Visioning Taskforce will be asking members of Incarnate Word to imagine what they want Incarnate Word to look like in 2-3 years. How do we, as a church and as individuals, best tell the world what we have? Think about this and participate in the opportunities listed below to express your opinion and to listen to others.

On January 14, the congregation unanimously voted to use Endowment Fund monies to pay for replacing the boiler. Charlie Myers and members of the property committee have met with representatives from Isaac Heating this past week to finalize our agreement with them.

The pastors’ report highlighted many ‘forward-looking’ events:

Congregational Visioning Event: Saturday, February 3 from 8:15 a.m.– 12:30 p.m. Please contact the office (244-6065) if you plan to attend, but attend even if you forget to tell us. Pastor John Macholz has graciously agreed to facilitate.

Lenten Stewardship Soup Suppers: Sunday evenings in Lent beginning February 25 and continuing through March 11. Each Soup Supper begins at 5:45 and concludes with the beautiful service of Evening Prayer at 7:00 p.m. We’ll eat and talk about stewardship as it relates to our time and place.

OTHER IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES:

  • The new hymnal, Evangelical Lutheran Worship, will be introduced and dedicated on Sunday, February 18.

  • Sunday, March 11. A Mission Faire to be held during Adult Forum.

This is your chance to learn more about what you can do to promote the mission and vision of Incarnate Word. Where can your gifts and passions be expressed at Incarnate Word?


Council Highlights—November and December 2006

For there is no distinction, since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus…    Romans 3: 22-24

While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manager, because there was no room for them in the inn.    Luke 2: 6-7


In November, Tim Hutton continued with our discussion of Kelly Fryer’s book Reclaiming the “L” Word–Renewing the Church from Its Lutheran Core, focusing on the gift of grace. None of us is perfect –we lie instead of tell the truth; we choose to slander someone instead of saying something good. We all need grace–the gift that came through the death of Jesus on the cross. In December, Dana McIver read the story of the birth of Jesus. Luke provides a more down-to-earth Christmas story compared to our current version of the Christmas story. The circumstances that Mary and Joseph found themselves in during this visit to Bethlehem – no room in a secure inn, the need to place Jesus in a manager, the shepherds barging in later in the chapter – these conditions are not the most favorable for a newborn baby, let alone the Son of God! Yet we can ‘see’ God’s grace – in the form of a baby. We can take comfort in Luke’s gritty version of the story – God’s will is done even under the most unpromising conditions!


  • Bill Weber was our guest as chair of the Stewardship Team. This year’s Stewardship appeal is based on Luther’s explanation of the 1st article of the Apostles’ Creed. To summarize, everything we have, and everything we are, is a gift from God. We can and should give generously in response to all God has given us! Core groups are being challenged to think big. The Stewardship appeal will be held in Lent. Be watching for opportunities to learn more about plans for the future at Incarnate Word.

  • The Endowment Board and the Church Council have recommended the use of Endowment Board principal to replace the church’s outdated and original boiler. As required by our Constitution, the congregation will vote on this issue on Sunday, January 14. Thanks to Charlie Myers and the Property Committee for researching options and obtaining bids.

  • Thanks to the Outreach Funding Team for organizing this year’s Jesse Tree, one of the many ways members of Incarnate Word can reach out to others in need. Thanks also to the Word in Action Core Group for organizing activities to celebrate the season of Advent and Christmas. Ask Monika Andrews, Dana McIver, and other members of the core group how you can participate in the core group’s evangelical outreach projects.

IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES IN 2007:

  • A SPECIAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING will be held January 14 immediately following the 9:30 a.m. service to approve the use of Endowment Funds to replace the boiler. (A letter will be mailed to all members of the congregation at the end of December with more information.)

  • A CONGREGATIONAL VISIONING EVENT will take place Saturday, February 3 . All members of the congregation are encouraged to attend.

  • The NEW HYMNAL, Evangelical Lutheran Worship, will be introduced and dedicated on February 18, 2007.

At the Annual Meeting in June, it was agreed that a summary of the monthly financial figures would be included in the Scroll..