August 2022 Council Reports
CONGREGATIONAL COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA
7:00 pm - Call Meeting to Order
7:01 pm - Pastoral Prayer (Ben)
7:05 pm – Approval of July Minutes
7:10 pm – Old Business
7:55 pm – Closing Prayer
8:00 pm – Adjourn to Bandito’s
CONGREGATIONAL COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
PASTOR
August 18, 2022
His mother told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”
John 2:5, appointed for Morning Prayer on the Festival of St. Mary the God-bearer (August 15)
There are a lot of high-priority processes going on right now so I’ll try to focus on each one as I’ve been involved. Please read all the way, your input is needed!
Worship and Education Schedule
As hopefully everyone saw and was able to participate in, we had a captive-audience survey on the summer service and our priorities for worship on July 31, with an online version distributed subsequently. We received 74 responses, which is very good by the standards of our recent survey experience and as a share of our regular worshipers. Those responses were compiled in a PowerPoint by Vicar Kristen: https://clcdallas-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/pastorben_clcdallas_org/EeSsG6W6vF1BoEtb03U0nyEBqRbJlgbZvQHHqIg43MIFFA?e=VQkyGF. In addition, we had a very productive conversation in an open forum on August 14 after worship, which gave everyone the opportunity to vocalize their hopes and fears. Vicar Kristen took excellent notes on that: https://clcdallas-my.sharepoint.com/:w:/g/personal/pastorben_clcdallas_org/ESnntOcmO85Br_3YzRN48WMB28s_nJzVVB9stlx3JfeVnQ?e=35RGB5
While not every concern could be addressed to everyone’s satisfaction, I do not hesitate to conclude that the consensus for worshiping in a single Sunday morning service, for the time being, is strong. The Spiritual Life Team, meeting on August 16, concurred and officially recommends to the council a change to a single service.
This leaves the question of how to organize education and fellowship around a single service. Vicar Kristen and I set out to contact each active Sunday School and Confirmation-age family individually to ask whether their attendance would increase, decrease, or stay the same under each of two possible scenarios:
We want to optimize our education schedule for households with children, as that is both our most precarious demographic group and the one with the most constraints. We trust worshipers who are at a different stage in life to be able to adjust their schedules on Sunday more easily.
Communications Team ACTION ITEM REQUESTED
We met on August 3 to discuss a few items. One is our equipment and system needs, which we asked J.J. Morton, Matthew Breitenstine, and Gary Haschke to compile and prioritize.
The second, and this is where we want council consent, is that we recommend the Communication Coordinator position schedule be changed to Sunday through Thursday. While this would require greater discipline in meeting publication deadlines so that bulletins, newsletters, and weekly emails would be ready to go out, it will allow Sergio to 1) operate the sanctuary livestream as needed, ensuring consistency and quality when J.J. is not present or properly wishes to worship in the sanctuary and 2) answer questions, sign up volunteers, connect visitors and otherwise facilitate congregational communication and functioning during the hours when we are most present and active. It was noted that he often ends up handling door locks, printing more bulletins, and doing other as-needed tasks on Sunday anyway, as well as attending meetings during education hour or after church. This would allow us to make better and higher-value use of his skills and his area of operations. I do not believe this requires a motion to approve, but if the council wishes to prevent or delay this change, this is the opportunity to do so.
Youth and Family Ministry Future Directions and Hiring
A working group of Angela Carden, Jaclyn Kitchens, Veronika Czutor, Vicar Kristen and me has been meeting to formulate a job description for the role vacated by Marc Hatcher’s departure. Our working draft re-balances the role away from direct teaching of Confirmation and older youth and toward recruiting, organizing, and planning more volunteer-led education, along with maintaining primary responsibility for youth trips, special events, fundraising, and communication.
As we revise the job description, we are also having to answer questions about how Sunday School and Confirmation will look going forward. The tradition of Wednesday-night Confirmation cohort meetings is no longer viable. This has been true for the last year, during which participation (outside of Lent) peaked at three or four but averaged one or two. Two of those four maximum participants have since been confirmed. Our maximum middle-school cohort at this point is perhaps four, none of whom are eager or even able to attend regularly on Wednesdays.
Consequently, we are discussing moving our Confirmation model toward a combination of
1) Sunday morning group/education activities combined with high school students, who may be invited to serve as formal “confirmation sponsors” for middle-grade youth, and during which basic Catechism and Bible topics will be covered;
2) worship notes and ministry participation (as acolytes, altar guild helpers, ushers, assisting ministers, livestream operators, communion assistants as they feel comfortable and willing); and
3) trips, D-camps, confirmation retreat, service events or other activities as deemed fitting and appropriate as requirements before confirmation.
Once whatever mix of these elements we choose has been fulfilled, a child will be approved for Confirmation.
In addition, we have to choose between two possibilities for the staff role that will guide this process along with all other youth-and-family related programs:
1) Director of Youth and Family Ministries (~25-30 hours), focusing exclusively on children and the parents who reside with them
2) Director of Faith Formation (full time), focusing on learning and discipleship for all ages (including coordinating education, organizing retreats for adults, option of working with staff or synod effort on campus outreach)
There is both a budgetary dimension and a mission-focus dimension to this choice. We may not be able to responsibly offer a full-time position right now. We may find it prudent to offer a part-time role with the hope of expanding it after a good pledge campaign. Or we may prefer to be aggressive in our planning and challenge the congregation to grow, both in giving and participation. I do not wish to be imprudent, but from where I sit, the risk of excessive caution is greater than the risk of excessive ambition. However, any choice needs to be plausibly realistic. Our goal is to be able to post the job before the end of August.
School-Year Blessing and Outreach to Preschool
This event was workshopped and scheduled and planned with lots of help and input (special thanks to recent visitor Sunny Kern, who urged us to look for “launchpad” events that could serve as an opportunity to “reach out to change lives”). We paid a small sum for promoting the event on Facebook (allowing us to “reach” some 1300 people and get 28 “responses,” which is considerably more than our events normally get). By coordinating with the preschool and inviting Mount Olive, we can expect a strong turnout.
Our key task is following up on this: trying to get as much contact information as we can, making multiple invitations to Sunday School and future events, etc. Our goal is to “reach out” but not just for the purpose of having a full sanctuary, but to “change lives.” Staff will work on contacts and Pam and Sam will be present for the preschool families, but the more people we have to greet and invite, the better.
Mount Olive Partnership
I have been peripherally involved with conversations about Mount Olive’s parking lot deal and some other issues of developer interest in the area, as well as Pr. Bruning’s need to take a further step back from leadership. The congregation remains very active with the food ministries and wishes to work with us on a visit to Tulsa’s “Black Wall Street” historic site and other areas of cooperation. I have extended offers of pastoral care but have been deliberate about not accepting more responsibility than I have been asked for or can reasonably take on. My hope is to propose a structure with multiple funding sources that would provide some consistent (if very part-time) pastoral labor to Mount Olive and other mission fields in central Dallas.
Building this partnership has been a slow and sometimes frustrating process but it is an important way that we seek to fulfill our mission to reach out to change lives.
Wider Church Activities
I have been invited to speak at St. Augustine’s House for their Fellowship Day, October 15.
After the ELCA churchwide assembly voted to authorize a new constitution, I wrote a lengthy consideration of possible futures for our denomination. It seems to have provoked some discussion: https://benjamindueholm.substack.com/p/you-say-youll-change-the-constitut
I will be at the Candidacy Committee meeting and retreat for most of the day on August 19 and 20.
Pastoral ActivitiesJuly 19: Internship supervision
Agenda meeting
Spiritual Life Team
July 20: Preschool chapel
Phone conversation with prospective clergy coach
Staff meeting
Youth and Family Team
July 21-24: Youth trip to Hill Country
July 26: Meeting with New York Times national religion correspondent
Internship supervision
Youth and Family Working Group
Men’s Group planning meeting
Phone call with council prospect
Preschool Team
Church council
July 27: Preschool chapel
Staff meeting
Pastoral care visit (hospital)
July 28: Phone meeting with Jennifer Hachmeister (synod MEF)
Youth programming meeting
July 29: Scott Kludt visitation
Pastoral care outreach (text)
July 30: Scott Kludt service
July 31: Preach and preside at Holy Communion
Stewardship working group
August 2: Youth and Family working group
Pastoral Care meeting with Vicar Kristen and Virginia Worley
Online Bible study for preaching
Meeting with returning church member
August 3: In-person meeting with prospective clergy coach
Communications Team
August 4: Lead men’s breakfast and Bible study
Meeting with member for funeral planning
Internship supervision
Meeting on School Year Blessing
August 7: Organize youth-led worship for 8/14
Preach and preside at Holy Communion
Pastoral care (in person)
August 8-11: Out of town
August 12: Youth and Family working group
Pastoral care (text)
Preschool end-of-year chapel
August 14: Preside at Holy Communion
Lead Congregational Forum on worship schedule
August 15: Phone meeting with ELCA seminarian
Internship check-in
August 16: Eastern Mission Conference meeting w/ Bishop Gronberg, New Life in Christ Duncanville
Wedding planning conversation (phone)
Spiritual Life Team
August 17: Mount Olive blessing bag distribution
Meeting with Dr. Nahkur on Sunday worship
Phone calls to Sunday School parents
Pastoral care (phone)
Pastoral care (text)
Council executive team meeting
August 18: Meeting with Veronika on preschool worship concept
internship supervision
Additional production:
4 weekly news intros
1 newsletter article
2 sermons
1 Dallas Morning News op-ed (rejected)
Respectfully submitted,
Pastor Ben Dueholm
MUSIC DIRECTOR
July/August
Services/rehearsals
Preludes, hymns, liturgy, offertory music, postludes
Communion music recordings
Soloists - accompaniment parts
Rehearsals with soloists
One License, CCLI - online reporting
Audio monitoring
Soloists/Cantors/Choir schedule - August/September
Guest singers - scheduling
Choir/Soloist videos - production/editing/mixing
Memorial service - preparation, rehearsals with soloists and choir
Christ Notes article
Music ministry monthly report
Meetings: Staff, Spiritual Life, music planning with Pastor Ben, congregational forum
Communication with members
The following soloists led worship with a variety of repertoire in July/August: Laura Haynie, Betsy Lintel, Kevin Bernauer, Sanctuary Choir and Tanya Browne
Dr. Hando Nahkur
Music Director
Christ Lutheran Church
CLP EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Our Family Chapel and Farewell Celebration was held on Friday, August 12 and was well attended. Thanks to Pastor Ben, Vicar Kristen and Veronika Czutor for their participation in leading us in song and prayer. After the service, parents and children enjoyed some of the children’s favorite activities in each classroom.
We appreciate the efforts of Racheal Kerr, Rita Horst, Bonnie Tollefson, Ginger Hagens and Linda Palafox for all of their hard work this summer as they reorganized our preschool library. They took the time to sort through hundreds of books and arrange them to align with our thematic curriculum. This will be such a help to our teachers as they prepare for their lessons each week. Our teachers are so grateful!
Previous protocols were effective in eliminating the recent spread of COVID-19 in the preschool. Thus, in response to changes in recommendations from the CDC and Dallas County regarding COVID-19, the preschool has adjusted protocols to recommend, but not require, quarantine of those exposed to COVID-19 and to continue to require isolation of 5 days returning with a negative test for those infected with COVID-19.
We are now fully staffed and excited about the new additions to our teaching team! Teachers participated in 3 days of professional development and preparation for the coming school year on August 17-19. One staff member is on a brief leave of absence.
CLP staff are participating in the Blessing of the School Year on August 21, hosting an Open House for families enrolled for the 22-23 school year.
The Personnel Committee has assisted the CLP Admin Team in making some minor clarifications to a few employee policies; the handbook will be updated following approval from the Preschool Ministry Team. The Committee has also advised us regarding an employee with the need for a leave of absence.
Enrollment continues to gradually increase. We anticipate enrollment to be at or near 70 at the beginning of the school year on August 22.
Preliminary work on the 2023 budget has begun—the Preschool Team will reach out to the Finance Team to assist us early in this process.
Action requested of Council:
None at this time
Respectfully submitted,
Joanne Osterland, CLP Executive Director
PRESCHOOL BOARD
YOUTH AND FAMILY MINISTRY
COMMUNICATION COORDINATOR
Deadlines:
Sergio Peña
ADMINISTRATION MINISTRY
PERSONNEL
Personnel Committee – August update
PROPERTY
August 16, 2022
2. A/C Vent Repair – The A/C leaks above the sanctuary have been repaired.
3. Painting – The painting outside the south sanctuary entrance is complete
4. TV/Parlor – The TV has been hung and is all hooked up in the parlor.
5. Electrical Circuits – Two electrical circuits have been added to the choir loft area.
6. A/C Issue, Duckling Room – The A/C issue in the Duckling Room has been completed.
Respectfully Submitted,
Lisa Nelson
COMMUNICATIONS MINISTRY
COMMUNITY LIFE MINISTRY
August 1, 2022
In attendance: Barbara Bierman, Ginger Hagens, Sharon Karol, Michelle Lamb and Connie Uhri
The committee discussion was focused on increasing outreach to the community in a post-pandemic environment this year, including adopting a new ministry as well as reestablishing some of CLC’s previous outreach ministry.
We also discussed the following projects for additional outreach to the community: Pajama Drive for elderly/home bound individuals; Blood Drive in our parking lot after church on Sunday open to the neighborhood; Sneaker Drive for Mt. Olive; Sock Drive for Mt. Olive involving the Sunday School class
Pastor Linda of St. Luke’s related a story to Connie about putting up a sign with rainbow colors saying “All Are Welcome here!” She said it received a very positive reaction and drew in new worshippers. We also briefly discussed the concept of the Reconciling in Christ (“RIC”) designation.
Connie also mentioned St. Luke had an 8’ high double door cabinet that stores canned goods and non-perishable items that is open to the public for those in need.
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon Karol
CONGREGATIONAL LIFE
Our Committee is meeting on August 20 to work on pantry inventory and preparations for the Back to School Blessing and CLP Open House on August 21. We will also be outlining plans for fall events.
Thank you to Lisa Nelson for picking up doughnuts every Sunday in August—it’s amazing how those continue to disappear each week!
Events completed since last report:
July 24: Returned to coffee in Narthex. Homemade cookies and muffins were served. Volunteers providing food were Barbara Bierman, Connie Uhri and Virginia Worley
July 30: Luncheon following Scott Kludt memorial. Barbecue paid for by Scott’s brother, Paul; all sides and desserts provided by the Congregational Life Team and Friends at Christ.
July 31: Coffee and light snacks served narthex: Ginger Hagens; Pam Stein
Aug 7, 14 and 28: The return of doughnuts! Ushers making coffee in narthex.
Aug 21: Back to School Blessing in cooperation with Preschool: Goodie bags for youth; cookies and breakfast breads in Fellowship Hall.
Council discussion requested for:
Pam Stein
FINANCE MINISTRY
Finance Committee Report – August 2022
SPIRITUAL LIFE MINISTRY
Tuesday, August 16, 2022
Members Present: Pastor Ben, Dr. Hando Nahkur, Vicar Kristen, Rev. Joan Copeland, Cheryl Kowalczik, Laura Smith, Karen Morton, Gary Haschke, Cathy Barr.
The meeting was called to order at 7:03 pm. Pastor Ben led us in prayer.
1. Church Service Schedule Recommendation to Council
There was a thorough discussion including the Sunday Worship Time Survey and Vicar Kristen's notes from the forum following the service. The SL Committee will report to Council that we recommend one service on Sundays. The timing for Sunday School and Church will be decided after Pastor Ben and Vicar Kristen reach out to families with children for their time preference for Sunday School. Pastor Ben anticipates 9:00 am Sunday School, 10:15 Worship and 11:XX Fellowship/Special.
2. Retreat Planning Process
Joan said her goal is helping people draw closer to God rather than having a topical approach. Pastor and Joan will meet next week and have more information at the next meeting in September.
3. Other Business/Housekeeping
Prayer Ministry
July 31: Linda Palafox, Virginia Worley, Vicar Kristen and Cathy mailed cards with photos of the Church window, a bible verse and personal note to 16 individuals included in prayers for healing and homebound members. Cards will be mailed again in November. Other ways to reach out were discussed including holding a meeting in an individual's home or at an assisted living facility.
Scott Kludt Memorial Baseball Outing
Ashley Mahon will sing the National Anthem at the Rangers game September 24. Pastor is working on a memorial for Scott Kludt at that time.
Gary told the group that Hando's latest CD won a silver medal in the Global Music Awards.
Next Meeting: September 20 at 7:00 pm.
Adjournment
Following The Lord's Prayer, the meeting was adjourned at 8:01 pm .
Thank you to Vicar Kristen for detailed notes of the meeting. These will be kept on file for reference.
Respectfully submitted,
Cathy Barr, SLM Chair
7:00 pm - Call Meeting to Order
7:01 pm - Pastoral Prayer (Ben)
7:05 pm – Approval of July Minutes
7:10 pm – Old Business
- Administrative Delegation & Support (placeholder to be discussed later)
- Automation of Calendars, Meetings, Website, (SharePoint Calendar)
- Calendar on SharePoint for the 2022-23 Church Year
- Adapting CLC Sanctuary for Children (placeholder to be discussed later)
- Update on New Member Outreach Dinners
- Vote on Single Service:
- What time for service, adult ed, Sunday School and Fellowship
- Congregational Life Upcoming Events and Planning – Pam Stein
- Time for Sunday service and schedule for coffees/fellowship events once Adult Education and Sunday School resume
- Budget for Mission Endowment Fund dinner, 6-9 pm on October 1; possible funds from Thrivent subscribers in our congregation
- Events to be scheduled:
- Stewardship Kickoff: “Ministry Marketplace”; Sunday, September 11th
- Ocktoberfest and outdoor concert; evening of Saturday, October 15th
- “We Gather Together” event; Sunday November 6th or 20th
- Christmas Lunch; Sunday December 11th
- Filling the Open Council Positions
- Resignation of Kelli Chabria
- Resignation of Ashley Mahon
- Stewardship Kick-off “The Big Idea – All In” – Greg Nelson
- Members invest their time and tithe in the future of CLC
- Opportunities to socialize and build our community
- Considerations for Near Term Investment
- Inflation & Loss of significant Donors
- Expand our Vision for the future
- Improving our outdoor worship space
- Increasing our visibility on Lovers Lane
- Upgrading our website and social media presence
- Enhance our outreach to young adults and families
7:55 pm – Closing Prayer
8:00 pm – Adjourn to Bandito’s
CONGREGATIONAL COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
PASTOR
August 18, 2022
His mother told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”
John 2:5, appointed for Morning Prayer on the Festival of St. Mary the God-bearer (August 15)
There are a lot of high-priority processes going on right now so I’ll try to focus on each one as I’ve been involved. Please read all the way, your input is needed!
Worship and Education Schedule
As hopefully everyone saw and was able to participate in, we had a captive-audience survey on the summer service and our priorities for worship on July 31, with an online version distributed subsequently. We received 74 responses, which is very good by the standards of our recent survey experience and as a share of our regular worshipers. Those responses were compiled in a PowerPoint by Vicar Kristen: https://clcdallas-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/pastorben_clcdallas_org/EeSsG6W6vF1BoEtb03U0nyEBqRbJlgbZvQHHqIg43MIFFA?e=VQkyGF. In addition, we had a very productive conversation in an open forum on August 14 after worship, which gave everyone the opportunity to vocalize their hopes and fears. Vicar Kristen took excellent notes on that: https://clcdallas-my.sharepoint.com/:w:/g/personal/pastorben_clcdallas_org/ESnntOcmO85Br_3YzRN48WMB28s_nJzVVB9stlx3JfeVnQ?e=35RGB5
While not every concern could be addressed to everyone’s satisfaction, I do not hesitate to conclude that the consensus for worshiping in a single Sunday morning service, for the time being, is strong. The Spiritual Life Team, meeting on August 16, concurred and officially recommends to the council a change to a single service.
This leaves the question of how to organize education and fellowship around a single service. Vicar Kristen and I set out to contact each active Sunday School and Confirmation-age family individually to ask whether their attendance would increase, decrease, or stay the same under each of two possible scenarios:
- Education hour 9 a.m., Worship 10:15 a.m., fellowship to follow
- Worship 9:30 a.m., fellowship and Education 10:45 a.m.
We want to optimize our education schedule for households with children, as that is both our most precarious demographic group and the one with the most constraints. We trust worshipers who are at a different stage in life to be able to adjust their schedules on Sunday more easily.
Communications Team ACTION ITEM REQUESTED
We met on August 3 to discuss a few items. One is our equipment and system needs, which we asked J.J. Morton, Matthew Breitenstine, and Gary Haschke to compile and prioritize.
The second, and this is where we want council consent, is that we recommend the Communication Coordinator position schedule be changed to Sunday through Thursday. While this would require greater discipline in meeting publication deadlines so that bulletins, newsletters, and weekly emails would be ready to go out, it will allow Sergio to 1) operate the sanctuary livestream as needed, ensuring consistency and quality when J.J. is not present or properly wishes to worship in the sanctuary and 2) answer questions, sign up volunteers, connect visitors and otherwise facilitate congregational communication and functioning during the hours when we are most present and active. It was noted that he often ends up handling door locks, printing more bulletins, and doing other as-needed tasks on Sunday anyway, as well as attending meetings during education hour or after church. This would allow us to make better and higher-value use of his skills and his area of operations. I do not believe this requires a motion to approve, but if the council wishes to prevent or delay this change, this is the opportunity to do so.
Youth and Family Ministry Future Directions and Hiring
A working group of Angela Carden, Jaclyn Kitchens, Veronika Czutor, Vicar Kristen and me has been meeting to formulate a job description for the role vacated by Marc Hatcher’s departure. Our working draft re-balances the role away from direct teaching of Confirmation and older youth and toward recruiting, organizing, and planning more volunteer-led education, along with maintaining primary responsibility for youth trips, special events, fundraising, and communication.
As we revise the job description, we are also having to answer questions about how Sunday School and Confirmation will look going forward. The tradition of Wednesday-night Confirmation cohort meetings is no longer viable. This has been true for the last year, during which participation (outside of Lent) peaked at three or four but averaged one or two. Two of those four maximum participants have since been confirmed. Our maximum middle-school cohort at this point is perhaps four, none of whom are eager or even able to attend regularly on Wednesdays.
Consequently, we are discussing moving our Confirmation model toward a combination of
1) Sunday morning group/education activities combined with high school students, who may be invited to serve as formal “confirmation sponsors” for middle-grade youth, and during which basic Catechism and Bible topics will be covered;
2) worship notes and ministry participation (as acolytes, altar guild helpers, ushers, assisting ministers, livestream operators, communion assistants as they feel comfortable and willing); and
3) trips, D-camps, confirmation retreat, service events or other activities as deemed fitting and appropriate as requirements before confirmation.
Once whatever mix of these elements we choose has been fulfilled, a child will be approved for Confirmation.
In addition, we have to choose between two possibilities for the staff role that will guide this process along with all other youth-and-family related programs:
1) Director of Youth and Family Ministries (~25-30 hours), focusing exclusively on children and the parents who reside with them
2) Director of Faith Formation (full time), focusing on learning and discipleship for all ages (including coordinating education, organizing retreats for adults, option of working with staff or synod effort on campus outreach)
There is both a budgetary dimension and a mission-focus dimension to this choice. We may not be able to responsibly offer a full-time position right now. We may find it prudent to offer a part-time role with the hope of expanding it after a good pledge campaign. Or we may prefer to be aggressive in our planning and challenge the congregation to grow, both in giving and participation. I do not wish to be imprudent, but from where I sit, the risk of excessive caution is greater than the risk of excessive ambition. However, any choice needs to be plausibly realistic. Our goal is to be able to post the job before the end of August.
School-Year Blessing and Outreach to Preschool
This event was workshopped and scheduled and planned with lots of help and input (special thanks to recent visitor Sunny Kern, who urged us to look for “launchpad” events that could serve as an opportunity to “reach out to change lives”). We paid a small sum for promoting the event on Facebook (allowing us to “reach” some 1300 people and get 28 “responses,” which is considerably more than our events normally get). By coordinating with the preschool and inviting Mount Olive, we can expect a strong turnout.
Our key task is following up on this: trying to get as much contact information as we can, making multiple invitations to Sunday School and future events, etc. Our goal is to “reach out” but not just for the purpose of having a full sanctuary, but to “change lives.” Staff will work on contacts and Pam and Sam will be present for the preschool families, but the more people we have to greet and invite, the better.
Mount Olive Partnership
I have been peripherally involved with conversations about Mount Olive’s parking lot deal and some other issues of developer interest in the area, as well as Pr. Bruning’s need to take a further step back from leadership. The congregation remains very active with the food ministries and wishes to work with us on a visit to Tulsa’s “Black Wall Street” historic site and other areas of cooperation. I have extended offers of pastoral care but have been deliberate about not accepting more responsibility than I have been asked for or can reasonably take on. My hope is to propose a structure with multiple funding sources that would provide some consistent (if very part-time) pastoral labor to Mount Olive and other mission fields in central Dallas.
Building this partnership has been a slow and sometimes frustrating process but it is an important way that we seek to fulfill our mission to reach out to change lives.
Wider Church Activities
I have been invited to speak at St. Augustine’s House for their Fellowship Day, October 15.
After the ELCA churchwide assembly voted to authorize a new constitution, I wrote a lengthy consideration of possible futures for our denomination. It seems to have provoked some discussion: https://benjamindueholm.substack.com/p/you-say-youll-change-the-constitut
I will be at the Candidacy Committee meeting and retreat for most of the day on August 19 and 20.
Pastoral ActivitiesJuly 19: Internship supervision
Agenda meeting
Spiritual Life Team
July 20: Preschool chapel
Phone conversation with prospective clergy coach
Staff meeting
Youth and Family Team
July 21-24: Youth trip to Hill Country
July 26: Meeting with New York Times national religion correspondent
Internship supervision
Youth and Family Working Group
Men’s Group planning meeting
Phone call with council prospect
Preschool Team
Church council
July 27: Preschool chapel
Staff meeting
Pastoral care visit (hospital)
July 28: Phone meeting with Jennifer Hachmeister (synod MEF)
Youth programming meeting
July 29: Scott Kludt visitation
Pastoral care outreach (text)
July 30: Scott Kludt service
July 31: Preach and preside at Holy Communion
Stewardship working group
August 2: Youth and Family working group
Pastoral Care meeting with Vicar Kristen and Virginia Worley
Online Bible study for preaching
Meeting with returning church member
August 3: In-person meeting with prospective clergy coach
Communications Team
August 4: Lead men’s breakfast and Bible study
Meeting with member for funeral planning
Internship supervision
Meeting on School Year Blessing
August 7: Organize youth-led worship for 8/14
Preach and preside at Holy Communion
Pastoral care (in person)
August 8-11: Out of town
August 12: Youth and Family working group
Pastoral care (text)
Preschool end-of-year chapel
August 14: Preside at Holy Communion
Lead Congregational Forum on worship schedule
August 15: Phone meeting with ELCA seminarian
Internship check-in
August 16: Eastern Mission Conference meeting w/ Bishop Gronberg, New Life in Christ Duncanville
Wedding planning conversation (phone)
Spiritual Life Team
August 17: Mount Olive blessing bag distribution
Meeting with Dr. Nahkur on Sunday worship
Phone calls to Sunday School parents
Pastoral care (phone)
Pastoral care (text)
Council executive team meeting
August 18: Meeting with Veronika on preschool worship concept
internship supervision
Additional production:
4 weekly news intros
1 newsletter article
2 sermons
1 Dallas Morning News op-ed (rejected)
Respectfully submitted,
Pastor Ben Dueholm
MUSIC DIRECTOR
July/August
Services/rehearsals
Preludes, hymns, liturgy, offertory music, postludes
Communion music recordings
Soloists - accompaniment parts
Rehearsals with soloists
One License, CCLI - online reporting
Audio monitoring
Soloists/Cantors/Choir schedule - August/September
Guest singers - scheduling
Choir/Soloist videos - production/editing/mixing
Memorial service - preparation, rehearsals with soloists and choir
Christ Notes article
Music ministry monthly report
Meetings: Staff, Spiritual Life, music planning with Pastor Ben, congregational forum
Communication with members
The following soloists led worship with a variety of repertoire in July/August: Laura Haynie, Betsy Lintel, Kevin Bernauer, Sanctuary Choir and Tanya Browne
Dr. Hando Nahkur
Music Director
Christ Lutheran Church
CLP EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Our Family Chapel and Farewell Celebration was held on Friday, August 12 and was well attended. Thanks to Pastor Ben, Vicar Kristen and Veronika Czutor for their participation in leading us in song and prayer. After the service, parents and children enjoyed some of the children’s favorite activities in each classroom.
We appreciate the efforts of Racheal Kerr, Rita Horst, Bonnie Tollefson, Ginger Hagens and Linda Palafox for all of their hard work this summer as they reorganized our preschool library. They took the time to sort through hundreds of books and arrange them to align with our thematic curriculum. This will be such a help to our teachers as they prepare for their lessons each week. Our teachers are so grateful!
Previous protocols were effective in eliminating the recent spread of COVID-19 in the preschool. Thus, in response to changes in recommendations from the CDC and Dallas County regarding COVID-19, the preschool has adjusted protocols to recommend, but not require, quarantine of those exposed to COVID-19 and to continue to require isolation of 5 days returning with a negative test for those infected with COVID-19.
We are now fully staffed and excited about the new additions to our teaching team! Teachers participated in 3 days of professional development and preparation for the coming school year on August 17-19. One staff member is on a brief leave of absence.
CLP staff are participating in the Blessing of the School Year on August 21, hosting an Open House for families enrolled for the 22-23 school year.
The Personnel Committee has assisted the CLP Admin Team in making some minor clarifications to a few employee policies; the handbook will be updated following approval from the Preschool Ministry Team. The Committee has also advised us regarding an employee with the need for a leave of absence.
Enrollment continues to gradually increase. We anticipate enrollment to be at or near 70 at the beginning of the school year on August 22.
Preliminary work on the 2023 budget has begun—the Preschool Team will reach out to the Finance Team to assist us early in this process.
Action requested of Council:
None at this time
Respectfully submitted,
Joanne Osterland, CLP Executive Director
PRESCHOOL BOARD
YOUTH AND FAMILY MINISTRY
COMMUNICATION COORDINATOR
Deadlines:
- September 21, 2022
- The October newsletter announcements and the September council reports are due.
- Wednesdays by 5 PM.
- Bulletin/Weekly E-mail announcements are due.
Sergio Peña
ADMINISTRATION MINISTRY
PERSONNEL
Personnel Committee – August update
- Assisted directors with ongoing process working with employee on lengthy medical absence
- Reviewed proposed employee handbook updates regarding required vaccinations
- Assisted directors with new hire documentation issues
- Lisa assisted Kristen with her I-9 paperwork
PROPERTY
August 16, 2022
- Outstanding Issues
- EFI Update – EFI will be meeting with us monthly going forward.
- Elevator Contract Update – EFI is reviewing our elevator contract and will be providing their opinion. The elevator is also due for an annual state inspection. We have asked EFI to perform this inspection along with a routine service.
- Yard Sprinkler System – The yard sprinklers systems have been identified and we are repairing faulty sprinklers and adjusting sprinkler system times. The yard plot plan detailing the location of each sprinkler head has been located. The sprinklers have been set up for the extreme heat and dryness.
- Painting – With the exception of the narthex ceiling repair, all major interior painting is complete. Painting is an ongoing issue with areas requiring constant touch ups.
- Alter Lighting – Four rows of ceiling altar lights have been replaced with LED lights as a test. We are seeking additional feedback prior to moving forward with any other changes.
- Bathroom Switches – Motion light switches have been installed in two restrooms. The remaining four restroom switches will be installed once the issue with the fans has been resolved. The fans are being specified by EFI and will be installed soon.
- Keys – We are in the process of creating a key chart (with the help of Sergio) for all interior and exterior keys.
- Bulb Replacement – Light bulb replacement within the church and pre-school is an ongoing chore. We have made the decision that all bulbs be replaced with LED lights.
- Planter Cover – The planter cover on the Dublin Street side of the church requires a cover to shed rain. This is a low priority item.
- Security Camera – We are working with the pre-school to determine the best location for approximately 20 security cameras and supporting equipment (~ $6,000).
- Choir Loft Stairway Windows - We have reached out to a window contractor to prepare a bid to replace the six windows in the choir loft stairwell that will reduce the heat in the area. We have also asked EFI to provide bids for window replacement and installing film over the existing windows. EFI is also pursuing the installation of a ceiling heat exhaust fan to remove some of the hot air.
- Ceiling Repairs – The ceiling repairs are completed in the narthex. We have asked EFI to install larger access opening to allow for future wire installation. The ceiling will require in house painting.
- Water Heater – EFI has recommended replacement of the water heater, we have asked them to resize the unit to current needs.
- Kitchen Dishwasher/Sanitizer – EFI will provide an analysis dishwasher/sanitizer, replacement, install filtration, etc.
- Courtyard Lights – EFI has replaced one of the thirteen courtyard lights, upon our approval the remainder will be replaced.
- Roof Drain - A roof drainpipe needs repair. The pipe has been leaking for an extended period. The siding covering the pipe had to remove to expose the pipe. Once the pipe is repaired the siding can be replaced. This could be a rather expensive issue. We are waiting on an estimate. on south side.
- Completed Items
2. A/C Vent Repair – The A/C leaks above the sanctuary have been repaired.
3. Painting – The painting outside the south sanctuary entrance is complete
4. TV/Parlor – The TV has been hung and is all hooked up in the parlor.
5. Electrical Circuits – Two electrical circuits have been added to the choir loft area.
6. A/C Issue, Duckling Room – The A/C issue in the Duckling Room has been completed.
- New Issues
- Bids have been received for exterior painting of the building (steeple)
- Bids have been received for rear siding
- Bids have been received for the back stairway
Respectfully Submitted,
Lisa Nelson
COMMUNICATIONS MINISTRY
COMMUNITY LIFE MINISTRY
August 1, 2022
In attendance: Barbara Bierman, Ginger Hagens, Sharon Karol, Michelle Lamb and Connie Uhri
The committee discussion was focused on increasing outreach to the community in a post-pandemic environment this year, including adopting a new ministry as well as reestablishing some of CLC’s previous outreach ministry.
- New Ministry
- New non-profit organization – The Council approved canvasing the congregation. The questionnaires have been included in the weekly bulletin announcements, will be included in the August newsletter and hard copies will be available at the narthex table. We’ve received and reviewed a handful of submissions to date and will review any additional submissions in our September meeting.
We also discussed the following projects for additional outreach to the community: Pajama Drive for elderly/home bound individuals; Blood Drive in our parking lot after church on Sunday open to the neighborhood; Sneaker Drive for Mt. Olive; Sock Drive for Mt. Olive involving the Sunday School class
- Community outreach events
- Mexico Border Mission Trip – June 7-13, 2022 – Participants from both churches will jointly present a power point of the trip to both churches in the upcoming weeks.
- COPE – Cost of Poverty Experience – King of Glory, October 15, 2022
- Future potential projects
- Sunday for dedicated service. Mark Stein is targeting October for this project.
- Texas Ramp Project – Andreas Bremer provided the dates of October 8th and November 12th for upcoming projects. It will be announced at the Men’s breakfast on August 4th with more details to follow in the bulletin and newsletter.
- Attitudes and Attire – Barbara Bierman advised they are scheduling appointments twice per week on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:45 AM to 12:00 noon for a limited number of clients. They hope to ramp up in September once schools are back in session. They are accepting business clothing Monday through Wednesday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. They are no longer associated with Bibbentuckers. Barbara will attend and observe on August 9th and provide updates.
- Neighborhood Health Screening – We would like to offer a health screening event to the neighborhood allowing us to open up our doors to our neighbors. We asked Lisa Nelson to keep us apprised of any requests of this nature to use our facility.
- Current Ministry
- Meals on Wheels – The MOW teams of Russ Sharp/Peter Kowalczik, Virginia Worley/David Marshall, Ginger Hagens/Mary Ellen Durham/Randy Hagens and Barb Wendling/Sharon Karol have been busy delivering hot meals to Dallas County residents who cannot obtain or prepare the meals for themselves. We’re excited to welcome Connie and Jeff Uhri to the group and have added an additional day per month of service to our route.
- Mt. Olive Lutheran Church
- Other
Pastor Linda of St. Luke’s related a story to Connie about putting up a sign with rainbow colors saying “All Are Welcome here!” She said it received a very positive reaction and drew in new worshippers. We also briefly discussed the concept of the Reconciling in Christ (“RIC”) designation.
Connie also mentioned St. Luke had an 8’ high double door cabinet that stores canned goods and non-perishable items that is open to the public for those in need.
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon Karol
CONGREGATIONAL LIFE
Our Committee is meeting on August 20 to work on pantry inventory and preparations for the Back to School Blessing and CLP Open House on August 21. We will also be outlining plans for fall events.
Thank you to Lisa Nelson for picking up doughnuts every Sunday in August—it’s amazing how those continue to disappear each week!
Events completed since last report:
July 24: Returned to coffee in Narthex. Homemade cookies and muffins were served. Volunteers providing food were Barbara Bierman, Connie Uhri and Virginia Worley
July 30: Luncheon following Scott Kludt memorial. Barbecue paid for by Scott’s brother, Paul; all sides and desserts provided by the Congregational Life Team and Friends at Christ.
July 31: Coffee and light snacks served narthex: Ginger Hagens; Pam Stein
Aug 7, 14 and 28: The return of doughnuts! Ushers making coffee in narthex.
Aug 21: Back to School Blessing in cooperation with Preschool: Goodie bags for youth; cookies and breakfast breads in Fellowship Hall.
Council discussion requested for:
- Time for Sunday service and schedule for coffees/fellowship events once Adult Education and Sunday School resume
- Budget for Mission Endowment Fund dinner, 6-9 pm on October 1; possible funds from Thrivent subscribers in our congregation
- Events to be scheduled:
- September 11 stewardship kickoff: “Ministry Marketplace”;
- Ocktoberfest and outdoor concert on evening of SATURDAY, Oct 15;
- November 6 or 20 “We Gather Together” event;
- Christmas Lunch on Dec 11
Pam Stein
FINANCE MINISTRY
Finance Committee Report – August 2022
- CLP finances
- In July:
- Tuition was $15,700 below budget
- Expenses:
- Total expenses ran $25,400 over budget (chiefly due to salaries, contract labor and staff bonuses)
- Salaries of $58,700 were $7,700 over budget
- Contract labor cost $9,500 (against budgeted amount of $750)
- Staff bonuses of $6,500 were paid this month (against budgeted amount of $200)
- Net income: $31,500, due largely to the receipt of $77,100 in child care relief funds
- YTD:
- Total revenue exceeds budget by more than $94,000 due in large part to receipt of $154,000 in child care relief funds. (Note: tuition is $74,000 below budget)
- Expenses:
- Total expenses are roughly 3% over budget
- Salaries are $5,000 below budget, but contract labor is $26,000 over budget and bonuses are $13,000 over budget
- Net income is $167,000, which is $73,000 ahead of the budget projection through July
- In July:
- CLC finances
- In July:
- Income highlights: Total income of $49,200 fell short of budget by $4,300. Regular envelopes of $21,800 fell short of budget by ~$12,000.
- Expense highlights: Building maintenance costs of $10,600 exceeded budget by ~$5,300 (due to quarterly building services payment and one-time pest treatment).
- Net income: Loss of $16,100.
- YTD:
- We remain $56,000 ahead on contributions, including $29,000 ahead on regular envelopes
- Expenses are over budget by $3,000 (less than 1%)
- Revenue exceeds expenses by $64,000
- In July:
- Other discussion topics
- Stewardship campaign, key focus areas, gathering input from stakeholders in multiple meetings, deliverables (letter, pledge card, speakers)
- Will investigate with financial institutions, including PNC Bank and Morgan Stanley, options for investing cash in interest bearing accounts with sufficient liquidity to meet CLC’s needs.
SPIRITUAL LIFE MINISTRY
Tuesday, August 16, 2022
Members Present: Pastor Ben, Dr. Hando Nahkur, Vicar Kristen, Rev. Joan Copeland, Cheryl Kowalczik, Laura Smith, Karen Morton, Gary Haschke, Cathy Barr.
The meeting was called to order at 7:03 pm. Pastor Ben led us in prayer.
1. Church Service Schedule Recommendation to Council
There was a thorough discussion including the Sunday Worship Time Survey and Vicar Kristen's notes from the forum following the service. The SL Committee will report to Council that we recommend one service on Sundays. The timing for Sunday School and Church will be decided after Pastor Ben and Vicar Kristen reach out to families with children for their time preference for Sunday School. Pastor Ben anticipates 9:00 am Sunday School, 10:15 Worship and 11:XX Fellowship/Special.
2. Retreat Planning Process
Joan said her goal is helping people draw closer to God rather than having a topical approach. Pastor and Joan will meet next week and have more information at the next meeting in September.
3. Other Business/Housekeeping
Prayer Ministry
July 31: Linda Palafox, Virginia Worley, Vicar Kristen and Cathy mailed cards with photos of the Church window, a bible verse and personal note to 16 individuals included in prayers for healing and homebound members. Cards will be mailed again in November. Other ways to reach out were discussed including holding a meeting in an individual's home or at an assisted living facility.
Scott Kludt Memorial Baseball Outing
Ashley Mahon will sing the National Anthem at the Rangers game September 24. Pastor is working on a memorial for Scott Kludt at that time.
Gary told the group that Hando's latest CD won a silver medal in the Global Music Awards.
Next Meeting: September 20 at 7:00 pm.
Adjournment
Following The Lord's Prayer, the meeting was adjourned at 8:01 pm .
Thank you to Vicar Kristen for detailed notes of the meeting. These will be kept on file for reference.
Respectfully submitted,
Cathy Barr, SLM Chair