September 2022 Council Reports

​COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA
Tuesday, September 27, 2022
 
7:00 pm - Call Meeting to Order
7:01 pm - Pastoral Prayer (Kristen)
7:05 pm – Approval of August Minutes
7:10 pm – Old Business

1. Administrative Delegation & Support (placeholder to be discussed later)
   1. Automation of Calendars, Meetings, Website, (SharePoint Calendar)
2. Calendar on SharePoint for the 2022-23 Church Year
3. Adapting CLC Sanctuary for Children (placeholder to be discussed later)
4. Congregational Life Upcoming Events and Planning: Pam Stein
   1. Stewardship Kickoff: “Ministry Marketplace” Update
   2. Mission Endowment Fund Dinner Update, 6-9 pm on October 1st
   3. Ocktoberfest and outdoor concert; evening of Saturday, October 15th 
   4. “We Gather Together” event; Sunday November 6th or 20th
   5. Christmas Lunch; Sunday December 11th

7:40 pm – New Business

1. Council Elections to Open Positions: Mark Lamb
   1. Karen Morton to replace Ashley Mahon for Pre-School Liaison (Expiration 3/23)
   2. Brad Spellicy to replace Scott Kludt for 2022-23 Nominating Committee
   3. Kelli Chabria position on Congregational Life remains open
2. Revision of CLC Constitution and By-Laws for Approval 2023 Annual Meeting
   1. Ad Hoc Committee of Three
      1. Ginger Hagens has agreed to serve
3. Congregational Life Upcoming Events: Sharon Karol
   1. Texas Ramps – Saturday am October 8th and Saturday am November 12th
   2. COPE – Saturday am October 15th
   3. Back on Your Feet Thanksgiving Luncheon
   4. Dedicated Service Day – October / November
   5. Angel Tree – December
4. Stewardship “The Big Idea – All In” Temple Talks: Greg Nelson

1. October 2nd  -  Matthew Breitenstine: “All In” Perspective from a newer Member
2. October 9th - Greg Smith: “All-In” Headwinds and how we can overcome them
3. October 16th – Mark Lamb: “All-In” Expanding our future vision via Strategic Plan

1. Communications Committee Wishlist; Matt Breitenstine

1. Software & Hardware to protect against catastrophic failure

1. Youth Director Search Update: Pastor Ben

7:54 pm – Vote to close meeting
7:55 pm – Closing Prayer (Kristen)
8:00 pm – Adjourn to Bandito’s
 


 
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
 


 
PASTOR
Appendix: Report of the Pastor 
Christ Lutheran Church Congregational Council 
September 22, 2022 
 
Pastoral Activities 
 
August 19:       Synod Candidacy Committee meeting and retreat (Briarwood) 
August 20:       Synod Candidacy Committee meeting and retreat (Briarwood) 
August 21:       Facilitate festival worship with blessing of school year, preschool open house, and bishops’ visit 
August 23:       Internship supervision 
Lunch with church visitor 
Preschool team 
Church council meeting 
August 24:       Staff meeting 
August 25:       Meeting on adult education with volunteer leader 
Meeting with Veronika on Sunday School curriculum 
Music planning with Hando  
Pastoral care visit (rehab) 
Visit with visitor (Starbucks) 
Zoom meeting with Bishop Gronberg, Jackie Leatch, and Courtney Spellicy on Mount Olive parking lot 
August 28:       Preside at Holy Communion 
August 30:       Internship supervision on zoom 
Preaching text study on zoom 
September 4:  Preach and preside at Holy Communion 
September 6:  Visitor follow-up (notecard) 
Internship supervision 
Meeting with volunteer 
September 7:  Meeting with volunteer 
Staff meeting 
Youth and Family team 
September 8:  Meeting for funeral preparation 
Outreach to visitor (email, requesting membership transfer to CLC) 
September 9:  Meeting with Joanne Osterland 
September 10:            Preaching at ordination and installation of the Rev. Veronika Czutor 
September 11: Preside at Holy Communion 
Lead youth Sunday school 
September 12:            Faith Forward Dallas large group meeting (Thanks-giving Square) 
September 13: Internship supervision 
Preaching text study on Zoom 
Communications Team 
September 14: Lunch with Fr. Chris Steele 
September 15: Podcast recording in sanctuary 
Pastoral care contact (text) 
September 16: Dr. Nahkur recital 
September 18: Preach and preside at Holy Communion 
Lead adult education 
September 19: Clergy coaching session 
Visitor follow-up (call and email) 
Outreach to preschool family (text and voicemail) 
September 20: Eastern Mission Conference meeting (First United) 
Council agenda meeting 
Emergency procedures meeting 
Internship supervision 
Spiritual Life Team meeting 
September 21: Preschool chapel 
Lunch with the Rev. George Mason 
September 22: Meeting with baptism family 
Meeting to plan adult education Bible study 
September 23: Meeting with baptism family 
 


 
MUSIC DIRECTOR
August/September:
 
Services/rehearsals
Preludes, hymns, liturgy, offertory music, postludes
Weekly hymn-selecting for services
Communion music
Soloists - accompaniment parts (preparation, arranging)
Rehearsals with soloists
Handbells (liturgy ringing) - planning, scheduling
One License, CCLI - online reporting
Soloists/Cantors/Choir schedule - September/October
Guest singers - scheduling, rehearsals, communication
Auditions for choir (tenor) - rehearsal, service
Weekly email/bulletin announcements
Solo recital at CLC
Performing at Veronika's ordination event - scheduling, rehearsals
Soloist videos - production/editing/mixing
Christ Notes article
Music ministry monthly report
Email conversation with Joanne Osterland (June-September) - Music Ministry made a request for the preschool covid vaccine/booster mandate to be removed from CLC website and from preschool teaching job applications
Meetings: Staff, Spiritual Life, with Pastor Ben (music), Communication with members
The following soloists led worship with a variety of repertoire in August/September: Laura Haynie, Betsy Lintel, Tanya Browne, Brad Spellicy, Kelemen Szabo, Kevin Bernauer, Sanctuary Choir, Colleen Oates and Romali Fernando
 
Dr. Hando Nahkur
CLC Music Director
 


 
CLP EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
 
We are excited to welcome Karen Morton to our team as our CLP Chair/Council Representative.  We appreciate your leadership and service in support of CLP!
Thank you to Courtney Breitenstine, who represented the Preschool Ministry at the recent Ministry Marketplace!
We enjoy prayer and worship with our teachers and children each morning in Chapel. Several parents have joined us since school began last month.  All parents and members of the CLC Congregation are welcome to join us as they are able at 9 AM, Monday-Friday.
In response to changes in the Dallas County risk level regarding COVID-19, the CLP Admin team recommends that protocols be aligned with our regular illness policy of remaining out of school when ill, and returning after 24 hours symptom free, or with a doctor note stating the child is not contagious. 
We are once again fully staffed with 24 CLP staff and are excited about the new additions to our teaching team!  We had some unexpected staffing changes in late August and early September, but were able to hire staff to fill the vacancies. 
The Personnel Committee has assisted the CLP Admin Team in advising us and participating in a preliminary meeting with Benefits Texas to review our insurance plan renewal.  After reviewing options available, it is recommended that we remain with our current insurance benefits options, as deductibles, out of pocket and co-pays will remain the same.  The cost of monthly premiums for these plans has increased by $30 per person per month.  The Preschool Team will be asked to consider whether this cost can be shared by CLP (an additional $15 per month per employee enrolled in the plan, total of $475 per participating employee per month) or to pass the entire cost of $30 per month to the employees enrolled in the plan.  At this time, we have 13 employees enrolled in the plan; 6 more will be eligible in either November or December, but have not yet made a selection, others may choose to add insurance during open enrollment in October.  Total cost to the preschool if costs are shared would be approximately $3600 annually if 20 people were enrolled in the plan.
Enrollment continues to gradually increase.  We are at 72 as of the beginning of October, 90% of our capacity of 80.
Preliminary work on the 2023 budget has begun—members of the Finance Team are assisting us early in this process.
Action requested of Council:
None at this time

Respectfully submitted,
Joanne Osterland, CLP Executive Director
 
CLP MINISTRY TEAM MEETING 
August 23, 2022 6 pm
 
In attendance:  Ron Horst, Pastor Ben Dueholm, Vicar Kristen Maddox, Joanne Osterland  Virtual attendees:  Courtney Spellicy, Courtney Breitenstine, Jim Rice  Absent:  Kris Keesy
Prayer led by Vicar Kristen
Meeting Minutes from July 26-approved
Financial Report -Jim Rice
July Results

• For the month of July, revenues were $148k, or $60k higher than budget.  This was due to $77k of Child Care Relief Funds received in July, our second of four expected installments.  This favorable variance was partially offset by a $16k shortfall in Tuition due to headcount.
• Expenses of $116k were $25k unfavorable to budget, primarily due to an unfavorable variance in employee-related costs of $21k.  Increased teacher headcount was also impacted by an unfavorable variance in contract labor costs.
• Overall, net income  of $31k was $35k favorable to budget as a result of the Child Care Relief Funds of $77k, partially offset by higher employee-related costs.

YTD Results

• YTD revenues of $823k are $94k higher than budget as a result of Child Care Relief Funds of $154k, partially offset by a tuition shortfall of $74k due to student headcount.
• YTD expenses of $656k are $22k higher than budget due to $24k of higher employee-related costs, mainly driven by an unfavorable variance in Contract Labor costs of $26k. 
• YTD net income of $167k is $73k higher than budget due to the aforementioned Child Care Relief Funds.

Director’s Report
Enrollment currently at 70.  Three tours and one follow up inquiry from website scheduled for this week.  One staff on unpaid leave voluntarily resigned.  Personnel committee is advising CLP Administration regarding this situation.
Joanne mentioned that the Blessing of the School Year and Open House went well; CLP families felt welcomed and enjoyed the reception.
Pastor Ben mentioned that Preschool families and staff would be invited to attend the ordination of Vicar Veronika. 
Ron Horst suggested that we consider additional events like this, perhaps at Christmas, to connect the CLP families and Congregation.  Courtney Spellicy expressed interest in exploring this further.  Pastor Ben mentioned that the Open House was a unique event and would be repeated next year, but it may not be realistic to expect other events to generate the same interest.  He also mentioned that he has some ideas in mind for a Christmas program involving youth.  Joanne stated that CLP would be hesitant to require staff to work on Sundays; the Open House and Teacher Appreciation Sunday would be exceptions to that. Courtney did not think that CLP staff would be needed for this type of event and that volunteers from the Congregation would be interested in leading this type of event.  She will follow up with Joanne to discuss some of her ideas.
Parent Feedback and Engagement
No PTA report this month.  Joanne contacted PTA to gauge interest in planning additional events for Trunk or Treat—this will need to be revisited next year.  CLP will plan Trunk or Treat in collaboration with Y&F.
Parent comments were shared regarding COVID protocols and the current menu.  The Team advised that COVID protocols should remain the same, with the additional option for parents to obtain a doctor’s note in place of/or a negative test to return to school following an infection or symptoms consistent with COVID-19,  Joanne will update protocols and notify parents.
The team considered a comment from a parent regarding a request to change our menu to remove items with preservatives/sugar/gluten.  The Team advised to give this parent the option to provide a doctor’s note to allow substitutions for any items the child should not have. 
Old Business
COVID protocol revision approved by email-see discussion above
Immunization policy review—the Team discussed a request to remove the requirement of staff COVID-19 immunizations/boosters and decided that the requirement should remain and that the statement referring to this requirement should remain on the website to give prospective candidates clarity as to the expectations should they want to apply for a position at the preschool.  They did not express concern that this would reflect negatively on CLC.
New Business
Staff handbook updates-Review of abandonment policy and clarification in leave policy approved by Personnel committee:

• Abandonment policy change:  Any employee who abandons/resigns from their job prior to completing one year of employment will have the cost/amount of the physical and vaccines paid for by CLP, CPR class fees, Digital Training Class fees, or any other expense paid on the employee's behalf by CLP during their first year of employment deducted from their last paycheck.  
• Clarification to leave policy—add (this sentence is already in the handbook under Holiday Pay) Employees on unpaid status are not eligible for holiday pay.

 2023 Budget preliminary work

• Timing of employee compensation increases to coincide with the beginning of the school year and tuition increase.
• Consideration of any additional benefits for employees?  Short-term disability, Retirement Plan? Discussion led to the conclusion that staff have not expressed interest in these types of benefits, but that it might be helpful to survey the staff regarding benefits offered and those that might be desired.
• Tuition comparisons-  Courtney Breitenstine offered to compile information to share at the next meeting.
• Jim will begin working on a preliminary draft mid-September.

Next Meeting Tuesday, September 27, 2022 at 6 pm
Closing Prayer-Lord's Prayer led by Vicar Kristen.


 
PRESCHOOL BOARD
 


 
YOUTH AND FAMILY MINISTRY
September 7, 2022
 
In attendance:  Pastor Ben Dueholm, Vicar Kristen Maddox, Samuel Kitchens, Kjerstine Nielsen, Joanne Osterland Nici Bremer, Angela Carden
 
The committee discussed the following items:
 
1) Discussion of Christmas Pageant and prep beforehand - Planning to have the pageant during the education time on December 11th, perhaps with luncheon right after.  Will use the sunday school time on November 20th and December 4th to prepare for the pageant.
 
2) Discussion of Sunday School - We discussed the upcoming plans for Sunday school, including working on finding individuals to assist.  Sarah would be covering for the elementary students through September, but would be stepping away in October, and thus someone is needed starting in October.  Work is continuing on that.  We also discussed the need to get releases for students attending.
 
3) Trunk or Treat - October 28th
 
4) Youth Events - There were discussion of other events for the youth, with the goal of having at least 1 event per month outside of Sunday morning.  Some of the items discussed was youth-led worship again, a lock-in for Trunk or Treat, a Discipleship camp on MLK weekend, and a Ramp project on November 11.
 
5) Discussion of someone to tend the nursery - We discussed potentially hiring someone to tend the nursery for church events.  The group agreed that it likely would not be needed for church services (except potentially on larger events like Christmas Eve or Easter), but that it may be good for the education hour (for children who cannot attend Sunday School), or for other church events.  The group discussed potential sources for finding someone for the role.
 


 
COMMUNICATION COORDINATOR
 
Deadlines:

• October 19, 2022
  • The November newsletter announcements and the October council reports are due.
• Wednesdays by 5 PM.
  • Bulletin/Weekly E-mail announcements are due.

 
Sergio Peña
 


 
ADMINISTRATION MINISTRY
ADMINISTRATION MINISTRY REPORT
  
PERSONNEL

• No update

 
PROPERTY

1. In-Progress Issues

1. Internal (Property Committee)

1. Yard Sprinkler System – We continue to repair faulty sprinklers as needed. The yard plot plan detailing the location of each sprinkler head has been located. The sprinklers have been seasonally reset.
2. Painting – All major interior painting is complete. Painting is an ongoing issue with areas requiring constant touch ups.
3. Altar 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.
4. Bathroom Switches – Motion light switches have been installed in two restrooms. The remaining two restroom switches will be installed now that the exhaust fans have been replaced.
5. Keys – We are in the process of creating a key chart (with the help of Sergio) for all interior and exterior keys.
6. Bulb Replacement – Light bulb replacement within the church and pre-school is an ongoing item.
7. 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.
8. Security Camera – We are moving forward to determine the location for several security cameras on the perimeter of the pre-school area.
9. AT&T - Responded to AT&T’s request to modify their existing telecommunications facility.
10. Phone (Hard Wire) – Contacting University Park to determine if we can eliminate hard wire phone lines within the church (security, fire and elevator are hard wired).
11. Broken Tile – There are several broken tiles in one of the preschool bathrooms.
12. Adjust Administration Entrance Door – This door continues to require adjustments; it has been adjusted several times. If it continues to require attention, we may have to call a door professional.
13. Parsonage House Tree Trimming – The trees in the house Sergio resides require trimming.
14. Water Pump – The water pump in the preschool playground area is no longer working again
15. Parsonage House Leak – There is a roof leak in the parsonage house to be investigated.

 

1. External (EFI)
   1. Elevator Contract Update – EFI is reviewing our elevator contract and will be providing their opinion.
   2. Choir Loft Stairway Windows -. EFI is 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.
   3. Water Heater – EFI has recommended replacement of the water heater, we have asked them to resize the unit to current needs.
   4. 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. A bid on an estimate has been received, (see Outstanding Issues)
   5. Ceiling Repairs – The ceiling repairs are completed in the narthex. We have asked EFI to install three larger access opening to allow for future wire installation. The ceiling will require in house painting.
   6.  Walkway Entrance – We are working with EFI to determine the proper approach to re-stain the wood walkway.
   7. GFI Plug in Pre-School – A GFI plug in Room 134 requires electrical attention, there appears to be an “open neutral”.

1. Kitchen Dishwasher/Sanitizer – EFI will provide an analysis of the dishwasher/sanitizer, replacement, install filtration, etc.

1. Completed Items
   1. Courtyard Lights – EFI has replaced all thirteen courtyard lights with LED bulbs and resealed the fixtures.
   2. Annual Elevator Inspection – The inspection has been completed
   3. Restroom Exhaust Fans – The fans have been replaced.
   4. GFI Plug Replacement – A GFI receptacle was replaced in the preschool.
   5. Toilet drain issue – Repaired toilet drain issue in men’s restroom.
   6. Fallen Tree – The fallen tree has been cut up and removed, along with the stump, from the church yard.
2. Outstanding Issues
   1. Bids have been received for exterior painting of the building (steeple).
   2. Bids have been received for rear siding.
   3. Bids have been received to paint the back stairway.
   4. Nursery Bathroom – Investigating the possibility of installing a restroom in the pre-school nursery.
   5. Drainage issue – There appears to be a drainage issue from the pre-school playground area draining into and under the gym area.

 
 
Respectfully Submitted,
Lisa Nelson
 


 
COMMUNICATIONS MINISTRY
 


 
COMMUNITY LIFE MINISTRY
September 6, 2022
“You teach us without love, our actions gain nothing.”
 
Prayer:  Let us pray.  O Lord God,
 
You teach us that without love, our actions gain nothing.  Pour into our hearts your most excellent gift of love, that, made alive by your spirit, we may know goodness and peace, through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen. 
 
Agenda
 

1. New Ministry

 

1. New non-profit organization – establish a relationship with a new organization, in part, to replace our relationship with Mozaic, but to expand our outreach into the community.  Assigned to committee members for research of the organization and involvement of the advocate.
   1. Organizations
      1. Dallas Children’s Advocacy – Connie Uhri
      2. United to Learn (U2L) – Barbara Bierman
      3. Upbring (Lutheran Social Services) - TBD
      4. North Dallas Shared Ministries – Sharon Karol
   2. Service Projects
      1. In My Shoes – Service Project – TBD
      2. City Square – Service Project – TBD
      3. The Texas Ramp Project – Sharon Karol

 

1. Community outreach events for upcoming month. 
   1. TexasRamps – October 8 and November 12 – Andreas Bremer

Will advertise “Save the Date” in upcoming bulletins and newsletter.
This is a half day project which needs 8 volunteers including St. John participants. 

1. Dedicated Service Project – October – Mark Stein

Considering:  Durable Medical Equipment of Dallas, associated with Parkland, is always looking for volunteer days to clean/sanitize/power wash re-usable medical equipment for the community (wheel chairs, etc.)  Mark will investigate DME once he returns from vacation.  This may become a November/December project. 

1. COPE – Cost of Poverty – King of Glory – Re-scheduled for October 15th.

 

1. Future potential projects

1. Sunday Blood Drive – 4Q - Michelle Lamb
2. Neighborhood Health Screening event in the church open to the public.  Potential 2023 event. 
3. Holiday Projects:  Thanksgiving groceries, Christmas children/elderly gifts, Angel Tree

 

1. Current Ministry

 

1. Meals on Wheels – Ginger Hagens currently coordinates.  There is a large need in the community.  We’ve added an additional day, the first Thursday of the month, to our route.  Also, Connie and Jeff have joined the team. 
2. Angel Tree – Christmas ministry – Michelle Lamb currently coordinates.  Seems to be a favorite with the Congregation.  Also, done in coordination with Emanuel Lutheran, so ecumenical benefit. 
3. Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Fair Park neighborhood
   1. Monthly Pantry offering on third Wednesdays.
   2. Semi-weekly Blessing Bags – need more volunteers in the Fall especially on Saturdays.  Continue support with volunteers, collections of snack pack items and clothing donations (primarily men’s clothing) for this ministry. 
   3. Participate in their 74th Anniversary Celebration on September 25th.
   4. Thanksgiving groceries
   5. Christmas – gifts for shut-ins
   6. Ongoing discussions on Racism – Last met in July 2021 and proposed to meet in October 2021, but didn’t occur. 
4. Other Current Ministry
   1. Attitudes & Attires – They are recovering from another flood and may be some time before they have offerings for clients’ needs.

 

1. Open Items

 

1. Ministry Marketplace – September 11th Fellowship Hall

Event was well attended by Committee members with displays of Meals on Wheels, Mt. Olive Blessing Bag, Angel Tree, TexasRamps, Attitude & Attires, and brochures on the upcoming COPE Event. 
We received one new volunteer, one sign-up for TexasRamps, and met one couple recently new to CLC.
 

1. “All Are Welcome” Ministry

 

1. King of Glory – copy of their “All Are Welcome” website info.  Connie is going to discuss sign with Pastor Ben. 
2. RIC (Reconciling in Christ) info provided by Ginger last month.  We briefly discussed that most of the local Lutheran Churches, with the exception of CLC, were affiliated with RIC.

 


 
CONGREGATIONAL LIFE
 
Our Committee met on August 20 to set up for the Back to School Blessing and CLP Open House on August 21.  We sorted out the contents of several bins of table linens and all that were deemed usable have been washed and made ready for upcoming events.
Thank you to Sam Kitchens and Daniel Smith for helping organize and stuff the give-away bags for the preschool event.  We had a terrific attendance and lots of impressed CLP parents!
Events completed since last report:
Aug 21:  Back to School Blessing in cooperation with Preschool:  Goodie bags for youth; cookies and breakfast breads in Fellowship Hall. 
Sept 11:  Ministry marketplace.  THANK YOU to all the council members who organized and staffed a display table.  I gained at least one new committee member and hope others fared well, too.
All September Sundays:  the return to Sunday School/Adult Ed at 10:45 and fellowship time with coffee, lemonade, etc. in the narthex between the end of the 9:30 service and our fellowship time.
Upcoming events:

1. Weekly Fellowship Coffee
2. Mission Endowment Fund Dinner on October 1
3. Memorial service reception October 15 11 am
4. Oktoberfest on October 15, 5 pm, being organized by the men’s Breakfast Group.Time for Sunday service and schedule for coffees/fellowship events once Adult Education and Sunday School resume

Events to be scheduled: 
November:  Community Life Thanksgiving event with Back on Their Feet
Christmas Lunch on Dec 11
Respectfully submitted,
Pam Stein


 
FINANCE MINISTRY
August 2022
 
Meeting held Sept. 21 at 6 pm
Attendees: Melissa Dvorocsik, David Marshall, Greg Nelson, Greg Smith

• CLP finances 
  • In August: 
    • Tuition received exceeded budget by ~$6,900  
    • Expenses: Total expenses ran ~$13,600 over budget. Salaries were ~$13,500 over budget. The rest of the expense line items basically broke even versus budget for the month, despite a maintenance item that exceeded budgeted amount by ~$3,000.
    • Net income: Loss of ~$9,500 
  • YTD: 
    • Total revenue exceeded budget by more than ~$101,000 (still largely due to the help of ~$154,000 in unbudgeted child care relief funds. (Note: tuition is ~$67,500 below budget)
    • Expenses:
      • Total expenses are roughly 4.7% over budget, mainly due to contract labor and bonus payments and, to a lesser degree, salaries (which until August had been below budget but are now ~$8,500 over budget for the year)
    • Net income is ~$157,500, which is ~$67,400 over the YTD projection in the budget

 

• CLC finances 
  • In August: 
    • Income highlights: Subtracting out the effects of a one-time miscellaneous income accounting adjustment of ~$3,100, total income for August exceeded budget by ~$900. Regular envelopes exceeded budget by ~$1,400.
    • Expense highlights: Expenses exceeded budget by ~$4,800. Of that, the electric bill was ~$800 over budget and the telephone bill was ~$1,400 over budget. We are awaiting a credit from AT&T for elevated charges for several months due to our contract having expired. Expect to see this credit next month or we will make further inquiries.
    • Net income: Loss of ~$11,700 
  • YTD: 
    • We remain ~$53,600 ahead on contributions, including ~$30,400 ahead on regular envelopes 
    • Expenses are over budget by ~$8,100
    • Revenue exceeds expenses by ~$52,000 

 

• Other discussion topics 
  • Stewardship campaign – Campaign letter will be mailed the week of Sept. 26. Working to finalize decision about pledge card design. Once that’s completed, we’ll ask Sergio to set up the online pledge page. Temple talks will take place Oct. 2, 9 and 16. Speaker list is nearly finalized.
  • Intern program pledges – We will follow up with the relatively few members whose pledges remain outstanding.

 


 
SPIRITUAL LIFE MINISTRY
Tuesday, September 20, 2022
 
Members Present: Pastor Ben, Dr. Hando Nahkur, Rev. Joan Copeland,  Cheryl Kowalczik, Karen Morton,  Cathy Barr.
 
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 pm. Pastor Ben led us in prayer.
 
1. Spiritual Retreat Update
 
Joan will continue to include emails and newsletter articles prior to adult education classes November 13, 20 and December 4 with the retreat date being December 10. Pastor Ben will ask Sergio to create a brief summary on Facebook. Sign-up will be available closer to the retreat time.
 
2. Thanksgiving and Advent service preparation
 
We will not have a Thanksgiving service: it is not a church holiday.
Other November items: Cathy was asked to coordinate calendars before September Council meeting.
“Back On My Feet” dinner November 13 after Sunday School.
Check with Sharon Carol about Mt. Olive Thanksgiving boxes.
All Ages Education November 27 Advent Kickoff: Vicar Kristen and Hando
November 30 and remaining Advent Wed nights: Intern service project
 
Advent Adornment of Church.
Same format will be followed as before.
November 27: Paraments, Advent Wreath, lighting of first Candle
December 4:  Lighting of second Candle, wreaths, garlands, tree
December 11: Lighting of third Candle, all lit.
December 18: Lighting of fourth Candle, all, plus flowers
 
3. Communion
 
After discussion, grape juice, in addition to wine, will be offered beginning September 25.
 
4. Other Business
 
Pastor Ben shared an attendance report which will be presented to Council September 27. The report will facilitate discussions about choices we can make in reaching out.
 
Next Meeting: October 18 at 7:00 pm.
 
Adjournment
             
Following The Lord's Prayer, the meeting was adjourned at 8:15 pm.
 
 
Respectfully submitted,
Cathy Barr, SLM Chair