CONGREGATIONAL MEETING SUMMARY OF MINUTES

JANUARY 27, 2008

 

Meeting was opened at 1:05 P.M.  A quorum was present with 127 members signed in.

The minutes from the 12/2/2007 congregational meeting were read by Karen Ellenberger. 

Motion to accept the minutes made by Len Long, seconded by Bob Morrissey.

 

Bob Dellorfano thanked all current council members for their service and recognized particularly those members whose term expired in 2007 – Carol Burkhardt, Kurt Albrecht, Larry Fredericks and part year treasurer Suzanne Walker.

 

Bob also recognized Pastor Ted for his dedication and leadership.

 

A sample of the 2007 highlights as written in the congregation report was presented. 

Completed 1st full yr of Sat 6:30 P.M. contemporary service with avg. attendance of 48.

Initiated ongoing free Saturday 5:30 P.M. meal.

Started children’s church ministry.

Formed St Andrew baseball team.

Sponsored Refugee family.

Offered a 3rd Christmas Eve Worship service.

Our congregation is the major contributor to Salvation Army’s yearly Christmas program.

Two stained glass windows were installed.

Councils 2007 shortfall in communications will be addressed by end of January ’08.

 

2007 Goals

Increase youth attendance of Sunday school by 10 more. (Partially achieved)

Establish a monthly children’s youth ministry. (A weekly Sunday ministry completed)

Establish a free Saturday evening meal. (Holding a 5:30 PM Sat eve meal)

Pay down church mortgage to under $700,000. (No movement)

(Continuing goal from ’07) Complete pipe organ installation.

(Continuing goal from ’07) Refurbish fellowship hall.

 

2008 Goals

Implement RSI initiative to reduce church mortgage.

Install a youth playground by year end 2008.

Identify the needs and requirements of our elderly members.

 

2009 Goals

Hire an associate pastor/Christian Education director.

A part time custodian.

 

2010 Goals

Establish an endowment fund.

Questions/comments from floor

Sal Fiorentino suggested that the council explore obtaining government money for supporting refugees, missionaries, and charities.  Council will explore.

Linda Bloomfield challenged adults to improve Sunday school attendance as a model for the children to copy.

 

Pastor Ted’s Comments

Keeping our focus on mission of the church.

Encouraged Sunday school involvement, especially to invite younger families to get involved.

Spoke about youth camp at Camp Agape over Palm Sunday.

Pastor’s expectation is for a 5% to 10% stewardship giving level as the norm.

Increasing our churches benevolence giving 1% per year from current 10% to a max of 15%.

Pointed out that our future planning has to include a parking lot plan, and the limitations of fellowship hall to support more than 150 members.

Our building plan is not complete until the building debt is taken care of.

 

Dr. Marc Blackmore’s Comments

An RSI vice president talked about his company’s vast experience in Capital Campaign Fund Drives.  RSI teaches Biblical Stewardship to all ages through a highly structured, organized program. 

 

Four Core Values:

Good Communications - (to every household)

Involvement – (would like 60 to 75% of all adults to be on teams)

Prayer – (Pray for God’s help)

Generosity – At the end of 6 months, every household makes a 3 year commitment.

RSI fee is $40,000 and there are some printing costs that range from $3,000 to $5,000)

 

Questions raised about RSI

How does the church come up with the $40,000, and when will the money be required?

Answer: Council has set aside $15,000 of Anna Schellhorn estate donation towards fee, if congregation approves program.  $4,000 will be required up front to start program and 6 to 9 months the balance is due.

 

General Comments

Don Michaels commented that we should be focusing on what we will gain from the program (significant reduction in the $265,000 interest payments that we will pay till the end of term.)

Bob Dellorfano commented that if the 203 church families were to make the commitment to retire the $835,000 in 3 years it would require an additional $3.25 per day per family.

 

Bob thanked the Fellowship Committee for the job they did preparing for the meeting and for the delicious meal.

 

FUTURE MEETINGS

 

February 10th – A Q&A session between services - unofficial meeting

 

February 17th – Official Congregational Meeting to vote on RSI proposal/Capital Campaign

 

Meeting adjourned at 2:20 PM

 

Respectfully submitted

                        Bob Dellorfano