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2000 |
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Annual Congregational Meeting
January 28, 2001, 9:45 am
AGENDA
1. Call to Order
Terry Lind
2. Opening Devotions
Pastor Lon Larson
3. Minutes of 2000 Annual Meeting
Katie Nelson
4. Staff Reports
Pastor's Report
Youth Director's Report
Music Report
Office Report
Pastor Lon Larson
Sherry Goodman
Liz Schuur
Tiina Eidelbes
5. Council Reports
President's Report
Finance and Stewardship Report
Treasurer's Report
Terry Lind
Deb Cathcart
Doris Petersen
6. Elections / Nominating Committee Report / Distribution of Ballots
7. Committee Reports
Operations Committee Report
Education Committee Report
Youth Committee Report
Adult Education Report
Worship Committee Report
Outreach Committee Report
Parish Fellowship Committee Report
Bill Goodman
Mabeth Dorman
Lyle Eidelbes
The Quarberg's
Jean Bakken
Julie Berg
Glenda Lind
8. Other Business
9. Adjourn-Lord's Prayer
Family of Christ Lutheran Church
Annual Report 2000
Table of Contents
Agenda..........................................................................................
1
Minutes from Last Year's Annual Meeting..............................................
2
Pastor's Annual Report-Lon Larson....................................................
3
Youth Director's Report-Sherry Goodman............................................
5
Music Report-Liz Schuur..................................................................
6
Office Statistics-Tiina Eidelbes..........................................................
7
President's Annual Report-Terry Lind.................................................
8
Letter from Treasurer / Budget-Doris Petersen.....................................
10
Finance & Stewardship Report-Deb Cathcart.......................................
14
Operations Report-Bill Goodman.......................................................
15
Education Committee Report-Mabeth Dorman.....................................
17
Youth Committee Report-Lyle Eidelbes..............................................
19
Adult Education Report-David and Genevieve Quarberg........................
20
Worship Committee Report-Jean Bakken...........................................
21
Outreach Committee Report - Julie Berg..............................................
23
Parish Fellowship Committee Report - Glenda Lind................................
23
Letter from the Bishop.......................................................................
25
Luther Park Report...........................................................................
27
Pastor's Annual Report
Dear Family of Christ,
I begin with a task more crucial than any other, namely, offering words of thanks to you, the people of this congregation. Your ministry in this community, among your friends, in your own home, and here at church has given flesh and blood reality to the mystery of God's Spirit. Your faithfulness to Christ, and to one another is a beacon of light in the darkness of the competing and isolating forces of daily living. Your laughter has filled the empty hearts of those around you. Your work and sweat have reshaped more than the walls that surround us. Your tears of sympathy and acts kindness have been healing balm on stinging pain and deeply felt grief. Your vision and courage have broadened horizons and given hope. You have each in your own way, been the hands and heart, the arms and voice of Christ himself. Let the glory go to God! But let thanks be given each of you. Thank you for your prayers, your praise, and your commitment to Christ and to one another. Again, I say . . . thank you.
Has this been a successful year for Family of Christ Lutheran Church? Yes. Very successful. The buildings, equipment and grounds are being maintained and improved. Transition to commercial financing for the mortgage has been accomplished. The long-prayed-for Youth Leader position is now filled. Ties with both local and overseas missions continue to be strengthened. Compensation packages for staff positions are either at, or are moving nearer to synod guideline levels. Families are joining. Worship attendance continues to rise. Council and committee leadership is superb. Morale is high, and we are filled with hope. As the song goes . . . "It was a very good year"!
Another issue looms far more important than 'success', however. That is to say, we need also ask ourselves "Have we been faithful?" This is a more difficult question to answer; but, in my opinion, the answer again is 'yes'. You have publicly claimed your need for forgiveness; you have honored God's Word by what you say, think and do; clinging to blind faith has put you at risk of criticism and failure. Success has come, but rarely at the cost of faithfulness. Without insisting that Jesus Christ be at the very center of your lives, there would never have been any of the ministry that I mentioned in the first paragraph...nor any of the 'success' that I mentioned in the second paragraph. Without genuine trust in His care, without faith that goes beyond mere thought and word, we surely would have lost both our will and our way.
Lest we begin to think of ourselves in a false and unhelpful way, let us be perfectly clear about our absolute dependence upon God. Whatever the height of our success or the depth of our faith, it is HIS unfailing patience and love, guidance and power, that keeps us on track. It is God's faithfulness that holds us together and gives us a future. With God's help we shall continue to care for one another, with special concern for those less fortunate than ourselves. We shall continue to build our personal lives around worship, and not the other way around. We shall continue to witness to the love of Christ, both in word and in deed. We shall honor our call to the ministry of Jesus Christ, and rededicate our homes and workplaces as the primary mission fields to which God is calling us. We shall continue to embrace our limits...letting our failures be the seeds of humility, and a ready source for fun and laughter. With God's help, we shall continue to be blessed by one another, and by the Spirit within us all, finding forgiveness for the past, peace and acceptance in the present...confident and hopeful for all that lies ahead.
You are remarkable people. You are God's people. Thank you again for your energy, your work, your effort that has made my work easy; thank you for your prayers and presence, your faithfulness and love, that has been for me, and for so many others, the very light of Christ Himself. We have much to do in this next year. With God's help, let us all the more be reconciled and responsive to the One who gives us Life.
Sincerely,
Pastor Lon Larson
President's Annual Report
This was another exciting year for Family of Christ Lutheran Church! We continue to grow in numbers and in our faith in God. As you may recall from last year's report, the church council developed a three-year plan in 1998 with goals established in a number of areas. As a part of this annual report, I will first present a summary of the 2000 goals and the progress that was made.
Stewardship
* To conduct a successful stewardship drive focusing on raising the level of stewardship with a goal of increasing giving by 10-15% from current members. (Completed: The giving rate increased by 16%.)
Outreach
* To increase membership in the church by having 30 new families join during the year 2000. (Mostly completed: Church membership was increased by 25 families.)
* To produce new outreach materials centering on more specific areas-ex. youth programs, adult education, etc. (Partially completed: This is an ongoing goal from year to year.)
Financial
* To make the full monthly mortgage payments to the Mission Investment Fund. (Completed: Family of Christ has made full payments since April 2000.)
* To increase Family of Christ benevolence by 25%. (Completed: Total benevolence for 1999 was $8,042 and for the year 2000 was $11,375-a total increase of 41%.)
* To meet the minimum guidelines of the synod for the recommended compensation and benefits for the pastor. (Completed: We achieved the minimum guideline recommendations in July 2000.)
* To become totally independent from any financial aid from mission partnering sources. (Mostly Completed: The greatly reduced assistance from the Mission Investment Fund will end on February 1, 2001.)
* To provide funding for a youth activities coordinator. (Completed.)
* To increase funding to expand the church secretary position. (Completed: Position expansion occurred in the fall of 2000 with an increase in hours from 20 to 25 per week as an average.)
Education and Youth
* To increase the number of activities offered to our youth by at least 10%. (Completed.)
* To increase the number of children enrolled for Sunday School by 10%. (Completed: 81 children were enrolled last year, and 90 children are enrolled this year.)
* To increase the number of children enrolled in Vacation Bible School by 20%. (Completed: There were 60 children enrolled in VBS in 199 and 75 in the year 2000-a 25% increase.)
Facilities
* To strategically plan more creative ways to use the existing facilities especially the classroom spaces. (Completed: A committee completed this study during late summer and made recommendations to the council.)
Because this three-year goal plan was ending, a number of congregation members met last fall, under the leadership of Larry Bentsen, to develop a Family of Christ Strategic Plan for the years 2001-2003. Currently, the general goals are being finalized, and shortly a number of new and existing committees will be meeting to develop their objectives and plans to meet the goals. The following is a list of the goals that have been developed.
1. Transition from mission status to conventional financing of present mortgage (by March 31, 2001). Develop a financing plan for expansion of facilities and programs (by January, 2002).
2. Develop a three-year staffing plan, by year, to support mission and objectives (by May 1, 2001).
3. Develop a plan for space utilization (by May 1, 2001) and for expansion of facility (by September 1, 2001) to provide adequate support for membership and ministry programs.
4. Determine the expected membership growth rate for each of the next three years (by March 31, 2001) and generate a plan to support expansion and/or change of ministry programs (by September 1, 2001).
5. Determine methods to obtain increased membership participation/involvement to further Christ's mission within and outside of our congregation (by October, 2001).
6. Increase community outreach, service and involvement.
7. Increase awareness and recognition of Family of Christ.
Terry Lind
Council President
Treasurer's Report
Members of Family of Christ Lutheran Church,
The past year brought many changes as we continued to grow in the number of members and in the size of our budget. Our mortgage payments almost doubled in size. Sherry Goodman came aboard as our youth director. Our parking lot is better lit and the concrete at our entryway is much improved. A new software program is installed and hopefully, all members will be kept better informed in a more timely manner in 2001. Yes, we at Family of Christ saw many positive things to reflect upon in 2000.
2001 will bring even more growth and with it bigger challenges for our members. We have preliminary approval for permanent financing of our mortgage. Our commitment to our staff will increase. Our proposed benevolence expenditures will grow. Yes, our budget for 2001 is an ambitious one. We will all need to work together, volunteer generously of our time and talents, and share our resources by regular giving in order to maintain our pattern of growth.
We at Family of Christ are truly a "family." With prayer and God's help, I am confident that we can continue to meet these challenges and move forward in the coming year.
Doris Petersen
Treasurer
Stewardship and Finance Report
Family of Christ members continued to demonstrate their commitment and faith in many ways throughout 2000. One of those methods is through the individual and family offerings and gifts. In 2000, gifts to the General Fund grew to $174,363. This shows a 16% growth from the $149,490 in 1999.
Year 2000 brought year 2 of the Debt Reduction campaign. Gifts received during 2000 equaled $44,862. This results in a total of $153,565 for the first two years of the campaign.
Attendance at services increased again in 2000. Total attendance for 2000 was 9,702; which represents a 7% increase over 1999.
In October of 2000, Family of Christ was blessed with the addition on a paid Youth Director position. This is an exciting endeavor and will provide another avenue of support with assistance to the youth of the church in their faith walk.
Another change for our congregation is the change in status of the ELCA Mission Fund. The ELCA Mission Fund support ends with the January 2001 payment. Family of Christ is thankful and grateful to the ELCA for their support of the success of our congregation.
At the end of 2000, a small surplus remains for carry over into 2001. Family of Christ was able to meet its financial commitments to sustain its work. We are appreciative of the support of the fellow members of Family of Christ as the Church Council worked towards sustaining a healthy financial position.
As we look ahead, the year 2001 holds the anticipation of Family of Christ Lutheran Church. A General Fund Stewardship Drive is planned for early this year. Through this effort, individuals and families will be able to continue to demonstrate their own stewardship based on faith and generosity. This will provide ongoing support to achieve the desired objectives of the congregation.
Again, Family of Christ is thankful for and blessed by the stewardship of the congregational members through financial gifts and offerings.
Bill Hope and Deb Cathcart
Youth Committee
In 2000, we had positive events happen in our youth organization, and I would like to summarize some of them:
We must acknowledge departures from the youth committee of some hard working individuals--they are Ken Davidson, Jeannie Bergquist, and Jane Gilb. These individuals spent many years involved on the youth committee, and had it in terrific shape when I came on board as Youth Committee Chairperson.
We also have the continued efforts of existing and new individuals. Our youth committee now has the following members:
Sherry Goodman - Youth Director
Kitty Soderberg - Youth Outreach
Toni Harms - Event Coordinator
Mike Chronquist - Luther Park Camp Coordinator
Pam Berger - Fund Raising
Lisa Cecchini - Worship
Tiina Eidelbes - Worship
Junior and Senior high members
The efforts of these individuals make this committee what it is and will be. With every committee there is always room for more people to be involved, so if you feel the spirit calling, COME JOIN THE FUN! We are in extreme need of having a person assist in coordinating the 4th - 6th grade effort. We are going to change our meeting time from the second Tuesday to the second Sunday of the month at 10:30 am in Room A. Also, no experience is required!
I apologize that I cannot summarize in more detail the events prior to June 2000 when I came on board. But, some of the main events were Super Bowl, Pizza Fund Raising, Night to Remember, tubing, concerts, golf, and the Senior High Youth Convention in St. Louis.
In August, we spent a great deal of time preparing for the 2000 and 2001 school year. As most of you know, we organized around a planning concept called WOLF, which stands for worship, outreach, learning, and fellowship. Within each of these we defined goals for the up-coming year and have had some success.
The fellowship events started with a youth camping trip, and in October we did extreme bowling. Some of the outreach events were buying clothing for a needy family under the Lutheran Brotherhood program, and delivering the gifts to the Nursing home. The learning portion has revolved around the Crosswalk program on Sunday mornings, and with each event we have a devotion.
The largest accomplish was finding a Youth Director for our church, and I would like to thank Sherry Goodman for taking on this opportunity. She will be attending some training and mentoring programs to assist her in performing her duties. To make Sherri successful in her new position it will take the congregations energy, enthusiasm, prayers, and positive reinforcement.
So, we begin 2001 in great anticipation of what is yet to come. But, as we continue to work on this committee we need to keep focused on the following:
It is not our job to change kids . . . That's Jesus' . . . It is our job to show them Jesus.
Respectively Submitted,
Lyle Eidelbes
Youth Committee Chairperson
Adult Education Report
Initially, when we were asked to lead the adult class on Sunday morning, it was suggested that we aim toward 'light but profound'! I'm not sure we succeeded with that on each Sunday, for time is a constraint for profundity. The persons who have participated varies in number, probably from 5 to 25, a fact that is affected by space and interest and other commitments, such as team teaching for children's classes or hunting season or the weather.
Going backward: During Advent we read (closely) the Christmas story from Luke and Matthew. For six sessions, we looked at the video from the book Why Christian? And discussed the issues raised. (The remaining three sessions will be completed in January.) We heard three speakers who had served as exchange pastor/teachers in Tanzania. We looked at the fall issue of Mosaic, an ELCA news video. Last spring during Lent we read (closely) the Passion texts. Before that we completed a Bible study of Revelation and the first 12 chapters of Genesis.
We've attempted to introduce a variety of subjects, yet maintain a focus on the kind of learning that we "may lead godly lives until the day of Jesus Christ."
David and Genevieve Quarberg
Worship Committee Report
Committee Members:
Chairperson and Council Representative Jean Bakken
Altar Guild Chairperson Kathy Derner
Music Coordinator Liz Schuur
The objective of the Worship & Music Committee is to coordinate and facilitate the various facets of our worship service. These efforts help the pastor conduct meaningful Sunday and special occasion services.
Music is an important part of our services, and Liz Schuur does an excellent job of selecting and playing music appropriate to the occasion. She also spends a lot of time facilitating choir and special occasion music. Let's also give a hearty thanks to our choir and band members for their uplifting contribution to our services.
The Altar Guild is responsible for maintenance and decoration of the altar area. This includes: setting up and serving communion twice per month, changing the paraments on the altar for the various seasons and celebrations of the church year, and seasonal or special decorating of the church. Special thanks to Kathy Derner for all of her work on banners, Cindy Davis for new Christmas decorations, and all of the Altar Guild workers for their efforts and decorations that have spruced up our sanctuary during the year. Kathy's dad, for the third year in a row, gave us a beautiful Christmas tree fresh from his farm.
Our flower chart on the bulletin board is getting more use. Our thanks to everyone who ahs provided flowers for worship services. Flowers "in memory of" or "in honor of" are a wonderful way to remember special occasions such as anniversaries and birthdays (and they can be taken home after the services).
Children, third grade and younger, have the opportunity to take part in the children's message, then enjoy an activity bag with a treat during the regular message. Thanks to Karin Stokes for preparing the activity bags each week.
Our Nursery is staffed and available for use during the 10:45 service. This is in addition to the listening room which is available for all services. Our thanks to Julie Berg, Ann Huseby, and all of the volunteers who provide the loving childcare.
This is now the third year that the 4th, 5th and 6th graders have served as acolytes.
Special thanks to our volunteer ushers who try to keep the service running smoothly. Starting last fall, we are asking ushers to make a three-month commitment. This means ushering at the same service, and same week of the month for three months. The feedback on this has been very good.
A special thanks to our sound booth people. Bill Goodman and drew do an excellent job enhancing our services with a good sound level so our service can be heard in the nursery, listening room, narthex, hallways, etc.
Thanks to Kathy Derner and Sherry Goodman for the sewing and needlework on the Baptismal banners and cloths.
There are many opportunities for involvement and service with the worship committee. Some of them are:
Lector (read the lesson during service)
Usher
Special music-choir, instrument, solo, duet, etc.
Prepare altar for communion, pour wine (Altar Guild)
Banner & Decorations Committee (Altar Guild)
Our sincere thanks to everyone who has volunteered. You make our worship services more personal and more meaningful.
Jean Bakken
Worship & Music Council Representative
Music Committee Report
I'm a firm believer in music as an artistic expression, and also believe that as a form of worship, music can bring us into God's presence. We praise Him and glorify His name, we worship Him, we make promises to Him and celebrate the promises He has made to us, through music. The psalms were written as expressions of love to be sung to the Lord. Experiencing music can open our hearts to Him, whether it be in song or instrumental interpretations. At FoC, we have been truly blessed in our music offerings.
Our small but dedicated adult choir gave voice to special music presentations during 12 worship services! Plus, we were treated to band music, a solo here and there and the children singing on 3 separate occasions!
On 11 Sundays, we used the new "Praise and Worship" song books in place of the green "Lutheran Book of Worship". Several of the P&W songs have become favorites and staples to many congregations and are readily recognized by visitors to our parish. But as wonderful as these new songs are, the traditional hymns are still requested on a regular basis by many congregational members . . . and by the pianist, as well!
We wish to invite all who are interested, to join us during our choir practice sessions on Wednesday nights. None of us have trained voices; all of us have a love of music and a heart for God. Some of us are braver than others--others are more talented. It doesn't matter! We gather to do the thing we love, to sing. We learn new songs, have fun with those we've already learned, try new combinations, share stories from our daily lives, receive much needed back rubbing and offer support to each other; we bond and blend, laugh and love.
We are faced now with an ambitious spring schedule, with many songs to learn for the Good Friday presentation. We welcome any men who would care to join us . . . and hope to find more women, too! We especially hope to find a flute player who could accompany the choir on special occasions. Here again, artistic expression and a love for music is more important than training!
So, there you have it! The year 2000 was busy, hectic, wonderful and exciting. We hope for a fabulous year 2001 and invite all the adults (young and young at heart) to join us on Wednesday nights as we find space at the foot of His cross.
Blessings,
Liz Schuur, pianist
Outreach Team Report
The Outreach team (Holly and Robb Mittelstaedt, Robin Brown and Julie Berg) have had an exciting year welcoming 25 new families into our congregation.
We've participated in: preparing a Soup Supper during Lent; "Bring a Friend" Sunday; a relaxing, fun summer picnic at Lake Marion; name tag Sundays and New Member Orientation.
Thank you to our friends at Family of Christ for helping us welcome many new families this past year and for keeping them in your prayers. GOD BLESS YOU!
The Nursery has been staffed by the kind families who have volunteered their time during the 2nd service. Thanks to Ann Huseby and Julie Berg for taking care of the nursery.
Julie Berg
Community Relations Council Representative
Parish Fellowship Report
Committee and Parish Fellowship Members
Glenda Lind, Lori Hall, Jeannie Bergquist, Karen Agee, Jenny Borchardt, Barb Buswell, Holly Cheshier, Cindy Davis, Becky Donner, Margaret Larson, Sharon Mitchell, Elaine Nelson, Barb Nylund, Ann Olson, Doris Petersen, Betty Peterson, Kitty Soderberg, Karin Stokes, Karla Vivant and Cheryl Wills.
Accomplishments in 2000
We organized several pot lucks, special event Sunday refreshments, regular Sunday refreshments, Soup Suppers, Ladies' Spring Tea, hosted several Lakeville Community American Red Cross Bloodmobiles, provided the treats for Community Car Care Saturday, Crafting Angels, Secret Sisters, and a Holiday Luncheon.
We held the Fifth Annual Ladies' Holiday Luncheon and Ornament Exchange.
We began the fourth year of the Secret Sister group: a supportive and prayerful way of expressing our faith, love and friendship. Our thanks to Liz Schuur, our organizer.
We began our fourth year of the Crafting Angels which meets monthly.
We provide, once a month, the treats for the volunteers at Community Car Care Saturday at Roger Gilb's Auto Service.
We are in our second year of the Prayer Chain Ministry. Our thanks to Lori Hall and the members of the prayer chain. You are very much appreciated.
We received donated items for the kitchen this year. Thank you to those who donated.
Goals for 2001
1. We would like to have some adult-only activities, quarterly.
2. We would like to have a Progressive Dinner in early Spring.
3. We would like to have the Sunday refreshments by totally self-supporting in terms of food, beverages and supplies. We are doing a very good job of trying to meet this goal.
4. When necessary, the Sunday refreshments will be free and the monies collected will be used as a free-will offering. This may happen once a year. The Parables group is an example.
We will continue to strive to be of service to Family of Christ through fellowship, activities, pot lucks, weddings, funerals, families in need, baptisms, Confirmation Sunday, Stewardship Sunday and any "special" occasion not mentioned above.
We will continue to be of support to our "family" and help it grow.
Our goal has always been to serve the congregation in any way possible, when the need arises. That's what parish fellowship is all about-getting together to enjoy and support our "family."
Respectfully submitted,
Glenda Lind
Office Statistics
(As of December 31, 2000)
Baptisms: 16
Weddings: 2
Funerals: 0
Confirmation: 5
First Communion: 23
New Members: 85 (25 families)
Members Transferred Out: 6 (2 families)
Total Members: 477 (140 families)
Confirmed Members: 284
In 2000, we purchased new church software called Lutheran Church Windows, which holds all membership information, contributions and financial. We have all records transferred to the new system. We recently added the payroll module as well, so that will be used in 2001. The software has been designed to be able to print our synod reports as well, so that will be a big help. Mike Harms was instrumental in helping us get things set up. Doris Petersen, Deb Cathcart and I attended a training session on the new software.
The Moenkhaus family donated a new computer and monitor for the office, and the Petersen family donated a new chair for the office (I don't fall over anymore!). Thanks so much!
For 2001, we are looking at the possibility of putting the foCus online. We are still working on getting backup for the office computer as well, but it looks as though that should happen soon. We also have some volunteers lined up to fix our phone lines soon also!
Peace and Blessings to All,
Tiina Eidelbes
Church Secretary
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