Annual Report

Table of Contents

Agenda………………………………………………………………………….... 2

Minutes of 2003 Annual Meeting………………………………………………. 3

Pastor’s Report…………………………………………………………………... 4

Membership Statistics…………………………………………………………... 6

Youth Worker Report & Youth Committee Report…………...………………. 7

Music Ministries Report..……………………………………………………….. 9

President’s Report……………………………………………………………... 10

Stewardship & Finance/Treasurer’s Report…………………………………. 12

Revenue vs. Expenses & Proposed Budget………………………………… 13

Benevolence Report……………………………………………………………. 14

Memorial Fund………………………………………………………………….. 15

Building Committee Report …….……………………………………………... 16

Share the Vision Campaign Report…………………………………………... 16

Tanzania Mission Report..……………………………………………………... 17

Property/Operations Committee & Landscaping Committee………..…….. 18

Education Committee…………………………………………………………... 19

Worship Committee…………………………………………………………….. 20

Community Relations Committee……………………………………………... 22

Parish Fellowship Committee………….….……….………………………….. 23

Personnel Committee…………………………………………………………... 24

Technology Report…..…………………………………………………………..24

Luther Park Report...…………………………………………………………….25

Saint Paul Area Synod Report…………………………...……………………. 27

1. Call to Order

2. Opening Devotions

3. Minutes of 2003 Annual Meeting

4. Staff Report

Pastor’s Report

Membership Statistics

Youth Director’s Report

Music Report

5. Council Reports:

President’s Report

Finance and Stewardship Report

Treasurer’s Report

6. Elections:

Nominating Committee Report / Distribution of Ballots

7. Recognition of Outgoing Council Members

8. Council Committee Reports

Property/Operations Committee Report

Education Committee Reports

Worship Committee Report

Community Relations Report

7. Congregational Committee Reports

Youth Committee

Parish Fellowship Committee

Building Committee

Share the Vision Campaign

Tanzania Mission

Personnel Committee

Technology

8. Other Business

9. Adjournment—Lord’s Prayer

Family of Christ Lutheran Church

Minutes of Annual Congregational Meeting

January 25, 2004

1. Paul Donner called the meeting to order at 9:50 a.m.

2. Opening devotions by Pastor Lon Larson.

3. Terry Lind reviewed the 2003 Annual Meeting minutes. Rob Mittelstaedt made a

motion to accept the 2003 minutes. Dick Loeffler seconded. Motion carried.

4. Staff reports:

Pastor’s Report by Pastor Lon. Statistics of 2003 Annual Report also reviewed.

Youth Director’s Report by Sherry Goodman

Music Report reviewed by Paul Donner.

5. Council Reports:

President’s Report by Paul Donner.

Finance and Stewardship Report by Steve Paradise. 2004 Budget was reviewed. Don Bergquist made a motion to adopt the 2004 budget. Brian Knapp seconded. Motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report by Doris Petersen with a review of 2003 Benevolence and Building Fund statements.

6. Barb Nylund reviewed the Nomination Committee’s Report. Nominees were Joel Nelson for Vice President, Terry Hack for Treasurer, Vicki Heggen for Worship, Ted Siefkes for Education, and Barb Nylund for Community Relations. Synod representative nominees were Chuck and Cindy Davis. There were no additional nominees for the ballot other than the Nominating Committee. Those nominated for the Nominating Committee were Jeannine Anderson, Lisa Cecchini, and Gerry Wills. Jeannine Anderson made a motion to accept unanimously the nominees on the ballot. Roger Gilb seconded. Motion carried.

7. Paul Donner recognized outgoing council members Chuck Davis, Doris Petersen,Jane Wegleitner, and Jill Loeffler.

8. Council Committee Reports:

Operations

Education/Youth Committee Reports – Jane Wegleitner

Worship Committee Report

Social Concerns/Community Relations Report – Jill Loeffler

9. Congregational Committee Reports

Youth Committee – Brian Knapp

Parish Fellowship Committee – Glenda Lind

Access Committee – Brian Knapp

Strategic Planning – Joel Nelson

Building Committee – Brian Knudsen

Technology – FoCS Update – Bill Goodman

10. Other Business – None

11. Closing comments by Paul Donner. Meeting adjourned at 10:35 a.m. after reciting the the Lord’s Prayer.

Pastor’s Report—2004

Dear Friends,

The measure of our ministry is nothing that can easily be graphed or charted. The work of the Spirit in the life and breath of this congregation cannot be contained in a listing of accomplishments or a comparison of numbers. The life-giving presence of a Savior cannot be reduced to the brief historical sketches that recap the year. The intent and power of our Creator is infinitely grander than any attempts at documentation. When materials are submitted for the annual report, it is done in full knowledge that each report is only but a whisper of the Voice that speaks us into praise, service and love for one another.

If not numbers, and if not the notations made in this report, then what are the markers of His presence among us? Weddings? Funerals? Baptisms? Quincineras? Confirmation? Are these the measure and mark of God’s work in this place—moments of ritual and ceremony, built around the Word of God? Yes. They are. And Sunday worship as well. And all the times that, together, the people of Family of Christ have found ourselves with bowed heads and bent knees…each and every time that confession has ended in absolution…every time that songs of praise and psalms of lament and words of peace have been offered and shared together in this place. The mystery of our gathering around Word and Sacrament, the reality of having stood next to one another in our search for reverence and in our receiving of grace---this most certainly is a measure of our ministry, a sign of God’s hand on us. And of course, there is more.

It is a marvel to see your love and concern for one another. It is heartening to watch the many ways that you reach out and care for one another. At times, we are hesitant. We don’t know one another as we could and should. But once friendships are struck, once relationships are born, it is amazing to see the depth of your commitment and concern for one another. This, too, is a mark of God’s work among us, a measure of our ministry.

In Tanzania, I witnessed the most amazing scenes. Want, poverty, need… graciousness, hospitality, joy… determination, vision, desire… faith, contentment, trust. What filled our eyes and ears… changed our hearts and minds. Once home, our stories were told, and you graciously listened. But there was more. Without the benefit of having been there, without having any first-hand experience, you sponsored secondary students, provided transportation, financed new wells, expanded medical clinics, cared for orphans and bonded with the people of a remote village called Usokami. I shall not soon forget your gracious response to the fleeting images and abbreviated stories we provided. Just when it seemed we would never be around a more gracious and hospitable people than those Tanzanians… we came home to Family of Christ, and were again overwhelmed by an equal measure of love and concern. You are a remarkable group. Your openness, generosity and love, often for people whom you do not know and perhaps will never meet, this too is a measure of our ministry together.

Do we have nowhere to go from here? Yes, of course. In the midst of the Light of Christ, there remain plenty of shadows cast by each of us, all of us. But His promise is evident, His presence is notable, His love for us is firm, His call to justice is being honored, His insistence on mercy is being heeded, and His power to make things new, His power to offer new life, His curious habit of bringing us back from the dead---all of this is happening right here, at Family of Christ Lutheran Church. Our Savior is here, God is with us. And that is enough. That is all we need to meet this New Year with excitement, confidence and joy.

I am most grateful for the constant help and support of Mary Jeanne Benson, Sherry Goodman, and Liz Schuur. I am grateful to other staff members, both paid and volunteer, including Doris Petersen, Cami Davis, Gretchen Bagylos, Kathryn Blume, Lisa Cecchini, Barb Nylund, Karen Brettingen and Ann Huseby. In so many ways, they reflect for me, and for all of us, the Love of Christ in our daily work here at the church.

I am also deeply grateful for the work of the church council, and those who serve on committees and work groups. I have never met a more talented and faithful group of disciples. It is an honor to be counted among them.

I am deeply grateful to you, the members of this congregation, who are quite literally the arms and hands and heart of Christ in this place. Your faithfulness, generosity and service provide me with daily blessings and encouragement. Yours is the vision that pushes us forward.

The ‘measure of our ministry’ at Family of Christ Lutheran Church is, finally, not far removed from our humanity. It has to do with our willingness to share both joy and pain, our openness to one another’s talents and struggles, our dependence on each other’s commitment and questions, our celebration of both unity and diversity. What God does with our strength… and our weakness… is, finally, the surest measure of our ministry together.

Thank you for your continued love and faithfulness. May God continue to bless us as He has in the past, guard and keep us in each new moment, and equip us for all that lies ahead.

In His Service,

Lon W. Larson, pastor

Total Members (Baptized):

Confirmed Members:

Total Member Households:

Active Non-Members:

New Members:

Number of New Member Households:

Members Deceased in 2004:

Members Transferred Out:

Removed to Membership Archive:

Worship Services:

Average Worship Attendance:

Baptisms:

Weddings:

Funerals:

Confirmation:

First Communion:

Presentation of Bibles (3rd Graders):

Sunday School Enrollment:

Youth Program (7th-12th):

(25 active in SHED or regular activities)

Youth Worker’s Report

2004 was a good year… a busy year. If all things go as planned, we probably had our last whole year in our SHED. This is a good thing, and I have learned to smile about it, but didn’t at first. I will miss our little space… their space. But, truthfully, it really is so crowded! And although I smile remembering it, some tears will be “shed” at the loss of it just because it is a great space filled with many marvelous memories, some of those created just this past year!

Beginning in January, we collected a dollar from congregation members as they left worship on “Souper Bowl” Sunday. That day we raised $174.84 for our local food shelf. We started up the confirmation mentor program during the Lenten season. Many of our youth participated in the 30 Hour Famine in February; we raised over one thousand dollars for World Vision. We held the annual “Night to Remember” outside all night on Maundy Thursday following the worship service. The youth built shelters using cardboard boxes where they hung out and competed in team challenges. We had a campfire where there were hourly discussions, Bible readings and music. It was a very cold night, but everyone made it through and had warm food at Perkins afterwards.

During the spring and summer months the SHED was open on Wednesday nights for Bible study. The book of Genesis was read and discussed for many weeks. As always, we finished our evening together with some volleyball! The summer mission trip to St. Louis was June 26-July 2. Three vehicles were taken: a rented mini van and a 15 passenger van, plus the Weinel family generously loaned us the use of their very excellent Suburban! (Thank you!!) Dan Benson, Connie Novak and Sherry Goodman chaperoned 18 young people. Everyone had a great experience serving the inner city youth of St Louis. On the Fourth of July we once again sold “glow in the dark“ necklaces at Lakeville High School prior to the fireworks display. $614.00 was raised for next year’s Luther Park Camp scholarships. Many of our young people participated in Luther Park Camp during the summer and almost all of them were able to use some of the scholarship money.

When summer was over and it was time to return to our regular routine, our CrossWalk teens helped the education committee with Rally Sunday by renting a helium tank and blowing up balloons, painting faces, applying temporary tattoos and helping with outdoor games. CrossWalk kicked off their year with the annual fall retreat held at Cry of the Heart Retreat Center in Farmington. The FTS youth group began meeting once a month with the help of our new FTS Leaders: Alisha Krueger, Cam Cecchini, Cale Nelson, Bailee Rasmussen and Katie Jackson. The Fourth Thru Sixth grade group is usually about 14-20 students.

New this year is the expansion of the confirmation mentor program. Last year it was only during the Lenten season and for 2004-2005 it will be October through May. Mentors are encouraged to meet with their mentees at least once a month. The new Youth Leaders that are 7^th grade mentors are Jerome Bergquist, Kevin Knapp, Nick Benson, Maren Lund, Abbie Juniper and Josi Cecchini. All eleven of the youth leaders get together once a month for their small group. There they have the opportunity to discuss issues, plan for the future, and discuss what’s coming up, etc. I am especially thankful to all of them for their faithfulness and dedication to our youth ministry!! They had the opportunity to go to Concordia in Moorhead and participate in Peer Mentor training on Nov. 6 & 7^th. Thank you to Lisa Cecchini for helping chaperone that event.

In December we went to the Trinity Care Center for our annual Christmas party with the residents. Thank you to everyone that participated, to Pat Rasmussen for helping plan and to all the Family of Christ members who purchased gifts for residents!! They really appreciated the gifts and our visit. Our youth also participated in the Share The Vision fund drive in the fall. Our teams were: Prayer team--Josi Cecchini, Cale Nelson and Lisa Cecchini; Skit team--Tiegan Shreve, Ian Novak and Connie Novak; and Video team-- Bailee Rasmussen, Abbie Juniper and Pat Rasmussen. They all did a great job and many of our youth have pledged money for the new building addition.

The youth raised money for their summer mission trip and tithed 10% to the Tanzania Mission Team. ($800.00) They also participated in a Thrivent school supplies buying project purchasing $1500.00 worth of school supplies for local students. Thank you to Doris Petersen for organizing and leading that activity.

As you can see, it was a very busy year for all the students and adults involved in our youth ministry. Thank you to all who helped. And also a big thank you to everyone who prays for our kids, contributes financially to our youth activities and to parents who continually drive them around and make sure they get to church on Sundays! God bless you all.

Keep Shining,

Sherry Goodman

Youth Worker

Youth Committee Report

As you can glean from Sherry Goodman’s comprehensive report, 2004 was a very full and fulfilling year for our youth and their leaders as they sought to serve God, our church, our community, our nation (St. Louis), and our world (Tanzania, World Vision). I want to recognize those members who have served on the Youth Committee this past year—Rick Lund, Lisa Cecchini, Lyle and Tiina Eidlebes, Connie Novak, Karen Jackson and Sherry Goodman--- what wonderful work they have done on behalf of our youth and Family of Christ. Lastly, Sherry Goodman deserves special recognition for the care and dedication she brings to our youth mission. She connects so well with the youth of our congregation to bring them the message of service to Him. Sherry makes a difference in their lives every day! Thank you, Sherry!

In service to our youth,

Brian Knapp

Youth Committee Chairperson

Music Ministries Report

In 2004, we were blessed as a congregation to receive special music presentations on 24 occasions! Our thanks go out to various small ensembles, the Hosanna! Flute Choir, the Messengers from Easter Lutheran, to Claudia Lund, Cami Davis, Becky Nystuen and Stephanie Peterson for their participation.

Again, we used the Holden Evening Worship order of service throughout Lent. I’m not sure if people attended Lenten services because of the wonderful music that is a part of that worship, or because the soup served before worship was so wonderful! Regardless the reason, Lent was, again, a time of reflection and remembrance, giving honor and glory to God for His excellent greatness.

Once again, for 2004, we were not required to complete the Christian Copyright Licensing International disclosure. That’s a mouthful! However, we did continue our weekly log of every song photocopied or duplicated for our worship services. Obtaining approvals to use different songs, listing references and including long copyright disclosures is “a pain” but is necessary. And, sometimes we find that a particular song, though beautiful and appropriate for the day, is just plain not available for our use. Thanks, MJB – you’re the best!

Armed with that log, we did indeed use music from sources other than The Green Book, the Lutheran Book of Worship (LBW). For instance, the newest revision of the LBW, which is being tested and edited, has a great inventory of beautiful songs that we selected from. The final revision of this hymnal will be available in the not-so distant future; at some point a decision will have to be made regarding the number of books desired and the fund raiser needed to complete the purchase!

The group commonly referred to as The Choir continues to meet in Room-E, which frees the sanctuary for use by the confirmation classes. We jokingly refer to ourselves as the Music Small Group – uplifting each other in prayer and sometimes needing to spend time listening to one another rather than singing….. Anyone is welcome to join us on Wednesday nights. There are rare occasions when the practice time is postponed. I apologize for any inconvenience these last minute cancellations may cause.

I would like to offer special thanks to the steadfast members of this Small Group. I have enjoyed working with these people immensely. Sometimes we gather for weeks and weeks, reviewing one or two songs specifically, only to have the presentation dashed at the last minute due to unforeseen schedule changes in private lives. Please know that these people continue to come, continue to meet, continue to work toward providing special music, even though the congregation may never see the fruits of that dedication!

That said, my thanks to Marshall and Betty Peterson, Elaine Nelson, Sue Arnett, Julie Davidson, Mike and Toni Harms, Karen Agee, Lyle and Tiina Eidelbes and Rick Lund.

You people are awesome! Praise God for you!

God’s blessings,

Liz Schuur

President's Report

Family of Christ Lutheran Church has completed a year of successfully transferring visions into reality. Last year we were faced with growth concerns, building issues, staff needs, and many other challenges. The amount of challenges for our church could very easily be overwhelming for any congregation. But rather then be overwhelmed, our congregation prayed and approached all needs as opportunities. All accomplishments this past year were not accidents, but they occurred because of successful leadership, beginning with Pastor Larson. We have successfully met our financial obligations. We continue to have an enormous percentage of members serving Family of Christ by volunteering for various duties and committees. We have successfully conducted The Sharing Express Campaign. We had a successful annual fund drive. We have continued to improve our facility outside our church, due to the work of our building and access committee. We have successfully put our Strategic Plan to work. By accomplishing so much, it is clearly evident— Family of Christ Lutheran Church continues to grow in her faith to God and to Jesus Christ, our Lord. I will present a very brief summary of our status in the following areas:

Church Council

I would like to thank each council member for their hard work and dedication during the past year for Family of Christ Lutheran Church. Our council members are Bruce Brasseur (Operations), Terry Hack (Treasurer), Vickie Heggen (Worship), Lon Larson (Pastor), Terry Lind (Secretary), Joel Nelson (Vice President), Barb Nylund (Community Relations), Steve Paradise (Financial Secretary), and Ted Siefkes (Education). We should be so grateful for the amount of time and effort that these people donate for our congregation. Each council member serves their congregation in a professional manner. These people have more than fulfilled the obligations of their elected positions during 2004 for Family of Christ.

Stewardship

We conducted, thanks to our congregation, another successful stewardship drive. I would like to offer a special thank you to Deb Cathcart, who is responsible for working with Tim Owings from RSI and conducting our annual stewardship drive at the same time as our larger capital stewardship drive. Next year, we should look forward to our annual stewardship drive utilizing the methods of our Sharing Express program. That is, we should look forward to the folders which travel from home to home.

Outreach

We continue to welcome and add new members to Family of Christ Lutheran Church. However, Family of Christ showed no significant growth this past year. This presents an awesome and exciting opportunity for all members. Let us all continue to offer a warm welcome to visitors and encourage people to join us as we all worship Jesus Christ, our Savior. We should focus on methods of promoting our church and increasing our visibility and recognition of Family of Christ Lutheran Church. With the tremendous growth of new businesses surrounding our church, the opportunity for our church to make its presence known continues to grow.

Financial

We have successfully met our budget obligations. We have successfully met our benevolence obligations and successfully tithed, as God has asked us to. We have successfully met our synod recommended compensation for Lon Larson, our pastor. We are very excited to have our office manager, Mary Jeanne Benson, as an integral addition to our Family of Christ community. We will continue to staff our church with valuable people, such as Sherry Goodman (Youth Director) and Liz Schuur (Music Director). Other positions, such as a custodian and data controller, need to be filled in order that our church may function efficiently. A special thank you to our personnel committee for all they have done, and we should continue to pray for them as they continue to locate quality individuals to serve Family of Christ. Our church office continues to be open for business each day from 8:00 to 4:30.

Education and Youth

We continue to increase the number of youth enrolled in our educational programs, which is an absolute blessing. We are so fortunate! We have 100 plus students attending Sunday School at Family of Christ. It is so important that we thank those who have volunteered their time to serve our children as teachers, music directors, Christmas program chairs, vacation bible school leaders and other services to assist our youth. It is no secret that our children motivate us adults to grow in our relationship to our church and Christ. Passing the Good Word on to our children may be our most important obligation as members of Family of Christ.

Facilities

A special thank you should go to our building committee, which has worked incredibly hard on trying to meet our needs for more space. They have heard the wishes of our congregation and they are very close in assisting as our visions may become reality. Due to our successful Share the Vision Campaign, we have heard from our congregation that they want to move forward; so we hope to break ground on an addition to our current facility this spring. In addition to adding space, we have improved the appearance and flow of the parking lot, we have approved a new sign to bring attention to the church and the landscaping continues to improve. Space associated with worship, education, community needs, and storage will soon improve.

Paul A. Donner

Council President

January 16,2005

Stewardship/Finance/Treasurer Report – 2004

Members of Family of Christ Lutheran Church continued to offer their stewardship gifts in many ways through 2004. The generous sharing of these gifts – time, talents and monetary gifts – supported Family of Christ Lutheran Church in meeting its ministry objectives. The reports of other committees reflect the stewardship of sharing one’s time and talents; whereas the Finance Report will focus on monetary contributions.

2004 Attendance

· Total attendance = 12,191. Included in the total is attendance at Sunday, mid-week Lenten, Holy Week, Thanksgiving and Christmas. This is a 1% decrease compared to 2003.

· 2004 average weekly attendance was 234.

2004 Contributions

· During 2004, Family Christ Lutheran Church’s operating expenses were covered through contributions (income) from members, visitors and friends.

· A total of $331,879.82 was received into the general and building fund through

member and visitor/friend giving.

· General Fund revenue = $301,606.78

- This reflects a 4.6% increase over budgeted projections.

- This amount is 10.7% over the 2003 general fund income.

· Building Fund revenue = $30,273.04

- This amount is 2.8% over the 2003 building fund revenue.

Share the Vision

Family of Christ Lutheran Church has received pledges of $679,595.00 during our 2004 Share the Vision program. To date, we have received contributions of $54,040.48.

2005 – Looking Ahead

As we look ahead to 2005, we continue to be grateful for the generous contributions of members and others that sustain the operations and growth of Family of Christ’s ministry. The income projections for 2005 will be held flat to 2004, given the substantial increase we realized in 2004. This giving budget will allow for expenses to grow by 3% - meeting the needs and focuses of this congregation’s many programs. We start the year with a total General Fund balance of $101,377.56. Combined with our Share the Vision balance of $54,040.48, we have a total balance of $155,418.04.

Family of Christ Lutheran Church continues to be thankful for and blessed by the generous stewardship of its members.

Steve Paradise

Financial Secretary

Family of Christ Lutheran Church

2004 Statement of Revenue and Expense

2005 Proposed Budget Statement*

2004 2004 2005

Budget Actual Budget

REVENUE

TOTAL REVENUE $ 318,700.00 $ 331,879.82 $ 332,000.00

PASTE OVER!!

EXPENSES

Benevolence $ 30,000.00 $ 40,605.32 $ 33,200.00

Staff Salaries, Benefits $ 153,100.00 $ 149,484.79 $ 162,394.00

Office $ 14,000.00 $ 14,319.42 $ 14,000.00

Fellowship $ 3,500.00 $ 2,569.58 $ 3,000.00

Outreach $ 2,500.00 $ 3,636.92 $ 3,500.00

Education $ 6,500.00 $ 4,083.66 $ 6,500.00

Youth $ 3,000.00 $ 554.18 $ 3,000.00

Finance/Steward. $ 3,000.00 $ 808.81 $ 2,000.00

Worship/Music $ 2,000.00 $ 1,969.17 $ 3,000.00

Miscellaneous $ 6,500.00 $ 9,845.89 $ 6,500.00

Property $ 70,000.00 $ 69,649.09 $ 69,000.00

Total General Fund Expenses $ 294,100.00 $ 297,526.83 $ 306,094.00

Total Building Fund Expenses $ 24,500.00 $ 24,747.06 $ 25,806.00

TOTAL EXPENSES $ 318,600.00 $ 322,273.89 $ 331,900.00

REVENUE-EXPENSES $ 100.00 $ 9,605.93 $ 100.00

* Does not include Share the Vision

Family of Christ Lutheran Church

2004 Benevolence Recap

St. Paul Area Synod $13,145.26

Luther Park 1,500.00

Lutheran Social Service 1,500.00

Lutheran Volunteer Corp. 100.00

Lakeville Assistance Fund 75.00

Lakeville Meals on Wheels 450.00

Kids N Kinship 175.00

MICAH 150.00

Crossways International 125.00

SE Asian Ministries 275.00 PASTE OVER

Joseph's Coat 225.00

LHS Sr. Party 75.00

Tanzania Water Project 500.00

St. Paul Designated Benevolence 2,100.00

C.A.C. 900.00

Luther Park Capital Fund Drive 5,000.00

Lutheran Campus Ministry 100.00

Adults Saving Kids 100.00

CAP Agency 175.00

Luther Seminary-Adopt a Seminarian 500.00

TOTAL 2004 $27,170.26

MEMBER CONTRIBUTIONS 2004

ELCA World Hunger 1,082.89

Lakeville Food Shelf 1,056.00

CAC 175.84

World Vision 193.87

Stand With Africa 1,189.65

Tanzania - Various projects 9,736.81

TOTAL $13,435.06