annual meeting materials

8/9/2019 Annual Meeting Materials

1/32

FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH ~ Annual Meeting ~ Agenda ~ January 25, 2015

I. Call Meeting to OrderII. DevotionsIII. Open the Business Meeting

A. Appointment of TellersB. Quorum (need 25 confirmed members) C. Approve Agenda

IV. Secretarys ReportA. Minutes of Congregational Meeting of January 26, 2014V. Reports

A. Bishop s Report to the CongregationB. Pastor Daves Yearly Report / 2014 Parochial ReportC. Committee Reports

a. Altar Guild Report b. Fellowship Committeec. Finance Committeed. Long Range Planning Committeee. Thrivent Financial

f.

Mutual Ministry Committeeg. Property Committeeh. Quilters Reporti. Share & Care Endowment Fund

j. Worship and Music CommitteeD. Financial Secretarys Report E. Membership ReportF. Treasurers Report G. Auditors Report H. Sunday School & Youth Report / Youth FundI. Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp Report

J.

Any Other ReportsVI. ElectionsA. Congregation Council:

a. 3 Year Term Nominee _____________________________ b. 3 Year Term Nominee _____________________________c. Youth Nominee _____________________________

B. NGLS Assembly: Finlandia University, Hancock, Friday Sunday, May 15-17, 2015a. _______________________ b. ___________________________

C. Fortune Lake Delegates: FLLC Annual Meeting, Fortune Lake/Crystal Falls, Sunday, March 22nda. _______________________ b. ___________________________

D. Conference 8 Delegates: Bethany Lutheran, Republic, Sunday, April 12th, 3:00pma. _______________________ b. ___________________________

VII. Old BusinessA.

VIII. Proposed Program Support for 2015A.

IX. New BusinessA. Proposal for Water Softener

X. Installation of Congregation Officers and Council Prior to February 2015 Council Meeting

XI. Adjournment.


2/32


3/32


4/32


5/32


6/32

1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for thisis Gods will for you in Christ Jesus.

Another year has come and gone, and this is the time to reflect, pray, and give thanks for all thatGod has done for us in our lives and in this church. It is so hard to believe that another year has come to

a close. With each passing year it seems that it goes by faster and faster; there is not enough time in ayear to get done all that needs to be done! There is so much that has happened this past year at FaithLutheran Church and elsewhere that it would take up too much space to go into a lot of detail, but Iwould like to highlight a few of the things that have happened here at Faith and in our community.

If you had a chance to look at the Youth Report, you can see that there has been a lot going onwith the youth. We set up an event at Wyatts World with the Sunday School students to play inflatablegames and have fun, we took three of our confirmands to Bloomington, MN for Youth Encounter, hadour second annual lock-in, a trunk or treat event, and had the confirmation students use Thrivent Choicedollars to purchase non-perishable food items for the Food Pantry at the Salvation Army.

As for the outreach ministry at Faith, we have had our normal events such as the pie social andthe Christmas baskets where we were once again able to provide 10 families with a Christmas meal. Ontop of that we also once again participated in Operation Christmas Child, and sponsoring three familiesfor the Giving Tree. We also hosted the Christmas Tea this year at Faith, the Quilt Sale, as well as theTrunk or Treat event mentioned above. That is not including the work that has been put into putting onthe potlucks we had this year as well as the monies that had been donated to charitable organizations.In previous years there has been a desire to see more outreach to the community done here at Faith,and I have to say that we have been able to do a lot!

Faith Lutheran Church and I as your pastor have been up to a lot with the other churches aswell. I am still attending the WIN for Christ meetings where we discuss and plan events for the youth inthe Negaunee/Ishpeming/West Ishpeming/Republic area (the West End of Marquette County). Out ofthese meetings the events that we have been a part of are a shed build for a Habitat for Humanity houseas well as working on a Habitat home! Out of this group there is also momentum moving towardanother youth group being formed called Drive ONE where students work on cars and talk about Godwith other car people. And finally, as a community of churches, we gathered together this December toput on the Living Nativity. We had a huge event that involved sleigh rides, Santa, games, cotton candy,fire pits, hot cocoa, hot apple cider, and so much more! It was an amazing community event where notonly could families or individuals come for a safe and family friendly event, but we were also able toshare the Christmas Story with them! We had over 300 people attend this event!

So here we are in 2015, and we have a lot to be thankful for. We have an amazing church withfriendly and faithful people. God has called us to important and exciting work, and its right in our ownback yard! We have seen that when we reach out to the community, they want to be a part of whatwere doing. Here in National Mine we are called to reach out to the youth and families that are aroundus, and I am excited to see what ideas and things we can come up with where they will feel invited tocome and see what God has in store for them.

In Gods Peace,

Pastor Dave


7/32


8/32

Faith Lutheran Church Annual MeetingJanuary 25, 2014

2014 Finance Committee Report

The Finance Committee is comprised of the following members: Ken Blau, Chair; Melita Aho; BarbCarlson; Ross Carlson (Council Liaison); Laura Korte (Treasurer); Donna Kroon-Harris; Lois Ombrello;Robyn Stille (Financial Secretary); and Pastor Dave Johnson.

The Finance Committee would like to thank Ken Blau, who resigned as committee chair and financialsecretary after many years of service in both roles. Thank you, Ken, for all your thoughtful and tirelessefforts given to maintaining the financial contributions and membership records of Faith LutheranChurch these past years. You will be missed!

Ken Blau resigned as financial secretary effective January 2014 but continues to maintain official churchmembership records. Active membership is defined as those making a contribution of record andcommuning at least one time each calendar year. Membership activity is reviewed annually for theupcoming year. Current membership information is provided in the Membership Report.

The Finance Committee continued to monitor the budget closely as the operating fund faced asubstantial deficit again this year. The Finance Committee reviewed the Contingency PlanningRecommendations provided by the ELCA and shared this information with the Congregational Councilfor further consideration. Monthly operating expenses total around $7,500 (salaries, benefits, churchand parsonage utilities, property and liability insurance premiums, supplies and other expenses for theday-to-day operations of the church). Operating expenses are generally covered by contributionsdesignated as follows:

Current Unpaid Bills Improvement/Debt Reduction

Building Fuel

The Finance Committee experienced several changes in membership in 2014. Ken Blau, resigned ascommittee chair in December 2013, and two long-standing members (Barb Carlson and Lois Ombrello)resigned at the end of the year resulting in vacancies on the committee. Robyn Stille assumed the chairposition. The Committee recommended seeking members to fill vacancies beginning in February 2015as follows:

2 year term: 1 member 3 year term: 2 members

The Finance Committee recommended obtaining a new database for recording church membershipactivity, contributions and financial data to streamline financial processes. Shepherds Staff softwarewas selected and was made possible by the Bob Wiley Memorial Fund. The financial secretary andtreasurer are setting up the new software and hope to begin utilizing the software at the beginning ofthe second quarter (March 2015).

Respectfully submitted,

Robyn StilleChair, Finance Committee


9/32

Mutual Ministry Committee

Annual Report 2015

The Mutual Ministry Committee regularly meets every first Monday of the month. Theyreport to the Faith Lutheran Church Council on a monthly basis.

Affirming and strengthening the mission of the congregation and ministry of thestaff is the primary goal of a Mutual Ministry Committee. The committee deals withspecific matters as brought to its attention:

Be a support for and an honest, confidential voice to the pastor LISTEN to the congregation and the pastor Meet regularly throughout the year, with additional meetings called as necessary Communicate with the FLC Council on the state of the congregation's mutual

ministry Annually recommend compensation adjustments for the pastor and staff Perform staff reviews Make recommendations to other ministry teams for programming that would

enhance our mutual ministry at Faith

Members of the committee in 2014:Carol Cox, chairpersonKathy Magnuson, secretary

Donna Kroon-HarrisLuke AndersonIlene MattsonKurt PenrosePastor Dave JohnsonDave Magnuson (Council Liaison)

The committee is composed of up to seven lay persons. We are seeking new membersto fill several vacant terms:One one-year term (Ilene Mattson)One two-year term (Luke Anderson)

One two-year term (unfulfilled since 2014)

Respectfully submitted by Carol Cox1/12/2015


10/32

PROPERTY COMMITTEE

2015 ANNUAL REPORT

In 2014, the following property projects were done:

1. Energy saving grant project (lighting upgrades in narthex/sanctuary andlow-gallon water faucet aerators in sink upstairs and the kitchen)

2. Changed sewage lift pump in church yard3. Changed ceiling fans in sanctuary4. Repaired urinal in mens downstairs bathroom 5. Lawn mowing6. Snow plowing and shoveling

Thank you to all the people who volunteered their time to help maintain ourchurch property. It is much appreciated. We always are in need of help. Pleaseconsider getting involved in this necessary committee.

Victor Cox, Council Liaison


11/32

Worship & Music Committee

Annual Report 2015

The Worship & Music Committee meets regularly with the purpose of:

Discussing the worship services and making appropriate changes inthe liturgy for each season.

Reviewing new liturgy and service music. Making recommendations for special services as needed. Assess effectiveness of technology in the worship services (audio,

video, electronic presentations). Choosing songs for each service (Pastor chooses sermon song).

Special consideration was given to recruiting another musician to fill in forLaura and Carol. Notices were posted in our newsletter, Westwood HighSchool Music Department and with the Northern Michigan University MusicDepartment. No interest has been shown.

Members of the committee are:Carol CoxLaura Korte

Carole Watson (Council Liaison)Pastor Dave Johnson

We welcome new members who have an interest in the worship servicesand music.

Respectfully submitted by Carol Cox1/12/2015


12/32


13/32


14/32


15/32


16/32


17/32

Faith Lutheran Church Annual MeetingJanuary 25, 2014

2014 Financial Secretary Report

2014 Total Contributions: $105,670.73 (compare with $116,535.98 in 2013). This total reflectscontributions from members and visitors.

Gift Amount Range(by individual giving units)

2012 2013 2014

$8,001 - $9,000 1 1 0$7,001 - $8,000 0 0 1$6,001 - $7,000 1 2 0$5,001 - $6,000 2 1 3$4,001 - $5,000 1 2 1$3,001 - $4,000 3 4 5$2,001 - $3,000 7 8 6$1,001 - $2,000 15 14 18$901 - $1,000 4 4 2$801 - $900 3 2 1$701 - $800 3 4 5$601 - $700 3 3 6$501 - $600 4 4 2$401 - $500 4 4 5$301 - $400 4 5 5$201 - $300 6 6 6$101 - $200 11 6 8$51 - $100 10 10 9

$1 - $50 31 31 35


18/32

2014 Contributions were designated as follows:

Designation:2014

AmountCurrent - Envelope $47,420.50Unpaid Bills $29,012.20Initial Offering $145.00

Christmas Offering $1,246.00Easter Offering $1,401.00Improvement/Debt Reduction $5,031.00Building Fund $1,329.00Ash Wednesday $257.00Fuel Fund $5,813.00Memorial Fund $3,036.75Poinsettia Plants $139.00Thanksgiving Offering $158.00Building Fund - Water Softener $781.00Maundy Thursday Offering $161.00Easter Lily $138.00Camp Scholarships $922.00Quilter's Fund $994.00Youth Fund $1,039.51Operation Christmas Child $245.00Sunday School $266.90Adult Education $39.00Share and Care Endowment $1,390.00Lenten Offering $204.25Kitchen Supplies $425.00Fortune Lake Camp $50.00Altar Supplies $665.00Loose Offering (current) $443.02Coffee Offering $1,190.34Room At The Inn $182.95Pastor Appreciation $208.00Youth Encounter $150.00Salvation Army Fund $10.00Vacation Bible School $10.00Altar Paraments $175.00Gaastra Mission $23.00

Crop Walk $20.00Sunday School Offering $51.31Noisy Offering $88.00Lawnmower $60.00Designated $750.00

Total $105,670.73


19/32

The pie chart represents contributions received in 2014 in broad categories. This chart illustrates themajority (76%) of contributions are designated to the current/operating funds that make day-to-daychurch operations possible.

$2,110.00 , 2%

$7,000.20 , 7%

$8,849.75 , 8%

$5,031.00 , 5%

$79,823.37 , 76%

$1,390.00 , 1%

$276.90 , 0%

$1,189.51 , 1%

Faith Lutheran Church2014 Contribution Designations

Total Contributions: $105,670.73

Building

Designated

Fuel Fund

Improvement/Debt Reduction

Operating

Share & Care Endowment

Sunday School

Youth


20/32


21/32


22/32


23/32


24/32


25/32


26/32


27/32


28/32


29/32

Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp: the year in review

Fortune Lake Camp continues to be an extension of our congregation. As its mission statement indicates, FLLCstrives to provide experiences of Gods grace for all people to grow in faith. Our congregation and FLLCshare the same mission.

Summer camp registrations increased again; with programs on-site and day camp programs in membercongregations, the theme For everything there is a season reached nearly 1000 youth and adults. New

programs included On-site Day Camp and Art Camp; Rocket Camp and Night Owl programs grewsignificantly.

Senior Adult Days (5 Monday events) grew in popularity with informative speakers, insightful devotionsand delicious lunches. The old-fashioned Thanksgiving feast has become a popular tradition.

Other retreat opportunities were available for all ages. Second Sunday Folk Dances began their 30 th season at camp in October. FLLC was honored to be the first camp to host the ELCAs PresidingBishop Elizabeth Eaton in February

Several major site improvements involved extending and re-surfacing the Village Center roof, upgradingwashrooms, laying a new sidewalk between the chapel and Maple Duplex (to aid handicapaccessibility), and replacing the aging gazebo with a new pavilion (funded with gifts from camp staffalumni).

Fall Fest 2014, featuring the quilt and fine art auction, was the most successful You may not be aware of thefact that we are currently running a deficit of $7300 in our operating expenses. As of 2013, we show amembership at Faith of 481 members, with 160 financial supporting members. If we were all tithing, ourcoffers would be overflowing. Think what it could be if all 160 giving members gave proportionately of theirblessings.

You may not be aware of the fact that we are currently running a deficit of $7300 in our operatingexpenses. As of 2013, we show a membership at Faith of 481 members, with 160 financial supportingmembers. If we were all tithing, our coffers would be overflowing. Think what it could be if all 160giving members gave proportionately of their blessings.

Fall Fest in its 18-year history.

The camp staff and board of directors give thanks for your continued financial support through bothcongregational and individual gifts. Special thanks to volunteers who assisted with the Fall Fest and in other

ways.

Looking ahead, 2015 marks the 85th anniversary of FLLC. Reflecting the theme Driving Faith Forward," afestive celebration is planned for Sunday afternoon, June 7. The celebration will feature the 2nd Fortune Lake500 Parade of Vehicles, worship with special music, dedication of the new pavilion, and a Croatian chickendinner. You will be hearing much more about this event in the months ahead.

Your Fortune Lake FLAME,

Kathy Magnuson


30/32


31/32


32/32

annual meeting materials

Documents