Council Members present: Mark Lechner, Mike Collins, Pastor Hovick, Sheri Barker,
Nan Stufkosky
Church Staff present: Lee Wagonblast, Alicia Saenz, Kerri Wood, Brett Perkins
Absent Council: Paul Ford, David Perez
Meeting began at 7:08 with Pastor Ron’s devotional, Nehemiah 6: 1-19. The focus was
on the role of leadership in the face of rumor, intimidation and innuendo. Council needs
to stand firm as we focus on the will of God and maintain transparency with the
congregation. We need to build a faith-based budget, pray constantly, and believe that
God will provide the ideas, inspiration, people and opportunities we need to pursue in
order to meet the budget.
Budget: Kerri presented September financials. We are now 75% of the way through
2013 and “Revenue” is at 66% and Expenses at 71%. It was reiterated that additional
revenue streams must be explored. Mark reported that the Supplemental Income Vision
Committee is in place to begin the exploration process, all members recruited have agreed to serve including Georgene Nightengale. Kerri also gave an update on the budget
creation process. She is working with (Nancy Dreesen, Sue Connors, Karl Larsen and
Diane Flint-Wages to guide 2014 budget development). Kerri also provided
documentation for “budget and actuals” for the past 5 years.
Action: Personnel Committee asked that their portion of budget include amounts for
hourly employees based on average actual hours over past two years.
Kerri continues to research the possibility of a “banking card” that would free us from
relying on personal credit card use, but still maintain ironclad transparency and safety.
Funding for Alicia’s Seminary study: Alicia finished her first week at Seminary and will
return again for a week in the spring if she can get the time off from her 9-5 job. She is
unable to participate in the January class, because it is “peak time” at her work. More
information is needed regarding her projected expenses; Pastor Ron and Alicia will
continue to seek input from ELCA seminary leadership regarding the “whole” picture of
her expenses. Sharon Martin has generously donated “air miles” to cover Alicia’s travel
expenses.
Action: Pastor Ron is recruiting a support team to help Alicia navigate the funding
issues.
Declining Membership: A discussion was had regarding attendance. The numbers have
fallen slowly for many years and causes and solutions were debated along with its
correlation to finances. More will be discussed during future meetings and at the Annual
Strategic Review and Update on November 4. Over the last year, we believe we can
name those who are no longer worshiping at St. Marks—some have left the church and
some have died. Council was also able to identify why each of the recent members from
the church have left.
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Action: When the new church directory is complete, we will compare the list from the
old to the new directory and identify a team to further research who is no longer regularly worshipping and why.
Natural Church Development: Pastor Ron introduced Biotic Principles that are a part of
“Natural Church Development” program; these are research-based principles that guide
church growth and development. This month’s topic was Energy Transformation. This
principle focuses on leveraging or harnessing the momentum/energy that is already
flowing, whether positive or negative, and redirecting it to accomplish God’s purposes.
The question this principle asks is “How can we utilize both positive i.e. Trunk or Treat
and the Fiesta, and negative resources i.e., complaints and frustration, into positive
action?” This principle is based on Romans 8:28 We know that all things work together
for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.
Action: Discussion revolved around creating space and opportunity for more members to
take leadership roles (in large and small ways) to broaden member involvement. Ideas to
further this concept will be discussed in future meetings.
Pastor’s Report:
• Pastor John is recovering slowly, although he is receiving blood transfusions for
his anemia.
• A replacement funeral director is being recruited to replace Kay.
• November 17, all four worshipping congregations at St. Mark’s will worship
together to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of our daughter church, Glory Lutheran.
Spanish Language Ministry Report: The ELCA has provided a mentor to help Alicia
navigate the seminary experience. The ELCA has indicated that they would provide more
support for the Spanish ministry if it were a “mission” church, as opposed to an extensionof St. Mark’s ministry. Sharon Martin is the first member to agree to be part of Alicia’s St. Mark’s Support Team; other members are needed and being recruited, including two Spanish-speaking members.
Operations Report: Brett and Lee are working together to create more energy for Sunday
School. They will soon begin work to transform the Lower Level into a Kid’s Zone—
giving it a welcoming ambiance that broadcasts “kids are important and central to St.
Marks” (as we have done with the Youth Center). Money has been given for new
couches to encourage parents to remain and participate each Sunday.
Meeting adjourned at 9:33 with the Lord’s Prayer.