Executive Committee Meeting Minutes

February 8, 2012 (Approved)

 Present:  Bill Fredrick, Pastor Chad Brekke, Julia Sevald, Dick Ruohoniemi, Charlie Olson, and Allan Grant 

Absent:  Tom Heinrich

 Call to Order:  Vice President Bill Fredrick called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm.

 Devotions: Bill Fredrick led the opening prayer.

 Approval of Previous Minutes:  A motion was made by Julia Sevald and seconded by Bill Fredrick to approve the minutes from the January 10, 2012 Executive Committee meeting as written.  Motion approved.

Reports of Officers:

 Treasurer/Director of Operations: 

Notable January activity:

• ·        The budget for both the general fund and building fund were approved as presented at the annual congregational meeting held on January 22, 2012.  Budgeted receipts of the general fund for 2012 are $751,300 and budgeted disbursements are $766,058.  Budgeted receipts for 2012 of the building fund are $172,200 and budgeted disbursements are $177,959.
• ·        January receipts are unfavorable to budget by $10,035; however January disbursements are favorable to budget by $976.
• ·        The general fund activity for the month was a positive $4,364.  This is unfavorable to budget and to prior year ($15,039 for January 2011), but a start in the right direction.
• ·        Designated funds that had significant activity for the month were the Adult Mission Trips and Good Samaritan Fund.
• ·        General fund receipts for January are broken down as $49,436 of pledged offering and $11,751 of unpledged offering.

A motion was made to accept the Treasures Report by Bill Fredrick and seconded by Allan Grant.  Motion approved.

 President’s Report:  President Tom Heinrich was absent however he had provided information for his report to Vice President Bill Fredrick.  In January there had been discussion of developing a list of designated memorials for 2012.  The recommendation of the Executive Committee is that memorials to Prince of Peace in 2012 can be designated to any of the five Ministry Areas (Sunday Morning Experience, Community Life, Spiritual Development, Congregational Care and Out Reach) or for a new updated sign to reflect Prince of Peace in a positive light to the communities we serve.  This recommendation will be brought to the Congregational Council on January 21, 2012.  These would then be shared with the congregation upon request. 

 Vice President’s Report: 

Leave A Legacy Update:  The Leave A Legacy committee met and reported a fund balance of $164,030.92 on December 31, 2011.  The committee discussed the timing of the distributions from the Leave A Legacy Fund and agreed that in October they will determine the amount to be distributed following established guidelines.  Submission of requests for funds can be made at anytime and funds would generally be distributed quarterly.  The funds would be used for programs the following year after the request was received as all funds for 2012 have been designated.

 Secretary’s Report:  Secretary Allan Grant reviewed the process for approval of Executive Committee minutes so that they can be posted on the church web page in a timely manner for the members to review.  He thanked the committee members for their quick turn-a-round in reviewing the minutes on line.  He also informed the committee that he would not be able to attend the February Council Meeting.  Julia Sevald agreed to take the minutes for the meeting.

 Pastor Report:

 Pastor Chad:  Pastor Chad reported that he and Lori have visited Pastor Jim and Linda and that their spirits are high and Pastor Jim is feeling the ongoing prayers of the congregation.  He has started his daily treatments and is tolerating the medicine well.   

 Pastor Chad reported that the transition of the new Contemporary Worship Arts and Media Director has been going very well and Nate has worked with Norton to address any issues.  Nate has also begun work with both John and Judy in the coordination of music in both services as well as meeting with the sound people to address these issues and to improve the quality throughout the sanctuary.  Pastor Chad stated he is please with the work of the staff and ministry areas in this time of transition and the absence of Pastor Jim.

Unfinished Business:  The Executive Committee reviewed the proposed agenda for the Council Retreat to be held in the CLC this Saturday, February 11, 2012.  

 New Business:  The Executive Committee discussed where the Lenten offerings would be given this year.  As in the past it was agreed that the Executive Committee would recommend to the entire Council that they designate CEAP as the recipient of our Lenten offerings except that one week the offering will be designated to 363 Days to help cover  the cost of ingredients for the sandwiches that we provide during the year.

 The Out Reach Ministry will work with the CEAP director to request a designated CEAP Sunday sometime in the near future to help explain the needs of the residents in the Northwest Communities of Hennepin County.

 Charlie Olson, Director of Operations presented a proposal to fund the very much needed new server without using General Fund dollars.  It is his recommendation to clean up some of the designated funds that do not seem to be needed in the future as well as the large contribution from Thrivent Choice Dollars.  We would continue to designate 10% of the contribution received to Benevolence and 5% to the Contingency Fund but divert the remaining funds for February 2012 to pay for the new server, firewall and software upgrades.  A motion to recommend to the entire Council the use of some designated Funds and some of the Thrivent Choice Dollars to pay for the new server and related items was made by Allan Grant and seconded by Bill Fredrick.  Motion approved.

A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Julia Sevald and seconded by Allan Grant.  Motion approved.

 Respectfully submitted,

 Allan Grant

Secretary

  February 2, 2012  … Jim started his first treatment yesterday ~ a chemo pill and radiation.  He was pretty sick last night.  He will have treatment daily for 4-6 weeks.

January 8, 2012 ~ From Pastor Jim

Greetings to you at Prince of Peace this morning!  This is Pastor Jim.  I am home from the hospital waiting for results of biopsies.  I know many of you are wondering how I am feeling.  I can describe my feelings in one word–thankful.  I am so thankful for you, your care and your prayers.  You surprised me this week.  Though I am a person who shows emotion every once in a while, I usually don’t get emotional about “things”.  However, when Pastor Chad brought a prayer shawl to the hospital for me from Prince of Peace it was almost like a sacrament to me.  The first thing I did was give thanks for this sign of your prayers.   Your prayers are a strength to me.  I was moved.  Not only did it remind me of your prayers, it also reminded me to pray.  Although I have prayed for healing, most of my praying has been prayers of thanks.  I have a wonderful family, both at church and at home. I am feeling no pain.  I am hopeful.  I know the doctors will have their prognosis next week and suggested treatments. They have been very good to me and I am amazed at their skill and professionalism.  But know that I am well aware that the one whose word really counts is the one to whom I belong, Jesus, my Lord.  I am in the best hands and trust him whatever happens.   I hope to see you all again soon.    God bless you all!

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church

 Council Meeting

 January 17, 2012 (Approved)

  Present:  Tom Heinrich, Dick Ruohoniemi, Bill Fredrick, Pastor Chad Brekke, Lynn Bohm, Marian Hutchens, Mary Gilleshammer, Kim Cozad, Charlie Olson and Allan Grant  Absent:  Pastor Jim Carlson, Cindi Lindquist and Chuck Krych.  Guests:  Julia Sevald and Dan Ficken.

 Call to Order:  President Tom Heinrich called the meeting to order.

 Devotions:  Tom Heinrich led the opening devotions.

 Adoption of Agenda:  A motion was made by Bill Fredrick and seconded by Kim Cozad to adopt the Council agenda.  Motion approved.

 Approval of Previous Minutes:  A motion was made by Bill Fredrick and seconded by Marian Hutchens to approve the minutes from the December 9, 2011 Council meeting as written.  Motion approved.

 Reports of Officers:  December receipts were over $2000 below budget.   Disbursements were over $10,000 under receipts for the month of December.   We ended the year with disbursements $13,900 higher than receipts.  The Building/Mortgage Fund had a positive month to end the year.  A transfer of $5,000 from the General Fund was made to the Mortgage Reserve fund to bring that fund up to the usual $30,000.

  A motion was made to accept the Treasurer’s Report by Lynn Bohm and seconded by Mary Gilleshammer.  Motion approved.

  President’s Report: 

    2012 Council Working Meetings:  There will be a working meeting of all council members on Saturday, February 11, 2012 here at church.  This will be a time to set goals for 2012 and assist the newly elected council members to begin their term “running”.  The plans are to establish a direct connection between the 5 areas of ministry and all established programs.

• ·      2012 April Council Working Meeting:  Plans have begun for a joint council meeting with office staff on April 21, 2012.  This meeting will also be held at Prince of Peace.
• ·      Personnel Policy and Procedures:  The Executive Committee has completed an update of the Prince of Peace Personnel Policy and Procedures.  The document was shared with the Council and will now be shared and distributed to all staff members.  

   Vice-President’s Report:  The Leave A Legacy committee has agreed that $8,400 is the amount of available donations for 2012 from the Leave A Legacy Fund.  There is still $3,000 of funds to be distributed for 2012 for benevolences.  Available funds for capital projects have already been allocated for 2012.  Council, staff, and members are encouraged to submit a proposal for these funds.

  Secretary’s Report:  No Report

  Pastor’s Report:

 Pastor Chad:  Pastor Chad has completed the development of the vision for the new position that will be filled to support the mission of our congregation.  Nate Bergengren will be hired as the Contemporary Worship Arts and Media Director.  The new position held by Nate will combine the primary responsibilities of four part time positions which will now be discontinued.  Nate will be a key member of Pastor Chad’s ministry team with regular office presence during the week as the ministry staff, work closely together in setting a positive new direction for the ministry we all share.  Pastor Chad and the Council expressed deep appreciation for the dedicated work Norton has provided to Prince of Peace these past five years. 

 Pastor Jim:  Pastor Jim was unable to attend but Pastor Chad shared with the Council how he is doing and we all will continue to pray for Pastor Jim and Linda.

 Council Reports

 Each ministry team is to submit a written report each month.  These will be attached to the official minutes.  Highlights will be included in these Minutes.

  Executive Team:  No Report 

Spiritual Development:  Three distinct ministries are part of the Spiritual Development Ministry at Prince of Peace.  ACTS-Christian Teaching and Sharing, Men’s Activities in Christ and Young Adult Ministries.  More information can be found in the Annual Report of the Ministry

 Sunday Morning Experience:  The team is working on serving a meal for the Lenten services, filling each pew with needed materials, they also reported on the welcome cart and the visitor bags.  An ice cream social will be held in the spring to thank the many volunteers working to make the Sunday morning experience at POP an enjoyable and meaningful experience.   

 Congregational Care:  The team is busy planning the next new member classes that will be held in February.  They are working on a new power point presentation that will give a historical perspective of the Ministry Site Profile that Pastor Chad will share with the new members. 

  Outreach:  The 2012 goals for the team will be to continue to grow the number of volunteers and Prince of Peace’s involvement in Park Brook Elementary, The TreeHouse Ministry and support for the Brooklyn Park “Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program. 

  Community Life:  The team will assist in hosting the Valentine Dinner.  

  Unfinished Business:  In our 2012 budget planning Treasurer Dick Ruohoniemi presented the Council with a revised budget.  The Council reviewed the draft.  The Executive Committee will continue to review and update as additional pledges are submitted and programming is completed for 2012.

  New Business:  2012 Proposed Budget:  The Council reviewed the final drafts of the proposed General Fund and Building Fund budgets following the recommendations from the budget meeting on Sunday, January 15^th. 

 A motion to approve and forward to the Annual Meeting the 2012 General Fund Budget was made by Bill Fredrick and seconded by Lynn Bohn.  Motion approved.

 A motion to approve and forward to the Annual Meeting the 2012 Building Fund Budget was made by Marian Hutchens and seconded by Kim Cozad.  Motion approved.

   A motion was made by Marian Hutchens seconded by Lynn Bohn to adjourn the meeting.  Motion approved.  Meeting adjourned.

  Respectfully submitted,

 Allan Grant

 Secretary

Executive Committee Meeting Minutes

January 10, 2012 (Approved)

 Present:  Tom Heinrich, Dick Ruohoniemi, Bill Fredrick, Pastor Chad Brekke, Charlie Olson, and Allan Grant 

Absent:  None

 Call to Order:  President Tom Heinrich called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm.

 Devotions: Dick Ruohoniemi led opening devotions.

 Adoption of Agenda:  A motion was made by Bill Fredrick and seconded by Dick Ruohoniemi to adopt the Executive Committee agenda. Motion approved. 

 Approval of Previous Minutes:  A motion was made by Dick Ruohoniemi and seconded by Bill Fredrick to approve the minutes from the December 13, 2011 Executive Committee meeting as written.  Motion approved.

   Reports of Officers:

 Treasurer/Director of Operations:  December receipts were over $2000 below budget.   Disbursements were over $10,000 under receipts for the month of December.   We ended the year with disbursements $13,900 higher than receipts.  The Building/Mortgage Fund had a positive month to end the year.  A transfer of $5,000 from the General Fund was made to the Mortgage Reserve fund to bring that fund up to the usual $30,000.

  A motion was made to accept the Treasures Report by Bill Fredrick and seconded by Allan Grant.  Motion approved.

 President’s Report:

Setting designated memorials for 2012:  President Heinrich proposed developing a list of suggested memorials for the church.  These would then be shared with the congregation upon request.  No action was taken.   A request for an estimate for the installation of ceiling fans in the CLC has been made.  The estimate would also include wiring for future improvement of the lighting in the CLC.  

 Vice President’s Report: 

Leave A Legacy Update:  The Leave A Legacy committee has agreed that $8,400 is the amount of available donations for 2012 from the Leave A Legacy Fund.  There is still $3,000 of funds to be distributed for 2012 for benevolences.  Available funds for capital projects have already been allocated for 2012.  Council, staff, and members are encouraged to submit a proposal for these funds.

 Secretary’s Report:  No Report

 Pastor Report:

Pastor Chad:  Pastor Chad reported that he has visited Pastor Jim and Linda and that their spirits are high and Pastor Jim is feeling the ongoing prayers of the congregation. 

Pastor Chad has completed the development of a new position, Contemporary Worship Arts and Media Director that will replace several current staff positions and better coordinate the ministry of the congregation.  These changes will be finalized and are planned to take effect the end of February.

Unfinished Business: 

• ·         2012 Budget Review:  The Executive Committee continued to review, update and refine the 2012 budget.  The final budget will be presented at the Annual Meeting on January 22, 2012.  A motion to approve the 2012 budget draft and present to the Council for final approval was made by Tom Heinrich and seconded by Bill Fredrick.  Motion approved

• ·         The 2012 budget assumes growth both in ministry and mission of this congregation.

• ·         Mortgage Refinance Update:  It was reported that the paper work has been submitted to Thrivent regarding the refinancing of the current mortgage. 

New Business:

Oral Comments to the congregation at the Annual Meeting:  President Heinrich has requested members to forward him any questions so that he would be prepared with the correct information or have the necessary comments and presentations at the Annual Meeting.  No questions have been forwarded.  There will be an informational presentation of the 2012 proposed budget at a meeting in the CLC at 10:15 on Sunday, January 15.  

A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Allan Grant and seconded by Bill Fredrick.  Motion approved.

Respectfully submitted,

Allan Grant

Secretary

WHY AFRICA?

2012 Vision Trip To Tanzania

 ³⁸Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.” John 7:38

 You may have heard that Prince of Peace is beginning to expand our global outreach by developing ministry partnerships with Lutheran Christians in Tanzania.  I am excited that Jack and Elaine Zimmer have signed on to be the first participants from Prince of Peace (along with our family) in the Vision Trip to Tanzania that I will be leading this June 20-July 5.  Ten travelers will head out on a life changing adventure to east Africa.  

 I want to address one simple question…WHY? 

 For those who may not be inclined to read the entire article below, let me put it in a nutshell:  It is one thing to hear that the vast majority of people in the impoverished country of Tanzania must live on about $1 a day. It is quite another to know some of those people personally, to share a meal with a family who may not eat tomorrow, to become friends, to stand in their village and hear about their child who was taken by malaria and in the next sentence about their vision of creating a trade school at their church to bring hope to the whole village.

 By visiting our Lutheran brothers and sisters in Tanzania, we begin to gain an understanding of what life is like for our friends there, to see it with our own eyes, to worship in thatched-roofed churches, visit villages, hospitals, schools, and homes. We learn about the role of the church in the lives of the people.  Worshiping together in their churches, we recognize that we truly are part of the same community of faith in Christ. We also experience the breathtaking beauty of their land and the wildlife it supports out on the vast Serengeti plains and deep in the Ngorongoro Crater.

 We do not travel to Tanzania as missionaries.  We do not step off the plane and set about building a church or a school as we may do on more service focused trips.  Our Tanzanian friends know how to build.  In fact, the members of the congregations built many of the churches in Tanzania from the ground up.  We go to learn from our brothers and sisters in Christ, to pray and worship with them, to bring encouragement, support and love while humbly accepting their gracious African hospitality.

 As we travel together, meet and talk with people, develop personal friendships, and see with our own eyes how others live and struggle to survive, all the while keeping the faith, our travelers will say over and over again, “I just had no idea!” Of course, you see the pictures and read the statistics, but actually knowing these people, and having them as friends, that’s very different.

 Is It Good Stewardship?

Even though participants in our Vision Trips to Tanzania cover their own costs for the trip, often giving up vacations to make the journey, the question still arises: is this good stewardship? Would it not be better to take the cost of a Vision Trip and direct it to world hunger or some other global ministry?  As a direct result of participating in one of the Tanzania Vision Trips I have led in the past decade, people have responded with profound generosity.  Here is a sampling of what has been accomplished so far:

• We have provided the funds to help renovate Kikoro primary school, which serves 350 poor students and support for Kimangaro Lutheran church nearby.
• We have also been blessed to raise the funds to help build the Saint Matthew’s Home for AIDS orphans and provide for its ongoing operation. 
• We have helped Nkweshoo Lutheran church establish a trade school and to put a wooden ceiling in the church.
• We helped Agape Lutheran Jr. Seminary dig a new well to provide fresh water to hundreds of students and villagers.
• The Africa Fund at Prince of Peace is now providing the funding to complete the construction of a new school, which will train social workers to provide long-term care and support to orphaned children placed with extended families after leaving the orphanage.
• We have provided scholarships to help young people become pastors and to attend school at every level.

 This is only a tiny sampling of the ways individuals have been motivated to make a difference as the result of traveling with me to Tanzania. Would these things have been accomplished without people having the first hand experience of traveling to Tanzania?  Maybe, but I doubt it.

 In my former congregation, and in other congregations that have participated in these trips, lives have been changed. In learning to know fellow Lutherans who struggle daily just to survive, we discover that survival is first and foremost a matter of faith in the God who provides what we need. We learn that we, who are wealthy in the world, have been given these blessings by God as a trust, an inheritance, to be shared with those in need. We learn that this is God’s plan; this is how God intends the world to work! And we learn that we need these wonderful friends as much or more than they need us. That is stewardship. That is incarnational mission.

 One does not have to travel all the way to East Africa to find such teachers. They are close by, in the inner cities, on the reservations, in the Appalachian Mountains, just across the border in Mexico, yes, even right here in Brooklyn Park.  ³⁸Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.”  I would never have believed that this living water could flow so freely in a place as impoverished as Tanzania.  It does, I’ve seen it with my own eyes.

 You will be hearing more about this exciting new global ministry of Prince of Peace. God bless you as you consider the possibility of supporting this new outreach to Tanzania by participating in a Vision Trip or by contributing to the Africa Fund at Prince of Peace.

 Your partner in ministry, 

Pastor Chad

Council Meeting

December 9, 2011 (Approved)

 Present:  Tom Heinrich, Chuck Krych, Bill Fredrick, Pastor Chad Brekke, Pastor Hal Stoa, Lynn Bohm, Marian Hutchens, Kim Cozad and Allan Grant  Absent:  PastorJim Carlson,Dick Ruohoniemi, Cindi Lindquist, Mary Gilleshammer andCharlie Olson.

 Call to Order:  PresidentTom Heinrich called the meeting to order.

 Devotions: Tom Heinrich read opening devotions that were prepared by Mary Gilleshammer relating to inviting all into a relationship with Jesus.

 Adoption of Agenda:  Additions to the agenda included a report on refinancing of the current mortgage and report on Council retreats.  A motion was made by Bill Fredrick and seconded by Chuck Krych to adopt the Council agenda as amended.  Agenda was approved.

 Approval of Previous Minutes:  A motion was made by Kim Cozad and seconded by Chuck Krych to approve the minutes from the November 15, 2011 Council meeting as written.  Motion approved.

Reports of Officers:

 Treasurer’s Report:  November receipts nearly $12,000 below budget.  Disbursements were almost $26,000 over receipts.  Nearly half of the overage in receipts were due to payment for Pastor Chad’s move that was covered by the I’m In funds.  The Building/Mortgage Fund was $855 below what is needed for the month.  So the remaining funds from the Contingency Fund of $1,000 were transferred to the Building/Mortgage Fund.

 A motion was made to accept the Treasurer’s Report by Chuck Krych and seconded by Marian Hutchens.  Motion approved.

 President’s Report: 

 2012 Annual Reports:  Each council member is reminded to complete their annual report of their area of ministry and submit it to SecretaryAllan Grant.  These reports will be posted on the Prince of Peace web page as well as being available in print form for members to review prior to the Annual Meeting.

• 2012 February Council Working Meeting:  There will be a working meeting of all council members on Saturday, February 11, 2012 here at church.  This will be a time to set goals for 2012 and assist the newly elected council members to begin their term “running”.
• 2012 April Council Working Meeting:  Plans were begun for a joint council meeting with office staff on April 21, 2012.  This meeting will be held at Prince of Peace.  

 Vice-President’s Report:  The Leave A Legacy committee has agreed that $8,400 is the amount of available donations for 2012 from the Leave A Legacy Fund.  There is an additional $3,000 of funds to be distributed for 2012.  Council and staff are encouraged to submit proposal for these funds. On Tuesday, November 15, 2011 Thrivent for Lutherans planned a program entitled “Life Events” unfortunately no members attended.  

  Pastor’s Report:

 Pastor Chad:  Pastor Chad submitted a written report which will be attached to the official minutes.  In summary Pastor Chad reported that his second full month of ministry at Prince of Peace has been full and rewarding.  He has continued to attend as many of the ministry and committee team meetings as possible, both to provide input and also as a great way to get to know people.  He is looking into the possibility of creating other opportunities for him to spend some quality time with members of the congregation in small group settings.  He is thinking about a series of “fireside chats” maybe early in 2012 with some dessert and coffee on Sunday nights where he could spend some time with members in a small group setting.

 He is pleased with the positive energy and feedback he has been getting related to the worship experience on Sunday mornings.  He is looking forward to the Christmas Eve services as an opportunity to celebrate the presence of Christ among us in a way that moves us forward filled with enthusiasm as we approach a new year of mission and ministry.

 He has been spending considerable time developing a vision for filling out our vacant staff positions as well as redefining some of our current staffing configuration to support the mission of our congregation. 

 Pastor Jim:  Pastor Jim submitted a written report which will be attached to the official minutes.  In summary Pastor Jim has started two adult Bible studies this month.  On Monday nights he has been doing a “No Experience Necessary” class focusing on ways that God wants us as partners in our everyday life to be in mission.  The Wednesday evening class “Readers Digest Version of the Bible” will meet for one more week.  It has had a smaller attendance of 7 people. 

He is looking at two or three more studies for the future.  One on forgiveness during Lent and another on “Being a Good Samaritan” Pastor Jim has also been approached to partner with Dan Ficken for a study called “Love Wins”

Pastor Hal:  Pastor Hal reported that the Stewardship Committee has met and is generally pleased with this year’s program that provided a great message and thanked the lay speakers for their solid and well planned messages.  Follow-up letters will be sent. 

Pastor Hal reported that he would no longer be heading the Giving Ministries.  He is turning this over to Pastor Chad.  Pastor Hal reported that he was pleased that our new Senior Pastor would be leading the Stewardship Committee and stated that this is a testament to Pastor Chad’s interest in the wellbeing of the Church.  The Council thanked Pastor Hal for his service to Prince of Peace and wished him the very best in the future.  Pastor Hal will remain involved in the Giving Ministries of Prince of Peace as a member of the congregation.

Staff Report:  Katie Rykal the Director of Children and Family Ministry submitted a written report that will be attached to the official minutes.  In summary she reported; this year there are 235 kids in Sunday School.  The Christmas Program, A Piece of Christmas was a lot of work, but also a lot of fun.   There has been great feedback on the program.  This year the PreK-K classes have learned the stories of Joseph and Moses, as well as had an Advent Celebration.  The 1^st-6^th have done their Catechism Studies (each grade covered a different topic) and learned the story of Moses.  The Sunday School offering has been good this year (better than previous years).

 Council Reports

Each ministry team is to submit a written report each month.  These will be attached to the official minutes.  Highlights will be included in these Minutes.

  Executive Team:  No Report

 Spiritual Development:  No Report 

 Sunday Morning Experience:  The team discussed the duties of the WE Team Captains and the responsibilities of the WE Team members.  They also reported on how they felt the Veteran’s Sunday went.  The book was loved however there should be more than one book for people to look at next year. 

 Congregational Care:  The team continues to review and update the new member class and process for membership in Prince of Peace.  The team has decided that each new member class will utilize the theme from the Stewardship campaign of the previous year.  In 2012 the team will work to update the phone directory and contact information of members. 

 Outreach:  The team met on Thursday December 8^th, 2011.  They reported that they discussed their accomplishments of 2011 and goals for 2012.

• Continue existing programs, add and enhance where needed.
• Make the congregation aware of all of the programs of the Congregational Care Team.
• Barnabas Board (Board in narthex posting needs).
• Begin holding dinners at POP to feed those in need in our community. In Anoka County this is called Family Table.  This may be done quarterly or possibly monthly. They will see once they get the program up and running. The plan is to partner with other churches.
• Increase Prince of Peace’s partnership at Park Brook Elementary as the need is so great.
• More involvement at Feed My Starving Children

 Community Life:  No Report 

 Unfinished Business:  In our 2012 budget planning TreasurerDick Ruohoniemi presented the Council with a revised budget.  The Council reviewed the draft.  The Executive Committee will continue to review and update as additional pledges are submitted and programming is completed for 2012.

 New Business:  Mortgage Refinance:  The Council reviewed several options relating to refinancing the present mortgage.  A committee reviewed options from lenders and submitted their report to the Council.  A motion to accept the recommendations of the mortgage review committee was made byTom Heinrich and seconded by Marian Hutchens.  There was discussion.  Motion approved.

• Current mortgage is adjustable that will reset in four years and then again in ten years.
• Current rate of interest is 5.75% with a monthly payment of $14,867.
• The refinanced mortgage will be fixed with an interest rate of 5.5%.
• The new monthly payment will be $12,724 for a yearly savings of $1,716.
• The refinancing will be with Thrivent Financial who holds the current mortgage.
• The terms of the loan except for the interest rate will not change.
• This will provide added stability for future budgets.

 A motion was made by Chuck Krych seconded by Bill Fredrick to adjourn the meeting.  Motion approved.  Meeting adjourned.

 Respectfully submitted,

Allan Grant

Secretary

updated 1’11’12

Council Meeting

December 9, 2011 (Approved)

Present:  Tom Heinrich, Chuck Krych, Bill Fredrick, Pastor Chad Brekke, Pastor Hal Stoa, Lynn Bohm, Marian Hutchens, Kim Cozad and Allan Grant  Absent:  Pastor Jim Carlson, Dick Ruohoniemi, Cindi Lindquist and Charlie Olson.

Call to Order:  President Tom Heinrich called the meeting to order.

Devotions: Tom Heinrich read opening devotions that were prepared by Mary Gilleshammer relating to inviting all into a relationship with Jesus.

Adoption of Agenda:  Additions to the agenda included a report on refinancing of the current mortgage and report on Council retreats.  A motion was made by Bill Fredrick and seconded by Chuck Krych to adopt the Council agenda as amended.  Agenda was approved.

Approval of Previous Minutes:  A motion was made by Kim Cozad and seconded by Chuck Krych to approve the minutes from the November 15, 2011 Council meeting as written.  Motion approved.

Reports of Officers:

 Treasurer’s Report:  November receipts nearly $12,000 below budget.  Disbursements were almost $26,000 over receipts.  Nearly half of the overage in receipts were due to payment for Pastor Chad’s move that was covered by the I’m In funds.  The Building/Mortgage Fund was $855 below what is needed for the month.  So the remaining funds from the Contingency Fund of $1,000 were transferred to the Building/Mortgage Fund.

A motion was made to accept the Treasurer’s Report by Chuck Krych and seconded by Marian Hutchens.  Motion approved.

President’s Report: 

 ·       2012 Annual Reports:  Each council member is reminded to complete their annual report of their area of ministry and submit it to Secretary Allan Grant.  These reports will be posted on the Prince of Peace web page as well as being available in print form for members to review prior to the Annual Meeting.

• ·      2012 February Council Working Meeting:  There will be a working meeting of all council members on Saturday, February 11, 2012 here at church.  This will be a time to set goals for 2012 and assist the newly elected council members to begin their term “running”.
• ·      2012 April Council Working Meeting:  Plans were begun for a joint council meeting with office staff on April 21, 2012.  This meeting will be held at Prince of Peace.  

Vice-President’s Report:  The Leave A Legacy committee has agreed that $8,400 is the amount of available donations for 2012 from the Leave A Legacy Fund.  There is an additional $3,000 of funds to be distributed for 2012.  Council and staff are encouraged to submit proposal for these funds. On Tuesday, November 15, 2011 Thrivent for Lutherans planned a program entitled “Life Events” unfortunately no members attended. 

Pastor’s Report:

 Pastor Chad:  Pastor Chad submitted a written report which will be attached to the official minutes.  In summary Pastor Chad reported that his second full month of ministry at Prince of Peace has been full and rewarding.  He has continued to attend as many of the ministry and committee team meetings as possible, both to provide input and also as a great way to get to know people.  He is looking into the possibility of creating other opportunities for him to spend some quality time with members of the congregation in small group settings.  He is thinking about a series of “fireside chats” maybe early in 2012 with some dessert and coffee on Sunday nights where he could spend some time with members in a small group setting.

He is pleased with the positive energy and feedback he has been getting related to the worship experience on Sunday mornings.  He is looking forward to the Christmas Eve services as an opportunity to celebrate the presence of Christ among us in a way that moves us forward filled with enthusiasm as we approach a new year of mission and ministry.

He has been spending considerable time developing a vision for filling out our vacant staff positions as well as redefining some of our current staffing configuration to support the mission of our congregation. 

Pastor Jim:  Pastor Jim submitted a written report which will be attached to the official minutes.  In summary Pastor Jim has started two adult Bible studies this month.  On Monday nights he has been doing a “No Experience Necessary” class focusing on ways that God wants us as partners in our everyday life to be in mission.  The Wednesday evening class “Readers Digest Version of the Bible” will meet for one more week.  It has had a smaller attendance of 7 people. 

He is looking at two or three more studies for the future.  One on forgiveness during Lent and another on “Being a Good Samaritan” Pastor Jim has also been approached to partner with Dan Ficken for a study called “Love Wins”

Pastor Hal:  Pastor Hal reported that the Stewardship Committee has met and is generally pleased with this year’s program that provided a great message and thanked the lay speakers for their solid and well planned messages.  Follow-up letters will be sent. 

Pastor Hal reported that he would no longer be heading the Giving Ministries.  He is turning this over to Pastor Chad.  Pastor Hal reported that he was pleased that our new Senior Pastor would be leading the Stewardship Committee and stated that this is a testament to Pastor Chad’s interest in the wellbeing of the Church.  The Council thanked Pastor Hal for his service to Prince of Peace and wished him the very best in the future.  Pastor Hal will remain involved in the Giving Ministries of Prince of Peace as a member of the congregation.

Staff Report:  Katie Rykal the Director of Children and Family Ministry submitted a written report that will be attached to the official minutes.  In summary she reported; this year there are 235 kids in Sunday School.  The Christmas Program, A Piece of Christmas was a lot of work, but also a lot of fun.   There has been great feedback on the program.  This year the PreK-K classes have learned the stories of Joseph and Moses, as well as had an Advent Celebration.  The 1^st-6^th have done their Catechism Studies (each grade covered a different topic) and learned the story of Moses.  The Sunday School offering has been good this year (better than previous years).

Council Reports

 Each ministry team is to submit a written report each month.  These will be attached to the official minutes.  Highlights will be included in these Minutes.

Executive Team:  No Report

Spiritual Development:  No Report 

Sunday Morning Experience:  The team discussed the duties of the WE Team Captains and the responsibilities of the WE Team members.  They also reported on how they felt the Veteran’s Sunday went.  The book was loved however there should be more than one book for people to look at next year. 

Congregational Care:  No Report 

Outreach:  The team met on Thursday December 8^th, 2011.  They reported that they discussed their accomplishments of 2011 and goals for 2012.

• ·         Continue existing programs, add and enhance where needed.
• ·         Make the congregation aware of all of the programs of the Congregational Care Team.
• ·         Barnabas Board (Board in narthex posting needs).
• ·         Begin holding dinners at POP to feed those in need in our community. In Anoka County this is called Family Table.  This may be done quarterly or possibly monthly. They will see once they get the program up and running. The plan is to partner with other churches.
• ·         Increase Prince of Peace’s partnership at Park Brook Elementary as the need is so great.
• ·         More involvement at Feed My Starving Children

Community Life:  No Report 

 Unfinished Business:  In our 2012 budget planning Treasurer Dick Ruohoniemi presented the Council with a revised budget.  The Council reviewed the draft.  The Executive Committee will continue to review and update as additional pledges are submitted and programming is completed for 2012.

New Business:  Mortgage Refinance:  The Council reviewed several options relating to refinancing the present mortgage.  A committee reviewed options from lenders and submitted their report to the Council.  A motion to accept the recommendations of the mortgage review committee was made by Tom Heinrich and seconded by Marian Hutchens.  There was discussion.  Motion approved.

• ·         Current mortgage is adjustable that will reset in four years and then again in ten years.
• ·         Current rate of interest is 5.75% with a monthly payment of $14,867.
• ·         The refinanced mortgage will be fixed with an interest rate of 5.5%.
• ·         The new monthly payment will be $12,724 for a yearly savings of $1,716.
• ·         The refinancing will be with Thrivent Financial who holds the current mortgage.
• ·         The terms of the loan except for the interest rate will not change.
• ·         This will provide added stability for future budgets.

A motion was made by Chuck Krych seconded by Bill Fredrick to adjourn the meeting.  Motion approved.  Meeting adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Allan Grant

Secretary

Council Meeting

November 15, 2011 (Approved)

 Present:  Tom Heinrich, Dick Ruohoniemi, Bill Fredrick, Pastor Chad Brekke, Pastor Jim Carlson, Lynn Bohm, Marian Hutchens, Charlie Olson, Mary Gilleshammer, Kim Cozad and Allan Grant  Absent:  Pastor Hal Stoa , Chuck Krych and Cindi Lindquist

 Call to Order:  President Tom Heinrich called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.

 Devotions: Marian Hutchens read opening devotions that were prepared by Chuck Krych relating to Christ Centered Journey of Faith.

Adoption of Agenda:  A motion was made by Bill Fredrick and seconded by Mary Gilleshammer to adopt the Council agenda.  Agenda was approved.

 Approval of Previous Minutes:  A motion was made by Marian Hutchens and seconded by Lynn Bohm to approve the minutes from the October 18, 2011 Council meeting as written.  Motion approved.

Reports of Officers:

Treasurer’s Report:  October receipts were $8,100 over budget.  Disbursements were $9,364 less than receipts.  The Building Fund was only $610 below what is needed for the month.  Good news, overall receipts are over distributions for the year to date! 

 A motion was made to accept the Treasurer’s Report by Bill Fredrick and seconded by Kim Cozad.  Motion approved.

 President’s Report:

• ·        2012 February Council Working Meeting:  There will be a working meeting of all council members on Saturday, February 11, 2012 here at church.  This will be a time to set goals for 2012 and assist the newly elected council members to begin their term “running”.
• ·        2012 April Council Working Meeting:  Plans were begun for a joint council meeting with office staff on April 21, 2012.  This meeting will possibly be held at Camp Wapo the weekend of April 21, 2012. 
• ·        2012 Council handoff of information:  All present council members whose term of office ends in January are encourage to attend the council work session on February 11, 2012.
• ·        2012 Annual Reports:  Each council member is reminded to complete their annual report of their area of ministry and submit it to Secretary Allan Grant no later that December 10, 2011 for inclusion in the annual report for the congregational meeting.
• ·        Thanksgiving Offering:  A motion to have the Thanksgiving Service offering designated to the funding of sandwich ingredients for 363 Days was made by Dick Ruohoniemi and seconded by Bill Fredrick.  Motion approved.
• ·        2011 Christmas Party:  All staff, council members, along with a guest is invited to the Heinrich home for a party and a short council meeting on the evening of December 9, 2011.
• ·        December 20, 2011 Council Meeting is cancelled.

Vice-President’s Report:  The Leave A Legacy balance as of September 30, 2011 in the Lutheran Community Foundation is $146,540.25 and the Premier Bank Money Market balance is $9,569.63 as of October 13, 2011.  The committee has agreed that $8,400 is the amount of available donations for 2012 from the Leave A Legacy Fund.  On Tuesday, November 15, 2011 Thrivent for Lutherans will present a program entitled “Life Events” the seminar will begin at 7:00 PM in the CLC.  The seminar is designed for all ages and will help guide parents through the many challenges of their financial life.  Jim McCarthy presented a ministry moment on November 6^th, explaining the Leave A Legacy Fund.

Pastor’s Report:

 Pastor Chad:  Pastor Chad reported that he has completed meeting with all paid staff, which has been productive and informative.  He has also made it to at least one meeting of nearly every ministry team and committee.  These meetings have helped to give him a broader perspective of the strengths we enjoy as a congregation and a more focused understanding of some of the challenges we face together.

 In consultation with staff and worship planners, he has made some adjustments to our worship services.  For instance, we are reintroducing parts of our communion liturgy at the 9AM service that had been dropped.  He has also re-introduced the litany “prayers of the church” into both the contemporary and traditional services as a move toward a more intentional connection to the wider worshiping community. 

 The Christmas Eve worship schedule and service style has also been adjusted significantly to include two traditional services of Readings and Carols led by the organist and choir director at 5:00 PM and 9:00PM.  The 3:00 PM Christmas Eve service will continue to be a child friendly “family service”.

Pastor Jim:  Pastor Jim reported on three learning opportunities that he will be presenting.  The first is entitled “No Experience Necessary” this Bible study will use various Bible verses and stories to explore various aspects of God’s mission in the world.  This will be held Monday evenings November 28-December 12 and continue January 2-23.

 The second opportunity is called “Through the Old Testament in Three Nights” this course covers the materials for the seventh and eighth grade confirmation classes.  Parents who would like to know what their children are learning are especially invited, but the class is open to the entire congregation.  This class will be held Wednesday evenings, November 30 through December 14 from 6:30 to 7:30 PM.

 The third learning opportunity is “Learning Forgiveness: a Lenten Study” this course will be offered either Monday or Tuesday evenings beginning February 27, 2012.

Pastor Hal:  Pastor Hal submitted a written report which will be attached to the official minutes.  He is at St. Timothy’s of Columbia Heights Council Meeting this evening.  “Good and Faithful”, our stewardship program, is well under way. We were pleased with our kick off on Reformation Sunday. Estimate of Giving cards are in the homes of our members. Now we pray for a “Good and Faithful” response. Join the team in prayers for a generous response. Consecration Sunday will have faith messages by Dan Ficken, Sue Fodstad and Kim Hoffer. Please surround them with prayer as they witness to the love of Jesus.

Council Reports

Each ministry team is to submit a written report each month.  These will be attached to the official minutes.  Highlights will be included in these Minutes.

 Executive Team:  Committee Goal Review:  The Executive Committee members reviewed the 2011 goals and discussed possible 2012 goals.  The direction for 2012 will be finalized in December.

Spiritual Development: the Men’s Activities group had a great response for the CEAP Raking event on October 29^th.  The Young Adult Ministry group is meeting every other Sunday at 9am in the youth room. The group provides a base for 19-29 year olds (young adults) to explore their faith through group discussion.

Sunday Morning Experience Enhancement:  We have finalized our plans for the Veterans Sunday recognition.  Chuck has created a fantastic power point presentation that will run on the screens in the sanctuary and the welcome center.  Marian has created a book that will be in the welcome center with the information about the Veterans that did not fit onto the power point presentation. 

  Congregational Care:  They reported that they reviewed how the last new member orientation went. Those present felt it went well and discussed some areas of improvement.  Dates were discussed for the next new member orientation. Pastor Chad suggested we have it shortly after the holiday season over a few consecutive Sundays. It was decided to have two 90-minute sessions held at 11:45am following Sunday morning worship. Child care and a light lunch would be provided. The first session will be a meet & greet with an overview of POP and local ministry. The second Sunday session would be a more in-depth overview of Lutheran theology. The third Sunday would be a welcome to the membership during the services.

 Outreach:  They reviewed Tree House and talked about ways to get more awareness and donations.   Presently they have five volunteers to volunteer reading and mentoring with students at Park Brook Elementary.  The annual Hoedown held on Sunday November 6^th was a success.  Approximately 50 people attended. The chili cook off was very fun and successful.   They are working on implementing a Barnabas board similar to what was started last December. People who have a need post their need on a post it note with their first name and phone # and place it on the bulletin board across from the office. Someone else comes along that can provide that need and removes the post it from the board. They then call the person on the post it to connect. We did this last year and had some very favorable comments. Our hope is to continue this not just during Advent but all of the time.  The Ministry is in the process of setting up some times for POP to work at Feed My Starving Children.  They would like to start doing this quarterly with a group of 15 volunteers.  The Outreach team wants to explore the possibility of hosting a dinner for homeless/disadvantaged people in Brooklyn Park.  Some churches in Anoka County have been doing this for several years. Their plan is to visit one of these sites on a night where they serve so they can observe and talk to those who administer this program to see how it is done.

 Community Life:  The committee is preparing for our last event of the year- “A Not So Silent Night” which is December 10^th. Crafts & Cookie Exchange at 4:30, Dinner at 5:30 and the Service/Christmas Carols at 6:30.  They also discussed Valentines Dinner in February.

 Unfinished Business:  In our 2012 budget planning Treasurer Dick Ruohoniemi presented the Council with a proposed budget.  The Council reviewed the draft.  There was discussion and a request to keep all members in our prayers as they pray about their financial commitment to Prince of Peace in 2012.

 New Business:  None

A motion was made by Marian Hutchens seconded by Bill Fredrick to adjourn the meeting.  Motion approved.  Meeting adjourned.

 Respectfully submitted,

 Allan Grant

Secretary

 Saturday, December 24, 2011

     3:00 pm Family & Children Service

     5:00 pm Candlelight Service

     9:00 pm Candlelight Service

Sunday, December 25, 2011

     10:00 Christmas Day Service