Prince of Peace

Council Meeting Minutes May 2021

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Present: Pastor Chad Brekke, Pastor Natalia Terfa, Melissa Johnson, Mike Isenberg, Richard Habstritt, Rachel Henderson, Patti Amstrup, Sarah Hetz, Joel Odens, Jodi Spoden
Absent: Jim Fodstad
Call to Order: Melissa called the meeting to order at 7:03PM
Opening Devotion: Jodi led devotions
Adoption of the Agenda: Jodi made a motion to adopt the agenda. Sarah seconded the motion. Motion carries.
Approval of Previous Minutes: Richard made a motion to approve minutes from the April 20, 2021 council meeting. Mike seconded the motion. Motion carries.


EXECUTIVE TEAM REPORTS:
President’s Report
NONE
VP Report
NONE
Treasurer’s Report
Offerings/ Receipts
2021 2020
February $48,963.77 $49,747.58
March $70,465.44 $73,742.93
April $54,417.59 $77,353.52
Total $225,330.95 $259,956.40
Expenses
2021 2020
February $69,248.17 $72,103.41
March $75,948.44 $75,279.45
April $67,653.65 $27,282.29
Total $280,673.51 $244,395.30
Gain/Loss
2021 2020
February ($20,284.40) ($22.355.83)
March ($5,483.00) ($1,536.52)
April ($13,236.06) $50,071.23
Total ($55,342.56) $15,561.10
*Footnote
In comparing both our Expenses and Net Gain/Loss 2021 to 2020. We need to realize in 2020 expenses were reduced by Cares Act by $29,160.66 and mortgage payment of $13,162.00 through April 2020 in the amount totaling $42,322.66. This means that our expenses were actually reduced in 2021 by $6,044.45.
Cash Accounts 04/31/2021 $75,312.14
Portion of this balance which relates to the Relocation Project Apt BC $33,913.42 (designated funds from donations after unrest in Brooklyn Center in April-not POP dollars)
Net $41,398.72
Designated funds including Relocation Project $160,394.16
TOTAL designated funds available to POP $126,480.74
Other Receipts
2021 2020
$27,601.54 $16,352.02
Increase $11,249.52
Stewardship messages will be coming in the near future from staff. Most all churches are in this situation after the last year and we are being proactive about making plans and assessing needs moving forward.
Secretary’s Report
NONE
PASTORAL REPORTS:
Pastor Chad’s Report
As we move toward returning to in person, indoor worship, we should all be reminded that
As we move toward returning to in person, indoor worship, we should all be reminded that Prince of Peace has continued with a full schedule of ministry and outreach throughout Prince of Peace has continued with a full schedule of ministry and outreach throughout these many months of pandemic isolation. these many months of pandemic isolation.
Just in the past couple of months, we have offered memorable and meaningful online Holy
Just in the past couple of months, we have offered memorable and meaningful online Holy Week Week — Easter services that reached thousands. There have been several funerals in recent Easter services that reached thousands. There have been several funerals in recent weeks for both members and nonmembers. There have been baptisms, weddings, yweeks for both members and nonmembers. There have been baptisms, weddings, youth outh and young adult events. There has been outreach to the community in response to the and young adult events. There has been outreach to the community in response to the George Floyd and Daunte Wright killings.George Floyd and Daunte Wright killings.
We’ve addressed building issues and maintenance, kept the office open and functioning
We’ve addressed building issues and maintenance, kept the office open and functioning well. We have accomplished the transitiwell. We have accomplished the transition from online only worship back to gathering on from online only worship back to gathering outside for Sunday morning services. And now we are moving toward returning to indoor outside for Sunday morning services. And now we are moving toward returning to indoor worship starting on June 6.worship starting on June 6.
This has been a difficult time for churches and those called to lead among communities of
This has been a difficult time for churches and those called to lead among communities of faithfaith. Prince of Peace has not been immune to the resulting financial challenges brought . Prince of Peace has not been immune to the resulting financial challenges brought about by the pandemic and related factors. I will be communicating a stewardship message about by the pandemic and related factors. I will be communicating a stewardship message with the congregation in the coming weeks. I continue to believe we are equipped wiwith the congregation in the coming weeks. I continue to believe we are equipped with all th all of the gifted people and resources needed to make this next transition to gathering in of the gifted people and resources needed to make this next transition to gathering in person again for worship and ministry together. person again for worship and ministry together.
Thank you to everyone helping Prince of Peace to stay on mission as we Grow Deep and
Thank you to everyone helping Prince of Peace to stay on mission as we Grow Deep and Reach Out!Reach Out!
Pastor Natalia’s Report
• Our GroupLife groups have been meeting again and enjoying the connections in person they are making in these safer small gatherings. They are doing a study called “Legends of Exile” that I wrote with a few other clergy colleagues and the feedback has been great so far. A lot of groups are choosing to space out their meetings a bit, as we wait for the weather to cooperate too. I am so thankful for these leaders and groups for showing up and being a place where people can connect and be together in a time where both of those things can be hard.
• Outdoor worship has been just lovely. I’ve enjoyed being with people again, seeing faces, and watching people reengage with each other in person. I’ve been able to take my fully vaccinated self and hug other fully vaccinated people and hold a couple of babies too! Science is a gosh darn miracle. I have loved the reminder that our community and our gatherings have never, ever been about the building.
• On that note – I want to say thank you to the many notes and emails of support we get from you on council and in the congregation during this last year and a half. It’s always a gift to have public and private support in the difficult decisions we continue to prayerfully make. It’s an honor to do ministry with you all.
• POP connected and supported Pr Ali over at Cross of Glory in Brooklyn Center as they gathered and distributed supplies to those in need in the community. Extra props go to Rachel for helping Pr Ali organize volunteers!
• Some other newsworthy notes about things I’ve been up to as a part of my call to the Church:
o Along with Pastor Jenny Sung, I helped organize and fund housing and food for families in Brooklyn Center that live by the police precinct. POP members joined me in raising the funds to do this, and we raised over $30K. (Read a story about one of the families we helped HERE)
o I’ll be participating in the Festival of Homiletics again this year, May 17-20.
o Some of my devotionals have been included in an anthology published by Our Bible App, titled “The Deconstructionists Playbook” – if you want to support the many amazing voices in this anthology, you can buy it HERE
Pastoral Acts (March 15-May 15): Funerals: 2 Weddings: 1 Baptisms: 1
MINISTRY TEAM REPORTS:
Community Life
Join with other Prince of Peace members for Community Life’s annual “Bike to the Beach”
June 19th – ALL DAY
*Arrive at Amstrup’s cabin anytime after 11:00am (about 2.75 hours from the church)
*Lunch, Dinner, and beverages provided
*Drive to Akeley or one of the other designated spots along the Heartland Trail and bike to the cabin (arriving between 11-1) and hang at the beach.
*Don’t want to Bike? No problem just come to the cabin and spend the afternoon swimming, canoeing, and kayaking.
Questions? Contact Patti Amstrup (call or text) 612-512-0703, email pamstrup@yahoo.com or Brent Hagland
Property Team
NONE
Congregational Care
Once we move forward with coffee hour again-it will be nice to offer nametags to “re-introduce” and meet new friends.
Sunday Morning Experience
Looking for more volunteers, ushers and head ushers-if anyone is interested!!
Outreach POP Outreach May 2021 Meeting Recap – May 11, 2021 Attendees: Frank Fachman, Jo Fachman, Melissa Johnson, Linda English, Amy Kust, Sally Onstad, Jodi Spoden Brooklyn Avenues • May Birthdays ✓ No May birthdays • Graduation ✓ No high school graduations this year • Registration Fee/Donation for Seeing White podcast discussion series – Amy to work with Paul to get a check cut and thank you note to Rachel. CEAP • Meals on Wheels is continuing to provide 2-week supplies of frozen meals for now. Rachel will keep us posted as plans come together for moving back to regular hot meal deliveries.
Park Brook • Spring volunteer gathering ✓ No additional information yet on this potential gathering; volunteers did receive thank you notes in the mail with indication that normal volunteer activities will resume in the fall. Jeans and Junk – Hwy 81 Clean-up – May 16 • Clean-up scheduled for May 16 after the 9:30 outdoor service ✓ Sue LaGue to chair the highway clean-up project. ✓ We will dedicate the event to Sue’s dad, Ron Welde, in honor of his commitment to this cause. ✓ Jodi/Sue to bring card tables for check-in ✓ Remaining supplies are at church Care Bag Supply Collection/Assembly – May 23 • Care bag assembly project approved by church leadership ✓ Donation requests – in May Enews ✓ Donation review – Jodi to let Karina know we are planning to do an inventory on 5/20 at 10 a.m. ✓ Additional supply purchase with $250 Thrivent Action Team Grant – Linda and Melissa to purchase based on needs after we do the inventory ✓ Contact BP Library and Salvation Army with donation needs – Jo ✓ Request additional promo on FB and Website – Jodi Brooklyn Center Community Assistance • Thrivent Grant? – Melissa o Holding off; most organizations seem to be in pretty good shape for now Sacred Settlement Tour/Presentation • Gabrielle Clowdus from Sacred Settlement is scheduled to join our June Outreach meeting to provide information about Sacred Settlement and ways in which POP may be able to provide volunteer assistance. MealTrain • Pastor Natalia has set up a MealTrain site for monetary and food donations for Karina and family to help support them during this time of need. https://mealtrain.com/lzv4km Completed Projects • Seeing White Social Justice Series o We completed the first half of the 14-podcast series this spring We have tentative plans to schedule another session in the fall to listen to and discuss podcasts 8 – 14. Dependent on resources/Marni’s replacement.
Staff Reports
Children and Family Ministry
As this school year winds down, I don’t have much to report for Children and Family Ministry * The Plant Sale is pretty much wrapped up for the year with the exception of finishing up final balances and then making a payment to WAPO. Even though it was all done virtually (with the exception of the actual plant deliveries) it went VERY smooth and we had no mistakes this year!!!!!

  • Summer Day Camp will start on June 14th and I will be sending out the final catalog and details this week
  • Will continue to re-evaluate how to do ministry on Sunday mornings with the ever-changing landscape of COVID
  • This Summer we will be celebrating a Communion Milestone to cover the 5th and 6th grade class that was not able to do it on Maundy Thursday. The date will be Sunday, August 8th
    Youth and Young Adult Ministry
    Axis has concluded for the season.
  • Our guides are amazing for sticking it out through this year and accommodating their groups as much as possible.
  • Lots of kids are excited to get back to Wapo this summer.
    Revolution will meet through May.
  • We continue to prepare for our summer adventure trip with Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp.
    Young Adult ministry is doing well.
  • Lots of 1 on 1s.
  • Life changes; jobs, moves, houses, growing families, grief…
  • Theology on Tap continues & anticipates being back in person.
  • We have a solid small group preparing for a canoe trip with Wilderness Canoe Base in August.
    Media & Tech
    NONE
    Unfinished Business
    NONE
    New Business
    Services will be moved to indoor June 6, one service at 9:30 throughout the summer. We will continue to maintain distancing practices and masks in order to protect those who are most vulnerable or unable to be vaccinated.
    Next Meeting: June 15, 2021, 7:00 PM via zoom
    Announcements and Action Items: Memorial Day service is online only
    Adjournment: Joel made a motion to adjourn. Jodi seconded the motion. Meeting adjourned at 7:57PM