Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
Executive Committee Meeting Minutes
March 17, 2015

Present: Pastor Chad Brekke, Sue LaGue, Julia Sevald, Kathy Arveson and Christina Jobe
Absent: Tim Marker

Call to Order: President Sue LaGue called the meeting to order at 6:16 pm.

Devotions: Sue LaGue led us in prayer.

Adoption of the Agenda: A motion was made by Julia Sevald and seconded by Sue LaGue to approve the agenda. Motion approved.

Approval of Previous Minutes: A motion was made by Julia Sevald and seconded by Sue LaGue to approve the minutes from the February 17, 2015 Executive Committee meeting. Motion approved.

REPORTS OF OFFICERS:
President’s Report:
Sue discussed the Property Committee report. (see report and February meeting minutes for list of items and priorities) The priorities on the report should go to church staff first, and then the Council rep (Jeremy) needs to present it to the full Council. If the expense exceeds 10% of total budget, then it needs to go to the congregation for vote. Staff will look at the report at a staff meeting and have conversations with Jeremy. We accepted the suggestions that the Committee provided, and will leave it up to staff and Jeremy to re-prioritize and determine the best action. Kathy will work on getting people to remove the wax from the pews.

Treasurer’s Report:
Notable February activity:
• For the month of February, receipts were less than expenses. The general/building fund activity for the month was a loss of $2,985. This is favorable to budget by $3,097 but is unfavorable to prior year by $3,822.
• Total February offerings were at budget and slightly favorable to prior year by $1,694. Building use income in 2015 was lower than 2014 and budget.
• Overall, expenses are favorable to budget and at parity with prior year. The favorability to budget is mainly related to the reduced property expenses in the month.
• February YTD, receipts are greater than expenses by $8,912. This is $21,237 better than budget but $3,957 less than last year through February.
• The general fund cash balance available for use is $54,368 at the end of February.
• The only designated fund with significant activity in February was Adult Mission Trips.
New Visions Childcare will officially close on May 1, resulting in a loss of that rental income for the church. Chad is talking with someone who has started the Multicultural Kids Network who is looking for a site to hold events. The vision of the Network is to bring together American born children of African parents, for the children to gain appreciation of their African heritage and to use it as a blessing for others. It is unknown at this time whether or not this would provide income for the church.

Vice President’s Report:
Although Tim was absent from the meeting, the committee discussed the purchase of the new hymnals. We’ve started using liturgy from the new hymnal. Eventually, there will be a pitch on a Sunday morning asking the congregation if they want to donate a new hymnal to the church.

Secretary’s Report: None

SENIOR PASTOR’S REPORT:
The first quarter of the new year has been characterized by great participation and positive energy around Prince of Peace and beyond. Several families (including our own) have been surrounded with care and compassion during times of loss and sorrow. We continue to be a vital presence in our community with our strong and growing connections to CEAP, and Avenues For Youth and Park Brook Elementary to name just a few.

Notable items in this first quarter of ministry and outreach:
• In January, I was pleased to represent POP at the ordination of the new Lutheran bishop, the Rev. Dr. Frederick Shoo of the Northern Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania (ELCT). During the trip I was able to identify an additional 20 students who are now having their school fees provided through donations made to the Africa Fund at POP.
• Two more teams of faithful volunteers have traveled to Jamaica as part of our Mission Jamaica outreach.
• We hosted an amazing concert by Sara Groves, which brought in hundreds of first time visitors to our campus. The direct involvement of members of my staff in both planning and executing the event made for a direct connection to the ministry of POP for those in attendance. The follow up couples workshops are also a perfect fit with our ministry and outreach goals.
• Slowly but surely, the process is moving forward toward Natalia’s ordination and call to serve as the next associate pastor at POP. We are awaiting confirmation that the bishop has made the “administrative assignment” which is a necessary step in the process. We are hoping to schedule a congregational vote shortly after Easter with the ordination to be scheduled for early May.
• Our Wednesday morning and evening Lenten services have been wonderful and well attended. The evening midweek services continue to draw in new visitors and our “practices” theme is generating lots of positive feedback.
• We welcomed a large group of new members into the congregation this past Sunday. The hospitality of those providing meals during the new member orientations certainly enhanced the sense of welcome experienced by these new members.
• We are sad to see the New Visions Childcare operation coming to an end. Changes to the county assistance programs and the need to relocate have proven to be obstacles which could not be overcome by the daycare. The loss of the daycare will also have an impact on our projected income sources for the year, which council will closely monitor.
• We are excited about a couple new connections, which are under consideration. POP will be a location for some course offerings by the Lutheran based Center For Worship and Music Studies. We have already hosted a fundraising concert to benefit the CWMS. We are also exploring a possible connection with the Multicultural Kids Network as they look to help African immigrants in our area to appreciate and share their rich cultural heritage with the entire community.

May 3rd is the date we expect to hold the congregation vote to call Natalia as Associate Pastor, with the ordination date of May 31st. The bishop or neighboring bishop should be here for the ordination. We need to give the congregation three weeks’ notice for the May 3 vote.

Unfinished Business:
• None

New Business:
• None

Action Items:
• None

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

Respectfully submitted,

Christina Jobe
Council Secretary