October 19, 2023 | Deacon Meeting Minutes

Attending:  Chuck Falch, Gail Graese, Kristi Lambert (and Wilder), Vince Maro, James Martin,  Kathy Sahlhoff, Paul Weinke, Bruce Winkler

Ex-official attendees: Pastor Mark Schulz, Pastor David Forke

Recording Secretary: Kathy Sahlhoff

Meeting was called to order by Gail at 6:33.

Pastor Mark gave the devotions.

Consent Agenda

Chuck moved, seconded by Paul to approve the consent agenda (minutes from the August 17th, 2023 meeting and the pastoral report). Motion carried.

Update of Assoc Pastor Call

The call committee has submitted another six names and received back information on three names of the six names, with a note that it would not be good for the other three pastors to leave their positions at this point.  The call committee felt two of the three names received were possibilities (the third person had just accepted a call to be a lead pastor).  The committee is not satisfied, however, with the number of names we are getting for review.  

Based on James’ suggestion, Pastor Mark has done some follow-ups with the speakers at the Best Practices Conference.  He has sent out 25 emails in an attempt to generate additional viable pastoral forms.    

September Financials

Some changes were made in the statement of cash flows related to how we were treating CDs. The CD is now showing in current assets under the checking and savings accounts, which is where it should be.  

Currently, giving is slightly ahead of budget. Mark is working with Tonya to gain a more in-depth understanding of the budget, in particular the payroll detail.

Motion by Chuck, seconded by Paul to approve the Financials. Motion carried.

Update on Vision

By mid-November, Mark is hoping to have the backpack tab active and available for people to access the resources. The Lead Team is hoping to be able to find a way to roughly track people’s engagement in “My Faith Journey.” 

Kristi reminded the group that it is important to offer information visually and make assessments available on paper -  not just online.

Mark wants to communicate the vision more clearly - what we said we wanted to do and what we’ve done.

Concerning developing leaders at every level: Mark is bringing the staff leaders through a training that focuses on marketing ourselves as a church. 

Mark and David are regularly meeting one-on-one with their staff reports to check how the staff member might be better supported and how the staff member is working toward their goals.

Mortgage Refinance

Tonya received the information that the refinance has been approved at 5% fixed for three years.  We paid down $100,000 on the loan on August 23, 2023. 

We hope to have the mortgage paid off by the end of the three years.

Staff Lunch November 13.

Kathy and Chuck will attend. 

Housing Allowance

The amounts requested for housing allowance are the same as last year.  Kristi moved to approve, Bruce seconded.  Motion carries.

Assessment of Meeting Schedule Every Other Month

No one has concerns about keeping the meetings scheduled every other month, with the understanding we may call a special meeting if an issue surfaces.

Note:  The decision was made to change the  Dec meeting to Dec 14th rather than Dec 21st due to the Christmas schedule.

Culture Questions - Deacons’ Feedback

What are five adjectives you would use to describe your church culture?

• Passionate in faith (more than previously)

• Active interest in adult study groups

• Dedicated attendees and staff

• Welcoming

• Community-oriented

• Caring

• Doing what Jesus calls us to do as a church

• Faith into action

• Servant leadership

• Diversity in worship 

What do staff and volunteers value most about Peace’s ministry? See above.

Financial Review (audit) Update: John Genskow will provide an update at a future meeting once the report is finalized.

Proposal from the Policies Committee to allow for email voting:

There was discussion about a proposal to allow for email voting in the future if necessary.  Several concerns were raised about ensuring there would be adequate format for questions to be raised and discussion to occur as necessary.

A zoom meeting was recommended as a better format and approach.

It was decided the board would call a special zoom meeting if necessary, rather than asking deacons to vote via email.  Bruce will check into whether there are any requirements to post the time of the meeting prior to holding a special zoom meeting.

Pastor David gave the closing prayer.

Paul moved, Bruce seconded motion to adjourn. Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted by Kathy Sahlhoff.