Executive Board Meeting
April 18, 2004

Meeting called to order by Ralph Lawrence at 12:15 PM. 

PRESENT: Kathy Balu, Martha Boon, Dennis Rodriguez for Ken Fong, Sherry Merrill, John Merchant, Ralph Lawrence, Sallie Suby-Long, Cheryl Wolff, and Dave Cupp.  Non voting attendees were: Jim Wolff, Laura Kuhl and Jenita Rhodes. 

EVANGELISM TEAM: Jim Wolff and Laura Kuhl reported that the Evangelism Team’s mission is to “articulate the spirit of St. Luke’s and communicate that to multiple audiences, resulting in membership, participation, and spiritual growth”. 

The team has developed a vision or goals statement as follows: “St. Luke’s maintains at least 80% of the congregation being connected and actively involved in programs beyond the worship services.  Our facilities are consistently fully utilized in service to our congregation and the community.  St. Luke’s is readily recognized and has a clear presence in our community.  We achieve a 10% annual growth rate.”

The team has also worked up an invitation statement to more effectively convey what St. Luke’s is all about to both the congregation and the community.  This statement says:  “We welcome you to our Christian family, where we share life.  Wherever you are in your faith journey, you are accepted and encouraged to grow spiritually.  Join us in growing together toward full humanity through living the teachings of Jesus: Love, Acceptance, Justice and Hope.”

The Evangelism team considers these statements final, but would welcome comments.  Ministry Council will be kept informed of the teams planned action steps to achieve the goals. 

CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES: Jenita Rhodes updated the committee on Little School, Sunday School and the Peak program, and the many other programs underway.  It is now a requirement that parents be involved in St. Luke’s to enroll their children in the Little School because demand is so high.  Sunday School attendance is down this year.  Although no one knows the reasons for this, it is assumed that the lack of a permanent Senior Pastor has impacted the Sunday School just as it has Sunday church attendance.  The biggest thing holding back our Children’s Ministries is the need for more congregational involvement. 

SPRC: Kathy Balu reviewed a number of changes in the SPRC budget. Staff will receive an increase this year following no increase last year, although individual raises will vary as position salaries are aligned with benchmark information.  Employee evaluations are 90% complete, thanks largely to Fred’s efforts.  Re-staffing of the Assistant Youth Director and Ministry Development positions will proceed this fall if income is sufficient.  SPRC’s 2004 budget needs are somewhat lower than originally projected, and these changes have been included in the final budget to be voted on later in the meeting. 

SPRC feels that increased training and making some insurance benefits available are critical needs for which there is some budget this year, but further funding must be addressed in next year’s budget.

We are close to hiring a new Youth Director.  Of the 20 applicants, 6 were interviewed and 3 finalists selected.  Second interviews for the finalists are in progress, and we expect to have a new Youth Director on staff by the end of May.  The youth have representatives who are part of the interviewing process. 

MINISTRY COUNCIL: Martha Boon reported that attendance at the Youth Programs has held up remarkably well.  Aaron’s leaving was difficult for many of the youth, and it is a real testament to the youth that they have continued their involvement.  Martha introduced Cheryl Wolff as the new Worship Ministry Team Advocate and reported that all Advocate positions will be filled once Doug Wagner steps up as Ministry Development Team Advocate in June. New developments on the Ministry Teams include the reactivation of the Adult Education Team with Julie Ramsett and Dale Balu as co-chairs, and the start of a Singles Fellowship.  

TRUSTEES: Dennis Rodriguez reviewed changes in the fees for use of the church facilities.  As part of the 2004 budget effort, building use fees for members and constituents are being increased approximately 33%, and non-member and group use fees are up 66%.  Instead of no charge for funerals and memorial services, the Funeral Committee is working on a Funeral/Memorial Services Policy.  The trustees have increased the deposit required for keys to $100, and are reviewing ways to minimize key and lock costs.  References to “Executive Administrator” are being replaced in the manuals.   

FINANCE: John Merchant reviewed results to date and presented the final 2004 budget.  These handouts are attached to the copy of the minutes available in the Church office.  Giving to date is tracking above expectations, perhaps because some people who have pledged in the past but did not pledge this year have continued to give.  When everyone pledges, it is much easier to plan and to efficiently implement programs.  However, it is a positive sign that giving is tracking above estimates. 

Pledges received in February and March, an additional $7,000 of pledges for 2004 that came in following John and Martha’s report to the congregation three weeks ago, and expense reduction by SPRC and Trustees have significantly reduced the projected deficit. Consequently, the final budget being proposed projects a loss of $62,900 versus the initial $178,000 deficit.  As previously approved, we plan to over spend by $25,000 in view of our strong cash position, and the total deficit includes $25,000 made available on a one time basis to the newly formed Evangelism team for gathering needed information and developing recommendations.  EB is therefore being asked to approve the 2004 budget with the expectation that the “additional” $12,900 of potential deficit will be eliminated either through expense reduction or increased giving as the year progresses.  Approximately $1000 of music program spending and the refilling two positions will be deferred until fall when we have a better idea of how 2004 results are shaping up.  This is in keeping with our earlier decision to make every effort to eliminate any shortfall in the budget with additional fund raising activities rather than further cuts on the expense side.

The budget was approved as presented by a vote of 9-0. 

Meeting adjourned at 1:30 PM.