Executive Board Meeting
December 12, 2004

Meeting called to order by Ralph Lawrence at 12:30 PM.

PRESENT: Kathy Balu, Martha Boon, Ken Fong, Rev. Janet Forbes, Rev. Fred Venable for part of the meeting, Pam Rowley, Elizabeth Laurvick, John Merchant, Jerry McLeland, Sallie Suby-Long, Dave Cupp, and Ralph Lawrence.

PASTOR’S COMMENTS: As background for the budget discussions, Janet explained some of the philosophy behind the 2005 budget. The budget needs to reflect our core values. A wish list is being developed of items not included in the budget so people who wish to make a free will or memorial offering to meet a special need will have many options. Much of St Luke’s mission giving is not represented in the budget, and a year end summary of all mission giving and activities will be compiled in 2005. There needs to be more coordination among all the groups of the church with regard to mission work and giving, and the Missions committee is the proper channel to provide that coordination.

SPRC: The SPRC 2005 budget is up significantly because we have a full time Senior Pastor, increased hours for some of the staff including Jim Ramsey, higher nursery care labor costs, and the expectation that more staff will take advantage of health insurance benefits (the Church pays 50% of the premium). The anticipated annual raise for staff is an average of 3%.

MINISTRY COUNCIL: Martha Boon reported on the Monday, December 6th Ministry Council meeting. Minutes for that meeting are available on the web and the bulletin board in Fellowship Hall.

TRUSTEES: Ken Fong reported that money to paint the exterior of the Church is in the 2005 budget. Resealing and re-stripping the parking lot and replacing worn out carpet will be postponed. A multiyear capital expense plan is being developed to allow for better planning around needed capital expenses.

FINANCE: John Merchant handed out information on 2004 and the 2005 budget. These handouts are attached to the copy of the minutes available in the Church office.

At this point it appears that 2004 income, always difficult to forecast, could be $45,000 to $50,000 higher than plan, and it is likely that 2004 expenses will be $15,000 under plan. Consequently, our anticipated deficit may end up at breakeven.

Pledge income for 2005 is up significantly from a year ago. Follow up letters are being sent to those who have not yet pledged, and at this point is appears that total 2005 income will approach $1,090,000. Increases in the 2005 SPRC budget represent the bulk of the total 2005 spending increase due to the reasons outlined by Kathy.

John also reiterated the understanding that groups are free to spend budgeted funds as appropriate within their own budget, unless those expenditures that commit the Church for future years.

The following motion was made and seconded: To approve the 2005 budget as presented. The MOTION passed by a vote of 11-0.

The approved budget can be viewed here.

VISON TEAM: Jerry showed some fabulous pictures which elicited a murmur of “WOW” from the group. He went on to say that St. Luke’s is on the cusp of WOW, and spending by our ministries needs to get a much higher priority. He went on to point out that St. Luke’s has not spent much of the IRM money and about $90,000 remains available to help St. Luke’s take advantage of the strong foundation we have in place to do wonderful ministry. He went on to suggest introduction of a matching program to stimulate additional giving.

Janet then discussed the plan to refocus on St Luke’s vision this winter and spring. Her handout on this process is attached and is available by request in the Church office.

To summarize, we are about to really have a functioning vision team and process thanks to Jerry and Janet.

NEW BUSINESS: Janet introduced the following motion:

The Finance and Stewardship Teams become Standing Committees of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, nominated by Lay Ministry and elected by the Church Conference, with membership by classes to assure continuity of leadership.

If supported, St. Luke’s would have five (5) STANDING COMMITTEES nominated by class: Trustees, Staff Parish, Lay Ministry, Stewardship, and Finance. Following minimal discussion, the MOTION was passed by a vote of 11-0.

Informal EB breakfast meetings, led by Janet, will begin January 14, 2005 and continue on the 2nd Friday of each month. Business EB meetings will continue quarterly with additional meetings as needed.

Meeting adjourned with a prayer at 2:30 pm