MINUTES OF THE 45th ANNUAL
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
Sunday, November 19, 2000

Call to Order - The meeting was called to order at 12:45 p.m. by Council President Bill Beers. Bill declared a quorum present, and the meeting began. He thanked the members of the Women’s Life Prayer Group for providing lunch.

Adoption of the 1999 Annual Meeting Minutes- Ken Rosebrock moved to accept the minutes of the 1999 Annual Meeting. Bill Evans seconded and the motion passed.

Elections - Nominating Committee representative Rich Doncaster distributed the ballots and explained the election process. Lou Sullivan introduced the candidates for each office. Bill asked for nominations from the floor. There being none, Ken Rosebrock moved to accept the nominees. The motion was seconded and passed. The election results were as follows:

Church Council - 3 year term:
Pat Gsellman, John Warner, Barry White, Hal Wilson

2 year term - Joyce Lightle, John Knops

Audit Committee: Tim Bullock

Northeastern Ohio Synod Assembly Delegates: Bill and Shirley Pope

Nominating Committee: Loralee Daily, Sally Hauth. Becky Strimple

Endowment Committee: Bill Evans

Reception of Reports - Pastors Report

Pastor Sneeringer talked about the cluster meetings that he, Bill and Polly Dobkin have been attending with other Lutheran churches of our size. Faith has become a leader among them, and we should be proud. Our Sunday morning attendance has averaged 237 people per Sunday. Most of the growth has occurred in the 10:45 Celebration Service. Over the past five years, Faith’s attendance has increased 14.5%, while the NEOS average has decreased by 2.8%. Membership has grown at Faith by 14.4%, while membership has fallen in the NEOS by 3.7%.

Pastor reported that our income has also increased, and he recognized Bill Robinson for his outstanding work with the Finance Committee.

He cannot attribute Faith’s success to just one thing. We have all worked together using our spiritual gifts for a common goal.

Church Council President

Bill thanked everyone who volunteered this year, and commended council members on the great work that they have done. He also thanked all of the team leaders and Life Group Leaders and attributed Faith’s growth to them.

Treasurer

Bill Robinson thanked everyone for making Faith a financially healthy place. He also thanked Treasurer Judy Lee and Financial Secretary Bettemae Ramsey for all of their work. Bill pointed out that the 2001 proposed budget is slightly lower than the 2000 budget.

Bill reported that there was a mistake in the proposed budget, which he wanted to amend. Most of the staff members received a 3% pay increase, including the Minister of Discipleship and Outreach. However, the increase for that position was not included in the proposed budget. This line item should have been 3% higher.

Ken moved to accept the budget as submitted. Randy seconded the motion.

Bill Evans moved to amend the budget to correct the math error. Tom Parsons seconded and the motion to amend passed.

Bill Beers explained the process Council went through in deciding the budget and reported that Faith is in the same financial position as we were last year at this time.

Ken called the question and the motion to accept the budget as amended was passed. The budget was carried.

There being no further business, the meeting was closed with a prayer.

Respectfully submitted,
Kit Scheetz
Council Secretary