MINUTES OF THE 47th ANNUAL
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
Sunday, November 24, 2002

Call to Order- The meeting was called to order at 11:25 a.m. by Council President Bill Beers. Bill declared a quorum of at least 60 active members present, and the meeting began.

Adoption of the 2001 Annual Meeting Minutes- Terry Vernon moved to accept the minutes. Mike Chaffee seconded and the motion passed.

Elections- Loralee Daily explained the election process and recognized the members of the Nominating Committee. She introduced the nominees for offices and moved to accept the list of nominees as presented by the Nominating Committee. Steve Thompson seconded and Bill opened the floor for any additional nominations. Hearing no additional nominations, Chuck Baltes moved to close nominations. Norm Schmidt seconded and both motions passed.

Reception of the Report of: The Pastor- The Pastor's report was presented as written. Bill Pope moved to accept the Pastor's Report. Arthur Britton seconded and the motion passed.

The Church Council President- Bill reported that Faith successfully weathered the storm of the many changes we faced in the past year and we are now prepared to do great things. Ann Britton moved to accept the President's report. Hal Wilson seconded and the motion passed.

Treasurer- The treasurer's report showed that while income was down, expenses were under control. It was hoped that income would be stronger. Bob Johnson moved to accept the Treasurer's report. Polly Dobkin seconded and the motion passed.

New Business

Constitution Revision (Preschool Board)- Karen Mallison presented a revision of the Preschool by-laws. Karen moved that the by-laws as approved by council be accepted by the congregation. Norm Schmidt seconded.

Bill explained the by-laws and the reason the changes were needed and opened the floor for discussion. Some concern was shown about the phrase "When possible, the majority of board members and the board president will be voting members of the congregation." Preschool Director Wendy Boes explained that there had been difficulty in the past in filling any openings with church members. However, they do ask church members first. Bill explained that a representative from church council does sit on the board, and he reminded us that the board has limited authority. Final authority rests with church council. After further discussion, Sarah Shook moved that the motion be amended to remove the words "When possible" from the proposed by-laws. Bill asked for a vote on the amendment: 24 people voted for the amendment and 33 people voted against.

The original motion to accept the by-laws as approved by council was approved unanimously.

Staffing Report- Bill reported that council introduced two staffing suggestions to the congregation and had asked for feedback earlier this fall. The first is making the church secretary into a full-time office manager position with benefits.

The second position is a full-time Minister of Christian Growth and Development. This person would enhance ministries and develop small groups by training volunteers to lead Faith. This person would also work with a Youth Leader. The general feeling among the congregation was that the youth need a dedicated leader. Council responded to that feedback. Bill reported that the budget will not allow for a Minister of Christian Growth and Development and a full-time youth leader. Council believes that a Minister of Christian Growth and Development is important to take Faith into the future. They have decided to begin a Supplemental Giving program to enable Faith to hire a person beginning in September and into the following year. Council will propose getting a part-time Youth Leader for the beginning of the year and have him/her on contract for a limited time period.

Adoption of the 2003 Operating Budget- Finance Committee representative Bill Robinson moved to approve the 2003 budget as presented. Bill Pope seconded.

Cherli Gsellman questioned what the reserve fund savings is used for. Bill R. explained that this is the money that Pastor Stan paid back from his loan. It is a "rainy day" savings, and it was put there because council did not know what the money might be used for, such as another staff member or a new pastor. Tom Antal asked whether people could redirect their offerings from Building and Grounds to the Operating Account. Bill explained that people are free to redirect their money whenever they wish.

After more discussion, Bill called the question and the motion to approve the 2003 budget passed.

Election results- The election results were as follows:

Church Council (4 for 3-yr terms) Nominating Committee (3 to be elected)

• Polly Dobkin
• Lois Chaffee
• Joyce Lightle
• Donna Sterner
• Debbie Rose
• Chris Wright-Penov
• Myron Shepherd

Audit Committee (3 to be elected) Endowment Committee (1 to be elected)

• Bob Heldridge (3-yrs)
• Lowell Unger
• John Dial (2-yrs)
• John Weisend (1-yr)
• Northeastern Ohio Synod Assembly Kathy and Hans Zbinden

Other New Business- Bettemae Ramsey announced that she is selling Cat's Meows of Faith Lutheran Church for $15/each.

There being no further business, Chuck Baltes moved to adjourn. Polly Dobkin seconded and the motion passed.

The meeting was adjourned at 1:20 p.m. and closed with the Lord's Prayer.

Respectfully submitted,
Kit Scheetz
Council Secretary