Call to Order- The meeting was called to order at 12:30 p.m. by Council President Bill Beers. Bill declared a quorum of at least 60 active members present, and the meeting began. Bill thanked the ladies who prepared the luncheon, and they received a round of applause.

Adoption of the 2002 Annual Meeting Minutes- Polly Dobkin moved to accept the minutes. John Knops seconded and the motion passed.

Elections- Bill recognized the members of the Nominating Committee and the outstanding job they did in forming a great slate of candidates. Jim Shook introduced the nominees for offices and moved to accept the list of nominees as presented by the Nominating Committee. Ruth Simpson seconded. Bill explained the election process and opened the floor for any additional nominations. Hearing no additional nominations, the motion to accept the list of nominees passed.

Reception of the Report of:

The Pastor- The Pastor’s report was presented as written. Randy Cole moved to accept the Pastor’s Report. Ole Latham seconded and the motion passed.

The Church Council President- Bill thanked everyone for allowing him to serve as congregational president for four years. It has been both challenging and rewarding. During his time as president, Faith has experienced 100% staff changeover. He stated that it speaks well of our congregation that we have a ministry that keeps growing. Hal Wilson moved to accept the President’s report. Bill Dobkin seconded and the motion passed.

Treasurer- The treasurer’s report was presented as written. Bill Robinson moved to accept the Treasurer’s report. Steve Thompson seconded and the motion passed.

Old Business- None.

New Business

New Members- Bill introduced the new members who were received today.

Minister of Growth and Discipleship- Randy Cole introduced the search team which was formed to find a person for this position. He explained the search process and described the responsibilities this person will have. He then introduced Carolyn Wagar, Faith’s new Minister of Growth and Discipleship. She will help develop leaders within the congregation and will help in developing our spiritual gifts. Carolyn spoke briefly.

Property Team- Ole Latham asked for volunteers to become involved in Faith’s property team.

Faith’s 50th Anniversary- Steve Thompson spoke about Faith’s upcoming 50th anniversary. The anniversary team will spend 2004 doing research to prepare for Faith’s birthday party in 2005. In 2005 the team will present monthly reports on Faith’s first 50 years. Steve asked for volunteers to work on research and presentation committees. He then named the various committees and their chairpeople:

• Music Committee- Lowell and Marlene Ungar
• Outreach- Barb Dillahunt
• Leaders (Council Presidents)- Terry Vernon
• Benevolence/Finance- Bill Robinson
• Property/Building- Dick Kesti
• Worship- Sally Hauth
• Pastors- Charlie Ramsey
• Social- Kathy Zbinden
• Education- Jean Butler
• Youth/Families- Steve Thompson
• Database/Website- Ed Rich
• Librarian- Judy Vernon

Stewardship/Finance Team Report- Bill Robinson reported that this was the best year for finances and stewardship that he could recall. It was a very successful stewardship effort. He expressed thanks to Pastor Jean. He then explained the “2004 Anticipated Operating Income” on the top of page 13 in the congregational meeting report. They estimate an operating income/budget of $400,519.00 in 2004. Bill then went through the proposed budget and identified some of the larger increases:

• The budget itself was increased by about 20%
• Increased benevolence 20% (p16)
• Property was increased (p17) since utilities have gone up
• Staff salaries were increased to bring them in line with the market
• Advertising was increased (p15) so we can work to fulfill our goal of making Christ known
• Insurance was increased by 20%

Arthur Britton asked about the increase for the set up/sound technician (p 14). Bill explained that that was previously under another line item. Terry Vernon asked how the Synod Benevolence amount was determined. Bill explained that we give 10% of our operating budget.

Adoption of the 2004 Operating Budget- Randy Cole moved to approve the 2004 budget as presented. Sheila Knops seconded and the motion passed.

There was a recess while the Nominating Committee counted the votes.

Election results- The election results were as follows:

Church Council

• Pat Gsellman (3 yrs)
• Mark Horn (3 yrs)
• Bob Johnson (3 yrs)
• Barry White (3 yrs)
• Denise Henkel (2 yrs)
• Ken Jakubec (2 yrs)
• Chris Sears (1 yr)

Nominating Committee (3 to be elected)

• Arthur Britton
• Vee Robinson
• Anita Sears

Endowment Committee (1 to be elected)

• Bill Evans

Audit Committee (1 to be elected)

• Bill Dobkin

Northeastern Ohio Synod Assembly

• Robin and Mark Horn

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned and closed with the Lord’s Prayer.

Respectfully submitted,
Kit Scheetz
Council Secretary