Landisville Mennonite Church
Congregational Leadership Board –Meeting No. 251
January 18, 2010
Members present: Ken Burkhart, Brenda Horst, Jim Ipsen, Nelson Kling (chair), Beth Martin, Randall Shull, Clayton Suydam, Byard Yoder (vice chair), Mike Zehr
Members absent: Larry Newswanger, Emily Shank, Sam Smith
Others present part-time: Lynn Roth, Gary Sensenig, Dave Yoder
Recorder: Christy Kauffman
- Dwelling in the Word—Randall Shull
Ministry Leadership Team chose several scripture passages that speak to our mission statement, “Joining with Christ in God’s work.” Team invites the congregation to spend time with Ephesians 4 and 2 Corinthians 5.11-6.1. Randall read the scripture and Board members gave reflections on the passage. Randall led in an opening prayer.
- Minutes review—The minutes of November 16, 2009 meeting were approved as written.
- Financial review—Mike Zehr
Mike distributed and reviewed the December 31 report. See the report, attached.
- Building Report—Dave Yoder gave an update on the building project.
- Fund raising
Budget $1,245,460
Raised through 12/31/09 709,420 (goal 708,791)
Pledged through 12/31/11 995,741
Left to raise 249,719 will ask for pledges spring/early summer 2010
- Financing project
Budget $1,245,460
Raised 12/31/09 709,420
Green funds being held 52,000
2010 pledges prior to 5/30 50,000
Personal loans 300,000 to 320,000
Bank line of credit being considered 134,040 to 114,040
- The progress on construction is being limited by the weather.
- Building Committee is dealing with details and is holding the line on expenses
- The use of excess dirt to make a flat area for recreational use
- Is on master plan but not in current project
- Requires township approval, $700-$2,500
- $5,000 to do actual work
- Recreation group would consider allocating $3,000 to $5,000 for this use
- Formal request has not been received by Steering Committee
- Stewardship update—Lynn Roth
- The Finance Committee is surveying the congregation to determine the level of financial commitment to the LMS Education Tuition Fund on the part of families whose children are attending LMS and on the part of other persons within the congregation. Based on the response to this survey, the Finance Committee will decide what recommendation to make to the Congregational Leadership Board about the future of the LMS Education Tuition Fund.
- The Finance Committee recommends that Board authorize the application for a line of credit for operating expenses on the congregation in order to meet any short-term cash flow needs that may arise in the future. It is a good financial practice to plan for a safety net and easier to get a line of credit when you don’t need it. Board approved the recommendation.
- Missionary Support Task Force report—Gary Sensenig
- Gary presented the work of the Missionary Support Task Force, who was created by Board to address questions regarding MST’s, missionaries, and financial support. The Task Force Assignment included:
- Project financial guidelines for congregational missionary support
- Define steps for first time and returning aspirants to discern ministry involvement and to seek congregational financial support
- Project time frame for leadership boards to process and approve terms for first time and returning workers
- Develop guidelines for relationship between MST, aspiring worker, Ministry Team and congregation.
- Gary presented the work of the Missionary Support Task Force, who was created by Board to address questions regarding MST’s, missionaries, and financial support. The Task Force Assignment included:
- Board expressed thanks to Gary and the Task Force for their work. Board will review the proposal and take action at the next meeting in March.
- Ministry Leadership Team: Randall Shull
a. Assoc. Pastor of Worship
Randall presented the job description to Board and noted that Team recommends this position be 1/3—1/2 time. Board commits to addressing this need by mid-February, when there will be more budgetary clarity.
- Closing Prayer—Beth Martin
- Next meeting: March 15, 2010, 7:00 pm