Congregational Leadership Board –Meeting No. 252

March 15, 2010

Members present:  Brenda Horst, Jim Ipsen, Nelson Kling (chair), Beth Martin, Larry                                                        Newswanger, Randall Shull, Byard Yoder (vice chair), Mike Zehr

Members absent: Ken Burkhart, Larry Newswanger, Emily Shank, Clayton Suydam

Others present part-time:  Lynn Roth

Recorder:  Christy Kauffman

1. Opening—Byard Yoder

Byard read from Ephesians 4 and led in prayer.

1. Minutes review—The minutes of the January 18, 2010 meeting and February 14, 2010 meeting were approved as written.

1. Financial review—Mike Zehr

Mike distributed and reviewed the budget report. See the report, attached.

1. 2010 budget—Lynn Roth

1. Lynn presented a unified budget for 1/1/10 to 12/31/10. After discussion, Board approved the budget.

1. Ministry Leadership Team updates—Randall Shull

1. Team is recommending hiring a half-time Assoc. Pastor of Worship, due to Gina Burkhart’s resignation at the end of 2009. Following questions, Board approved forming a search committee to hire a 1/3 time Assoc. Pastor of Worship. Board affirmed Nelson and Randall in engaging Bishop Sam Thomas on the process.
2. Board is forming a task force as a sounding board and place to process Leadership Team’s structure and visioning.

1. Meeting with EMM—Nelson Kling
   1. Board met with Eastern Mennonite Missions to discuss a payment schedule for support of our missionaries. Board met with MST members to give them a report of the meeting.

1. Closing Prayer—Nelson Kling

1. Next meeting:  May 17, 2010, 7:00 pm

1. Future discussion—MST Task Force report

Congregational Leadership Board -Meeting No. 252 (Special)  Feb. 14, 2010

Members present:  Ken Burkhart, Brenda Horst, Jim Ipsen, Nelson Kling (chair), Beth Martin, Larry Newswanger, Emily Shank, Clayton Suydam, Byard Yoder (vice chair), Mike Zehr

Absent: Randall Shull, Sam Smith

Others present part time:  Lynn Roth, Gerry & Rose Baer

1.  Mennonite High School Education:  In light of the growing deficit for funding our commitment to LMH for the students attending from LMC and our intention to assist our students attending next school year, ’10-’11, we must address this issue now so parents and congregation can plan for the next school year.  Gerry did a survey, asking our members how much they could pledge for the remainder of the current school year and how much they could pledge for next school year.  From this survey, $19,000 was pledged for the current school year and $20,000 for the next school year.  We need about $34,000 to cover our current deficit and expenses for this current school year, by June 2010.

Recommendation:  That $34,000 be allocated for LMH by June, for those students attending this              school year, and that we budget $2,000 for each student attending next school year, anticipating that five students will attend for a total amount of $10,000.  Unanimously approved  by all Board members present.

2.  Mission and Service involvement and support guidelines:  With LMC being responsible to contribute to Eastern Mennonite Missions the balance of funding that the Gingrich and Myers Missionary Support Teams are obligated for, and with there being an increasing monthly deficit to EMM, we discussed the January 2010 proposal, “Guidelines for Mission and Service Involvement and Support”.  The task force comprised of Gary Sensenig (chair), Glen Hoover(Sec.), Dan Burkhart (Min. of Missional Life), Helen Hertzler and Lynn Roth presented this in our January 2010 meeting.  We feel the task force has done an excellent job of pulling this proposal together. This proposal establishes some parameters for our global mission and service involvement, participation and support.  We need to take action promptly, so our missionaries and their MST’s can plan at least six months in advance.  Recognizing that changes in our funding of current missionaries with EMM should not be implemented until the end of their current term, we considered this recommendation.

Recommendation: That Landisville Mennonite congregation supports our long term missionaries that are eligible at the level in the proposed “Guidelines…Support Levels:  2. Long Term, b. Annual limit of up to 25% of the member’s annual budget(MST) shall be used as a support guideline,” and that the proposed “Guidelines for Mission and Service Involvement and Support” be discussed, modified and approved in our next regular scheduled meeting.  Unanimously approved by all Board members present.

Meeting adjourned 11:30 am.  Larry Newswanger, recorder

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

1. 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.

1. Minutes review—The minutes of November 16, 2009 meeting were approved as written.

1. Financial review—Mike Zehr

Mike distributed and reviewed the December 31 report. See the report, attached.

1. Building Report—Dave Yoder gave an update on the building project.

1. 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

1. 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

1. The progress on construction is being limited by the weather.
2. Building Committee is dealing with details and is holding the line on expenses
3. The use of excess dirt to make a flat area for recreational use
   1. Is on master plan but not in current project
   2. Requires township approval, $700-$2,500
   3. $5,000 to do actual work
   4. Recreation group would consider allocating $3,000 to $5,000 for this use
   5. Formal request has not been received by Steering Committee

1. Stewardship update—Lynn Roth

1. 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.
2. 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.

1. Missionary Support Task Force report—Gary Sensenig
   1. 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:
      1. Project financial guidelines for congregational missionary support
      2. Define steps for first time and returning aspirants to discern ministry involvement and to seek congregational financial support
      3. Project time frame for leadership boards to process and approve terms for first time and returning workers
      4. Develop guidelines for relationship between MST, aspiring worker, Ministry Team and congregation.
2. 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.

1. 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.

1. Closing Prayer—Beth Martin

1. Next meeting:  March 15, 2010, 7:00 pm

Congregational Leadership Board –Meeting No. 249

September 21, 2009

Members present:  Ken Burkhart, Brenda Horst, Jim Ipsen, Nelson Kling (chair), Beth Martin, Larry Newswanger, Emily Shank, Randall Shull, Clayton Suydam, Byard Yoder (vice chair), Mike Zehr

Members absent:  Sam Smith

Others present part-time:  Lynn Roth

Recorder:  Christy Kauffman

1.  Opening meditation:  Nelson opened with a meditation from I Samuel 9.20 and led in prayer.

2.  Minutes review:  The minutes of August 17, 2009 CLB meeting were approved as corrected.

8 – The Congregational Leadership Board approved the proposed no cost of living increase for every pastoral staff member. However, each pastor will receive a salary increase for one additional year experience unit in the salary calculation.

3.  Financial review: Mike distributed and reviewed the August 31 report. Total balance for all missionary            support accounts is $-8,075.00 and paid ahead at EMM is $70.

4.  Pastor Team Congregation Relations Committee (PTCRC): Larry, chair of PTCRC, gave a report from the            committee which also includes Jane Yoder, Cheryl Wyble, and Rodney Nafziger. Each one of our            pastors is functioning well in his or her ministry. They are leaning forward with interest and energy,            committed to serving our congregation. Please keep them in your prayers and affirm them in their ministry!

5.  Financial review—Lynn Roth: A Finance Committee was established to assist in decisions related to finance  and budget. These members are Helen Hertzler, Nelson Kling, Lynn Roth, Clayton Suydam, and Mike           Zehr.

a.         Missionary Support

Board supported the recommendation from the Finance Committee to withhold the next monthly payment to EMM in order to help replenish the funds in the missionary support account before            making            the next monthly payment.

b.         Lancaster Mennonite School Education Fund

Board supported the action from the Finance Committee to schedule a meeting with Ministers of Education, Gerry and Rose Baer, within the next month to discuss the future of the Lancaster Mennonite School Education Fund.

c.         Unified budget

The Finance Committee is recommending that the Board consider moving to a unified budget on a fiscal year basis starting January 1, 2010. Board approved moving to a unified budget January 1, 2010 and moving the year end (August 31) to calendar end (December 31).  Board requests the Finance Committee work at finding ways to communicate this change to the congregation and reasons for making the change.

6.  Staff Reviews:  Randall reported on the recent quarterly reviews of the staff.  Structural questions have            emerged throughout the last two years given new leadership positions beginning and committees such as            Health and wholeness coming to an end. Board supports Randall in seeking outside resources to the            questions of structuring ourselves for ministry and looks forward to feedback for the next steps.

7.   Closing Prayer

8.  Next meeting:  November 16, 2009, 7:00 pm

Congregational Leadership Board –Meeting No. 248

August 17, 2009

Members present:  Marian Gingrich, Helen Hertzler, Carl Hoover (chair), Janet Hoover, Nelson Kling (vice chair), Richard Martin, Larry Newswanger, Randall Shull, Clayton Suydam 

Members absent:  Abby Hertzler, Beth Martin, Chris Yoder

Others present part-time:  Gary Sensenig & Lynn Roth

Recorder:  Larry Newswanger

1.  Opening:  Carl read from Isaiah 41:10 & 13 and commented about taking risks, moving forward with courage in the strength of the Lord. “Do not fear, I will help you”.

2.  Minutes review:  The minutes of May 18, 2009 CLB meeting were reviewed and approved as  distributed. Further, we noted that this is the last Board meeting for Marian Gingrich, Helen Hertzler, Carl Hoover, Janet Hoover and Richard Martin.

3.  Year to date budget/giving report: Janet distributed and reviewed the July 31 report. Total balance for all            missionary support accounts is $-5353.00 and paid ahead at EMM is $111.

4.  Church offices filled: Carl reported the persons who will fill the various church offices beginning Sept. 2009:

            Byard Yoder- Vice Chair Congregational Leadership Board, 2 yr + 2 yr as Chair

            James Ipsen- Congregational Leadership Board member at large, 3 yr

            Walter Hurst- Trustee, 3 yr

            Cheryl Wyble- Pastor Team Congregational Relations Committee, 4 yr

            Lester Groff- Assistant Financial Secretary, 3 yr + 3 yr

            Rhoda Kunkel- Auditor, 3 yr

            Dot Smith- Sunday School Superintendent, 3 yr

5.  Missionary Support Task Force:  Gary Sensenig led our discussion, reporting on the work of this group.  Members of the task force are Gary, Glenn Hoover, Helen Hertzler, Dan Burkhart and Lynn Roth. Will bring findings and possibly recommendations to future Board meetings.

6.  Staff Reviews:  Randall reported on the recent quarterly reviews of the staff.  Plan is to continue with quarterly review and annual evaluation.

7.  Health & Wholeness report:  Randall reported that Health & Wholeness committee is being disbanded, Judy Yoder resigned as Director, and a task-force will be assembled to address how the programs and services of Health and Wholeness can be evaluated and incorporated in our congregational life.  The Congregational Leadership Board expressed appreciation for the work Judy and the H & W Team have done in our congregation.

8.  2010 Pastoral Staff Salaries & Benefits:  Lynn Roth, Minister of Stewardship, presented a proposal for salaries, benefits, housing allowance, Team stipends and Administrative Secretary compensation.

              The Congregational Leadership Board approved the proposed no cost of living increase for the pastoral staff.  However, each full-time pastor will receive a salary increase of $695 for the 2010 year for one additional year experience unit in the salary calculation. This follows the guideline recommended by the Congregational and Ministerial Leadership Team of MC-USA.

               The Congregational Leadership Board approved designating a $32,340 portion of Randall Shull’s  annual salary, a $26,729 portion of Jonathan Bowman’s annual salary, a $13,925 portion of Julia  Fisher’s annual salary and a $14,974 portion of Gina Burkhart’s annual salary as a housing allowance  for tax purposes for 2010, in order to comply with IRS regulations. The Board also approved 10% of  eligible salary for retirement for pastoral staff who have been employed at least half-time for a period of one year.         

               Further, the Congregational Leadership Board approved a 0.0% increase in the Ministry Leadership Team stipend for the 2010 calendar year and a 2.75% increase in hourly compensation for the Administrative Secretary.

10.  2010 Budget and Offering schedule:  Lynn Roth presented a proposal for budget and offering schedule.  The Board approved the budget proposal after minor adjustments for 9-01-09 to

8-31-10 for Church Treasury expense of $332,525 and Total All Expenditures of $463,525. The current year’s budget is $318,880 and expenses are projected to be under budget.

             The offering schedule was approved as presented.

11.  Periodicals:  In careful review of the congregational budget, the Leadership Board decided that the “Missionary Messenger” magazine of Eastern Mennonite     Missions will no longer be paid for by the congregation for our members.  Those who want to subscribe would need to purchase it    themselves.  This will put “Missionary Messenger” on the same basis as “The Mennonite”, outside our congregational budget.

12.  Finance Committee forming.  Lynn, following the action from the May 09 Board meeting, is establishing a  Finance Committee to assist in decisions related to finance and budget. The committee is being formed with Lynn, Helen Hertzler, Nelson Kling, Mike Zehr and possibly one or two more. One agenda item for the finance committee will be the future of our offering schedule and whether a unified budget would be beneficial.       

13.  Next meeting:  September 21, 2009, 7:00 pm with Nelson Kling as chair