AGENDA. CONGREGATIONAL MEETING of ELMHURST CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH Tuesday, February 5, :00 P.M. GARDEN ROOM

Transcription

1 AGENDA CONGREGATIONAL MEETING of ELMHURST CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH Tuesday, February 5, :00 P.M. GARDEN ROOM 1. Call to order and opening prayer - Rick Bulthuis, Vice Chair of Elders 2. Approval of the Minutes from the Meeting of February 6, Election of Elders and Deacons 4. Ministry Reports a. Lead Pastor - Rev. Gregg DeMey b. Deacons - Doug Slinkman, Jr. c. Elders - Rick Bulthuis d. SLT/Search Team - Ken Vos 5. Motion to recommend calling Rev. Jeff Klein as Pastor of Outreach 6. Presentation of Budget - Dave DeGroot, Treasurer 7. Drawing of Lots - Rick Bulthuis 8. Closing Prayer and Dismissal - Gregg DeMey *After the meeting, there will be a short installation/ordination ceremony for our newly elected office bearers. All are invited to remain.

2 Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church Congregational Meeting Minutes February 6, Greg Wolterstorff, Chair of Council, welcomed all to the meeting and opened with devotions and prayer. 2. The meeting minutes from the February 7, 2017 Congregational Meeting were provided in advance of the meeting. A motion to accept the minutes as written was made, seconded and approved. 3. The following were introduced as candidates for the office of elder: Jonathan Bode, Todd Buikema, Arnie Koldenhoven, Bill Kuiper, Brian Rieger, Kyle VanderBrug, Karl Vos, and John Zeilstra. The following were introduced as candidates for the office of deacon: Mike de Waal Malefyt, Jim Marshall, Brian Stolzenbach, Dave Thomas, Sara van den Berg, Bev Visser, Tom Vogelzang, and John Wilbraham. The ballots were distributed and members of the congregation voted. A number of current Elders and Deacons were called upon to collect and count the ballots. 4. Ministry Reports (Gregg DeMey, Lead Pastor) Pastor Gregg provided a verbal report consisting of the following topics: a) The sequence of events from Rev Semeyn s retirement announcement through Pastor Gregg s transition into the Lead Pastor role in early June. b) Pastor Gregg faced numerous challenges in the preceding year (including personal, family, and church). He considers these events a form of resistance to what promises to be a strong future for ECRC. Gregg expressed gratitude to Jack Lanenga and Dave Zeilstra for their significant support throughout the year. c) Gregg described his vision for ECRC transitioning to a new season from a season of physical building to deep & wide spiritual building. He intends to challenge our congregation in three specific areas: i. Calling for deeper and more meaningful individual spiritual commitment as well as some new corporate spiritual practices. ii. Greater openness and openhearted living. iii. Growing in the art of neighboring. d) Gregg also commented on recent events which demanded he let some things go, including sending his daughter to Europe and going through the death of his mother. Letting things go makes room for taking new things up, such as parenting young adults and leading new initiatives at ECRC (Psalm 122:1). He is excited to serve! 5. Report from Deacons (Eric Anderson, Chair of Deacons) Eric discussed the following topics: a) The primary function of deacons is helping people with demonstrated need. Unlike some other congregations, they don t handle business matters, like budget. Their work includes receiving and reviewing requests for financial assistance, providing emotional/spiritual support, serving via Servants on Standby, working with Deaconesses, praying for congregants, visiting widows and widowers, and supporting Love Inc. b) Eric encouraged congregants to consider serving as a deacon, and described it as an honor to have done so. His experience has changed him in a positive way. Eric thanked the new deacon nominees for their willingness to serve. 6. Report from Elders (Rick Bulthuis, Vice Chair of Elders) Rick read the role of elders from the church order, and provided additional explanation. Next he covered key topics the elders have discussed in the prior year: a) Definition and relationships of different levels of church membership.

3 b) Sacraments- e.g. baptism by immersion, and methods used to celebrate the Lord s Supper. c) Going beyond written reports and inviting ministry leaders to elder meetings for meaningful dialog and prayer. d) Working through the book Growing Young by Powell, Mulder and Griffin. The overriding theme is that vibrant churches are actively engaging their young people. e) Elders have discussed several aspects of Worship on Sunday mornings, including discussions about engaging a broader spectrum of participants in services. The practice of Family Sundays as the first Sunday of the month has been very well received. f) Rick acknowledged the retiring elders (Tom Day, John Selph, Dan Van Drunen, and Bob Venhousen). 7. Report from SLT / Search Team (Dave Zeilstra, Chair of SLT / Search) Dave provided an overview of the following topics: a) A sequence of events and associated timeline surrounding the work of the Search Committee. Efforts started with the Rev Semeyn announcing his retirement, which necessitated the transition of work, planning a retirement party, and forming a search committee. The Search Committee started with a search for Lead Pastor, and with Pastor Gregg assuming that role the activity shifted to search for an Associate Pastor. The search for an Associate Pastor began with defining requirements for the role and hiring Sam Hamstra as a consultant. The committee has since been reviewing applicants and conducting interviews. They are currently discerning if the current leading candidate should move ahead and be presented to the congregation. b) Thankfulness once again for generous giving by the congregation, resulting in 2017 budget needs being met. c) Upcoming work in determining the appropriate structure following the departure of Lisa Capozzoli and Paul Daly. This will be more actively worked after filling the Associate Pastor position. 8. Presentation of the Budget (Dave DeGroot) a) 2017 EMF Results- receipts were extremely close to budget as well as expenditures. Savings on facilities, salaries (with vacant positions), and the Covenant Education Plan effectively offset additional costs such as the new parking lot. There was a net surplus of approximately $30k of receipts over expenses. b) Financial Position of ECRC i. Balance Sheet as of 31-Dec-2017: Cash position for ECRC was approximately $464k at the end of 2016, and $546k at the end of ii. Long Term Debt: The significant debt reduction from 2009 (with $11.7M bank debt and associated $929k annual debt service) to the end of 2017 (with $4.2M bank debt and associated $386k annual debt service) was highlighted. c) Factors Which Shape the 2018 Budget: Five key factors which impacted the formation of the 2018 budget were highlighted: i. Expenditures shift towards Ministries ii. Staffing decisions iii. Debt service iv. Denominational Ministry Shares v. Capital Fund for Facilities & Equipment d) The proposed 2018 budget was presented. e) A motion was made and supported to approve the budget as presented. The motion was approved. 9. Lots were drawn and Arnie Koldenhoven, Bill Kuiper, Kyle VanderBrug and John Zeilstra were selected as new elders for a 3-year term. Lots were drawn and Mike de Waal Malefyt, Dave Thomas, Sara van den Berg and Tom Vogelzang were selected as new deacons for a 3-year term. The outgoing elders (Tom Day, John Selph, Dan Van Drunen,

4 and Bob Venhousen) and deacons (Eric Anderson, Kathy Jelinek, Doug Smith, and Rob Orange) were recognized and thanked. 10. Greg Wolterstorff closed the meeting in prayer. Submitted by Bill Terpstra, Clerk

5 Rev Jeff Klein Introduction CV and Perspective on Elmhurst CRC Previous Job Positions Beechwood Reformed Church, Holland, MI: Pastor of Christian Education and Youth, (Started the role as a seminarian and moved to being full time pastor) Downers Grove Community Church, Downers Grove, IL: Youth Pastor, (Part time role alongside my full time role at Timothy Christian High School) Timothy Christian High School, Elmhurst, IL: Bible Teacher and Student Life Director, Faith Church, Dyer, IN: Teaching Pastor, Jericho Road Church, Wheaton, IL: Church Planter and Lead Pastor, Q Place, Wheaton IL: National Church Partnership Director, Elmhurst CRC, Elmhurst IL: Director of Outreach, 2018 From Jeff: I have been at ECRC as Director of Outreach for 9 months. It has been invigorating both emotionally and spiritually to serve in this role. The staff culture is outstanding and empowering. Gregg is a leader I can follow and partner with in ministry. I appreciate his heart for the Lord, his desire to build the Kingdom, and his obedience to the voice of the Holy Spirit. (And I like and respect him too.) When I left my job at Q Place, I desired to find a church where I could mobilize people into ministry activities that would move the church into the world in a way that imitated Jesus. So far, I have found people who are hungry to join God in what he is doing in the world, they just need a little confidence and encouragement to get out and do it. The entrepreneurial spirit in this church seems to open the way for people to try new ideas. This church has a rich history with great past leadership. I am honored to be part of a quality team and to now be part of that legacy. I hope to further the church of Jesus Christ by creating a model that unleashes the body of Christ where they live, work, and play. I look forward to celebrating a movement of God where people are drawn into relationship with Jesus Christ.

6 2019 Nominations for Elders and Deacons Selection Process Members will vote for four Elders and four Deacons. The six highest vote receivers for each office will then be placed in a box for the drawing of four names for Elders and four names for Deacons. In case of ties (in votes), both names will be submitted for drawing. There will be no mention of what names were eliminated by the vote Elder & Deacon Nominees Elder Jonathan Bode Todd Buikema Tom Helmus Bob Leppink David Speelman Ken Vander Wal Mac Wiener Dick Zylstra Deacon Rick Brown John Deters Kristi Hoff Lucas Tameling Jon Tigchelaar Sue Wielard The qualifications for an Elder and Deacon are listed in Titus 1 and I Timothy 3. So far as the Council knows these persons, all of them have these qualifications. However, the congregation also needs to consider these qualifications. In addition, this handout lists other characteristics of each person that might be helpful in your selection process. Elders serve by shepherding the church in Christ's name. They received this task when Christ entrusted the apostles and their successors with the keys of the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 16:19). Elders are thus responsible for the spiritual well-being of God's people. They must provide true preaching and teaching, regular celebration of the sacraments, and faithful counsel and discipline while keeping in confidence those matters entrusted to them. And they must promote fellowship and hospitality among believers, ensure good order in the church, and stimulate witness to all people. Deacons serve by showing mercy within the church and to all people. They received this task in the early church when the apostles designated special persons for the work of mercy (Acts 6, 2 Corinthians 8-9). Deacons are therefore called to assess needs, promote stewardship and hospitality, collect and disburse resources for benevolence, and develop programs of assistance. They are also called to speak words of Christian encouragement. Thus in word as well as deed they demonstrate the care of the Lord himself. These tasks of elders and deacons call for believers who are Christlike, who are mature in the faith, and who exercise their offices with prayer, patience, and humility.

7 Elder Nominees 2019 Jonathan Bode Spouse: Amy Children: Joshua, Caleb, Evie Member since 2002 (attended since 1998) Small Group Leader, Deacon Other Involvement: Counselor at Northern Frontier, boys camp in the Adirondacks of NY, Leader for Timothy Christian Renew trip to Rehoboth, NM Spiritual Gifts: Wisdom, Service, Administration My prayer for the women, men, and youth of ECRC - both now and those yet to be enfolded - is that they more deeply know and experience God s love, grace, and mercy, and in doing so, live to glorify Him and serve others. Tom Helmus tom.helmus@cbrands.com Spouse: Lori Children: Emily, Abigail, Olivia Member since 1989 Deacon, Elder, Missions Committee, Sunday school Teacher, Java Stop, Prison Ministry Spiritual Gifts: Discernment, Hospitality I would like to see each person at ECRC finding a personal connection and relationship with Jesus. I would like to see what happens to ECRC when we grow deeper in our relationship with God, and spend regular time walking with him in our everyday life. Todd Buikema buik22@hotmail.com Spouse: Carolee Children: Peter, Matthew, Joseph, Andrew Member since 1973 Deacon, Treasurer, Choir, Finance Committee, Audit Committee Spiritual Gifts: Administration My prayer is that ECRC continues to bring people closer to Jesus Christ. Bob Leppink bob@leppink.us Spouse: Sheri Children: Chloe, Phoebe Member since 1999 Elder, Deacon, Catechism Teacher, Sunday School Teacher, Adult Education Teacher, Head Usher, Small Group Leader, Men s Fraternity, Nursery, Prayer Team, Section Leader Other Involvement: Sports Camp Coach, Soccer Coach, Basketball Coach, My Brother s Kitchen, Feed My Starving Children Campaign, Girls in Engineering (ANL) Spiritual Gifts: Faith, Administration, Hospitality That Elmhurst CRC is a welcoming church that supports the needs of both new and long-time members; offering support for spiritual growth and community. That we stay a spiritually strong church, challenging each other to grow in our relationship with God, showing our love for Christ by how we treat others, and reaching out to our neighbors and community inviting them to join us as we seek to become more like Jesus.

8 Elder Nominees 2019 David Speelman Spouse: Linda Children: Amy, Brian, Kristen, Jacob Member since 2006 Deacon, Small Groups, Hospitality Team, Finance Team, Christian Education Committee Other Involvement: Elim Resources Committee Spiritual Gifts: Administration, Leadership My prayer for ECRC is that it continues to develop a greater outreach and involvement in Elmhurst and in the surrounding area. Ken Vander Wal vandeke@gmail.com Spouse: Cindy Children: Sonja Corrigan, Steve Vander Wal, Dave Vander Wal, Dan Vander Wal, Kevin Vander Wal + spouses and grandchildren Member since 1988 Small Group Leader, Hospitality Greeter, Prayer Team. Previous: Elder, LEAP ministry, Men s Fraternity, Nursery, Sunday School Teacher Other Involvement: Elim Christian Services Board Member, Timothy Foundation Board Member, New To You Resale Store Volunteer. Previous: Barnabas Foundation Board Member, Trinity Christian College Board Member, Timothy Christian Schools Board Member Spiritual Gifts: Service, Hospitality Mac Wiener edwwie@gmail.com Spouse: Kären Children: Mac Jr, Amy, Cliff + spouses and grandchildren Member since 1983 Elder, Coffee Break Leader, Small Group Leader, Evangelism Explosion Trainer, Pastoral Search Committee, Stephen Minister, Evangelism Committee Chair, Men s Bible Study, PrimeTime Other Involvement: Timothy Christian Foundation Board, Trinity Christian College Investment Board Spiritual Gifts: Teaching, Evangelism, Giving That our members be able and willing to lead anyone into a personal, saving relationship with Jesus, and that all who enter our doors will experience His love and peace and find a welcoming place to grow in becoming more like Jesus. I chose as my word for the year 2019 impact. So my aspirations are how can the body at ECRC impact the lives of those with whom we come in contact. How can we serve others and thereby bring glory to God. My prayer is that everyone sees that their purpose in life is to Glorify God and enjoy Him forever. Dick Zylstra zylstra@timothychristian.com Spouse: Lisa Children: Katie Hanchett, Jenny Zwagerman, Mark Zylstra + spouses and grandchildren Member since 1985 Usher, Sunday School Teacher, Deacon, Elder Spiritual Gifts: Administration, Encouragement My hope and prayer for ECRC is that we will continue to grow in our ability to comfortable and lovingly welcome and accept any and all those who walk through our doors.

9 Deacon Nominees 2019 Rick Brown Spouse: Nicole Children: Noah, Avery, Claire Member since 2011 Nursery, Children s Worship, Men s Fraternity Other Involvement: Volunteer Youth Basketball Coach, Elim Volunteer Spiritual Gifts: Service, Prayer, Patience, Kindness My prayer for ECRC is that our church will be a place where visitors feel welcome, loved, and not judged. I pray that we will continue to grow and be financially strong enough to stretch our resources into more areas of God s Kingdom that need our support. I pray that all of us as a church family will work together to support each other as we each go along our individual spiritual journeys. Kristi Hoff bkhoff345@gmail.com Spouse: Brian Children: Eliana, Katelyn, Christian Member since 2005 GEMS Counselor, Coffee Break, Choir, Youth Group Leader, Nursery, Children s Worship Other Involvement: Volunteer at Timothy Christian Spiritual Gifts: Teaching, Helping, Leading That we have a faith that is alive and contagious. That we are a bright, guiding light to the world around us. That we reflect and demonstrate God s grace and love to each other and our communities. John Deters jrdeters05@hotmail.com Member since 1983 Usher, Security Host Spiritual Gifts: Administration, Hospitality, Knowledge, Service My hopes and prayers for Elmhurst CRC are for us to be a shining example of God s love to the community, a welcoming place for anyone who is seeking Jesus Christ, and a family of believers who help each other through our individual and collective journey of exploring and experiencing Jesus. Lucas Tameling lucas@setenv.com Spouse: Tara Children:Abigail, Joseph, Aaron, Elizabeth Member since 1983 Pathfinders Leader, Deacon, Cadet Leader, Youth Group Leader Other Involvement: Lampstand Ministries, Service Projects Spiritual Gifts: Discernment, Loving, Generous I pray that we can share God s love and be a blessing to those who come in contact with our ministries and missionary partners. And I pray that we can continue to share a strong sense of community and be a support to people who need it in our communities.

10 Deacon Nominees 2019 Jon Tigchelaar Spouse: Jill Children: Alex, Macy, Austin Member since 2008 Pathfinders, Children s Worship, Small Group Other Involvement: Upward (Christian Sports organization), Basketball Coach My prayer for Elmhurst CRC is to see it continue to thrive and grow through outreach. I pray that it continues to be a place where we can bring our children so that they may continue to grow in the Lord. Sue Wielard sue@wielard.com Spouse: Doug Children: Ross, Clay, Krista Member since 2011 Coffee Break, Small Group, Deaconess Other Involvement: Literacy DuPage ESL Tutor Spiritual Gifts: Service, Mercy I pray that God might use ECRC to expand his kingdom. I pray that ECRC might be a place where everyone feels welcomed and loved by the church and by God.

11 EMF 2019 Budget February 5, 2019 Congregation Presentation

12 Agenda 2018 EMF Results Financial position of ECRC Factors which shape the 2019 Budget 2019 EMF Budget

13 2018 EMF Results 2018 Budget Actual Difference RECEIPTS EMF Contributions $3,160,776 $3,154,408 ($6,368) Ministry fees 56, ,333 45,052 Other receipts 1,750 8,538 6,788 Total Receipts 3,266,307 3,264,279 (2,028) Expenses Facilities and Operations 767, ,120 38,296 Ministries 1,086, ,106 (177,203) Covenant Education Plan 664, ,548 (36,452) Diaconal Services 25,780 31,504 5,724 Denominational Ministry Shares 140, ,000 0 Debt Service 430, ,691 (15,149) Facilities and Equipment 137, ,807 10,807 Total Expenses 3,251,753 3,077,776 (173,977) Net Receipts over Expenses $14,554 $186,503 $171,949 Thanks be to God for his faithfulness and stirring the heart of our congregation. 31% of EMF Contributions was received in Nov and Dec of Areas where we spent more than we anticipated: Cr Card processing - $7,000; Landscaping $5,000; Electricity $8,000; New hire $7,500. All of the difference is associated with the open staff position and part time status of Dir of Outreach. We restructured our debt in the 3 rd quarter, combining the debt, and locking in a fixed rate for the next 5 years.

14 Financial Position of ECRC Dec 31, 18 Dec 31, 17 $ Change ASSETS Current Assets Checking/Savings 1000 Providence Main account 731, , , Providence-Capital Campaign , , Providence - Capital Maintenanc 50, , Cash in Checking-Benevolence 2 9, , Cash position is strong, allowing ECRC to implement cash management strategies that will earn interest. In 2018, we started building a Capital Maintenance and Repair Fund. We plan to transfer another $150,000 into this fund. Total Checking/Savings 792, , , Total Other Current Assets 20, , , Total Current Assets 812, , , Fixed Assets 20,039, ,039, Other Assets 40, , , TOTAL ASSETS 20,892, ,769, , LIABILITIES & EQUITY Liabilities Total Current Liabilities 8, , , Long Term Liabilities 2300 Note payable - Barnabas Found ,158, ,158, Note payable - Providence Bank ,242, ,242, Note payable - Providence BK-55 5,217, ,217, Total Long Term Liabilities 5,217, ,401, , Total Liabilities 5,226, ,480, , Equity 15,665, ,288, , TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY 20,891, ,769, , Reduction is caused by the payoff of a loan receivable. The reduction in current liabilities is primarily caused by the timing of payroll relative to the end of the year and collections payable. We restructured our debt in the 3 rd quarter, combining the debt, and locking in a fixed rate of 5.25% for the next 5 years. Loan principal payments totaled $183,000 in 2018.

15 Factors which shape the 2019 Budget 1. Staffing decisions Market rate paid for Executive Director of Operations, Moving part-time Director of Outreach to full-time Pastor of Outreach, Budget includes a mid-year hire for the position of the Director of Discipleship, Includes increased hours for part-time janitor and worship technical assistant,

16 Factors which shape the 2019 Budget Continued allocation of $15,000 to Miscellaneous Ministry Related Expenditures 2. Ministries Increased budget allocation to growing ministries: o Caring ministries from $4,000 to $10,600 o SHE ministries from $3,000 to $10,000 o Enfolding from $4,000 to $6,000

17 2019 EMF Budget Actual Budget Change Receipts EMF Contributions $3,154,408 $3,208,500 $54,092 Ministry and Operations Fees 101, , Other receipts 8,538 1,750 (6,788) Total Receipts 3,264,279 3,311,806 47,527 Expens es Facilities and Operations 806, ,258 61,138 Ministries 909,106 1,086, ,124 Covenant Education Plan 627, ,849 (1,700) Diaconal Services 31,504 28,080 (3,424) Denominational Ministry Shares 140, ,000 0 Debt Service 415, ,632 11,941 Capital Facility and Equipment Expenditures 147, ,758 (11,049) TOTAL EXPENSES 3,077,776 3,311, ,030 NET RECEIPTS LESS EXPENSES $186,503 $0 ($186,503) Top line budgeted giving to the EMF is 1.71% higher than the actual amount received in A significant portion of the increase is due to the following: - Increased the Executive Dir of Operations remuneration to market rate - Increased part time janitorial hours, - Increased security and safety The increase is due to the following: - Increased hours for the current parttime Director of Outreach and the change to the full-time Pastor of Outreach. - Budgeted a mid-year hire of a Director of Discipleship. - Budgeted for the restarting of the Stephen Ministry Program. - Increased budget allocation for the growing SHE Ministry. - Increased budget allocation for Enfolding ministries