MINUTES BOARD OF DEACONS & PASTORS Bethesda Mennonite Church Henderson, Nebraska January 13, 2015 7:00 p.m. Present: Blaine Friesen, Arlin Hiebner, John Huebert, David Quiring, Laura Steingard, Pastor Jim Voth, Pastor Andrea Wall Absent: Carol Janzen Dwelling in the Word by Blaine Friesen from Matthew 10:40-42. 1. CONSENT AGENDA A. Approve Agenda Addition: 3 N. Worship support during Lent 3 O. Sherm s contract ending in February 3 P. Annual meeting discussion on finance 3 Q. Annual meeting question and answer document Motion by John moved, second by David to approve agenda. Approved with additions. B. Approve Minutes. Motion by David, second by Arlin to approve minutes of December 9, 2014. Minutes were approved. 2. ITEMS REQUIRING BOARD ACTION A. Budget transfer within deacon budget under Search Committee to meals and banquets in the amount of $2000. Motion by John, second by David. Approved. B. Approval of bills for Sheila s catering: 234 meals x $8.50 = $1,989; Diane Thieszen Cake: approximately $248; and Shar Doell s decorating cost. Sherm s bowl was paid for by a congregational member. Motion by Blaine, second by Dave to accept and pay these bills. Approved. C. Congregation Information Form given to prospective pastors: Page 11 under F on the form it reads, We realize that given our recent history that some pastoral candidates will be hesitant to come to Bethesda. It has been recommended by Tim Detweiler, Conference Minister, and Bethesda s Search Committee, to remove the above statement. Motion by Arlin, second by David to delete the above statement. Approved. Arlin will give this information to Cindy and she will send the updated information to Tim Detweiler. 3. ITEMS FOR DISCERNMENT A. Pastor Sherm s Reflections: B. Pastor Luann s Observations as of 12-9-2014: We will talk about this in February. C. 2015 Priorities: What did you hear at our meeting? Priority discussion in minutes of November 20, 2014. Bring this to retreat. Carol and Laura will present a summary of the November discussion at the January retreat. D. 2015 Budget Review: We discussed the budget at the December 9, 2014, deacon meeting. We do not wish to make any changes. E. Pastor Andrea Ordination Review: The ordination celebration was rewarding. Congregation was very affirmative. The overall event went well. Thank you words to various people will be printed in the bulletin on January 18, 2015.
F. 2015 Sermon Series/Preaching Schedule: i. January 18, 2015 World Fellowship Sunday G. Deacon/Pastoral Coverage: i. Coverage after January 1, 2015 a. Review Pastor Jim and Pastor Andrea s Co-Lead role review at January 31, 2015, retreat. ii. Congregation members for preaching - Possible worship sharing by Gregg Kanagy from Gator Wilderness Camp School where Blakely and Curtis Kauffman work. Pastor Jim will continue to work on preaching schedule. Deacons gave permission for Pastors to pursue this. H. Review January 31, 2014 Deacon/Church Council Leadership Retreat: i. Communication to congregation We will discuss what needs to be shared with the congregation. I. Deacon Installation follow-up February 1, 2015: Carol & Blaine will be installed. Suggestion was that each would talk about their faith journeys in last three years. J. Rural Ministry Seminar: Attending will be Pastor Jim, John, Arlin, Blaine, Carol and some others from the congregation. K. Norma Friesen Picture Donation. Picture will be hung in preschool hallway. Church council has given approval. L. Continuing Education for Pastor Andrea: Pastor Andrea has 6 hours of continuing education from seminary. She will be entering online seminary education starting this coming fall. Andrea s plan is to take one class a semester. Deacons will want to discuss possibilities to assist with finances. M. Review Board of Deacons Policies: i. Change language in Sabbatical Policy governing body to Board of Deacons. ii. Change Lead Pastor language to Ministry Team Motion by Arlin, second by David to replace the above language. Approved. N. Worship support during Lent: Lent begins February 22, 2015. Pastors will need help obtaining worship leaders, congregational prayer leaders, scripture readers, and possibly children focus, and readers theater (four people). Leader website has Lenten services. David and Arlin will ask for worship leaders. Laura will ask for scripture readers, John and Blaine will ask for congregational prayer. 7 Sundays including Easter. O. Sherm Kauffman contract ending in February: P. Annual Meeting Discussion on Finances: Report by Laura and Andrea on meeting with Pastor Jim, Sherm (via Skype), Steve Michel, Norm Yoder, Pastor Andrea, Penny Buller, Laura Steingard, on January 8, 2015. It was agreed by the group that the deacons need to present pastoral needs to the congregation and give statistics on who we are ministering to. We would like this to happen before budget discussion. Finances will be reported differently in order to clear up confusion. Penny will explain pie chart. Church Council will present the budget. Andrea and Penny are working on a question and answer sheet to be given to congregational members before the meeting. After the report, discussion continued. Preaching and teaching and visiting members are priorities. Are we missing this basic ministry? Andrea is doing pastoral care for employees.
People who don t come to worship often feel that they aren t cared about. So we need to minister to even those non-attenders or seldom attenders. What does it mean to do ministry in our present culture? Q. Annual meeting question and answer document. Penny and Andrea are working on this document i.e. two pastors vs. three pastors. What would it look like if we eliminated one pastor? What are the implications? Three events have given us congregational direction to move forward with. They are the Rick Stifney leadership event, Sherm s wall, and two congregational conversations on pastor turnover and how to remain vibrant with fewer active members. 4. ACCEPT REPORTS A. Deacon Sharing: B. Ministry Team Reports: Andrea. Catechism 2015 has two youth and will begin on February 8, 2015. Want to encourage youth to attend MC USA Kansas City and possibly World Conference in PA. There is also Youth Escape in Iowa. Some young adults have expressed interest in summer international service. Jim - Looking ahead to summer conferences. Reviewing Seeking God s Will Together. C. Pastoral Search Committee Update: D. Financial Reports: Nothing new E. Benevolent Fund: Arlin reviewed present recipients and the status of need. F. Stories of how God is moving in this congregation: Andrea s ordination service was a great celebration for our congregation. G. Church Council Minutes December 23, 2014: Church Council is still working with sound technology and discussing lights, etc. H. What do we need to share with the congregation? 5. PERSONNEL 6. NEXT MEETING INFORMATION/PLANNING A. Date: February 10, 2015, 7:00 p.m. B. B Devotions: Arlin Hiebner 7. ITEMS FOR FUTURE CONSIDERATION A. Pastoral Congregation Relations Committee B. 12 Scriptures Project C. Sabbatical for Pastors D. Church to church relations E. Determine communion dates for 2015 F. Follow-up to the Worship/Music discussion held Sept 10, 2013 G. Crisis Plan in Partnership with Heartland Community School I. Membership Class Scheduling J. Peace Concerns K. Staff & Pastoral Reviews L. Jim Voth Sabbatical Blaine Friesen, Chair Laura Steingard, Acting Secretary
MINUTES BOARD OF DEACONS & PASTORS Bethesda Mennonite Church Henderson, Nebraska February 9, 2015 Present: Blaine Friesen, Arlin Hiebner, John Huebert, Carol Janzen, David Quiring, Laura Steingard, Pastor Jim Voth, Pastor Andrea Wall John Huebert led in devotions from Ephesians 3:7-13 Pray for our church and community and for the purpose God has for us. Trust God s wisdom. 1) CONSENT AGENDA a) Approve Agenda/Additions. No additions. Agenda Approved. b) Approve Minutes No changes. Minutes approved. 2) ITEMS REQUIRING BOARD ACTION a) Membership Transfer Received membership transfer request from Luke Ediger to Bethany Lutheran Church, Elkhorn, NE. Motion to approve membership transfer made by Arlin, second by Blaine. Approved. Laura will call Luke and extend our blessings. 3) ITEMS FOR DISCERNMENT/CONVERSATION a) Pastor Luann s Observation 12/9/14 (Review document prior to meeting: What out of Luann s observations do we want for future conversation?) Continue shared experiences for smaller groups and whole congregation shepherding groups, Guess Who s Coming to Dinner, etc. Leadership take class with others such as KIPCOR S Managing Differences within Faith Communities, April 23-24, 2015, 8:30 a.m. 5:00 p.m. in Newton. Leaders embody and communicate the kind of culture Bethesda is trying create. o o Variety of gifts visible in worship continue discussion. Seeing conflict as neither good or bad; it happens and it can be an opportunity for something new to emerge and hear anxiety voiced before congregational meetings o That Bethesda would dream again about what they and God could do together priorities and goals. Leave room for the moving and listening of the Spirit in meetings and in services. Allow time at Deacon Pastor meetings for space for prayer/thoughts to be shared. Take a deep breath. Play together o Church pool night w/hamburger fry o Board games o Lip sync contest o Have fun together in smaller groups o Guess who s coming to dinner More attention to being green
o Bring your own table service to Potluck. Less clean up time and you don t have to purchase paper products. Worship expectations our large sanctuary creates distance from each other. How do we want to worship in this space? Space dictates function. Technical change vs. adaptive change. How do we function as 300 people in a space made for 1,000? Offer a variety of experiences to meet styles. o Remove some pews and create more space for mobility. When lights and sound needs are addressed, some pews will need to be removed for access, maybe this would be a time to do that. John and Blaine will bring this suggestion to Church Council. b) 2015 Priorities What did you hear at our meeting? What did you notice that you are grateful for? New voices, eyes and ears. Cooperative spirit. People felt heard. Listening. Good discussion on how to carry out the priorities. Good and important to have Chairs of Boards present. What would you change from the morning session or what did you yearn for? More time. Coming more spiritually prepared. We should have celebrated our 2014 Priorities. o Share a bulletin insert with the congregation about the ways to celebrate what o happened in 2014 Priorities. Carol and Andrea will work on this. Monthly Kingdom Moment sharing that connects back to a Deacon Board priority to share with the congregation what is happening. Andrea shared ideas for how to work at the Priorities for 2015. Our assignment is to review Andrea s ideas before our March meeting and either 1) affirm the direction, or 2) need additional conversation in the future before we set direction. Andrea handed out a proposal for how to work at priority #4 in 2015: Develop an awareness of needs in the church and community and become active in outreach as a congregation. At the January 31 retreat, this priority was identified as a collaborative work for the Board of Education, Board of Service and Outreach and the Board of Business. It was identified that leadership conversation of discernment first and then action is needed, together with an understanding of Luke 10, being missional and being hosted. Motion by Blaine to go forward with the proposal for how to work at Priority #4 in 2015. Second by Laura. Motion approved. Laura will contact the Chairs who were present at the January Retreat about meeting together as Boards at their March meetings. c) 2015 Sermon Series/Preaching Schedule: i) Ash Wednesday Services, 9:00 p.m. February 18, 2015 are being planned. Wednesday Lenten services are not being planned for this year. Deacons are assisting with making contacts for Worship Leader, Congregational Prayer and Children s Focus through Lent. Pastor Jim reviewed the preaching schedule through March. d) Interim Pastor: There are no names available to us as at this time. i) Review Pastor Jim and Pastor Andrea s Co-Lead Role March Agenda. ii) Review Pastor Sherm s Contract
At the January Deacon Meeting, discussed Sherm s contract which ends February 17?? No action was taken. Sherm is serving as a consultant/collaborative thinker in assisting with identifying Big Picture / Looking Forward /Priorities at Bethesda and follow through with some of these items we began while he was here. David made a motion that we continue with Sherm s consultant services until 6 weeks prior to the hiring of a third Pastor. Second by Blaine. Motion carried. Blaine will contact Sherm. iii) Pastoral Care Assistance: Pastor Jim had no immediate assistance needs. Will continue discussion about Pastoral Care Team members next month. e) Pastor Jim Sabbatical: f) Review January 30, 2015, Deacon/Church Council Leadership Retreat: How do we recognize the forces in relationships so that we relate to each other in healthy ways? What were you grateful for from the afternoon retreat session? o o o Good ways to understand the church. The immune system is the leadership. We are the ones paying attention to the system. How are we identifying the anxiousness among members? Andrea will order the book Healthy Congregations for each Deacon to read. g) Rural Ministry Seminar Review: March Agenda. h) Review Board of Deacons Policies: March Agenda i) Review Annual Meeting: Approximately 115 people stayed for the table discussions. There was positive feedback and good discussion and overall a very good Annual Meeting. Laura tabulated the thoughts shared and notes written from table groups. Laura s power-point presentation was appreciated. The Question/Answer Sheet [on finances] was helpful. Some were anxious before the meeting about discussion around the tables. How do we interpret the 90% vote on budget? Anxiety, some just want to vote no, trust. Can this congregation move to the place where we can affirm the whole ballot without voting? j) Review snow closure: There were no church services on February 1, 2015 due to a snowstorm. Staff will review the procedure for cancelling church services and activities because of snow storm at staff meeting. Cindy is working on ways to give notice about closures/changes: compiling a list of member e- mails, Bethesda s answering machine message, and also the website. Pastors and Deacon Chair will make the decision of cancelling Sunday worship. k) Determine communion dates for 2015: March Agenda. l) Tornado Policy Update: Arlin handed out the updated policy. m) Youth Outreach Event Pastor Andrea: 4) ACCEPT REPORTS a) Deacon Sharing (any information the group needs to know): Carol shared information about Tuesdays with Dave. These are video conferences with Dave Boshart each Tuesday in February at 7:30 p.m. Participants can join in to listen and for discussion.
AMBS is offering a webinar on February 18 at 7:00 p.m. with Loren Johns on Anabaptist Understanding of Scripture. b) Ministry Team Reports (please read in advance): c) Pastoral Search Committee Update: d) Financial Reports: e) Benevolent Fund: i) New Requests ii) Discussion re Past Requests f) Stories of how God is moving in this congregation: g) Church Council minutes January 27, 2015: h) What do we need to share with the congregation?: Arlin will share praise and thanks this Sunday to the congregation for the good work at the Annual Meeting. i) Staff & Pastoral Reviews: March Agenda 5) ITEMS TO NOTE a) Deacon Affirmation February 15, 2015, for Blaine and Carol. 6) NEXT MEETING INFORMATION/PLANNING a) Date: March 10, 2015, 7:00 p.m. b) Devotions: Arlin Hiebner Dwelling in the Word 7) ITEMS FORE FUTURE CONSIDERATION a) Follow-up to the worship/music discussion held September 10, 2013 b) Crisis plan in partnership with Heartland Community School c) Jarred Erb membership service d) Membership class scheduling e) Peace concerns f) Pastor Andrea sabbatical g) Continuing education for Pastor Andrea h) Worship planning i) Small group proposal Laura Steingard, Chair Carol Janzen, Secretary
BOARD OF DEACONS & PASTORS Bethesda Mennonite Church Henderson, Nebraska March 10, 2015 Present: Blaine Friesen, Arlin Hiebner, Carol Janzen, David Quiring, Laura Steingard, Pastor Jim Voth, Pastor Andrea Wall Absent: John Huebert Dwelling in the Word by Arlin on Romans 4:13-25, God s Promise Realized through Faith. 1. CONSENT AGENDA a. Approve Agenda/Additions b. Approve Minutes Minutes and Agenda Additions approved. 2. ITEMS REQUIRING BOARD ACTION 3. ITEMS FOR DISCERNMENT/CONVERSATION a. Pastor Luann s Observations (discussed A, B, E): A. Small groups review proposal from Luann & Jim. Discussed the vision of small groups as an avenue for growing our spiritual lives as well as building community at Bethesda. Is it a way to encourage listening more deeply through small groups to the Spirit and to one another? Could groups be encouraged to think missionally about their purpose? Pastor Jim handed out ideas on different kinds of groups Sharing Life Groups, Life Transformation Groups, Support Groups, Interest Groups, Shepherding Groups. How to move forward with the process? Are there persons who would be interested in taking leadership? Some names were suggested. B. Leadership take class like KIPCOR S Managing Differences within Faith Communities, April 23-24, 2015, N Newton, Kansas. Laura will contact Robert Yutzy, KIPCOR, about the possibility of leading a class at Bethesda. E. Report on front pews from John and Blaine: Moving the pews in the Sanctuary further apart would allow for better maneuverability, but a more involved process than just that. There is the issue of asbestos in the floor tiles to consider. Looking at the bigger picture needs, there may also be some upcoming changes to the sound system requiring lift equipment, as well as light bulb replacement, refinishing the wood beams, a video screen, etc. The idea was shared of hiring a Church Consultant to walk with us through such a process as well as thinking creatively about how to worship in a space that is built for 1,000 members. A consultant could be costly. Blaine and John will take the suggestion of hiring a Church Consultant to the Church Council. b. 2015 Priorities Review Deacon Priorities a. Review deacon priority document in packet before meeting and affirm the statements in red or identify where we need to have more conversation. i. For 2015: Modify and communicate clearly the expectations of all pastors, and staff, congregational boards and committees and the congregation.
AFFIRMED the Kingdom Moments with suggestion to set it apart in worship (not during Announcements, not just a report), but sharing stories about what God is doing in our midst. AFFIRMED keeping the Bethesda Dozen in front of the congregation how we relate to each other. Talked about ways to keep the Bethesda Dozen in front of us: Bulletin Board, Bulletin Insert. Idea for Easter pass out plastic Easter eggs with one of the Bethesda Dozen on a paper slip inside along with a small candy Starburst? Ushers hand out before or after service? ii. 2014 Priorities to carry into 2015: Develop and implement intentional relationship building strategies. a. Strengthen conflict transformation skills. i. Host a leadership workshop led by Elizabeth Troyer Miller Laura will talk to Robert Yutzy, KIPCOR, about offering a workshop at Bethesda. c. 2015 Sermon Series/Preaching Schedule a. Possible Speakers: Gregg Kanagy, Gator Wilderness Camp in Florida, Erin Sams, Brian Rader, Thayne Sparke, Luke Haidle, J Epp, Matt Troyer Miller d. Lent/Easter Review Ash Wednesday Ash Wednesday Service was offered at 9:00 pm and some would have also liked a noon or earlier evening time offered. Something to consider next year. No Wednesday Lenten Services were planned this year, due to lack of time for preparation. Maundy Thursday services are April 2 at 8:00 pm in Fellowship Hall. The bread and cup will be passed. Laura will buy the glutenfree bread. Blaine will get juice. Deacons arrive at 7:00. Easter Sunday Idea: Plastic Easter Eggs with one Bethesda Dozen printed on a paper slip inside with a piece of candy handed out by Ushers. Carol will purchase 400 eggs and candy. Laura will talk to head usher, Kim Regier. Discussed serving refreshments during the Coffee Time Blaine will check into the cost of Eilene s Cookies and how many needed. Would this also be a good time to offer coffee and cookies in the Narthex? e. Deacon/Pastoral Coverage a. Coverage for Interim MCUSA, CPMC, World Conference are this summer and Pastors will be attending. What kind of coverage do we have? Search Committee has interviews scheduled with possible candidates. Pastoral Coverage: Friday, March 13 David; Saturday, March 14 Carol; Sunday, March 15 & Monday March 16 Laura f. Deacon Retreat Healthy Congregations: A Systems Approach by Peter Steinke Deacons will be reading the book Healthy Congregations Together by Peter Steinke. By next meeting, read a portion and bring back responses shared by people we ask this question, How would you describe the mood, tone or spirit of Bethesda? g. Rural Ministry Seminar Reporting What is one thing from the seminar that you would recommend for Bethesda?
Laura Music in the Church Workshop. Music reflects our theology. Statement from the workshop: When churches forget their hymns, they are in danger of losing their faith. Blaine Shepherding Groups by Brett Klingenberg. Their groups offer fellowship and congregational care. They assign people to groups to build relationships with others. Carol Greensburg Kansas, Jeff Blackburn. There is something on the other side of the debris. God has something for us that is worth going after. Jim S. Roy Kauffman. In community, you need to be who you are and see the positive ways in which you can impact the community. h. Seminary Education for Pastor Andrea Andrea will be talking with the AMBS Registrar. She is looking into a scholarship. Andrea had a question about contributions given to Bethesda Scholarship Fund for Seminary students, and she being the only student at this time. Arlin will talk with Penny and take this to the Student Services & Camping Committee. i. Sabbatical Planning for Pastor Jim Arlin and Blaine will work together with Pastor Jim on a Sabbatical Plan for later this year. j. Ashland Christian Fellowship Support new pastor Ben Waddington Bethesda has been providing financial support to Ashland Fellowship. Our support was initially $1,000 and were also providing an additional $1,000. At this time we are not certain if our commitment is $1,000 or $2,000. Tim Detweiler is looking for 2-3 other churches to help with the second $1,000 support. Arlin and John will bring to Church Council the need for approval of the initial $1,000 support. k. Review 2014 Priorities Bulletin Insert Carol and Andrea will work on this for next month. l. Care Team Membership Update. No changes m. March Emergency Preparedness Month Sharing Tornado Policy with congregation Arlin is working on an insert to place in the back of the Hymnal. Also, want to have a Tornado Drill on a Sunday morning, hopefully in March. n. Communion Dates for 2015: Maundy Thursday, April 2; Baptism Sunday Morning, June 28; World Communion Sunday, October 4; New Year s Eve. Other? Mennonite World Conference Sunday, July 26 or July 19? o. Benevolent Fund Usage over Weekends At times, Arlin & John have requests on the weekend and are not able to get vouchers from the office. Also the time that it takes to contact all the Deacons for approval sometimes becomes a stumbling block. Motion by David, second by Blaine that Arlin and John be given $300 in food and gas vouchers to distribute as needed. Motion carried. q. Pastor Sherm s Memo of Understanding Blaine visited with Sherm and his Memo of Understanding will remain the same. Blaine will pass the information to Penny. 4. ACCEPT REPORTS a. Deacon sharing a. Make room for listening to the Spirit through prayer b. Time to check our relationships with each other and God
Josh Janzen will be meeting with the Deacons Sunday morning to share about participating this summer in Bethel s Ministry Inquiry Program at Salem Mennonite in Oregon. b. Ministry Team Reports Jim shared about attending Heidi Thieszen s funeral. Also congregational care items. Andrea highlighted the Church Activity Cancellation Policy. She also shared an inspiring letter she received and about a visit she and Jim had with a Seeker. c. Pastoral Search Committee Update d. Financial Reports e. Benevolent Fund a. New requests. b. Discussion re. Past Requests f. Stories of how God is moving in this congregation. It was a Holy moment when the children joined Powerhouse in singing Sanctuary as the Children s Focus on Singing Prayers. g. Church Council Minutes February 23, 2015. h. What do we need to share with the congregation? 5. PERSONNEL a. Pastoral Reviews This year, Pastor Reviews are annual assessments and goal setting just within the Deacon Board. Andrea s Review: Arlin Chair, Carol, David Jim s Review: Blaine Chair, Laura, John 6. NEXT MEETING INFORMATION/PLANNING a. Date: April 14, 2015, 7:00 pm b. Devotions: Carol Janzen Dwelling in the Word 7. ITEMS FOR FUTURE CONSIDERATION a. MCUSA and CPMC Delegate Preparation b. Pastoral Congregation Relations Committee c. Sabbatical for Pastors d. Church to Church Relations e. Follow-up to the Worship/Music discussion held September 10, 2013 f. Crisis plan in Partnership with Heartland Community School g. Jarred Erb Membership Request h. Membership class Scheduling i. Peace concerns j. Staff Reviews k. Gift discernment and discussion on homosexuality Laura Steingard, Chair Carol Janzen, Secretary
BOARD OF DEACONS AND PASTORS Bethesda Mennonite Church Henderson, Nebraska April 15, 2015 6:30 p.m. Present: Blaine Friesen, Arlin Hiebner, John Huebert, Carol Janzen, David Quiring, Laura Steingard, Pastor Andrea Wall, Pastor Jim Voth Meeting began at 6:30 p.m. together with the Pastor Search Committee: Alan Janzen, Linda Goertzen, Tara Swartzendruber, Kristen Friesen, Marlene Ott, Norm Yoder by phone, as well as David Quiring and Arlin Hiebner, Deacon Representatives on the Pastor Search Committee. The Pastor Search Committee made the recommendation to call Seth Miller of Harrisonburg, Virginia, to candidate for the third pastor position. They shared enthusiastic support for Seth. The Pastor Search Committee has skyped with Seth and he, his wife and daughter, have also visited Bethesda. Motion by John, second by David to invite Seth Miller to candidate for the third pastor position. Motion carried unanimously. Seth graduates April 19 from Eastern Mennonite Seminary. The weekend of May 2-3, 2015, would be available for him to candidate. Norm will contact Seth and if he accepts, we will work together with Laura to plan the weekend, inform the staff and inform the congregation. Suggested that Seth share during worship, visit Sunday school classes, and have a potluck with open conversation. Is there a packet to give them about the community and resources? The Board of Deacons meeting began at 8:00 p.m. Prioritized Agenda due to time: 1. CONSENT AGENDA a. Approve Agenda/Additions: v. Church Consultant/Architect w. Thayne Sparke x. Funerals on Sundays b. Approve Minutes: Motion by Arlin, second by Blaine to approve. Motion carried. 2. ITEMS REQUIRING BOARD ACTION 3. ITEMS FOR DISCERNMENT/CONVERSATION a. Central Plains Mennonite Conference Covenant of Accountability. What are your questions and affirmations? a. Andrea led a discussion on the document of how are we going to live together as a conference in our differences. Summary the reality is that we don t all agree on everything. We are diverse in areas of belief. What brings us together is common practices, not only our beliefs, as the basis for maintaining our unity, and submitting ourselves to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Our comments and thoughts: Our conference is so spread out it is hard to be in relationship. The goal would be that we covenant together as a conference to agree to disagree and bring all into that circle of covenant. The Seeking God s Will Together resource from the CLC
would be helpful for our congregation to study. The CLC has worked on some options for MCUSA. Read the covenant document for next meeting. b. Pastor Luann s Observations: a. Kipcor proposal from Robert Yutzy: Managing Differences within Faith Communities. Laura will contact Robert for a tentative date of Sunday, September 13. c. 2015 Priorities Review Deacon Priorities: Took a step back from our idea of boards meeting together in April to work on the priorities. A smaller group with representation from boards will work together instead. Each board will be asked to select a representative. Laura will represent the Board of Deacons. a. 2014 Priorities to carry into 2015 - #6. Growing Deeper in our Relationship with Jesus both Personally & Corporately: Continue with the Bethesda Bible Series model on another topic that helps inform and transform the congregation. Recommendation that the Board of Education host another Bethesda Bible Series during the year on being Missional. Suggest inviting David Miller, AMBS Assoc. Professor of Missional Leadership Development in November, possibly around Thanksgiving or November 15. (Question whether to consider the Thanksgiving weekends because of family gatherings at that time and attendance.) d. 2015 Sermon Series/Preaching Schedule: a. Alan Janzen has expressed interest in providing a sermon. Reviewed the preaching schedule with possible guest preachers. Maynard Knepp was suggested. e. Lent/Easter Review Maundy Thursday and Easter Sunday morning: Reviewed the response to these two services. f. Deacon Pastoral Coverage: a. April 19-20 Pastors at CPMC Leadership Retreat April 19 Arlin April 20 Laura daytime till 5:00 p.m. Carol will cover from 5:00 10:00 p.m. b. Coverage for Interim The possibility of Seth Miller coming covers this for the time being. g. Discussion on book, Healthy Congregations: A Systems Approach by Peter Steinke a. What did you learn about the mood, spirit, and tone of Bethesda? Deacons were to ask a variety of members this question. Responses: Neutral. Improving. Becoming more accepting. Open to change. Hopeful. Progressive. Okay, but we haven t arrived. Trust level has risen. Trust is different if between those in the pews or those not attending. Non-member said, I heard your church is in trouble. Getting used to a small congregation is hard after having a large one. Content with pastors. Excited about new pastor. Hard to be patient. Bethesda is doing real well. Upbeat. We ve learned a lot. Satisfied with how things are going. There is healing. Caring and loving. Relaxed/less tense. Excited about what God has planned for us. Better. People happier. Like family. Good feeling. I could give everyone a hug. Gaining confidence in the church being the church it should be. Isn t the division and distrust. Sad about some events that involved two members at MCC Sale. What does this require of us as leaders? As Deacons we need to communicate better with the congregation. For May meeting, read chapter 1. h. Seminary Education for Pastor Andrea a. Andrea shared information about the beginning of fall classes at AMBS and what it would require of her. It is overwhelming to consider at this time. Her counselor has encouraged her not to take on more. There are costs and credit hours to consider if she waits until next fall. Two questions Andrea asked: 1. What is our recommendation about the fall
class? 2. Is the 10 hours a week during her work week or on her own time? 3. What is our recommendation? Deacon Board suggested that Andrea listen to herself and her counselor and be realistic about what she can take on at this time. i. Sabbatical Planning for Pastor Jim: b. Pastor Jim is still looking into dates. In light of the possibility of Seth Miller coming, it might be best to begin in September instead of August. j. Ashland Christian Fellowship Support: New pastor Ben Waddington. There has not been sufficient funds to pay the $1,000 Bethesda has committed each month. The Church Council will be reviewing and waiting for word from CPMC as they contact other churches to partner with Ashland Fellowship for the additional support for a total of $2,000. k. Care Team Membership Update: No update. l. Pastoral Review Wrap Up: Communicate to the congregation. Deacon Board has completed the reviews with Pastor Andrea and Pastor Jim. Next steps are for Pastors to review their reports, Deacons to communicate to the congregation any details that are important to share, and a copy should be placed in the employee files signed by someone who did the review and Pastor s initials. m. Pentecost Communion May 24, 2015?: Pastors recommend Communion on Pentecost Sunday, May 24. Deacons approved. n. Communion on Mennonite World Conference Sunday, July 26 or July 19? Discussed having Communion during the time of Mennonite World Conference, but dropped that idea because Baptism/Communion is scheduled on Sunday, August 2. o. Plan Memorial Day Services May 25: David Quiring volunteered to be in charge of finding a speaker for the Mennonite Cemetery. Other Suggestions: Larry Roberts, John Huebert, Blaine Friesen, Marlene Ott. p. January 2016 Deacon Retreat Date: Question asked about flexibility of the date of this retreat. Determined that it could be any Saturday in January, prior to the 2016 Annual Meeting date of February 7, 2016. q. MC USA and CPMC Delegate Preparation: Add to May agenda. r. Plan date to meet with Baptismal candidates - Baptism August 2, 2015: Deacons meet with candidates on June 14 during the Sunday school hour. s. Deacon support for contacts for worship planning: Pastors welcome assistance in making contacts for Worship Leader, Congregational Prayer, Children s Focus. Carol Janzen volunteered to make contacts for Children s Focus for May and June. t. Dates for worship in Fellowship Hall - Tentative dates: July 5 August 30 Deacons gave affirmation for this plan. Andrea will talk to parents of Baptism Candidates about having Baptism in Fellowship Hall. u. Hosting Stanley Green April 19, 2015: Stanley is renting a car. Mark Epp and Cathy Wismer are hosting him for Saturday evening meal and night lodging. David Quiring will take him out for Sunday lunch. v. Church Consultant/Architect: A possible consultant was traveling through this weekend and willing to stop by. It was determined that we aren t prepared at this time, and desire to take the appropriate steps in collaboration with the congregation and boards. Andrea has names of potential consultants. w. Pastor Jim will talk to Thayne Sparke about possibly speaking on a Sunday this summer. x. Sunday Funerals:
Add to May Agenda. 4. ACCEPT REPORTS a. Deacon Sharing (any information the group needs to know) a. Make room for listening to the Spirit through prayer. b. Time to check our relationships with each other and God. b. Ministry Team Reports Jim Received a call from Shane Claiborne who had heard about Nebraska s discussion on abolishing the death penalty. There has been a request to conduct funerals on Sunday. Andrea noted the information in our packet for us to read on Sex Offenders in the Church. Andrea inquired about renting a car while she attends Mennonite World Conference with Jacinta. Consensus was that we would cover the car rental expense. c. Pastoral Search Update: See above d. Financial Reports: e. Benevolent Fund: a. New Requests b. Discussion re: Past Requests f. Stories of how God is moving in this congregation: g. Church Council Minutes March 24, 2015: h. What do we need to share with the congregation?: Pastor Reviews, Pastor Search 5. PERSONNEL a. Pastoral Review see l. above 6. NEXT MEETING INFORMATION/PLANNING a. Date: May 12, 2015, 7:00 pm b. Devotions: David Quiring 7. ITEMS FOR FUTURE CONSIDERATION a. Small Group Proposal b. Sabbatical for Pastors c. Church to Church Relations d. Follow-up to the Worship/Music discussion held September 10, 2013 e. Crisis Plan in Partnership with Heartland Community School f. Jarred Erb Membership Request g. Membership Class Scheduling h. Peace Concerns i. Gift Discernment and Discussion on Homosexuality Laura Steingard, Chair Carol Janzen, Secretary
BOARD OF DEACONS AND PASTORS Bethesda Mennonite Church Henderson, Nebraska May 13, 2015 Present: Blaine Friesen, Arlin Hiebner, John Huebert, Carol Janzen, David Quiring, Laura Steingard, Pastor Jim Voth, Pastor Andrea Wall Devotions: David Quiring shared from the book of Ruth. 1. CONSENT AGENDA a. Approve Agenda & Additions: a. Addition to agenda add item r. Live-stream Funerals to Care Center. b. Approve minutes. No changes. Motion by John, second by David to approve. Motion carried. 2. ITEMS REQUIRING BOARD ACTION 3. ITEMS FOR DISCERNMENT/CONVERSATION a. Next steps with candidate Seth Miller: a. Processing his visit. Laura shared the letter she gave Seth following his visit, regarding next steps. Laura will have it placed in his employee file and Carol/Cindy will make sure it is part of the minutes. b. Consultation with Conference Minister. Laura has been connecting with Tim Detweiler on next steps. c. Preparation for congregational vote. Information regarding the vote on Seth Miller was shared with the congregation last Sunday and will be shared verbally and in the bulletin the next two Sundays. d. Following the vote, Seth will be contacted to share the results by phone and letter. Seth will then be given the opportunity to accept/not accept the call from Bethesda as Pastor of Outreach and Preaching. b. MC USA delegate preparation: a. Bethesda delegate list to date. Carol will ask Cindy to post a sign-up sheet. b. Delegate letter A pastoral letter to KC2015 delegates from MC USA Executive Board in preparation for the convention was reviewed. c. Resolution On the Status of Membership Guidelines was reviewed. A meeting of Bethesda delegates to review it and other documents will be planned. Blaine will set a meeting date. Pastor Jim and Pastor Andrea will facilitate. How do we share this information with the congregation? Decided that following MC USA Convention after we have the resources to facilitate discussion, will be the best time. d. MC USA delegate survey. All delegates are asked to participate in a survey of delegates as part of their preparation for the Delegate Assembly at convention. A link to the online survey is sent to delegates after they register. c. Central Plains Mennonite Conference Covenant of Accountability: Further questions and affirmations? CPMC Membership Guidelines & Confession of Faith are not changing. CPMC is working on a study to guide churches through the CPMC document written by David Boshart. How do we communicate to the congregation? Andrea and Carol will work on a verbal announcement and a bulletin announcement for May 31. d. Discussion on book, Healthy Congregations: A Systems Approach by Peter Steinke: a. Think about attendance challenges at Bethesda from a systems perspective.
b. Discussion questions: i. What are the possible parts that have created the problem? ii. How do the parts interact to create the problem? iii. What can we influence or change and what can t we change? Discussion tabled until next month. For June meeting, review chapter 1 and read chapter 2. e. KIPCOR proposal from Robert Yutzy: Managing Differences within Faith Communities : The Board of Education proposal for the Bethesda Bible Series involves using a Ted Talk format where multiple speakers with multiple topics speak throughout the weekend. We aren t always good at having difficult conversations. How do we do that as individuals and congregations? What if we practice it before that in conversation? Idea following summer worship, have a topic for the month and encourage small groups to get together to talk about it. Summer worship brainstorming about having caring conversation with each other. Holy Spirit movement? Board of Education wants to train small group leaders to lead difficult conversations. How about having Robert Yutzy come and train these leaders? Wil wait to dovetail with the Board of Education to bring Robert in sometime. Will hold off on the September 13 date. f. Deacon/Pastoral Coverage: a. Coverage for May 14-19 Pastor Jim vacation. Blaine will cover. b. Coverage for June 4-9 Pastor Andrea vacation attending wedding. Pastor Jim will be available. c. Coverage for June 12-15 Pastor Jim quarterly weekend. June 12 Laura June 13 Arlin June 14-15 David d. Coverage for June 18-21 CPMC Pastor Jim, Pastor Andrea and Deacons gone. Ask E. James Friesen and Linda Goertzen if they can provide coverage. e. Coverage for June 26-29 Pastor Andrea quarterly weekend. Pastor Jim will be available. f. Coverage for June 30 July 5 MC USA Convention, Kansas City. June 30 July 5 Arlin, David, John g. Pastor Jim Sabbatical September 1 November 30. g. Seminary education for Pastor Andrea: Put on next month s agenda. h. 2015 Sermon Series/Preaching Schedule: Reviewed the schedule and times a speaker will be needed. i. 2015 Priorities Bethesda Bible Series David Miller: Andrea shared a suggestion for a Bethesda Bible Series speaker. David Miller from AMBS on the Missional Church. The theme would work well with our 2015 Priorities. We will wait until the Board of Education has developed their BBS for 2016 before pursuing a second BBS event. j. Pentecost Sunday Communion, May 24, 2015: Communion will be shared on Sunday morning by passing the juice and bread. Deacons will arrive at 8:00 a.m. Blaine will bring the juice and Laura the bread. Plan for 350. Will need to ask two others to help if Blaine and Laura are gone. Will need at least two additional servers. Blaine will make contacts. k. Sabbatical planning for Pastor Jim: Pastor Jim shared a tentative outline for his sabbatical September 1 November 30, 2015. l. Policy regarding funerals on Sunday: Pastors have received a request for a Sunday funeral. We also discussed funerals on Saturday afternoons and how it affects the pastors and custodial staff. Following discussion, the Board of
Deacons made a recommendation to write a policy regarding No Funerals on Saturday afternoons or anytime on Sundays. (See the Wedding Policy regarding no funerals on the day of a wedding. ) Blaine moved and John seconded. Motion passed. Laura will write a policy and bring it to a future meeting for review. m. Pastoral review wrap up communicate to congregation: Blaine will write a summary of Pastor Jim s review and review it with him. Carol will write a summary of Pastor Andrea s review to review with her. Plan is to share with the congregation a verbal summary of the reviews on May 31. n. Communion on Mennonite World Conference Sunday, July 26?: Put on next month s agenda. o. Plan Memorial Day Services May 25, 2015: 9:00 a.m. Friesen Cemetery 10:00 a.m. Bethesda Cemetery Marcene Ratzlaff and Sherri Thiesen singing and scripture. 11:00 a.m. Mennonite Cemetery Dale Janzen p. Ending time for Sunday school hour: Connie Bechtel from the Sunday School Committee spoke with Andrea regarding when the SS bells rings, worship going longer and a desire for more Sunday school time. Andrea will speak with Connie for clarification on conversation. Note for the Worship Planning Team to be more attentive to time. q. Worship space consultant: A discussion at a previous Deacon meeting about how to worship together in a space built for 1,000 began the discussion of inquiring about the services of a worship space consultant. This was brought to Church Council, where people from boards were identified to have a conversation together. Sherm Kauffman has names of consultants to contact with experience in this area. Sherm Kauffman is currently involved in conversations at Bethesda about the missional conversation, Child Care Center, and Board Chair training. This may require extending the 6 weeks prior to a new pastor coming in his contract. Deacons are okay with that. Andrea will speak with Sherm about how to navigate these areas. r. Live-stream funeral services to Care Center: Lately, there have been technical difficulties connecting by phone to the Henderson Care Center for funeral services. Looking into live-streaming funeral services. Does the family need to be contacted to give permission for live-streaming? Will need to look into that. There is a need to train more persons to do the live-streaming. 4. ACCEPT REPORTS a. Deacon Sharing (any information the group needs to know): a. Make room for listening to the Spirit through prayer. b. Time to check our relationships with each other and God. b. Ministry Team Reports: Josh Janzen will be participating in Bethel s Ministry Inquiry Program. Andrea received an email from Bethel regarding Bethesda s contribution of $500. Carol will talk with Penny on paying that from the Lead Pastor Salary Funds. On June 14, all leadership boards will meet for a Q & A regarding the Bethesda Child Development Center. The Henderson Ministerial Council met with Police Chief Milan Mierau to hear about what he sees in the community. Worship Planning Team is discussing something similar to last year during summer Sunday school hour. May 28, Pastor Jim will serve communion at the Care Center. Serving communion to members living at Midtown Apartments was mentioned and will make plans to go there too. During Jim s sabbatical, someone will need to take responsibility for his devotional time at Rosewood Court.
c. Pastor Search Committee update: d. Financial Reports: e. Benevolent Fund: a. New requests. No new requests. $16,000 in the fund. b. Discussion re. past requests. f. Stories of how God is moving in this congregation: g. Church Council minutes March 24, 2015: The February Annual Meeting conversation about finances was affirmed. h. What do we need to share with the congregation?: Carol and Andrea share announcement May 31 regarding CPMC New Covenant of Accountability. Laura announce the congregational vote on Seth Miller and next steps. 5. PERSONNEL a. Pastoral reviews share a summary of pastors reviews with the congregation on May 31. 6. NEXT MEETING INFORMATION/PLANNING a. Date: June 11, 2015 b. Devotions: Laura Read chapter 2 in Healthy Congregations: A Systems Approach by Peter Steinke. Review chapter 1 and discussion points. 7. ITEMS FOR FUTURE CONSIDERATION a. January 2016 Deacon Retreat date b. Small group proposal c. Sabbatical for pastors d. Church to church relations e. Follow up to the Worship/Music discussion held September 10, 2013 f. Crisis plan in partnership with Heartland Community School g. Jarred Erb membership request h. Membership class scheduling i. Ashland Christian Fellowship support new pastor Ben Waddington j. Bethesda Care Team membership update k. Peace concerns l. Gift discernment and discussion on homosexuality m. Pastor Luann s observations: a. Have fun together. Appoint persons to organize a swimming pool/hamburger fry night. Grill and Chill Night. b. More attention to being green. c. Follow up on table service idea for potluck. d. Recommendation for recycling receptacles in church. Laura Steingard, Chair Carol Janzen, Secretary
BOARD OF DEACONS AND PASTORS Bethesda Mennonite Church Henderson, Nebraska June 2, 2015 Present: Blaine Friesen, Arlin Hiebner, John Huebert, Carol Janzen, David Quiring, Laura Steingard, Pastor Jim Voth, Pastor Andrea Wall Devotions: Laura Steingard shared devotions on The Beatitudes, Matthew 5:1-12. 1. CONSENT AGENDA a. Approve Agenda/Additions Addition: 3a. Transition steps for Pastor Seth. Motion by Laura to approve the Agenda with the addition. Second by Carol. Motion carried. b. Approve Minutes Addition of 3 o. to May 13 Minutes: Laura provided a Meditation at the Memorial Day Service at the Friesen Cemetery. Motion by John, second by Arlin to approve the Minutes with addition. Motion carried. 2. ITEMS REQUIRING BOARD ACTION 3. ITEMS FOR DISCERNMENT/CONVERSATION a. Next Steps with Pastor Seth Miller (see handout): Laura provided a handout with a time-line of events leading up to Seth s vote, as well as upcoming items to pay attention to as we prepare for Seth s arrival. Help moving in: Find out what they are comfortable with. Carry in boxes? Unpack? Provide food for moving day. Where are they moving into? Blaine and Norm are working on this. Housewarming gift? Provide some groceries for first day of arrival (July 6?) milk, juice, bread, etc. Jim shared that it was helpful to them that someone helped Barb set up the kitchen. Office preparation help move boxes? Ask Cindy about a computer. Welcoming event for family meet and greet after Sunday service? NOTE that their first Sunday here, July 12, is Community Worship in the Park. So July 19 then? Worship will be in Fellowship Hall how will that work? Carol look into something else to do to welcome them!! Just a meet and greet at church? Another class invite them for the evening? Church hamburger fry on the patio? Root beer floats? Andrea shared a handout on Transition Accountability and appointing a person to meet with the Ministerial Team in this time of transition from a Lead Pastor model to the Ministry Team model. This person would report to Church Council and Board of Deacons. This conversation will continue next month to include Seth. b. Delegates Meeting: i. CPMC and MC USA delegates will meet together on Thursday, June 11, at 11:30 a.m. Pastor Andrea and Pastor Jim will lead the meeting. ii. MC USA - Blaine. See information above.
c. Discussion on Chapters 1 and 2, Healthy Congregations: A Systems Approach by Peter Steinke i. Think about attendance challenges at Bethesda from a systems perspective. ii. Discussion Questions: What are the possible parts that have created the problem? How do the parts interact to create the problem? What can we influence or change and what can t we change? What feedback have you heard about the topic of Sunday s sermon around attendance? (Andrea s sermon included this topic.) What are the parts that contribute to the problem? Some thoughts were: Don t feel the need for community; kids move away; spiritual apathy; we reflect the world; never felt a part of church not asked to participate; economic factors; prejudices; people are leaving church; increased mobility. What are the opportunities that we are missing? We are ministering to many via live-stream, VBS, funerals, weddings, child dedication. What are we doing to connect with them? How are we providing faith formation to our mobile society and church? What helps our community of faith believers? We find ways to extend church to them. People give to ministry, so what does it mean to have support of our ministry? Next month read Chapter 3. d. Deacon/Pastoral Coverage: i. CPMC (June 18-21) Arlin is available MC USA (June 30 July 5) Arlin can be contacted. David, John, & Carol are also available ii. Sabbatical coverage Pastoral Care Rosewood Court 2 nd & 4 th Thursdays at 2:30. Light/short devotional. Might pick up on sermon scripture, visit, and eat a snack together. Care Center 1 st & 3 rd Friday morning at 7:30 a.m. and if there is a 5 th Friday. The model that is followed: Share the date, weather, activities for the day, menu for the day, table number that gets to eat first. Share Scripture with devotional thought (5 minutes) and prayer. Persons to ask: Linda Goertzen, Marlene Ott, Velma Friesen. e. Seminary Education for Pastor Andrea: Andrea spoke with her advisor at AMBS. She has accumulated 6 credit hours. There is a required class offered this fall. It involves on-line work and some on-campus time, with 5-10 hours a week of study. If she does not take it this fall, she would need to take a leave of absence from AMBS and be ready for fall 2016. Andrea asked for our counsel and we recommend she wait a year. f. 2015 Sermon Series/Preaching Schedule (see attachment): i. Summer worship - Looking at summer worship around The Beatitudes. Summer worship in Fellowship Hall will look something like last year. There will be a break after worship. Children will all meet together for Sunday school to give teachers a break. Adults and youth will continue with conversation groups around suggested topics. Sunday school classes can meet as a conversation groups around the topic also. ii. 2015 Priorities - The second half of the summer Sunday school hour will incorporate the CPMC resource Seeking God s Will Together, in small group conversations. g. Policy regarding funerals on Saturday afternoon, evening and Sunday (see attachment):