Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church Annual Report for the year 2011 122nd Annual Meeting January 22, 2012 1669 N. Arcade Street - Saint Paul, Minnesota 55106 651-774-5954 - www.gachurch.org
2011 Annual Report Report of: Page No. Senior Pastor 2 Pastoral Acts 4 Council President 5 Worship & Music Committee 6 Fine Arts Committee 7 Christian Education Committee 8 Adult Education Committee 9 Youth Committee 10 Social Ministry Committee 11 Property Committee 12 Mission Support Summary 14 Minutes of January 2011 Annual Meeting 16 Year-End Financials & Proposal Mission Spending Plan
2011 Report of the Senior Pastor God has Called You by Name But now thus says the LORD, he who created you he who formed you Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. Isaiah 43:1 We ve been called by God to do great things in this name! We have been created and formed by God, called by name for God s salvation and God s mission. We ve done a great deal in God s name in 2011 for the sake of God s people! I ve arranged these items based on our three values: Faith Formation, Community Caring, Senior Spirit, and our fourth and maybe obvious Christian value, Worship God. This is only a partial list at best, and I ll add some commentary along the way. I. Faith Formation Your gifts of money, your time and your special talents allow us to hold The Tree House Sunday School during the school year for 20 to 40 children; Confirmation instruction for 35 youth in grades 6 9; and Sunday morning hospitality to junior and senior high youth, along with other events such as lock-ins, ski trips and camp retreats. 20+ children were part of our summer day camp, and more than 85 children and 75 young adults and adults were part of our week-long Vacation Bible School. For adults, we have provided ongoing short-term opportunities for Bible study and book groups, as well as speakers on topics of interest to members, especially the work of the greater Church in the world, and the connections between faith and life. The combined efforts of our Christian Education and Youth committee leaders is forming new and exciting opportunities to reach parents and families in new ways. One by-product of their work is the exciting and energetic changes to Family Faith Nights! II. Community Caring One important way we care for our community is the sharing of the offerings we receive with the church beyond ourselves. In 2011, we gave almost $20,000 to the Saint Paul Area Synod. This represents 4% of our worship offerings, and it is my hope that we will continue to grow in giving in this way to at least 10%. If we believe that we can ask ourselves and each other to give 10% of what God has given us to church and charity, then we ought to expect the same of our church. [See more details about synod stewardship of our gifts on page 16] A legacy gift from lifelong GA members received in 2010 made a powerful impact on our ability to care for others in God s world and to be faithful stewards of what God has given us in 2011. Setting aside 10% of the total gift received, we made the following gifts to organizations with whom our congregation has committed relationships (organizations with whom we volunteer): Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, St. Bernard Project (New Orleans), Eastside Learning Center, Loaves & Fishes, Saint Paul Area Synod (specifically for new mission churches and the Tanzania partnership programs), Feed My Starving Children, Camp Onomia, Lutheran Healthcare Bangladesh, and Global Health Ministries. 2
In addition, we provided additional financial support, volunteer time and/or gifts to the following projects and organizations: Holiday in Lights at Phalen Park sponsored a light display and members caroled one evening Kiponzelo, Tanzania Tumaini Agriculture Demonstration Project, and school scholarships for eight students Humble Walk Lutheran Church direct mission support of money, hospitality and ministry together Loaves and Fishes Bi-Monthly meals for 150-200 people Eastside Learning Center tutoring Salvation Army bell ringing Christmas Gifts for Larcade Home, ZOOM House & Lyngblomsten ELCA World Hunger through children s noisy offerings School supplies for a local elementary school from VBS students and families Scholarship support to eleven Gustavus Adolphus young adults attending college, as well as student aid to support Verilyn Pelava in her master s degree program at Luther Seminary. St. Bernard Project Eight volunteers gave a week of their time to help rebuild New Orleans Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity volunteers gave a week of their time to build a house on the East Side Feed My Starving Children packaged nutritionally-balanced meals for orphanages in 3 rd world countries Trash clean up at Phalen Park More than $850 was collected in coins by our Tree House kids, their families and members who gave to our noisy offering one Sunday morning in November for ELCA World Hunger! III. Senior Spirit GA members have a long-standing commitment to a vital ministry with elder members of our community. Senior Moments is the title we give to our quarterly meal and entertainment opportunity. The Care Team Ministry provides numerous hours of personal service to members who need rides to medical appointments, as well as respite care. With the support of Lyngblomsten, an organization devoted to the continuing needs of retired persons, we will be expanding the opportunities and services available for elder and retired members of our church. In 2012, we are forming a special task force to interview and collect information from all of our senior adults in order to identify how best to use our resources. IV. Worship God It is easy to take for granted the place of worship in our lives, as well as all the talent and dedication needed to provide a comfortable and hospitable environment for all who enter our building to worship the Triune God (Father, Son & Holy Spirit). In addition to our dedicated professional and administrative staff who plan and prepare for at least two Sunday services, as well as frequent mid-week worship opportunities, we count on many more who lead music, 3
read lessons or liturgy, usher, prepare for the sacraments of holy communion and holy baptism, count offerings, and all those who work behind the scenes to provide a clean, esthetically-pleasing, safe and hospitable environment, both inside and outside of our facility. In addition, we provide caring and meaningful opportunities for weddings and funerals. V. Faithful Stewardship of what God gives to us With the gifts you entrusted to the church, the leadership of Gustavus Adolphus has been able to: Replace the garbage disposal and dishwasher in the church kitchen Purchase a new sound/tech cabinet and replace the projector in Luther Hall Make lighting improvements to the Sanctuary Host Synod events including Annual Tanzania partnership event Host parking for the Minnesota State Fair Because of legacy gifts received from three estates, we were able to re-amortize our mortgage to reduce the monthly debt obligation A legacy gift also made it possible to complete a multi-year project to re-voice our valuable Pipe Organ We are blessed that God calls so many by name to participate in the life of our community! This year, I am especially grateful for the gift of a 12-week sabbatical. It was a wonderful opportunity to be refreshed and re-invigorated for mission. I am grateful to Pastor Hans Dahl and all of the other staff of Gustavus Adolphus who covered my responsibilities in my absence. Respectfully submitted, Rev. Bonnie Wilcox Senior Pastor 2011 Annual Report STATISTICS PASTORAL ACTS Sacrament of Baptism Joren Eli Dahl* Finley Grace Mortenson Jacksen Robert Nielsen* Cameron John McDonough* Travis Steven Goepfert* Joyce Sweetpea McManus Bridget Mae Bump* Jackson Scott Bjorklund Darcy Miriam Burton* Lucas Lee Pavel* Claire Levida Olson Crayne* Emma Jewel Lee Peyton Kay Franzmeier* Ryan Michael Troska* Michael William Rooney Jacoby Andrew LaMotte Tanner Joseph Olson Adela Marie Giese Calvin Russell Schlick* Elijah Michael Richie* Jocelyn Lee Powell Evan Scott Michaelson Elise Joelle Beaulieu Sadie Christine Clauson Peter Daniel Marrone Liam Paul Mader* Summary: 12 Members(*); 11 Non-Members 4
Weddings Jamie Rene Savage & Bradley Jon Anderson Evelyn Jean Doyle & Keith Duane Walker Carrissa Dione Beaulieu & Daniel Jon Severson* Christine Marie Peterson & Luis Felipe Patino* Stephanie Marie Jiskra & David William Surine* Summary: 3 Member (*) weddings; 2 Non-Member weddings Deaths & Funerals (Includes former and non-members) James Roy Haller* May Norma Gustafson* Leo F. Croucher* Donna Mae Hom Dean M. Clark* Betty Lou (Pearson) Strom* Lillian A Bingen* Gloria June (Swanson) Dugan* Robert L. Derickson Rev. Orville Wold* Jean Duzan* Wallace D. Fjelstad Byron C. Quam* Elwood J. Lundeen* Helen M. Hobbs* Carl E. Feske* Gordon A Grant* Helen B. Warndahl* Edith B. Davidson* Mae E. Davidson* Audrey J. Sanft* Scott A. Farinella* Marge Cannady Calvert W. Cravath* Summary: 20 Members(*); 5 Non-Members 2011 Annual Report From the Chair of the Congregation and Church Council Faith Formation and Stewardship are the two areas in 2011,that stand out in my mind as I review and write about last year. There are three parts to my report. First, are my comments on observing faith formation, second, on stewardship and third, my comments from the position of church council and congregational chairperson with accolades for the people I worked with. The council met monthly and I had the opportunity to attend meetings of most all committees at least once. Faith Formation was a section in the GA Newsletter every month. Faith formation was on-going program activity to deepen our faith with education for children, confirmation youth and adults. I saw our Pastors Bonnie and Hans take seriously the business of faith formation, allowing, promoting and developing opportunities for all levels. There was Sunday school at the Tree House for children, for youth, confirmation and for families, but not families only, Family Faith Nights. For adults there were Bible and book studies at different times and on different days of the week. And there were contemplative worship opportunities on Wednesday evenings during Advent and Lent as well as traditional and contemporary worship services on Sunday. I saw our pastors leading our GA congregation's faith, in a strong faith formation direction. To conclude faith formation observations I want to comment on an article in the Sunday Pioneer Press of November 13, 2011, with the headline reading, "It's a church for those who never liked church." The reporter writes about a Saint Paul church drawing in many new people, mostly young, and the pastor is quoted as saying, "We know a lot of people have left their mainline churches because it's boring. They felt they were forced to go. We want them to love it; our Sunday services feel like a concert." I found this article interesting and know that religion must be relevant to any culture in which it is found or it fades away, dies. And I ask, does our culture only want worship in movie theaters with rock bands, videos in place of sermons and rather than worship, a concert? 5
I saw our GA members wanting and our pastors giving us opportunities to deepen our Christian faith rather than just entertainment and concerts. Next, what's stewardship all about? There is a song from the play and movie, Cabaret, entitled, Money Makes the World go Around. I find that an intriguing thought. The U.S. economy is daily news. Economics is the driving force in the world, production, distribution and consumption of commodities, is, our Western culture. I ask, is that all that drives our GA church? When the annual stewardship drive, giving program, or whatever term or title you want to give the money collection in a church, fell short in 2011, for mission and ministry, Pastor Bonnie wrote the following for our GA Newsletter. First she wrote, "Money is an all-year issue in our lives and in our church." Next she wrote, "Jesus regularly and frequently addressed matters of generosity and hospitality plus, Jesus understood that money is often used as a threat and a duty." Then she wrote, "Your Gifts Make a Difference." The pledged gifts were less than needed for the desired ministry and mission plans or dreams. So, in the spring, the "God is Good" theme struck a positive cord and brought in money needed so ministry and mission plans could continue forward. In the fall 2011, edition of Seeds for the Parish, we read that stewardship is not about how or why people give what they give, but who owns all that we have. All of it. That is radical but perhaps it is more radical in our culture, our world that is hell-bend on individual autonomy to believe and say, God owns us, too. Martin Luther saw it that way and wrote that God creates all things, "provides - - - all the necessities and nourishment for this body and life." Stewardship was a big issue at GA in 2011, but God never runs out. I believe Pastors Bonnie and Hans provided that focus of how we think about and live out stewardship. Now as council chair I want to thank my fellow council members who made being on council fun as well as serious business; Diane Giovanazzi, Rick Howard, Karen Landkamer, Merritt Linzie, Denise Oslund and DW Surine. Thanks also to those in important official positions, Dave Grefe, treasurer and the two, who served as secretary, first, Stephanie Paulson and now, Janet Peterson. Thank you, Pastors Bonnie Wilcox and Hans Dahl, for strong, focused, dedicated leadership. Thank you, Jerry Brakke and Sherrie Norquist, for directing the ministries of music and Christian education. Thank you, support staff, for keeping the business and administrative tasks in orderly fashion. Thank you, custodians, consultants, interpreters, for the time you commit to your duty, and thank you committee chairs and committee members for your time, creativity, energy and willingness to make mission happen. Please take time to read the committee reports for activity details. Many people make mission and ministry happen at GA. Of course it takes money, yours and mine. Serving as council and congregational chairperson has been an honor, privilege and joy in a church that wants more than concerts and entertainment. I see GA as a church that wants to deepen its faith in God to the point of leading a life of stewardship, moving in a direction beyond what we have, to who we are, each of us, a child of God. Respectfully submitted, Wesley Johnson, Chair Gustavus Adolphus Council and Congregation 6
2011 Annual Report Worship & Music Committee Committee Members: Karen Landkamer, Verilyn Pelava, Janet Peterson, Brian Relay, Barb Surine, Don Ulmer, Nancy Johnson, chair. Staff Members: Dr. Jerry Brakke, Pastor Hans Dahl The mission of this committee is to plan and evaluate meaningful worship and to assist in implementing opportunities to praise God through music. This has been a busy year for the Worship and Music committee and we accomplished all the goals we set forth for the year. New communion pottery was created, thanks to a memorial gift, and weekly communion via pouring stations began at the 9:00 service (weekly communion was already being served at the 11:15 service) New pew-mounted candlesticks were purchased, again thanks to a memorial gift Hymn racks were moved from the balcony to the main floor to add an extra rack in each pew of the middle section of the sanctuary A major renovation and upgrade of the organ was accomplished, thanks to another memorial gift, a rededication concert was held during the forum hour on November 13 Albs and acolyte robes were repaired A prayer vigil was held and the labyrinth was set up on Good Friday Our 2012 SMART Goals include: 1. Provide intergenerational musical opportunities 2. Organize a New Life worship sub-committee 3. Creation of opportunities for family involvement at the 9:00 service 4. Enhance our relationship with the Fine Arts committee 5. Explore other avenues for people to participate in worship and music at G.A. We would like to thank our pastors, Bonnie Wilcox and Hans Dahl, for their continued leadership and Jerry Brakke for his leadership, knowledge and the sharing of his musical gifts with us every Sunday. As chair, I would also like to thank the members of this committee. We work well together and have a good time in the process. I would like to thank the congregation for their continued interest and support and last, but certainly not least, I would like to thank everyone involved in the worship and music at G.A. - the members of each choir, worship leaders, acolytes, ushers, the communion organizers and altar guild, the computer operators at the 11:15 service, and the fine arts committee. My apologies to those I have forgotten. If you have an interest in the music and worship of this congregation, we always welcome new members to the committee. We meet on the third Tuesday of the month at 6:45. We also welcome new members to the Theme Team which selects hymns for the 9:00 service. Respectfully submitted, Nancy Johnson, Chairperson 7
2011 Annual Report Report from Fine Arts (Subcommittee of Worship and Music) The Fine Arts Committee was formed as a subcommittee of the Worship and Music Committee to focus on visual elements that enhance the worship life of the congregation. Norinne Hobbs, Barb Holmstrom, Doreen Johnson, Maggie Kahler, Nancy Nelson, Audry Nordwall and Diana Weggel served on this committee in 2011 with work on church gardens, seasonal decorations that reflect the church calendar and offering guidance when aesthetics are a consideration. These efforts are to create a welcoming and reverential atmosphere that encourages sharing our faith. This committee would like to thank all who contribute to the appearance of the church building and grounds through donations or with your time and expertise. We are grateful to the Friday Work Crew for their work on the church grounds as well as their help with seasonal decorations. Thanks, also, to maintenance staff and the Property Committee for their work to keep the church and grounds looking nice. As I step down as Chair from the Fine Arts Committee, I d like to express special thanks to my fellow committee members for all their work during the past four years. Our 2012 SMART Goals include: 1. Decorate seasonally reflecting the Lutheran church calendar. 2. Gardening beginning in the Spring, through Summer and Fall to make our church appear welcoming to visitors, our own congregation and inviting to the community around us. 3. Guide memorials as needed when aesthetics are involved. 4. Take care of gifts that communicate God s love through art. 5. Work with the Property Committee to maintain aesthetic quality that creates a welcoming and reverential atmosphere. Respectfully submitted, Diana Weggel 2011 Annual Report Christian Education Committee Our Committee exists to provide opportunities for all ages to grow in Christ and to learn more about God and the Bible. Our Committee is part of the Faith Formation Group. This group is comprised of several committees (Christian Education, Youth, and Adult Education). We have found this group to be helpful in planning events so we do not conflict with other committees plans and activities. It also allows us as a group to come up with new and exciting ideas like the Congregational Breakfast that we had in August. The Christian Education Committee works closely with Sherrie Nordquist and we appreciate all the things she does in keeping the education flowing smoothly for our children at GA. 8
Our Committee s 2012 SMART GOALS ARE: 1. Safeguard God s Children Work with Faith Formation Group to implement plan. Look at ways to keep this process going on a yearly basis. 2. Tree House Spruce up new carpeting, windows fixed how do we accomplish this? Look at possible fundraiser for these things. 3. Recruit new Committee Members Parents with young children. Run an ad in Bulletin, talk to people. 4. Artist for Murals in Tree House classrooms Look into possibility of Deanne Parks helping us put together some murals. Possibly an intergeneration project in the making. 5. Intergenerational Community formation plan activities that involve all age groups, to develop more of a community feeling amongst the young and old alike. One example is the Intergenerational Breakfast we served, Game Nights, etc. Working with the Faith Formation Group for more ideas. Respectfully submitted by the following committee members: Debbie Johnson, Nancy Jones, Lori Howard, Diane Giovanazzi, Jill Culver-Ramos, Nola Relay, and Sherrie Nordquist 2011 Annual Report ADULT EDUCATION COMMITTEE (Subcommittee of Christian Education Committee) The Mission and Ministry of the Christian Education Committee is to provide opportunities for all adults to grow in Christ and to learn more about God and the Bible. The Adult Education Committee is most proud of the following accomplishments of 2011: Intersection of Faith and Life Education Series. This Sunday morning education series in the spring of the year explored the intersections of faith and the end of life, popular literature, vocation, and our images of God. We had a wonderful response to this series. We celebrated the 400 th anniversary of the Kings James Bible with a well-attended forum led by Arland Hultgren. We celebrated the Organ rededication with a forum led by Jerry Brakke. In the spring, Mary Shore, professor of New Testament at Luther Seminary, led a Wednesday evening series on the Gospel of Matthew. Pastor Bonnie led a Wednesday night series exploring the book Mary the Pregnant Virgin. The Adult Education group partnered with the Faith Formation Group (Adult Education, Christian Education & Youth) to put on an intergenerational breakfast on Sunday morning. Again this year we hosted the Fair Trade Fair with the Global Mission Committee. We hosted 3 Luther Seminary students from Norway and Sweden who led a Sunday Morning forum on Christmas in Modern Scandinavian. During Lent, the Adult Education committee organized activities and worship around the theme of Sabbath. We increased our efforts to connect with young families placing more emphasis on Wednesday Family Faith Nights, incorporating confirmation families, activities for preschool through elementary school and an increase in frequency. 9
To increase our awareness of the needs of younger adults and families, we worked as part of the newly formed Faith Formation Team, which includes Adult Education, Christian Education & Youth Committees. In 2012, some of our aspirations include: 1. Increase our Biblical literacy. During 2012 we will continue to increase our Bible Study offerings in an effort to help all become more fluent in the first language of our faith, the story of the Bible. You will see more Bible Studies offering a deeper exploration of the Biblical world of Jesus. 2. Our Faith, other Faiths. Media over the past 10 years has increased our interest in the diversity of religions in the world. With an election cycle upon us, there is greater curiosity about Mormonism, the faith of two presidential candidates. Over the coming year, we will host an adult education series exploring the faiths of our neighbors. 3. Passing on the Faith. Though through the years we have offered sessions that are quite interesting, we admit our topics have not always meet the needs of emerging generations. You will see increasing emphasis on topics that relate to parenting and issues of interest to younger adults. This could be initiated by identifying leaders or experts within our congregation who could lead series, book studies or small groups. We will survey GA members who are parents to gain insight into what they would like to see offered. 4. Demographics of our Team. To broaden the diversity of our thinking, we will seek younger adults to help with our planning over the coming year. 5. Long Range Planning. We will develop an adult education offering schedule through the spring of 2013 by May1, 2012 and work to develop a 1 year, 5 year, and 10 year vision. Sincerely, The Adult Education Committee Christopher Stordalen, Arland Hultgren, Carol Lundgren, Roger Schwartz, Joe Norquist, and Pastor Hans Dahl 2011 Annual Report Youth Committee The Youth Ministry Team s purpose is to present instruction in the Christian faith, instill a desire to serve God by serving others, and provide fun activities for GA youth. We are proud when we see our youth having fun at church. We know that time is a premium for kids these days and when they make the choice to come to church, participate in Sunday morning groups, work on mission trips, and get involved in GA life, we believe we are serving our purpose. This year the Team continued its participation in the Faith Formation Group Family Task Force (now Faith Formation Committee). The goal of the committee is to help GA determine or identify the faith journey our youth (and their families) are on. Through participation in this committee the Youth Ministry Team has been able to connect programs and services to the overall church vision and create new programs when a need has arisen. The Team continues to look at ways to engage and revitalize our church youth and help them create new life experiences around their faith life. We continued with our Every Kid to Camp campaign and sponsored five junior high youth to Camp Onomia this year. Seven Senior High Youth had the opportunity to participate in a 5-day Mystery Mission Trip, focused on fun activities and service learning. The main service opportunity was Shalom Hill Farm in Southwestern Minnesota, and recreation at Camp Okoboji in Northern Iowa. 10
The Team will continue to work with our GA youth in regular activities: Sunday morning gatherings, fall and winter lock-ins, garage sale, bake sale, and flower sale fundraising, all-night skiing and amusement park trips, etc. We are looking forward to continuing our traditional activities as well as looking to the future and explore how we fit into the overall faith life journey of the GA youth. Our Committee s 2012 SMART GOALS ARE: 1. Develop job description for part-time youth worker by January 2012 2. Hire part-time youth worker to by April 2012 3. Send 10 youth to the 2012 Youth Gathering in New Orleans, LA 4. Increase number of youth that attend summer camp in 2012 by 4 5. Complete Fish Market update by April 2012 Respectfully submitted by the following committee members: Cynthia Olson, Neil Jones, Kristen Lynch, Laura Hamrick, Deb Hanson & Jean Muelenthaler 2011 Annual Report Social Ministry Committee Our Committee exists to provide opportunities for the GA community to serve others because of and through our faith. Our Committee s 2012 SMART GOALS ARE: 1. Increase the minimum number of people participating in each Feed My Starving Children event from 30 to 40. We would also like to commit to at least 3 FMSC events a year. 2. Increase the number of volunteers at the East Side Learning Center to 5 by the winter semester, January 2012. 3. Increase the number of members on our committee from 4 to 6 by next spring. Respectfully submitted by the following committee members: Lindsay Lowther, Wes Johnson, Brian Relay, Pr. Hans Dahl 11
2011 Annual Report Property Committee We as a committee work to provide a comfortable and safe environment for the congregation. We have a great bunch of highly committed members that take great pride with the charge you have placed in us. We are all Called By Name to do this work in God s name. The Property Committee for 2011 had the following members: Kevin Berglund Loren Holmstrom Steve Bordsen Rick Howard Dave Duncan Diana Longrie Helen McEvoy-Freese Bruce Pelava Michael Richie Bill Spiel Dan Stelter Pastor Bonnie Wilcox We have worked with the church staff and other committees to provide information and any contacts that are needed to maintain all of the facilities and equipment in our charge. The support of the congregation through the giving of time and talent, and through gifts of money are the reasons this committee is able to do the work needed to maintain our facility. There were a number of projects and upgrades completed this past year. Some are listed below. Provided a re-lamp of the lighting system in the Sanctuary. Replaced two microphones for use in the sanctuary. A new cabinet for the sound system in Luther Hall has been put into use. A new overhead projector was installed in Luther Hall. A new snow blower was purchased to replace one that was in bad shape. Worked together with Worship and Music Committee to help with the repair of the Organ bellows and revoicing the pipes. THANK YOU to the Worship and Music Committee for enhancing our worshiping experience. Have worked closely with Owens to maintain our heating and cooling systems and decrease costs with: 1. the replacement of a fan motor bearing in Luther Hall 2. the installation of new thermostats where applicable 3. the replacement and repair of all of the air handling dampers and actuators Christian Education and Youth Committee members gave the Fish market a facelift with new paint, message boards, a welcome banner, and replacing the old pool table with one that was purchased from Bev Challgren. THANK YOU to the Chris Ed Committee and Bev Challgren for their work in completing this beautification project. Future projects that we would like to do when funding is available include: Hiring a consultant to survey the current roof status in order to help us with finding and repairing leaks Update the outdoor lighting Automated door openers on the bathroom doors Provide an update to the kitchen area Upgrade our current phone system and office workstations Install an updated sound system in the Sanctuary Provide cooling in the Chapel Install a more efficient heating system Install an electronic sign on Arcade Street 12
All of the above projects require funding. Please remember our needs in your annual giving. The Property Committee would like to extend its sincerest THANKS to: Our custodial staff, which works hard to keep the facilities in good repair in order to keep us safe and comfortable. THANK YOU: Rick Aarons, Kevin Berglund and Nelson Tracey. The Friday work crew who is a group of men and women who are mostly behind the scenes. They give their time and talents to cut grass and keep the grounds presentable, set up displays, hang banners, decorating the church, and preparing for events. These people make many things happen that we all take for granted. The archivers for preserving and maintaining the history of our church. And finally I would like to thank my fellow committee members for their hard work, dedication, and providing their ideas this past year. Especially: Steve Bordsen, who keeps our boiler working properly and providing his HVAC expertise. Dave Duncan, who is the Friday crew and Finance Committee liaison. Rick Howard, who is the Church Council liaison and always available to help with tasks that need to be completed no matter how big. Helen McEvoy-Freese, who is GA s Business Manager and committee liaison with contractors. Bruce Pelava, who is the former committee chairperson and liaison with Owens and providing his HVAC expertise. It has been our pleasure to serve the congregation as a committee. We encourage anyone who would like to be involved with the committee to please talk to a member of the committee. We can always use good people helping with tasks and providing ideas. A person s knowledge in a certain trade or an area of expertise is always welcome. Respectfully submitted, Michael Richie Property Committee Chairperson 13
2011 Annual Report Mission Support Summary Gustavus Adolphus supported important mission work in three ways this year. The first includes donations from members to specific missions and projects, often made through the Special Concerns giving envelope, or special fund raising activities. This year, monthly gifts were given as follows: $ 385.00 ELCA Global Mission $ 445.08 Companion Synod Program - Tanzania $ 705.40 Merrick Community Services Food Shelf $ 581.32 Camperships/ Mission trips $ 908.32 Lyngblomsten Foundation $1,127.40 Scholarship fund for GA members attending college or technical school $ 546.32 Church Library $ 615.40 Loaves & Fishes meals served at Faith Lutheran Church, Frogtown area $ 453.32 Lutheran Health Care Bangladesh $ 389.32 Merrick Community Services $ 325.00 ELCA World Hunger (given in addition to the noisy offering ) $ 431.00 Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity Second, the church council has a policy to dedicate 10% of all large bequests for mission projects beyond our congregation. In 2011, these gifts were made for a total of $70,000. Below is the listing of gifts for 2011: $15,000 Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity $15,000 St. Bernard Project in New Orleans, Louisiana $10,000 East Side Learning Center in St. Paul $10,000 Loaves & Fishes- Twin Cities $ 7,000 Saint Paul Area Synod for new mission church support $ 3,000 Camp Onomia in Onamia, MN an ELCA outdoor ministry $ 3,000 Lutheran Health Care Bangladesh, a Lutheran para-church organization (and tenant in our facility) $ 3,000 St. Paul Partners, a St. Paul-based non-profit that supports clean-water projects in the Iringa Diocese of Tanzania $ 2,000 Global Health Ministries, a Lutheran para-church organization $ 2,000 Feed My Starving Children, a Christian non-profit organization Third, by designating that a portion of all member offerings be shared with the greater church denomination to which we belong. Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church is a member of the Saint Paul Area Synod (SPAS) of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). In 2011, we gave almost $20,000, or 4% of our worship offerings. As we ask members to give a portion of what God has given them to the church, we believe we should model the same behavior for the greater work of the gospel in the world. This is mission work that is done in partnership, and which we could not accomplish on our own. 14
From the Saint Paul Area Synod (SPAS) website: In 2010, the projected mission support from synod congregations amounts to $2,140,000. This will be used to support synodical and churchwide ministries in a variety of ways. ELCA Churchwide Fifty percent of the mission support dollars that are received by the Saint Paul Area Synod are sent directly to the ELCA for churchwide ministries. This giving supports global mission in nearly 50 countries; new mission congregations in the United States; education at colleges and seminaries of the church; congregational support through worship, evangelism, and stewardship materials, and youth and outdoor ministries. More information is available at www.elca.org. Synod mission and ministries Fifty percent of the mission support dollars are used for mission and ministry within the Saint Paul Area Synod. Of this amount $1,070,000: 14% is used to support our ministry partners (ELCA colleges and universities in Regions 3 and 5; Luther Seminary; Lutheran Campus Ministry; Lutheran Coalition for Public Policy in Minnesota; Minnesota Council of Churches; and Southeast Asian Ministry.) 23% enables the synod staff to under gird and support the work of the synod s congregations in a variety of ways assistance with children, youth and family ministries; call processes and consultations; staff ministry to congregations, rostered leaders and other ministries and partners of the church; and general administrative support and expenses 7% forwards the work of the synod s ministry initiatives, including companion synods and new mission strategies. 6% covers the general costs related to maintaining an office. In addition, 100 percent of offerings received for designated mission projects, such as work with our companion synods in Guatemala and Tanzania, and other projects are passed directly through to designees. 15
Minutes of Last Year s Annual Meeting 16
2010 Audit Report 17
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