Northaven United Methodist Church
Leadership Council Meeting- Room 239
April 26, 2011- 7 p.m.
Those Present: Eric Folkerth, Mary Clair Lowrance, Chris Reed, Kathy Delsanter, Betty Boyer, Dick Weaver, Elaine Wiant, Marlene Haskell, Terry Lowery, Jim McBride and Betsy Schenck.
Betty Boyer called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
Meditation
The minutes were approved with one correction.
Leadership Chairperson’s Remarks:
Betty thanked the staff, Worship and Arts Committees and all the volunteers for making the Lenten and Easter season so special. She also reported on the workshop “Creating Change” attended by representatives of reconciling congregations preparing for Annual and General Conferences. Finally, she thanked Elaine Wiant for taking notes of this meeting in Mindy Dague's absence.
Leadership Council Reports:
Finance Report-See Attached
Terry Lowery reported on the first quarter financial report (attached). She will attend the May Program Council meeting to discuss the budgeting process help explain the financial reports.
Staff Parish-See Attached
5 candidates for the Director of Music Ministry’s position will have in-person interviews. The interviews have begun and will be completed this week. Two or three of those will audition with the choir on May 7. The search committee will then make a recommendation to SPRC for the May 12 SPRC meeting.
Trustees Report-see attached
Black Tie Dinner – see attached
With the leadership of Connie Marshall, the Straight Spouses Network has had its first monthly meeting at NUMC. It’s a support group endorsed by PFLAG and HRC. It meets on the second Tuesday of the month. It was suggested that the Communications committee assist with promotion and a web presence.
Program Council Report-See Attached
Program Council is reviewing the calendar and the website at its monthly meetings. The Holy Week banners were general in nature and can be used again next year. Shower of Stoles will begin on May 13 in the atrium and continue through June.
Web Site Preview
Eric presented the new website to the group. It’s the first update in many years.
Staff Reports:
Co-op – No report
Youth
Youth fundraising is going well. Youth Bonds will be sold in the atrium from May 8 (Confirmation Sunday) through June 12 (Junior High mission trip begins). May 22 is Youth Sunday.
Spiritual Formation-
Three youth will be confirmed on May 8. Vacation Bible School is the first week in August and will again be in the evening and intergenerational. The fall Spiritual Retreat will be October 15 and 16 and will feature Ruben Habito. Mark Chancy and Rabii David Stern are presenting a Jewish/Christian dialogue at Temple Emanu-El for three Thursdays beginning April 28.
Pastor-
Additional gratitude to all for a great Lent/Easter season. Approximately 460 attended the 11 am Easter service. May 15 will be a “great day of joining.” Tom Timmins is working on a written and video history of NUMC. We’ll have a preview of the history on June 11 at the mid year retreat.
Closing Prayer
Next Meeting is May 24.
Program Council Meeting
April 12, 2011
Members Present:
Marlene Haskell Marty Brownlie Joe Hilbun
Donna Wiles Mary Clair Lowrance Lynette Hendricks
Eric Folkerth Chris Reed Mindy Dague
The meeting was called to order at 7 pm with a devotional by Marlene Haskell.
Old Business:
Marlene asked that each person reporting choose 3 items to highlight for the group.
Minutes from the March meeting were approved.
Marlene will continue to provide calendar info to the group to update for Mindy. In the future, we will meet in the room with a video screen so we can review the website and calendar items.
Action Items from last meeting:
The Communications commission reported that the new website will be up tonight. Emails may be a problem for the next couple of days, but all should be resolved in good time.
Marlene reminded everyone to forward each commission’s members to Tom Timmins (action item 1) and to submit articles (action item 2). Worship & Arts has split out their budget from music, but it was not reflected on the latest income statement.
There will be no regular Program Council meeting on June 14. Instead, the Program Council will meet with the Leadership Council on June 11 in an all morning retreat.
Commission Reports:
Arts – Donna highlighted the Shower of Stoles (in cooperation with the Special Events Commission) May 13 – June 4. Randall Oxford is working on advertising. Bill McElvaney will provide additional historical information. Mindy will figure out how to get it on the calendar over multiple days.
Donna also talked about the Russian Dance Group that will come in June 25. That event will also be held in cooperation with the Special Events Commission as the Feast of Friendship.
Donna reported that the Arts Commission will host an art show in January or February of 2012. The show will be centered on “Seasons of the Church.” Arts is working with the Liturgical Threads group to have new paraments and church linens – but all members of Northaven will be invited to participate. In addition to visual arts, there will be space for written and dramatic works.
Care Team – Lynette reported that all is going well. We will be re-formatting the card senders. All needs are currently being met.
Church in Society – Marty talked about the Faith Voices Series – the last one is Thursday night.
The Lenten offering of letters has had good support. She also spoke about the Good Friday walk sponsored by the Dallas Area Christian Progressive Alliance. 9 people from Northaven attended the Reconciling Ministries training on April 9. Emphasis was placed on storytelling and conversation – not confrontation. There was also training on organizing so that our voices can be heard at Annual Conference/General Conference. The group discussed trying to collect the stories of LGBT people and the Reconciling Church.
Communications – no one was able to attend. Eric reported that the communications folk were not planning to do banners for Easter because of the concern about cost and time. The Council thought that the banners were important and Marlene will contact Randall with the group’s concerns – perhaps an undated version of the banner would be a solution.
Education
Adult – Joe reported that the summer brochure was completed (16 pages!) The Finley retreat will become the Habito retreat this year.
Children – Kirsten was not able to attend, but Mary Clair reported that the Co-Op received the NAEYC accreditation. There will be an Easter Egg hunt after Easter Sunday. Cody Elliott, Sarah Clark, and Jefferson Graham will be confirmed May 8. August 28 is no Sunday School Sunday – intergenerational activity. The children will process with the choir on Palm Sunday. On Easter, the children will flower the cross during children’s time.
Youth – Karen did not attend – Chris covered in Staff Report
Hospitality – no one was able to attend.
Membership – no one was able to attend. Mary Clair reported The Great Day of Joining will be May 1. 6 people attended Northaven 101, which may become a 1 day event. The next class will be held in the fall.
Special Events – reported in conjunction with the Arts Commission
Worship – with Staff reports
Staff Reports:
Chris – Youth raised $1500 at Coffee House (81 people in the house). The youth will begin selling bonds to pay for mission trips on May 8. May 22 is Youth Sunday and Senior Recognition Sunday. There are 16 going on the Jr High trip and only 4 going on the Sr High. Chris will confirm where they are going at our next meeting.
Mary Clair – reported with Commission reports
Mindy – reminded us that she always responds to emails. If you do not get a response, that means she probably did not get the email. 84 people have signed up to provide Easter Flowers. She asked that we all check and re-check the calendar for conflicts and updates to make sure that she has the correct information.
Cash needs to be deposited in the safe. Do not leave it on Mindy’s desk unsecured. Choir checks were found on the floor in the choir room. Lynette will move the offering plate to the music table and see about getting envelopes to put contributions in.
Eric – Website launch is being prayed over. Holy Week coming up. Parishoners will be asked to park on the grass on Easter Sunday, if they are able. Eric will be out of the office the rest of this week to lead worship and do a show at Mt Sequoyah for the Volunteers in Mission.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:111 with prayer.
Action Items:
Commission members to Tom Timmins
Everyone turn in articles for newsletters and bulletin at least once every 6 weeks.
Put June 11 on your calendar for a retreat
Marlene to talk to Randall about banners for Holy week.
Pray for the website
See if we can move our meeting to the room with the screen next time
Continue to review and update calendar.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Pictures from recent events
Here are some pictures from recent church events that you might find interesting.
Pictures from the Youth Coffeehouse.
Pictures from the Women's Retreat.
Pictures from the "Laying the Stone" ceremony at Christ's Foundry UMC.
Pictures from the Youth Coffeehouse.
Pictures from the Women's Retreat.
Pictures from the "Laying the Stone" ceremony at Christ's Foundry UMC.
Leadership Council Minutes: February 2011
Northaven United Methodist Church
Leadership Council Meeting-Room 239
February 22, 2011
Those Present: Eric Folkerth, Mary Clair Lowrance, Betty Boyer, Jim McBride, Dick Weaver, Kate Anderson, Dotti Timmins, Tom Timmins, Betsy Schenck, Chris Reed, Kathy Delsanter, Terry Lowery, Mindy Dague, Shirley Cooper, Marlene Haskell, and Lee Davenport
Betty Boyer called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.
Musical Meditation
Leadership Chairperson’s Remarks:
Special thanks to Travis Jordan for giving everyone the newsletter deadline information. The next leadership retreat is scheduled for June 11.
Finance Report: Proposed Budget Attached
Discussion of the 2011 proposed budget. Terry Lowery presented a balanced budget. There were lowered financial expectations for the Adult Education retreats this year to match prior year’s actual numbers. The overall income was $5,500 less than last year primarily due to no one-time giving for 2011. There were increased copier expenses, decreased equipment repairs and increased office supplies, to more accurately match, current spending levels. The Staff Parish had a decrease due to the vacancy in the Music Minister’s position for part of the year and the money it will save helped balance the budget. The HVAC repairs for the building in the amount of approximately $6,500 will be paid from the monies deposited in the Building Fund due to reworking the mortgage payment in 2010. The mortgage payment has increased from all interest to 2 months interest only and 10 months P&I. If interest rates increase during the year, the balance will come from the Building Fund as needed. The Finance Commitee are not wanting to lock in a rate yet due to the low interest rates that we can currently take advantage of.
Betty asked for a motion to approve the 2011 budget. Terry Lowery seconded it. It was unanimously approved.
Covenant Fund Trustees Report: See Attached
Permanent Endowment Fund –
Dotti Timmins and Kate Anderson presented the Leadership Council the new Spending and Investment Policies. Dotti recounted a little history of the Covenant Funds: In 1992 the Northaven Covenant Funds were approved, setting up a Permanent Endowment Fund to be invested at the Texas Methodist Foundation. This PEF was revised and approved by the LC in 2003. The Endowment Fund provides members of the church the opportunity to make gifts to the church as a permanent endowment of financial support and a living memorial. These gifts are used for Missional purposes such as experimental ministries, new outreach, creative services, scholarships or unusual expenses of any kind for maintenance, repair, or the replacement of real and personal property owned by NHUMC. The funds at TMF have been placed into their Loan Fund. The Covenant Trustees now want to expand their investment activities through TMF. For this purpose, the Trustees have spent many sessions discussing and consulting with lawyers and TMF staff to place the Covenant funds in a way to maximize Northaven’s current income from the PEF. Dotti also presented a spending policy developed by the Trustees that would have a more consistent plan for disbursement of funds as requested. Over the past few years the Trustees have begun to make a concerted effort to place more emphasis on “planned giving” which tends to be larger in value and is often a commitment to making gifts in the future, particularly at death. To that end the Covenant Fund now has a “Covenant Society” which celebrates those church members who have included the church or a designated program of the church by testamentary gifts in will, trusts or otherwise. As Northaven and its programs grow, the funding needs will rise to meet the needs of a growing congregation. The PEF is an excellent way for NH to increase its
funding sources. Kate Anderson answered individual questions by the Leadership Council regarding the Spending and Investment Policies.
Staff Parish-See Attached
March 19 is the deadline for accepting resumes for the Music Minister’s position.
Trustees
Northaven has not increased the insurance coverage on the building since it was built and this may be something the Trustees need to look at next year.
Stewardship- See Attached
Lee Davenport is the new Chair of Stewardship for 2011. We are up to $652,000 in pledges.
Program Council
Communications is working on the next church directory.
Staff Reports
Co-op School
An Eagle Scout, Gran Hilbert, son of church members Jay and Pamela Hilbert will be doing his service project with the school. The “A Night for Northaven-Silent Auction and Raffle” will be this Saturday, February 26 at the Dallas Contemporary. An alum parent donated a tree to the school that will be planted on the playground patio to replace the one that died last year.
Worship and the Arts- No Report
Spiritual Formation
Jonathan’s prayer blanket has been delivered. The Care Team will continue this practice with others in need. VBS will be in the evening again this summer but the exact dates have not been decided on yet. Mary Clair will be going with on the Youth mission trip again this summer to San Marcos.
Youth
The All Church Pancake Shrove Tuesday Dinner is on March 8 from 6 -8 p.m. The youth will be selling $5 meal tickets in advance or $6 at the door. The Youth will be hosting a Coffee House showcasing the Youth’s talents with several solos and hopefully the Children’s Choir may be giving a performance too.
The Youth are planning on doing a “Trade Up” scavenger hunt this year. The Youth will bring one item each and tried to “trade-up” with people in the neighborhood. Whatever is collected will be auctioned off at the coffee house as part of the Youth Fundraising event.
Pastoral
Thanks to the Staff for getting the church bulletin and building ready for worship services on Sunday after the February 1-4 snow and ice storm. Ash Wednesday services will be on March 9 at 7 p.m. Several Lent planning meetings are in the works and the decided theme this year is The Journey of Fearless Faith. The Worship team is bringing back the Wailing Wall for Lent with a different question posted each week. Transfiguration Sunday is March 6. The Staff and Worship Team are grateful that Easter is late this year because it is giving everyone a rest from Christmas and plenty of time to plan for upcoming Lent services. Conference News Update- A new appointment by the Bishop has been made. Two District Superintendents are retiring in the North Texas Conference. The North Central District’s newly appointed Superintendent is Rev. Dr. Frank Alegria who is transferring from First UMC of Beaumont. He will be the first Hispanic District Superintendent ever appointed in the North Texas Conference.
Closing Prayer
Next Meeting is March 22
Leadership Council Meeting-Room 239
February 22, 2011
Those Present: Eric Folkerth, Mary Clair Lowrance, Betty Boyer, Jim McBride, Dick Weaver, Kate Anderson, Dotti Timmins, Tom Timmins, Betsy Schenck, Chris Reed, Kathy Delsanter, Terry Lowery, Mindy Dague, Shirley Cooper, Marlene Haskell, and Lee Davenport
Betty Boyer called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.
Musical Meditation
Leadership Chairperson’s Remarks:
Special thanks to Travis Jordan for giving everyone the newsletter deadline information. The next leadership retreat is scheduled for June 11.
Finance Report: Proposed Budget Attached
Discussion of the 2011 proposed budget. Terry Lowery presented a balanced budget. There were lowered financial expectations for the Adult Education retreats this year to match prior year’s actual numbers. The overall income was $5,500 less than last year primarily due to no one-time giving for 2011. There were increased copier expenses, decreased equipment repairs and increased office supplies, to more accurately match, current spending levels. The Staff Parish had a decrease due to the vacancy in the Music Minister’s position for part of the year and the money it will save helped balance the budget. The HVAC repairs for the building in the amount of approximately $6,500 will be paid from the monies deposited in the Building Fund due to reworking the mortgage payment in 2010. The mortgage payment has increased from all interest to 2 months interest only and 10 months P&I. If interest rates increase during the year, the balance will come from the Building Fund as needed. The Finance Commitee are not wanting to lock in a rate yet due to the low interest rates that we can currently take advantage of.
Betty asked for a motion to approve the 2011 budget. Terry Lowery seconded it. It was unanimously approved.
Covenant Fund Trustees Report: See Attached
Permanent Endowment Fund –
Dotti Timmins and Kate Anderson presented the Leadership Council the new Spending and Investment Policies. Dotti recounted a little history of the Covenant Funds: In 1992 the Northaven Covenant Funds were approved, setting up a Permanent Endowment Fund to be invested at the Texas Methodist Foundation. This PEF was revised and approved by the LC in 2003. The Endowment Fund provides members of the church the opportunity to make gifts to the church as a permanent endowment of financial support and a living memorial. These gifts are used for Missional purposes such as experimental ministries, new outreach, creative services, scholarships or unusual expenses of any kind for maintenance, repair, or the replacement of real and personal property owned by NHUMC. The funds at TMF have been placed into their Loan Fund. The Covenant Trustees now want to expand their investment activities through TMF. For this purpose, the Trustees have spent many sessions discussing and consulting with lawyers and TMF staff to place the Covenant funds in a way to maximize Northaven’s current income from the PEF. Dotti also presented a spending policy developed by the Trustees that would have a more consistent plan for disbursement of funds as requested. Over the past few years the Trustees have begun to make a concerted effort to place more emphasis on “planned giving” which tends to be larger in value and is often a commitment to making gifts in the future, particularly at death. To that end the Covenant Fund now has a “Covenant Society” which celebrates those church members who have included the church or a designated program of the church by testamentary gifts in will, trusts or otherwise. As Northaven and its programs grow, the funding needs will rise to meet the needs of a growing congregation. The PEF is an excellent way for NH to increase its
funding sources. Kate Anderson answered individual questions by the Leadership Council regarding the Spending and Investment Policies.
Staff Parish-See Attached
March 19 is the deadline for accepting resumes for the Music Minister’s position.
Trustees
Northaven has not increased the insurance coverage on the building since it was built and this may be something the Trustees need to look at next year.
Stewardship- See Attached
Lee Davenport is the new Chair of Stewardship for 2011. We are up to $652,000 in pledges.
Program Council
Communications is working on the next church directory.
Staff Reports
Co-op School
An Eagle Scout, Gran Hilbert, son of church members Jay and Pamela Hilbert will be doing his service project with the school. The “A Night for Northaven-Silent Auction and Raffle” will be this Saturday, February 26 at the Dallas Contemporary. An alum parent donated a tree to the school that will be planted on the playground patio to replace the one that died last year.
Worship and the Arts- No Report
Spiritual Formation
Jonathan’s prayer blanket has been delivered. The Care Team will continue this practice with others in need. VBS will be in the evening again this summer but the exact dates have not been decided on yet. Mary Clair will be going with on the Youth mission trip again this summer to San Marcos.
Youth
The All Church Pancake Shrove Tuesday Dinner is on March 8 from 6 -8 p.m. The youth will be selling $5 meal tickets in advance or $6 at the door. The Youth will be hosting a Coffee House showcasing the Youth’s talents with several solos and hopefully the Children’s Choir may be giving a performance too.
The Youth are planning on doing a “Trade Up” scavenger hunt this year. The Youth will bring one item each and tried to “trade-up” with people in the neighborhood. Whatever is collected will be auctioned off at the coffee house as part of the Youth Fundraising event.
Pastoral
Thanks to the Staff for getting the church bulletin and building ready for worship services on Sunday after the February 1-4 snow and ice storm. Ash Wednesday services will be on March 9 at 7 p.m. Several Lent planning meetings are in the works and the decided theme this year is The Journey of Fearless Faith. The Worship team is bringing back the Wailing Wall for Lent with a different question posted each week. Transfiguration Sunday is March 6. The Staff and Worship Team are grateful that Easter is late this year because it is giving everyone a rest from Christmas and plenty of time to plan for upcoming Lent services. Conference News Update- A new appointment by the Bishop has been made. Two District Superintendents are retiring in the North Texas Conference. The North Central District’s newly appointed Superintendent is Rev. Dr. Frank Alegria who is transferring from First UMC of Beaumont. He will be the first Hispanic District Superintendent ever appointed in the North Texas Conference.
Closing Prayer
Next Meeting is March 22
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