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We, the Elders, would like to have a more open and communicative relationship with the congregation.  To that end, we are publishing selected parts of the minutes of our meetings; so that you can get a better and clearer understanding of where we are, where we are trying to go, and how we dream about getting there.  Not all that we discuss will be included due to the sensitive and/or personal nature of the discussions.  We do prayerfully hope you will find this information helpful in your efforts to grow and mature as an even more wonderful creation of God.

If you have thoughts, comments, or ideas you would like to offer, please bring them to any one of us. If you would like to address the eldership about a specific idea, need, or issue please talk to David Drake, our Chairman, to get it on the agenda for the next meeting.

We love you. And we truly appreciate your willingness to help us make this world a better and brighter place, in God's image.

Pray for all of us everyday as we do for you.

In Love,
Your eldership

Email Dave Drake (Chair)

Email Chuck Brown

Email Bob La Pierre

Email Dennis Smith

Email John Smith

Email Jack Sweany (Pastor)

 

 

Elder’s Meeting: September 7th, 2008, 2:00 PM

Attending: Chuck Brown, David Drake, Bob La Pierre, Jack Sweany, & John Smith
Opening Prayer: Chuck Brown                              Motion to Adjourn: John Smith

Agenda Item

Information/ Decisions

Comments by Bob

     

Team Reports

Building and Grounds Team
New baptistery has been plumbed in and needs a fill test.
2nd sign has been installed at 30th RD and HWY 156
Ramps are being designed to make stage handicapped accessible.  Will follow lines of wing walls
Church Bus needs oil change, door opener fixed and a new tire

Worship Team
Looking at purchasing a sound compressor and feedback eater to complete the sound system.  Rotation of Worship and Media Team has been developed.
Soundboard and DVDRAM have been replaced in I-worship computer.
Suggestion made that whoever offers invitation stays and does the prayer time for the end of service.

Care Ministry Team

Several new families have been attending regularly and will be encouraged to find a small group.

Fellowship Team
Burnt chicken Cookout planned for October.

Education Team
Wednesday Nights: Three new groups have formed; Elementary, Jr-Sr High, and Adults.  Potluck starts at 6:20pm with activities starting at 6:50pm.
A video commercial will be acted in and shot by the teens for airing on KSNC channel 2 during the end of November and the first of December.


Financial report
John presented the YTD 2008 income & expense report.

 


John and Dave have given us a lot of their Saturdays and Mondays to see this project through.  Through time filled with showers of sparks and accompanied by the gentle tinkling of water they have about got her wrapped up.  Thanks guys

 

 

We apologize for missing prayer time at the end of a service.  We know it's become important to you and will endeavor to make sure it's included at the end of each service.

 

 

Isn't it a great time!!!  Come on and help us encourage and get to know the new folks until they become old friends.

 

Hey when did we become known for burnt chicken

What exciting things are happening on Wednesdays.  We have a crowd of young people and a crowd of adults.  Classes and activities for all. 

New Business


CDF:

Dave will make announcement regarding the investment opportunity and place materials in the foyer.
Vacation:
Jack will be gone on vacation Oct 23-28.  Matt Miles will be filling in.
Oasis at MCC in November:
We will be paying half of each child's registration fee for kids attending.
Prodigal Ministries:
Proposal for church support presented, elders would like to hear more from Mark Miranda after services on the 21st.

 


 
     
     
Elder’s Meeting: July 13, 2008, 2:00 PM
Attending: Chuck Brown, Dennis Smith, Dave Drake, Bob La Pierre, Jack Sweany, John Smith.
Opening Prayer: Chuck Brown                                              Moved to Adjourn: Bob La Pierre
Agenda Item Information/ Decisions Comments by Bob
Old Business
 
 
Team Reports Building & Grounds
Baptistery is in and drywall is back up, mudded and painted.  Stairwells are being built as well as edge support and trim work.  Looking for a quote on plumbing work.

Road sign installation on the 20th.  Come one Come all...

Worship:
Bob went through the Campus Ministry's sound system, repaired a few problems and tuned it.  Found and brought down the speakers and stands that go with it for Brian Howe's campus work.
 
Added wireless access points (2) for guest speakers and presenters to have access to our system and for our members/teachers to use the net while in- house.

Bob has loaned two speakers to the church to try to balance our sound and bring it's perceived source down to stage level.

Thanks go out to The BIG Picture Band for their worship set and concert.  We had a great time.
 

Outreach:
Sonja Viegra would like to start a new ministry reaching out to members and friends of members who might need or be encouraged by a meal delivered by the church members.  The Elders want to support Sonja in getting this off the ground.

Nina is trying to have two items donated from the county fair for decorating our youngest classroom.  A gingerbread entry and a beanstalk.

Bob would like the church to consider budgeting monies for a 3 month run of TV advertising for the church.  Will look into details with KSN.

Financial report:
John said we were good shape all bills paid and the offerings are good.

Care Team:
No meeting scheduled as of today. Still trying to find meeting time for everyone

Adult Christian Education:
Jack is starting in Galatians & Ephesians
Bob is in 1-3 John followed by James and Peter.

VBS:
Nina Jerke is the 2008 Director. Dates set for July 27—Aug 1.   

Fellowship: 
Ice cream social planned on the 20th

John and Dave have done great work getting this major/minor project near completion.  Give them a big thanks when you see them.  Their work so far looks GREAT!


This is an "All-Hands Evolution" and remember "Many hands makes for light work."

This system, which we loan to them every year, is working well and they should be able to make much greater use out of it with the improvements and additional parts.

 

Yes, Timmy, there is a "SUPER SECRET PASSWORD" on the network.  I don't leave anything wide open.  If you would need to gain access with your notebook while in the building, just ask Jack or myself for the SSP.

 


What a blessing it was to hear these talented guys.  It was also mentioned that they would be willing to come back (5th Sunday services???)  but use our sound system and not their whole "touring kit."

Sonja surely has a "heart for God."  The idea in germination is to have a collection of cooks who would be willing to double a recipe on a given night to take dinner to the hurting, depressed, and/or stressed members and friends of members.  The vision is for both encouragement and outreach,  all done for the love of God and fellow man. 

We got the Entry but not the beanstalk.



Radio and print just don't seem to work anymore, IMHO.  Business experience says TV give you a greater ROI.  This suggestion fits under the "Let's throw every good thing against the wall and see what sticks!" heading.  People that come thru our doors like what they find, let's try to get more of them thru our doors.

 

We are still visiting our visitors and delivering cookies.  You don't suppose a change to crunchy peanut butter cookies would help do you... :-)

 

Looking forward to having a building full of kiddos and volunteers making a joyful din unto the Lord.

 

May be hot, but lots of love and friendship will cool it down.

New Business

·       Sam's Club has Stand-Alone DVR with 160GB hard drive and DVD Burner for $248.  We can use it to record DVD's for shut-in's and record happenings (VBS) onto hard drive and the Dub archival DVD's.  Replaces the VCR. 

·        John Smith brought up a perceived need for "Prayer, Thinking, & Dreaming" meetings for the Eldership along with the monthly management meetings currently held.

·        John also mentioned that our Elder selection period is fast approaching.

 

VCR's make lousy pictures and tapes are getting scarce.  At this price point hard to argue..

 

 

Good idea.

 

     
Elder’s Meeting: June 1, 2008, 2:00 PM

Attending: Art Sauder, Chuck Brown, Dennis Smith, Dave Drake, Bob La Pierre, Jack Sweany, John Smith.
Opening Prayer: Dennis Smith                                                              Moved to Adjourn: Bob La Pierre

Agenda Item Information/ Decisions Comments by Bob
Old Business None
 
 
Team Reports Building & Grounds
Roof recoating is finished and paid for.
New Baptistery on its way.
Signage project (on Hwys 281 & 156) approx cost if we install will be $500 per sign.

Worship:
Sound system: all parts accumulated except for the new 32-channel soundboard.

Financial report:
John said we were good shape.  Roof and baptistery paid for.

Care Team:
No meeting scheduled as of today. Still trying to find meeting time for everyone

VBS:
Nina Jerke is the 2008 Director. Dates set for July 27—Aug 1.   

 

Our roofing job is finished and we are now warranted as dry for the next decade or so.  Thanks to all who contributed to this BIG task.  Thanks to Dave and John  for all their work prepping and fitting the baptistery in!


The new board is in and now bear with us as we learn to make it all sound right and add new mixes in.

Again kudos for everyone for "stepping up" and making these BIG projects happen without need to borrow.  May God truly bless you.....

 

 

Looking forward to having a building full of kiddos and volunteers making a joyful din unto the Lord.

New Business

·       Big Picture Band will play worship set on June 22nd (later changed to July 6th).

·        A big thank you issued to Julie and Michael Peterson for keeping the lawn mowed and looking nice.

·        A renewed concern for family involvement was discussed. How to get families more involved.

·        Art Sauder announced he was resigning as elder and leaving the church to attend 1st Baptist in Ellinwood. Said he was called to a different type of ministry. God was taking Connie and himself in a different direction. He stated that this move would perhaps be a “catalyst for great things to happen.” Resignation was accepted.

·        Nina thanked the elders for the $300 to help her trip to Colorado Christian Book writers’ conference.

 

We actually have the band for both the worship service and an afternnon concert after a carry-in lunch.

Amen, Amen, Amen

 

We really are searching for ways to enhance parent's work with their children at home to help them more fully love and trust in God.

Sorry and saddened to see them go

     
Elder’s Meeting: May 4, 2008, 2:00 PM
Team Reports Building & Grounds:
Taping is finished and roof should be coated next week.

Baptistery ordered—lots of help will be needed for the install. John suggested putting a special giving request in the bulletin.

Reviewed signage proposal (on  Hwys 281 & 156) that Nina Jerke has worked on. Bob is trying to get a quote from a vendor in Salina, should be close to half the cost of local quote. No action taken until more information is obtained.

Worship:
A “djembe” drum was purchased, along with 4 cordless mics. Plans are to sell the current 2 boards and buy a bigger one.

Financial report:
John said we were about $100 overdrawn, but today’s offering put us back in the black. There is still about $400-500 needed to pay for roof repairs. Bob also explained the demand charges on the church’s electric bill. .

Care Team:
No meeting scheduled as of today. Dave reported that he had taken cookies to a first time attender....

VBS:
No one has volunteered to direct this year’s VBS program. Dave suggested we pray for a volunteer. Jack suggested we announce that it will be cancelled since no one wants to volunteer—as a vote of the congregation.   

 

Our roofing job is finished and we are now warranteed as dry for the next decade or so.  Thanks to all who contributed to this BIG task.

Nina has gotten a rental cost price of $120 per year for the Hwy 281 & College Rd lot and is working on contacting the landowner for the Hwy 156 & College Road lot.

Thanks to Eric and Nina we are enjoying a "fuller" sound for accompaniment in our musical praise time.  Thanks guys (you too Melanie!)!  Troy is learning the Djembe and after Eric played it with  one song we all understand the richness it brings.  I suggested a two-way harness that Eric could spin from drum to guitar and back (only until Troy gets up to speed!) but was laughed at (imagine that...hummmph).   

John Smith brought up a request mid-month, by members, for  mikes to use in the audience when members make prayer requests or announcements from their seats.  People were not able to hear and our shut-ins were not getting them since they are not recordable.  A set of 4 mid-cost wireless handhelds were ordered and our young people will be asked to run them around to the audience getting them involved in service  (plus you REALLY DON'T want me running between the aisles).

The addition of the mikes has forced us to reconsider a new bigger sound board. To make things easier on the folks that run sound, to allow us to properly tune the sound system, and to give us room to grow.

We are getting close to a go/no-go decision point on VBS.  Materials will be almost impossible to get by next month.  Please if you're willing to head the effort let one of us know!!!

 

New Business None Beyond Team Reports ..
     
     
Elder’s Meeting: April 6, 2008, 2:00 PM
Attending: Bob La Pierre, Jack Sweany, John Smith & Dave Drake
Opening Prayer: John Smith          Motion to Adjourn: John Smith
Agenda Item Information/ Decisions Comments by Bob
Old Business Church Web site:
Continues to develop, more people are being asked to contribute content

 

There are sign-up sheets on the bulletin board to arrange for your family photographs.  Please get signed up!
Team Reports Building & Grounds:
Dave will call the roofer this week to find out when work will be done. The building fund has a balance of $9,603.00.

Septic problem taken care of, tank pumped and new cleanout installed (above ground).

Worship:
The sound board was reorganized, cables and cords and plugs labeled. Jack asked about a djembe drum for the worship team. He was instructed to check prices and report back.

Financial report:
John presented the Jan 1 –April 6 data.

Care Team:
Will have an all member team meeting soon. Jack asked is they were meeting for prayer before services.

Fellowship:
April 16th is the appreciation dinner for the Club 2.52 cast members.

April 20th is the first Cheesecake Challenge with an all-church carry-in dinner after services.

 

 
 

We are only $400 short of the needed funds.  The roofer promises to be here in mid May.

 

Thanks to Dave Drake and Dennis Smith.

Jack has asked the Elders to come back with the worship team for prayer before services at 9:57:35am.  The church computer will play a reminder tone.

With the new members and their instrumental abilities we desperately needed new jacks and a general freshening.  With everything marked arranged and plugged in correctly we still have three opens on our sound board.  Whew...

John shows us in great shape thanks to your generosity and sharing in the fellowship of giving.  Thank You

 

 

The chili cookoff was a big hit (we won't discuss the winning entry)  and this promises to be a fun day.  Bob has promised a surprise "Memphis Style" cheescake entry.  Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm...

New Business Leave Time:
Jack asked to be gone the following Sunday. Bob will preach in his absence

Brush Pile:
Discussion concerning the pile focused on whether it should it be hauled off or burned. A burn permit is already in place.  

 

Jack's  mom had knee replacement surgery and the boys thought a family reunion was just the thing to help her recovery.  Apparently they were right.  Mom is home and doing well.

...

     
     

Elder’s Meeting: March 2, 2008, 2:00 PM

Attending: Chuck Brown, Dennis Smith, Bob La Pierre, Jack Sweany & Art Sauder
Opening Prayer: Dave Drake                              Motion to Adjourn: Bob La Pierre

Agenda Item

Information/ Decisions

Comments by Bob

Old Business

Church Web site:
The new web site is just a step away from getting completely setup. FrontPage software was purchased for the church to edit and publish the site.

Crisis Center:
Plumbing repairs: some funds have been donated, but no other actions taken to date.

Our goal is to provide not only an informative website, but also a warm and inviting one.  We want our membership to be able to easily find the information they need. We also want to display the spirit and love of this congregation to any and all visitors to the site. To that end we want lots of pictures and membership involvement in content.

Dennis and Bob will look in to permits, licensing, and prices for materials.
 
Team Reports
Care Ministry
Had 18 people for the S.S. hour training. They will move to one team with one person responsible for each Sunday.
The contact person on a Sunday morning will also be the cookie drop person.
Care team will meet for prayer at 9:45 before each morning service
entire group will meet about every 6 weeks. Training of new members will take place as they join the team.
Work is continuing on developing visitor packets with pertinent church info for 1st time attenders.
Requested that copies of the building layout be provided to FTA’s.

Building & Grounds
Dave will call the roofer this week to find out when work will be done
Dave will also call a septic guy Monday, Since we know it is full.

Christian Education
Working on getting photos of all classes for the website.
Brian Howe is no longer teaching an adult class

Financial report
No report presented, but John we are in good shape
 

We would like the care ministry to reflect and shine the Lord's presence and love on every visitor that comes through our doors.  The Elders also see the need for the ministry to be flexible and adaptable to the needs of the Team and our visitors.  What matters most is that each visitor knows that we genuinely appreciate their attending and that we WANT to pray for them and to be there if they need us.

 


 

 

We are only short about $400 of the $15,000 needed to completely redo the Church's roof.  A BIG THANKS, to everyone who gave to this effort so willingly and generously!



Thanks to all the teachers and students who helped us liven up our website. 

If there is interest in a third adult class/subject we can find a willing teacher.  Share your idea with one the the Elders.

New Business Preaching/Teaching Conference
Jack gave a brief report on the Preaching/Teaching Conference at Ozark Christian College.

Help Requested
Bob La Pierre is moving his computer business Saturday @ 8 am and would appreciate helping hands.

Jack and Denise really appreciate the church sending them to this conference.  They harvested lots of ideas and got a chance for spiritual refreshment meeting new friends and faces.

Bob sends his thanks for the parade of volunteers who showed up.  15 years of Business moved in 45minutes,  We may have looked like the Clampetts going down the street but...WOW!  Thank You All.
 

     
     
 

Contact Jack at jacksweany@ruraltel.net with questions or comments.
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Last modified: October 17, 2008