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November 2021 Mustard Seed - Council Notes

11/9/2021

Council Notes - October 6, 2021

Council was called to order by President Rich Hollenbach.  Anne Hutnyk led devotions on a Church Health-Transforming Worship.  Minutes of the September regular council meeting were approved as written.

Treasurer’s Report: Denise Bailey was absent, so the treasurer’s report was not voted on. With year-to-date income at $118,734.43 (84%) and operating expenses at $68,611.57 (45%) we have a $50,122.86 surplus.

President’s Report:  We have continued worship with Pastor Bruce Davis who will continue to supply through October.  We have Pastor Maggie Ainslie scheduled to be in person on October 10.
The compensation numbers were reviewed with Pastor Tim Garman and he was accepting of them. An official Synod form has to be completed and signed by the President, Secretary and Pastor before we can schedule the congregational vote.

MINISTRY TEAM REPORTS:

Call Committee:The Synod sent a form concerning the Pastoral duties, the compensation and benefits for a Pastor which needs to be completed and then signed by Pastor Timothy Garman, Council President Richard Hollenbach and Council Secretary Gail Achilles.  Once the form is completed and signed, the Synod can schedule a date for Pastor Tim to lead a worship service at Faith Lutheran Church and meet our Church family, and then we can hold a congregational vote.

Christian Education: Melissa Prunkel reported that Faith Lutheran kicked off their first week of Sunday school on Oct 3 in person and via zoom on Oct 6, Wednesday.  We hope and pray now that Children’s Bible School has officially begun, we will see a continual increase in the number of children seeking Christian education. Missy also will be contacting church members to see who is interested in helping out with a one week summer 2022 Vacation Bible School (VBS).  Then a meeting time will be scheduled to go over the VBS program and all the details of implementing an effective and fun program will be discussed.  Missy is looking by November to hold this meeting to allow her to order the VBS program at a discounted price by January 2022. It is never too early to begin planning such an important outreach program in our community for the children’s spiritual growth.

Finance:Adam Feldman will confirm with Denise that the 3rdand final payment was made for the furnaces. In addition, Rich confirmed that the $300 a month donation given by the Cross Church is put into General Funds account.  We continually pray for their congregation and our continual bond of our love of Jesus Christ.
The Finance Ministry Team will meet again on Thursday, October 28 at 7:00PM to marry the pledges with the proposed budget and send their recommendations to the Faith Congregational Council on Wednesday, November 3, 2021.

Health: Anne Hutnyk is working with Parish Nurse, Nancy Allegrezza to set up Blood Pressure checks outdoors/indoors.  Praying for healthy and good outcome.

Property Team: Vince Hill reported that we need our drains and downspouts cleaned out.  Very expensive to have this professionally done, therefore Vince and Adam are volunteering to do the work.  They can rent a drain camera for $250.00 a day to help locate the blockage (expense was approved in a previous council meeting) and believe this will save the church money in the long run.  Thank you, Vince and Adam, for stepping up to get this necessary work accomplished!

Social Ministry: Sharon Hood reported that our very generous congregation contributed a total of 337 afternoon snacks to Manna.  We have a generous, loving church family!  For October, Barley and Quinoa products are being requested.

Stewardship: Jack Walls could not be present for this meeting, but you can be certain Jack will keep us posted during announcements at Worship Service regarding stewardship.

Transportation: Dale Foster continues to deliver Wawa donated foods and offer transportation to anyone in need.

Worship & Music:Pastor Maggie Ainslie will be at church in person for our October 10 worship service.  Pastor Bruce Davis will be available for the remaining Sundays in October.

OLD BUSINESS:

Budget discussion for funding new pastor compensation.
Rich informed us that Pastor Tim (if he should get the Pastor position) requested to have part of his compensation be designated as housing for tax purposes. Also, Rich let us know that Pastor Penman noted the correct value for pastoral benefits which will be updated in the budget.

NEW BUSINESS

Faith Membership updates-

Removal Requests (3):
Michael Oscar-Loretti, Melody Oscar and Michael Oscar. All council members voted in favor of this removal request.
New Member Requests (4):
Sis (Dorothy) Rankel, Carmela LaRocco, Margaret O’Neill and John Siebold. All council members voted in favor of this new member request. Welcome new members to Faith Lutheran’s Church Family.

Coffee hour in Fellowship Hall-- Now permitting coffee hour in Fellowship Hall, with the following protocols to follow: There will be standing, table, and seating distancing, and masks must be worn at all times unless sitting to drink/eat. Our friends from Cross Church will also have use of fellowship hall following the same covid safety requirements. Outside fellowship may continue on fair weather days. All council members voted in favor of holding coffee hour in Fellowship Hall following the before mentioned guidelines.

Next Meeting: Wednesday, November 3, 2021, at 7pm.
Will be a hybrid meeting. Devotions will be led by Melissa.

Coffee with Council: Sunday,October 10, 2021, after worship.

November 2021 Mustard Seed - Note from Council Secretary

11/9/2021

Hello Church Family, straight from the Word of God and my Jesus loving heart.
Your Sister in Christ, Gail Achilles.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.  My heart leaps for joy,and with my song I praise him. (Psalm 28:7, NIV)
Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed, save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.  (Jeremiah 17:14, NIV)
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ[a] dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God.[b] 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:15-17, NRSV}
Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. (2 Corinthians 9:10, NIV)
Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking forward to the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life. (Jude 1:21, NASB)
Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.2 Worship the Lord with gladness;come before him with joyful songs.3 Know that the Lord is God.  It is he who made us, and we are his;we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.5 For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. (Psalm 100:1-5, NIV)
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. (1Chronicles16:34, NIV)
I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify him with thanksgiving.  (Psalm 69:30, ESV)
     I am the true….
Vine and, my Father is the gardener. (John 15:1, NIV) 5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain inyou, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. (John 15:5-8, NIV)
Iwill sing of your steadfast love, O Lord forever;with my mouth I will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations.   2 I declare that your steadfast love is established forever;your faithfulness is as firm as the heavens.(Psalm 89:1-2, NRSV)
   6Do…..
Not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  (Philippians 4:6-7, NIV)
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

October 2021 Mustard Seed - Announcements

10/10/2021

Christian Education
This year we’re going to return to an in-personSunday School program during the 10:30 a.m. serviceas well as continue with a “Sunday School” program on Wednesdays at 4:30pm via zoom!
    With everyone’s busy schedules and feelings about safety, we are happy to offer more options for children to learn about the Bible and our loving Heavenly Father.   We will be starting up on Sunday, October 3,2021 with teachers, Gail Achilles and Anita Halpern.  And then on Wednesday, October 6, 2021 with teachers, Nancy Gansner and Gail Achilles.  We will be using the Whirl curriculum, following lessons that go along with the lectionary (the lessons that are read each week.)
    Please come on Sunday morning or contact the church office at faithmont@verzion.net if you would like to be part of the Wednesday zoom class.  (Please make sure we have your email address so we can send you the zoom link.  Materials will also be sent to those participating on zoom.  A Bible will be provided to your child if they do not have one. Please let us know.)
    The lessons for October are:
Oct. 3 & 6:         Jesus Blesses the Children      Mark 10:2-16
Oct. 10 & 13:     A Camel through A Needle      Mark 10:17-31
Oct. 17 & 20:           James and John                Mark 10:35-45
Oct. 24 & 27:      Jesus Heals Bartimaeus        Mark 10:46-52
Oct. 31 & Nov. 3: The First Commandment        Mark 12:28-34

    For more information see, Melissa Prunkel, Education Leader

Adult Forum Bible Study
Adult Forum for adults is studying 1 and 2 Timothy. They will continue on Zoom for the foreseeable future.  Please consider joining using the link below.
All are welcome!
For more information or to get Zoom link, please see, Rich Hollenbach, Leader, or Janet Hill in the church office

Monday Night Bible Study
This Bible Study will meet at 7pm on Monday nights via zoom. They are studying “Finding I Am” by Lysa Terkeurst.  It is a 10-week study which began on September 20, 2021.
All are welcome to attend anytime.

If you have questions or would like the Zoom link: Call Gail Achilles on her home phone at (215) 675-1359 and leave a message and she’ll call you back.

Altar Flowers
We  again have beautiful fresh flowers on the altar!  Hatfield Flowers and Gifts ((215) 822-1530) provides Faith with two lovely flower arrangements to adorn our sanctuary.

You can sign up to sponsor flowers, bulletins or a food basket.  The flowers are still $35, the bulletins are $10 and the food basket is $25.

You can dedicate any one of these things to someone special, to celebrate a birthday or in memory of a loved one. You may take the flowers home or they will be given to an ill or homebound member.  The $10 for the bulletins is to help cover the cost of making the bulletins and the $25 for the food basket is money donated to “Manna on Main Street” to help feed those in the North Penn area.

To sign up for a particular Sunday either sign up on the chart on the Foyer bulletin board or call Janet in the church office (215) 368-0240.

“Lord, when did we see you…”
The social ministry team has decided that for the balance of this year, we will support Manna with needed items.

In September our Faith family donated 78 cans of tomatoes/sauce/paste.  We received this letter of thanks from Manna:

Thank you very much for your generous donation of food, tomatoes, sauce, pasta to Manna on Main Street. Your support, particularly at this time, is allowing us to continue serving those in need throughout this changing and uncertain time.

Since mid-March 2020—when we first saw school closures, stay-at-home orders, and job furloughs—more and more individuals and families have safely visited Manna for groceries and to-go meals. The number of those visiting Manna has remained at a consistently high level, while we provide groceries to over one thousand households and distribute several thousand meals each month.

Manna has always been a place of hope for those needing support during a difficult season. Over the past year, our mission has taken on new meaning as we continually modify our operations to safely and consistently provide meals and groceries for everyone in our community needing food and to help many with emergency financial assistance.

Weknow that the significant need for food and essential services will not go away when the pandemic begins to lift. The effects of unemployment and loss of income will be felt for months, if not years, into the future, and we plan to continue supporting our community as it finds its footing.

                               Sincerely, Suzan Neiger Gould, Executive Director

PS-Manna now accepts non-perishable food donations at our warehouse located at Lansdale Business Center (650 N. Cannon Avenue, Lansdale). Donations may be dropped off Monday through Friday, only, from 9am to 5pm. We appreciate you using this drop off location as it helps with food distribution planning and logistics.
For the month of October, we are requesting donations of quinoa and barley products, in an effort to provide healthier choices for those in our community. Bring your donations to church weekly, put them in the purple “barney bin” (in the coat closet), and at the end of the month they will be delivered to Manna.

Galatians 5:13 - For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity to indulge your flesh, but through love serve one another.

FINANCE COMMITTEE NEWS
In September the finance team worked on putting together the 2022 preliminary budget.  On Sunday, September 26ththat budget was made available to the congregation.  (If you did not receive your packet, please contact Janet in the church office.)

During this time we ask you to prayerfully consider your commitment to our congregational life in a variety of ways- your financial support (pledge) and also what gifts and time do you have to offer to the mission and ministry we are building and growing?

Included in the budget packet was a commitment sheet.   On Sunday, October 17, 2021 we will be returning our sheets with our commitment for 2022.  To submit your pledge you may bring it into church that day (or before), email it to Janet Hill (our Financial Secretary) at janetatfaith@verizon.net, drop it in the mail slot at church or mail it to church in the US mail. As we move closer to calling a new pastor we will have to know we are financially sound as we look forward to this exciting chapter in the life of Faith Lutheran Church.

The Finance Team will then meet to marry the pledges with the budget before presenting it to Council on November 3rd.
The final budget will be presented to the congregation and voted on at our January annual meeting.

God has blessed us so richly.   We are blessed to joyfully offer what we have first been given.

October 2021 Mustard Seed - Council Notes

10/10/2021

Council Notes - September 1, 2021

Council was called to order by President Rich Hollenbach.  Sharon Hood led devotions on a Church Health-Authentic Spirituality.  Minutes of the August regular council meeting were approved as written.

Treasurer’s Report: Denise Bailey pointed out that Net Revenue was minus $50.00 but is optimistic we will make it up in September.  All members voted in favor of approving the treasurer’s report.  With year-to-date income at $104,061.20 (74%) and operating expenses at $54,642.57 (367%) we have a $49,418.63 surplus.

President’s Report:  We have continued worship with Pastor Bruce Davis who will continue to supply through October.  We have Pastor Maggie Ainslie scheduled to be in person on September 19.
Our new Korean congregation will start on Sunday, September 12 at 1:30 p.m.
Council voted to proceed with Pastor Tim Garman as our pastoral candidate and we will be discussing the next steps in New Business.

MINISTRY TEAM REPORTS:

Call Committee:As Gail Achilles reported last month we, the call committee, forwarded Pastor Tim Garman to the next step in the process of calling a Pastor for Faith Lutheran Church, which is the Council Interview.  The Council Interview took place in person at Faith Lutheran Church on Sunday, August 29, at 2 pm.  All nine council members were present along with Pastor Garman.  Carol Taylor, representative from the Call Committee, assisted Pastor Garman while we voted after out interview.  Our nine church council members voted 8 yes and 1 no.  Therefore, we are moving Pastor Tim Garman to the next step of the call process, which is leading a worship service for the Faith Lutheran Church congregation and then taking the congregational vote.  The date has not yet been identified.

Christian Education: Melissa Prunkel proposed having Sunday school during the worship service and once a month or biweekly on Wednesday afternoon via zoom.  She has two teachers available for in church Sunday School during worship service and two teachers who will do zoom “Sunday School” probably on Wednesday 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm. The curriculum will be Sparkhouse which will work for both in church and on zoom.  Missy will contact the Parents of the children in the congregation to record their preference.   Monday night bible study will resume on Zoom at 7 pm on September 13.  We will discuss and decide at that time our first course of study.  Adult Forum plans to resume at 9 am on September 19.  All are welcome to join either or both study sessions.

Finance:Adam Feldman reported that the Finance Team will be meeting on September 17, 2021 to start 2022 budget preparations.

Fundraising:  Sharon Hood asked for a vote on full approval for scrapbooking fundraiser (point of contact: Chris Jones). This is planned for Oct 22, 23 with a limit of 12 attendees who will practice all protocol of covid restrictions. All council members voted in favor to approve this scrapbooking fundraiser.  Rich asked Sharon to forward this information to Linda, Chair of Fundraising, and to Chris Jones.

Health: Anne Hutnyk will touch base with Nancy Allegrezza, details to follow.

Hospitality/Fellowship: Janet Hill and Anne have been cleaning up the kitchen so it is usable whenever the ban is lifted. They thoughtfully cleaned out two cupboards for the Korean Church’s use when the ban is lifted.

Property Team: The sign is up and the insurance check will cover the full expense for the sign and permit.  Vince Hill reported that when the contractors for the furnaces opened up the ceiling tiles to complete their work, they informed Vince that insulation is needed to cover the pipes.  Vince is checking into this to determine if this is something he would be capable of accomplishing and save on the cost of the work.  Vince will follow-up with his findings at our next council meeting.  Melissa Prunkel thanked Vince and Adam for the loan of chairs for an event she coordinated at work.  She was very grateful for the outreach of hospitality.

Shepherding: Sharon Hood reported that the shepherding team received two thank you cards for the good work of the shepherding mission.  Sharon was very appreciative for their kindness.  “What goes around comes around!”

Social Ministry: In September we will be collecting “healthy” afternoon snacks for Manna on Main Street.

Special Funds:.  Sanctuary A/C repair request: $381.45 -Approved and processed.  Third and final furnace check request in September and will be paid.

Stewardship: Jack Walls plans to make an announcement on September 12 to the congregation.  Jack will meet with Pastor Penman regarding stewardship ideas. Missy talked about bringing up pledge increases in the future, probably in October.  Pastor Penman remarked that he noticed our congregation takes pledging and tithing seriously.  Thank you for noticing we are a spirit led congregation.

Transportation: Dale Foster is still distributing food where there is a need and providing transportation when a need arises.  Thank you, Dale!

Worship & Music:Services move back to 10:30 a.m. in September.
Pastor Bruce Davis has been scheduled through the end of October and Pastor Maggie Ainslie will be in person for the third Sunday in September and October.
Real flowers starting up again, sign-up chart posted in the Foyer.

OLD BUSINESS:

Startup Korean Congregation Request -
Starting on Sunday, September 12that 1:30 p.m.

NEW BUSINESS

Budget discussion for funding new pastor compensation (work in progress.) Council had a review of the SEPA Synod Compensation Guidelines for Pastors and discussed some options with Pastor Penman. Council will continue working out the details as we more toward an offer for Pastor Garman.

Next Meeting: Wednesday, October 6, 2021, at 7pm.
Will be a hybrid meeting. Devotions will be led by Anne.

Coffee with Council: Sunday, September 12, 2021, after worship.

October 2021 Mustard Seed - Note from Council Secretary

10/10/2021

Happy October Church Family,
When I first read the Bible from beginning to end three years ago with my Sisters in Christ in Monday night Bible study, I was enthralled by the book of Psalms.  The words expressed, the heartfelt prayers and praise, the thanksgiving, prophesies, the cries for help, the faithfulness, truly spoke to my heart filling it with love for our Heavenly Father.

Then I became a member of Church Council, and I was presented with a book, “Reading the Psalms with Luther.”  Luther referred to it as a “Little Bible.”  It was Luther’s daily prayer book mainly, in Luther’s own words “because it promises Christ’s death and resurrection and depicts His Kingdom and the condition and nature of all Christendom.”

I can relate to how Luther viewed the psalms and how they can be applied to our daily living.  Ever since my youth, I found the call to write passages that were God driven and Spirit led and filled with my faith and love for Jesus Christ.

This October, as we remember Luther’s reformation in forming the start of the Lutheran church, let us be thankful to the one true God and for all the blessings he bestows on His Children and all His Creation.  Let us be grateful for the entire Word of God, including the psalms, for showing us how to live as good and righteous Christians and growing in our love, our belief, and our relationship with Jesus, our Lord and Savior.  In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen

Here is a message inspired by the great I Am written in 2016 that I would like to share with my brothers and sisters in Christ:

Glorified in Your Light O’ God
By Gail Achilles (2016)

Open your ears and listen to His words of truth,
Open your heart and listen to His words of love.
Open your mind and listen to His words so wise.
Open your soul and in will flow His loving spiritual wisdom minus disguise.

Jesus we bow to you our Savior.
You are our Rock and Salvation
And guide to our human behavior.
When we honor and praise you we are glorified in Your Light!

You illuminate the path we must follow.
Though the trials are many, with You to our delight,
We will get through, and each time become closer to your
Likeness as we become more like You!

Let your light shine within us and make us complete,
And we will be able to gratefully accomplish this Holy Feat!

September 2021 Mustard Seed - Announcements

9/8/2021

Christian Education
The Christian Education team is still in discussion over the direction of Sunday School this year.  Chair, Melissa Prunkel will be in touch with the teachers and students (and their families) to check out interest and will come to a mutually agreed upon time for school aged children’s Christian education classes.
    For more information see, Melissa Prunkel, Education Leader

Adult Forum
Bible Study for adults will resume on Sunday, September 19, 2021 at 9:00 a.m.  They will start the year with 1 and 2 Timothy. They will continue on Zoom for the foreseeable future.  Please consider joining!
All are welcome!
For more information see, Rich Hollenbach, Leader

The Monday Night Bible Study will return at 7pm on Monday, September 13, 2021.  They will be deciding on what will be studied at that time.  They will continue to meet via zoom.
Contact Debbie Hollenbach for more information.

Fresh Flowers Return!
Beginning on Sunday, September 5, 2021 we will be having fresh flowers on the altar again!  Hatfield Flowers and Gifts ((215) 822-1530)will again be providing two lovely flower arrangements to adorn our sanctuary.

You can sign up to sponsor flowers, bulletins or a food basket.  The flowers are still $35 (one thing that has not gone up in price since Covid), the bulletins are $10 and the food basket is $25.

You can dedicate any one of these things for someone special, for a birthday or in memory of a loved one. You may take the flowers home or they will be given to an ill or homebound member.  The $10 for the bulletins is to help cover the cost of making the bulletins and the $25 for the food basket is money donated to “Manna on Main Street.”

To sign up for a particular Sunday either sign up on the chart on the Foyer bulletin board or call Janet in the church office (215) 368-0240.

Social Ministry
The social ministry team feels since more people are returning to worshipping in the sanctuary, it is time to schedule monthly social ministry projects. Therefore, for the balance of this year, we will support Manna with needed items.

For the month of September, we are requesting donations of afterschool snacks, like fruit cups, puddings, jellos, packs of peanut butter crackers, pack of cheese crackers, etc. Bring your donations to church weekly, put them in the purple “barney bin” (in the coat closet), and at the end of the month they will be delivered to Manna.

American Red Cross Blood Drive
Classrooms E/F
Thursday, September 2, 2021
and
Friday, September 3, 2021
8:00am to 3:00pm at Jefferson Lansdale Hospital

To make an appointment, please click on the link below
https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=Abington%20Lansdale%20Hospital

or go to www.redcrossblood.org
Enter Sponsor Code “Abington Lansdale Hospital”

Support for Haiti
“I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me, hear my words”(Psalm 17:6).
A devastating 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck southwest Haiti on Saturday morning. Over 1,400 people were killed, and that number is expected to increase as search-and-rescue efforts continue. Blocked roads are delaying the delivery of vital supplies to hospitals, which are overwhelmed with more than 6,900 injured people. At least 26,000 homes were damaged or destroyed, but the full extent of damage is still unknown. Haiti is also suffering through a political crisis and was hit by Tropical Storm Grace on Monday night, which caused severe flooding in communities already damaged by the earthquake.

For over two decades, the ELCA has maintained a presence in southern Haiti through support for agricultural and sustainable development work. To continue our engagement with those communities, Lutheran Disaster Response is collaborating with partner organizations in the communities to meet relief needs, including food, water, medical supplies and temporary shelter. In the future, other areas of support will include psychosocial care, water and sanitation, and creating sustainable livelihoods through agriculture and livestock. We also stand with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Haiti as it assesses damage and impacts on churches and church life.  Together, as church, we can be there for our neighbors in Haiti.

Your gifts will support earthquake survivors in Haiti. Gifts to “Haiti Crisis” will be used in full (100%) to assist those affected by the earthquake.

Ways to Give:  Checks or money orders can be sent to:
Lutheran Disaster Response
P.O. Box 1809
Merrifield, VA 22116-8009
Write "Haiti Crisis" on your check memo line.

Give by phone at 800-638-3522 or online

E-Giving Through Vanco
We continue to encourage online giving through Vanco.
* Electronic gifts are fast and secure
* Recurring donations can be scheduled and managed
* Giving can be with your credit card or banking information
Electronic giving has really benefitted our church during this time when we haven’t been able to worship in person.
Thank you to everyone who has signed up for online giving and also for those of you who continue to mail in your pledges!

If you would like to give electronically, visit our website (faithmontgomeryville.org) and click on the E-givingbutton.

September 2021 Mustard Seed - Council Notes

9/8/2021

Council Notes | August 4, 2021

Council was called to order by President Rich Hollenbach.  Rich Hollenbach led devotions on a Church Health-Loving Relationships.  Minutes of the June regular council meeting and the July Special meeting were approved as written.

Treasurer’s Report: Denise Bailey pointed out that Net Revenue had an increase of $5,600.00 bringing total net revenue year to date to around $49,000.00 which is a positive. All members voted in favor of approving the treasurer’s report.  With year-to-date income at $104,061.20 (74%) and operating expenses at $54,642.57 (367%) we have a $49,418.63 surplus.

President’s Report:  Hybrid worship continues with in-person and Zoom, recording posted to our Facebook page. We have continued worship with Pastor Bruce Davis who will continue to supply through October.  We had Pastor Maggie Ainslie in June and in person in July. I (Rich) will coordinate with her for September.

The Furnace work has been completed and the balance will be paid over three months.
I had hoped that we could relax our masking policy but with the increase of COVID cases the CDC is back to recommending masking while indoors so we will discuss in New Business.

MINISTRY TEAM REPORTS:

Call Committee:Gail Achilles reported that our Call Team has been interviewing a candidate for Pastor since the end of April and as of August 4 informed the candidate that we all voted to move this candidate forward to our Church Council.  More details will follow.

Christian Education: Melissa Prunkel reported that she will be contacting parents of Sunday school students to ask whether they are interested in having Sunday School during the worship service (following all covid protocols) or via zoom.  Since Sunday school rooms are not officially open yet Pastor Penman suggested a third option would be to have Sunday School students gather at a park for instance once a month for fellowship, weather permitting of course.  Missy stated that she only heard from the Monday Night bible study participants about doing some sort of retreat.  Missy is still exploring any interest and retreat ideas. Monday night bible study and Adult Forum will start up again in September.

Vice President Adam Feldman read the finance team meeting report and added that the Fire Department is planning to do yearly inspections. Adam also brought up the bill for the repair of the Sanctuary air conditioners for $381.45. Rich said that he will put forth this bill through Special Funds.

Evangelism: In Dale Foster’s absence, Gail reported that Faith Lutheran Church is sponsoring a new Compassion International Child named Joao.  Joao replaced Vladimir who is no longer in the Compassion International Program. The Prunkel Family kindly volunteered to be Joao’s pen pal.  So as of this date, our Church sponsors two children:  Joao from Brazil and Bunga from Indonesia (Gail has been Bunga’s pen pal since 2017).  Children always appreciate receiving mail so if you ever feel called to write to the children we sponsor, please notify the church office and you will be given the data you need.

Fundraising:  Memory Keepers Scrapbooking in Fellowship Hall - 10/22-23 Rich made the motion to tentatively approve now as far as taking reservations for this event and holding the dates.  Final approval and covid restrictions to follow will be discussed at September’s council meeting.   All council members voted in favor to approve the motion.

Hospitality/Fellowship: Anne Hutnyk reported that she has been cleaning the kitchen and was grateful to Adam for the beautiful job he did in painting the kitchen closet.

Property Team: Vince Hill reported that the fire inspection approved all work that was done.  Vince also stated that he took steps to improve safety and security for our church and local community.  He explained that Adam temporarily donated a camera which was set up to see the back of the church parking lot and property.  Vince said that there were a few instances caught on camera which Adam and he were able to intervene and stop unsafe happenings on church property. Vince would like to talk about procuring two cameras (estimated at $160.00 each) at our September council meeting.   Adam informed us that we have signage to inform public “Property is under 24-hour surveillance.”  Vince also informed us that Property has solar panels credits that can be sold up to $37.00 each and will wait a few weeks to decide if the time is right to sell them.  Rich asked about how far our property goes into the woods behind the parking lot where the pond is located.  Vince replied that we are about ten feet past where the water starts.

Social Ministry: Social Ministry is going to be asking for donations of tomato sauce and diced and whole tomatoes for Manna during the month of August.  Our goal is 100 cans.
We are looking to have a different donation request each month for September, October and November.
December will be Angel Tree and Gemma (formerly Martin Luther School.)
We are planning on having a meeting in the Fall to plan 2022.

Special Funds: Emergency Exit Signs: $710.93 – Approved and paid.  Sanctuary A/C repair request: $381.45 will be handled through Special Funds approval process.

Stewardship: Jack Walls reported that VANCO did a refresh on the app and he will get together something to submit in the Fall about e-giving.   Also, Jack will be looking at congregational membership to try and reengage members to come back to the church.  Jack is optimistic that this could happen with the installation of a new Pastor.

Worship & Music:Pastor Bruce Davis has been scheduled through the end of October.  Will be contacting Pastor Maggie Ainslie for possible September & October 3rdSundays.
Music: The music selection has been working out, but we need a lead singer (which Laura Cooper can do if playing piano but not if playing organ and Rich can do if in attendance) to keep the congregation on track with the music.
Missy brought up whether we can begin to have real flowers on altar. Rich will check on costs and follow up on this decision. Looking to start again in September.

OLD BUSINESS:

Update on constitution.We have the draft but waiting until we call a new pastor to continue the work.
Audit Completed: report submitted on June 17, 2021

NEW BUSINESS

Startup Korean Congregation Request -
Rich and Janet will have a follow up meeting with Pastor Park to get more clarification on their specific requests. Need to also look at how we can work together to further the kingdom in our community.
Continuing COVID Restrictions:
1. Worship: will continue via zoom and in person. If in person,
  1. Keep masks – especially for kids
  2. Singing will be permitted with masks
  3. No choir singing
  4. Still have sanitizers
  5. No reservations needed, no temp checks
  6. Still no indoor fellowship after church
2. Meetings: Rich made the motion that meetings can be in person in the building now but will also be on zoom. In person must adhere to the following guidelines and process meeting request forms through Adam. Jack seconded the motion, and all council members voted in favor to approve the motion.
  1. Social distancing
  2. Masks worn
  3. No food or drink

Next Meeting: Wednesday, September 1, 2021, at 7pm.
Will be a hybrid meeting. Devotions will be led by Sharon.

Coffee with Council: This Sunday, August 8, 2021, after worship.

September 2021 Mustard Seed - Note from Council Secretary

9/8/2021

Hello Church Family,
I am Gail Achilles connecting through the Word of God.  Hope your summer was as refreshing and wonderful as mine.  Gathering with family and friends indoors and outdoors works wonders for the soul.  As we enter September for me it always seems like a new beginning.  A fresh start.  A renewal of sorts.  I can remember on Pentecost Sunday 7 years ago when my husband Ernie and I became members of Faith Lutheran Church.  We were there to worship our Lord and to have fellowship with the congregation and to have our souls fed by not only the pastor but all the believers we met at Faith through your words and actions led by Christ alone.

Then that first September rolled around and inside the Sunday bulletin was an insert for Ernie and I to fill out listing our gifts so that we might do God’s work as his disciples and not just show up once a week and be receivers, but maybe the note was saying become doers.  I looked at Ernie, and asked, “What special gifts do we have that would benefit Faith Church and its congregation?  We are not near the level of Christian/Lutheran knowledge found in the people of Faith.”

Aha!  I soon found out from attending service, joining bible study classes, and from my faithful friends at Faith that we are all God’s children and when we are baptized we receive the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit which we learn from the apostle Peter from the book of Acts 2:38:  Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

WHAT ARE THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT?
wisdom ● understanding ● counsel ● fortitude ● knowledge ● piety ● fear of God

These gifts were spoken in the Old Testament in Isaiah 11:1-3:
1 A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.  2 The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the LORD—3 and he will delight in the fear of the Lord.  He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears.” (The phrase, “Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit,” is a title of the devotional application of Isaiah. (https://www.biblestudytools.com).

Another aha moment:  Ernie and I do not have to be highly educated theologians, for we are endowed by our Creator with the gifts of the Holy Spirit like all Christ followers.  So we do have gifts that we can share as God’s disciples and be pleasing to our Lord. We all do!

We learn from the book of 1 Corinthians 12-14 12 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by[c] one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 14 Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.”

Aha moment again.  We are all God’s Children in His Church as we believe in Christ and are baptized by His Spirit, even with all our diversity we can each bring our own uniqueness to strengthen His Church.  So when we are called to offer up our gifts, we all have something unique to give.  Many know this, many are aware of the spirit that is within them and use it for the good of others already.  Listen what Romans 8:14 tells us:  14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.

Ernie and I began to see where we could be doers and not just receivers and, in so doing draw a closer relationship with the Lord by fulfilling His will and following His plans for us.

Hear His Words in Jeremiah 1:5: Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.

All believers possess these wonderful gifts God bestowed on us through His Holy Spirit.  We just have to develop them by practicing them on a daily basis and follow in His footsteps as we spread His Good Word through our word and actions.  We learn in Galatians 5:22-23 as we grow with Christ we enjoy the fruits of His Spirit: 22…love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,23gentleness, self-control, against such things there is no law.  Please take note how generous our Lord is to us!

In Jesus, our Savior’s Holy Name, I close with a Psalm of David Chapter 62 verses 1, 6, 7:   1. My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him…6. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken…7. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge.  Our God is Good!  Thank you Lord for empowering us with your Holy Spirit.  Amen.
--Gail Achilles, Call Committee Chair and Council Secretary
(So when you see those sign-up sheets in the bulletin, or in the pews, or on the tables in the foyer, do not sell yourself short.  We all have God given gifts to share!  Just imagine what we can do with His spiritual gifts and fruits not only for our Church, but for all of God’s creation).

August 2021 Mustard Seed - Announcements

8/4/2021

Reopening the Church
The new guidelines for in-person worship will be as follows:

Masks will continue to be worn while in the church for worship but most other restrictions have been lifted.
Singing will now be permitted.
Temperature checks will no longer be taken.
No reservations are needed to attend worship.
All restrooms and water fountains will be open.
We will still provide the sanitizers throughout the building.
We still won't have coffee hours after church but will allow folks to socialize outside the building after the service.

Council will continue to monitor and will update the restrictions as deemed necessary.

“Lord, when did we see you…”
The social ministry team feels since more people are returning to worshipping in the sanctuary, it is time to schedule monthly social ministry projects. Therefore, for the balance of this year, we will support Manna with needed items.

For the month of August, we are requesting donations of cans of tomato sauce, cans of diced tomatoes or cans of whole tomatoes. Our goal is 100 cans! You know the drill - watch the local food ads for sales on these items and bring your donations to church weekly, put them in the “barney bin”, and at the end of the month they will be delivered to Manna.

Galatians 5:13 - For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity to indulge your flesh, but through love serve one another.

Are you interested in a retreat with your brothers and sisters in Christ?
We are trying to find out if there is interest in a time of renewal and reconnection in the form of a church retreat. If you are interested, would it be a couple’s retreat, a men’s retreat, a women’s retreat or an all church retreat, or something else?  If you are interested or have any suggestions please email or call the church at faithmont@verizon.net or 215-368-0240 or reach out to Melissa Prunkel or Janet Hill

Faith’s Transportation Initiative
Even though we are not transporting anyone to appointments at this time, Dale Foster is still bringing Wawa food to those in our congregation and our community who are in need of a little extra food.  (Through the Food Donation Connection program we receive food from Wawa every Tuesday and Thursday.  It is mostly Sizzlies, bagels, pastries etc. that are left over from the day before and stored in Wawa’s freezer.)  Thank you, Foster family, for making sure those in our church family and our community are taken care of!

Please continue to fill the HELPSY bin!
When cleaning out your closets please fill the blue Helpsy bin at the end of our parking lot with used clothing and shoes (IN ANY CONDITION.) Faith receives $600 annually from this community outreach.

Technology Volunteers
We are looking for a few volunteers who are willing to learn and help with the technology behind our virtual and in-person worship services. Each week we host our Zoom meeting for worship as well as running the video cameras and sound system in the sanctuary.  Over the past year we have refined this process and it’s running very smoothly now. But it’s being managed by the same few people every week and we are looking to train others to share in this responsibility.  We have engaged a professional to help review our processes and to provide training and want to have other volunteers participate.  Please contact Rich Hollenbach if you are interested

Redner's Receipts
If you shop at Redner’s, please save your receipts.  Anna Friedrich turns them in and the church receives a monetary donation from Redner’s.  All you need to do is either bring your receipts to church or call Janet at the church office and someone will come and pick them up.  Thank you to those who bring in their receipts and to Anna who does the paperwork to receive this donation!

August 2021 Mustard Seed - Council Notes

8/4/2021

Minutes of a Special Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church Council Meeting
July 11, 2021

Call to Order: by President Rich Hollenbach at 10:18 am
Present: Gail Achilles, Adam Feldman, Dale Foster, Vince Hill, Rich Hollenbach, Sharon Hood, Melissa Prunkel. Absent: Anne Hutnyk and Jack Walls

President Rich Hollenbach called a special council meeting to approve the additional $1850.00 payable to IT Landes for Duct work repairs/revisions for second floor classrooms discovered while installing the new furnaces. Rich also explained that this brings the total remaining balance to $22,272.25 for furnace work payable to IT Landes over a 3-month period interest free ($7,424.08 per month). Of the $22,272.25 balance: $9,545.76 will come from the Heating/AC Fund and the remaining $12,726.49 will be taken from the Thrivent Moderately Conservative Account. A motion to approve was made by Rich Hollenbach, Melissa Prunkel seconded the motion, and all members present and Jack Walls in absentia voted in favor to approve the additional cost and the method of payment.

Property Team: Vince informed us of the results of the Fire Inspection of the Church Building performed on July 1, 2021. Adam Feldman was able to take care of the power strip issues and put back ceiling tiles and insulation (from the furnace work). However, we have to replace all the exit signs and emergency lights for a cost of $710.93. Vince said that $600.00 could come from the Property budget however President Hollenbach noted that he will coordinate with the Special Funds team to process the requested amount of these repairs. Vince also said that all work will be completed by Thursday, July 15, 2021, for the follow up inspection.

Meeting was adjourned by President Rich Hollenbach at 10:27 am.

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