Council Notes
by Dave Raymond
The February council meeting was
the first meeting in two and a half
years where we weren’t reacting to
transitions and the consolidation. This
allowed us to pay more attention to
the big picture than we could before.
We started with a recap of Carver
Policy Governance®, a method that
the Council has used for years to keep
our focus on the big picture instead
of micro management. Under policy
governance the job of the council
is to set the vision and direction,
delegate execution to the lead pastors,
and monitor progress to assure
accountability.
We welcomed our new president-elect,
Lisa Hedden and new council member
Kate Mortenson.
Our guest was Ellie Roscher,
Bethlehem’s Director of Youth and
Story Development, who told us
how increasing numbers of young
adults are engaging with Bethlehem
at both campuses. The numbers
aren’t huge, but they are noticeably
higher than recent years with
a lot more involvement. Young
adults are mentoring confirmation
students, accompanying youth on
mission trips, meeting informally,
participating in worship, serving in
leadership positions and, thanks to
Nels Thompson, leading the Lutefisk
Dinner. Augsburg University’s
Riverside Innovation Hub is studying
young adult involvement at Bethlehem
and several other churches. Bethlehem
may be more engaged with the
Innovation Hub in the future.
Ben led conversation about how
Bethlehem might respond to this
largely organic movement and how
we might resource it. He talked
about how the congregation might
relate to the reinvigorated Lutheran
Campus Ministry at the University of
Minnesota.
At every meeting we receive pastor,
staff and ministry reports and take
time to break into small groups to pray
for each other and for the ministry and
mission of Bethlehem.
YOUR GIVING MAKES A DIFFERENCE
by Pastor Bob Wertz, Pastor of Stewardship and Planned Giving
An i mportant milestone is just around the corner—
the one year anniversary of Bethlehem’s $3M, three-
year Opening New Doors mission appeal. Launched
in mid-May 2017, this appeal addresses three critical
ministry needs not funded through our annual
budget:
1) essential building improvements and renovations
at both Minneapolis and Minnetonka related to water
infiltration as well as other key building upgrades;
2) financial support of Pastor Meta Carlson’s position;
3) support of three outreach ministries—Beacon Interfaith Collaborative Housing,
Global Health Ministries, and Lutheran Partners in Global Ministries—in the
amount of 15% of gifts received.
We are pleased to announce that progress continues on both the gift-receiving
side of the ledger as well as the work, and expenses incurred and paid for, to
cover these three priorities! Some highlights of the congregation’s financial
support and work over these last ten months:
• As of mid-March, 272 individuals/families have contributed $680,868 to the
appeal.
• Two hundred and twenty-six individuals/families have pledged $1,418,535 to
date.
• In Minneapolis, roofers have worked continuously throughout the winter
to install new slate and flashing (and insulation where needed). The south
side of the 2001 addition was addressed first, and the northeast section is
currently where work is being done.
• With weather soon improving, our masonry subcontractor will be resuming
work on a number of degraded areas where masonry, mortar, or caulking
work is required.
• With special above-and-beyond designated gifts to help offset costs, Langemo
Lounge is 100% complete, as is the enhanced video and audio upgrade in the
sanctuary.
• In Minnetonka, carpeting, painting, office furniture, and air conditioning
have vastly improved the hospitality quotient of the space, and all of the
originally planned “must-do” items are completed.
• Moving forward in Minnetonka, the Facilities Task Force is looking to
upgrade the lighting in the near future in both the narthex and sanctuary,
install ceiling tiles in the Activity Room to satisfy a code requirement, and
patch the sanctuary roof. In Minneapolis, that same task force continues
to monitor the pricing of the work in the choir room in light of the initial
projected costs being considerably higher than anticipated. Alternative
(less costly) renovations, as well as a later start time (summer of 2019) are
being considered. Additionally, LED lighting fixtures and upgrades in the
Minneapolis sanctuary are due to be installed in mid-to-late summer 2018.
MANY thanks to all those who have already stepped up and made a gift and/or
pledge to the appeal. Your generosity is what has fueled this effort to date! Our
leadership team looks forward to making a special ask to those who have yet
to make a gift or pledge to the appeal around the time of the anniversary of the
appeal (May 15). Look for further details in the CONNECT newsletter, Livewire,
and the mail in the near future!
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