The Lord of Love Lutheran Worshiping Community Steering Committee meeting covered the following: 1) Pastor Hill discussed plans for an Alpha Program outreach event in the spring and upcoming Reformation Sunday and Christmas events. 2) The treasurer's report showed the church operating near break even and procedures being developed for counters. 3) Action items included finalizing a giving campaign, anniversary celebration plans, nominating committee establishment, and float participation in the Halloween parade.

1. Lord of Love Lutheran Worshiping Community
Steering Committee Meeting Minutes (Unapproved)
October 13, 2010
Present: Nancy Peterson, Milan Blaho, Duane Olivier, Rev. Dennis Hill, Paul Murphy, Judy Dixon,
Diane Beemster, Zach Gronewold, Jim Lynn
Absent: Liz Mitchell
Nancy Peterson called the meeting to order at 6:03 P.M.
Pastor’s Report
Rev. Hill discussed the possibility of having the Alpha Program at Lord of Love in the spring.
This program is an outreach to the community, as well as those who want to review basic Christian
faith practices. Reformation Sunday is October 31st
with “Martin Luther” visiting Lord of Love, and
Pastor John Califf will be conducting educational classes as well as preaching on November 14th
. This
day will provide the congregation with information regarding the Northern Illinois Synod, LOMC and
work in Tanzania as well.
Dennis also reported that the United Churches of Galena Thanksgiving service will be on
November 21st
, the Sunday before Thanksgiving, and that Lord of Love’s Christmas program is
planned for December 9th
. The Christmas Eve service is being planned and will be held at the
Ramada.
It was reported that grant money in the amount of $2,500 has been given to Lord of Love by
the ELCA. Dennis indicated that a key factor in our continuing to receive grant money is that the
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2. church gives 15% of ordinary income back to the Synod for its ministries.
Dennis also indicated there are six people who have expressed an interest in joining Lord of
Love. Dale Freres is working on a series of ads for Lord of Love. The Kids Club, which includes
children in 5th
grade and below, meets on Wednesdays. The next Women’s Bible Study will focus on
the Book of John. The Mutual Ministry Committee will begin to meet every other month and will
handle any conflicts between church members that may arise.
Treasurer’s Report
Duane provided his monthly report as well as a report summary of all funds and accounts
year to date through September. While Lord of Love has continued to operate in the black in its short
history, we are more or less breaking even on our operating expenses. Duane also reported that he is
working on procedures for the counters who will process church collections. He requested that
members of the Steering Committee volunteer to do this task and reiterated the need for
confidentiality regarding members’ donations.
Approval of the Treasurer’s report was moved by Diane and seconded by Paul and was
approved unanimously.
Action Items
• Walking with Jesus giving program will begin this week with a letter of introduction from
Pastor Hill. This letter will take the form of both an eblast and a bulletin insert. The actual
program will begin October 24th
and end November 14th
with a brunch after Pastor Califf’s
programs. Part of the program involves testimony from congregational members. Ed
Schmidt and Marilyn Huszar were named as possible participants in this program.
• The First Anniversary Celebration is well underway. Judy will be handling the finances for
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3. this event. Members are to write checks out to Lord of Love and indicate it is for the first
anniversary dinner. We will then write a check to the Elks closer to the event. The cost is $10
per person. This amount does not include tips and there will be tip baskets provided for
donations at the event. Steering Committee members are requested to provide an appetizer
or dessert for 10 people, and to email Judy with information about their contributions.
Nancy is to invite Bishop Wollersheim, Pastor Nordby and their wives to join us in that
celebration. Dennis will invite members of the United Churches of Galena.
• The agenda for the Congregational Meeting for October 24th
includes the establishment of a
Nominating Committee, a review of the church’s goals and comments regarding our progress
against those goals, and a reminder about the Walking with Jesus program. Ideally, the
Nominating Committee is comprised of 4 people, 2 of whom are outgoing members of the
Steering Committee.
• Zach reported that he has the application, transportation and trailer ready for our
participation in the Halloween parade October 30th
. There is no charge for our participation.
He is developing a wish list for donations, including bottled water, candy and invitation to
the Martin Luther event the following morning, as well as volunteers to be on the float.
Banners with the message All Are Welcome and Lord of Love will be prominent. Members of
the congregation are needed to be in costume on the float, with Dennis “preaching”.
• Milan made a motion and Duane seconded the motion to establish a pulpit supply policy that
follows ELCA guidelines for guest pastors. Nancy will provide the Steering Committee with a
copy of the ELCA guidelines. The motion was approved unanimously.
Old Business
Nancy provided the list of six goals that the Steering Committee established as our goals
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4. through the end of 2011 in our retreat early in the summer. The Steering Committee will review
these goals and submit a “report card” via email to Nancy by October 20th
, so that she can consolidate
the comments and have them ready for the congregational meeting on the 24th
. This will give our
members the information they need to not only review what the Steering Committee is doing but also
how they might participate in the ministries represented in our planning. Further, establishment of
procedures will further clarify roles and relationships between the Committee Chairs and the
Steering Committee.
New Business
Diane provided the Committee with a recap of the Worship and Music Committee meeting
for review. The committee will present recommendations for mid-week services next month.
The suggestion was made that Steering Committee Minutes are included in the new monthly
newsletter as well as archived on the website. The committee will ask Liz for electronic copies of the
minutes so that we can communicate to our members what the Steering Committee is doing.
There was discussion regarding how some lack of procedures regarding committee
reporting and some lack of overview by the Steering Committee can cause some problems in
guidance, communication and decision-making. The Steering Committee will address these issues
and put in place policies that minimize confusion or conflict. The review of goals is the first step, and
then procedures will be put in place to help all of us involved in ministries achieve these goals. These
discussions will be part of next month’s agenda.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 PM.
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