KANSAS DISTRICT OF THE LUTHERAN CHURCH - MISSOURI SYNOD

Kansas District Office Building

  Topeka, Kansas

October 28, 2006

Minutes of the regular meeting of the Board of Directors of The Kansas District of The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod held in Topeka, Kansas on  October 28, 2006.

Board of Directors and Staff present:

            President: Rev. Keith E. Kohlmeier

Vice-Presidents: Rev. Ed Trost, Rev. David Meier, Rev. Robert Grimm, Rev. Randy Jahnke

            Secretary: Rev. Robert Schaedel

Treasurer:  Mark Zillinger

            Pastors: Rev. Bert Tegtmeier, Rev. Rodney Fritz

            Commissioned Ministers: Ed Bierbaum, Dennis Hintz, Joyce Duitsman, Mark Schotte

                        Laity: Barb Teske, Ken Jorns, Walt Frederking, Betty Kruse, Steve Hanschu, Doug Wolters, Ivan Grimm, Max Eberhart

Staff: Larry Crume, Jim Bradshaw, Debra Crites, Garry Niehoff, Rev. Rocky Mease, Rev. Eugene Schmidt

Absent:  Marvin Kohlmeier

Christ-care devotion was led by Barb Teske.

                                                                        MINUTES

The meeting was called to order by President Keith E. Kohlmeier.  A quorum being present, President Kohlmeier declared that the meeting was ready to proceed with business.

The minutes of the August 1, 2006 meeting were reviewed and approved.

                                                                  Treasurer’s Report

                                                                          Mark Zillinger

The financial summary for the year ended October 15, 2006 of the Kansas District – LCMS is provided for your review.  An analysis of the highlights follows:

ü      District Congregational Receipts collections are 72.8% of the budget projections.  The three quarters fiscal receipts are $47,619 more than the previous year at this time.

ü      Congregational receipts exceed pledges by approximately 1.17% or $14,264. 

ü      The remaining Income items are 68.2% of budget projections.

ü      The Synodical Pledge, which represents 30.2% of the total expense, is 72.8% of budget projections.  This pledge is 42% of congregational receipts.

ü      The remaining 69.8% of the expense is 68.4% of the budget projections.

ü      Staff Salaries represent approximately 24.7% of the expenses and is 64.9% of the budget projections.

ü      Travel expense is 63.8% of budget projections.

It was moved and seconded to file the Treasurer’s report.

ADOPTED

                                                                  Board of Missions

                                                                     Ed Bierbaum, Chair

RESOLUTION 06D-04-01              Ablaze Strategy Team

WHEREAS Resolution 06C-04-06 resolved that an Ablaze leadership team be formed after the ABLAZE Convocation and that they hold an ABLAZE Strategy Retreat to develop a response to the ABLAZE Convocation, therefore be it

RESOLVED that the Board of Directors authorize the President of the District to appoint members of the Ablaze Strategy Team in consultation with the interim Mission/Stewardship Executive Director and the Mission Awareness Coordinator to serve in this vital movement.

            ADOPTED

The board receives with thanksgiving the anticipated gift of an endowment fund from Don and Cleone Neff to encourage the training of future pastors who are fluent in speaking Spanish. 

Interim Mission Exec., Gene Schmidt presented his report.

The Call Committee for the Mission/Stewardship Exec. position presented their report.  A revised Ministry Description (Position Description) was presented to the Board for approval. 

RESOLUTION 06D-04-02   Ministry Description:  Assistant to District President for Missions and Stewardship

RESOLVED that the Kansas District Board of Directors approve the revised Ministry Description for the position of Assistant to the District President for Missions and Stewardship. 

The Board discussed some of the suggested changes in the Ministry Description.

It was agreed to add “and will serve as a member of the Executive Staff” to the Summary of Purpose paragraph and to change District Handbook to SOPM in the Tenure of Office paragraph.

It was also agreed to change (under the Relationships paragraph) “ministerial team” to “Executive Staff”.

It was moved and seconded to amend the Ministry Description by removing item # 5 (Authority and Responsibility)  [“Serving under the direction of the President as his representative in dealing with personnel issues among the District’s support staff.”]   Motion to amend:  ADOPTED

It was moved and seconded to amend item # 14 (Authority and Responsibility) by adding “and/or the District President” at the end.  Motion to amend:  ADOPTED

Resolution as Amended:  ADOPTED  (a copy of the amended Ministry Description is attached to these Minutes)

Board of Parish Education

                                                                    Doug Wolters, Chair

Task Forces/Events Reports

Family Life Ministry—The 5 Family Ministry Basics workshops, which were used by the FLM Committee to jump start the next Academy, were conducted on the following dates:  09/30/06—Bethany/Overland Park, 10/07/06—Trinity/Salina, 10/21/06—Zion/Independence, and 2 workshops at the 10/13/06 ABLAZE Convocation.  45 churches and 70 attendees were represented.

Singles – Next retreat is March 2-4, 2007 at Camp Webster in Salina.

Youth – The District Youth Gathering event is 11/17-19/06 in Topeka (500+ registered with 44 congregations represented); The National Youth Gathering is taking place in 2007 with an Adult Gathering taking place at the same time.   

Adult Ed Subcommittee – We are now accepting nominations.  E-mail any recommendations to Jim Bradshaw.

Joint meeting with Board of Stewardship – “Here’s My Buck…for Youth Ministry!”  Vicki Lessman (Lay Assistant and Youth Director at Trinity/Wichita, as well as National Youth Gathering Kansas rep) and A J Longabaugh (a Kansas District Lutheran Youth Fellowship Rep) presented a new, fun and unique way to help the LCMS Youth Ministry department’s financial resources—a one-dollar donation from everyone in Synod!  The idea was started by an LCMS youth (Stephen Kreher).  When Stephen realized that only $15,000 was budgeted annually for the LCMS Youth Ministry office (which figures out to be $.10 per youth) he began to envision how much more effective the LCMS Youth Ministry office could  be if more funds were available to provide youth and youth workers with more resources and a more effective youth ministry.

The Board of Stewardship and Board of Education jointly and unanimously agreed to a resolution                     which will be presented by the Board of Stewardship.

Media Library – Joyce Tate shared some brief history of the Media Library, dating back to the 1970s.  The Board discussed the state of the media library and its staffing.  We reviewed the previous three year usage report submitted by current media librarian, Beth Eubanks, which shows the following:  2004 – 318 videos checked out; 2005 – 214; and the first ten months of 2006 – 123. 

RESOLUTION 06D-03-01                Media Library

WHEREAS, the Board of Education has determined, thus far, in its year-long study of the Media Library,  that there has been a significant reduction in its usage over the past several years and that memberships have declined; and,

WHEREAS, the technology in video media has shifted from our current use of the VHS format to the DVD format and other media; and,

WHEREAS, our congregations have the capacity to download videos off of the Internet and access additional online resources and all of our Lutheran day schools have the capability of accessing video resources through the Lutheran School Portal; and,

WHEREAS, most LCMS Districts no longer operate Media Libraries; therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education will conclude its study of the future of the Media Library in 2007 with final recommendations to be forthcoming; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education will waive all 2007 Media Library memberships and encourage all Kansas District congregations and schools to freely access current materials and then assess usage; and, be it finally

RESOLVED, that the hours of the Media Librarian be reduced to one hour per week, effective beginning January 16, 2007, to maintain basic usage of services into 2007.

                        ADOPTED

Jim Bradshaw, Education and Youth Exec., presented his report.

                                                            Board of Administration

                                                                     Rodney Fritz, Chair

Acknowledgement of Gifts                                                            

RESOLUTION 06D-01-01                Acknowledgement of Gifts

RESOLVED that the Kansas District Board of Directors acknowledge the gifts received with the designation as follows:

            Guinea Partnership                                $     500.00

            Guinea Theological Educator                 $  6,320.00

            District Scholarship Fund                      $     197.50

            District Retreat Center              $  6,822.00

            Undesignated                                        $14,345.97

                                    Total                            $28,185.47

                     ADOPTED 

Authorization of Account Signers

RESOLUTION 06D-01-02                Authorization of Account Signers     

RESOLVED that the account signers for all District checking and investment accounts shall be Mark Zillinger, Debra Crites or Larry Crume.  Any one signature may be used on checks or by electronic means for all expenses up to $25,000.  Two signatures are required over $25,000.  Facsimile signature of any one of the authorized signers will be allowed as necessary.  

ADOPTED

Designation of 2007 Housing Allowance

RESOLUTION 06D-01-03                2007 Housing Allowance Designation

RESOLVED that the Board of Directors for the Kansas District establish the housing allowance for 2007 as follows:  Rev. Keith Kohlmeier - $40,000; Rev. Rocky Mease - $35,000; James Bradshaw - $26,430; the position of Mission & Stewardship Executive - $28,700.

                        ADOPTED

Business office and LCEF Assistant

Tami Lierz has been hired in the Business and LCEF offices.

Camp Tomah- Shinga

The District has received release of liability on the line of credit loan to Tomah Shinga.

RESOLUTION  06D-01-04        Camp Tomah- Shinga

RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors give thanks to God for the partnership with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA) in the joint operation of the ministry of Camp Tomah Shinga in the past and prayers for God’s blessings as the ELCA carries this ministry forward in the years to come.

ADOPTED

Christ the King, Dighton

Christ the King, Dighton, KS recently passed a resolution to dissolve their congregation on or before January 1, 2008.  They believe they have sufficient funds to cover their outstanding debts until the corporation is dissolved.  It is also their intent to donate all real and personal property to the District upon dissolution.

At this time we do not have an estimate of what financial support the District will need to provide. They have a limited amount of funds at this time but those will likely be used to pay existing obligations. The Executive Council will present a resolution to cover an additional $1,000 in potential expenses of the congregation. They have obtained an attorney who will provide legal services to close the corporation. It was suggested that we look at obtaining insurance now rather than waiting until it is formally vacant.

RESOLUTION 06D-01-05                Christ the King, Dighton

RESOLVED that the Board of Directors authorize District staff to take necessary steps to assist the congregation in ceasing operations and preparations for the reception and disposal of real and personal property from Christ the King, Dighton.

                        ADOPTED

Updates

Ø Convention assessments- Still waiting on information from Synod to finalize numbers and get to congregations. Board authorized up to $1.95 at the July meeting.

Ø Ablaze Convocation- Had 572 at the event. Support from Kansas District for the conference will be about $26,000. Board previously authorized up to $47,000+.

Ø Discussed building maintenance items. The Board directed staff to obtain estimates for major items (roofing and heating/air).

Ø Standard Operating Procedures Manual (SOPM) - Will incorporate several separate manuals into one. (Personnel manual, district handbook and operations manual). Hope to have a preliminary draft by early next year.

                                                          Salary Review Committee

                                                                      Dennis Hintz, Chair

District Staff Salary Guidelines

The committee reviewed the 2006 District staff salary proposal. The proposed salaries are included in the 2007 Ministry Plan the Board has been provided.  It is noted that there are several on staff who have “capped out” on the salary multipliers. Continuing work needs to be done to ensure that salaries remain fair and equitable.

RESOLUTION 06D-07-01                District Staff Salary Guidelines

RESOLVED, that the salary review committee review existing District staff guidelines prior to establishing 2008 District staff salaries to ensure that they continue to remain equitable.

ADOPTED

2007 District Salary Proposal

President Kohlmeier commented that a salary survey provided by the Synod has been received. The survey included recommendations for increases for 2007. The survey recommended an increase of 3- 5%. The Kansas District adopted an increase of 3.40% in July.

Included in the proposal are the figures relating to the adoption of “The Church’s Plan” offered by Concordia Plan Services which the Board affirmed at the July meeting and continued enrollment in Option “B” of the Concordia Health Plan which was approved at the July Board meeting.

RESOLUTION  06D-07-02               2007 District Salary Proposal

RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors adopt the 2007 District Salary proposal as presented.

ADOPTED

Debra Crites, Business Manager, presented her report.

                                                   LCEF Board of Managers Report

                                                         Larry Crume, LCEF Vice-President

RESOLUTION  06D-08-01               Faith Lutheran Church, Emporia, Kansas  

RESOLVED, to approve an unsecured loan in the amount of $50,000 for the restoration work including a new roof, handicap door and sanctuary lighting. Loan Term: 120 months principal and interest payments. All principal and interest due at maturity. Interest Rate: LCEF Cost of Funds plus 1.5% (currently 5.875%) adjusted annually.  LCEF Loan Fee: $350 which may be included with the loan or paid separately.

                        RATIFIED

RESOLUTION 06D-08-02              Trinity Lutheran Church, Atchison, Kansas

RESOLVED, to approve an unsecured loan in the amount of $60,000 for restoration work including a new roof.  Loan Term: 60 months principal and interest payments. All principal and interest due at maturity.  interest Rate: LCEF Cost of Funds plus 1.5% (currently 5.875%) adjusted annually.  LCEF Loan Fee: $350 which may be deducted from loan proceeds.

                        RATIFIED

RESOLUTION  06D-08-03                  St. John, Meade, Kansas

RESOLVED, to approve a secured construction loan in the amount of $223,808 for the construction of an addition to the church.  Loan Term: Maximum 24 months during the construction period followed by 180 monthly principal and interest payments. All principal and interest due at maturity.  Interest Rate: 6.875% during the construction period. Permanent loan is LCEF Cost of Funds plus 1.50% (currently 5.875%) adjusted annually.  LCEF Loan Fee: $2,216 which may be included with the loan or paid separately. 

                        RATIFIED

RESOLUTION 06D-08-04              First Lutheran Church, Paola, Kansas-

RESOLVED, to approve a secured soft cost loan in the amount of $350,000 plus loan costs for capital improvements to the church properties.  Loan Term: 36 months interest only loan. Principal may be reduced at any time however once advanced, may not be readvanced. Interest billed and payable monthly. All principal and interest due at maturity.  Interest Rate: LCEF Cost of Funds plus 1.5% (currently 5.875%)  floating.
LCEF Loan Fee: $3,500

                        RATIFIED

RESOLUTION 06D-08-05        Redeemer Lutheran Church, Arkansas City, Kansas

RESOLVED, to approve an unsecured loan up to the amount of $49,000 plus loan costs for the purchase of an organ.  Loan Term: 60 month loan. All principal and interest due at maturity.  Interest Rate: LCEF Cost of Funds plus 1.5% (currently 5.875%)  adjusted annually.  LCEF Loan Fee: $300

                        RATIFIED

RESOLUTION 06D-08-06        Trinity, Burlington, Kansas

RESOLVED, to approve an unsecured loan in the amount of $43,755.93 for building repairs and consolidation of existing debt.  Loan Term: 120 monthly principal and interest payments. All principal and interest due at maturity.  Interest Rate: LCEF Cost of Funds plus 1.50% (currently 6.000%) adjusted annually.
LCEF Loan Fee: $300 which may be included with the loan or paid separately.

                        RATIFIED

St. John, Topeka- Is continuing with their building project. They recently kicked off a capital campaign.

Peace, Andover- is looking at options for an expansion of their campus to include classrooms, expansion of the sanctuary and fellowship space.

Other action and news for the past quarter with regard to LCEF include the following:

Ø 5R Promotion (Right Reason, Right Rate, Right Now)  concluded on September 30. Total new dollars received during the campaign was $87 million. LCEF still seeking new investments and new investors and is now promoting a 9 month 6.00% term note through December.

Ø Cost of Funds  for November is at 4.500%. This means that the borrowing rate for congregations on a monthly, quarterly or annual adjustable loan is 6.000%.
Ø Total Investments in the Kansas District LCEF program stands at $39.6 million. An increase of 10% from 1 year ago. In the past quarter there have been 74 new accounts opened with $1,313,330 in new dollars.

 

LCEF Vice President Larry Crume distributed his report.

                                                           Board of Caring Ministry

                                                                      Barb Teske, Chair

Rose Tiska gave a presentation on the River View Clinic, and their work in providing access to health care for uninsured and poor in the Kansas City area.  She shared some of the successes, frustrations, and challenges of this unique ministry.  The Board discussed the possibilities of other congregations becoming involved in programs such as this at some level, and how the Kansas District may be of assistance.

Targeted District Response Report

-Most of our stated goals have been accomplished in Slidell at this point

-Number of volunteers has dropped off.  Camps probably not needed.

-Volunteers that go from this point - Peace Lutheran can probably handle them.

-It is recommended that the Ks. District should continue support in an advocacy capacity and in prayer.

-Camp Restore has opened in a heavily flooded area northeast of lower 9^th ward.

            -Prince of Peace Lutheran Church

-goals are to build Lutheran Churches, Schools, and serve Lutheran families

            -will also serve North Shore, including Slidell

            -Volunteers, financial support, and supplies needed

RESOLUTION 06D-02-01                 Targeted District Response

RESOLVED that the Kansas District, adapting to the changing needs in the Gulf Coast area, encourage congregations to designate funds for the ongoing Kansas and Oklahoma volunteer efforts at Camp Restore, and be it further

RESOLVED that the Board of Caring Ministry review these needs by the January, 2008 Board of Directors meeting.

            ADOPTED

Grace Place Retreat

Pastor Mease reported on the “Grace Place Retreat” to take place on February 9-10 in Junction City.  More information will be sent to professional workers.

Sabbatical

Pastor  Mease presented a proposal for a sabbatical to take place June 1-August 31, 2007.

RESOLUTION 06D-02-02               Chaplain Mease Sabbatical

WHEREAS Chaplin Rocky Mease has completed seven years of service to the Kansas District, and is thereby qualified for sabbatical leave as referenced in the Sabbatical Policy for Kansas District Staff, therefore be it

RESOLVED that the Board of Directors approve and grant Chaplain Rocky Mease’s sabbatical leave as proposed.

            ADOPTED

District Chaplain Rocky Mease offered his report.

                                                                  Executive Council

                                                               Robert Schaedel, Secretary

Constitution Review                 

RESOLUTION  06D - 06 – 01        Constitution: Grace, Iola             

RESOLVED that the Constitution of Grace Lutheran Church, Iola,  KS be approved by recommendation of the Constitution Committee.

                                                            ADOPTED

Clarification of Circuit 3 Motion

The following Resolution was adopted in the August, 2006 Board of Directors meeting.

RESOLUTION 06C - 06 - 01           Division of Circuit 3

RESOLVED that the Board of Directors of the Kansas District, in response to Convention Resolution 2006 - 06 - 01,  request the   President of the Synod to grant an exception to divide Circuit 3 of the Kansas District, thus creating two new Visitation Circuits.

The Office of the Synodical President has requested a clarification of the Boards intent.  Therefore, the following Resolution is offered. 

RESOLUTION 06D - 06 - 02             Division of Circuit 3

WHEREAS the action of the Board of Directors in its regular August meeting was intended to cover a request for exception for Circuits Three North and South as both separate electoral and visitation circuits;  therefore be it 

RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the Kansas District clarify its' intent by specifically requesting an exception for Circuits Three North and South as both separate visitation and as separate electoral circuits for the selection of Delegates for the 2007 Synodical Convention.  

ADOPTED

Christ the King, Dighton congregation action

Christ the King, Dighton has voted to close.  According to their Constitution, the property becomes the possession of the Kansas District.  The Board of Administration will be considering this action and the formality of accepting the property.  There is some indebtedness that also becomes the responsibility of the District

RESOLUTION 06D - 06 – 03         Christ the King, Dighton

RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors authorize the expenditure of costs, not to exceed $1000, to be taken from the 2006 Budget, to complete the closing of Christ the King, Dighton.

ADOPTED

Board Advisory Delegate to 2007 Synod Convention

Steve Hanschu and Walt Frederking were nominated to serve as the Advisory delegate representing the Board of Directors to the 2007 Synod Convention

RESOLUTION 06D-06-04                Board Advisory Delegate to 2007 Synod Convention

RESOLVED that the Board of Directors elect Steve Hanschu to serve as Advisory Delegate to the 2007 Synod Convention, representing the Board of Directors.  Walt Frederking is designated to serve as Alternate, and be it finally

RESOLVED that the District Staff be represented at the 2007 Synod Convention by Debbie Crites, Larry Crume to serve as Alternate.

            ADOPTED

                                                               Board of Stewardship

                                                                      Dennis Hintz, Chair

Consecrated Stewards

The Board of Stewardship received a written report from Pastor Richard Peckman regarding his training experience at the Consecrated Stewards Training Conference.  The Conference was also attended by Pastor David Gruoner.  The Board then discussed how best to use the training these pastors have obtained.  The Board requested that Garry Niehoff send letters to Pastors Gruoner and Peckman thanking them for their interest in this avenue of service, and advising them that we will hope to coordinate their activities through the new Executive for Missions and Stewardship when that position is filled.

            There was discussion and awareness of the Consecrated Stewards Program as outlined by Capital Funding Services (CFS) of LCEF.  We will pursue further utilization and “Official Sanction” of this program in the Kansas District when the office of Executive for Missions and Stewardship is filled.

            Garry Niehoff will obtain or develop a brochure to be made available to congregations describing the use of “Consecrated Steward” leaders in stewardship development in local congregations.  That brochure will be available for the January Board meeting.

Undesignated Gifts

RESOLUTION 06D-05-01       DISTRIBUTION  OF UNDESIGNATED GIFTS

WHEREAS some $22,000 in undesignated funds is available for distribution, therefore be it

RESOLVED that the funds be distributed as follows:

            a)  $8,000 to benefit Lay Leadership Training Institute

            b)  $7,000 to benefit the District Educational Loan Repayment Fund

            c)  $7,000 to benefit the District Grants to students attending LCMS colleges and

                 seminaries.

                        ADOPTED

RESOLUTION 06D-05-02      DIVISION OF ASH WEDNESDAY OFFERINGS

RESOLVED that the 2007 Ash Wednesday Offering be divided equally between the District Education Loan Repayment Fund and the Grants to students attending LCMS colleges and seminaries.

            ADOPTED

Ministry Description for Position of Executive for Missions and Stewardship

The Board of Stewardship met with Rev. Ed Trost to discuss the ministry description and proposed renaming of the present position of Executive for Missions and Stewardship.  The Board of Stewardship approved the renaming of the position and the changes to ministry description with modifications.

Financial & Life Strategy Planning for Students

The Board of Stewardship encourages District Staff to proceed with the development of methods, programs, and scheduling, for conducting a meeting(s) with students and enrollees of Synodical seminaries and colleges, for purposes of discussing and planning financial and life strategies, to be implemented during their student life and beyond.

“Here’s My Buck” – joint meeting with Education Committee

The Board met jointly with the Board of Education to receive a presentation from Vicki Lessman and A.J. Longabaugh, regarding the “Here’s My Buck” initiative. 

RESOLUTION 06D-05-03        “HERE’S MY BUCK” INITIATIVE

RESOLVED that the Kansas District support the “Here’s My Buck” initiative by encouraging Kansas congregations to support fundraising at the local level, in support of Synodical youth services.

            ADOPTED

Fan Into Flame

There was discussion of the Synodical “Fan the Flame” promotion.  Recognizing the “Fan the Flame” Synodical initiative – a campaign to gather financial support for the Ablaze Movement – as having merit; but having had insufficient time to date to identify a District Coordinator, it is recommended that the District President and Staff develop a timetable and strategy for participation by the Kansas District in this activity.  This timetable and strategy is to be presented at the January 2007 Board meeting.

Interview Funds for New Mission/Stewardship Executive

Because we anticipate interview expenditures for candidates for the office of Executive for Missions and Stewardship, the Board of Stewardship offers:

RESOLUTION 06D-05-04         FINANCES FOR INTERVIEW EXPENSES

RESOLVED that the Business Manager be authorized to pay candidate interview expenses from unexpended funds from the Mission and Stewardship sections of the 2006 and 2007 Budgets.

            ADOPTED

2007 Budget

RESOLUTION 06D-05-05         PRELIMINARY APPROVAL OF  2007 BUDGET

RESOLVED that the Kansas District Board of Directors give preliminary approval to the proposed budget for 2007 as presented.

            ADOPTED   (a copy of the Preliminary 2007 Budget is attached to these Minutes)

Garry Niehoff, Planned Giving Counselor, distributed his report.

President Kohlmeier presented his report.

The meeting was adjourned at 11: 47 a.m. with prayer and blessing.

Respectfully Submitted,

Rev. Robert Schaedel, Secretary

The next Board of Directors meeting will be January 27, 2007.

            Christ-Care will be led by Mark Schotte.