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  • Phone: (651) 464-3323
  • Mailing Address: 886 North Shore Drive, Forest Lake, MN 55025

 

 

Faith Ministry Stories

Catching Up With Council October 2020

Posted by Jennifer Tolzmann on

The Faith Church Council met on Tuesday, October 13, 2020, with 8 members in person, masked, and socially distanced, and 2 members joining online. Old and New Business topics included:

  • Financial discussions concerning budget planning for 2021. We are exploring the idea of a “rolling budget” that would be evaluated every 6 months. This may be the most efficient and appropriate way to budget for now in the world of COVID. More news to come in the months ahead.
  • Updates from the Sacred Settlement Development Team, which included a description of the Tiny House Blessing event, held at Woodland Hills on October 7 and the ongoing collection of information from the online survey.
  • Updates from Pastor John on his National Guard process. He has completed his first (once a month) Saturday service, and will be completing his first (once a month) Monday service in the near future. His first extended training period is set to occur January 21, 2021 – March 4, 2021. The needs in the areas of pulpit supply and pastoral care coverage have already been addressed.
  • Council approved a realignment of funds budgeted for insurance coverage of a called, full time pastor, to funds to be used by said pastor for seminary debt relief. This realignment accomplishes the goals of holding such a budgeted amount for insurance for any future called, full time pastor, while releasing those funds at this time to Pastor John for seminary debt relief. The National Guard covers his insurance needs at this time. There is past precedence for such a process and Council was fully supportive of this move at this time.
  • Update from the Be Well Faith Committee. The changes in offering of in-person services at both regularly scheduled service times have not significantly changed the number of those attending in person. Between both services, we have recorded between 15 and 30 participants on any given Sunday. Streaming and radio numbers remain strong and consistent.
  • Council approved a motion to enter into a process of turning a portion of the west side property field into a restored prairie environment. The process will begin in the spring of 2021, will be funded with memorial funds, and will provide aesthetic and environmental benefits to the area. This area is a portion of the large grassy area between the playground and geothermal area. The congregation will be updated and invited to hear more information in the spring.

The Council wishes to thank all those staff and volunteers who continue to work to ensure safety in our building use for services, Lake Area Discovery Center (LADC) programming, and the limited meetings occurring for council and Christian Education. We also thank the cheerful and faithful givers who have kept Faith financially stable and engaged with community needs. This is an AWESOME place to be! Thank YOU!!!!!