08. The Seventh Decade Excerptd
Excerpts– The Seventh Decade
January 29, 1995. Annual Meeting
Budget
“Ken Riehl suggested that
Church Council should examine whether it was time to employ a part-time
secretary in the Church office. Pastor
Dick indicated that Bea Riley has volunteered to type the bulletins on a weekly
basis but that some secretarial assistance would be helpful.”
Pastor’s Report
“Pastor Dick will be at a
Marriage Encounter weekend on February 17—19/95. The replacement will be Pastor Michael Diegel
from Brantford. There will be no
communion. Cost: $60.00 plus .48/km.”
Worship and Music
“On the recommendation of
the above committee, Elaine Nowack made a motion to purchase 6-- 3’ oak wooden
flower stands from Dancraft Stairs Canadian at a cost of $75.00 each (6 x
$75=$450 + tax) to be paid by the Memorial Fund. Seconded by Mary Leis. Carried.”
March 16,1995. Propoerty
“the hole in the floor of
the church has been filled where the organ pump used to be.”
“Painting of the kitchen,
fellowship hall and nursery are complete.
The Pastor’s office should be finished before the painters stop.”
April 20, 1995. Window Replacement
“-9 west windows in choir
room, nursery and fellowship hall and 2 north windows in pastor’s office: Cost $12,000.00.
-5 west windows in
fellowship hall covered with vertical blinds:
Cost $1400.00.”
Monday, June 5, 1995. Business Arising
“Richard Eves has copies of
the Jesus video at Woodstock Market—no sales to date, however a few copies have
been sold through the Church office.”
November 5, 1995. Evangelism and Social Ministry
“Activities—Gary Tubbe has
prepared a poster to see where there is interest including swimming, bowling,
flying and tree cutting.”
November 30, 1995. “Re:
Bethany Lutheran & Jesus Videos”
“...if you are insistent
upon returning the videos I will accept them providing you mail them to our
Vancouver office at your expense I would
much rather that you had considered using them in some creative fashion within
your own congregation; -a gift to
newcomers attending your church,
-donating copies to your school libraries/ video rental locations.
–Christmas gifts in food hampers to needy families, -confirmation gifts, -baby
christening/baptisms,-sell them within your own congregation as a fund
raiser. You now understand the awkward
position I’m in, and I trust ‘you will pray’ about what God would have you do
in these circumstances...and I’ll accept your choice.”
Darrell Frick
National Business Manager
Jesus Video Strategy
Campus Crusade for Christ,
Canada.
February 5, 1996. The Ed Horman Report
“The Treasurer requested
direction to transfer $1,405.00 from the bequest fund to cover the shortfall in
donations to Partners in Mission—Elliot Lake.
Moved by Gerry Kuss. Seconded by Richard Eves. Carried.”
Pastor Susan Johnson May 2, 1996.
*List the five agenda
items you spend the most time on at
council meetings over the course of a year.
*What committees do you
have and how are they formed?
*What information does the
congregation communicate to the council?
*What information does the
council communicate to the congregation?
*How is the decision made
on the use and priority of the pastor’s time?
Note: These
questions were presented by Pastor Johnson to the Investigative Committee as a
means of creating self-study sessions for the congregation.
January 6, 1997. Pastor’s Report
“An outline for the
proposed bible study/discussion group ’ Everybody Goes to Heaven’ was
distributed by Pastor Holm. He advised
that the study would be six weeks, with each session being about 1 ½--2 hours maximum. It was suggested that a sign-up sheet be
posted and a convenient time be set for all interested.”
January 26, 1997. Annual Meeting
Evangelical Lutheran Women
“Once again a beautiful
quilt was quilted and delivered by Barb Mason to the Women’s Auxiliary of the Waterloo
Lutheran Seminary. All first-year
seminarians receive a quilt. Mary Lou
Witzel and Elaine Nowack did finish the Anniversary church family quilt which
looks wonderful gracing the inner church walls.”
Pastor’s Report
“During the past year the
Mutual Ministry committee identified a lot of upset with my personal
understanding of the gospel as ‘everybody going to heaven’. This committee has recommended a bible
study/discussion group as a forum to
clarify the issue and to clear the air.
I have been asked, and have prepared, an outline for a six-week
programme.”
April 7, 1997. Business Arising
“...It was noted that Gerry
Kuss and Elaine Nowack have submitted letters of resignation....”
October 20, 1997 . Evangelism
Committee
“The Sauerkraut dinner plans
are well under way. First sitting: 5:30
p.m.; Second sitting: 6:29 p.m.; Third sitting: about 7:30 p.m. Al [Schneider] was directed to purchase 1
more large pot, and 3 smaller stainless steel pots. About half the tickets are sold. Further publicity through ads placed in
grocery stores and the hospital. Also
pitchers for gravy and 6 more bowls are needed.”
“Mandy Allen has been asked
to inform us when she and her quartet will be able to perform at Bethany.”
Monday, November 3, 1997. Correspondence
“b) Ken Riehl submitted a letter of resignation
from the Mutual Ministry Committee and advised that his financial commitment
will end in 1997. He commented that he
is disappointed with the Bishop’s response and that the investigating committee
has not started to date.”
February 1, 1998. Annual Meeting
Property
“...no report. –it was mentioned that Paul Rank and Ralph
Herspiegel completed the painting of the Church and the basketball net was
installed. The front sidewalk/retaining
wall will require work this spring, otherwise the committee is kept busy with
general maintenance.”
Stewardship
“Our biggest triumph...was
the Sauerkraut Supper arranged by Al Schneider.
It seems almost everyone in the congregation was involved somehow. 155 people were served with a profit of
$1360.40 being donated to the Woodstock Hospital Chaplaincy.”
Monday, April 6, 1998.
“Linda Holm has requested
the use of the Fellowship Hall on April 19, 1998 for Nathan’s 16th
birthday. Pastor Holm has requested use
of the Fellowship Hall on either May 16, 1998 or May 17, 1998 for Linda’s 50th
Birthday.”
“The Confirmation exam is
scheduled for May 20, 1998. The
confirmands John Hickey, Marcel Mueller and Jessica Nowack will meet with
Council on May 25, 1998. Confirmation
will take place on May 31, 1998.”
October 5, 1998. Pastor’s Report
“b) There has been some resistance from parents
about the need for confirmands to attend
both Sunday School and Church Service every Sunday. Pastor [Holm] informed Council that he would
be sending a note home with the confirmands outlining his expectations.”
“c) Pastor [Holm] and Linda celebrated their 29th
Anniversary on October 4, 1998.”
Worship and Music
“Motion by Phyllis
Allen to purchase 100 copies of ‘With
One Voice’ with money from the Memorial Fund.
Seconded by Marianne Wisternoff.
Carried.”
December 7, 1998. Correspondence
“c) In a letter dated November 30, 1998, Inga
Hansen updated Council on the status of Mamatu Fackih and her two children
Shadia and Salah. Their application for
entry into Canada has been accepted, and they could arrive within the next few
weeks. Lutheran World Relief has agreed
to offer assistance.”
Pastor’s Report
“Kristine Hadland has
transferred her membership to Bethany.”
Worship and Music
“A string quartet of young
people made a beautiful addition to the service on December 6, 1998.”
New Business
“The Disciplinary Committee
Report will be presented at the Synod Council Meeting on Feb. 27, 1999. This means there will be no new information
for the congregation at the Annual Meeting.”
June 21, 1999. Property
“Retaining wall has been
repaired. We have pictures somewhere.”
“The work on the church
wall has cost about $5100.00. Thank you
to the committee for saving the congregation a lot of money.”
“Thank you to Richard Eves
for the cleanup before the Jeanson wedding.
“
“The church sign is almost
finished and will need to be picked up.”
New Business
“Motion by Henning Hansen
that a letter should be sent to the Bishop expressing Council’s dissatisfaction
with the process we have been through, especially since the original
question [“Is Universal Salvation
contrary to Lutheran Doctrine?”] posed
by Lyle Rosnau in a letter dated December 6, 1996 has not been definitively
answered. There has also been no mention
of help with reconciliation or the healing process.
-Seconded by Ruth Robinson. Carried.”
“Henning Hansen submitted a
letter, which has caused him a great amount of worry and concern. He no longer wants to be part of the Lutheran
Synod. Henning agreed to have his letter
held until the next Council meeting on September 13, 1999.”
October 4, 1999. New Business
“The guest speaker on
Sunday, October 17, 1999 will be retired Pastor Anderson, the first pastor of
Bethany congregation. ...”
*Note:
Pastor Anderson was the first pastor at the Graham St. Church in 1952.. Rev. George Orth was the first called pastor
to the Bethany congregation in 1934.
November
8, 1999. Evangelism and Social
Ministry
“...On
December 5, 1999 there will again be flying available, weather permitting, at
the Flying Club. There will also be $15.
Scotch pine trees available to be purchased.”
Worship and Music
“The
Christmas Cantata will be held on Sunday, December 12, 1999.”
New Business
“Members
of Council are still frustrated with the process, even after our meeting with
Bishop Pryse. The entire matter was
dealt with in a legalistic way for purposes of protection. The slow process includes waiting for the
National Church Convention in two years.
The National Church has set up a Theological Committee to look at
theological issues, but as yet it has no power.”
Pastor’s Report [Rev. Holm]
“This
past year has had more than its share of challenges. I was diagnosed with prostate cancer, the
disciplinary committee’s report was disheartening although no surprise, the
appeal court’s ruling was devastating and a real surprise. However, the results will probably have some
far-reaching effects. ..”
Monday,
January 10, 2000.
*Note: This is a draft letter of Council’s position
concerning Pastor Dick’s situation which was to be released to the
congregation. I do not have access to
this letter at this time in July of 2020.
Monday,
February 7, 2000. Discussion with the
Pastor
“Marlene
Healey-Ogden’s funeral was nicely done.
She had arranged most of the service.”
-Pastor’s
procedure went well, but he will be taking two weeks off from playing hockey.
January
30, 2000. Annual Meeting
September
11, 2000. Pastor’s Report
“The
Pastor received a good report on his health from a recent check up.”
“The
Pastor has completed his required paper to comply with the Disciplinary
Committee’s recommendations. He received
an ‘A’. The next step for him will be a
meeting with the Committee for Theological Education and Leadership in October. Then a report will go to Synod.”
Worship and Music
“Irene
has purchased music for the choir to perform a production entitled ‘Heart and
Soul’. The performance target date is
May 1 [2001].”
November
6, 2000. New Business
“Float
for the Santa Claus Parade
Motion
by Phyllis Allen to ratify the action taken in a meeting on Sunday, October 22
to put a float in the parade. Seconded
by Linda Vinnins. Carried.”
December
4, 2000. Business Arising
“Bethany
received 1st place for its float in the Santa Claus Parade. Thanks to all who took part. A donation covered expenses.”
Pastor’s Report
“Preparations for the Christmas Season
are proceeding. Pastor noted that
Elizabeth Durichen made the Advent Wreath for the front of the church for the
49th time.”
Vision
2000 +
January
8, 2001. Finance
“The
Committee requested that council obtain information from third parties that use
the church that they have liability insurance.
Groups include Sparks, Brownies, Guides, TOPS, skaters [Woodstock
Synchronized Skating Team], Foresters, Pentecostal Church and Telecare.”
January
8, 2001. Agenda for
Annual Meeting
Pastor’s Report
“Synod
council will either declare the matter closed or remove me from the roster of
pastors.”
Property
“Gerald
Mueller noted that more help is needed on cleanup day to dig dandelions since
the church voted to be pesticide-free.”
“...Louis
[Eckert] and myself had another back-breaking day in the summer when we dug out
all of the weeds and sand along the sidewalks and driveway. If anybody in the
congregation likes some pain, come and join us when we will once again dig out
the dandelions on cleanup day.”
Business Arising
“Gerald
Mueller presented the Property Committee’s drawings for a suggested addition to
the church. The committee had been
unable to get a cost estimate. Richard
Eves suggested a ballpark figure would be $200.00 /sq. ft. if the work was
tendered out. Lyle Rosnau suggested
David Bald would be a good resource person due to his previous experience with
another project.”
Service Committee
“This
year we had 8 potluck dinners and 5 happy hours. The kitchen has been used for Easter
breakfast and several receptions and dinners. ...”
Youth and Parish Education
“We
have Cindy Doering and Kevin Schneider teaching the grades 1 and 2. They have also taken in 2 children for the
kindergarten class as there is no teacher for that group. We have Irene Teagues and Maggie Matthies
teaching grades 3 and 4...Teaching grades 5 and 6 are Linda Holm and George
Klosler.”
Finance
“...Another
blow to our committee is the resignation of Ed Horman as our congregational
treasurer. Ed has been a tireless, loyal
labourer in our congregation for the last half century, much of that time as
our treasurer. Working quietly, very
efficiently, and with tremendous accuracy, Ed has stayed out of the limelight,
but has been one of the essential bits of glue holding our congregation
together. ...”
January
28, 2001. Pastor’s Report
“The
process of discovering whether it is doctrinally correct for a Lutheran pastor
to preach universalism has been a slow one and continues. (I originally wrote
that line four years ago!!) However, I
have completed all the requirements, and the disciplinary process has been
declared closed.”
Oct.
7, 2002.
“Inga
Hansen made a presentation to Church Council
In memory of Henning Hansen Inga wishes to donate professional landscaping
to enhance the area adjacent to the front steps. The proposal includes large rocks , plants,
trees and shrubbery. It is Inga’s with
that the area is in memory of Henning, but that it is not a permanent
memorial.”
November
4, 2002.
“The
Evangelism and Social Ministry Committee reported that the fall Highway Cleanup
was completed. Paul Benner has held a benefit concert . The Shoebox program is off to a successful
start as all fifty kits have been taken.”
January
6, 2003. Evangelical
Church Women
“...In
the summer months, July and August, we don’t have a regular meeting but then we
usually have an outing of sorts; this past summer our outing went to the lovely
Royal Botanical Gardens by Hamilton. In
August, when the pastor is away at confirmation camp, our ladies are
responsible for the service.”
Pastor’s Report
“I
have been concerned about the steady decline in our average attendance. I am completing my thirteenth year among you
with this meeting, and beginning number 14 in February. In many ways, I think that I have been among
you too long, and that you might be getting so used to my way of presenting the
gospel, leading worship, and all the other aspects of ministry, that you feel
less need to attend worship.”
November
3, 2003. Correspondence
“Gordon
and Marie Matthies have [formally] requested a transfer to Sebastopol Lutheran
Church, Tavistock.”
*Vision
2000+ Appeal –see Lyle’s writeup.
May
3, 2004. Pastor’s Report
“The
pastor reported that he has been attending to regular tasks. He is working on inviting former pastors for
70th Anniversary year. Earl
Anderson will lead service Aug. 15, Vern Cronmiller July 18, Norm Lange no date
as of now...”
January
23, 2005. Agenda for Annual Meeting
Worship and Music
“The
choir, once again, performed a Christmas Cantata, which was enjoyed by
all. They also performed the same at
Caressant Care and at Church of the Good Shepherd. From all reports they were well-received at
both performances. Congratulations to
Irene and the choir for a job well done.”
Property
“...We
have had no new members...it is Louis Eckert, Earl Chambers, Marshall Doering,
Barb Mason and Gerald Mueller. We...meet once a month and get entertained with
Woodstock history by Earl, and anything else interesting by Barb. Barb reminds Property at every meeting as
well as every Sunday about the things that need fixing or are required at
Bethany.”
Vision
2000+ Appeal Update
“...in
January 2002, Bethany members made a commitment to contribute $10,000.00 over
three years to the Vision 2000+ Seminary Appeal. These donations would become part of a 2.5
million dollar Endowment Fund. The
interest generated from the investment fund will be used to support the training
of future pastors.
...Here
is an update of our congregation’s participation to date:
-Year 2002 Designated Offerings $373.00
-Year 2003 Designated Offerings $2713.00
-Year 2004 Designated Offerings $3387.00
Harvestfest
Dinner and Silent Auction $2500.00
December
31, 2004. Total Vision 2000+ Receipts $8973.00
March
7, 2005. Correspondence
“Suggestion-
David Bald: Camp Edgewood might be
considered as a site for a retreat for discussion of the A B Cs of Natural
Church Growth.”
Property
“...discussion
of :
-a handrail for the front of the
church
-a flip-down step for the lectern
-dusting of the ceiling beams
-the kitchen grease trap has been
checked by Gerald.”
“Recommendation
to augment the present sound system...Doug Allen emphasized that the upgrading
of the system was intended for the benefit of Bethany Lutheran Church and its
many uses, not solely for the use of the choir.”
New Business
“...The
Bethany article describing The Silent Auction and Dinnerfest on behalf of
Vision 2000+ was printed in the recent edition of The Canada Lutheran.”
Finance
“Church
Bulletins cost $485.00 per year.
Producing our own might cost $6.50 per paper package, or $51.00 a
year,...but this may double the amount of effort needed to produce the
bulletin.”
New Business
“Forward
In Mission -Cedar Lodge at Camp
Edgewood has been booked for a Bethany retreat for councillors and committee
chairpersons pending approval by council:
-Registration Sat. Oct. 22, 9:00 a.m.
-completion
Sunday noon
-guest
speakers, workshops
-cost:
$65.00 Make cheques payable to Bethany Lutheran Church.”
June
6, 2005. Treasurer’s Report -Louis Eckert
“It
would appear that Easter Offering were down but in fact $1200.00 was remitted
to finalize Bethany Lutheran’s commitment to Vision 2000+.’
Stewardship
“Praise
is extended to Wendy Webb, Christine Hadland
and Jackie Macdonald for their unswerving reliability in the typing,
set-up, printing and folding of the weekly church bulletins. Pastor Dick claims that his involvement has been
minimal and much of his time has been freed up by their efforts.”
Oct.
22, 2005. Welcome to the First Annual
Bethany Retreat
Nov.
7, 2005. Evangelism and Social
Ministry
“-a
roster of 10 members has been submitted to Church Council”
Laura Allen, David Bald,, Gayle Braun,
Jean Everson, Pastor Dick, Bonnie Hughes, RuthAnn Jeanson, Grace Osinski,
Isabelle Storey and Gary Tubbe.”
December
5, 2005. Business Arising
“Thanks
is extended to
-Doug Allen for ornaments for deficit
reduction fundraising
-Louis Eckert and Doug Allen for
installation of new speaker cable
-Irene and Ray Barros for offering the
2005 Christmas tree
-Richard Eves and Gerald Mueller for
pickup, delivery and installation of the tree
-Barb Mason and Gerald Mueller for
lighting the tree and placing the Chrismons.
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