TABLE OF CONTENTS Annual Meeting Agenda……………………………………………………………………………………………………pg. 2 Annual General Meeting – February 7, 2016 Minutes…………………………………………………………………..pg. 3 Council President’s Report………………………………………………………………………………………………….pg. 5 Pastor’s Report………………………………………………………………………………………………………………pg. 6 Intern Pastor’s Report………………………………………………………………………………………………………pg. 8 Music Coordinator’s Report………………………………………………………………………………………………...pg. 9 Board of Deacons Report…………………………………………………………………………………………………..pg. 10 Board of Trustees Report…………………………………………………………………………………………………..pg. 10 Worship Committee Report…………………………………………………………………………………………………pg. 12 Parish Life Report…………………………………………………………………………………………………………...pg. 13 Archive Committee Report…………………………………………………………………………………………………pg. 13 Parish Adult Education Report……………………………………………………………………………………………pg. 14 Mitten Tree……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………pg. 15 Internship Support Committee……………………………………………………………………………………………..pg. 15 Sunday School Report……………………………………………………………………………………………………...pg. 16 Student Assistance Committee Report……………………………………………………………………………………pg. 16 Refugee Committee Report………………………………………………………………………………………………..pg. 17 CLWR Committee Report…………………………………………………………………………………………………..pg. 17 Nominating Committee Report……………………………………………………………………………………………..pg. 18 Youth and Family Report………………………………………………………………………………(handed out separately) Parish Report……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….pg. 19 Treasurer’s Report………………………………………………………………………………………………………….pg. 20 Investment Committee Report……………………………………………………………………………………………..pg. 21 50/50 Goals & Zion Attendance……………………………………………………………………………………………pg. 22 2016 Memorials……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..pg. 23 Audited Financial Statements Year End Letter from the Bishop
ANNUAL MEETING AGENDA - February 12, 2017 1|Page
1. Welcome 2. Opening devotions 3. Adoption of the agenda 4. Adoption of minutes of the Annual meeting of 2016. 4.1 Business arising from the minutes. 5. Appointment of scrutineers 6. Reports 6.1 President 6.2 Pastors, Staff, Music Coordinator. 6.3 Deacons, Trustees and Committees .1 Deacons report .2 Trustees Report .3 Committees Worship Parish Life Archive Parish Adult Christian Education (PACE) Student Assistance Internship Support Sunday School Nominating Refugee CLWR Youth and Family 6.4 Parish Report 6.5 Report from Treasurer 6.6 Auditors Report 6.7 Appointment of Auditor 6.8 Approval of reports as presented 7. New Business: 8. Nominating committee Report 8.1 Elections to council Nominees: Dean Kindt, Ron Slind, Richard Bellamy. Further nominations from the floor 8.2 Elections to Nominating Committee (Bylaws: there shall be 5 members, 3 elected at Ann. Mtg. 2 appointed by council from within its membership) Further nominations from the floor 9. The 16th Biennial Convention of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada will be held in Winnipeg, MB July 6-8, 2017 at the University of Manitoba. 10.Announcements First New Council Meeting: Wednesday February 15 at 7 p.m. 10. Adjournment and Closing Devotions Zion Annual General Meeting Minutes Zion Lutheran Church, February 7, 2016 2|Page
Meeting Attendance: 34 members Presiding: Albert Barth, Council Chair Recorder: Donna Hume Call to Order at 1:00 P.M. 1. Welcome:
Albert Barth
2. Opening Devotion: Pastor Randy 3. Adoption of Agenda: Motion: the Agenda be approved as presented. MSC. 4. Minutes of the Annual Meeting of Feb. 8, 2015: Motion: the minutes of the Feb. 8, 2015 meeting be accepted as written. MSC 4.1 Business arising from minutes: None. 5. Scrutineers will be appointed as needed. 6. Reports: Committee reports corrections and additions: - Nominating committee report: Matthew Kindt’s name be added to thank you’s for having served on Council. - Parish Report – 2014 Memorials – should read 2015 Memorials. - Youth and Family Report distributed at meeting. 6.1 President 6.2 Pastors, Staff, Music Coordinator 6.3 Deacons, Trustees and Committees 6.4 Parish Report 6.5 Report from Treasurer: presented by Don Schenk - Treasurer presented an overall financial situation - Querie regarding the legalities, distribution, and maintenance of the scholarships. Darlene and Don will look further into this. Treasurer added words of encouragement and appreciation to the congregation for their diligent and faithful support of Zion and our ministry. Motion: these reports be accepted as written, amended and presented. MSC. 6.6 Auditor’s Report. Motion: to approve the Auditor’s Report as presented. MSC. 6.7 Appointment of Auditor: Motion: to accept Virtus Group as the auditor for the upcoming fiscal year. MSC. 7. New Business: Bylaw changes: Congregational Council and Officers:
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Motion: The Congregational council elected at the annual meeting of the congregation shall be composed of 15 12 members, elected for terms of three years each with approximately one-third of the terms expiring annually. MSC. Section 1: Add to duties of the Chairperson: c. Convene meetings of the Council Executive (President, Vice President, Secretary and Pastor) on Council nights, or other times. d. Make public announcements regarding the life of the congregation. e. Represent and bring greetings on behalf of the congregation at celebrations and worship services (eg. Confirmation Sunday). f. consult with and have conversations with Pastors, staff and members when needed regarding the ministry of Zion. Motion: Accept additions to duties to chairperson. MSC. Motion: Approval to accept all of the other minor changes (grammatical, spelling, punctuation) to the constitution and bylaw documents received by the review committee and council. MSC. 8. Nominating Committee Report: 8.1 Elections to Council: Nominated are Leona Anderson, Hans Baumfeld, Judy Brown, Margaret Fast, Michele Tatlow. Motion that nominations cease. With no further nominations from the floor, these are elected by acclamation. MSC. 8.2 Elections to Nominating Committee: (Bylaw states: There shall be 5 members: 3 elected at the Annual meeting and 2 appointed from within council) Nominees for the Nominating Committee: Thordis Agrey, Gary Rusu, Elaine Wilkinson. No further nominations from the floor. The above named are elected. MSC. 9. 16th Biennial Saskatchewan Synod Convention –June 3-5, 2016 at Circle Drive Alliance Church, Saskatoon. Registration deadline is April 4, 2016. Ruthe Olson volunteered to be a delegate. Zion is eligible to send 2 lay delegates. Motion: That Council appoint delegates and alternate delegates as needed. MSC 10. Announcements: Feb. 17th 7:30 p.m. Lenten Service at Zion 8:30 p.m. First New Council Meeting (Council Elections) Feb. 21st New Council Installation at both Services. Expressions of Thanks: to Judy Jahnke for continued dedicated support of the Youth, to Emmanuel Aristide for his internship time with us and all the blessings that come with that, to Donna Hume for her willingness to serve committees and folks in the office. 11. Meeting adjourned. Closing devotion: Intern Pastor Emmanuel Aristide COUNCIL PRESIDENT’S REPORT One of the things I’ve often thought about during my time as president is the health and growth potential of our congregation. At council meetings for the last several months we have taken a little time before each 4|Page
meeting to reflect on readings from a booklet called ‘From Visitor to Disciple – Eight (steps) Ways Your Church Can Help’, by John Bowen. As the title suggests, the booklet explores aspects of our church and congregational life that will encourage visitors to return and become members. In reading it we ask ourselves how we are doing at Zion. Step one asks - Why seek new people – we seek new people because we believe we have something wonderful to offer the world - “come and see” - from one of pastor Randy’s sermons. Step 2 asks – What is going to make people want to come in? It’s basically advertising, but probably the most important is a personal invitation, we must feel confident to ask without embarrassment. Step 2, I think, is the hardest part for most people. I believe we need to pray regularly for the Spirit to visit the hearts of people and to provide us with opportunities to invite people to “come and see”. Step 3-8 deal with things such as first impressions, parking, how the building looks, how new people welcomed, how they get information about church programs and the structures in place to help them make friends. In general, I feel Zion has a passing report card; I see people making an effort to be welcoming, our building and services are user friendly, we have a wonderful pastor who faithfully and very effectively preaches God’s word. I know we have let some of Zion’s past programs slip somewhat, perhaps due to fewer regularly attending members and a desire not to overload the core of volunteers. However, we, like many denominations, have a problem with a decline in regular worship attendance and with declining membership. Our annual meeting reports show that after a rather dramatic decline in membership 10-20 years ago we have settled into a baseline of membership with losses partly due to older folks moving into senior’s homes and youth leaving to other parts of the country. At the same time, we have been blessed with new people joining us every year. I have found a good source of information on the subject of declining membership in churches based on data from very large studies. This to me, with a science background, is worth a great deal more than so much of what you might read that is personal opinion. Type into your web browser: “Statistics and Reasons for Church Decline, Francis A. Schaeffer Institute….”. The site also has articles on ‘Why Churches Succeed’ and ‘Why Churches Fail’. I would strongly encourage you to take a look. There is a great deal of information, but as stated, the main, significant factor over all else of why churches succeed is this one point: they were centered upon Christ as LORD! They were not centered on a personality, a vision, a denomination, an emerging paradigm, or a set of trends. They were ‘souled out’ to Christ as central and sovereign. I believe Zion is indeed in very good stead with the leadership of pastor Randy and the steadfast work of dedicated church people. There is no doubt we must continue to strive to involve all of our people in the mission of our church. Recently I was very impressed that on at least 2 different occasions people volunteered to take on roles of major responsibility with out the ‘tap on the shoulder’. We now publish in the Sunday bulletin opportunities for service. It would be wonderful if all of our members take such requests seriously and follow the example of these recent volunteers. God’s blessings to all Albert Barth PASTOR’S REPORT “It is easily forgotten that the fellowship of Christian brethren is a gift of grace, a gift of the Kingdom of God that any day may be taken from us… therefore, let him who until now has had the privilege of living a common Christian life with other Christians praise God’s grace from the bottom of his 5|Page
heart. Let him thank God on his knees and declare: It is grace, nothing but grace, that we are allowed to live in community with Christian brethren”---- Dietrich Bonhoeffer , ‘Life Together’ These are wise words to hold forth as I sit down to right my annual pastor’s report to you, Zion Lutheran Church. These reports, by nature and pattern, usually serve two purposes. One, they review the past year through your pastor’s eyes. Two, they look forward through the same lenses. But before I begin reviewing and projecting, I receive this grounding word from brother Dietrich who reminds us all that the Church by its very existence, is ‘ grace, nothing but grace’ . It is God’s unfolded hand that allows us the privilege and the joy of living in this community called Zion, under the cross, called in mission as brother and sister. As your pastor, his words cut through any vain inclinations of mine to try make this church my project or possession. Instead, I joyfully accept the truth that I am able to serve only by the same grace that holds Christ’s church together. Quiet, Steadfast Faithfulness There were no monumental milestones or dramatic new undertakings in Zion in 2016. As I flip through my calendar from the last year, I conclude that we simply did what we have always been called to do: we carried on faithfully in service to Christ. We worked on ongoing refugee sponsorship, developed a more vibrant Canadian Lutheran World Relief support program, collected for Christmas Hampers, supported the Lighthouse, Kinasao, LCBI, mission around the world, and many more organizations that do good for our community and world. Nothing new; what we have been doing for a long time. Our building itself is a source of ministry and care, impacting downtown Saskatoon in ways that often are overlooked. It is a well used facility, we are good stewards of this property entrusted to us. We worship faithfully, pray for each other, teach the faith, welcome the stranger, visit the sick , and love each other. We do what countless other churches do in the city and around the world. We don’t stick out, but we do stick to our call, as servants of Christ. It is not a small thing for your pastor to look back on this year and conclude, yes, brothers and sisters, I believe we have been faithful. What more could we ask? The Gift of an Intern Although Zion has a long history of hosting interns , this has been a first for me in the role as a supervisor. We were blessed to have our intern, Emmanuel Aristide with us for all of 2016. In January, as we filled out our final internship report together, I made it clear to Emmanuel that my experience with him could not have been more positive than it was. I grew as a pastor and leader through this new role as intern supervisor. I have witnessed first hand how Emmanuel has grown in confidence and skill during his time with us. And you, Zion , were outstanding in your support, and genuine love for this student on his way to ordination. You gave him room to grow, to experiment, to fall on occasion and in all this you surrounded him with plenty of grace, kindness and encouragement. Zion, you did your job so very well. I thank you for that.
Care for a Sick Pastor I suppose, one new thing for me in 2016 was my unexpected ‘detour’ from parish ministry in November when I underwent emergency abdominal surgery. Zion, you were more than gracious in removing me from anxiety or concern about my work as pastor. Your prayers buoyed me up and all your signs of support and love will not be forgotten. Again, I am particularly grateful for your support and care for Emmanuel as he needed to step up and take on the role of pastor during my absence. Thank you again! 6|Page
What’s ahead? We will be doing some celebrating, for sure. We are in celebration mode in 2017, as in many and various ways, Lutherans commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation (stay tune for news about celebrations in Saskatoon this fall!). We will say farewell to our intern, Emmanuel at the end of March, but we will be honoured to host his ordination this summer. And it is not too soon to remind all of you that, according to my sources, Zion’s 100 th Anniversary will be in only two years, 2019. I am sure council would love to hear from interested planners and participants. Remember, time flies! Challenges? Of course, there are always challenges. Zion is no exception. I believe that Zion’s overriding challenge for the future is lay leadership. We will have to be attentive to leadership needs at Zion. As it is in many institutions and organizations, maintaining a vital volunteer base can be a struggle. Churches are notorious for carrying on with models for ministry that may no longer be effective. We are not the same congregation we were 20 years ago, 10 years ago, or even 1 year ago for that matter. I believe healthy congregations are willing to take a hard look at how things have been done and consider that a new model may be more effective for ministry. In Zion’s case, for example, if we struggle to find council members, perhaps we need to reconsider how we govern ourselves. Perhaps there is another way . Having said this, I point you back to the words of Bonhoeffer at the beginning of my report. The Church is a gift of grace, nothing but grace. We stand only by this grace. We work, we discern, we plan, we decide, but above all else we cast our worries on the One who holds us. For the Church belongs to the Head, Jesus Christ. He will deal with us, lead us as He pleases. I am thankful for that. We Carry On In the meantime, I suspect, for the most part, we will carry on doing as best as we can, as the Spirit leads us, to be faithful servants of Christ. Our mission statement sums up our day to day work, doesn’t it? “Moved by the love and grace of God, welcoming, worshipping and working together.” We carry on. Immensely grateful for what has been. Confident in what will be: a future that is held in the hands of the Good Shepherd. Thanks be to God, Pastor Randy
INTERN’S REPORT TO THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING My internship at Zion will soon come to an end. Serving this congregation, alongside Pastor Randy for the past 18 months have been the greatest learning experience I have ever had so far. During these past 18 months, we laughed together and also cried together. We have been through everything from Baptisms to funerals, and everything in between. I feel humbled to have shared all these precious memories with you all. I would like to thank you all for welcoming me in your midst, and this community has become mine. Zion will always feel like home to me, because you have all become family to me. From the bottom of my heart, thank you! 7|Page
Jesus Christ once said, “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” – Matthew 11:28 – 30. When Pastor Randy was away for 6 weeks, Zion members kept encouraging me and supporting me in many ways. Thanks to your prayers, I have really felt God’s presence and help throughout the Advent and Christmas seasons. These 6 weeks made me realize that serving a congregation does not mean that I have to do it all on my own. But rather, ministry is all about empowering the whole body of Christ, to serve and minister with/for the congregation by your side. Delegating some of my work with people in this congregation has helped me to minister with you all the way through, and avoiding burning out. This is something that cannot be learnt at seminary unless it is experienced. Looking back to 2016, I am thankful for:
Christ embodied in you all here at Zion, as it was an incredible honour and joy to serve this congregation; Each member of my amazing Lay Internship Committee: Bonnie Sather – Kinloch, Gloria Steckler, Velma Newmann, Larry Tehse and Dominic Hall. All the Zion Youth and their parents that I have had the chance to minister with. Thank you for the hard work you all put in the various fundraisings, which helped us to have unforgettable memories and lifelong teachings at the CLAY 2016. All the young adults I had the chance to journey with. I will miss our monthly suppers in town. The amazing staff at Zion, the musicians, and all the faithful volunteers who serve Zion on a daily/weekly basis. Pastor Randy, my supervisor, who entrusted me his congregation while he was away, and also for teaching me everything that I needed to learn in order to become the pastor God wants me to become.
As far as 2017 is concerned, I look forward to:
Finishing my internship here at Zion next month; Passing my colloquy examination next month; Finishing my Masters of Divinity (M.Div) at the Lutheran Theological Seminary, Saskatoon; Being ordained and receiving a call to serve a church in our Saskatchewan Synod.
Respectfully Submitted, Emmanuel Aristide MUSIC COORDINATOR’S REPORT In 2016, I continued in the position of Music Coordinator for Zion. I chose the music for Sunday morning services, with the input of some of the Worship Band leaders. I also planned music for the additional worship services during Lent, Holy Week and Christmas. I chose music for and accompanied the choir under the able leadership of Alice Barth. I arranged for the participation of instrumentalists for special services such as Easter, Thanksgiving, Confirmation and Christmas Eve. I assisted in planning for the Synod closing services hosted by Zion in June, which included a mass choir and brass quartet in addition to a contemporary band and pipe organ music. 8|Page
For most of the 9 a.m. services, as well as the liturgical services in May and June, I was the organist. Once again this year, we have had Lisa Shen and Katelyn Hicks help with the changing the liturgy and psalms on a regular basis. The choir rehearsed from September to April, and sang as often as they were able. For the 11 a.m. services, I coordinated the praise band volunteer teams, chose the songs, organized sound technicians and played piano. In conjunction with the Saskatoon Parents of Suzuki Piano, I taught an organ workshop for young pianists which was enthusiastically received by 9 students. In August, Zion was host to one of the noon hour concerts sponsored by the Royal Canadian College of Organists during the Pied Pipes of Saskatoon. For continuing Education, I attended the Worship and Music Symposium hosted by Concordia College in August. In October, I coordinated a special musical event (Celtic Revival) with the Sky Family from PEI.
Throughout the year, I met regularly with the Worship Committee and the 11 a.m. worship planning group. In June, we held a meeting for any interested band and worship committee members to talk about our contemporary worship services. Some goals were set, and we will meet again to evaluate our progress on these goals. Respectfully submitted, Diane Bestvater.
BOARD OF DEACONS ANNUAL REPORT The Deacons at Zion Lutheran cover three main areas by liaising with committees or programs currently running at Zion. The three main areas covered by the Deacons are: Community Outreach, Spiritual Growth and Zion’s Church Community. As Deacons we have attended committee meetings and Council meetings, voted on council business, voiced our opinions and have had input on the many issues and activities of our congregation, including planning new events that engage our community at Zion. The committees that Deacons liaise with include: Outreach, Parish Life, Worship, Refugee, PACE, Sunday School, Youth and Family, Library, Hospitality, and Nominating. The Deacons are working members of these groups and regularly report back to the Deacons meeting on a monthly basis. Our aim is to increase communication between committees, share ideas and keep 9|Page
council aware of the ongoing programs at Zion. We meet the same evening as council, prior to council meeting and report to Council all relevant information. Minutes of the Deacons meetings are regularly shared with Council members. The members of the Board of Deacons for 2016 were Michele Tatlow (Chairperson), Judy Brown, Ruthe Olson, Margaret Fast (secretary) with Emmanuel Aristide, intern. Respectfully submitted, Margaret Fast, secretary BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2016 REPORT Zions trustees for the year 2016 - Dean Kindt, Linda Jarock, Hans Baumfeld, David Kinloch. Treasurer- Don Schenk. Staff members Terry Afseth, Darlene Wilson, Donna Hume meet with the trustees at the monthly meetings in regards to operation of the building, finances, and operation of the office.
Projects for the year Emergency lights fellowship hall batteries replaced. Bulbs and ballast replaced fellowship hall kitchen, gym equipment storage room. Wall paper in entrance replaced. Door handle exterior NW door to gym repaired. New Security camera system Installed funded from office equipment reserve. Office area toilet flush valves replaced. Grenier Roofing replaced missing shingles south side of main sanctuary roof. Youth group pre-clay gathering swept parking lot. Gym water seepage- drilled holes and installed drain pipes. This worked for a while but it seems the filter cloth on the pipes is plugged - looking into other methods. Gym sewage lift pump failed. New pump and replacement lid for pit fabricated. Funded from maintenance reserve. Gym ventilation fan filters replaced. Heritage hall windows exterior repointed and painted. Flat roof patched. Office hallway and main office lights ballast changed. Replaced lamps hallway by altar guild room. Stairway treads scraped and re-glued. Cedar room lights replaced. Break in to cedar room level rooms somewhere between Friday Dec 16 and Sunday Dec 18. Nothing appears to be missing. Some doors damaged and will need repair. Boiler for main building and furnaces for heritage hall and fellowship hall removed and replaced with new boiler system and air handlers for heritage hall and fellowship hall. This was a major project and was voted on by congregation to fund from the line of credit. Flat roof areas of church are leaking. Received two quotes one of $31,353.00 and the other $59,913.00. Because of the large spread it was decided to get a third quote. Sept 23- Received 3rd quote for $62,000.00. This quote was for the complete removal of all existing flatroof roofing and insulation, installation of new sloped insulation package and torched membrane 10 | P a g e
system complete with installation warranty and 10 year product manufacturer warranty. After some discussion and review of quotes with a roofing professional his opinion was that we should go with the 3rd quote as the other quotes had extra charges to replace wet insulation, no warranty etc. We do not have the budget for this at the present time (maintenance reserve at about $32,000.00) and the expense of the new boiler. It was decided to patch the roof. Estimate of $2,000.00 to patch the areas of greatest need, this should get us by for a couple more years, and continue adding to maintenance reserve to do a complete roof system when we have funding in place. Other trustee responsibilities: Prepare budget for annual budget meeting. Picking up offering and locking up church after services (we are always looking for volunteers to help cover this job especially during the summer months) The Trustees regularly have a list of minor maintenance items to do around the building and would gladly accept help with these. Contact Dean to find out what is on the list. Respectfully submaitted, Dean Kindt
WORSHIP COMMITTEE REPORT – 2016 Five meetings of the worship committee were held during 2016. A survey reflecting worship concerns was developed and distributed for the 11 a.m. worship participants; the results were carefully tabulated and placed in the mailboxes of those who attend the contemporary services, as well as in the carousel, and to the 11 a.m. planners. Pastor Randy met with the 11 a.m. planning committee to discuss and address the findings. On June 12, a year-end appreciation event was held for the band, the 11 a.m. planners and members of the worship committee. Zion participated in the Lutheran city-wide Ash Wednesday service, followed by Lenten services rotated through six city congregations - Trinity, Zion, Augustana, Resurrection, Redeemer and Good Shepherd. Beginning May 1 the congregation held one service each Sunday at 10 a.m. throughout the summer concluding September 4, Labour Day weekend. Services alternated between contemporary and traditional worship styles. This practice began in May of 2015 and after a favourable review, it was recommended to council to implement the practice in 2016. Previously, the move to one service began in June. 11 | P a g e
The annual Volunteer Recognition Tea was held on Sunday, May 15, at 11 a.m. following the 10 a.m. service. Worship committee members provided the dainties and prepared the tables. At the May meeting, Alice Barth, chairperson, was presented with a gift card and heartfelt thanks for all her years of service to Zion on the worship committee. Jan provided a beautifully decorated cake for the occasion. During the January meeting, Alice had stated her intention to step down in May. On June 5, Zion hosted the closing worship service for the 2016 Saskatchewan Synod Convention. A light lunch was served to the convention delegates following the service. The service was well-attended and the music was wonderful. Thanks to Mildred Kerber for assisting the Altar Guild with the communion preparations. Once again, Albert and Alice Barth graciously hosted the annual Zion BBQ and potluck picnic in the yard of their acreage on June 19. The windy weather forced us to move ourselves, food and chairs into a large shed but that did not prevent our enjoyment of the time spent together. Members of the Altar Guild continued to provide dedicated service in changing the paraments to reflect the church seasons and in communion preparation for each Sunday. Two new patens (round fabric covers) were made. A new altar cloth was completed and dedicated for use and baptismal cloths were sewn. The new Reformation 2017 banner was in place beginning Reformation Sunday on October 30, 2016. The beautiful banner, which features the Luther Rose, words from “A Mighty Fortress,” and the dates “15172017” was created and gifted by Zion member, Vibs Paulsen. We thank God for Vibs’ creative talent and dedication to beautifying our church with banners and paraments. Much time over several meetings was spent discussing ways of celebrating the 500th year Anniversary of the Reformation with final plans yet to be determined for a service of celebration at Zion on Sunday, October 29, 2017. Many thanks to our Music Coordinator, Diane Bestvater, who has continued to provide uplifting music, guest performers and well-chosen songs reflecting the scripture readings for the day. She appreciated the opportunity to attend a Worship conference in Edmonton in August. Thank you, Shelley Froese and Rosine Gerhardt for the idea, the planning and the successful launch of the Advent project which saw Zion contribute on a weekly basis during Advent to the ministries of The Lighthouse, The Salvation Army Christmas Hamper, the Reformation Challenge to help raise funds for 500 scholarships to ELCJHL schools , and the Mitten Tree. Each week in Advent, one of these ministries was introduced and addressed through an Advent calendar for each family, and through the Sunday service folder. The Committee recommended to church council that the loose cash Christmas Eve offerings for 2016 be donated to CHEP, Good Food Boxes. The need continues for a co-ordinator for ushers as well as a communion coordinator for the 11 a.m. services. Respectfully submitted, Alice Barth, Diane Bestvater, Jan Peterson, Margaret Fast, Linda Chen, Pat Simonson 12 | P a g e
PARISH LIFE COMMITTEE REPORT 2016 Mission Statement: “To foster the renewal of parish life and build community among all church members and promote community through social activities for the benefit of all.” Events we hosted in 2016: January 17th-Soup and bun lunch February 12th-Valentines’ Dinner April 15th-Coffee House featuring Doug Cooney May 8th-Handed out carnations to Mothers October 9th-Thanksgiving Mini Brunch; a free will offering of $229.30 was given to the boiler fund. November 20th-Pot Luck lunch and bake sale; $1,013.00 was raised for the Christmas hamper fund. Respectfully submitted by: Elaine Wilkinson and Norma Rivard co-chairs, Judy Brown, council representative, Margaret Baun, Mildred Kerber and Charlotte Hahn. ARCHIVE COMMITTEE REPORT Although we did not have an official meeting this past year, the committee continued to gather information of activities at Zion and also promoted Zion History by placing “tidbits of information” on the coffee tables in the narthex. Submitted by Sonja Freiermuth, Karen Hopkins, Marlene Wichert
PARISH ADULT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION ANNUAL REPORT 2016 It has been another inspiring year for PACE with many different people sharing their talents and messages with us. Thanks to everyone who shared and to everyone who made suggestions as to who to call. Thanks to the other Committee members, Charlotte Hahn, Ruthe Olson (Council Rep) and Gene Grant for your input. Please if you have ideas as to whom to invite to present at PACE, let one of our committee members know!! The following educational events took place on each Sunday in 2016 whenever there were 2 services at Zion. There were between 20 and 60 people attending each event between 10:10 am and 10:50 am Jan 3 Jan 10 Jan 17 Jan 24 Jan 31 Feb 7 Feb 14 Feb 21 & 28 March 6 March 13 March 20 13 | P a g e
No Pace Bishop Allan Grundahl Pastor Ron Bestvater Emmanuel Aristide Farm In the Del Paul Sartison Emmanuel Aristide Dr Jan Peterson Open Door Society/Stephanie Shyluk Pastor Ken Neumann Rev Vern Ratzlaff & Hamid
1 service Hymn Sing Marcianism vs Luther My Journey from Madagascar to Canada Lutheran Campus Ministry Church in Madagascar Jonah Bible Study Refugees in Saskatoon Bible Study: The humanity of Jesus Understanding Muslims
March 27 April 3 April 10 April 17 & 24 May 1-Sept 4 Sept 11 Sept 18 Sept 25 Oct 2 Oct 9 Oct 16 Oct 23 Oct 30 Nov 6 & 13 Nov 20 Nov 27 Dec 4 Dec11 Dec 18 Dec 25
Easter Sunday Bishop Allan Grundahl Jan Uitti Emmanuel Aristide No PACE Zion Youth President Michael Nell/Seminary Jan Uitti Bishop Allan Grundahl Parish Life Brunch Linda Jarock Report on Church Convention Pastor Ron Bestvater Pastor Munye Mtata Pastor Renita Falkenstern Kari Alford Pastor Ron Bestvater Bishop Allan Grundahl Jan Uitti No PACE
No PACE Kinasao Bible Story: Naaman Church in Madagascar Only 1 service Report On CLAY Youth Gathering Bible Study Bible Story Ecumenism CLWR Reformation The Church in Zimbabwe Music Therapy & other methods of Care Kinasao Bible Study: Revelation Our Muslim Neighbours Bible Story: Jesus as Teacher Christmas day and only 1 service
Submitted by Alice Olson
MITTEN TREE 2016 On a cold January afternoon, I delivered the items from the Mitten Tree. The many beautiful mittens, scarfs and socks are very much appreciated. (See thank you note on bulletin board). Thank you for contributing to the Mitten Tree. It is a worthwhile project. Respectfully submitted, Ruthe Olson, Mitten Tree Coordinator.
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INTERN SUPPORT COMMITTEE Our committee is comprised of: Co-Chairs Intern Emmanuel Aristide/Bonnie Sather-Kinloch, Dom Hall, Vel Neumann, Gloria Steckler and Larry Tehse. Our committee has met every 4-5 weeks at Zion Lutheran Church to provide support for Intern Emmanuel in his journey to be an ordained minister. All of our meetings were carried out in a confidential, safe and supportive manner. There was a 2-month hiatus in July and August; we held a social event during the Advent Season also. We held a couple of meetings where we had the leadership of retired Bishop Allan Grundahl and Dr. Cam Harder of the Lutheran Theological Seminary. During our time together, we have enjoyed and had a positive experience with Intern Emmanuel. He displays and gives witness to a strong calling to be and carry out the work of a pastor. With the upcoming completion of Intern Emmanuel’s term here at Zion and his anticipated ordination, we are thankful for the many blessings he has brought to us, his support team, as well as to Pastor Randy and the congregation here at Zion. Respectfully submitted, Bonnie Sather-Kinloch
 SUNDAY SCHOOL Attendance for Sunday school this year has been fantastic. On a regular basis we have between 10-12 children. We are blessed to have Vel, Alice, Wes and Pat share the gift of music with us. We are hoping that the children can sing for the congregation on Palm Sunday. Sunday school will continue until May. On a sad note Karen Kelly has resigned as Junior Youth Sunday School leader. Thank you Karen for your many years of service to Sunday School. Your talents and always positive attitude will be missed. Karen will finish out the year. We will need to find someone for next year! This is a big group of kids that also attend on a regular basis. Respectfully submitted by Sunday School Superintendents, Tracy Tucker and Andrea Cameron STUDENT ASSISTANCE COMMITTEE - ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2016 The Student Assistance Committee was established by Zion Lutheran Congregation in 1985 with the mandate to raise funds to financially assist students attending ELCIC-affiliated schools and/or seminaries. We also pray for our supported students, visit with them during the year, and keep in contact.
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Funds are raised by soliciting annual "Student Aid" donations from Zion members and friends. Interest is also used from three "Endowments" established by three individuals: Evelyn Olson Hundeby, Irene Seierstad, and Ruth Watson. Others have added contributions to the Endowment-base. For 2016, Zion members and friends provided $ 3,069.16 for Student Aid, for which we are deeply grateful! In addition, $634.64 was available from the three Endowments. Thus out of these two sources of funding we have been able to provide support for three students (two in seminary and one in music studies) with $3,134.64 in total. Over the years since this ministry began, 47 students have been assisted, with about half of them becoming pastors. For the first time, during 2016, the pertinent documents relating to this assistance were posted on Zion's website, including application and agreement forms‌which made it easy for students to apply for assistance. Committee Members in 2016 have been: Muriel Jarvis, Karen Hopkins, Gerald Agrey, Linda Jarock, and Bishop Allan Grundahl. Murel Jarvis is the only member to serve since the inception of this ministry. The Committee gives thanks to God for both the vibrant students supported as well as the generosity of Zion members and friends. - Bishop Allan Grundahl, Chair
REFUGEE COMMITTEE Our church continues to wait for news from the Weldeyesus family, relatives of Saba and Gary. This family of five have been in a camp in Uganda for several years. The paper work was completed in 2015 and we received information that as of March 11, 2016, the family had been given a G number (identifying number for their application) and told that they would be processed in Dar-es-Salam. Despite that, there has been no action on their file, to our knowledge. On a positive note, the family are living in a house, the parents are employed, and the children are attending school. The family names are: Ocbatsion (father) age 41; Elsa (mother) age 43; Kebron (son) age13; Ellilta (daughter) age 11; Mirad (son) age 9. A young Eritrean man, Nazwari Tesfamichel and for whom we signed papers, arrived in February from Israel and has been assisted by Saba and Gary. Hermon, brother to Nazwari and separated from the family, was later found to be in a refugee camp in Ethiopia and we signed papers in June to have him come to Saskatoon and join his family here. That request has, unfortunately, been denied, according to a letter received in December. Wes Froese brought to our attention the plight of a young Eritrean man, Gobush Zeregabir, presently in Israel, seeking help to come to Canada. Wes was approached by a co-worker, Moulough, at Sherbrooke Community Centre who asked if the church could help. We tried. Unfortunately, refugees in Tel Aviv are in dire straights as the Israeli government is refusing to grant refugee status papers to the refugees; without that document, as sponsorship agreement holders, our hands are tied. 16 | P a g e
Wanting to help, and being allowed to help are two different things. It is a frustrating time. Please continue to pray for these refugees in particular and for the massive numbers of people being forced to leave their homelands, but unable to come to a place of freedom. Respectfully submitted, Margaret Fast, Hans Baumfeld, Jan Peterson, Ruthe Olson, Pastor Randy Meissner CLWR REPORT TO THE ANNUAL MEETING Thank you to all who have contributed to CLWR throughout 2016 – gifts of money for development and aid as well as gifts of We Care items. We packed and sent 21 boxes containing: 93 quilts and blankets 40 baby bundles 19 baby blankets 31 learning kits 66 sundresses 4 sewing kits 1 personal kit 21 hygiene kits 1 Teacher’s kit (Special thanks to our Sunday School students and teachers for bringing and assembling the items for the teacher’s kit.) (Recognition to Home Hardware who transports our boxes to the Winnipeg warehouse free of charge.) CLWR Sunday on October 16 hi-lighted the work of CLWR around the globe. The worship service and the PACE presentation were opportunities to focus on the “why” and “how” we can share with other Lutherans and other Christians in “creating a world where people live in justice, peace and dignity.” Please speak to any one of the committee – Jackie, Pat, Linda – if you have questions or ideas about contributing to the on-going work of CLWR. CLWR Committee – Jackie Smith, Pat Simonson, Linda Jarock
NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT Some recent changes to our Constitution and Bylaws. 1) Although terms remain three years in length, there are no limits on the number to terms that can be served 2) The Annual meeting elects a slate of councilors. At the first regular Council meeting executive officers, trustees and deacons are chosen. The Committee thanks, on behalf of Zion, Sheldon Hahn and Albert Barth for their time of service on Council. 2017 Zion Church Council 17 | P a g e
Terms completed at Annual Meeting, Feb
David Kinloch Ruthe Olson Linda Jarock Don Schenk (Treasurer) Leona Anderson Margaret Fast Michele Tatlow Judy Brown Hans Baumfeld Nominees Dean Kindt, Richard Bellamy Ronald Slind
2018 2018 2018 2018 2019 2019 2019 2019 2019 2020 2020 2020
Submitted by the 2017 Nominating Committee: Leona Anderson (Council), Elaine Wilkinson, Thordis Agrey, Gary Rusu, Pastor Randy Meissner (advisor)
PARISH REPORT Church Services 1. Worship Services held at 9 & 11 a.m. – 31 Sundays 2. Summer Worship Services held at 10 a.m. – 19 Sundays (May 1 through September 4 inclusive) 3. Single Services were held on January 3, December 25, December, 27. 4. Evening Healing Worship Services were held on January 4, February 1, March 7, April 4, May 4, June 6, July 4, August 10. Special thank you to Pastor Ron Bestvater for giving his time to lead these services! 5. Special Sunday Gatherings: January 17 …………………….....Parish Life – Soup and Bun Lunch January 17…………………………Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Worship & Fellowship February 7…………………………Annual Congregational Meeting February 21……………………….New Council Installation CLAY meeting (Youth to PEI) February 28……………………….Youth Fundraiser March 27………………………… Congregational Easter Mini Brunch April 10……………………………. Youth Fundraiser April 17…………………………….Student Aid Sunday Emphasis April 24…………………………….Concordia Choir May 29………………………………Congregational Financial Meeting June 5………………………………..Closing Worship for Convention June 19………………………………Congregational Picnic June 26………………………………Presentation of Grade 12 graduation quilts July 31……………………………….Blessing of CLAY Youth 18 | P a g e
August 14……………………….....CLAY youth leave for PEI September 11…………………….Sunday School Welcome back Kickof October 9…………………………..Thanksgiving Congregational Mini-brunch October 23…………………………Grade 3 Bible Presentation October 30………………………..Stewardship Emphasis begins November 6………………………All Saints’ Sunday November 20…………………….Potluck & Silent Auction Christmas Hamper Fundraiser December 4………………………Norwegian Christmas worship and Fellowship December 11…………………….City Wide Youth Meeting December 18…………………….Sunday School Christmas Program December 25 ……………………Christmas Day Worship Service 6. Midweek Services and Meetings of the Congregation 7. January 13-May 25; Oct. 5-Nov. 7; …Bible Study Jan. 27-May 25; Sept. 28-Nov. 9….. Large Catechism Study January 23 …………………………. Youth fundraiser February 9…………………………. Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper February 10…………………………. Ash Wednesday Worship Service February 12………………………….Congregational Valentines’ Supper February 17………………………… Mid-Week Lenten Service February 25………………………….Young Adult Meeting May 29………………………………….Congregational Budget Meeting October 14……………………………Sky Family Concert October 22…………………………….City Wide Youth October 28…………………………….Youth Movie Night December 1, 8, 15, 22………… Advent Evening Prayer Services (Holden Evening Prayer) December 4…………………………Norwegian Christmas Worship & Fellowship December 18………………………..Sunday School Christmas Program December 24…………………………6 & 7:30 p.m. Christmas Eve Worship Services
Hilltoppers meets regularly throughout the year on the 2nd Friday of the month Squircle meets regularly throughout the year on the 3rd Monday of the month Naomi Circle meets regularly throughout the year on the 3rd Monday of the month (All groups take a hiatus during the months of July and August).
8. Holy Communion was served 89 times. 9. Presentation of Grade 12 Graduation Quilts to: Ben Abrook, Annelise Jahnke, McCall Kindt, Kyle Twamley, Barend Wessels, Josh Willms. 10. Received through Holy Baptism: Iden Seckinger, Layne, Quinn and Nixon Onishenko, Shea Kieper. 11. Received through Transfer: Revs. Terry & Pat Simonson, Marcel & Sharon Voyer. 12. Removed through death: Charlotte Olson, Doris Hall, Dorothy Berg, Pres Spence, Kurt Goosen, Bert Meissner, Art Moen. 13. Marriages – couples married through Zion: Tammy Ly and Lewis Law, Lisa Sutherland and Ryan King. 19 | P a g e
14. Funerals & Memorial Services held through Zion: Charlotte Olson, Doris Hall, Dorothy Berg, Pres Spence, Kurt Goosen, Bert Meissner, Art Moen, Shannon Fehr. 15. Zion Membership (2016) Baptized Members 796
Confirmed Members 420
Active Non-Members 24
TREASURER’S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDING AUGUST 31, 2016 In this report I wish to draw your attention to a few of the many details you will find in the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Congregation Financial Statement August 31, 2016 audited by the Virtus Group. Printed copies of the Statement are included with the Annual Report. The records of the Congregation are divided into 2 main parts called Funds. Fund 1also called the General Fund had Revenue exceeding Expenses by $2,850. Mission Outreach of $49,500 was paid out of the General Fund. Fund 2 also called the Endowments and Special Gifts Fund had Revenue exceeding Expenses by $2,929. Designated Outreach of $36,875 was paid out of the Endowments and Special Gifts Fund. Again this reporting year little money was spent on the church building. However the approved line of credit was expanded to $150,000 with nothing drawn on it in the current year, to provide financing for the installation of a new boiler system that was started in September of the next budget year. The flat roof section of the church building leaks and the Trustees indicate a major upgrade is needed. The Maintenance Reserve set aside for such work has a balance of $36,831 but would be insufficient to complete this upgrade. I enjoyed this year as your Treasurer in large part because of the understanding and care that Darlene Wilson puts into her accounting and other responsibilities. I am pleased to be on Zion’s Council and to be part of the Gospel witness. Respectfully submitted by Don Schenk, Treasurer
INVESTMENT COMMITTEE REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDING AUGUST 31, 2016
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Zion’s Congregational Council is responsible for the Investment Policy and is to designate one or more persons to implement it. The present policy is dated April 17, 2013 and the present committee members were designated at the Council meeting of November 18, 2015. The funds managed are those that accumulate in the Endowment Fund and Special Gift Fund which range from being held in perpetuity as is endowment fund principal to those held for short periods of time. As of August 31 Zion’s National Bank Financial Portfolio value was $110,282. Net return for the budget year from interest, dividends and market value changes less fees equaled $10,552. During June of 2016 sales and purchases of securities were made to further limit the risk of market value swings both up and down thereby making the portfolio more consistent with the low risk Investment Policy. Respectfully submitted by Committee members Dean Kindt, Gary Rusu, Darlene Wilson and Don Schenk
50/50 Goals ZION’S SHARE
ELCIC
OTHER OUTREACH
TOTAL
50.00%
25.00%
25.00%
100.00%
2008
80.15%
16.35%
3.50%
408580
2009
76.10%
22.28%
1.62%
294355
2010
78.86%
11.24%
9.9%
308839
2011
79.74%
11.33%
8.93%
306338
2012
74.29%
9.15%
16.56%
356018
2013
69.66%
14.87%
15.46%
303245
2014
75.36%
5.9%
18.66%
398859
2015
76.83%
5.98%
17.19%
369680
2016
75.84%
5.98%
18.18%
341282
GOAL
Zion Attendance Year 2006 2007 2008 21 | P a g e
Lit@9 a.m. 86 82 96
Info@11 a.m. 128 117 76
Summer 113 98 104
Other 390*
AVG per Sun. 182 173 180
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 
59 55 54 54 54 56 57 57
124 94 106 100 91 84 76 80
79 93 86 95 83 86 96 93
189* 87* 66 80 89 55 59 64
141 128 128 134 128 123 117 120
* includes Chinese worship service attendance totals + evening, 10 a.m., 9:45 a.m. worship
2016 Memorials January, 2016 Memorial Fund In memory of Mel Dahlen
Ken & Vel Neumann
Memorial Fund In memory of Luke Smithson
Connie & George Sherwood
February, 2016 Memorial Fund In memory of Margaret Erickson
Gordon & Illa Knudsen
March, 2016 Memorial Fund In memory of Audrey Melbo
Mildred Kerber Maxine Olson Ivar & Mildred Moen Lorne & Margaret Baun
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Memorial Fund In memory of Charlotte Olson
Lorne & Margaret Baun Alice Olson
Memorial Fund In memory of Dorothy Berg
Alice Olson Lorne & Margaret Baun Pastor Gene Grant
CLWR Fund
Gerald & Thordis Agrey
Memorial Fund In memory of Doris Hall
Ruth Sutton
July 10, 2016 Memorial Fund In memory of Presley Spence
Gordon & Illa Knudsen
Dec 12, 2016 Memorial Fund In memory of Marjorie Bethel
College of Nursing, University of Sask.
Kitchen Fund In memory of Elsie Fenner
Ron & Sandra MacKay Bill & Gloria Steckler
Organ Fund 23 | P a g e
In memory of Oscar Fenner
Ron & Sandra MacKay Bill & Gloria Steckler
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