the program, with over 100 family and friends attending the Closing Program. Plans include two Summer Camps (June 22 – 2 and July 27 – 31) with an enrollment of 17 students. During the next school year, RLS will offer weekly music classes with Nancy Evans, a new playground, and the school will sponsor a “Little Lambs” sale as a fund-raiser. The two rooms the school uses have a capacity of 25 students each, however the school’s maximum capacity would be capped at 20 for each room for a potential maximum/goal of 40 students. The school’s new structure:

Lead Teacher: Becky Eastman
Associate Teacher: Ali Wells
Director: Kara Irving
School Board President: Jenny Stearns

Stewardship Update: Eric Carlson reminded the congregation of the Lenten Stewardship program, Book of Faith, this past spring. He further reminded us of the various opportunities for giving at RLC: Mission and Ministry, Capital Fund, and Dedicated Funds. He also advised that the Stewardship Team was looking at the stewardship of the Earth, sea, and all God’s creatures as part of stewardship, possibly next Lent (2010). Financial pledge information for 2009/2010:

105 of 215 contributors pledged to the Mission and Ministry operating fund

$346,935 was pledged for 2009/2010 ($31,000 less than last year)

126 of 215 contributors pledged to the Capital Appeal Fund

For July 1 2008 – June 30, 2009, Capital pledged and unpledged giving was $206,887

Compensation Team Update: Tom Evans provided a report on RLC staff compensation. A copy of the presentation is attached. [Secretary’s note: copy is in the hard copy of these minutes only.] The report includes comparison graphs of actual salary ranges and guideline ranges from 2004 through 2008 for the pastors and of the discrepancy levels for professional staff. Tom pointed out that the study did not include the church office secretary position at this time. Additional factors that Tom pointed out were that Pastor Jim holds a doctorate in ministry; Pastor Carol is currently paid at the rate of a pastor with two years experience although she has twelve years experience; and there are a number of reimbursements recommended by the Synod that have never been claimed by the pastors. The salary ranges for ministry directors were derived from modified rostered laity, Career Level III positions as there is no position descriptions which match those of RLC’s ministry directors. Tom also noted that an increase in compensation is not being sought for staff at this time due to the reality of the economic situation, although they all well deserve one.

Mission Endowment Fund: Bob Martin presented constitutional amendments for consideration with Ken Tillman responding to questions regarding the Mission Endowment Fund. The following resolutions were approved at the January 2009 Congregation Meeting and require a second approval for inclusion in the RLC constitution:

Whereas, life-long Christian stewardship involves the management of all assets God has entrusted to His people, including abilities, time, income, appreciated assets, and possessions; and

Whereas, members of Resurrection Lutheran Church have the privilege and duty to support the work of this congregation, the Virginia Synod, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America through contributions of time, abilities, and financial support as stewards of God’s gifts; and

Whereas, members of this congregation can fulfill their privilege and duty by giving to the work of the church through, for example, bequests in wills or living trusts, designations of retirement or pension plans, assignments of life insurance, charitable gift annuities, charitable remainder trusts, assignments of certificates of deposit, transfers of property such as cash, stocks, bonds, and real estate, etc.; and

Whereas, this congregation should encourage and receive these gifts, to be administered and utilized for ministry through a Mission Endowment Fund;

Therefore be it resolved, that the Congregation of Resurrection Lutheran Church, Fredericksburg, Virginia, amends its constitution as follows:

“C5.05. This congregation shall have a mission endowment fund which will operate under guidelines specified in this congregation’s bylaws. The purpose of the mission endowment fund will be to provide for mission work beyond the operating budget of the congregation.”

Amend section C12.05.f as follows:

“C12.05(f) The Congregation Council shall be responsible for overseeing the work of the mission endowment fund, this congregation’s investments and it total insurance program.” {New language is underlined}

The resolution was approved and the RLC constitution is amended with the above changes.

In order to implement the Mission Endowment Fund as provided in the newly amended constitution, the following resolution was placed before the congregation:

Resolved, that pursuant to C16.01, C12.05f, C5.05 and C19.01 of its Constitution, the Congregation of Resurrection Lutheran Church, Fredericksburg, Virginia, hereby approves a Bylaw establishing a Board to carry out the activities of a Mission Endowment Fund. The following Bylaw shall be inserted in the Bylaws of the Constitution of the Congregation where indicated:

Section VII. Mission Endowment Fund Board.

A. The Mission Endowment Fund Board shall manage the activities of the Mission Endowment Fund in accordance with this Bylaw and Policies approved by the Congregation Council.

B. A Mission Endowment Fund Board of seven voting members shall be selected in the following manner. Five members shall be elected at the January Congregation meeting. Nominations for the Mission Endowment Board shall be made by the same Nominating Committee that nominates candidates for the Congregation Council. The Nominating Committee shall present nominations at least equal to the number of vacancies for consideration by all voting member of this Congregation. The term of office for these elected members shall be three years with the first slate of members serving staggered terms, two for a term of three years, two for a term of two years and one for a term of one year. Members shall be eligible for only two consecutive terms. The Congregation Council shall yearly, at its January meeting, appoint one of its members to serve on the Mission Endowment Fund Board. In addition to the elected members and the member appointed by the Congregation Council, a pastor of the congregation shall be an ex-officio member of the Mission Endowment Fund Board, with voice and vote. The Treasurer of the Congregation shall maintain the account of the Mission Endowment Fund and serve as an ex-officio member of the Mission Endowment Fund Board, without voice or vote.

C. The duties of the Mission Endowment Fund Board shall include the following:

1. Determine how the Mission Endowment Fund assets will be invested, including the asset allocation. The investment objective will be to provide long term growth so the annual distribution will keep pace with inflation. In any event, all investments shall be invested by outside professional investors such as the ELCA Endowment Fund Pooled Trust and/or ELCA Mission Investment Fund once the Mission Endowment Fund assets reach $25,000. No Mission Endowment Fund Board member shall invest the assets in a way that would bring private inurement to that individual. The Mission Endowment Fund Board shall report at least quarterly to the Congregation Council on any and all activity within the Fund. Current balance, additions, distributions and any other activity shall be included with the report. Annual accounting and a report of ministries supported through the Fund shall be distributed to the Congregation at its annual meeting.

2. Begin making annual distributions from the Mission Endowment Fund once it reaches a threshold of $50,000. Annual distributions will be a percentage of the annual value of the Fund balance utilizing the ELCA Endowment Fund Pooled Trust spending rate. When the fund exceeds $500,000 in value on the year end valuation date, the next year’s distribution may include an additional distribution. If at any time the Fund falls below the threshold of $50,000, no further distributions shall be made until it reaches that amount.

3. Provide annual distributions to ministries as stated below:

a. Minimum of twenty percent (20%) for outreach into the local community as the Board determines;

b. Minimum of twenty percent (20%) for ELCA Church wide ministries as the Board determines;

c. Minimum of twenty percent (20%) for extraordinary programs/capital improvement or other ministry initiatives within this Congregation;

d. The remaining forty percent (40%) shall be distributed through any of the above categories.

4. Encourage gifts to the Mission Endowment Fund through education and promotion of the Fund. The Mission Endowment Fund Board may use the services of the ELCA Foundation Regional Gift Planner in assisting potential contributors to the Fund in determining the best way to include the Fund in their current giving and estate plans. At the discretion of the donor, an amount of up to ten percent (10%) of each such gift may be distributed immediately using the guidelines set forth in Section 2 above. The remaining portion will be added to the Mission Endowment Fund.

5. Decline acceptance of a gift if deemed to be in the best interest of the fund and the Congregation to do so.

6. Receive and celebrate gifts given for ministry through the Mission Endowment Fund and maintain a permanent book of remembrance of donors to the Fund.

7. Respond to a request from the Congregation Council, under an unforeseen emergency situation, to use principal of the Mission Endowment Fund to help the Congregation rectify an economically devastating situation

8. Accept gifts specifically designated for the Mission Endowment Fund. The Board may also accept gifts to the Congregation that are not specifically designated for the Fund by the donor, if directed by the Congregation Council. Examples of undesignated gifts received by this Congregation are, but not limited to, memorials, bequests, life insurance proceeds and remainders from life income agreements.

D. Should Resurrection Lutheran Church (or this congregation) cease to be a legal, singular entity, the distribution of funds, described in Section C, paragraph 3, shall be administered by its successor body in accordance with Chapter 7 of the Constitution.

E. Any member of the Mission Endowment Fund Board shall be indemnified for any loss which that member may incur by reason of the fact that such member is or was a member of the Mission Endowment Board and is or was a party to any threatened, pending or completed civil, criminal, administrative, arbitration or investigative procedure, except to the extent such loss has been caused by the bad faith or gross negligence of the member.

The resolution was approved and the RLC By-Laws are amended.

Council Elections: Three seats on the Congregation Council, each for a term of three years, are to be filled by election. The Nominating Team placed the following names in nomination for those seats:

Lynn Manthei
Bob Martin
Norm Sahley

Rachael asked if there were nominations from the floor. Denise Guest moved and Karen Dickerson seconded that nominations be closed. The motion was approved.

Lee Brock moved and Brian Dickerson seconded that the congregation accept the slate of nominees by acclamation. The motion was approved.

Rachael thanked the following individuals for their service to RLC as they left their positions:

Council members

Dick Manthei
Dick Rothermel

Building Team Chair

Eric Carlson

Co-Leader, Capital Campaign

Denise Guest

Teams

Vicki Gellerman: Mutual Ministry & Homeless Meals
Betsy Patton: Chair, Health Ministry
Mike & Lorri Heimink: co-Captains, Hospitality
Rachael Orzechowski: Chair, Worship and Music

Finance and Budget: Treasurer Linda Smith provided the Finance and budget report and information.

For the period July 1, 2008 – May 31, 2009, there was an operating loss of $4,412.00. Information for June 2009 will be reported in early July, as will the year-end report for the 2008/2009 budget year.

On May 29, 2009 the following balances were reported for RLC’s three funds:

Mission and Ministry (operating): $5,119
Dedicated: $62,388
Capital: $116,387

Giving updates, as of June 1, 2009:

· Mission and Ministry

o The average giving, pledged and unpledged, per giving unit for the past 11 months has been $2500

o 43 of 120 units who pledged for 2008-2009 are behind in their pledges by approximately $27,400

· Capital Fund

o Total Pledge for the 2007-2010 Appeal is $541,424

o Expected giving to date is $410,348

o Actual giving to date is $356,121

o Folks are $54,227 behind in their giving to the Capital Appeal

•7 units, totaling approximately $16,000, have departed

Mortgage Information: With occupancy granted for the new building, the construction loan has converted to a traditional mortgage. The loan for the original building has a principal balance of approximately $600,000. The loan for the new building has a principal balance of approximately $2,000,000. Currently the mortgage payment for the new building is being paid out of the capital account and is not reflected in the M&M budget. The combined monthly payment for the two mortgages is approximately $18,000.

Discussion of proposed budget:

FYE 6/30/09 budget: Current operating budget

FYE 6/30/2010 budget: proposed budget with no growth factored in

FYE 6/30/2010 budget: proposed budget with growth factored in

Proposed Proposed

FYE FYE FYE

6/30/09 6/30/10 6/30/10

Budget Budget Budget

w/Growth

INCOME

Offerings - Pledges

378,109

346,935

Offerings - Unpledged Env

47,000

57,651

Offerings - Unpledged

21,327

18,320

Capital

25,456

Growth

4,674

22,094

Total Income

476,566

422,906

445,000

Total Expenses

476,565

474,885

476,653

Expected Deficit

(51,979)

(31,653)

Cuts Already Made to Proposed Budget in Concert with Team Leads and Finance Team:

• World Mission Support and Hospitality Line Items Zeroed Out

• Worship

– Portals of Prayer subscription cancelled

– Budget for Guest Pastors zeroed out

• Evangelism

– Lutheran Magazine subscription cancelled

• Youth – Van Rental and Support Zeroed Out

• Music – Music Assistants Line Item Zeroed Out

• Administrative

– Council Line Item Reduced

Additional Cuts to be Made If Required

• Finance Team currently investigating possible reduction in phone and internet costs. Also investigating copier maintenance and lease agreement.

• Reduce janitorial service from two times a week to once per week – estimated $7800

• Cancel lawn service, revert to volunteers to mow the lawn - $2500 ($150 per cut)

• Decline renewal of non-required elevator, HVAC, and septic system contracts, and pay as we have problems - $1500

• Reduce Benevolence to the VA synod from 8% to 4.5% - $15,000

• Reduce Pastors and Staff Salaries by 10% - $26,550 (includes reduction in benefit costs)

Notes and discussion:

· Van support for Youth Group activities will have to come from families.

· Concern was expressed that because some costs were being paid out of people’s pockets or Capital Funds in the case of the mortgage, the budget does not reflect the true cost of running the church.

· A suggestion was made that income and expenses for the week be published in the weekly bulletin. It was suggested that this information provides a more accurate picture when it is presented on a monthly basis.

· The proposed budget cuts presented by Council were discussed. The point was made that cuts to facility expenses should be made before cutting benevolence or salaries.

· Charging of fees for use of the building – we don’t know what the costs would be for outside group use of the building; there is a school of thought that the building is a gift of God and should therefore be shared; concern for the tax status of funds derived from fees for use of the building was expressed.

Bernie Patton moved and Rose Baer seconded the adoption of the proposed FYE 6/30/2010 budget with growth. The motion was approved with two people voting “no.”

Rachael advised that if budget attention was needed in three months, a special congregation meeting for additional input and decision would be called.

Comments: With a healthy congregation, a healthy income, and a great new building we are doing God’s work. We have to find a way to fund our new reality. Council will come to the congregation if cuts need to be made. An important piece is the communications component – notifications of any cuts need to be made to the congregation.

The meeting was adjourned at 3:30pm with a prayer by Pastor Jim.

Respectfully submitted,

Bob Martin

Congregation Secretary

Special Congregation Meeting Minutes

Resurrection Lutheran Church ***DRAFT***

December 13, 2009

On October 23, 2009, a petition, with the required number of signatures, requesting a special congregation meeting was forwarded to President Rachael Orzechowski. A copy of the petition is attached. President Orzechowski, with the concurrence of Council set the meeting date for December 13, 2009. The Congregation Council provided written notice of the meeting, the five proposals, and the Council position on each proposal, as required by the RLC constitution. A copy of the notice and Council position statements is attached.

President Orzechowski called the meeting to order at 11:53 am. Virginia Synod Bishop James Mauney opened the meeting with a prayer, which was followed by a hymn.

Joe Corrao rose to request a ruling on the adequacy of notice for the special meeting. The Chair ruled that notification was adequate, having been posted on the bulletin board located in the Narthex for well over two weeks.

Rachael discussed the process for the meeting, which included the order of taking up the proposals, the voting process, and the discussion process. The voting process for all five proposals was by anonymous paper ballot and Trustees Kevin Berry and Denise Guest counted the ballots. Proposal Five would require a two-thirds approval of those present and voting in order to be accepted. Proposals One through Four would require a simple majority for approval.

Secretary Bob Martin advised that the quorum of 119 voting members present was met with 249 voting members in attendance.

Rachael introduced Proposal Five for discussion: [that the congregation] “Sever RLC’s affiliation and relationship with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America no later than March 1, 2010 or as soon thereafter as practicable, and seek affiliation with another denominational association within the Lutheran Communion.” She also read Council’s position of opposition to acceptance of Proposal Five, which calls for severing ties with the ELCA. Rachael reminded the meeting that acceptance by two-thirds of the members present and voting on the proposal was necessary for approval and would also be the first step in a multi-step process if approved.

Joe Corrao spoke in favor of acceptance of Proposal Five on behalf of the proponents of the proposal. Tom Evan’s spoke in opposition to acceptance of Proposal Five on behalf of the Council. Approximately 17 other individuals spoke to the proposal. Sabrina Springer called the question and the Chair found that more than two-thirds of the congregation was in favor of voting on Proposal Five.

The Chair ordered a count of those present and voting. There were 246 members present and voting on Proposal five. At least 164 affirmative votes were required in order for the Proposal to pass. The Trustees reported the following vote results for Proposal Five:

In favor: 101

Opposed: 136

Abstain: 9

The motion was defeated.

Rachael introduced Proposal One for discussion: [that RLC] “Adopt a binding and legal by-law stating that RLC shall not call to ministry any gay or lesbian pastor or other professional worker living in a homosexual relationship, or any heterosexual pastor or other professional worker living in a sexual relationship outside of marriage, defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman blessed by God and recognized by the State.” She also read Council’s position in opposition to acceptance of the proposal.

Coston Cheatham spoke in favor of the proposal on behalf of the proponents of Proposal One. Lynn Manthei spoke in opposition to acceptance of the proposal on behalf of the Council.

Bernie Patton called the question and the Chair found that more than two-thirds of the congregation was in favor of voting on Proposal One. The Trustees reported the following vote results for Proposal One:

In favor: 76

Opposed: 101

Abstain: 2

The motion was defeated.

Rachael introduced Proposal Two for discussion: [that RLC] “Adopt a binding and legal by-law stating that RLC follows Resolution CB93.10.25 of the ELCA Conference of Bishops, dated October 1993, which states that: ‘We…recognize that there is basis neither in scripture nor tradition for the establishment of an official ceremony by this church for the blessing of a homosexual relationship. We, therefore, do not approve such a ceremony as an official action of this church’s ministry.’” She also read Council’s position in opposition to acceptance of the proposal.

Sarah Davis spoke in favor of the proposal on behalf of the proponents of Proposal Two. Tom Murphy spoke in opposition to acceptance of the proposal on behalf of the Council. There were also several members who spoke to the Proposal. A suggestion was made that a committee or task force look at the issue before a by-law proposal is accepted. The question was called and the Chair found that more than two-thirds of the congregation was in favor of voting on Proposal Two. The Trustees reported the following vote results for Proposal Two:

In favor: 79

Opposed: 82

Abstain: 5

The motion was defeated.

Rachael introduced Proposal Three for discussion: [that RLC} “Adopt a legal and binding by-law stating that RLC shall not purchase or otherwise acquire any education, training, liturgy, or other materials published by Augsburg Fortress, the publishing house of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, it affiliates or subsidiaries.” She also read the Council’s opposition to acceptance of the proposal. The question was immediately called and the Chair found that more than two-thirds of the congregation was in favor of voting on Proposal Three. The Trustees reported the following vote results for Proposal Three:

In favor: 40

Opposed: 101

Abstain: 4

The motion was defeated.

Rachael introduced Proposal Four for discussion: [that RLC] “Adopt a legal and binding by-law and budget amendments to ensure that RLC shall not contribute, pay, transfer, or otherwise provide any funds to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, but shall instead provide such funds directly to Lutheran causes and charities deemed worthy of support by the council, or shall place such funds in an escrow account until such time as the congregation of RLC shall, at a meeting of the congregation, direct the release of such funds.” She also read the Council’s opposition to acceptance of the proposal. The question was immediately called and the Chair found that more than two-thirds of the congregation was in favor of voting on Proposal Four. The Trustees reported the following vote results for Proposal Four:

In favor: 40

Opposed: 99

Abstain: 7

The motion was defeated.

The congregation sang a hymn and was led in a closing prayer by Bishop Mauney.

Tom Murphy moved that the meeting be adjourned, which was seconded by Bernie Patton. The motion was approved and the meeting was adjourned at 3:22 pm.

Respectfully Submitted,

Bob Martin

Congregation Secretary

Our Organization

Here is how we are organized to teach and serve as ambassadors of Christ:

Presiding Bishop, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America	Rev Mark Hanson
Bishop of the Virginia Synod	Rev Jim Mauney

STAFF:
Pastor of Resurrection Lutheran Church	Rev Jim Kniseley
Pastor of Resurrection Lutheran Church	Rev Carol Kniseley
Minister of Youth	Vacant
Minister of Family Life	Vacant
Minister of Music	Amy Burcher
Secretary	Denise Sohlke
Parish Nurse	Bonnie Murphy
COUNCIL:
Congregation President	Rachael Orzechowski (2011)
Congregation Vice President	Terri Kuckuck (2010)
Congregation Secretary & Council	Bob Martin (2012)
Congregation Treasurer	Vacant
Congregation Financial Secretary (Appointed)	Bill Gellerman
Congregation Council	Tom Bannon (2010)
Congregation Council	Tom Evans (2011)
Congregation Council	Karen Meyer (2011)
Congregation Council	Norm Sahley (2012)
Congregation Council	Vacant (2010)
Congregation Council	Vacant (2012)
MINISTRY TEAMS:
Worship and Music Team	Jane Sahley
Evangelism Team	Carol Bailey
Social Ministry Team	Vacant
Property Team	Tom Bannon
Stewardship Team	Eric Carlson
Youth Team	Vacant
Family Life Team	Vacant
Hospitality Team	Vacant
Mutual Ministry Team	Eileen Davis
Finance Team	Vacant
Audit Team	Vacant
World Mission Support Team	Vacant
Health Ministry Team	Emily Slunt & Jennifer Genotti
Nominations Team	Tom Bannon (until 01/31/10)
Constitution and Bylaws Team	Bob Martin
Shepherd Ministry Team	Pastors

Pastors’ Report for the Year 2009

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

- Philippians 4:13

Dear Resurrection Family,

How do you explain the year 2009 at Resurrection to future generations? We celebrated our 20^th Anniversary on September 13^th with 300 worshippers, a great sermon from mission developer Pastor CeCe Mills, and a wonderful meal. The great slide show gave us a joyous sense of our first 20 years of life as a congregation.

The fall months of 2009 were tumultuous. Reactions to the ELCA Churchwide decisions were all across the board. Our Council requested that our Congregation take time to study the issues, have forums, and decide how to respond. A group of members chose to follow the constitutionally-allowed course to write a petition, get a minimum of 10% of voting members to sign, and demand that the Council President call a Special Congregation Meeting to vote on 5 issues, including disassociating with ELCA.

The Congregation Meeting was scheduled for Sunday, December 13. In preparation for this meeting, Pastors Jim and Carol presented Professor Mark Allen Powell’s series “How Lutherans Interpret the Bible” on six Sunday mornings. Our Congregation Council wrote their recommendations and included these recommendations along with the resolutions from the petitioners in a special mailing to all members.

On December 13, Bishop Jim Mauney preached at the one service at 10:00 a.m. The worship service was full and even more folks came for the congregation meeting. The meeting was conducted in the sanctuary by Rachael Orzechowski, President of the Congregation and Council. Mr. Vince Indelicato, from Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Warrenton, served as our Parliamentarian. Bishop Mauney represented the Virginia Synod and was available to answer questions. You will see the results of the voting in the Minutes of the December 13th Special Congregation Meeting. All five resolutions were defeated, including the resolution to disassociate with the ELCA.

Since the ELCA Churchwide Assembly in August and even more since our Special Congregation Meeting on December 13, some members are choosing to leave Resurrection. We have seen a decrease in attendance of about 30 per Sunday in October and November and an additional decrease of about 50 more per Sunday since December 13.

We are reminded of the Biblical story of Joseph in Egypt. There were seven years of plenty, followed by seven years of want. We have experienced wonderful years of ministry and growth. Now, we are experiencing a time of want for people and resources. We trust that God has a rich future in store for Resurrection. We need to get through this temporary time of want and look to the future. We are already experiencing signs of hope and endurance: folks are stepping up their volunteering of time and talents. Our offerings are good, though from less members.

You will note that at the halfway point of our 2009-2010 fiscal year, we are about $15,000 in the negative for Mission and Ministry. Our Congregation Council is monitoring our budgetary needs and is making adjustments as needed. We are down two staff persons and we are looking at short-term and long-term staffing patterns to keep our Christian Education and Youth Ministries as good and healthy as we have come to expect at Resurrection.

We have become a mission congregation again. Some of us understand well what mission congregation members must do to insure continued life and ministry. Everyone pitches in. Everyone has a part to play. We support with our presence, our volunteering, and our offerings. And, we are always looking for new folks to invite into the Resurrection Family.

Is our cup half empty or half full at Resurrection? It would be easy to focus on the folks who have chosen to depart. We suggest that a better way is to focus on those who want to remain. It feels like 30% of our membership may be leaving and about 70% may be remaining. We rejoice in the healthy number of new members who joined Resurrection in 2009. We are very encouraged by the continuing number of visitors at our worship services these days.

Thanks to each and every one of you for your partnership in the gospel. We love you very much!

In Christ,

The Rev. James C. Kniseley The Rev. Carol Haynes Kniseley

Pastor Carol and Pastor Jim

Our Ministry Plan for 2010

Resurrection Lutheran Ministry Team Annual Reports

Team Name: Worship and Music Team

Our Mission: Inspired by the Holy Spirit, we create conditions through worship, music, and drama for meaningful dialog between God and man.

Our Goals for 2010: To encourage more active participation by all our members in worship and music.

Host musical concerts at RLC by outside choirs/musical groups.

We encourage:

v Daily Prayer

v Daily Reading of the Word

v Weekly participation in Worship

v Participation in all Festival Events

v Regular service as a Worship Assistant each month

Our Projects for 2010:

Date Event Location

17 Feb 2010 Ash Wednesday RLC

28 Mar 2010 Palm Sunday RLC

01 Apr 2010 Maundy Thursday RLC

02 Apr 2010 Good Friday RLC

04 Apr 2010 Easter RLC

23 May 2010 Pentecost RLC

31 Oct 2010 Reformation Sunday RLC

07 Nov 2010 All Saints Sunday RLC

21 Nov 2010 Evening Service of Thanksgiving RLC

28 Nov 2010 First Advent RLC

24 Dec 2010 Christmas Eve (Friday) RLC

Our Witness and Service in 2009: In 2009 the Worship and Music Team worked together to prepare for each worship service. More people became involved in supporting all the many aspects of worship. An integral part of every service is music provided by our choirs, instrumentalists, signing choirs and many talented individuals. Of significance, was beautiful music at Easter and Christmas presented by our combined choirs. Had lectern Bible rebound. Established two Worship & Music procedure notebooks and new procedures for scheduling Assisting Ministers. Organized and hosted concert at RLC by students from Daystar University in Africa

Who is currently serving on our Ministry Team:

Jane Sahley, Team Lead Nancy Evans Amy Burcher, Minister of Music

Dorothy Vernon Lucille Covic Tom Evans, Council Liaison

Bob Kuckuck Debbie Carlson

Kathleen Howard Joy Bushman

*Team Name: Evangelism Team*
*Our Mission:* The Evangelism/Outreach Team exists for the purpose of helping the people of Resurrection to become “Contagious Christians” by inviting and welcoming visitors and helping new members to grow in their faith journeys through the mission of Resurrection.

Our Goals for 2010-2011: 1. Continue to encourage all RLC members to reach out with a friendly smile and “hello” to visitors and folks they do not know as well as to include new members in the various committees and activities of the congregation. 2. Continue to encourage RLC members to invite friends to visit RLC. 3. Provide a Visitor Table to answer questions and provide information to visitors. 4. Encourage all Resurrection teams to recognize the “outreach” element for all their activities. 5. Increase the number of people on the committee so that all tasks are performed. 6. Evaluate how best to spread our message to near-by neighborhoods. 7. Increase attendance at Senior Outreach by distributing brochures to Germanna Heights, The Reserve, and other senior citizen living areas.
*Our Projects for 2009-2010:*
Date	Event		Location
Easter and Christmas	Friendship Celebrations		Church Narthex
Quarterly	New Member Orientations		Fellowship Hall
Quarterly	New Member Receptions		Church Narthex

*Our Witness and Service in 2009:* 1. Visitor Follow Up - Telephone calls are made to visitors soon after their first visit. Notes are sent within a couple of days of first time visits. The Pastors follow up with a letter. 2. New Member Orientations- 4 new member orientations were held with a meal prepared for each session. Usually members of the previous class prepare the meals. Members of the Youth Group volunteer for childcare. 3. New Member Sponsors - Each new member/family is assigned a sponsor from the congregation. 4. New Member Receptions -Teams are in place to arrange for receptions for new member Sundays. 5. RLC Information - Information materials about Resurrection have been prepared and are available for visitors. 6. New Member Packets - When a person/family joins, they receive new member packets (items such as a book, certificate, offering envelopes, name badges). 7. Christmas and Easter Friendship Celebrations - Twice this year, this team sponsored “Friendship Celebrations.” Invitations were distributed to RLC worshippers throughout the seasons of Advent and Lent. Everyone was encouraged to spread the word and invite their friends and families to join us on Christmas Eve and Easter Sunday morning. 8. The Lutheran Magazine - The Evangelism-Outreach Team continues to urge the congregation to subscribe to The Lutheran and encourages members to read this valuable publication produced by the ELCA. Articles about The Lutheran were included in some of RLC’s 9. Senior Outreach- The Senior Outreach Ministry meets each Tuesday for lunch, fellowship, and activities for those over 55. 10. 2009 New Members - 59
*Who is currently serving on our Ministry Team:*
Carol Bailey, Team Lead
Bob Martin, Council Liaison		Pastor Carol Kniseley
Judy Wertz.
Carol-Ann Courtney


Many thanks to the RLC members who prepare meals, serve for the receptions, and most of all to every RLC member who reaches out to someone new.

New Members for 2009

A listing of members who have transferred or resigned from RLC will be provided at the June Congregation meeting.

*Team Name: Stewardship Team*
*Our Mission*: The Stewardship Team serves to encourage all parishioners to be good stewards of the life and resources we have been given. We encourage all to take to heart our congregation's mission and vision. We are each blessed by God in order that we might be a blessing to others.

*Our Goals for 2010-2011:* a. Support the Council in organizing and conducting a Capital Appeal beginning in the Fall of 2010 focusing on the theme of “An Attitude of Gratitude” with a goal of receiving $15,000 per month in Capital Fund contributions. b. Coordinate a Lenten Stewardship Appeal to gather Mission and Ministry for the 2011-2012 fiscal year with a goal of receiving a pledge of a tithe from 50 percent of our giving units (confirmed members or couples who contribute financially). On average this would be about $500 per month per giving unit. c. Provide encouragement and opportunity throughout the year for all communing members to tithe of their blessings to the work of the church.
*Our Projects for 2010-2011:*
Date Event Location
Jan 31 2010	Revise 2009-2010 Witness and Service Pledging		RLC
Feb 17 2010	Begin 2010-2011 M&M Pledge Program		RLC
Mar 21 2010	Pledge Sunday – Consecration Sunday		RLC
Apr 25 2010	Begin 2010-2011 Witness and Service Pledge Program		RLC
May 23 2010	Receive Witness and Service Pledges (on Pentecost)		RLC
Oct 3 2010	Begin Capital Appeal		RLC
Nov 21 2010	Receive Capital Appeal Pledges		RLC
Mar 9 2011	Begin 2011-2012 M&M Pledge Program		RLC
Apr 10 2011	Pledge Sunday – Consecration Sunday		RLC
Jun 12 2011	Receive Witness and Service Pledges (on Pentecost)		RLC

*Our Witness and Service in 2008-2009:* We conducted a successful Mission and Ministry and Capital pledge campaign in Lent of 2009 with the theme “Walk With Jesus” as well as a witness and service pledging campaign in June 2009. Results are available at: http://www.resurrectionpeople.org/plugin/service.htm. We crafted a Stewardship webpage at: http://www.resurrectionpeople.org/stewardship/index.php and expanded a means for on-line giving through the Simply Giving program of Thrivent. We decided to provide offering envelopes for all baptized and communing parishioners – with numbered envelopes offered to children once their parents think they are ready or once a communing parishioner starts confirmation (6^th grade). We decided to split the next Capital Appeal to the Fall timeframe.

*Who is currently serving on our Ministry Team:*
Denise Guest, Capital Appeal Team Lead		Donna Roberts, Contributions Secretary
Jack Morisak, Asst Contributions Secretary		Pastor Jim Kniseley
Pastor Carol Kniseley		Eric Carlson, Team Lead

Team Name: HEALTH MINISTRY

Our Mission: As Jesus has called us to care, the Health Ministry is committed to a healing mission that integrates faith and health by promoting wholeness of body, mind and spirit.

Our Goals and Objectives:

¨ Minister to the health needs of our congregation and community; e.g. healing services, health screenings, health fair, visitation

¨ Assess and implement ways to reach out to older adults within our congregation and residents living in our community

¨ Collaborate to implement projects with seniors in independent, assisted living and long term care facilities; e.g. Germanna Heights Senior Apartments, Chancellors Village

¨ Provide health education and resources to promote wellness and manage chronic health problems

¨ Explore ways for providing health education to pre-school and school-aged children

¨ Conduct a fundraising event to support the Health Ministry

¨ Interface with other organizations and churches to combine efforts in meeting health needs

¨ Open and furnish the Health Ministry/Parish Nurse office as a meeting place for counseling, answering questions and prayer.

Our Projects for 2010:

¨ Healing service four times during the year

¨ Blood pressure screenings four times per year and as needed

¨ Visitation and services to members in need

¨ Display of “Care Notes” for congregation members and visitors

¨ Germanna Heights Senior Apartments project: Activities to include spiritual and health related programs and socialization opportunities

¨ Participation in Weekly Senior Social Gathering by providing lunch or activity

¨ Annual Health Fair in October: Flu shots, health screenings and community resources

¨ Fundraiser to be determined

¨ Furnish and open the Health Ministry/Parish Nurse office.

Our Witness and Service in 2009:

Quarterly healing services and blood pressure screenings

Purchased several items for the church including the following:

AED Machine

First Aid Cabinet and supplies for the first aid bag

Dry erase boards and easels

Privacy screens

Outdoor grill

Purchased and displayed “Care Notes”

Provided nurse for Summer Vacation Bible Camp

Parish nurse available for counseling and to answer questions

Articles for the Newsletter

Implemented a pilot project with seniors at Germanna Heights Senior Apartments. Purchased and prepared food for a luncheon and supplies for crafts and sliding bingo cards for residents. Additional activities included spiritual and health related programs and socialization opportunities.

Annual Health Fair in October was held in the new fellowship hall. Time in planning, marketing and implementation was extensive. Purchased flu shots, screening and marketing materials and signage including fliers printed in Spanish.

Lobster Fest as a fundraiser

Provided support to the Outreach Team in their ministry to seniors through the Weekly Senior Social Gathering

Invited residents at Tricord Senior Adult Housing Project: “The Retreat” to participate in health related activities such as the health fair

Received and relocated donated furniture for the Health Ministry/Parish Nurse office.

Who is Currently Serving on our Ministry Team

Barbara Tomayko Betsy Patton Bonnie Murphy

Emily Slunt Ginny Casperson Jennifer Genotti

Joy Kerley Judy Troast Karen Dickerson

Karen Meyer Khary Stringer Laurie Reiss

Pastors Jim & Carol Sue Merna Tom Murphy

Norm Sahley, Council Liaison

Continued next column

Team Name: Property Team

“Jesus called for stewards to be faithful and responsible with the trust that has been given to them.”

Ÿ Responsible for the maintenance and repair of the church grounds and buildings.

Ÿ Responsible for the efficient and safe operation of the church’s facilities and assets.

Ÿ Provide support to ministry programs.

Ÿ Provide maintenance and repair recommendations to the church council.

Ÿ Responsible for space utilization, furniture, and capital equipment.

Ÿ Serve as the contact team for property emergencies.

Ÿ Serve as building and grounds service contractor liaison.

Projects For 2010-2011:

Ÿ Spring 2010 Cleanup Day

Ÿ Fall 2010 Cleanup Day

Ÿ Spring 2011 Cleanup Day

Our Witness and Service During 2009:

Ÿ Two cleanup days were held.

Ÿ Volunteers were obtained when specific property needs were needed.

Ÿ Responded to building and grounds maintenance needs.

Ÿ Supported pre-school and new construction needs.

Ÿ Provided a new custodial contract.

Ÿ Well Water Repair

Ÿ Fire Inspections

Ÿ Well Water Water-Testing

Ÿ New Building Warranty Monitoring

Who is currently serving on our Ministry Team:

Tom Bannon, Co Team Leader/Council Liaison

Mark Caspersen, Co Team Leader

Bill DuVall

Warren Lee

Sheldon Edner

Bernie Patton

Paul Niemi

Frank Jacobeen

Resurrection People

Link to Resurrection Lutheran School page Resurrection Lutheran School Report

This school year has been exciting and eventful. After Ali Groom Wells, former Assistant Teacher, relocated to Wilmington, NC to follow her husband, Fletcher Wells, to his new ministry, we welcomed Susan Scarbeck, Assistant Teacher, to our school in August. So Becky Eastman, Lead Teacher, and Susan were able to begin the school year together. Nancy Evans started to offer weekly music classes to the children and Pastors’ continued Chapel Time with our classes. In December, Nancy began substituting for Becky Eastman so Becky could be at home to welcome her newborn daughter, and future RLS student, Cambrie Hope Eastman. We look forward to her return in February and appreciate Nancy’s devotion to our school.

It is exciting to witness the growth in our returning students and the bonds of friendship each class has formed. We currently have 9 students in our three-year old class and 8 in our four-year old class. Enrollment proved to be steady and we look forward to growing in 2010-2011. This year our school continued traditions and started new by reaching out more to our parents and community.

Following tradition, each class started the year with a visit the pumpkin patch for hay rides and fun. The three-year old class received a visit from the Spotsylvania Fire and Rescue Squad for fire safety month while the four-year old class visited the Firemen at the station. In November, the classes enjoyed a Thanksgiving Feast with family and church staff. In December, we celebrated Christmas with a birthday party for Jesus and a musical program led by Nancy Evans for the families. As the school year progresses the children will welcome a librarian to class and learn about farm animals when the animals return to our lawn for their annual visit.

As for new traditions, thanks to many church volunteers and supportive preschool parents, we started a bi-annual Children’s Consignment Sale. The funds of course, assist the Preschool budget, but we are equally proud of all the dynamic ways it serves our church and community. It was nice that we were able to offer quality items to our community for reasonable prices at a time when that is very important to parents in this economy. Donated items from the sale that were not sold also went to charitable organizations like the Shismaref, Head Start, and Salvation Army. It was also wonderful to see shoppers come in to our church and inquire about our school and congregation. So we believe our September 19, 2009 sale was a success. Our next Consignment Sale is set for March 20, 2010. It is a blessing to see our school ministry reach beyond our students.

As we plan for our Spring Consignment Sale we are also launching efforts for Open Enrollment. We’ll hold an Open House during our Consignment Sale and welcome all shopping families to meet our teachers and view the preschool room.

In addition to all our traditions and planning, we were blessed with a generous and enjoyable donation of our new playground equipment. Even in the cold temperatures the children enjoy playing outside on the new play set. We would like to rebuild the stairs leading from the driveway to the playground, using materials that would require little or no maintenance and eventually expand the fenced in area.

In closing, RLS has been truly blessed and we believe grown into a ministry that will continue serve children of this church and the community!

School board members include: Debbie Carlson, Jeanne D’Anza, Nancy Evans (Music Teacher, Substitute Lead Teacher), Kara Irving (Director), Carrol Martin, and Jenny Stearns. Pastor Jim Kniseley, Terri Kuckuck (Council liaison), Rebecca Eastman (Lead Teacher), and Susan Scarbeck (Associate Teacher) are ex-officio members.

Team Name: Weekly Senior Social Gatherings

Our Mission: An Outreach Ministry to Seniors in our Community to provide a structured social setting where older adults can participate in educational, recreational and social activities and form new friendships.

Our Goals for 2009-2010:

1. To gain Council approval to establish this Outreach Ministry at RLC.

2. To survey the congregation as to what day (of the week) would be best for this Ministry.

3. To observe other similar programs: Silverdale Lutheran Church and Reformation Lutheran Church (Culpeper)

4. To establish a team to assist with meals and activities.

5. Work with the Outreach Team and Health Ministry Team to formulate plans for this Ministry.

6. Gather equipment and materials for activities and determine menus for Lunches.

7. Publicize at RLC Health Fair, in RLC Worship Guide, and RLC Monthly Newsletter, hold a Signup and Information Session, and create a Brochure to leave at/in Senior Housing Communities.

8. Worked with Thrivent to establish some startup funds.

9. Determine a start date and kick-off this ministry.

10. Purchase a Banner to put up on our Outdoor Route 3 Sign Board.

The Senior Social Gatherings began on November 17 and have been held each week from Noon to 2 p.m. The attendance has arranged from 6-12. We have been blessed by several that continue to come each week and some that drop in when available. Activities have included: lunch, board games, bingo, puzzles, crafts, Bible devotions, and learning topics (healthy resolution, Egypt travels, and sharing life experiences). Future plans include: a birthday party for all, health topics, and a Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) celebration.

Team Members:

*Table of Contents*	1
*Mission > Vision > Strategy*	2
*January 31, 2010 Congregational Meeting Schedule*	3
*Minutes of June 2009 Congregational Meeting*	4
*Minutes of December 2009 Special Congregational Meeting*	11
*Our Organization*	15
*2009 Annual Report from the Pastors Kniseley*	16
*Resurrection Lutheran Ministry Team Annual Reports for 2007*	18
*Worship and Music Team*	18
*Evangelism Team*	19
*New Members 2009*	21
*Stewardship Team*	22
*Health Ministry Team*	23
*Property Team*	26
*Resurrection Lutheran School*	27
*Weekly Senior Social Gathering*	29
*Resurrection Women of the ELCA*	30
*Finance Team*	*Handout*

Annual Report 2010/2011

FYE FYE FYE

6/30/09 6/30/10 6/30/10

Cuts Already Made to Proposed Budget in Concert with Team Leads and Finance Team:

• World Mission Support and Hospitality Line Items Zeroed Out

• Worship

– Portals of Prayer subscription cancelled

– Budget for Guest Pastors zeroed out

• Evangelism

– Lutheran Magazine subscription cancelled

• Youth – Van Rental and Support Zeroed Out

• Music – Music Assistants Line Item Zeroed Out

• Administrative

– Council Line Item Reduced

Additional Cuts to be Made If Required

• Finance Team currently investigating possible reduction in phone and internet costs. Also investigating copier maintenance and lease agreement.

• Reduce janitorial service from two times a week to once per week – estimated $7800

• Cancel lawn service, revert to volunteers to mow the lawn - $2500 ($150 per cut)

• Decline renewal of non-required elevator, HVAC, and septic system contracts, and pay as we have problems - $1500

• Reduce Benevolence to the VA synod from 8% to 4.5% - $15,000

• Reduce Pastors and Staff Salaries by 10% - $26,550 (includes reduction in benefit costs)

Our Witness and Service in 2009