KANSAS DISTRICT OF THE LUTHERAN CHURCH MISSOURI SYNOD Kansas District Office Building Topeka, Kansas

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1 KANSAS DISTRICT OF THE LUTHERAN CHURCH MISSOURI SYNOD Kansas District Office Building Topeka, Kansas Minutes of the regular meeting of the Board of Directors of The Kansas District of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod held in Topeka, Kansas on May 6, Board of Directors and Staff present: President: Rev. Peter K. Lange Vice-Presidents: Rev. Scott Snow, Rev. Justin Panzer, Rev. Rick Rostek, Rev. David Schemm Secretary: Rev. David Meier Treasurer: Lee Thaete Circuit Visitor Chairman: Rev. Lee Hovel Commissioned Ministers: Sue Kleber, Rick Hanebutt, Jeremy Pera Laity: Tim Ohlde, David Bruns, Bruce Schultz, David Meisinger, Ruth Holste Staff: Debra Crites, Jim Bradshaw, Rev. Dan Galchutt, Kris Bruss Absent: Larry Junker, Richard Schotte, Jeff Maltz Tim Ohlde, Presiding officer called the meeting to order at 8:38 am. Opening devotions were led by Jeremy Pera using Daily Prayer Morning, meditation based on Luke 24:13-35 The February minutes were approved. Reports of Officers Treasurer s Report Lee Thaete gave the Treasurer s report. Income exceeded expenses by $102,102. Congregational receipts are in line with the budget. The remittance of the Synodical Pledge represents 20.2% of the total expense. The audit was conducted. Secretary s Report Dave Meier noted that the Call for Nominations has been sent out. President Lange shared his report. President s Report Reports of Boards & Executive Staff Board of Missions David Bruns The Board of Missions presented their minutes. Dan Galchutt presented his report. 1

2 Board of Education Jeremy Pera The Board of Education presented their minutes. Jim Bradshaw presented his report Board of Caring Ministry Rev. Lee Hovel The Board of Caring Ministry presented their minutes. Board of Stewardship Ruth Holste The Board of Stewardship presented their minutes. Dan Galchutt shared his report Board of Administration Rick Hanebutt The Board of Administration presented their minutes. Debbie Crites shared her report. LCEF Jeff Maltz The written report from Jeff Maltz was shared. Executive Council Rev. David Meier The minutes were presented. The work of the Constitution and Bylaws Committee was noted. The minutes were presented. Salary Review Ruth Holste Reports of Standing Committees Constitution Review Dave Meier gave a report. Bylaws & Operations Manual Dave Meier gave a report on the progress. New Business RESOLUTION 17B Celebrate the 500 th Anniversary of the Reformation WHEREAS the celebration of this 500th anniversary year of the Reformation includes events around the Kansas District that are hosted by congregations, schools, and Circuits; and 2

3 WHEREAS many of these events will be educational/catechetical in nature, or at least have such a component, as befits a church body named for the Reformer and Catechist extraordinaire, Dr. Martin Luther; and WHEREAS The District Adult Education Committee seeks to lift up, promote and support these events before the churches and people of the Kansas District; and WHEREAS the Kansas District Board of Education concurs with the stated objectives of the Adult Education Committee. Therefore, be it RESOLVED that the Kansas District Board of Directors, in support of the objectives stated by the Adult Education Committee, encourage congregations, schools, preschools and RSOs in the Kansas District to take advantage of catechetical and educational opportunities associated with the reformation anniversary; and be it further RESOLVED that the Kansas District Board of Directors and staff use available avenues to promote these activities. RESOLUTION 17B District Disaster Response Coordinator WHEREAS, the Board of Caring Ministry with the Board of Directors resolve to establish the District Disaster Response Coordinator, therefore be it RESOLVED, to accept the position description of District Disaster Response Coordinator. 5/17 THE KANSAS DISTRICT THE LUTHERAN CHURCH MISSOURI SYNOD SUMMARY OF PURPOSE POSITION DESCRIPTION DISASTER RESPOINSE COORDINATOR The Kansas District Disaster Response Coordinator shall promote and facilitate Lutheran Early Response Training (LERT) and coordinate disaster response efforts and resources to District congregations in need. TENURE OF OFFICE The Kansas District Disaster Response Coordinator shall be appointed by the Kansas District LCMS President. This appointment shall be for three (3) years. QUALIFICATIONS A. Essential a. A member of a Kansas District LCMS congregation in good standing. b. Demonstrates effective interpersonal skills in addressing disaster issues. c. Willing to attend training by LCMS Disaster Response and other training, as possible. d. Able to represent the Kansas District with other Lutheran Disaster Coordinators, as well as other faith-based Disaster teams. e. Able to respond within 24 hours for a Disaster within the State and within 48 hours, if called upon by the Kansas District President, to respond to a Disaster in another state. B. Preferable a. Have had recent experience with LERT. b. Volunteer experience with other disaster organizations. 3

4 AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITY Subject to the Sacred Scriptures, the Lutheran Confessions, the Synodical Handbook, and the Bylaws of The Kansas District, the District Disaster Response Coordinator shall be responsible for: A. Facilitating the assessment of district, circuit, or congregational needs after a disaster. B. Maintaining communication with LCMS Disaster Response. C. Maintaining contact with Kansas disaster organizations and community partners primarily through the Kansas Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) and local Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD). D. Coordinating regional communications with trained Kansas District LERT team leaders. E. Providing ongoing training and orientation of district disaster response team members (e.g. LERT) F. Responding to emergency needs of any Kansas District LCMS congregations in affected disaster areas and coordinating emergency needs, in cooperation with the office of the Kansas District LCMS President and the local Circuit Visitor. G. Determining with regional LERT team leaders when LERT teams are to be deployed (based on information provided by the State or Local VOAD and the Incident Commander) and where they are to report; monitor the work in determining the resources that are needed for the current response (funds, people, housing, water, food, etc.) H. Working with the office of the Kansas District President and the Board of Caring Ministry to determine and distribute any District disaster grants. I. Communicating, through all available means, with the congregations and Workers of the District current needs and report on any District response. Communicate updates, as needed. J. Keeping records of each response and providing appropriate reports. K. Working with congregations and districts in writing and applying for LCMS emergency grants. RELATIONSHIPS A. The Kansas District Disaster Response Coordinator s supervisory relationship is to office of the Kansas District President and the Kansas District LCMS Board of Directors, through the Board of Caring Ministry, but works collegially with LCMS Disaster Response. B. The DDRC will coordinate efforts regionally through LERT team leaders. RESOLUTION 17B Funding District Disaster Response Coordinator WHEREAS, the Board of Caring Ministry with the Board of Directors is establishing the position of District Disaster Response Coordinator, and WHEREAS, we recognize the responsibility involved with this task, therefore be it RESOLVED, to compensate the position with a $500 quarterly stipend, and that necessary expenses, including travel, lodging, and meals be covered. Be it further RESOLVED, that this compensation and funding will come from the Disaster Relief Fund. RESOLUTION 17B Acknowledgement of Quarterly Gifts RESOLVED that the Kansas District Board of Directors acknowledge the gifts received from January 16, 2017 to April 15, 2017 with the designation as follows: Undesignated-Unrestricted Gift $ Comfort Dog Ministry $ Education Loan Repayment $ 7, Mission Vision $ 33,

5 KansaSEED Deaf Ministry $ Guinea Mission $ 1, Kansas Disaster Relief $ District Balance Fund $ 10, Retreat Center Gift $ Youth Ministry $ Total $ 54, RESOLUTION 17B Authorization to join the Lutheran Federal Credit Union RESOLVED to authorize the Business Manager to complete the applications necessary to become members of the Lutheran Federal Credit Union and open District credit card accounts for the following executive staff positions with the limits as follows: District President - $5,000, Assistant to the President for Mission & Stewardship - $3000, Assistant to the President for Education - $3,000 and Business Manager - $5,000. The Business Manager will be named as the Account Manager for the Credit Union with President and both Assistants to the President named aw authorized signers on the accounts. RESOLUTION 17B CPS Health Steward Award RESOLVED the Concordia Plan Services Health Steward Award be disbursed as follows: a proportionate share of the award will be refunded to the employees that contribute to their health care costs. The balance to be recognized as unrestricted revenue.. RESOLUTION 17B Concrete Replacement RESOLVED that the Kansas District Board of Directors authorize the expenditure of $32,000 for concrete replacement on the east entrance of the building and public sidewalks. Resolution 17B Mission and Vison Statements RESOLVED that the Kansas District Board of Directors adopt the following statements: Our Mission is to support and encourage the members of the District in carrying out the mission Christ has given His Church (Mt 28) Our Vision is to partner with and connect the workers, congregations and schools of the District with resources to advance God s mission. RESOLUTION 17B Retreat Center Task Force WHEREAS, the LCMS Kansas District Board of Directors is engaged in strategic evaluation of ministries of the District, focusing on the District s mission to support and encourage its workers; and WHEREAS, the Retreat Center in Herington is one of those ministries, established to create a relaxing and peaceful atmosphere where LCMS professional workers can relax and reconnect with God ; and 5

6 WHEREAS, the Retreat Center has been used by many people in the Kansas District for a variety of purposes, but questions have arisen regarding purpose, budget, expected capital improvement needs, and concerns over long-distance management; therefore be it RESOLVED, that a task force be created to investigate the viability and importance of the Retreat Center as a ministry of the Kansas District; and be it further RESOLVED, that President Lange appoint a task force to be composed of a member from each service board of the Board of Directors, accountable to the Board of Directors through the Board of Stewardship, and overseen by the Assistant to the President for Missions and Stewardship; and be it finally RESOLVED, that the task force present options for the Retreat Center for consideration by the Board at its August 2017 meeting. RESOLUTION 17B Lutheran Social Services board member appointment RESOLVED that the LCMS Kansas District Board of Directors appoint Nicole Boyle to serve on the Board of Directors of Lutheran Social Services, Inc. RESOLUTION 17B Constitution Revision: Grace, Hill City RESOLVED that the revised constitution of Grace Lutheran Church, Hill City, be approved by the LCMS Kansas District Board of Directors, by recommendation of the Constitution & Bylaws Committee. RESOLUTION 17B Constitution Revision: Bethlehem, Greenleaf RESOLVED that the revised constitution of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Greenleaf, be approved by the LCMS Kansas District Board of Directors, by recommendation of the Constitution & Bylaws Committee. RESOLUTION 17B Constitution: Ascension, Pratt RESOLVED that the constitution of Ascension Lutheran Church, Pratt be approved by the LCMS Kansas District Board of Directors, by recommendation of the Constitution & Bylaws Committee. RESOLUTION 17B Church Planting Committee RESOLVED that the LCMS Kansas District Board of Directors adopt the following: 5/17 THE KANSAS DISTRICT POSITION DESCRIPTION THE LUTHERAN CHURCH MISSOURI SYNOD CHURCH PLANTING COMMITTEE SUMMARY OF PURPOSE The Church Planting Committee supports church plants in their various settings by leading, supporting, and encouraging pastors and workers, as well as resourcing God s people so that God s Kingdom might be extended. The Committee typically meets three to six times a year, as needed. MEMBERSHIP 6

7 The members of the Church Planting Committee are appointed by the District President in consultation with the Executive Council and with the approval of the Board of Directors. The members should represent the four regions of the Kansas District. The Church Planting Committee will include at least five members. TENURE OF OFFICE Members of the Church Planting Committee shall be appointed for one triennium in conjunction with the Kansas District Convention. There shall be no limitation on the number of successive terms. AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITY Subject to the Sacred Scriptures, the Lutheran Confessions, the Synodical Handbook, and the Bylaws of the Kansas District, the Church Planting Committee shall: 1. Raise awareness of church planting efforts within the Kansas District. 2. Inform congregations of opportunities to support church planting efforts. 3. Identify and assess pastors who might be suitable for church planting opportunities. 4. Provide resources, ideas, and coaching for church planters. 5. Support the core group and the newly established congregations. 6. Work with the Missions and Stewardship executive to advance church planting efforts in Kansas. 7. Generate ideas for resource development, including but not limited to a. Financial resources b. Best practices (e.g., models; approaches) for church planting 8. Make an annual request (September) to the Board of Missions for budget assistance for committee expenses. 9. Submit quarterly reports to the Missions executive and Board of Missions in conjunction with quarterly meetings of the Board of Directors. MEETINGS The Church Planting Committee shall meet as often as necessary to complete its duties and achieve its objectives. RELATIONSHIPS The Church Planting Committee is accountable to the Board of Directors of the Kansas District through the Board of Missions and the Assistant to the President for Missions and Stewardship. IT WAS MOVED AND SECONDED to approve the following appointments by President Lange to the Church Planting Committee: Rev. Tom Van Duzer (chairman), Rev. Daniel Ross, Rev. Luke Brown, Rev. Tom Harmon, Rev. Warren Prochnow and Rev. Kenton Rohrberg. VACANCY ON 2018 KANSAS DISTRICT NOMINATING COMMITTEE An election was held to fill the vacancy on the 2018 Kansas District Nominating Committee. Rev. Scott Goltl and Rev. Michael Brockman were the nominees. Rev. Scott Goltl was elected. RESOLUTION 17B Vacancy Pastor Remuneration RESOLVED the LCMS Kansas District Board of Directors approve a change to the District Salary Guidelines to revise vacancy pastor salary recommendation to read: 7

8 Suggested remuneration for the vacancy pastor is up to 60% of the former Pastor s salary, depending upon the mutually agreed upon duties of the Vacancy Pastor, as calculated from the Kansas District Salary Guidelines not to exceed 10 years of experience plus mileage reimbursement. Consideration should also be given to other individuals who take on additional duties. Rick Hanebutt will lead devotions in August. Future Board of Directors meetings will be: 2017 August 3-5 and October (Synod Visitation) 2018 February 1-3, May 3-5, District Convention: June 7-9, July and October Meeting adjourned at 12:20 pm with closing devotions by Jeremy Pera. Respectfully Submitted, Rev. David E. Meier Secretary, LCMS Kansas District 8