August Minutes - August 17th 2006
Unable to Attend:
Diocesan/All-American Delegate Anthea Lukoshonak Education Team Leader Maria Kopulos
Meeting brought to order at 7:00 P.M. with a hymn to the Theotokos followed by daily bible reading.
Minutes
Correct spelling of Andoniadis where needed. Caye motioned to accept mintues as corrected. Ken 2nd. One abstention
Financial Secretary Philip Nezanov's and Treasurer Bob Zubenko's reports are not included in the online version of the council minutes.
Reports
Education Team Leader - Maria Kopulos
Maria Kopulos absent, written report submitted
Church School - Lana Kokayeff
Teachers Sunday School Meeting occurred Aug. 13th. Topics discussed are as follows:
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1. Distribution of classes
2. 3 years olds - graduating to preschool class. This will be determined by the
parents and Pat Harrison.
3. Combining 3 and 4 years olds was discussed and differences of age groups were noted.
4. Room assignments: staying the same
5. Calendar- each room will have a calendar with dates schedules for music, icionographers visits, priests visits, holidays, shortened class times, etc.
What date is scheduled for St. Luke’s Sunday?
August 27th is scheduled for the St.Luke’s Sunday School Kick - off. Lunch will be served
as the community report will have more detail for this event.
Craft Sundays: This Sunday and the 27th. There will be several crafts for the kids to
choose from.
Aug. 27th Registration begins.
September 10, 2006 the Sunday school year begins!!
Adult Education - Clark Wilson
School of the Seventy: I entered the credits that are on the board into my little credits database. My next step is to start entering credits that have happened since we last updated the board. People have attended more Purpose-Driven-Life series, people have read books or watched DVDs, and so forth. My next steps are to collect this info, enter it, and review it with Father Andrew.
Purpose Driven Life: I believe this series is in hibernation for the summer.Transportation: My car is running again, which removes one obstacle to my ministries.
Divine Feminine article series: I am nearly done reading Florensky's The Pillar and Ground of Truth, and I did some fruitful research on the web about icons and churches related to Sophia.
Andhra Pradesh (India) ministry: The magazine issue hasn't happened. I'm going to propose to my friends that we do a print-on-demand pamphlet series (loosely modeled on the Conciliar Press series) rather than a fixed-schedule magazine. I will revise my unpublished article sometime, for some audience someplace. I continue my online chatting with the four ministries.
Online chat room: I have not been attending recently, and the two other usual participants (Caye, and Fr. Andrew) were on vacation, so the chat room hasn't been happening.
Christian Resource Center - Deacon Danial Doss
Church Resource Center (CRC), an order for 12 icons for St. Luke was made and received from the Dormition monastery. The order was made at the request of Fr. Andrew for the new joining members to St. Luke's.
YO - Lauren Dandeles
Planning will begin for this group with the new Sunday School year, Sept. 10th. No news as of yet.
Movie Club - Ken Stevens
Movie Club will start up again the last Sunday of September….between 4:00-5:00 PM (September 24th). We will likely do an off-site movie, followed by analysis and Christian implications discussion at a near-by restaurant. Right now, the tentative selection would be “World Trade Center.” But that could change as we near the actual date.
Junior Olympics - Chuck Bern
Nothing new to report.
Bulletin Boards: - Tanya Andionidis
New Member to our Team!
Tanya is currently gathering her supplies for the re-facing of the naïve board.
Property Team Leader - Mike Bauml
present, written report submitted
Expected expenses this month: 1200.00 to complete landscaping.
Kitchen Ministry
Nothing new to report.
Maintenance Report
Nick finished painting the furnace and tool room and will begin the door trim to finish the ]old basement.
Pending Projects
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Plaster is coming off the wall on the way up the choir next to the window due to an old leak. We need to fix this.
Waterproofing stone above the front door. Waiting for information from George Evangelopoulos.
Finish repairing the Air Conditioning unit for the new basement. Nick got it running again but it needs a sensor to be replaced.
Missing baseboard in the fellowship hall needs to be replaced.
Broken window in classroom: Pending
New Building
Steve will get the new window installed.
Safety
Jim has been given the insurance tapes from Father Andrew and asked to develop a presentation.
Environmental
Dennis has scheduled an appointment for a quote to clean the ductwork. Following this, he will reactivate the air cleaning unit in the ductwork and clean the existing standing units in the building.
Cell Phone Towers
Greg received notification from AT&T that they wish to add additional cable on the property. According to our agreement they are allowed to do this but is they tear up anything doing so, they are also required to repair it.
Strategic Planning
Ken states that everything is on hold until we resolve the issues involving the Natural Parish Development Program.
Inventory
Diane will add the newly donated bell and the newly donated procession cross to the memorial book. Also she will begin work on a video inventory of the premises.
Consultant
Nothing new to report
Church Beautification
Planning has begun for the stairwell renovation. We are looking into a process by a company called Unique Coatings.
Historian
Work is ongoing on the parish books. Events pictures are being passed on CD for use in this project.
Cemetery
No new lots are being sold at this time.
Supply
Nothing new to report
Team Projects
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Lawn Repair: We have contacted the landscaper about the areas that did not fill in all the way. He wishes
to wait until the weather cools before trying to fill them in. Also we have collected about enough to complete the
rest of the landscaping project. We will schedule this probably in September.
Choir Room: The natural brick wall still needs to be trimmed and the wall cleaned or painted. This is pending.
Broken water fountain: After some discussion the team members will try and find someone to fix this problem.
Parking lot: Per Father Andrew’s request, he attended out monthly property team meeting to present
his opinion concerning the parking lot. Opinions were expressed from doing nothing to blocking off the lot. The main
stumbling blocks to shutting off the lot remain the garbage pickup and the right of the cell tower companies to have
24 hour access to the lot. The discussion concluded with George Evangelopolis being designated to meet with the
forest preserve.
Trim work remains to be finished.
Painting of the old building: Nick will begin to get us estimates for painting
the walls of the church for next years budget.
Father Andrew’s Office: Greg is looking into Father Andrew’s problems with heating and cooling during the
week and will handle this for us.
Additions: The fire alarm broke but is fixed. Towers- AT&T contacted Greg about putting in an ion cable line. He said OK but they are to correct damage to landscape etc. They want to lease 10’ by 15’ worth of property for cabinets.We may be able to get some extra money if we decide to do this. As this would be a lease, we will have to have an emergency meeting for approval. Greg will negotiate with AT&T.
Evangelism Team Leader - Pearl Homiak
present, written report submitted
Blood Drive - Sharon Mochel
The Blood Drive collected 24 units. Dn. Andrew and Chuck Bern donated an additional 2 units (red cell donation) to meet the goal of 26 units. Food for the participants was donated by Sharon.
Internet - Ron Wojcik (Mike Bauml)
Added to the St. Luke Website: “The Faith” (born again Christians, the Lay Apostolate) The evangelist, “Humor” (Children in Church) 16 hours of orthodoxy Radio programs, “online store” (book: confession). Maintained events, Sunday Bulletin, Prayer of the Week, Bible Study , Prayer Requests, etc.
Next month a slide show of Fr. Andrew’s trip to Slovakia will be added and CD’s from Russia.
Garden Center - Christine Bowen
Fr. Andrew, Chirstine Bowen, Mary Kincaid, Jerry Kincaid, Jessica Kincaid , Caye Caswick and Aristea Zekios met with the residents of the Garden Center and held a short prayer service. Fruit was blessed and Fr. Andrew shared the King cake with the residents. The clients enjoyed the visit. The next visit will be on 9/18.
Patriot's Day - Caye Caswick
Caye has had confirmations from Brig. General William Kirkland, Archbishop Job, Mayor Bennet, and Eric McMahon (bagpipe player) for Patriot’s Day Memorial on 9/11. Invitations went out to local clergy lst month. Caye will meet with father Andrew to determine the printed program and day’s logistics.
Sanctity of Life - Mary Jo Werbiansky
In late August there will be a PASS desert prayer meeting for table sponsors to address the need to invite people who are truly committed to PASS and it’s monetary support to the annual dinner.
Community Development Team Leader - Luba Johnson
present, written report submitted
Special Events/Coffee Hour
On August 27, 2006 we will host a St. Luke Get-together. Charge will be $5 for ages 13 and up. This will also be the culmination of the arts and craft projects for the children and the beginning of Church School Registration. The planning committee also agreed that a cake will be provided for Corneliu and Vasilka Popescu, since they will be leaving for Romania permanently the first week of September.
The menu will consist of lamp, Greek chicken and hot dogs. Those that plan to stay and participate are asked to bring their favorite dish to share with everyone. Flyer for this event will be sent to parishioner’s home.
Coffee Hour
9/3 (labor Day weekend) Lana Kokayeff/ Chris Zubenko (both rescheduled from previous dates they were unable to do it)
9/10 Lydia Christiansen/ Anthea Lukashonak (both rescheduled)
9/17 Pat Ketchmark/ Sue Zacharias (was rescehduled from previous)9/24 Tanya Andoniadis/ Lauren Dandeles
10/1 Maria Kopulos/ Natalie Lewis
I have checked with Sue Lisowski regarding the donut delivery. According to her we have been receiving 3.5 dozen donuts. I have asked here to save all the bakery receipts to give to the treasurer.
Women's Ministry
No report
Prayer Ministry
We prayed for approximately 45 persons plus military and pregnancy persons during the month of July. Lighting seven day candle and remembering everyone on the weekly prayer list with the prayer of intercession after Vespers on Saturdays. Candle is then put outside in front of the cross. I will put some blank envelopes on the candle stand so people don’t use the prayer request envelopes for other stuff. Yours in Christ, Mary
Sunshine Ministry
Birthday and Anniversary cards continue to be sent out. This month flowers were sent out to Diane Wilczak (hip surgery) and to Suzy Bosman (birth of Naomi).
Golf Outing
No report received. I was told that two attended the golf outing. I will speak to Mat to ask him if he wants to continue this ministry, or should it be canceled out, because of the lack of interest and/or participation.
Additions: By laws for community development state $25 dollars for flowers-however, plants have been running $40 dollars. Father told Luba to add more money for flowers to budget next year.
Luba reported that Diane Wilczak thanks the parish for the flowers after her operation.
Diocesan/All-American Delegate - Anthea Lukoshonak
absent
Father needs a check for Midwest Diocesan Assembly for himself and Anthea-$200 by 9-5-06.
Assisant Layperson Report - Caye Caswick
absent, written report submitted
Stewardship
Nothing new to report as Phil is on vacation – I'll ask him to update us on any new members.
Charities - Karen Verderber
Karen submitted the following list of charities for our approval for the upcoming collections.
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"OCF – Real Break" request for support for Guatemala trip on March 11 from Juliana Khouri to serve Hogan Rafael Ayan Orphanage
"Ilaasi, Friends of St. Herman's Seminary" Kodiak Alaska Fundraising 2006
"OCA Mission Appeal 2006"
"OCMC 2006 Mission Appeal" [MARCH, 2006]
"Teybeh Housing for needy Christians in Israel" [YO Charity, APRIL 2006]
"Project Mexico." [JUNE, 2006]
"IOCC" [MAY, 2006/Banquet]
Popescu [JULY 2006]
PLOWS [AUGUST 2006]
Sts. Cyril & Methodius Orthodox Church Iconastas Appeal
Little Lambs Orphanage, India
Special Projects:
I am scanning documents for our website, recipes, articles, old publications, bible study documents, etc. and have recently gotten the assistance of Katerina Claiborne in this regard. I've been assisting Philip in his transition to the Financial Secretary position. I recently began researching Ivan Mlinar, one of the first Uniate-to-Orthodox converts in the USA, an interview of him was among the recordings Father Andrew has from his mentor, Father Vladimir Borichevsky.
Lay Chairperson Report - Ken Stevens
present, written report submitted
Attendance at Liturgy:
Once a discernible trend can be established, a graph will be developed moving forward to start tracking church attendance as reflected in the chart below. While we need to see a period of at least six months to start noticing any substantial trending upward or downward, below find attendance figures since 6-25-06.
St. Luke church Attendance: Sunday Divine Liturgy
Date Adults Children Total
June 25th, 2006 70 17 87
July 2nd, 2006 72 10 82
July 9th, 2006 73 20 93
July 16th, 2006 76 13 89
July 23, 2006 73 20 93
July 30, 2006 75 22 97
August 6, 2006 72 16 88
August 13, 2006 86 21 107
Plan for Forest Preserve Parking Dilemma
I spoke with Fr. Harrison and George Evangelopoulos about stepping up to help us with this parking projects in a way that supersedes the official (and bureaucratic) Forest Preserve authorities.
Mr. Mellis from the Cook County Forest Preserve had recommended that that we encourage administrative personnel involved with nature walks at the Nature Center, and on-site visits with Moraine Valley College teaching personnel and students for environmental education, etc. to come to support us/efforts for opening the Forest Preserve side parking and having it asphalted.
Moreover, in order to overcome the safety issue relative to closing off our parking during the week, Father has proposed a fence or just a chain that would be inside the present entrance so that one can still drive in but we have small area for weekly parking. This would deter busses for the school district and Moraine Valley College from entering and will force them to contact the Preserve office to open the area there should not be a safety issue and we can put a sign explaining why the parking lot is closed during the week.
This past week, George Evangelopoulos suggested we should circumvent the Forest Preserve office and go around them using other County government influentials. He only needs the St. Luke plot of survey and the site map….and he will construct a plan where we only want to use the space (not lease it, etc)…and thinks he can wield influence elsewhere to get it done…finally, we hope.
Men’s Support Group: Dn. Andrew Werbiansky Ministry
I had spoken with Deacon Andrew last month and again this past week, and he is willing to assume leadership of a St. Luke Men’s Study Group, starting in late September 2006. This group will meet to discuss men’s specific concerns around Christian living and principles and in the context of Orthodoxy.
We will be eliciting help from Clark Wilson and make it a collaborative effort. Two areas to explore are Promise Keepers International or Purpose Driven life materials tailored for men. After reviewing both, Dn. Andrew feels more comfortable with Purpose Driven Life with a narrow focus on men’s issues. He will begin reading the book to prepare for the meetings.
In terms of timing, etc., we discussed Friday evenings at 7:30 PM as being the best time for him. Although this could conflict with the “co-ed” Purpose-Driven Life meetings (Part IV starts 9-22), we could start with once-monthly or every-other-week Men’s group PD meetings, and see how that progresses (level of interest, etc). Location to be determined…Deacon Andrew prefers a home setting.
I will prepare an introductory flyer to set the goals of the group and see what kind of response it elicits from the St. Luke community at-large.
Other Parish Reporting Issues:
Parish complaints:
No follow-up (receipt or appreciation extended) on contributions from Jeremy and Courtney Stuursma for St. Luke
and Building fund.
Parishioner suggestions:
Elevator emergency button has gone off twice accidentally in one month. Both the fire trucks and the ambulance
came the last time (blood drive). How can we avoid this embarrassing situation in the future?
Pastoral Report - Father Andrew Harrison
present, written report submitted
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Meetings – 2
Counseling sessions – 1
Services – 11 (Liturgies, Vespers, Matins)
House Visits/blessings/Shut-ins 1
Hospital visits - 3
Baptism – 1 Naomi Grace Bosman
2 Weddings in September – Chris and Paul Reyes Sept 1, Donna and Jim Lewindowski Sept 17
Morning prayers – 4
Garden School – 1 visit – 25 attending
Diocesan Assembly will be held from Oct 10 – 12 in Palatine IL
We have been offered the opportunity to have Icon painting class at St. Luke in the fall
Purpose Driven class will begin again in the fall
Participated in the consecration St. Seraphim in Bardajov Slovakia. Visited with Metropolitan Sava of Poland. Please look at the side program on the internet.
Received another complement about our website and we have another person who will be attending from the site – This still seems to be our best source of new members
There will be a special Deanery meeting on Monday to meet our new Diocesan Church growth coordinator. We will discuss how his program compares to Fr. Ivanoff’s NCD program
Car Mileage, Total miles = 841. – Business miles = 774. Personal miles = 80.
Odometer reading, July 1stt – 60, 291 July 30 – 61, 105
Proto Deacon Andrew – Nothing new to report
Vestments, Helen Partoll – Nothing new to report.
Altar servers, John Verderber – Working with Lynn for a date for a bowling outing with the altar servers and handmaidens. We are considering a date in September
Handmaidens, Lynn Betsanes – The bell demonstration for the Psalm conference was cancelled because of scheduling. Working with John for a date for the servers bowling. We feel that we well get better participation if we have it September rather than in August.
Readers, Jim Lewindowski – Nothing new to report
Choir, Maria Vrame – No special activities. I went to PSALM Liturgical conference on the first day only. Met with a lot of other choir directors and found out we all have the same problems and realized that St. Luke is a lot better off than most churches. Did pick up some new music to hopefully add to our repertoire to keep the choir on their toes.
Vestments, Helen Partoll – Preparing to replace the green covers with the gold for Sept 14th
Additions: There are currently 103 adults and 43 children in the parish.
Pearl asked about the October Diocesan meeting. Father offered to make her a copy of his information. Bob asked where her should take the $200 registration from. Father answered administration.
Mike made a motion to accept the reports as presented. Bob 2nd. All agreed.
Old Business
Charities Approval
For September, Father Andrew suggested IOCC for Lebanon. Phil asked for information about Little Lambs (in India) Caye will send him an internet link. Father reported that it is a nondenominational protestant orphan group. Clark has been in touch with Bob and suggested the Orthodox Christian Living Center at the university of Illinois. Bob motioned IOCC for Lebanon Christians for September’s charity. Pearl 2nd . All in favor.
Security of weekly collections
Bob reported that we are still not following insurance recommendations for handling collection monies; two people to count the money and deposited ASAP. Caye suggested assigning people as second counters, for example, the greeters. Phil reported that it takes two hours to count as it has to be sorted into funds and recorded in a ledger. Ken felt we should solicit @ four people that could rotate the duty. Mike made a point of order: as financial secretary it is Phil’s duty to determine a solution to this problem .
Bob expressed some concern that after the collection is made it goes in back of the altar- may not be watched as carefully as it should. Father Andrew reported that during the service it is always in view. Mike added that after the service however, sometimes the collection sits there for a while. Phil responded that if he’s in church he does take care of it right after the service. In the future, if he is absent on Sunday, he will make sure a substitute is available to take care of the collectionjs immediately after liturgy.
Cross Donation
Mike gave the wooden cross that was above the front doors prior to the remodeling to St. Patelemon Church
New Business
Letter from Job to Father Andrew:
addressing the on going scandal in OCA was read to the council by the Council Secretary. Pearl suggested that we draft another letter of encouragement to Archbishop JOB…and pray for him.
Mike felt we need to focus on solutions so this never happens again. Pearl felt that this has been a long standing problem- the culture will be hard to change, however the people who are guilty need to be accountable.
Father Andrew asked the secretary to give a copy of letter to Anthea and work with her to form new letter of support.
Pearl asked how the information in the letter will be shared with the parish. Ken responded that it will be put in the bulletin and the web site (ocanews.org) will be included.
Diocesan resolution:
Ken will send form to council members via email
Approval of retiring mortgage bonds for October-
Mike motioned to retire $34,000 in bonds- Pearl 2nd all approved
Approval oversee policy from Stea. Caye need to contact her agent. Ken will take care of.
CLOSING PRAYER
Mike made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Ken2nd. All Agreed. The meeting was adjourned at 8:30
Submitted by Debra Dandeles, Council Secretary