June Minutes 2006

Unable to Attend:

Community Development Team Leader: Luba Johnson

Meeting brought to order at 7:00 P.M. with O Heavenly King

Bible study: The Law of the King (part 2) Matthew 6:19-7:29

Minutes

Correction: Pearl doesn’t like the term Likert- prefers comparison. Mike made a motion to accept minutes as corrected. Pearl second. All approved.

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
present, written report submitted

Church School - Lana Kokayeff

1. 1. The last event for the 05-06 Church School year was the awards Sunday on May 28th. Pre-school through 6th graders presented a delightful singing program directed by Maria Vrame. Faithful attendance awards and graduate gifts were presented by Father Andrew. Olympians were also recognized. As the students exited the church nave, each one was given a small gift. Total cost for all these gifts was $287.91. That amount included some *gifts for next year. (*These were pre-purchased because a Christian bookstore went out of business and items were sold at a 50% discount.)
2. 2. With plans for the 2007 Quad-parish picnic planned for June 2, we will plan YOUTH SUNDAY for June 9th. Please put that on the church calendar from now! (Youth Sunday is graduate recognition, attendance awards, Olympic awards and children’s music program.)
3. 3. Maria Kopulos, Lana Kokayeff, and Aristea met on Sunday 6/18 to review the 05-06 school year and plan for the 06-07 year. Things discussed were:
   
   * - Summer Craft "days" for the kids; craft ideas and dates to be determined.
   * - Organization for teachers; meeting for new school year, ideas for classroom set-ups, St. * - Nicholas Day "play".
   * - Master Calendar for 2006-2007 school year.
   * - Lamb Roast/Sunday School Registration Kick-off; games for the kids.
   
4. 4. Our summer events will NOT include Vacation Church School (VCS) because of the air conditioning restrictions. However, we’d like to plan one or two craft Sundays for August.
5. 5. We’ve started a photo gallery archive on one of the walls in the educational wing. So far we’ve posted class photos of our students from a few years back. The students will have fun seeing how much they’ve grown over the years.

Adult Education - Clark Wilson

The latest Purpose-Driven Life series started in May and is now approximately half done.

The small Indian ministry (Mighty Hands Ministries) has discontinued their magazine because of lack of funds. Printing it was costing them about 150 USD for each bi-monthly issue and they just don't have it.

I entered some more School credits into my database but am far from being up to date. Fr. Andrew fixed up the white-board, so "Orthodox" has returned to the School's name there.

Fr. Andrew, Caye Caswick, and I have been pretty consistently attending the online chat room Sunday evenings. One person we met there has now become a regular worshiper at St. Luke's. I continue online contacts with Esther Murial, the woman running the other Indian ministry (Little Lambs Children Ministry). That ministry is now on our Charity-Sunday list, thanks to Caye. I bought a book and a CD on Telugu (the two ministries' home language) and now know several syllables in Telugu. No words, yet, just syllables.

I'm working on an article for the next Evangelist, continuing the series on the divine feminine. The answer to the question at the end of my previous article, for those who can't wait to find out, is "St. Sophia."

The inquirer Carlus continues to worship weekly at St. Luke's. Since he hadn't made any progress in the catechism workbook I worked through a chapter of it with him and discovered I had overestimated his ability to handle written material. He reads and rereads Scripture a lot but has great difficulty going through regular text and identifying the answers to the questions in the catechism workbook. So I will start working through the book with him one on one.

Christian Resource Center - Deacon Danial Doss

Nothing new to report

YO - Maria Kopulos

We have a new addition to St. Luke’s YO, Lauren Dandeles! She will be heading up the high schoolers in the 2006-2007 school year!!!!! YO can’t wait for all the new things to come from this former "YO" member! There have been some ideas about the youth taking a trip to Great America, more information to come on this summer event.

Movie Club - Ken Stevens

We will see End of the Spear for our Movie Club on Sunday, June 25, 2006.

The venue will be the Stevens’ House in Darien at 5:00 PM.

Junior Olympics - Chuck Bern

St. Luke’s did an upstanding job of competing along with thirty two other Orthodox churches. We kicked the weekend off with bowling at Willowbrook Lanes in Willowbrook, where we put together two fun filled teams, after which we capped the evening off with pizza and pop. It was a late evening but enjoyable. Everyone was up bright and early the next day, as we had the Olympic procession which began at 8 am. Then the games began: twenty two St. Lukians competed in track & field, dashes, relay races, long jump & soft ball throw. We teamed up with Holy Resurrection church of Palatine for basketball & volleyball. Sarah Hansen won a silver medal in the softball throw, barely missing gold. In basketball Alex Zacharias fought his heart out, ended up with a dislocated shoulder; after which the team dedicated the game to him. We needed a female in the game at all times so Sarah ended up playing every minute of every game for both the junior and senior basketball teams. Saturday basketball ended and many of the players were tired and went home; there were a few troopers, (Alex, Peter and Kyle) who went to the Olympic dance and mingled with the other competitors. They appeared to have a ball, eating, dancing and talking; the boys pens were active writing down phone numbers. The coaches left them in order to grab some dinner and a strategy session. Needless to say we never got to play volleyball, because of the conflict with basketball, (we never really thought we’d get past the first round; as we only had 7 players, minus Alex and David from Holy Resurrection who ended up with heat stroke after Saturday - he did get a gold metal prior to Saturday’s basketball in a 10K race). We did get past the first round, and the second and the third and we ended up in the final four. The kids, Coach Valaris, along with Coach Hansen are to be commended for some tenacious competition. Of course we had to go out for a celebratory dinner & desert afterward.

Bulletin Boards: - pursuing a replacement

Yes that’s right; it is time to find someone to take this ministry over. If you hear of anyone who is interested let me know!

Additions: Father suggested that Vacation Bible School could be held in the basement if Maria would like to have one.

Property Team Leader - Mike Bauml
present, written report submitted

Expected expenses this month: Expected expenses this month: 3500.00 - cost of landscaping.

Kitchen Ministry

Carla has requested that when the storage room in theold basement is reorganized space be allotted for some of the seldom used kitchen supplies. We will do what we can depending of the amount of room available

Maintenance Report

Nick will be working on finishing up some of the odds and ends needed to finish the old basement remodel.

Pending Projects

1. 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.
2. Waterproofing stone above the front door. Waiting for information from George Evangelopoulos.
3. Finish repairing the Air Conditioning unit for the new basement. Nick got it running again but it needs a sensor to be replaced.
4. Missing baseboard in the fellowship hall needs to be replaced.
5. Broken window in classroom: Pending

New Building

Nothing new to report

Safety

Nothing new to report

Environmental

Cell Phone Towers

Nothing new to report

Strategic Planning

Nothing new to report

Inventory

Nothing new to report

Consultant

Nothing new to report

Church Beautification

Nothing new to report

Historian

Nothing new to report

Cemetery

Nothing new to report

Supply

Nothing new to report

Team Projects

• Sacristy Carpet Repair: pending
• Lawn Repair: After much discussion with College Student Landscaping it was decided to eliminate parts of the original project and to use seed in all areas instead of seed. The area around the parking lot will be postponed for now. As per our discussion at the last council meeting a letter was sent out to all parish members asking for contributions. So far at least 1000.00 has been received. Depending on the response to the letter we may be able to complete the entire project after all. This project should begin within the week.
• Choir Room: The natural brick wall still needs to be trimmed and the wall cleaned or painted. This is pending.
• Broken water fountain: Nick will contact a plumber to have this repaired.
• Parking lot; Nothing new to report.
• Old Basement remodel: The floor installation is completed and all payments have been made to the contractor. We need to complete the repair of the lights, touch up and complete the painting, get covers for the electrical outlets, finish the door trim, and place two coats of wax on the new floor. When all this is completed we will set up the new shelves and cabinets and move all the storage out of the stairwells.

Evangelism Team Leader - Pearl Homiak
present, written report submitted

Blood Drive - Sharon Mochel

This Month - Meeting with Hearland Blood Center representative. Will contact other churches. To discuss Blood Drive at St. Luke on July 30, 2006. Met with Lynita Browning on 6/6/06 to discuss BD. Also discussed contacting other churches about BD. Fr. Andrew gave Sharon names of churches to contact, and Sharon and Lynita determined which churches to call.

Next Month - Sign up BD participants and volunteers To facilitate a successful BD. After Liturgy, parishioners will be asked to sign up for BD. Two or 3 volunteers will also be requested. Most of the tables and chairs in the Community Room need to be removed on Saturday, July 29th. Only 4-5 tables and about 10 chairs will be needed for the BD.

The Evangelist - Diane Wilczak

This Month - Prepare Summer 2006 issue, Distribute in July Deadline--July 7th

Next Month - Disperse Summer 2006 issue Disseminate information, share ideas, and promote evangelism activities Proof articles, typeset newsletter, drop off at printer, fold, stamp, stable, distribute, send out.

Internet - Ron Wojcik (Mike Bauml)

This Month - Added items and made adjustments to web page; sent emails requesting personal statements. To provide up-to-date information and delete unneeded items. Placed several new items into the "In the News" and "The Faith" sections; took down "Members Only" section and replaced with a blank page for future use. Received 4 responses. Team leaders should encourage team members to send in personal statements.

Next Month - No report

Garden Center - Christine Bowen

This Month - Prayer service at Garden Center Monthly prayer visit to mentally disabled adults Fr. Andrew, Mary Kincaid, and Jerry Kincaid prayed and conversed with the residents.

Next Month - Prayer service. Eighth anniversary of Garden Center visits. Christine will bring a cake to celebrate this event.

Lost Sheep - Caye Caswick

This Month - Lapsed members invited to return to St. Luke. To regain old members and bolster membership. Two new couples attended.

Next Month - No report

Media - George Poulos

This Month - No report

Next Month - No report

Outreach - Lee Kopulos

This Month - Educate and re-energize parishioners. To prepare parishioners to be disciples of Christ. Programs: Purpose Driven Life, Pulpit Instruction, handouts, pamphlets on Orthodox Christianity. Fr. Andrew made 2 presentations: "When did the Chruch begin"?, "Understanding Scripture and Tradition."
Greeter Program To welcome a new greeter Lillian Rakovic is now training with Helen Partoll and Lee.
Visitors To welcome visitors Thirteen people visited St. Luke during the first 2 weeks of June. Many people have visited St. Luke so far this year. The Liturgy attendance count continues to be on the high end.

Next Month - Program is ongoing. Lee will be getting Outreach ministry members together to discuss possible programs for the rest of the year.

Patriot's Day - Caye Caswick

This Month - Focused on speakers. Remembrance of 9/11 and current troop support. Spoke to Fr. Andrew about participation of military personnel; sent invitation to Archbishop Job.

Next Month - Secure a speaker. Send invitations Schedule a specific speaker. Mail invitations to local clergy and Mayor Bennett.

Sanctity of Life - Mary Jo Werbiansky

This Month - Diaper collection

Next Month - No report

Community Development Team Leader - Luba Johnson
absent, written report submitted

The date for next year’s Quad Parish Picnic is June 3rd. It will probably start at 9:30 instead of 10:00 Anthea suggested a pool party instead of picnic- she will present this to Luba.

Diocesan/All-American Delegate - Anthea Lukoshonak
present

OCA – National Church Update:

At the beginning of Lent the Metropolitan himself suggested that the Spring Session would see both the 2004 and 2005 audits, as well as the report on the Proskauer Rose investigation. OCANews has confirmed that was not the case. The Synod was not made privy to anything concerning Proskauer Rose's investigation, neither the status of the investigation, the costs, nor even who will get the report. From other sources who wish to remain anonymous, OCANews can confirm that the investigation remains on-going.

No results have yet to be disclosed to date. The main concern at this time is to whom and when will the 2004 and 2005 audit results and the Proskauer Rose investigation report be disclosed.

SYOSSET, NY [OCA Communications] The Metropolitan Council of the Orthodox Church in America, under the chairmanship of the Primate, His Beatitude, Metropolitan Herman, met in extraordinary session on May 18, 2006, and voted to accept a loan proposal contained in a commitment letter from The Honesdale National Bank, Honesdale, PA. When finalized, the loan in the amount of $1,700,000 will be used to consolidate existing external and internal debts of the Church. …It is anticipated that the closing on the loan will take place on or before July 3, 2006.

Chicago Deanery Youth Camp:

Camp is currently underway – June 20-23, 2006, at Timber-Lee Camp in East Troy, Wisconsin. This year’s theme is liturgical arts, iconography, crafts, music, etc. Activities include swimming, boating, and of course, relationship building Orthodox fellowship! According to Father Tom Mueller, so far there are 26 kids enrolled at camp! A question for St. Luke’s parishioners to consider is… How many St. Luke kids are at camp this year??

Diocesan Church Growth Ministry Chairperson:

The parish needs to appoint a Diocesan Church Growth Ministry Chairperson, as discussed at the January 2006 Midwest Deanery meeting. (Defer to Father Andrew for specifics.)

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Consecration of Church – Sts. Peter & Paul Orthodox Church, Burr Ridge, Friday and Saturday, July 7 & 8.

Lamb Roast -- St. Panteleimon Orthodox Church, Summit, July 30th, following Divine Liturgy.

August 2-5th, 2006 – 1st pan-Orthodox national liturgical music conference sponsored by PSALM, a non-profit organization networking with Orthodox liturgical musicians. The conference titled “Sing Praises with Understanding” will address different aspects of understanding… understanding of each other, understanding of clergy-musician communications, and understanding based on history, liturgy, and the calling of musicians within the Church. Protopresbyter Thomas Hopko will be the keynote speaker on “Asceticism and Creativity”.

LOCATION: The conference will take place at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, Cicero, Illinois.

I will be attending the conference in a working capacity – running the St. Vladimir Orthodox Institutes’ Bookstore booth for St. Vladimir Seminary. If anyone is interested in helping me, or knows of someone who may enjoy this way of getting involved, please let me know since friendly assistance is always welcomed!

Additions: No additional information on the Audit. A loan has been procured to cover costs - 1.7 million both for operations and charities owed. On 7/3/2006- more information should be available.

Diocesan Church Growth Ministry discussed next month- A chairperson has been appointed.

Assisant Layperson Report - Caye Caswick
absent, written report submitted

Stewardship

We've added six (6) new parishioners to our fold. The growth is nice. 10 new members were celebrated earlier this year and now 6 more. I'm working on adding more people to the Stewardship Subcommittee to discuss ways to continue our growth and hang onto our numbers. Always open to new ideas; so if you think of any, please pass them along.

Charities - Karen Verderber

Karen submitted the following list of charities for our approval for the upcoming collections.

1. "OCF – Real Break" request for support for Guatemala trip on March 11 from Juliana Khouri to serve Hogan Rafael Ayan Orphanage
2. "Ilaasi, Friends of St. Herman's Seminary" Kodiak Alaska Fundraising 2006
3. "OCA Mission Appeal 2006"
4. "OCMC 2006 Mission Appeal" [MARCH, 2006]
5. "Teybeh Housing for needy Christians in Israel" [YO Charity, APRIL 2006]
6. "Project Mexico." [JUNE, 2006]
7. "IOCC" [MAY, 2006/Banquet]
8. Popescu [proposed JULY 2006]

Special Projects:

I am scanning documents for our website, recipes, articles, old publications, bible study documents, etc. I've been assisting Philip in his transition to the Financial Secretary position.

Lay Chairperson Report - Ken Stevens
present, written report submitted

Purpose Driven Life

• We continue to attract 10-15 attendees every week (any more would be difficult for encouraging meaningful discussion
• Response has been positive, collegial, and edifying

Men's Study Group

• Deacon Andrew and Clarke Wilson have agreed to contribute as co-leaders.
• Start date: September 2006
• Group Goals:
• Format: A monthly gathering of St. Luke members (men-only), who will meet to discuss men’s specific concerns around Christian living and principles
• Strategic Rationale: Men, women and children all deal with different issues. Since we know each demographic/gender group has its own specialized thinking, concerns, and emotions, we need to take this understanding and then apply it when studying other Orthodox Christian ethics/tenets.
• Key Objectives
• Develop a Christian study that speaks specifically to men relative to their own set of fears, joys, and other emotional and spiritual issues.
• Speak specifically to a man’s salient issues; e.g. battling pride, lust, greed, isolation, materialism, discontentment, strained or broken relationships.
• Help men embrace God’s purpose for their lives
• Liberate our male parishioners spiritually and develop their leadership potential.
• Tactical Support
• Purpose-driven Life materials tailored for men
• Bible study with focus on a t’ have proof…man’s role in serving the Lord

Additions: Notes from today's phone contact:

• I had a conversation with Mr. Mellis relative to the letter sent to him on June 6th (see below discussion of phone call) which focused on St. Luke's request that the Forest Preserve Commission reconsider St. Luke request to consider ways to facilitate the paving project.

Mr. Mellis said there were several misstatements within the letter that were inaccurate and unsettling, such as the assertion that the Forest Preserve was essentially allowing the public to trespass on our property by providing access to the area.

He referred to and top-lined previous discussions with Fr. Andrew.

He then suggested the following strategy; the church must take the initiative to turn everyone away , such that it basically encourages people to request (for legitimate - not illegal reasons - that the stretch of lot be paved: For example, nature walks with the Nature Center, on-site visits with Moraine Valley College teaching personnel and students for environmental education, etc.) that the lot be paved.

In his opinion, this is the only way the Forest Preserve can work with us to get the job done.

If the forest preserves then paves the area, they would then lease it to St.Luke to use for one day/week for church services, activities, etc.

He said we can talk more about the issue and the strategy the week after next when he returns from an out-of-town trip.

Ken suggested trying a petition first- Father said without closing the lot, you have no petition. Anthea suggested just leaving the lot graveled. Mr. Allan Mellis
Director of Planning and Development
Forest Preserve District of Cook County
536 North Harlem Ave.
River Forest, IL 60305

June 6, 2006

Dear Mr. Mellis:

We, the Parish Council of St. Luke the Orthodox Church would like to express our dismay that the Forest Preserve District and our church could not come to some agreement regarding the 30’ by 200’ strip of land that is connected to our parking lot.

In his letter to you dated May 8, 2006, Father Andrew Harrison explained that the only access to the forest preserve adjacent our church, a lovely wooded area on top of a hill that leads to a large meadow, is through our lot as the access to forest preserve property, the aforementioned 30’ by 200” strip, is always kept locked. As a consequence, our parking lot is constantly used by the community for a variety of nature related activities. This is especially problematic in the winter, when sledders ignore posted signs and use our lot to access the hill. In addition to the inconvenience experienced by parishioners when they cannot find parking for services, this is potentially a legal problem for the church if a sledder should get injured. We have asked the Forest Preserve police to monitor our lot after a snow, however, they have been unsuccessful in containing the sledders.

Father Andrew explained to the Council that you had stated that your hands were tied because you cannot justify either paving the 30’ by 200’ strip or fencing the hill. Our Council is sympathetic to the Forest Preserve District’s policy of protecting FPD lands from encroachment by private entities. In this case however, because the Forest Preserve District has not provided an access to this area, it has in effect, given the public tacit permission to encroach on our property. We do not wish to exclude the community from enjoying this area by fencing in and locking our lot. We urge you to reconsider Father Andrew’s proposal of May 8th to pave the 30’by 200’ strip, post signs and fence the sledding hill with a gate that can be locked when it snows. A was stated in the May 8th letter, we are willing to donate any amount of monetary assistance that would facilitate this project.

Respectfully yours,

The St. Luke the Evangelist Church Council

Pastoral Report - Father Andrew Harrison
present, written report submitted

April & May

• Meetings – 2
• Counseling sessions – 2
• Services – 13 (Liturgies, Vespers, Matins)
• House Visits/blessings/Shut-ins 4
• Wedding – 1
• Morning prayers – 8
• Hospital – 1
• Funeral – 1 For my neighbor
• Baptism of Zoe Claiborne on July 2 at Noon
• Garden School – 1 visit – 25 attending - Beginning 8th year in July
• Purpose Driven class - 4
• Other activities- Gave the Invocation & Benediction 2006 Freedom Run- 20,000. attended, Civil Air Patrol 1 Moral Leadership Class – 25 attending
• A letter was sent to the Forest Preserve about the Parking lot.
• Dinner with Archbishop Job
• Will be attending the summer Institute at St. Vladimir’s for Continuing Education
• Vacation July 22 to Aug 5th Fr. Howard will serve.
• Car Mileage, Total miles = 1,435. – Business miles = 1,119. Personal miles = 316.
• Odometer reading, April. 31st – 57,279, May 31st – 58,714
• Proto Deacon Andrew – I am preparing the Icon boards for the St Luke Narthex shrine. I am working with Cheryl Pituch and Fr. Andrew on the design. It will consist of an Icon of St. Luke surrounded by 12 Icons of America saints. The entire project will be donated. I will be working with Maria on the fall Educational program.
• Altar servers, John Verderber – The Altar Servers had a fund raising spaghetti lunch on June 18th. They collected $480 to be used for new Altar Robes – Pearl Homiak have volunteered to make the robes and show others also how to make them. We will planning a summer outing for the staff ,
• Handmaidens, Lynn Betsanes –. We will be planning an outing for the girls
• Readers, Jim Lewindowski – For the Summer months alternate Readers are always on call for no shows.
• Choir, Maria Vrame We've been asked to sing for wedding on Fri. Sept. 1 in the afternoon, will be trying to recruit a few singers. We always need singers, especially a few sopranos and always a male tenor would be helpful (some of our stronger voices are incapacitated so we really are short )and with vacations and people leaving town Sundays are sometimes a hit or miss day. I especially want to thank the congregation for singing along with us on the hymns that are familiar to them, it has been helping us a lot and fills in the musical gaps.
• Vestments, Helen Partoll – The Green covers have been put on for Pentecost.

Additions: father bought a cross to commemorate Fr. Byron’s retirement.

Job frustrated by mess in archdiocese Pictures on internet are up about dedication to memorial for those who have died in gulf war.

Anthea made a motion to accept the reports as ammended. Phil 2nd. All agreed.

Old Business

Charities Approval

Caye proposed to have money collected for a Romanian family known by the Popescu’s. Corneliu is supporting a family who is destitute- cannot do it for the next month. Pearl made a motion that the charity collection be for the Romanian family in need Mike 2nd. All in favor.

Natural Parish Development - Pearl

Pearl passed out a handout related to empowering leadership.

She reported that September would be a good time for Fa. Ivanoff to come and talk to the parish.It would have to be a week day.

Landscaping

Mike will seed instead of sod- so far 1900 dollars came in for landscaping- one person however, gave $1000- Phil reported that about $500 came in last week for the building fund collection.

Mike motioned moving money from cemetery to building fund temporarily if needed. Ken 2nd all approved.

New Business

Loading the CPU- Maria

Microsoft office is loaded- she would like it to have internet capability. Father stated would not need to use internet here. Stea needs to clean off her computer- father suggested saving that information to disk- a lot of our important information is on the web-site. Father has a scanner he isn’t using- will bring it to church. Father suggested Caye or Pat Dime to collect information needed to put on the computer.

Decorating the conference room- Maria

Maria stated our conference room is dull. She would like to put up posters- we need color. Mike suggested talking to –Laurie- head of church beautification. Maria is willing to bring in ideas. Anthea suggested bringing in a poster she has.

Father has some CD’s on Church safety from the insurance company. Mike will give them to Jim.

CLOSING PRAYER

Anthea made a motion to adjourn the meeting.Ken2nd. All Agreed. The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 P.M.

Submitted by Debra Dandeles, Council Secretary