November Minutes - November 21st 2006

Unable to Attend:

Diocesan/All-American Delegate Anthea Lukoshonak, Evangelism Team Leader Pearl Homiak Community Development Team Leader Luba Johnson Treasurer: Robert Zubenko

Meeting brought to order at 7:00 P.M. with Bible study Hebrews 7:1-28 Eternal Companion

Minutes

Minutes- Caye motioned that the minutes from September be approved as submitted, Ken 2nd- all approved

Reports

Education Team Leader - Maria Kopulos
Maria Kopulos present, no report

Property Team Leader - Mike Bauml
present, written report submitted

Expected expenses this month: 1500.00 to complete landscaping 200.00 repair of water fountain.

Kitchen Ministry

Nothing new to report.

Maintenance Report

Pending Projects

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

New Building

Nothing new to report

Safety

Nothing new to report

Environmental

Nothing to report at this time

Cell Phone Towers

Nothing to report at this time

Strategic Planning

Per the decision of the parish council, we will begin by taking the requested survey.

Inventory/Insurance Record: Nothing new to report.

Consultant

Nothing new to report

Church Beautification

Stairwell renovation is pending. Laurie will insure that the candle stands are cleaned for Christmas

Historian

Nothing new to report.

Cemetery

Nothing new to report.

Supply

Detrie delivered a load of requested supplies this month

Consultant:

Nothing to report at this time.

Team Projects

• Choir Room: The natural brick wall still needs to be trimmed and the wall cleaned or painted. Mike will discuss this with Father Andrew.
• Broken water fountain: This was repaired at a cost of 1232.11. Due to the nature of the problem the units had to replaced. The fountains are not functioning properly.
• Parking lot: George assured me that he is working on this and should have some news for us shortly,
• Old Basement remodel: Trim work in progress.
• Painting of the old building: Estimates are being gathered for next year.
• Father Andrew's Office: Pending
• Paper towel holder: Repair still pending.
• Sound System: We are having ongoing problems with the sound cutting in and out. Father Andrew is working on this. He believes there is a short in the wiring. Pending
• Elevator button: Solutions for this problem were discussed and are pending.
• Light bulbs: Nick has been asked to replace some of the burnt out bulbs on the property. Father Andrew is also working on this.
• New Fence and sign: Discussed designs and cost. Mike will present this to the parish council for guidance

Evangelism Team Leader - Pearl Homiak
present, written report submitted

Blood Drive - Sharon Mochel

Nothing to report.

Christmas Tree - Sharon Mochel

The Youth Group will be decorating the Christmas tree this year. This will take place on December 3rd. The hope is that the teens will enjoy this and will then do it every year. Pizza and pop may be provided for the decorators. Each parishioner is asked to donate an ornament for the tree. Colored lights will be used instead of all white ones.

Garden Center - Christine Bowen

On October 4th Fr. Andrew held the usual prayer service and visited with the clients. He also attended the Garden Center Halloween Party on October 24th. Everyone had a great time at the party, which was also attended by Caye, Mary Kincaid and her family, and Christine Bowen and her family. Next gathering: December 4th.

The Evangelist - Diane Wilczak

Fall 2006 issue was mailed on Monday, November 13th. The theme for this issue was "Our St. Luke Family." Parish members submitted five articles.

Printing costs were reduced this quarter by applying a discount coupon and several Max Perk rebates at Office Max.

Internet - Mike Bauml

Three new events were added to the web site. Other new entries: The Faith: "The Commandments of the New Testament;" Liturgical Texts: "Marriage Text and Commentary on the Rite of Marriage." Online store-Items sold: 1 bumper sticker; Items added: baptismal cross and chain, additional wooden crosses, new Orthodox music CDs. Work in progress: Iconography-Movable Feast Days. Thirty new icons were scanned and added. Descriptions for the feast days are still needed. If you have not done so, please send your personal statements for posting on the web site.

Lost Sheep - Caye Caswick

The Stewardship letter was drafted and sent out, with Estimate of Giving Cards, to all parishioners. (Comment from Pearl: It was a great letter, both well-written and informative. I really liked it).

Outreach - Lee Kopulos

No report.

Patriot's Day - Caye Caswick

Caye gave Tammy Tsiones newspaper articles about this year's event and our 9/11 artifacts. Tammy will keep them in the St. Luke archives.

Photography - George Poulos

Nothing to report.

Sanctity of Life - Mary Jo Werbiansky

Mary Jo has still not received the St. Luke charity check to send to PASS. Church school children should bring their gifts for the Christmas program, not at the end of the year.

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

Plans are being made now for the Christmas Eve Supper. It will be held on December 24th at 5:30 p.m. in the church hall.

Plans are also in the works for the New Year's Eve Party which will be held on Friday, December 29th. The cost of the tickets will be $20 per adult, $10 for children 13 to 18 years old. The cost per family with children to the age of 18 is not to exceed $50. The menu is still being discussed.

Coffee Hour

Donuts have been cancelled during the Lenten period, they will resume the first Sunday in January, 2007. A new coffee pot has been purchased, since one of the pots does not perk anymore.

Prayer Ministry

Approximately 28 persons were prayed for in October, plus our military and our pregnancy ladies. We continue to pray for everyone on the prayer list and light a seven day candle after vespers on Saturdays and place the candle in front of our cross outside. Mary

Womens' Ministry

Mother Gabriela, from Eves Junction monastery and I are firming up plans for her to speak at our annual Women's Lenten Retreat. The date has been set for March 10, 2007 at St. Luke Church.

Some women from St. Luke have spoken to Michaelyn about the possibility of traveling to the Hogar in Guatemala to volunteer at the orphanage. Michaelyn will speak with Madre Innes about this when she visits the Hogar in the next month.

Adoption Ministry - Michaelyn Sloan

Michaelyn will be traveling to Guatemala before the end of this year, and requested donations of children's Tylenol and cold medicines for the children of the Orthodox Orphanage - Hogar de Ayau Raphael - in Guatemala City. Several parishioners have already contacted me regarding both monetary and medical donations.

During this past year, Michaelyn has received a few referrals from the Orthodox community regarding both international and domestic adoption. In January of this year, one of these families finalized their adoption through the Hogar in Guatemala, brining home their four-year old daughter.

Sunshine Ministry

Birthday and Anniversary cards continue to be sent out. This month flowers were sent out in Sympathy to the wake of Thomas Hansen ( Carla's Father)

Flower Ministry

I will be ordering flowers from the Oak Lawn Florist. Tom is having too many health problems at this time and I told him I would handle the ordering. I will find out what the poinsettia plants cost and let you know so you can set the money aside. I will order the usual 20 plants and collect money from those who want one up front.

The only other report for this ministry would be the Cross that was decorated for Sept. 14th. Thanks, Esther

Children's Ministry

75 names were received from DCFS for Christmas gifts, and all 75 names have been taken by parishioners. Gifts will be brought to St. Luke Church and held in the church hall. All gifts are due November 26, 2006.

Golf Ministry

No report - Seasonal

Diocesan/All-American Delegate - Anthea Lukoshonak
present

ASSISTANT LAYPERSON REPORT-Caye Caswick
present, report submitted:

Stewardship:

Stewardship Sunday gleaned 59 Estimate of Giving Cards for an Annual income of $131,581.76. Expecting somewhere in the vicinity of 25-35 more cards to trickle in over the next few weeks.

Charities:

Below is our list of Charities:

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 [JULY 2006]
9. PLOWS [AUGUST 2006]
10. Sts. Cyril & Methodius Orthodox Church Iconostas Appeal
11. Little Lambs Orphanage, India (website for your perusal: http://www.llcm.org/default.htm)
12. IOCC/Lebanon [SEPTEMBER 2006]
13. Pregnancy Assistance South Suburban (PASS) [OCTOBER, 2006]
14. OCMC (Romanian Mission) [NOVEMBER 2006]
15. Flight 93 National Memorial, Somerset PA (Shanksville)

List obtained from Karen Verderber:

1. Together We Cope (A homeless preg. agency out of Tinley Park)
2. St. Herman Theo. Sem. out of Kodiak AL.
3. Come Receive the Light, supporting Ortho. Christian Network Broadcasting out of Fort Lauderdale Fl.
4. Emmaus House, Harlem, NY, working with the poor
5. Martha and Mary House, Ortho. Christian Maternity Home out of Escondido Ca.
6. St. Vladimir's O.T.S.
7. Religious Books For Russia out of Lagrangeville N.Y.--Karen

   Special Projects:

   I am scanning documents for our website, recipes, articles, old publications, bible study documents, etc. and have gotten the assistance of Katerina Claiborne in this regard. Katerina is doing a nice job. I've been assisting Philip in a monthly rotation as 2nd counter. I continue to research Ivan Mlinar and am having Fr. John Memorich in Cleveland ask one of his parishioners assist me in the transcription of his interview with Fr. Borichevsky. Also heading up the 2007 Stewardship program and working on the 2007 Budget in preparation for the Annual Meeting. I also have transferred historical documentation of our 9/11/Patriot's Day events to the Historian for preservation.

   Caye- parish very receptive to this years estimate drive Father Caye did a great job in stewardship committee Ken said he will stick around next year on stewardship Sunday

   LAY CHAIRPERSON REPORT Ken Stevens present,
   written report submitted

   Attendance at Liturgy: Once a discernible trend can be established (after 1-1-07), a graph will be developed to both track and trend progress relative to church attendance as reflected in the chart below. Below find attendance figures since 6-25-06.

   St. Luke Church Attendance: Sunday Divine Liturgy

   Date Adults Children TOTAL June 25, 2006 70 17 87 July 2, 2006 72 10 82 July 9, 2006 73 20 93 July 16, 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 August 20, 2006 78 16 94 August 27, 2006 84 25 109 September 3, 2006 75 15 90 September 10, 2006 80 26 106 Oct. 1, 2006 70 25 95 Oct 8, 2006 75 23 98 Oct 15, 2006 73 22 95 Oct. 22, 2006 77 27 104 Oct. 29, 2006 79 19 98 Nov. 5, 2006 78 22 100 Nov 12, 2006 86 26 112 Nov 19, 2006 102 26 128

   Plan for Forest Preserve Parking Dilemma

   George Evangelopoulos sent a letter describing the program along with a site plan proposal. The site plan is attached to this report. The letter is as follows:

   Mr. Allan Mellis
   Director of Planning & Development
   Forest Preserve District of Cook County
   536 North Harlem Avenue
   Chicago, IL 60305

   Re: Proposal to deter sledders at St. Luke's Orthodox Church parking lot

   Dear Mr. Mellis,
   I am writing in regards to issues surrounding the St. Luke's Orthodox Church parking lot. As you know, the Church is frustrated by trespassing sledders because they monopolize the church parking lot on snowy Sunday mornings. I have been a parishioner at St. Luke's for twenty years, and have been personally affected by this problem. As I understand it, the Forest Preserve District is equally frustrated by trespassing sledders because they environmentally degrade the moraine hill in many ways, not to mention the potential liability. My goal is to develop a proposal that will benefit both St. Luke's and the Forest Preserve District, and to facilitate an effective mutually beneficial partnership to resolve this issue.

   As I see it, the only realistic approach is to make the hill unwelcome to sledders so they will no longer attempt to trespass on the church's parking lot. Toward that end, I have included a fence at the top of the hill as part of a site improvement plan I am designing for St. Luke's Orthodox Church. This plan has some inherent drawbacks. Firstly, the wall may need to spill over onto Forest Preserve District land because of the geology of the area. Secondly, it is possible that sledders may continue to park in the lot and simply walk around the wall. Therefore, it seems clear we require the assistance of the Forest Preserve District to truly make the hill itself unwelcome to sledders, and yet maintain the natural aesthetic of the property.

   I would like to explore the possibility of the Forest Preserve District implementing, or stepping up efforts to restore a native forest on the hill. Not only would re-forestation deter the sledders, it would also vastly increase the environmental quality of the hill which is on Forest Preserve land. However, as you know, it would take a number of years to get a forest sufficiently established to a sustainable level, and to a level that would deter sledders permanently. (I defer to you to determine how long that would be.) I acknowledge the level of maintenance required by the Forest Preserve District during that time in terms of planting, weeding, and maybe even the implementation of controlled burns. Perhaps you have tried in the past but the sledders have undermined your efforts. However, with a close partnership with the church, and other local organizations, you could be successful.

   Depending on how many years it would take to establish a forest on the hill, St. Luke's Church might be willing to pay for a temporary fence and gate to lock their parking lot in the winter for that period of time. As long as it's made clear the fence and gate would be temporary, they may be willing to take on that expense and inconvenience. They may also be willing to help fund the project, and maybe even offer volunteers to help plant and maintain the re-forestation project. In exchange for these contributions from the church, perhaps the Forest Preserve District would be willing to coordinate and lead the re-forestation project and grant permission to allow the church to repave the entire existing parking lot, which unfortunately, was extended on to your property many years ago under unclear circumstances.

   In the end this proposal provides the Church with regained control of its parking lot, and the Forest Preserve has a re-forested hill and no more environmental degradation and potential liability caused by trespassing sledders. I hope you are willing to participate in this mutually beneficial partnership.

   I am enclosing a drawing for your review that includes the proposed temporary fence and gate, as well as the proposed parking lot improvements. Please contact me after you have reviewed the drawings to discuss this possibility.

   Sincerely,
   George Evangelopoulos
   Owner and CEO
   GEA Architects, Ltd.

   National Church Development Project

   I exchanged e-mail and voicemail communications with Fr. Jonathon Ivanoff relative to the parish health project and strategic planning. I inquired about purchasing items "a la carte" and he was very amenable. Subsequently, Parish Council approved purchase of the survey tool for $250. This would include his sending us the survey, and his completion and tabulation of survey results that would be sent back to us for review. Diagnosing the survey and addressing the results would be priced separately if we wanted to pursue it further.

   Below is an e-mail I received from Fr. Ivanoff.

   From: Jonathan Ivanoff [mailto:frjonathan@hotmail.com]
   Sent: Friday, November 17, 2006 7:03 AM
   To: Ken Stevens
   Subject: RE: FW: St. Luke NCD Church survey tool

   Hi Ken: yes, got the check a few days ago, and I've rec'd the surveys and will be packing them and shipping them out probably on Monday at this point, so you should get them right after Thanksgiving. I'll e-mail you again when they are out in the mail so you can know to expect them.

   Additions:
   Kenreported that the NCD Survey will be conducted in the middle of December. It will be open to the whole parish- as there seems to be a lot of interest.

   George had a prior commitment, however his letter to Mellis is in Ken's report. Mike had some unreadiness related to the letter about not asking FPD to assume responsibility for trees.

   PASTORAL REPORT-Father Andrew Harrison present,
   written report submitted

   • Meetings - 4
   • Services - 13 (Liturgies, Vespers, Matins)
   • House Visits/blessings/Shut-ins - 2
   • Morning prayers - 9
   • Represented the OCA at the National Council of Churches in Orlando
   • Attended Feast Day service at St. Michael's
   • Gave invocation at Garden Center Fashion Show
   • Civil Air Patrol encampment - Target shooting
   • Chrismation will be held on Sunday for Christine Bowen's grandson. Bret.
   • Adult classes, Bible study - 2, 9 attending , Attendance has Increased
   • Purpose Driven classes - 4, 10 attend from 4 churches - Attendance has drop off
   • Chanted Psalm 126 at Ecumenical Thanksgiving service at St. Alphonsus in Lemont
   • I commend the Stewardship Committee, excellent Pledge Drive Sunday - total estimate $132,000.
   • Car Mileage, Total miles = 1822. - Business miles = 1687, Personal miles = 135. Odometer reading, Oct 1stt - 66, 348 Oct. 31 - 68, 348
   • Proto Deacon Andrew - Nothing new to report
   • Altar servers, John Verderber - Three new robes have been purchased - Must be shortened
   • Handmaidens, Lynn Betsanes -A written schedule was posted for the girls to hold the cloth and cut the bread.
   • Readers, Jim Lewindowski - Nothing new to report
   • Choir, Maria Vrame - Choir sang for St Luke Feast day on Oct 19 and a wedding on Oct. 29 right after Liturgy. Currently rehearsing for Nativity Vigil and for Dec. 17th Church School program. Also working on two new hymns to add to our repertoire of music. Maria Vrame
   • Vestments, Helen Partoll - I replaced the gold covers with the red for Nativity Lent
   • Mail
   • Request for an add in the Reporter,
   • Letter from Crown Castle,
     Maria Pappas Cook County Treasurer
     Additions:
     Three letters-
     1. Crown Castle- if we are considering selling their lease- please contact them first
     2. Maria Pappas- Happy Thanksgiving
     3. Letter from the Reporter given to Lee

     Cayemade a motion to accept the reports as presented. Phi; 2nd. All agreed.

     OLD BUSINESS

     Charity Approval: December Charity collection for discretionary fund

     Educational team funding- Bob wants to pay bills accrued by that

     ministry- we do not have current bottom line as to what is owed. Ken will ask Bob where
     to take money( $1000) for education deficit

     Forest Preserve-

     Letter sent about sledders and lot-see Lay Chairperson's report

     Children Ministries-As Pearl is absent, Father- council will talk/ wait for Pearl

     Church open during week- meeting of committee will be in a couple of weeks

     NEW BUSINESS

     Church fence and sign
     Mike met with a fence provider - Asked council what kind of fence should we be thinking about-keeping in mind that it's needs to e strong enough to deflect cars- Mike is looking at iron or concrete/ iron- cost would be:$8000 for just wrought iron if we add brick pillars- (need to be 16 feet apart)- each would cost $2500-we would need about 10 - total cost wrought iron and pillars would be $40,000. Additionally, a sign would cost $3000-$40000. Our lot is too big for a gate- Mike will take suggestions under advisement.

     Christmas/ New Year- Christmas and New Year are on Monday this year. 9:30 will be the time for Liturgy. The New Year's party will be on Friday. Parish meting- Stea reminded Ken about the annual Collation Party. Father told the council to bring in reports two weeks before Feb 4th- He will bring them to kinkos after all have been collated on January 19th. Father will get together with Bob to determine a budget committee meeting. Budget proposals are due by December 5th . The budget will be approved at the December 19th council meeting.

     Father also reported that the annual meeting agenda needs to be set and approved- and a letter needs to be sent to pledging members items as to agenda items. All items for consideration will need to be submitted by December 19th.

     Behaviors in Church- some concern by parishioners has been expressed about lack of procedure for church disruption.

     Lee was asked to this council meeting to explain procedure/protocol in other churches. He brought a handout for the council to read.

     CLOSING PRAYER

     Caye made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Phil 2nd. All Agreed. The meeting was adjourned at 9 P.M.

     Submitted by Debra Dandeles, Council Secretary

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