COUNCIL HAPPENINGS: Sept 2016

Council met in the sanctuary
1. Opening devotions — Pastor Martin opened with a litany, a prayer of thanksgiving, for the
physical space of our sanctuary; this litany will be expanded and adapted in the near future
into a Sunday service prior to our vacating it for the renovations. Mark Quenneville then
offered a devotion reflecting on vocational discernment — the challenges, the opportunities,
the hopes, and the trust involved in making a decision; he closed with a reading from
Matthew 6 (“Do not worry …”) and prayer.
2. Building renovations — the council wishes to thank the congregation for the resounding
support expressed at the September 11 congregational meeting to go ahead with the
sanctuary modernization renovation: a. Michael Koch reported that the first cheque was
written and will be delivered and contract signed with Amsted the week of September 12; b.
Randy Rodgers and Michael are striking a ‘decorating committee’ to decide what colours for
carpet and paint, and specific individuals in the congregation were identified and will be
asked soon; c. Randy reported that he already has about eleven individuals identified to
fulfill the ‘OSCAR’ (On Site Construction Action Reporting) role during the project; d. There
will be a special Worship & Music Committee meeting on Thursday, September 29 at 7pm
for anyone in the congregation interested in planning and organizing worship services
especially during the renovation time when we will have to vacate the premises; e. The City
of Refuge church that rents space from us have been notified and will be kept in the
communication loop during renovations.
3. Worship & Music — Mark reported that on October 30, 2016, Reformation Sunday, there will
be a special Reformation service of all Ottawa Area Ministry congregations to celebrate
together our history and identity as Lutherans in Ottawa — at St Peter’s Lutheran Church
downtown. Watch website and weekly bulletins for details upcoming soon.
4. Financial update: David Van Schaik reported a current deficit of approx $16,000 in the
operating account. Discussion was had about the need to address this shortfall, and
sustaining growth, in the coming year
5. Adult Christian Education: Chris Nicol reported his intention to consider ‘target demographic’
and times of learning/group events in church life. It was agreed that building relationships
among members, newcomers, and the public is a priority in any initiative. Discussions with
neighbouring Julian of Norwich church to share adult programming, as well as leading our
own, continue in the weeks ahead. Stay tuned.
6. Pastor’s Sabbatical: Council unanimously agreed to Pastor Martin’s sabbatical proposal for a
3-month sabbatical plus the regular 5-week vacation in 2017 — approximately from May 1st
to September 4. A sabbatical committee will be formed in October to begin making
necessary preparations.
7. Next council meeting in October: tbd