Information from Council for Annual Meeting
Hopefully, you’ve seen the preview information that has been shared concerning the upcoming Annual Meeting. It is planned for the meeting to be incorporated into the worship service on Sunday, January 23, and the information would then be available for viewing on-demand following the service.
These past two years, Faith has responded consistently to “pandemic challenges”, always striving to do what we should to operate with transparency for the congregation while monitoring what needs to happen for the health and safety of all. When we began planning for the Annual Meeting back in late October, we were hopeful that we’d be in person. As the Council reviewed the state of the world this past Tuesday night, we all agreed that we need to not put anyone at risk of feeling left out of congregational decisions or put their health at risk by attending in person.
The annual report information will be available in print at the building on Sunday, January 16. You can pick up a copy then or at any time during office hours the following week. The information will be part of the Tuesday email and posted online by January 18. Congregational voting will not take place on Sunday, January 23. We have followed the rules of our constitution by:
- Having a nominating committee procure 6 candidates for Council positions and 1 for the Endowment committee. The information concerning the identity of those individuals is part of the annual report. Council has approved both of these slates of candidates and has moved to approve the individuals and allow them to begin serving following the January 23rd meeting.
- Preparing and approving a budget for 2022 with the involvement of the business administrator, the Finance Committee, and the full Council.
Prior to the Annual Meeting, members can review and comment on the budget in the following ways:
- Send an email to
- Call the church office (651-464-3323)
- Attend a budget summary meeting being held between services this Sunday, January 16.
One thing we have learned over the past two years: our best-laid plans can require a pivot no matter what. Since this year’s meeting does not require a vote to (1) call a pastor or (2) purchase property, we do not need a quorum for attendance or voting. We will work during 2022 to better align our constitution bylaws to allow voting in different ways, which could include digital options or absentee ballots. We’ve also learned that there may be guidance coming from the ELCA in this area in the near future.
Faith, we want to assure you that we have done everything possible to be clear and transparent with sharing congregational information and in bringing forth leadership and a balanced budget. If you have any questions concerning the Annual Meeting, please reach out to
, or call the church office and someone will get back to you.
Thanks for your continuing support and dedicated prayers concerning the work of Faith.