March 5, 2023

Annual St. Peter Congregational Meeting

COUNCIL PRESIDENT RICK STONE'S REPORT:
The Annual meeting is a time to not only set the administrative agenda in order but to also reflect on the past year and look back on those things we have done well and those things we have not done so well. As President of the congregation I view this role as mostly administrative and directional rather than authoritative and influential.

Legally St. Peter Lutheran Church is registered as a non profit corporation in the State of New York. Therefore we need to have a President and essentially a board of Directors. As dictated by our Synod and our charter we are required to maintain an elected base of volunteers to our Congregational Council. As we all know, the Council has a rotating number of seats that renew or vacate members each year. This is done to ensure that at no time does one set or a group of members stay in a place of influence that could stagnate or even harm the development or workings of the congregation. Therefore provisions are set for Council members as well as President and Vice President to again ensure that there is a proper rotation of new people, new ideas, the elimination of bad ideas or procedures and to see that no one person or a small group of people dictate the administration of this church.

My rotation as the President has come to its full term. This means that we as a congregation get to elect another person to pick up the torch and lead us as a 1 group. This is a good thing. Change is inevitable and for this congregation change IS the new normal. Remember that only a few short years ago we were at the crossroads of wondering how we would move forward having just had our founding Pastor retire, congregation numbers shrinking and working with the Synod on a transition plan that often looked more like a roadblock as opposed to a highway to recovery. And living through the tough years of Covid and trying to find responsible ways to worship and remain relevant to the community. We persevered. We are resilient.

But what do we need to work on? Always on communication, possible purchase of new sound speakers, keyboard, computers, continuing to reach out for new members, possible internet broadcast of our services.

What do we do well? If I can define our congregation I’d say we are amazingly resilient and caring. I can’t tell you how many times members here just step up when needed, often without being asked. When the task is required people volunteer without reservation and get the job done. I see it with communion and the altar paraments and banners, cleaning inside and outside of the church, music needs and weekly changes to our worship services, phone calls and visits to those in need, a prayer group dedicated to remembering those in need, snow shoveling, mowing the grass and maintaining the grounds, numerous wonderful food and dinner gatherings, changing messages of the sign, the welcoming of animals, the continuous individual financial contributions from our membership, donations of hard and soft goods to local and regional causes, multiple regular blood drives, and our open invitation to welcome ALL who seek to know more about Jesus Christ, just to name a few.

This is who we are. This is what we do best. We are a family, you are my family. I should also say we remain in good standing with our Synod and Hudson- Mohawk conference.

I would be remiss if I did not personally thank a couple of people that have made my Presidency easier.

Bill Schmeelke, You are the heartbeat of this organization. You make sure that ALL things move forward and the day to day stuff gets done.

Laura Lunde, Your musical talents fill this sanctuary each week and assure everyone that we will sing and rejoice in the WORD.

Dona Stone, making sure that each week we have the proper service, slides and videos so we can follow the service. I know how much time and effort this takes just to have the right words and images on the monitor.

Pastor Jinney, We each took a chance at this St. Peter Lutheran Church stuff. During my time as President, You and I have formed a relationship that I thought I would never be able to have with another in the clergy, let alone my pastor. I find our conversations intelligent, pithy, relevant, insightful, stimulating, humorous and a delight. I hope that I have been able to answer your never ending questions, that I have been a decent sounding board for your innovative ideas and need to shake up the norm. I hope that I have not stifled your ideas for this congregation or negatively influenced you to alter your sermons to reflect my general thought that anything over 11 minutes long is ignored. And I hope that we will continue to have these conversations and exchanges.

To the rest of the Council I thank you all. Thank you for your attention, comments and thoughts during our monthly meetings and showing up and participating. It reaffirms to me that you do care and want the best for our congregation.

Lastly I want to thank the congregation in its entirety for trusting me to lead you. I hope that I have lived up to your expectations and provided the kind of leadership you hoped I could fill here. I will tell everyone however, I am ready to step down and take on a different role. And I believe we are on a positive highway that leads to bigger and better things.

PASTOR JINNEY'S REPORT:
Membership
• The second half of the year saw an increase in attendance, including a number of new folks.
• A New Member Service was conducted for those who wanted to be formally added to the rolls of St. Peter. Our nine newest (formal) members are Michael Hare, Hugh Canham, Joe Koehler, Rebecca Kohler-Patterson, Anne Cinquemani, Frank Polizzi, Ceira White, Terri Hart, and Carl Hart.
• Anne Cinquemani has passed the requirements and is now a certified SAM (Synod Authorized Minister.) We will be celebrating her achievement next week and Anne will explain a bit about the requirements and what they mean. Worship

Services of Note
• Bill Schmeelcke, Hugh Canham, Peter Rensvold, and Anne Cinquemani offered sermons during the course of the year. All are invited to take part in this sharing of thoughts and ideas.
• A sermon on Buddhist practices offered by Chaplain Michael Heaton.
• Representatives from Wellspring came and gave a talk about the services that they provide to those who have experienced sexual and/or domestic abuse.
• Monthly onsite meetings of the Prayer Group were reinstated, following them being on hold due to COVID concerns. The Prayer Group meeting is open to all and will include a brief Bible Lesson by Ellen and communion when the Pastor is able to attend.
• The annual outdoor service was held at the Malta Community Park on Sunday, August 14th .
• The stewardship drive included testimony given by Stacey Fecura and Pat Palmer about why the church has been important to their lives.

Meetings
• St. Peter hosted the March 2022 Hudson-Mohawk Conference Meeting.
• Cindy Hare and the pastor attended the Upstate New York Synod Meeting in Rochester on June 5th-6th.

Outreach
• Multiple blood drives were held because of the efforts of Peter Rensvold. One was followed by a Strawberry Sundae Ice Cream Social.
• A drive to support Ballston-Spas HS’s after-prom party program was also held thanks to Deb Carminati.
• A diaper (and sundry baby needs) drive for at-need mothers was held with thanks to Deb Carminati.
• The church learned of a woman who had been living out of her car along with her little old dog, Oreo. She had a job and was actively looking for a more affordable apartment. This congregation really stepped up with individual donations of cash, supermarket cards, gas cards, and even offers of a place to stay. In additional, the church made an additional donation once she found an apartment to assist with the related casts of moving in. UPDATE: Oreo and her mom are happily settled in their new place and are very grateful to all those who offered assistance, either financially, prayerfully, or emotionally. We are grateful for all of the work that Anne Cinquemani provided in coordinating these efforts.
• During the holiday season, substantial donations were made by the church in terms of totally overflowing boxes of Thanksgiving dinner items and Christmas gifts for a family-in-need recommended by the Ballston Spa School District. Stockings and gift cards were also generously donated for those being assisted by our neighbor, Wellspring, for those who had experienced sexual or domestic abuse. A big thanks goes out to Debbie Carminati and Rebecca Kohler-Patterson for their assistance in coordinating these projects.
• A grant requested by the church from Global Foundries of $5000 was donated to the Malta Food Bank. Weekly food collections continue.
• Support to various organizations collecting for the people struggling in Ukraine has been ongoing.
• The weekly message is currently sent out to 89 emails accounts, which includes members and friends of St. Peter’s, with 67% of the emails being opened by the recipients. This is an impressive rate given that the reported industry average open rate is 31% as reported by Constant Contact.
• Bill Schmeelcke continues to maintain our Facebook page. Our webpage, which is periodically maintained by the pastor, needs more frequent maintenance.

Table Fellowship
• The Breakfast Club was begun and has had great attendance. Thanks to Chris Clark for organizing this monthly event.
• Souper Bowl Potluck Feast and cookoff was held. The winner was Deb Carminati and her chicken tortellini soup. Rave reviews were also given to Todd Fecura’s buffalo cheese dip. Canned food and funds were raised for the Malta Food Pantry. Finances
• In June the congregation was made aware that while we were operating under budget expense wise, contributions were also falling below the projected budget.
• One unanticipated expense occurred when the amount obliged to be paid to the pastor’s retirement fund needed to be adjusted in accordance with the Church Pension Fund’s requirements. This was done in lieu of the May 2022 raise for the pastor and was agreed to by the pastor. The time in service pay increase of $350 per annum as outlined by the ELCA was approved, however.
• Donations increased during the latter part of the year as the weekly attendance also increased.
• A financial audit of the finances was provided by Rebecca Kohler-Patterson at yearend and the accounts were found to be in order. Special Services
• Maundy Thursday was celebrated at St. Peter in conjunction with Pastor Andrew and St. Andrew Lutheran Church. The washing of hands and feet was offered. A Mediterranean (what would Jesus eat) Potluck followed. Those in attendance offered communion to each other.
• Good Friday was celebrated at St. Andrew in conjunction with their congregation.
• Easter Sunday was glorious with a big response of altar flowers. The Carminati family, once again, provided an incredible post worship feast with amazing decorations.
• A memorial service for Jean Dzamba was held at the church on Saturday, October 15th. As Pastor was out of state, Pastor Andrew officiated at the service and Peter Rensvold led the internment service.
• Patricia and James Sarvis, the daughter and new son-in-law of Carl and Terri Hart, were joined in marriage at the church on December 18th.
• A dual Baptism held on Saturday, August 6th for Ceaira White’s two sons, Charles and Johnathen, welcomed our two youngest members into the community.
• The Blue Christmas Service was cancelled this year due to excessively icy weather conditions.
• Traveling worship services were held at Home of the Good Shepherd in Malta and the following week in Wilton. The service at the Malta facility had four attendees in addition to our own church members. Other churches have been providing services there regularly. A traveling service held the following week at Home of the Good Shepherd in Wilton, attended by thrilled resident and church member, Jim Gourlay, was extremely well attended with the room bursting. Monthly services will continue to be offered at Wilton.
• The chalking of the door tradition was once again honored at the beginning of Epiphany.

Buildings and Grounds
• Thanks to Bill Schmeelke, the monthly Church Day continues to address many of the building and maintenance needs of the church.
• Fellowship Hall has been repainted with coordinating curtains, thanks to Bill and his wife.
• The Stones donated beautiful new green banners for the liturgical season.
• The sanctuary laptop was replaced and moved to the back of the room.
• A new and much needed 60” lawn tractor was purchased thanks to the contribution of an anonymous donor.

Creatures Great and Small
• After a few weeks of members of the congregation aiding a vast number of wasps on their journey to eternity, an exterminator was brought in to address the seasonal influx of scary flying stinging creatures to the relief of a very grateful pastor … who did offer a brief memorial prayer for the wasps.
• A Blessing of the Animals Service was held on Saturday, October 1st. Collections for animals in need were made throughout the month and brought to the Saratoga County Animal Shelter.
• Jeff Carminati provided an extremely gentle bat removal to a very, very annoyed bat who had opted to attend one of our worship services. Big, big thanks to Jeff for being this bat’s gentle savior.

What’s Next?
• A time/talents/ and commitments survey will be sent out to the congregation. Subsequently, a review/training session will be held for all members expressing interest in serving as assistants, lectors, etc.
• We will be exploring becoming a Reconciling in Christ congregation, with input from the entire congregation.
• We will be beginning a confirmation class for two new attendees. This will be led by Anne Cinquemani and assisted by the pastor.
• The pastor will be co-leading a one-day workshop in May on what you need to know in paying pastoral care visits, that will be open to all.
• A discussion is being held regarding starting a new group within the church, tentatively to be known as the Bionic Bible Bunch, given the number of folks who have received new and frequently titanium body parts recently. Nothing has been confirmed but your input is welcome.

Respectfully Submitted,
The Rev, Virginia (Jinney) Vogel-Polizzi
March 5, 2023

MINUTES OF THE MARCH 5 2023 CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
A quorum of 26 members was attained and the meeting was called to order by Congregational President, Rick Stone, at 10:35 AM. Pastor Jinney (Virginia Vogel-Polizzi) opened the meeting with prayer.

The minutes from the 2022 Annual Meeting were reviewed. There being no comments or corrections recommended, a motion was made by Jeff Carminati to accept the minutes as written and was seconded by Chris Clark. The motion was voted on and passed.

Pastor Jinney gave her Pastor’s Report summarizing the many and varied activities of the church body during the past year. Highlights of her report are as follows:
- Improved average weekly attendance and the formal introduction of new members.
- Guest speakers at worship and reflections by some members of the congregation.
- Robust outreach programs and fund raisers (Thanksgiving/Christmas food baskets, Wellspring, Adopt-a-Family, Malta Food Pantry, a friend of the church in need, Ukraine relief, County Animal Shelter, and others.
- Meal fellowship at monthly breakfast gatherings, Souper Bowl potluck, outdoor picnic and worship, etc.
- Special services for Jean Dzamba memorial, baptism of the White family boys, wedding of the Harts’ daughter.
- Home of the Good Shepherd services, and Holy Week services. Blessing of the Animals also!

- Goals for the coming year of circulating a Time/Talents survey to get more people involved in more things where they have an interest, confirmation classes for two young members, becoming a Reconciling in Christ congregation and what that means.

Congregational President Rick Stone gave a report which summarized his views on the congregation, the work of the Pastor, and the path we are on (all which were positive!). He announced that he is stepping down as Congregational President (as required by our constitution, and how change is a good thing and needed.

Pastor led the congregation in thanking Rick for his years of dedicated service to St Peter and his superb leadership.

The 2022 Financial Report and proposed 2023 budget were provided by Treasurer Chris Clark. He explained how this is a deficient budget (as most of our recent budgets have been) but how we are frugal with our resources and how we still manage to make ends meet. Some of the potential major expenses we may incur this coming year were discussed (new organ, speakers, office computer, repairs/replacement of sanctuary HVAC and our water heater unit.)

Pastor explained in her report how an independent audit of our finances was performed by Rebecca Patterson-Kohler (CPA) and that all was found to be satisfactory, with some recommendations for trimming costs in the future.

A motion was made by Peter Rensvold to accept the Financial Report and proposed 2023 budget as submitted and was seconded by Bill Schmeelcke. The motion was voted on and passed.

Rick Stone opened discussion on Church Council and Church Officer positions which require filling in 2023.
- Cindy Hare has served two consecutive terms on church council and is ineligible for re-election. An opening exists for her seat. Peter Rensvold nominated Anne Cinquemani for this position on council. As Anne was agreeable to this, Stacey Fecura seconded the motion. The congregation voted and approved Anne for council.
- Stacey Fecura has completed her first term on council and is eligible for a second term. As she was agreeable to continue to serve on council, Rick Stone made a motion to re-elect Stacey for a second term. The motion was seconded by Peter Rensvold. The congregation voted and approved Stacey for a second term on council.
- Pat Palmer has completed her first term on council, having taken over Chris Clark’s position when he relieved her as Treasurer last year. As she was agreeable to continue to serve on council, Rick Stone made a motion to re-elect Pat for a second term. The motion was seconded by Stacey Fecura. The congregation voted and approved Pat for a second term on council.
- For new congregational president, Bernie Gundermann made a motion to nominate Dan Moellman. As Dan was agreeable to this nomination, the motion was seconded by Pat Palmer, The congregation voted and approved Dan Moellman as president.
- For new congregational vice-president, Chris Clark made a motion to nominate Bernie Gundermann. As Bernie was agreeable to this nomination, the motion was seconded by Dona Stone, The congregation voted and approved Bernie Gundermann as vice-president.

Bill Schmeelcke held a review session on the church’s Emergency and Evacuation Plan. Discussed was the posted location of the plan, why it is required, how to activate a fire alarm and what happens when that is done, how to operate a fire extinguisher and their locations, emergency exit door locations, how to safely evacuate, and where we gather once outside the building.

The following additional business was discussed:
- Peter Rensvold said that our next Red Cross Blood Drive will be on Saturday, June 17th.
- Bill Schmeelcke brought up that council desires to be able to stream live our worship services to the benefit of shut-ins and if anyone has the ability to set this up it would be very much appreciated.

After affording an opportunity for further discussion on any topic of interest, Todd Fecura called for a motion to adjourn, seconded by Anne Cinquemani. The motion passed and the meeting was adjourned at 11:30 AM.

Closing prayer was given by Pastor Jinney.

Submitted by Council Secretary, Bill Schmeelcke.