2000 Annual Meeting Recap

The duly-called Annual Meeting of Friedens Evangelical Church was held on Sunday evening, January 21, 2001 at 6:30 pm in the church's Memorial Hall. About 50 members were in attendance. Some of the youth involved with the Mexico Short-term Mission Trip, along with one of the adult leaders, provided child care. Coffee, apple juice, and snacks were served.

The meeting was opened by Congregation and Church Council President Ray Schwinn at about 6:30 pm. Associate Pastor Mat MacKellar offered a prayer.

The Minutes of the 1999 Annual Meeting were presented and approved.

The Treasurer's Report was presented in detail, questions answered and approved. It was noted that God more than provided through the tithes and offerings. A generous balance helps us start the year with confidence. Mission giving (including planned support from regular offering and special donations) rose above $30,000.00 in 2000. The Cedar Ct. parsonage was paid off in 2000; about 12 years ahead of schedule.

There was no outstanding Old Business.

Pastor Mark and Pastor Matt both talked about God's faithfulness demonstrated in the past year and their desire that we continue to pursue excellence as a church of fully-devoted followers of Jesus Christ. Everyone is encouraged to read their individual reports in the Annual Report.

The 2001 Proposed Budget was presented, discussed, and approved. Thankful for God's provision in the past and confident that He will continue to inspire His people to joyfully and consistently bring their tithes and offerings for the work of His Kingdom, an 8.48% increase in ministry spending. (note that there was virtually no increase in the total budget last year)

Alex Noster and Dave Sather were elected to additional 4 year terms as Elders. Terry DuMez, Ed Kohn, Bill Pasbrig, Trent Schanen, Ray Schwinn, and Peter Vanderhoof were elected to their second 2 year terms as Deacons. Phil Block and Mike Toeller were elected to their first 2 year terms as Deacons. Roger Bolz was approved to serve for an indefinite term on the Evangelism Committee and Nancy Grady was approved to serve an indefinite term on the Missions Committee.

Dave Sather highlighted the work, thus far, of the Strategic Planning Committee which had been proposed and approved at last year's Annual Meeting. The goal of this project, expected to be completed in the late spring of this year, is to evaluate our church's values, vision and purpose…leading to a concise mission statement for the church that guides our church's goals and strategies into the future. The process is dependent upon prayer and the faithful participation of this committee and the effective communication of its work with the entire Friedens family.