The COMMUNICATORUNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

(Congregational)218 West Fifth Street, Yankton, South Dakota

57078605-665-7320 www.yanktonucc.org

The Church office is open from 8:00 a.m.-noon and 1:00-5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday

VOLUME XXXVIII, ISSUE 1 (USPS-483-710) February, 2016

VISION STATEMENTServing God Through Mission and Ministry

B4G – Q&AOur Annual Meeting is coming up and this will be your chance to give voice to your opinion about the building concept that your Building for Growth team has presented. We’ve heard a number of questions and thought we’d take a moment to provide some answers as you consider your decision.

Q: “The concept is really nice… but is it too nice? Are we being too extravagant? Couldn’t we accomplish our goals with something more simple?”A: We pushed our architects hard to keep cost at a minimum without sacrificing function. They took our lists of needs and wants and brought us a number of design ideas – including a separate stand-alone building, keeping the elevator wing, expanding over the alley, and more. Our priorities were to maintain the historical integrity of our main building, improve accessibility throughout the church, find a new home for the church offices so we can demo the annex, pay attention to what we might need in the next 50 years, and minimize the cost. The concept we proposed is the best we could come to. Q: “I do/don’t like a particular aspect of the design (e.g. parking, playground, restroom placement, kitchen layout, etc.) how final is this plan?”A: What you see is only a concept for how we could address our wants and needs. None of the details are finalized – rooms can move around, outdoor space can be reimagined, traffic flow through the kitchen will be sorted. It will take all of us working together to come to decisions about all of these details. But our first step is to decide together if this concept is worth further time, money and investment. Is this the path we should take?Q: “Can we pay for this? How?”A: We don’t know. There are experts that can help us figure out how much we can raise but we want to hear from the congregation if this concept is worth pursuing before we invest more time and money in answering these questions. The truth is no one knows how much we could raise, or how long it would take to do it. The vote at the annual meeting just says whether or not the congregation wants to continue down this particular path or do we need to do something else?Q: “We need to do some major maintenance on our building. Shouldn’t we do that first?”A: All of the major maintenance needs that have been discussed are included in the proposed concept. In fact, we would expect that many of these needs would be the first things addressed in both fundraising and construction. The front steps, stained glass windows, roof & exterior doors of the main building, and the boiler for the sanctuary could all be taken care of before final drawings,

1

detailed decisions and major contract bids would go out. If we choose not to go ahead with this concept, we will still need to address these issues in addition to caring for the elevator wing and finding a solution to our office space needs.

Pastor Molly’s MomentI love the snow. And the cold temperatures. The opportunity to wear my handknits. The bracing breeze (WIND) that pushes you forward from task to task. The bright twinkle of sun on icicle. The relief from pollen alergies. But I must admit the shorter days, the grey skys, the slush and muck can all get me down. I don’t suffer with SAD (seasonal affective disorder) as some do – but it can be nice to take a break from winter. Right about now, the thrill of the first snow has worn off. The cold air no longer feels like Christmas is in the air. Spring is still pretty hard to imagine. Right now, it is cold and snowy and wet and salty and messy and slippery and, and, and.Our lives work like that too sometimes. We have seasons where everything seems to go wrong. Where it seems that everything is dead or lifeless. Times when curling up in front of a roaring fire with the dog on your feet, a good book on your lap, and a warm drink in your hand is all you can imagine actually enjoying.Sometimes the church works like that. There is that feeling of ”can’t we just move on already?”. It doesn’t seem like quite as many people are showing up. We start to worry more than necessary about this and that. We wonder if we are on the right path.It is here that we remember we are a resurrection people. Jesus lived a great ministry. He touched many lives. He demonstrated miracles and shared wisdom through parable. But then he died. Cruelly. Unjustly. He was betrayed and abandoned. Gone. The story only takes life at the resurrection. Suddenly this man, this teacher, has fulfilled the prophecy. Suddenly, his teachings take on new and lasting meaning. Suddenly, he is the messiah. Suddenly, the crocus and the daffodil and the iris come into bloom.Life comes in cycles. Life. Death. New life. Summer. Fall. Winter. Spring. Joy. Despair. Hope.It may feel like a good time for a break from winter – (dream with me… golfing in Phoenix, surfing in San Diego, Disney in Orlando…) – but we’ll make it through. We’ve been promised. There will be new life. There will be resurrection. There will be spring.From our love of punctuation – we never put a period where God has put a comma, God is still speaking. No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome at United Church of Christ (Congregational). And we cheer on Project Semicolon who are “dedicated to presenting hope and love for those who are struggling with depression, suicide, addiction and self-injury.” Let the semicolon be your symbol that fresh life is right around the corner.

Molly2

Memories of National Youth Event

…or not? I’ve been talking about National Youth Event, how awesome it is and excited to have some of our youth attend and experience it too. As I describe it as fun, an awesome experience, etc. I have realized my memories of the event I attended 24 years ago are not of the specific events at NYE, but instead, they are of the people I experienced it with.

Initially, I was very disappointed with myself that I couldn’t remember the speakers, the concerts, the workshops, the worship services, or even the theme of the event. I searched the internet to see if there was anything out there to help trigger memories. From this search I was reminded of the theme at least, “Shout It From the Mountaintop!” That actually did trigger a memory. The theme became a bit of a joke with everyone because NYE 1992 was held at Beloit College in Beloit WI – no mountains there, and so the joke was “Shout it from what mountaintop?” Regardless, the message was not lost; we did not need to be on a mountaintop to shout when we had something important to be known, just as long as we shout.

Next, I dug out my pictures. While that was a fun trip down memory lane, again the pictures were of people I was experiencing and sharing the event with, not particularly helpful in remembering the events of NYE. So then I turned back to the internet and social media, reaching out to several friends I keep in touch with from those youth events during my high school years. I was hoping their memories might trigger more for me; however I found I wasn’t alone. Like me, they had similar problems recalling events of the actual event; their memories were also of the people they were experiencing NYE with. That made me feel a lot better, but doesn’t help me give a firsthand account of the events at NYE.

Then, I realized something. Maybe it isn’t important that I don’t remember the details of the event itself. Maybe the most important take away and memories from attending NYE and the other youth events are the relationships made with people, especially with God. After all, I do know the event was awesome, powerful, and exciting and I have come away shouting from the mountaintop. True, I didn’t remember the theme until it came up in an internet search, but that’s what I’m doing, shouting from the mountaintop how NYE can impact the lives of youth as they continue to develop their relationships with each other and with God. Maybe their memories will be better than those of us from 1992 (and probably have more help remembering from the internet and social media), however even if 24 years later they don’t remember the workshops, the concerts, the worships, or the theme, the memories and relationships they do bring away from NYE will no doubt be important to their faith journeys. I have a second chance to go again this year as a chaperone and can’t wait to see the youth experience it, come away excited about their experiences, with a strengthened relationship with God, carry the memories and relationships throughout their lives, and BELIEVE!

Smile: God Loves You!

3

Recently updated to include Diana Butler Bass, Brian McLaren and Robin Meyers, LtQ2 is a popular video & internet-based small group exploration of progressive Christianity featuring premier religion voices of our day.

"I have been a pastor for 16 years and this is by far the very best study I have ever participated in."Rev. Teri Johnson, First UMC, Brookings, SD "I've seen no tool that matches LTQ2 for in-depth discussion."Rev. Dr. Steve Wayles, 1st Congregational UCC, Phoenix, AZ "This is the very best study we have ever done at our church."Bonnie Frost, Coral Isles Church, Tavernier, FL LtQ2 is an open-minded alternative to studies that attempt to give participants all the answers and instead strives to create an environment where participants can interact with one another in exploring what's next for Christianity. Featuring thirty acclaimed scholars, theologians and other experts, "Invitation to Journey," includes the first seven segments of the series. LtQ2includes downloadable and printable leader and participant guides with weekly readings and discussion questions. The 20-minute video segments include conversations with leading voices of faith, digital stories illustrating aspects of an evolving faith, and concrete spiritual practices and disciplines.

Michelle

Lenten StudyJoin Rev. Molly for a weekly study based on the acclaimed series Living the Questions 2.We will gather Wednesday evenings at 5:30 in Pilgrim Hall for a light dinner and fellowship followed by viewing the DVD segment and lively discussion ending by 7:00.

Invitation to JourneyFeb 10. An Invitation to Journey      Feb 17. Taking the Bible Seriously    Feb 24. Thinking Theologically    Mar 2. Stories of Creation    Mar 9. Lives of Jesus    Mar 16. A Passion for Christ: Paul    Mar 23. Out into the World: Challenges Facing Progressive Christians

Rev. Molly will also preach a sermon series based on themes raised in the DVD and discussion.

Get more out of your Lenten Journey by Living the Questions together.

Ash Wednesday ServiceOur Ash Wednesday worship service including the imposition of ashes will start at 7:00pm on February 10th. Our Lenten study will wrap up a few minutes early this first night to allow us to transition to the sanctuary for worship.

4

Excerpt from Website

Senior High Youth & Confirmation Lock-In!

Friday evening, 1/29 – Saturday morning, 1/30

6:00pm Friday – 8:00am Saturday

Yankton UCC

Please join us for a night of fun locked-in together at church enjoying food (supper, breakfast, snacks),

activities and games, movies, more!

We ask that all youth attending please bring a snack to share.

Please contact Harry to RSVP or with any questions.

Harry Redman 661-7635 call or text

5

Immediately after worship on Sunday, January 31st, we will have our Annual Congregational Meeting in the Sanctuary.  At this meeting, all members of the congregation will have an opportunity to vote on the major issues of church life including the 2016 budget, the slate of officers and board members, and other special motions brought forth by committees or Council.  Our bylaws require physical presence at the meeting to be able to vote - so plan to be present!

All board and committee members are invited to a Leadership Lunch on Sunday, February 7th in Pilgrim Hall.  Each board will get a chance to bond and begin the initial planning for a great 2016!

There is always a party before the start of Lent!  This year, our Youth will be offering up a Pancake and Sausage dinner in Pilgrim Hall.  Free will donations will be used to support the kids going to National Youth Event in Orlando this summer. We will begin serving at 5:30 and continue until we're out of food!  Come hungry! Come to Pilgrim Hall on Tuesday, February 9th at 5:30 pm!

UCC CONNECT RIDES AGAIN!!Please join us at the home of Cole and Dana Larson on Friday, February 26th from 7 to 9 p.m. for Connect UCC. The 20s/30s group will provide appetizers and punch, but church friends are welcome to bring their own beverage of choice if so desired. While members in their 20s and 30s are hosting, members of all ages are encouraged to join us! The 20s/30s Group looks forward to getting to know

6

you better! Please RSVP to Dana at 661-0075 or dana@yankton.lawyer. Address/directions information and childcare details to follow.

THOSE IN NEED OF GOD’S HEALING TOUCHIN OUR PRAYER CONCERNS: Those affected by natural disasters; Peace throughout the world; Men and Women in the Military including Jesse Bicknell, Maurice & Ashley & family, daughter of Jorja Stevens-Fejfar, and Alex Wolhoy; Carolyn Hoyme, aunt of Jim Reimler; Juli, a friend of Carol Ebel; Tyler Johnson, nephew of Jim and Leann Bicknell; Garrett Scholz, nephew of Lee & Suzan Gass; Ivy Lung, friend of Eileen Lesher; Suzanne Meendering, daughter of Roger & Sandi Pierce; Kim Johnson, niece of Gregg & Mary Lee Stewart; Felicia Somers, Lois Peterka, mother of Renee Somers; Joane Kranig, sister of Jorja Stevens-Fejfar; Kellan Bittner, great-nephew of Dave & Kay Farrar; Elijah Tielke; Shelly Lambert, Patty DeGroff, Vertus Huber; Rozella Tollakson; Jacie Green; Sherry Darling, Vera Osness’ daughter; Florence Ruff; Melissa Nelson

OUR SYMPATHY to the family of Howard Kussman, who passed away on Januray 16, 2016. Howard was the brother of Rozella Tollakson and the brother-in-law of Alta Kussman.OUR SYMPATHY to the family of Dores Allan, who passed away on Januray 22, 2016. Dores’ daughter and son-in-law are Roger & Peggy Thompson and their daughter, Tracey Grotenhuis and her husband James and their sons Cooper and Mac.THE PRAYER CONCERNS CALLING TREE was activated on Wednesday, January 20, 2016 for Dores Allan, who had suffered a stroke. THE PRAYER CONCERNS CALLING TREE was activated on Tuesday, January 19, 2016 for Melissa Nelson, who was undergoing surgery that day.

7

Jesus, mayyour healing

power beupon them.

Eternal God, we would come close

to You in our need, and we

would earnestly unite our hearts

in prayer for Your servant _______Whom we love.

Surround (him/her) with Your light and

Your love. May (he/she) know

that you are near to bless and to

keep.

We thank you for doctors and nurses and

hospitals, and we ask You to grant to all who are caring for _______ for wisdom and

patience. We pray that our prayers may help provide strength and

encouragement to _______ and

comfort to (his/her) family. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, we pray. Amen.

8

BIRTHDAY GREETINGSIf we do not have your birthday or someone you know in our records, or you would not like to be listed in the special birthdays please let us know so we may update our database. Please do not assume that we are aware of your wishes and feel free to remind us. Thank you!

SPECIAL BIRTHDAY WISHES

BIRTHDAYSRoger List Feb. 1 Cheryl Hofer Feb. 13 Robert Fitch Feb. 22Brad Schanche Feb. 1 Jonathon Economy Feb. 13 Tom Moore Feb. 22 Melissa Schilousky Feb. 2 Chloe Caton Feb. 13 Kara Williams Feb. 22Zane Becker Feb. 2 Florence Ruff Feb. 14 Harper Orr Feb. 22Phyllis Smith Feb. 3 Roger Willcut Feb. 14 Gideon Schultz Feb. 23Jay Schroeder Feb. 3 Mary Beth Herrboldt Feb. 14 Trey Redman Feb. 23Jennifer Johnke Feb. 3 Owen Phillips Feb. 14 Addison Haase Feb. 23Mattie Drobish Feb. 4 Marley Ann Opsahl Feb. 15 Arlene Stoebner Feb. 25Brady Blom Feb. 5 Dennis Fleer Feb. 15 Wyatt Hauger Feb. 25Gary Baltzer Feb. 6 Diane Bochman Feb.17 Keith Janssen Feb .26Isabelle Sheldon Feb. 6 Ginger Lesher Feb.17 Andrew Kuchta Feb. 27Lyndall Cornette Feb. 7 Jane Brown Feb. 18 Kit Westling Feb. 28Jim Bicknell Feb. 8 Melissa Pratt Feb. 18 Jazzy Applehaus Feb. 28Lonnie Herrboldt Feb. 9 Kathryn Sheldon Feb. 19Linda Eckstrom Feb.10 Lloyd Brunick Feb. 19Ann Opsahl Feb.10 Jill Sternquist Feb. 19John Herrboldt Feb.11 Callen Schilousky Feb. 19Stephanie Janssen Feb. 11 Richard Jensen Feb. 20

9

Jesus, may your healing power be

upon them.

Jesus, may your healing power be

upon them.

Happy Birthday to Phyllis Smith who will be celebrating her

83rd birthday on February 3rd.

Happy Birthday to Florence Ruff who will be celebrating her

93rd birthday on February 14th.

Happy Birthday to Marley Ann Opsahl who will be

celebrating her 80th birthday on February 15th.

Happy Birthday to Gideon Schultz who will be celebrating his

86th birthday on February 23rd.

.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

If we do not have your anniversary or someone you know in our records please let us know so we may update our database. We will highlight milestone anniversaries such as 10th, 15th, 25th, 50th and beyond. If you would not like to be listed in the special anniversaries please let the office know. Please do not assume that we are aware of your wishes and feel free to remind us.

10

SPECIAL ANNIVERSARY WISHES

Happy Anniversary to Gary and Doris Baltzer who will be celebrating their 57th wedding anniversary on Feb. 15 .Happy Anniversary to Jerry & Jane Rames who will be celebrating their 51st wedding anniversary on Feb. 25.

ANNIVERSARIESJake & Christin Broscha Jan. 11

Russ & Gloria Leonard Jan. 24

Charles & Tari Tielke Jan. 31

-to–-Gage Becker and his teammates beat Pierre in pool play and in Championship. He is a member of the Renegades.

-to—Logan, who is employed by Charlie’s Pizza House. Their spicy meatball and sauerkraut pizza was recently named the top pizza in SD by Food Network Magazine

-to–-Brittany Ament who was named to Mount Marty College’s Fall 2015 Dean’s list. She is a full time student with a minimum term grade point average of 3.5.

Darlene Knecht, Diane Reese, Lola Waldner, and Katherine French for helping to get the Communicator ready for mailing.

To everyone who came to assist with the Looping Project. It turned out to be an extended engagement, but it will be worth it!

11

OPPORTUNITIES FOR FELLOWSHIPKNITTING AND MORE

Please join us on Mondays at 2:30 p.m. in the church lounge. Bring whatever you wish to work on, join with us in some mission projects (prayer shawls or fleece robes) . . . or just join us for conversation and snacks! We generally finish about 4 p.m.

GATHERING OF MENAll men of the church are invited to join together on Friday’s over the noon hour at Fryn’ Pan Family Restaurant for lunch and fellowship. Please call Bud Kratz, 664-5864 if you have questions.

U CARE CASSEROLESWe made 108 U Care Casseroles in the Pilgrim Hall kitchen, on Monday, December 14th. These casseroles are for anyone for any reason and are funded by donations. They are available in the office and also downstairs in the freezer in Pilgrim Hall. If you need a meal and or a visit, please call the office (665-7320) and one will be delivered to you.

MEALS ON WHEELSA special thanks to those who delivered “Meals on Wheels” in December. UCC is responsible for helping to deliver meals from the Senior Center on Wednesdays. Please contact Mike in the church office if you are willing to help with this program.

UCL – UNITED CHURCH LADIESUCL – United Church Ladies – continue to meet every third Thursday of the month. Meetings will return to Yesterday’s Café on Broadway St., at 6:00 p.m. Please join us, one and all, for food and fellowship! RSVP to Kay Farrar at 605-660-2011 or 605-267-4339. Please call if you need a ride.

HYVEE GIFT CARDSMembers of the Music Board sell HyVee Gift Cards every Sunday following worship. HyVee has an operating plan where the church receives 5% back on the sale of these cards. Cards may be purchased in $25, $50 or $100 increments. Buy groceries or gas with a HyVee card and you get full value for your dollar at the grocery or convenience store while supporting the church.

BLUE TOTEThe Blue Tote in the narthex is an ongoing Mission Project. Members and friends are asked to bring nonperishable food items as well as hygiene products, laundry and dish soap, diapers, etc. These items are then taken to the contact center to share with those in need. Please pick up some items when you shop to share with others and leave them in the blue tote. The Mission Board will distribute them.

12

I Ran a Successful Business, Why Can't I Run a Successful Church? (6 Reasons)Much of today's ministry training takes its lead from businesses.Maybe businesses should be taking their lead from pastors.Many successful businesspeople have flamed out trying to plant or pastor a church. Some left a successful business for full-time ministry, only to burn out and go back to the business world. Some started in ministry, then quit to go into business, where they finally found success.It's much easier to start or run a successful business than to plant or pastor a successful church.It's much easier to start or run a successful business than to plant or pastor a successful church.And when I say ‘successful church’ I don’t mean a big, growing one. I mean a solid, healthy one – of any size.If you pastor a church and it's not collapsing in a heap beneath you, you're doing a better job at a harder task than most of the successful business owners and managers that people want us to emulate.So, why is pastoring harder than running a business? Here are 6 reasons:1. The Church Is a Family, Not a BusinessThere are many business principles involved in pastoring. And most pastors, including me, need to be better at them. But the overlap between church and business is much less than we think.Running a church like a business is similar to running a family like a business. You can't get there from here.That’s why the biblical requirements for pastors, bishops, overseers and other church leaders are drawn from family life, not business life.2. Working with Volunteers Is Very Different than Working with EmployeesIt’s hard to hire, train and manage employees. Now, imagine doing all of that without the incentive of a pay check. That’s what pastors have to do with volunteers.It’s also hard to find, serve and keep customers happy. Now, imagine doing thaton a ‘pay me only if you feel like it’ basis.I know church members can’t be compared to employees. And even less to customers. But that’s my point. There’s no comparison.

13

The primary agreement that keeps a company alive is the exchange of goods and services with money as the measure for fairness. But people can literally attend a church for decades, receive everything the church has to offer and never give anything back – either monetarily or in volunteerism.It’s inconceivable that any business could run that way. But that’s how churches do it.

3. Churches are Much More Complex than BusinessesThere are a lot of moving parts to a healthy business. There are infinitely more to a healthy church. Literally, infinitely.Most businesses have a narrow focus. They offer goods or services of a limited variety. Restaurants serve food, plumbers install and repair pipes, and so on.But even the most narrowly-focused church touches every aspect of people’s lives at the best and worst times of their lives. Spiritually, emotionally, financially, and socially. We’re there from the joy of birth to the sorrow of death.Aside from the family, there is no institution that touches more aspects of people’s lives than the church does.Aside from the family, there is no institution that touches more aspects of people’s lives than the church does.Yet pastors are expected to master it all. No wonder so many quit in frustration.4. Pastoring Requires a Call, Not Just SkillThere are skills and gifts that are needed to be a good pastor of a good church. But all the skill in the world means nothing if you’re not called by God to do it.Without being called, you'll never pastor a successful church, no matter what skills you may have.For more on this, check out my previous post, So Many Wrong Reasons to Become a Pastor.5. We Make It Harder Than It Should BeAs difficult as pastoring is, we make it tougher than it needs to be.We tell pastors of healthy churches that if the church isn’t hitting certain numerical growth goals, they’re doing it wrong.It's like telling the parents of healthy, happy, productive children that their family is a failure because they didn't have more kids or aren't making enough money. Yet we do it all the time with pastors and churches.

14

A healthy church is a wondrous thing. And hard enough on its own.If you’re pastoring a healthy church, don’t let anyone tell you that you’re a failure because you’re not meeting their (or your) numerical expectations.6. We're Not Running the ChurchJesus said he’d build his church.His church, not ours. His job, not ours. He runs it, not us.We make pastoring harder than it should be when we try to do the job that belongs to Jesus alone.Sometimes the missing element to a healthy church and successful ministry is a pastor who does less, not more.Copyright © 2016 by the author or Christianity Today/Leadership Journal.Click here to contact me concerning reprint permissions.

Rain in the NightwatchRon Buford

"Come, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, who stand by night in the house of the Lord." - Psalm 134

I once belonged to a congregation in which a gifted pastor led a handful of people in a dying urban church to become more than 500 members. After her departure, interim adjustments, and the typical lull came another gifted young pastor, and now the congregation is growing again. A common ingredient? Servants of God who withstand the rainy nightwatch.

UCC saint, Charlie Cobb, said, "The UCC does the right thing . . . when pushed." Pushy pastors, leaders, teachers, members AND resisting pastors, leaders, and members struggling with this messy "God thing" move both the church and the world forward, wrestling with often ambiguous hunches toward faint

15

January 25, 2016

whiffs of a hidden God of unseen, hope-filled silences.

Mahalia Jackson sings about rain ending for Noah's Ark, "When it looked like the sun, wasn't gonna shine any more, "God put a rainbow in the sky!" Sometimes we wonder, "Is there a rainbow mewhere?"Sometimes in relationships, organizations, a call, or even with God we can feel mired in darkness. But love, like the dawn, is not a feeling—it's an eternal promise: God's promise to love us no matter what; our promise to love God with all our hearts souls, minds and might; a community's aim and actions to love one another the way God loves us. Not a mere destination, such love is often a messy journey.

So leap headlong off your cliff of doubt and despair--whatever it is . . . .  God promises wings to sunshine, rainbows, and courage for future dark nights.

PrayerGracious God, Help us to love and trust you through the darkness and over the rainbow. Thank you! Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHORRon Buford is the Pastor of the Congregational Community Church of Sunnyvale, UCC,  Sunnyvale, California.

STEWARDSHIP MOMENT

16

ATTENDANCE

Dec. 24 389Dec 27 77Jan. 3 144Jan. 10 127Jan. 17 111Jan. 24 187

Giving Without Thought Do you like having your payments come directly out of your checking account so you do not have to make time to write out checks? You can add your donation to the church to this list as well. If you would like to have your donation directly deposited into the church account just stop in the church office and Michael will help you fill out the form. It is a safe, easy way to direct your gifts to the church in the amount and day of the month you choose.

17

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST (Congregational)______________MINUTES OF THE CHURCH COUNCIL December 16, 2015Present: Todd Farnham, Dana Larson, Tara Sheldon, Pam Kettering, Suzan Gass, Don Kettering, Michelle Redman, Roger Willcut, Diane Reese, Bill Bobzin, Marge Kindle, Michael Mulford, Jill Sternquist, Jane Brown, Joe Sejnoha, Rev. Molly Carlson, Michael SchumacherOpening prayer led by Todd Farnham.Moderator Todd Farnham called the meeting to order.Approval of November 18, 2015 Meeting Minutes: Motion made by Roger Willcut and seconded by Jane Brown to approve the November 18, 2015 meeting minutes. Motion approved. Financial Report: Suzan Gass reviewed the financial reports. November cash flow was better. A plan is in place to catch up on OCWM and Seminary Support donations. For the year 2015, $30,000 is budgeted to OCWM and $5000 to Seminary Support. Currently, we are behind by about $15,000 to OCWM and $2742 to Seminary Support. Bill Bobzin commented the plan is to repay the Memorial Savings Account ($4500 borrowed during months of cash flow issues), leave $10,000 for carryover for 2016 and the remaining money left in the checking account will be sent in for donations to OCWM and Seminary Support. In 2016, the carryover will not reflect money in the in/out accounts.

Reports from Boards and Committees: Buildings, Grounds and Maintenance – A leak in the roof has been found by the organ pipes.Members-at-Large – A suggestion was made to post pictures of the Members-at-Large and other Church Council members so members of the congregation know who is holding those positions.Women’s Fellowship - Christmas Coffee went well raising about $4500.Church Fellowship – No report.Finance – See Financial Report.

Church Missions – Christmas Fund Offering will be collected. SERV sale went well – only 3 items were returned.Music – Cantata went well.B4G Task Force – Joe Sejnoha, on behalf of the B4G Task Force, presented the following motion to the Church Council: It is moved that the congregation approve the initial concept as presented with the next step after approval being a financial feasibility study potentially leading to the development of a capital campaign. Discussion was held and the motion will be presented at the Annual Meeting of the Congregation on January 31, 2016.Religious Education – The Children’s Christmas Program will be held December 20th during worship service. A blanket donation will be collected for the Homeless Shelter and Humane Society.By-Laws Task Force – The By-Laws Task Force is still meeting with other boards and committees. Members of the Task Force are Judy VanDerhule, Chuck Frieberg, Alan Fenner, Pam Kettering, and Steve Pier.Deacons – Michael Mulford, representing the Board of Deacons, told the Church Council that after the first of the year, Lee Gass will no longer be filling the children’s bags used during worship service. Michael would like to continue the bags but will need financial help for the

18

contents of the bags. It is estimated it would cost $2000 to fill 35 bags for 52 weeks. The Church Council gave Michael permission to continue with the bags and the money will be there for him for the contents. Michael will recruit help for the refilling process.Pastor’s Report: Rev. Molly Carlson reported she is busy with end of the year “stuff”. She is helping the nominating committee and the budgeting process. She is also preparing for the extra services in the next few weeks (2 Christmas Eve Services, Blue Christmas Service, and Children’s Christmas Program).Director of Faith Formation Report: Michelle Redman reported the following activities:

Parents Day Out was held December 12th. Eleven kids attended and enjoyed making crafts, coloring, board games and other activities.

2030s group will not meet until around February due to the upcoming birth of Baby Kranz.

Michelle is looking for a new Pilgrim Choir Director and 6-8th Grade Sunday School Teacher.

A new bible study will start after the first of the year – The First Christmas: What the Gospels Really Teach About Jesus’ Birth. The study will be led by Carol Ebel.

PENDING BUSINESS:1. Looping System Update – The installation of the looping system will now take place after the first of the year because of conflicts with the Banquet. Fundraising is still going on for the project.2. Board/Committee Reports Deadline – All reports from boards and committees are due to the church office ASAP.3. Pledges/Personal Contact Letter - Rev. Molly Carlson contacted pledging units that did not increase their pledge for 2016 (65 units), did not submit a pledge for 2016 or returned a pledge card with no pledge (20 units). As a result of this contact, an additional $12,000 was pledged for 2016 with an additional $4200 that has been verbally committed.NEW BUSINESS: 1. 2016 Church Budget Proposal – Due to the additional amount just recently pledged for 2016, discussion was held on the Budget Proposal for 2016. Todd Farnham thanked the Finance Board for the initial budget proposal that was drafted for 2016. Motion was made by Jill Sternquist and seconded by Pam Kettering to send the budget back to the Financial Management Team to be revised and the brought back to the Church Council. Motion was approved. A special meeting of the Church Council will be held on January 6, 2016 at 8 pm to discuss the revised 2016 budget proposal.2. Annual Meeting Agenda Items – see B4G Task Force report.3. Use of Facilities – Todd Farnham mentioned the possibility of using our space(s) for additional revenue – ex. renting AME, Pilgrim Hall etc.

Meeting adjourned by Moderator Todd Farnham.

Respectfully submitted,Tara Sheldon, Clerk***Reminder – Church Council Meetings are scheduled for the 3rd Wednesday of every month at 8pm in Pilgrim Hall (please watch the church calendar for any changes). Meetings are open to the Congregation so all are welcome to attend.***

LOCAL MISSION OPPORTUNITIES19

THE BIG RED BOOKSHELF - BOOK DRIVEThe Big Red Book Shelf is sponsored by the United Way and Volunteer Services, and they place red bookshelves within the community. Currently there are five sites, one of which is at the Banquet held in our church. The shelves are filled with gently used or new donated books for children birth to 5th grade. The books are cleaned and sorted before going on the bright red shelves. Children are encouraged to take a book home with them to keep and share. What a great way to get involved in the literacy effort!!

WOMEN’S SHELTERThe Mission Board continues to collect items for the Women’s Shelter. You are invited to bring items to share by placing them in the tote labeled Women’s Shelter. Some suggested items that would be helpful include: bottled water, canned fruit, shells and cheese, juice boxes, fruit cups/apple sauce, gallon Ziploc freezer bags, hand soap, bath towels, dishwasher detergent, HE laundry soap, Lysol spray, Clorox wipes, adult women’s size S, M and L sweatshirts and sweatpants, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, and paper towels.

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE AND BOX TOPSPlease remember to pull your pop tabs from aluminum cans and put them in the Ronald McDonald House on the table in the Narthex of the church. You are also invited to begin clipping Box Tops for Education and put them in the container on the bottom shelf below the Ronald McDonald House. By taking a few minutes to save these items and bring them to the church you are helping many people. These tops and clippings are then turned into cash and put to work helping others.

FOR A RIDE TO WORSHIP – CALL THE DEACON OF THE MONTHFEBRUARY DEACONS OF THE MONTH: Dave Farrar (267-4339)

FEBRUARY BUILDING, GROUNDS AND MAINTENANCE: Jerry Rames (660-5015)

FEBRUARY FINANCE: Julie Brunick

MISSION STATEMENT

The United Church of Christ (Congregational) of Yankton, SD seeks to be faithful to its historical roots while showing God's work in the life of the church, the community and the greater world.

*By Worshiping God through Word, Sacraments, and Music*By Being Instruments of God's Love and Mercy*By Continually Learning About and Growing in Our Understanding of God's Creation *By Being Responsible Stewards of God's Gifts to Us*By Welcoming All with the Love of God through Jesus Christ *By Involving Ourselves in the Life of the Congregation and Community

20