Sunday, January 27, was a festive day at Northlake. We came together for worship that included components of both the Celebration and Praise worship services blended into one. Bishop Boerger was guest preacher, and Pastor Dick Wendt, our consultant through our Year of Transformation, also was present.

The 2008 Church Council was installed during the service, after Pastor Wendt briefly addressed the congregation about the Church Council/Staff Retreat he led the previous day. As part of his remarks, he read a seven point Church Council Agreement that the Council members approved and will follow this year. The 2008 Church Council members are:

Immediately following worship, the planning meeting began — the focus of this meeting was summarizing the Year of Transformation work and reporting to the congregation on preliminary plans for moving forward with the Transformation process. Included were remarks from the outgoing and incoming presidents, Pastor Marvin, Pastor Wendt, a few Council members, and a question and answer time with Bishop Chris.

As discussions took place, we were reminded that as the Year of Transformation progressed, the congregation was invited to present mission ideas. All of the submitted ideas were posted in the narthex, and congregational members were given “dots” to vote for their three favorites. This exercise produced the “Top Six”:

• Have a family park event, taking the bungee run and other “toys” that attract families—then invite others at the park to join in the fun.
   
• Hire part-time worship leader for the Praise Service.
   
• Have a Dessert Mystery Theater at church—invite community. (This is scheduled for May 2.)
   
• Have a progressive dessert/dinner or game night with the other churches in the Kenmore Prayer Group.
   
• Offer parking and car washes during Murphy’s Auctions—hand out church schedule and invitation.
   
• Make espresso/hot cocoa before and after church services. (An espresso machine has been donated, and this activity will begin soon.)

Following the meeting, we enjoyed more fellowship as we shared dinner together.

This is a brief overview of the day’s events and things to come at Northlake. All are invited to be a part of the ongoing discussions as we begin to implement the transformational ministry ideas and make more plans for Northlake’s place in this community.
 

October 2007

2007 - Year of Transformation

Congregational Meeting focuses on Mission Planning

This year’s Annual Meeting was highlighted with a PowerPoint presentation by Steve Hayes and David Osborne, which focused on the work done at the Year of Transformation sessions held throughout the year under the guidance of Pastor Dick Wendt. An outgrowth of these meetings was for congregational members to submit ideas for specific, attainable mission goals for the coming year. A process was worked out for congregational members to vote for three of the goals on which we will concentrate (we won’t be limited to three, but the plan is to begin with that number). When this voting process is complete, the information will be shared with all.

The 2008 budget was presented and approved. The overall budget is essentially the same as last year for church home, local missions and staff salaries expenses. However, there was one $10,000 item added for “Transformation Implementation”. This expense would fund the mission goals as voted on by the congregation (see above) and is meant to challenge the congregation to step up to meet these mission goals. Obviously, committed offerings are needed to fund this.

Also on the agenda was the election of officers and some of the Council positions (please see page 3).

These are exciting times. After many Year of Transformation sessions and the hard work that this entailed, we now have the opportunity to focus on specific things that will help renew our ministry at Northlake.
 

Letter to the Northlake Lutheran Congregation

When Pastor Wendt first met with the Council, he asked that people commit to attending all of the events during the year.  There is a sequential component involved, and the Council highlights the importance of consistent attendance, as well.

Our consultant, Pastor Dick Wendt, has been in our midst for several sessions, to serve with us as we open ourselves to the Holy Spirit’s guidance. We are encouraged to pray daily for this transformational process on which we have embarked and for each other!

A letter has been sent to members of the congregation giving a summary of the Transformational events to date. This letter was sent by e-mail to those for whom we have e-mail addresses .... and by regular mail to all others. It was endorsed by all Church Council members and the church staff.

Read the Letter to the Northlake Lutheran Congregation from the church council and staff

Through the summer a task force will begin work on Missional Goals for 2008, and the entire group will come together again in the fall to finalize a plan.

September 2007

September 21 and 22 are the next dates for our Transformational sessions with Pastor Dick Wendt. The Friday evening session begins at 6 pm with a meal; we will conclude at 9 pm. Then on Saturday, the 22ne we will begin at 9 am and meet until 1 pm. All are invited to these sessions.

The next Congregational meeting with Pastor Wendt will either be at the end of September or in October. Please watch for announcements about this important time in the life of the congregation.
 

Come and be a part of Northlake’s transformation !