Executive Council Meeting, Tuesday, July 1, 2003

Present: James Swalley, President; Pam Kane, President-elect; Tim Johnston, Secretary; Jim Sipchen, Treasurer; Dave Brown, Deaf Lutheran (DL) Editor; Larry Ginter, DL Business Manager.
Not present yet: Rev. Bud Palmer, Pastoral Advisor

The meeting began at 1:10pm.

1. Opening Prayer: President began the meeting with a prayer asking for wisdom and guidance on our meeting.
2. Secretary's minutes: Tim indicated that the minutes from last fall in Fort Wayne was done and sent to the EC for reading so no need to repeat but is available from the disk. Pam Kane proposed to accept the minutes as previously read. Jim seconded.
3. President-elect Report: Already passed out her typed reports to the members. Most already read hers. She also shared that she passed out the copies of the Handbook Proposals for ILDA
4. Treasurer's Report: Jim indicated that he already passed out the report and Mission Project (MP) Receipts report which was prepared by Erika Sipchen, Missions Project Chairperson, who will attend the meeting tomorrow. He shared that in last 1.5 years have been a challenge to him in keeping up with his duties due to ever changing school and work schedules that took much of the needed time to work on finance matters. Also, he admitted that there were challenges with changes in accounting approaches and his desired goals as the treasurer. There was a discussion about one missing reported receipt from GLRC which was in the amount of $2,500 towards MP Fund. After some time of investigation, it was found so the total for MP Fund would be about $20,942.56. As for ILDA Treasury, it is about $49,176.19 in the Savings and $30,090.28 in the Checking accounts. He is still working on the finances report which is nearly done but should be ready by Thursday in time for the Convention. Again, there was a long discussion on what will be done to the MP funds to be distributed according to each mission fund target according to the voted priority. Also, what next 2003-2005 MP funds will look like which will be done soon for tomorrow's report and vote. Also, there was a discussion that the recipient of designated fund would have to send the report on how the money, which will be received, is to be spent.
5. Secretary's Report: Tim shared some items. He has the report from Alice Hagemeyer, ILDA Publicity/Historian, as she is unable to attend so her representative will be Rev. Ron Friedrich. He made the effort to assist with Allen Rich, GLRC President in finding a replacement due to his illness, however he recently passed away. Then Pam Kane came in and assisted that a replacement was found who will be Chris Majewski, GLRC Treasurer and Tim brought over GLRC briefcase which will be given to Brian Grabler, GLRC VP. He shared few possible motions that may happen at the Convention. He was also grateful that 2003 ILDA Host for taking care of hotel room arrangement for the executive, board and non-board members who are coming rather than himself that happened two years ago for 2001 ILDA Host.
6. The Deaf Lutheran Editor's Report: Dave already passed out his report. He shared that the experience as editor was enriching and that DL business continued to be self-sufficient. The reader subscription went down from 803 to 651. Everything continued to be the same as expected such as articles coming in according to the established deadlines. He shared ruefully that he decided due to personal reasons that he has to leave the post after the September issue has gone out. Some of us expressed the gratitude and desire for him to continue as editor however we would accept his reasons and that a suitable replacement could be found. Dave expressed his willingness to assist and train the next editor.
7. The Deaf Lutheran Business Manager's Report: Larry reported that everything is going well as seen in his report and that he will continue to serve as business manager as usual even wishing that Dave Brown can continue to function as editor but understood his personal reasons. He expressed the interest of taking over that prompted a discussion of finding funds or someone to train him in using certain layout editing software. A motion should be made at the convention about this.
8. Law Committee Report: Pam informed that she has a list of proposed By-Laws changes to be reviewed and voted upon on Saturday after the ILDA members who are coming have the opportunity to read and review the changes. The changes that are listed on the last page are already reflected in the orange ILDA Handbooks. There are about 50 orange handbooks to be distributed to the board members tomorrow. One issue that may become a bigger one or not is about making all officers, regional presidents, DL editor/business manager and chairpersons be part of the board so they would receive full expenses paid toward their trips to next convention site because as of now the chairpersons would get only one day complimentary which may not be worthwhile for the hard efforts as a chairperson who might have put forth hard efforts. However regional presidents' registration and lodging expenses will be covered by each region. There was a discussion of how to preserve the continuing interest to serve on the board by allowing the full expenses to be paid for and to motivate the members' interest to attend by offering some kinds of incentives such as bringing in new members then registration fee can be reduced and so on. Another idea would be to give out limited scholarships to new members especially the youth for all expense paid trips to ILDA conventions. One idea was mentioned to create a new position which would be a Youth Representative.

Meeting stopped at 4pm as we completed the EC agenda except for the reports from Pastoral Advisor, Rev. Bud Palmer and a representative for LCMS Deaf Ministry Counselor. It was with the hope that either one or both would show up for ILDA Board of Directors meeting scheduled to begin at 7pm along with 7 regional presidents.

Board of Director's Meeting, Tuesday, July 1, 2003

Present: James Swalley, President; Pam Kane, President-elect; Tim Johnston, Secretary; Jim Sipchen, Treasurer; Dave Brown, Deaf Lutheran (DL) Editor; Larry Ginter, DL Business Manager; Rev. Bud Palmer, Pastoral Advisor; Janice Mancill, Central President; Jeff McGuire, Dixie President; Wayne Bornegesser, Eastern President; Glenda Haefner, Midwest President; Jack Burns, Pacific President.
Not present yet: Greg Derosiers, Northwest President.

The meeting began at 7:15pm.

1. Pastoral Advisor's Report: Pastor Bud informed that he was asked to take over Pastor Roger Altenberger, formerly Counselor for Deaf Ministry, as he was laid off as of June 1st, to be the chair of LCMS Deaf Ministry Task Force Committee. He felt he was somewhat nervous in giving the weighty report. He said there were about 19 pastors and church workers for the deaf ministry whose jobs were affected. He said that LCMS changed a lot due to dwindling financial support greatly influenced by three possible factors: sluggish economy, objection to 9/11 prayer group consisting of various religious leaders where one Lutheran pastor was at present and growing divisions in the LCMS with those from the conservative end to the liberal end. Pastor Roger made clear that his responsibilities are now given to the Task Force Committee to ensure how the Deaf Ministry activities are going on appropriately. Pastor Bud's opinion is that the Changes may be necessary or may not matter that much since our Lord is still in control so He is also in control of the growing changes. It's possible that He is turning some things around for the better. Pastor Bud shared a parable about three persons with different talents being put in good use or not. So that is probably what is happening. He then went into great details on what each of us can do as with God we can do anything in being better enthusiastic "ministers of the Words" to the lost Deaf/HH and to stop trying to depend heavily on our Pastors for the deaf because they are starting to be disappearing due to unexpected factors and circumstances.

2. Regional President's Reports:

a. Dixie ­ Jeff McGuire: Jeff greeted us in the name of Jesus Christ and highlighted that each one of us have a duty to spread out God's Words as the witnesses. The region had a Dixie Region convention last October in Tomball, Texas and the guest speaker shared the experiences that happened at the World Trade Center disaster site which was emotional. The seven churches in the region continue to have the serving pastors. He also passed out five reports from 5 of 7 churches.
b. Pacific ­ Jack Burns: Jack gave us the reports and shared that Deacon Charles Kotal has done wonderful job in leading the worship services at Pilgrim Lutheran Church for the Deaf in Los Angeles, CA. He completed his study with DIT program. He was officially ordained as of May 2002. He is now licensed to preach and provide the Lord's Supper as well as performing funeral services. One new member was confirmed. However he is having a serious illness as a result of colon cancer but he has been recovering lately along with much prayers. Also, they received an official letter from the district in California stating that the subsidy will be ceased in Jan, 2004. They are still searching for other sources of financial support. So far they are blessed to have two different Korean groups (hearing and deaf) renting their church for their worship and activities every Sunday in their own native languages (voice and manual). They are planning on hosting 70th Anniversary service in September, 2003. There was a report from Rev Roy Dahmann with details of changes happening.

3. Law Committee: Pam Kane shared the emphasis that each regional president is to review the ILDA Handbook and the proposed by-law changes so they can share any feedbacks or corrections for the board meeting tomorrow. She explained that all the changes will be proposed as a block motion on the convention floor for the vote. If one or few changes aren't deemed acceptable will be withdrawn and given to the next Law Committee for further study and to be brought to the next convention in 2005.
4. Jim Sipchen explained how to use the voucher sheet to list the expenses to be reimbursed.
5. Pastor Bud signed a closing prayer and then gave us a short skit on Cain and Abel along with a message that no matter how much we can offer to Lord with honest heart and love, we will still be blessed.

The meeting ended at 9:15pm and will be resumed tomorrow morning at 10am.

 

Wednesday, July 2, 2003

Present: James Swalley, President; Pam Kane, President-elect; Tim Johnston, Secretary; Jim Sipchen, Treasurer; Dave Brown, Deaf Lutheran (DL) Editor; Larry Ginter, DL Business Manager; Rev. Bud Palmer, Pastoral Advisor; Janice Mancill, Central President; Jeff McGuire, Dixie President; Wayne Bornegesser, Eastern President; Glenda Haefner, Midwest President; Jack Burns, Pacific President; Greg Derosiers, Northwest President; and Rev. John Reinke, North America Deaf Mission Task Force member.

Visitors: Linda Derosiers, 2005 ILDA Host Secretary; Ron & Ruth Nester.

The meeting began at 10 am.

1. Opening Prayer and Devotion: Pastor Bud signed the opening prayer asking for the wisdom and guidance to help us continue to join and lead with His Kingdom. He read a biblical passage from Corinthians. He continued where he began yesterday. He repeated the importance of building good relationships with those who may or may not know the Lord that well as part of the steps in bringing them to the Lord with better understandings as new Christians. He used the whiteboard to give some examples of His doing and our doing such as Grace and Faith.
2. Eastern Region President's Report: Wayne shared the updates about the happenings in his region starting first with the church in his home area. The church was already sold few years ago because it was a huge church making it difficult to maintain so they found a smaller chapel with other hearing Grace Lutheran Church. Everything is going well including the opportunity to teach the hearing the ASL on a weekly basis. Both hearing and deaf congregations celebrated their own 65th anniversaries of existence which was an interesting coincidence. Much more were shared as he has the reports from other churches in the region. Rev. Gerhold passed away couple of weeks ago.
3. Central Region President's Report: Janice greeted us with a report that CR-ILDA had a Regional Conference last June, 2002 at Concordia Theological Seminary. It was with a great success. Rev. Mark Anderson resigned from the Northern Illinois District as Missionary at Large as he got a new job at the DORS due to funding cut from NID but he remains serving as ordained pastor volunteering his time to three deaf congregations in Wood Dale, Rockford and Cary, Illinois. Pastors Palmer and Reinke will travel to Ghana for three weeks starting in mid July. Next CR-ILDA will be held in Madison, WI next May, 2004. She shared some other activity happenings in the region.
4. Midwest Region President's Report: Glenda greeted us with love of Jesus Christ. She shared that so much happenings have been this year since the start of 2003 which was incredible and saddening. It was with sadness that many state districts made some cuts that some deaf ministries were shut down. She indicated that we shouldn't collapsed but stick together to brainstorm and strive for the better as the good Lord will never abandon us. New website is being done underway. She shared that she was indebted with gratitude for the opportunity to partake in the trip to Deaf Way II for the ILDA Exhibition efforts. So much has happened in other areas in the region such as shutting down in Nebraska but Deaf church in Omaha, NE is still continuing to thrive in spite of dwindling congregation members. 49th Midwest Region Conference will be held sometime this year. She gave a closing remark that new chapter and doors are being opened for us to move forward with full optimism and faith.
5. Northwest Region President's Report: Greg greeted us as brothers and sisters in Christ. Greg shared that there were sad news as well as some good news. Much of sad news were that there were some funding cuts that some churches shut down and pastors retired or lost jobs. Some pastors were not able to send any reports. Good news were that church in the Montana continues to be growing nicely and staying steady and that church in Edmonton is growing well under the leadership of aging Pastor Bauer who is already past age 75 years old but he is eager to train 6 DIT students with the desire of finding a Deaf Pastor to replace him. They will have a NWR Conference sometime next year in Great Falls, Montana which seemed to be the site of conference as of lately. He acknowledged that there were struggles, sadness, problems but some happiness and so on but all are given to the Lord with full faith and hope.
6. Great Lakes Region President's Report: Chris Majewski, a representative for Allen Rich who passed away couple of weeks ago. Chris is the GLRC Treasurer. He appreciated the opportunity to experience the Board of Directors meeting and thanked Pam Kane for assisting in making it happen as other VP or Secretary is unable to attend. Due to the short notice, he regretted for not getting any reports to be shared with us. GLRC briefcase was being brought over through Tim Johnston from Michigan but no report from Allen because of his serious illness. Tim stood up and shared an update as he was in contact with Allen who requested his help to find a replacement but if none is found, then he wanted to send in words of regrets. Tim attempted to assist in finding a replacement first with VP and then Secretary but thanked Pam for finding one who happened to be from Cleveland, OH. In addition, 50th Anniversary GLRC was held in Cleveland, Ohio last October.
7. Convocation Report: Pastors Palmer and Reinke shared an update of the efforts being underway to establish new website called www.DeafJesus.org which would show daily signed devotions and readings along with any relevant resources for our Deaf Lutheran Ministry needs. New purple t-shirt with "A Sign From God" going on sale for $15 to help with fundraising efforts and free pens with website address marked are already given out to the board members. There will be more to come as time comes along as it was started in the development since March/April.
8. Law Committee's Proposed By-law Changes Presentation: Pam Kane led the presentation of the proposed changes to be made and voted upon. The changes were already listed in the handouts. There were some discussions and concerns being shared among the board members. Pam emphasized during the discussions that it is OK to make changes to the wording of the revisions and not to be afraid to suggest such changes, as to make the intent and wording understandable to all of ILDA members. Some questions were asked by Rev. Bud Palmer regarding treasurer's reports and Missions Project reports and why changes were being made; Pam and Jim Sipchen explained about the Missions Project situation and the lapse in mission Project reporting.

Motion was made by Pacific Region President, Jack Burns, (seconded by Midwest Region President Glenda Haefner) to accept and carry the Proposed By-Law Changes to the Convention floor to be approved and voted upon this coming Saturday. Passed.

9. Closing Prayer: Pastor Bud signed the closing prayer with an earnest request to help us understand and guide these people to You with enthusiastic hearts.

More came and were present: Winona Alter, 2001 ILDA Host Chair; Diane Francisco, Necrology Chair; Lester Ahls, Right Hand Award Chair; Rev. Dennis Konkell, Nominating Chair; Mark Johnson, 2003 ILDA Host Chair

Meeting resumed at 1:10pm.

1. Opening Prayer: Pastor Bud began the opening prayer asking for the Holy Spirit to continue to be among us as we strive to ponder and discuss the works to be accomplished for His Glory.
2. 2001 ILDA Convention Host's Report: Winona Alter gave the report on the successful completion of ILDA Convention proceedings that ILDA was not billed at all but the Host Committee was penalized about $7,000 due to not having enough of hotel guest rooms booked to qualify for the free convention hall. There was some kind of sliding fee that wasn't part of previous agreement. Little over 200 registered and attended. About 35 asked for the refunds. Everyone seemed to enjoy the convention experience! Greg Derosiers asked Winona for any advice as he will be the next 2005 ILDA Convention Host chair. Winona gladly shared some advices and suggestions. There were some discussions on how the next upcoming 2005 Convention handling can be done better.
3. 2003 ILDA Convention Host's Report: Mark Johnson first gave the word of appreciation to the ladies who made the efforts to serve us both yesterday and today with food and comfort. He indicated that the convention planning was well handled by only a committee of 20! That was quite an accomplishment. He shared some mistakes, some struggles and happy news such as mistakes in requesting 150 rooms for three days to be 150 per day, trying to get ILDA President to sign the hotel reservation contract/certificate and getting 30% discount. He gave some caution and advice to the 2005 ILDA Host chairs to be aware of such as sliding fee which could be different among the hotels due to their varying policies. He share much more which can be seen in the report. About 215 registered along with 5 interpreters registered. About 12 registered for Jr. ILDA. Very few asked for refunds but only two donated the registration money to ILDA. He highlighted much about the convention schedule and details along with some fun surprises.
4. Necrology: Diane Francisco gave a brief report that she has been collecting and keeping a running record of those sisters and brothers in Christ who passed away since the last convention. She enjoyed the opportunity to work with it.
5. Nominating: Pastor Dennis Konkell gave the report about the interested to run for the desired positions as follows:

President-elect: Greg Derosiers, Vancouver, British Columbia and John Rushton, Rochester, NY.
Secretary: Erika Sipchen, Arizona.
Treasurer: Jim Sipchen, Arizona and Jeff Padon, Maryland.
Pastoral Advisor: Rev. John Reinken, Wisc.; Rev. Matthew Nix, S.D.; Rev. Tim Eckert, Iowa; Rev. Mark Seeger, TX; Rev. Paul Terrero, TN.
More can still be nominated during this week.

6. Missions Project Report: Erika Sipchen gave the report that we fell short of about $21,000 to reach the target goal of about $47,000 as we have $24,942.55 (note: a check of $2,000 is on way over from the drawer of Pastor Palmer's desk). She shared the names of the missions that will receive the distributed money and it was probably still tentative.

Motion was made by Eastern Region President Wayne Bornegesser (seconded by Larry Ginter) to accept the Missions Project report as presented. Passed.

A tentative listing of next 2003-2005 Missions Project was being shared and discussed.

2003-2005 Missions Project
Tentative Listing
1. DIT/Zacharus Fund - $7,000
2. ILDA Public Relations/Video Project (pending review) - $5,000
3. Starfish Learning Center - $3,000
4. Ghana Outreach Training - $2,000
5. India Outreach Training - $2,000
6. www.DeafJesus.org - $3,000
7. Brazil Outreach Training - $1,500
8. World Mission ­ Deaf Mission Society - $1,500
9. Pax Natrua Ranch (Canada) - $1,000
Total - $26,000

Motion was made by Midwest Region President Glenda Haefner (seconded by Janice Mancill) to accept the 2003-2005 Missions Project Tentative Listing. Passed.

7. Deaf Mission Task Force Report: Pastors Palmer and Reinke shared the updates. Pastor Palmer was given the responsibility to handle the Task Force Committee from Rev. Roger Altenberger as he was laid off from St Louis LCMS District. Pastor Reinke indicated that there are still ongoing changes in the list of future ideas. The big importance is to have ALL people know and believe Jesus as their Savior. The big goal is to train and encourage Deaf Missionaries to spread out the story about Jesus with 200,00 Deaf and Hard of Hearing people every year. The big question is How to DO? Several strategy ideas were: Prayer, Storytelling Training, Missionaries through outreach training and setting up worship, Relationship Training (SG2), Internet Church ­ DeafJesus.org, Leader Training (ILDA and Regional Training and DIT) and Ephaphatha Conference name idea. The ACTION plan is needed for each strategy and few things to be considered are who, where, when, cost and evaluation for each specific activity. They also took over the responsibility of handling the DIT program. They shared the new concept to be established at the suggestion by the St. Louis LCMS District which would be "Deaf Mission Society" with the purpose of trying to help a new or old mission station be established or re-established with some funds to help out.
8. Right Hand Award Report: Lester Ahls remarked that it seemed to be like an old time that he is now working with the similar matter. He shared an experience of handling an embarrassing situation that he had to improvise when something did not go right that an award with an engraved name was not picked up. It turned out all right when that person who won the vote happened not to be at present. He sent out 36 letters asking for the nominations. Some names had to be removed as they were previously recipients and the fourth one cannot come. Those that were nominated were: Larry Gorton, Washington, Fred Waltz, Ohio and John Woods, NY. The visitors were asked to leave leaving the board members to cast the vote. President Swalley shared the list of faithful services and accomplishments for each nominated person.
9. ILDA Publicity/Historian Report: Tim Johnston shared the report, which was obtained from Alice Hagemeyer through the email as her representative wasn't at present, yet. He updated us that Alice is still moving forward with ILDA Publicity Video project such that a different media format will be used which will be DVD instead of VHS format and that her pastor, Rev. Ron Friedrich, who has a good working knowledge about the internet and media that would be a great asset to her committee. She will attempt to obtain the unfinished video work done by James DeBees. Her committee consisted of Linda Desrosiers, Sharon Schwartz and Glenda Haefner. She mentioned the inclusion of ILDA as a partner in the FOLDA's Library project on "ASL Access begins at a library" and will share all related information and sell the Red Notebooks at the booth.
10. 2005 ILDA Host Report: Linda Desrosiers gave an exciting update on how the Host committee worked hard to plan for the upcoming 2005 ILDA Convention in Vancouver, British Columbia. They found a very good hotel site with close proximity to the convenient transportation by rail to the huge shopping mall from the hotel. The only negative is that the airport is only 20 minutes away with no shuttle service from the hotel however it is currently in the works to have that available in the near future. There are plenty of ethnic food opportunities such as food court in the hotel area as well as other various restaurants at the large shopping mall. Vancouver is truly a multi-cultural city that the experience will be very enriching. The committee had successfully fund-raised a total of about $11,000 but still need to do more fund-raisings. There will be some difference in the currency exchange that Canadian dollar value may be becoming stronger and stronger so we do not know what it will be like in the year of 2005. However there is an advantage that the Americans can itemize the list of Canadian taxes being paid for on the shopping goods and so on that refunds for the taxes paid can be reimbursed by the federal government in Canada. This is called GST. The chosen theme is "Let us praise the Lord from the Mountaintops" from Isaiah 42:11-12 and the date was decided to be on August 4-7, 2005 due to the possibility of better weather. Convention Logo had been designed. Magnets and bookmarks with the logo are now going to be selling at the booth this week.
11. Old Business: There appeared to be none since most of them were already taken care of last fall at the Executive Council meeting in Fort Wayne, IN.

12. New Business:

Motion was made by Rev. John Reinke (seconded by Jack Burns, Pacific Region President) that ILDA Convention format be changed slightly to have business meeting to occur on Thursday morning and the tours in the afternoon so the rest of the weekend, Friday to Sunday, can be focused on the workshops. Passed.
Many discussions were made in support for the motion. Some expressed concerns that we should be aware of.

Motion was made by Jim Sipchen (seconded by Jack Burns, Pacific Region President) that Senior Citizen discount or scholarship be given with the amount be a pro-rate based on the years of membership in ILDA. Passed.

Motion was made by Jim Sipchen (seconded by Pam Kane, President-elect) that ILDA Treasurer create a master charge account for ILDA to contain any ILDA related expenses/charges. Passed.

Vote was made to close the new business.

12. Closing Prayer: Pastor Bud signed the closing prayer thanking Him for the wisdom, guidance and strength in accomplishing His work through the good discussions. He also shared some information on what are the Angels and gave a small and quick workshop on Angels.

Meeting was adjoined at 5pm.

Respectfully submitted by
Tim Johnston, Secretary