The 2010 Pastoral Council has experienced substantial transition since its formation early this year.
This is a short update on the state of the leadership positions that were identified.
If you feel called to any of the vacant or interim positions, please reach out (communication@vineyardcentral.com).

Interior Pastor: Dave Nixon
Exterior Pastor: Josh Hanauer
Admin/Support: Janet McNeel
Finance: Greg York (INTERIM)
Communications: Sam Hatchett / Mandy Mclaughlin
Facilities / Building Maint.: Jeremy Eyre
Newcomers: Christiane Sears
Children (under 8): Maurie Hanauer

House Churches / Leadership Community: VACANT
Gatherings: VACANT
Children (8+): VACANT
Building Preservation: VACANT

7/11/10

Present:  Janet McNeel, Josh Hanauer, Sam Hatchett, Jeremy Eyre, Owen Brock, Dave Nixon

Meeting led by Josh Hanauer.

Brief updates:

Sam and Mandy(Communications) – Two new member profiles (Laura Menze and Natasha Beljin) can be found on VC’s website entitled “New Faces”.

Janet (Admin/Support) – Recently provided laminated guide for table meals which Dave Nixon will be sharing with participants.  Also, completed several informational sheets to be shared with newcomers.  Christiane will be using these in the packets.

Dave (Pastor – Internal Focus) – Has been overseeing the group exploring options for St. Elizabeth building.  Expressed some concern about staying with specific focus versus recent discussion about needing to raise money for match if we accept the GCEA grant.

This update brought up some discussion about the ongoing need to identify someone to take responsibility for this area.  This was an identified position at the start of the year, but to date has remained unfilled.  Some thought has been given to trying to find someone and possibly offer some payment.  General consensus is that we are not ready for this yet.  Owen reminded PC members to pay attention to progress that we have made this year and not be discouraged by what remains to be done.

Jeremy (Facilities) – An energy audit will be needed if we accept the GCEA grant.

Josh has completed an unofficial fire inspection, noting possible concerns.  Jeremy’s Bldg. committee has compiled a list of projects which can be made available to any volunteer group offering help. There is still a plan to have a local music group offer a benefit concert in late summer or fall.

Agenda Items:

Debriefing of town hall meeting –

Helpful in encouraging leadership to step up and communicate challenges.

Everyone here attended meeting.  Any interested parties who did not attend can contact Sam and listen to the meeting which was recorded.

Finances –  This was discussed at Town Hall meeting that we are in better shape currently.  Concern expressed re. challenges to Sarah being able to continue in this role.  Dave will talk to her and offer possible solutions.

Orientation – Christiane will focus on putting together newcomer packets and finish out the year. Kevin Rains and Josh have been planning for a new orientation group in the near future.

Kevin Gilles has resigned from his position on the Pastoral Council and also will not be taking on the responsibility for the Leadership Community.

The Pastoral Council has been encouraged to look for others to fill some of the vacancies we now have.  Try to come up with list of names/recommendations by next meeting.

Concern was expressed about poor attendance at the Town Hall meeting and what to do about this in the future.

Question raised by Josh—“What do we do if something breaks?”

—-concerns about coffeemaker that is broken which belongs to L. Bourgeouis

—-expanders missing that belonged to J Thompson

Need for signage re. items left in the church being at risk

Post these signs in strategic places throughout the bldg.  (Mandy will oversee)

Meetings re. the building -  St. Elizabeth Exlorers (S.E.E.) – minutes will be available to anyone who is interested.

Discernment meetings – discussing what God is doing in our community; concern about how to introduce someone to VC and what are “next steps” for anyone who shows interest in being a part of VC – Participants are Kevin Rains, Sandy and Owen Brock, Greg York, Dave Nixon, and Josh Hanauer.  Look at first step as a phone number where an interested party can call (likely to be a conversation with Josh or with Mandy) .  Next would be an introductory meal with families or individuals who have volunteered to be hosts for this purpose of sharing more about VC.  There would be preset information which every host family would cover.  Next VC newsletter will ask for volunteers.

Member conversations – Owen will share more about what are important points at future meetings of the PC.

Next Pastoral Council meeting – August 15, 2010, at the Speckled Bird – 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Vineyard Central would like to recognize two of our newest friends, Sabrina Trosper and Dan French, in our community. We extend a warm welcome to you!

Inroducing Sabrina Trosper

Sabrina grew up on the West side of town. She moved to Norwood about four years ago to be closer to her job at Critical Mass Media. This past September she was laid off because the company closed. Since then she’s worked at Busken Bakery, and is currently doing temp work. Sometimes she works a week, then she’s off a week. Her birthday is June 2nd and her favorite color is orange. She loves to read, enjoys learning, likes art and experiencing new things. She’s been attending Vineyard Central consistantly since the June fesitival and is thankful to everyone at VC who have been very kind to her.

Inroducing Dan French

Thanks for welcoming me into Vineyard Central. I met Dave Nixon a few years ago at the Vineyard in Florence, Kentucky. He seemed to share my deep interest in Thomas Merton and the contemplative life so as I finished up three years of helping start a new Vineyard in Grant County, Kentucky, my pastors recommended I contact him for guidance on “what’s next”. Dave’s advice was as sound as Jesus’ and Philip’s (and I’m sure others): “Come and see.” The home church, neighborhood model will get us through all that is and is coming as it has for millennia.

There are obstacles to overcome of course. My hope is a rapid transition in relationships, obligations, and work that would allow me to find an apartment and move into the neighborhood this fall. Tertullian said, “All sin is a result of impatience with God.” Along these lines, I ‘bin perty bad. Time isn’t what it used to be.
For me happiness is a good cup of coffee, the presence of my Lord Jesus, and brothers and sisters to share it with. I promise to try to be happy!

Notes from the PC meeting on 5/2/2010

Present:  Sam Hatchett, Josh Hanauer, Mandy McLaughlin, Bethany Rogers, Kevin Gilles, Christiane Sears, Janet McNeel, and Dave Nixon

Meeting led by Josh Hanauer.

Brief updates from each member.

Sam and Mandy (Communications) – VC has a new phone number which is 549-1757.  This phone is now answered by Google Voice (transcribed and emailed to the communications team instantly).

Bethany (Gatherings) – Will be enlisting help and participation of house churches for the gatherings by late summer.  (Dave Nixon volunteered Hearth to be the first and this will occur in August).

Jeremy (Facilities) – There will be a meeting this week (5/6) at 7 p.m. to discuss maintenance schedule and other related matters.

Kevin (House churches) – Working on transition from Josh to Kevin.  Will eventually be taking on the responsibility of the Leadership Community meetings.

Dave (Internal focus) – Will begin 15 week series tonight on various topics related to discipleship.

Christiane (Orientation)- Will push back start date due to no response to recent notice to begin group.  Is interested in putting together packet of basic information for newcomers – hope to use at gatherings also.

Janet (Admin/Support) – Attending meetings with Dave and various others, offering assistance as needed.

Josh (External Focus) –  Will be meeting with the PE teacher at Norwood Middle School regarding rugby becoming a part of the curriculum.  Will also be moving forward with the prison ministry known as Step Up.  The recent mtg. which brought in a nationally recognized speaker went well.  This was attended by Josh and Nathan Myers.

Items of discussion –

Josh met with Mills House Church.  Concerns raised re. finances and status of St. E’s (the building in disrepair).  Concerns about care, maintenance, restoration, vs. preservation.  Concerned about these critical issues.  Will hope to discuss at least in part at next Town Hall meeting on 5/23.

Sam presented a brief tutorial on Google Wave for members.  We also heard a demonstration of the Google Voice answering the new VC phone number.

Sam shared information about a grant opportunity brought to our attention by Ben Eilermann.  This is for some monies made available to nonprofit religious organizations for improvements in energy efficiency in older buildings.  The grant would be through the Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance.  Sam and Ben will work on this and submit by the deadline of May 19.

Discussion of our ongoing financial issues.  Seems that there is a need for the establishment of some standard operating procedures as there is lack of clarity re. how money will be used.  Some voiced the question of whether or not we need to hire an accountant, systems consultant, etc.  Mention was made of an individual at Vineyard Church who might be able to help with this.  The PC passed a motion to recommend to the Board of Trustees that someone be hired as a financial consultant to help institute better financial processes.

Brad Rogers has resigned from his role as overseer of ministries for older children.

Pastoral Council needs to commit to finding someone who will help us determine the future of the St. Elizabeth building.  The Board of Trustees will be meeting in the near future and this will be identified as an agenda item for this group to review.

Next meeting of the PC is scheduled for June 13 from 1:00 – 4:00 at Tilden.

For the past few months Vineyard USA has been coordinating a thoughtful, practical response to the catastrophe in Haiti. On May 25 a large shipping container will be sent to Haiti with materials for reconstruction work. If you want to be part of a team that travels to Haiti to participate in the construction phase of this project, there are still opportunities. Below you will find a listing of the types of skilled labor that would be helpful.

June 28 – July 16: Concrete Finishers, Concrete Laborers, Equipment Operators, Electricians, Plumbers and general labor.

July 19 – Aug. 20: Carpenters, Electricians, Plumbers and general labor.

Aug. 23 – Sept.15: Carpenters, Electricians, Plumbers, Tile Setters, Painters, and general labor.

For detailed information on how to sign up as an individual or as a team please visit the Mercy Response website.

The following is a message from Robert, a VC newcomer:

Hello, my name is Robert Lockridge.  I am new to VC, to Norwood and to Ohio.  I grew up in Virginia and recently moved here from Vancouver, BC. Since moving in with Dave and Jody two weeks ago, I’ve been preparing much of the land around the Convent for planting.  I am a parish farmer and lay pastor; my hopes are to become a part of the neighborhood and the community by growing food for and with those who call this place home.

This coming Monday (17 May) I’ll be receiving a delivery of rich, composted soil to the Lincoln Ave. side of St. E’s courtyard.  You’re welcome to come by with a wheelbarrow and help yourself.  Though the compost is freely given by the village of Greenhills, having it hauled here is not free; therefore if you’re able, please leave $ 5 at the Convent for every two heaping wheelbarrows of composted soil you cart away.  (That being said, if you want some and you can’t afford it, by all means, have some for free.)

Also, if anyone is interested in helping me wheelbarrow compost to the beds around the Convent, I’d happily welcome your help and company.  I’m grateful for having met many of you and I look forward to meeting the rest of you in the coming days and months.

The following is a message from Jeremy Eyre:

VC Family,
We have a been blessed with a wonderful old building in St. Elizabeth’s…

…and caring for this building is a huge task.  There is much that needs doin’.  Everything from menial jobs of taking out the garbage, to larger tasks of regularly cleaning the gutters and crawling through the ceiling to replace light bulbs.

The Building Stewardship Team will be meeting to identify the immediate and future needs of the building and discuss how to best implement these needs.  If you are interested in taking a more active role in caring for the building, please come.

We will be gathering at 7:00 P.M. Thursday, May 6th at St. Elizabeth’s.

If you have any questions, please contact me at facilities@vineyardcentral.com.

If you are new to VC or have been around a while but would like to learn more about the history of VC, our values, and get more connected to this community – we want to hear from YOU! In just a few weeks VC will host a Newcomer Orientation for anyone who would like to attend. Please email us at newcomer@vineyardcentral.com and we’ll send you the details.

To whom and to what have we actually committed when we say yes to following Jesus? What are the non-negotiables of allegiance to Christ and how do we express our faith? What are the attitudes of mind and concrete behaviors that distinguish Christian community other communities?
If you wrestle with these questions or simply want to understand better what discipleship is all about, please join us for a 15-week series beginning May 2nd, from 6-8pm, that will cover the following themes among others:

simplicity: the radical root
community: the new and prophetic society
prayer: the primary grammar
forgiveness & reconciliation: living in the generosity of God
servanthood: the level playing field
non-violence: the War of the Lamb

the least and the last: minding the margins of life
This 15-week series would be especially ideal for those who are newer Christians, but we’re not checking I.D. at the door. Come one, come all. If you have any specific questions you’d like answered before committing, please contact me (Dave Nixon) at: dave.vineyardcentral@gmail.com
Peace to you,
Dave Nixon

VC Kids and adults trip to the Sawyer Point Earth Day *Admission is FREE
April 17  11:30 a – 3 p (half hour drive each way, caravan from St E’s starting at 11:30 a.m. Departing from Sawyer Point whenever you like.)

Bring a bagged lunch and drinks or some will be available for purchase at the ED celebration.

Earth Day Celebration activities this year will include: exhibitors with hands-on displays representing environmental groups, government agencies and businesses; Rock-Climbing Wall, Kayak Paddle Safety Pool, ORSANCO’s aquarium; baby animals from Farmer Frank’s Sunrock Farms; Mother Earth and story telling; an environmental puppet show; a children’s fashion show with creations made with recycled material; entertainment from local bands throughout the day, and the 1st annual Planet Protector Parade where young ones can create their very own 40th Earth Day flag, and much, much more.

Please RSVP to Steve Novotni at stevenovotni@yahoo.com. This is for families or adults without kids. I think it would be nice to bring kids whose parents cannot attend if possible. Beck and I have room for one such well-behaved passenger.

A message from Mills House Church:

Our house church is finishing our project of sprucing up the kid’s room in the next couple weeks, and we would love to add to the current toy collection. We’ll be putting together a large shelf on Wednesday, April 28 and hopefully filling it with toys. We wanted to put the call out to the community to see if anyone had any new or gently used toys or books on hand they’d like to donate to help make the space extra fun for our little ones.

This probably goes without saying, but if you have toys to share, please make sure that they are non choke-able, don’t have lead paint, fleas, bed bugs (no donations from a thrift store without sterilization), nothing plush, like stuffed animals.

Ideal toys would have few parts and be easy to clean, hard plastic or wood and have few or no removable parts. Think about what you might find at a pre-school or children’s museum. Examples might be stack and nest blocks, dump trucks, a telephone that is all one piece, a cash register without removable parts, musical instruments, moving gear sets that are attached to a base, baby dolls that are solid plastic, a play cube/ bead maze, a magna doodle, puzzles with only 4 or five large pieces.

Please email Elizabeth to make arrangements for donated toys before April 25.

Your input is desired! The team that plans the monthly Sunday gatherings will be meeting Monday the 19th at 7pm in the classroom building. If you would like to help with these services, please join us. If you would like to help but can’t make the meeting, please email gatherings@vineyardcentral.com. Thanks!

Our colleagues over at 1801 have sent in a few items that folks may be interested in.  They are copied below.

From Wheaton College:

You are invited to a dessert reception and special lecture featuring Wheaton alumnus, Dr. Mark Noll ‘68 on Saturday, March 20, 2010. Dr. Noll will present “The Bible and Slavery” at Miami University’s Farmer School of Business.

Dessert Reception and Lecture – 6:30 PM
East Commons Room
Farmer School of Business, Miami University
Oxford, OH 45056

This event is free but reservations are required. Please contact Dr. Edwin Yamauchi at yamauce@muohio.edu by March 17th.

We hope to see you there!

From Church of the Redeemer:

Make plans to deepen your faith at our LENTEN SERIES which begins Wednesday, February 24, at 7:00 pm. The series will be led by the Rev. Dr. Walter Brueggemann who will lead us on a journey through recurring plots in the Old Testament. Our Wednesday evening Holy Eucharist will begin at 6:30 pm during Lent and will precede the discussion. Childcare is available if requested (online or by phoning the parish office) four days in advance. The Lenten Series will be held on February 24, March 3, 10, 17, and 24.

Many folks have suggested that we post notes from the pastoral council meetings.  We all thought this was a great idea, so here they are.  You should be seeing these monthly!   -sam

Notes from the PC meeting on February 28, 2010

Present:  Owen Brock, Kenny Havens, Sam Hatchett, Josh Hanauer, Mandy McLaughlin, Dave Nixon, Jeremy Eyre, Christiane Sears, Sarah Adams, Greg York, Janet McNeel, Brad Rogers, Bethany Rogers

Meeting led by Josh Hanauer.  Brief discussion of Google Wave and its use by Pastoral Council.  Agenda items were reviewed and PC members selected priority items via a tally system.  Owen referenced Stephen Covey’s concept of quadrants for recognizing urgency vs. importance.

Agenda:

• VC Finances
• Wedding Business Proposal
• Job Descriptions for Pastoral Council members
• Feedback from last large gathering/ plans for Spanish mass (Easter?)
• Who is a member and who is a friend of VC?

VC Finances – Presentation by Sarah Adams  (with handout)

YMCA memberships  – problems with payments, some participants are not current, costing VC to cover this, deadline approaching to sign for this year.  Decision made to end VC sponsorship.  Volunteer could take this over if someone were to step forward.  [note: Beth Reed has since taken up this cause]

Reviewed various expense items.  Questions asked and answered by Sarah.  Desire is to breathe new life into stewardship process.  Discussed possibility of house churches being asked to forego monthly allotment to help out with deficit for next couple of mos.  [note: only discussed; no resolutions were made] Also team will be formed to discuss financial matters and determine how to best communicate with house churches (suggested names were Mandy, Josh, Sam, Kenny, Owen, and Greg) – Sarah will set a meeting in 1-2 weeks.

Suggestion to inform folks of “direct pay” giving option through local banks online

Wedding Business Proposal – Presented by Greg York (with handout)

Plans are underway to get this started in the near future—viewed as beneficial to VC and to the community.  Some discussion followed.  Concerns re. long term impact on West Norwood.  Further talks will occur with VC congregation.

Job Descriptions – To be completed.  Deadline in two weeks so that this information can be posted on the website.

Brief discussion occurred about communication with folks emailing VC for information, oftentimes these may be individuals who are out of state.  Eventually hope that Kevin Gilles will be able to be the contact person for newcomers to get linked with house churches.  Kenny and Christiane to also be involved.  Jeremy and Greg also agreed to be on a team to help channel folks into house churches.  Plan to have “Come and See” weekends—maybe 4x per year??  Voicemail message for VC will be switched over to Google Voice system.

Review of Last Gathering on February 7

Need welcome, offering basket, try to make more integral part of service especially in light of current financial needs.  Like kids’ song.  May enlist house churches to plan a gathering or have particular roles in the future.  Announcements will be presented by Mandy.  Want to make sure that gatherings reinforce VC’s identity.

Activities and meetings will be on the calendar on VC’s website.  Will make PC mtg. notes/minutes available to the VC community.  Plan is to re-instate Town Hall mtgs. on quarterly basis.

Permission has been granted by the Archdiocese of Cinti for the hosting of a Spanish mass at St. Elizabeth’s in the near future.  PC majority voted in favor of supporting this endeavor.  Will need to decide soon whether this will occur on Easter and how to coordinate with planned use of the building for gathering on that day.

Who are Members vs. Friends of VC  – Item not discussed due to time limitation.

NEXT MEETING:  March 28, 2010  1:00 – 5:00 p.m.

The Mills House Church has decided to  improve the kid’s room in the church building.  They have already invested in curtains and will be putting more up soon.  At this point, they are soliciting latex primer and any colorful latex housepaints that anyone can spare. If you’d like to donate, get in touch with Elizabeth.