Present:  Greg York, Christiane Sears, Jeremy Eyre, Josh Hanauer, Janet McNeel, Mandy McLaughlin, and Dave Nixon

Meeting was held and the Hanauers home on Spencer Ave.

The first part of the meeting was spent reflecting on recent developments within this leadership body.  Members were given the opportunity to express thoughts and feelings about the current situation.  Specifically of concern are the recent resignations of Bethany Rogers(overseeing gatherings), Kevin Gilles (overseeing house churches/networking/ leadership community) and Sarah Ross (overseeing finances).  Earlier resignations this year included Kenny Havens and Brad Rogers.

For the time being, Dave Nixon will oversee the Leadership Community.  There are tentative plans for Hearth and Terra Nova house churches to cover the next two months of planning and carrying out the activities associated with monthly gatherings.

Sarah Ross is moving and Greg York is fulfilling her role of overseeing finances.  A meeting will be scheduled soon with Ken Hanauer to help the VC finance committee set up a more efficient system of tracking finances.

The group considered the question of what are the few things that we need to be focusing on to do well.  There was discussion about doing community vs. doing church and where we see VC at present with either or both.

Josh reviewed some recent connections with new folks and how we are still drawing individuals who are interested in community and relationships in a spiritual context.

The group read the lectionary together and shared communion.

Greg York gave a brief update regarding our financial status.  We have approximately $8000 in the bank.  We are roughly spending about $500 more than we are taking in each month.  Compared to last year, giving is down 5%; over the past three months giving is down 17%.  Salaries are up 80% over last year so this is the most noticeable difference in expenses.  Collection of studio rent has improved and the YMCA membership situation was resolved for the first 6 mos.  We need to be sure that Beth Reed will take this on for the next 6 mos. period.  There was a broken coffeemaker earlier this year and an effort will be made to provide compensation for that.

Jeremy has been in communication with the Pomegranates and they have agreed to give a fundraiser concert in December.  More details will be provided later.

The Google Wave has been scrapped by the developers so we will not be using this now.

Josh will communicate the date for the next PC meeting.

Kevin Rains sent in the following invitation:

Formed is the outgrowth of several friends working together to flesh out a new curriculum for Christlikeness. Together we developed a year long curriculum based around 12 vows, in the form of a prayer book that immerses us in the Psalms and Gospels. Each month is a different module based around a vow that kicks-off with a guest lecturer.

Our first lecturer is Dave Nixon, who will be teaching on Soul-keeping. Please join us for two hours of teaching and discussion around this important subject. You’ll leave with the knowledge and inspiration to develop healthy habits and rhythms in your life. You’ll also be given a pdf of September’s curriculum that includes daily prayers, readings, and reflections on the vow of soul-keeping…. All that and a belly full of home-made tamales (made by our dear neighbor Maria).

All are welcome.

Cost:
$15 (including tamales) …$10 with a student ID

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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.

Cynthia and Todd Long sent in this item to share:

I am pleased to announce that our daughter, Charis and her husband, Adam Oglesbee have a baby girl.
Born Aug. 5, Adalyn Macy Marie. 7lb, 1oz, 20″long. Her water broke Wed. night around 7:30 and she was born around 12 the next day.

After a an evening, a night, and morning of labor, Adalyn was born. Everyone is well, but exhausted.

Cards can be sent to:
229 Short May St
Elsmere, KY 41018

or send me an email and I can get your message to them. aslforyou@gmail.com

Cynthia & Todd Long

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!

Vineyard Central’s Janet McNeel, Laura Menze, Nathan Myers and Joshua Hanauer attended the training session provided by StepUp Prison Mentoring. On Tuesday August 10th they will be paired with residents of River City Correctional Center located in Camp Washington. After that initial introduction, each mentor will meet with their resident for three months while they are still in River City and for three additional months post release.

Our community was selected by Don Whittaker after he noticed many of those released from River City were living in Norwood and they had no church with which to connect those individuals. We are in a unique position to be a near constant presence to these men and women in need of a community who will care for them, provide a positive example to follow and assist in transitioning back into society.

Please take a moment and pray for each of these by name and for the relationships they will attempt to foster over the coming months. If you find yourself interested and wanting to assist in this specific ministry please contact Joshua Hanauer :: joshuahanauer@me.com

Emilie Ogle and her family are happy to announce the arrival of Nicholas William Shefer, who was born this past Wednesday, July 21 around 10:00 AM – eight pounds, two ounces. Emily and the baby are now home from the hospital and are doing well.

If you would like to bless the family by preparing them a meal  - or in some other way – please contact Becky Novotni at: rebeccabliss@yahoo.com. Meals are specifically needed on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays during the second half of August and beyond. Thank you so much for your support!

Norwood Police Officer Matt Boettcher sent in the following reminder:

Tuesday August 3, 6-9 pm
National Night Out.  Norwood Community Center, 1810 Courtland
Encouraging any and all children to attend.  The kids will get to meet police/fire personnel, view equipment, food/drinks, games, and activities.

Cincinnati Zoo Presentation (with animals) @ 6pm
Bike Rodeo (to teach kids bike safety — each child will get a free helmet to keep. bring your own bike.)

(Night Out website)

Emilie Ogle is getting closer to having her baby! If you are interested in being of support by cooking a meal for the Ogle/Oster household, please contact Becky Novotni at rebeccabliss@yahoo.com so that she can start coordinating the meals in advance of the little one’s arrival. Thanks for supporting Emilie and her family.

Vineyard Central is welcoming Don Whitaker from Step Up Prison Mentoring for an evening of training. Together we will learn what it takes to create of positive mentoring relationship with someone at the River City Correctional Center in Camp Washington. In order to attend the training, please send Joshua Hanauer an email (joshuahanauer@me.com) and he will send you a volunteer application and provide further details.

When: July 29th from 5-8 pm
Where: St Es

Light snacks/refreshments provided.

link to step up’s website: http://www.jobsplusnetwork.org/jmla/stepup.html

The pastoral council would like to assemble a list of members who would be willing to sit down with newcomers (over a meal) and get them oriented to who and what Vineyard Central is.  If you would like to volunteer, the PC will provide you with a small packet of information and 4-5 talking points to cover the history, values, and mission of VC.

Your name will be put in a rotation to host newcomers as they appear and show interest in our church.

cforms contact form by delicious:days

The penultimate session of Conversations on Following Jesus, led by Dave Nixon and hosted at The Speckled Bird Café, will occur this Sunday night, July 18, 6-8 p.m. This has been a rich and challenging series. Even if you haven’t been coming, you’re still welcome to join us for this Sunday’s topic, The Least, The Last, The Lost, led by Angela Pancella. Our final gathering (for now) will be on Sunday, August 8.

July “Pray and Play” children’s activity and story time will be Tuesday July 13 and Tuesday July 27 from 11:30-1pm. We will meet in the Children’s room of St. Elizabeth. Bring a packed lunch if you would like to share in lunch time. Pray and Play is targeted at the 0-5 age group, and their care givers.

Vineyard Central would like to recognize two new faces in our community. Laura Menze and Natasha Beljin, we extend a warm welcome to you!  To get in contact with these new members, reach out here. Continue reading…