An item of follow up from the 2023 ACM is to provide a short summary of agenda items at the bi-weekly LT meeting. The "notes" are listed in order of the most recent meeting and up to one year of "notes" are published here.
May 21, 2025 Meeting
- Prayer for community members and those outside of our community
- Previous minutes from April 23 were approved
- Members present: Dan, Dean, Joyce, Elaine, Judi & Ken
Ken shared about his trip to Chattanooga and his interviews and time with his family as well.
The teaching team has put together a summer plan and is in the process of lining up folks to speak.
Dean shared some thoughts from his small group about having some discussion time after sermons or the ability to ask questions at some point.
Judi shared that someone raised a concern about representation of the senior adults of ECC as we consider the next pastor.
March and April financial reports show we are looking fine at this point year-to-date.
The Search Committee has suggested we take “next steps” with one individual in the senior pastor search.
Children’s pastor/associate pastor: It was recommended and approved that we wait until a senior pastor is hired before moving forward with this hire/search
Follow-up discussions on same-sex marriage:There will be more communication to the community. We will send out an apology to those disappointed with the "process" and we will post the statement Dan read on an unpublished page on our website.
There was a suggestion by a community member that we have an interim pastor or delay the search b/c of some of the current issues we are facing. The elders did not think this was needed.
Ken met w/ one person who would be willing to present a workshop in the Fall on the traditional view of marriage. He will still contact another person and a decision will be made after the second person is contacted.
Dan & Ken will contact a few people who could present the "affirming" view.
Important Dates / Upcoming
LT meetings summer - June 18, July 16, July 30 & Aug 20
Note: Dan on Sabbatical to the end of June. Meetings ongoing.
May 25 Toonie Lunch, June 21 Celebration Night, June 22, year-end barbeque
summer dates for LT meetings:
Ken/Aisyah’s send-off is Aug. 17
April 23, 2025 Meeting
- Prayer for community members and those outside of our community
- Previous minutes from April 9 were approved
- Members present: Dan, Dean, MJ, Joyce, Elaine, Judi & Ken
- Ken shared about his recent meeting with Ingrid. It was positive and she is committed to the end of 2025 but no commitments have been made past that date.
- Ken also shared that Luke seems to be doing well and that Ken and he continue to meet weekly, Ken asked about the SS rooms (not the GS room) and could Luke have some freedom to set things up for Jr. Youth and Youth. There was acceptance of that idea.
- Search Committee Updates: Senior Pastor. There have been 5 applications. 4 will be interviewed at least once.
- Children’s pastor. No new update
- Building Rental policy was reviewed and the hourly rate was lowered as well as a few other minor details.
- Follow up on same-sex marriage discussion:
- -It was suggested that if someone who did not attend when we announced our position and wanted to know what was said the elders can read the announcement to that person.
-Ken sent a suggested first draft to the elders for the “Profile” statement on marriage.
-Ken researched on possible speakers that can not only present what ECC believes but also can present opposing views. There are a few good possibilities for the fall, Ken will follow up on those. - LT meetings, next two months - May 7, 21, June 4 ,18
April 9, 2025 Meeting
- Prayer for community members and those outside of our community
- Previous minutes from Feb 19 were approved
- Members present: Dan, Dean, MJ, Joyce, Elaine, Judi & Ken
- Ken shared the Chang’s departure will be leaving a gap in Children’s ministry and with our website. Ken and Ingrid are in discussion for how to best fill the void moving forward.
- Ken also shared that the youth Alpha program is down to the final 2 sessions, ending on May 2.
- Elaine shared the basics about how the Teaching Committee operates. There’s a suggestion that there be 2 different teams, offering fresh ideas and sharing the “load” as well. The LT is suggesting that those who would be interested could join the current team and then that team could decide about splitting. It will also be wise to wait until a new senior pastor is onboard before making any major decisions about the teaching team.
- A Senior pastor search committee will be led by Dwight. Also will include: Kathleen B., Leslie R. Garth P. & Chloe V. & Peter S.
- There have been 4 applicants. All 4 are located in the lower mainland. A few have already visited ECC
- Ken shared there has been one person interested in our Children’s pastor position. Ken met with her and move forward as appropriate.
- The review of the Church rental policy was tabled to the next LT meeting.
Follow-up discussion on same-sex marriage. The next steps are:
The team will update the wording of the “Profile” regarding our statement on marriage.
Fall workshops: Ken shared that he felt it would be best to have someone from outside of ECC lead these workshops. Ken agreed to reach out to a few people to get the conversation started and a possible Fall date set.
March 12, 2025 Meeting
- Prayer for community members and those outside of our community
- Previous minutes from Feb 19 were approved
- Members present: Dan, Dean, MJ, Joyce, Elaine & Ken
- Ken gave a brief update on his area of ministry. He shared how he’s been spending a good amount of time on sermons and for prepping the sermon series coming up this summer. Next will be Habakkuk then followed by a series about how God’s wide diversity of life/work roles that He chooses to call Himself, hoping it can inspire God’s people to see their roles as ones that can reflect the living God. For example: Creator/Artist/Artisan/Potter/Writer;Parent Lawgiver/Lawyer/Arbitrator; Friend. He has also been training Chang to manage the website. Ken will start doing some “walk-through” type things with Dean and others dealing with the building.
- Joyce reported that we had some incorrect tax receipts for 2024, but they have been corrected
- The team decided there would be a Sunday morning service on the Sunday of Community Camp. Nels has volunteered to lead this and MJ has volunteered to assist Nels in any way.
- The LT did NOT think a pause in the search for a new pastor was necessary. They also are welcoming of anyone that has any thoughts on the type of pastor (or the JD of the pastor.
- Dan shared about one meeting he had as a follow up from the ACM. The team agreed that anyone wanting to speak to individuals on the LT would be very welcomed and appreciated. "We want people to know of our openness."
- The team continued to work on the "statement" to the community on the position on same-sex marriage. They are in the 7th draft of this statement. The hope is to introduce the statement once spring break is over, in April.
- Upcoming LT meetings: April 9 & 23
Feb 19, 2025 Meeting
- Prayer for community members and those outside of our community
- Previous minutes from Jan 8, Jan 25 & Feb 5. were approved
- Members present: Dan, Dean, Judi, Joyce, Elaine & Ken
- Elaine met with Ingrid regarding the status of the search for a new Children's pastor and Ingrid is happy to maintain leadership for the current season.
- The pastoral search committee will be led by Dwight and he is forming the rest of the team based on names recommended by the LT. It will be posted within the next week or two.
- Dan met with a few consultants regarding our available staff positions and sought their input/suggestions on the pay level.
- The Annual Community Meeting format will be both written reports and a handful of verbal reports. Not too dissimilar to previous year ACM’s.
- The LT decided to re-evaluate the nominal fee for building use and cleaning fee. Ken will circulate the current rental agreement to the LT.
- The LT decided to invite people to help with the housing needs of Salamwet by giving non-deductible money directly to the family.
- The team continued to discuss the draft of the statement on same-sex marriage. It should be forthcoming in March.
Feb 5, 2025 Meeting
- Prayer for community members and those outside of our community
- Members present: Dan, Dean, Judi, Joyce, Elaine, MJ & Ken
Previous Minutes were not approved, folks were not able to use the link. This will be reviewed at the next LT
Ken shared there is no update on the family pastor search. Since there is no committee most of the burden for this is on Ken and he hasn’t had the time necessary.
The team agreed that a new senior pastor may want to influence and help decide the next hire. But, we are not pushing pause…if someone is sent along, the door is still open. However, more energy will be spent right now on the senior pastor search.
Dan shared that we need to start a pastoral search committee. He has asked one person to be the chair and is waiting for a reply. Everyone was encouraged to work in their own networks. The team discussed a few other names for the committee and Dan or the new chair will reach out to them. Dan will work closely with the chair of the committee but will not be on the committee. Ken will also consult but not be part of the committee.
The Budget is almost done; it will be completed this week.
- The team continued the discussion on ECC’s position on marriage.
Important Dates / Upcoming
LT meetings, next two months -Feb. 19, March 12
AGM - Feb. 26th
ACM, March 2, after Sunday service
LT meeting, April 9
Jan 8, 2025 Meeting
- Prayer for community members and those outside of our community
- Previous minutes from Dec. 11, 2024. were approved
- Members present: Dan, Dean, Judi, Joyce, Elaine, MJ & Ken
Ken updated that there is no progress in the search for additional staff.
Ken shared that the upcoming sermon series (he feels) is very intense…but he is also looking forward to it.
Dan shared the year-end donation results, they surpassed our $80k slightly
There was a short budget update. Dan shared that it should be finished and approved soon.
Dan shared that we have 2 “Society” meetings, that normally take place in the first quarter of the year. He suggested the ACM be on Mar 2, 2025 and it was approved. The AGM, which is just the elders, will be sometime in Feb (maybe 2/19 or 2/26).
Ken and Dan will send out some pre-meeting discussions questions…things to ponder for the Sat. half-day meeting. Dan encouraged everyone to be praying, reading and preparing for our time together on Jan. 25th.
LT meetings, next two months - Jan. 22, Jan 25th (9am - 3pm), Feb. 5, 19
Dec. 11, 2024 Meeting
- Prayer for community members and those outside of our community
- Previous minutes from Nov. 27, 2024. were approved
- Members present: Dan, Dean, Judi, Joyce, Elaine & Ken
- Ministry update: Ken shared that someone showed interest in the Children’s ministry position and was at ECC Sunday. The “next steps”have been left with him to decide. There was also brief discussion on different models of staffing, including apprenticeships.
- Current donations to year-end goal. $39,600.
- The 2025 budget proposal was briefly discussed. It was agreed that we will add to the maintenance budget in order to replace our fire panel. It was also agreed that we will not decrease the “missions” budget in any way.
- Discussion continued regarding our position on same-sex marriage. The booklet produced by Chris Price was read by most and has been well received. Both Ken and Dan shared it was the best read yet that is specific to our situation at ECC. It was decided a letter to the community would be sent in the next email in order to keep everyone informed regarding the LT discussions on this issue. The next steps are to meet and discuss this face-face on Saturday, January. 25th.
- Upcoming LT meetings, next two months - Jan. 8, 25(Saturday in person), Feb. 5, 19
Nov. 27, 2024 Meeting
- APrayer for community members and those outside of our community
- Previous minutes from Nov. 13, 2024. were approved
- Members present: Dan, Luke, Dean, Judi, Joyce, Elaine & Ken
- Luke spoke of his vision for engaging the youth more with scripture and spiritual formation, gaining insights and ideas from all the elders.
- Joyce shared the women’s brunch went well (14 ladies attended),
- Children’s pastor/Apprenticeship. Ken shared no new “hits” on children’s pastor job; an apprenticeship program is being considered.
- 2025 Budget discussion. It was decided to repair the fire panel, Dean will get quotes. The budget was discussed with a few small adjustments made. Ken will follow up with the director of one of the home-school groups about 2025 expenses. No new questions or issues were raised. It was not finalized as time did not allow.
- There was much discussion regarding the forums on the ECC position on marriage. A conclusive decision was not achieved regarding "next steps" so this will be continued at the next meeting. Ken and Dan will work on a potential document and submit it to the elders before the next meeting. There was also some discussion about an LT meeting (most likely in January) to meet face-to-face and have a longer discussion.
- Upcoming LT meetings: Dec. 11, Jan 8 & Jan 22
Nov. 13, 2024 Meeting
- Prayer for community members and those outside of our community
- Previous minutes from Oct. 30, 2024. were approved
- Members present: Dan, Luke, Dean, Judi, Elaine & Ken
- Luke shared briefly about the Youth weekend to Manning Park. He shared there were good conversations, strengthening of relationships, building of some new relationships and a lot of fun. The main topic of discussion was around prayer, using the Alpha material as a guide.
- Ken shared that someone volunteered to help us update our postings for a Children’s pastor as well as post some things on some sites that cost (previously we have only used the free postings).
- Dan shared that based on our September 2024 statement we are still on track w/ our budget.
- Ken and Dan created a first draft of the 2025 budget. Dan highlighted a few areas where there were changes (General revenue/income, Staff salary, missions, etc.) There was some confusion over our commitment to our refugee sponsorship. Ken and Judi are going to follow up and find out more and report back. There was also some discussion regarding the amount we charge to the larger (Thursday) homeschool group that uses our building.
- Dean will look into the cost of updating our fire panel and we will do that update either this year or next.
- There was a bit of discussion regarding the recent forum on our position regarding marriage. Time ran short, so there wasn’t as much discussion as we originally intended. The conversation will be continued at our next meeting and after the next forum on Nov. 20.
- Important Upcoming Dates:
- LT meetings, next two months - Nov. 27, Dec. 11
- Community-wide discussion groups - Nov. 20
Oct 30, 2024 Meeting
- Prayer for community members and those in and outside of our community
- Previous Minutes Approved
- Members Present: Dan, Dean, Joyce, Judi, Elaine, MJ, Luke & Ken
- Luke gave a short update on the youth ministry and shared his excitment and hopes for the upcoming retreat at Manning Park
- Ken shared that the volunteer team for our children's ministry is doing fantastic and the partnership with Chang to help with some admin details has been a great partnership. He also shared that the prospects of hiring someone are not very good and he encouraged the elders to consider hiring an employment agency to help find someone.
- The elders spent considerable time discussing the format and goals for the upcoming forum on ECC's position regarding marriage. It was agreed that everyone should approach the time with a sense of humility, with hearts and ears open to hearing each of the perspectives people will share and a commitment to maintain the unity of the church. The team also agreed the purpose of the evening was not to have a theological debate on marriage. However, there is an expectation that people will want to share their theological positions and there should be no push back for that at all; people should feel free to share.
Oct 2, 2024 Meeting
- Prayer for community members and those in and outside of our community
- Previous Minutes Approved
- Members Present: Dan, Dean, Joyce, Judi, Elaine, MJ & Ken
- Judi shared that 8 folks have joined the book club/discussion. Dan shared that the “Practicing the Way” small group is off to a good start as well.
- There was a discussion about the upcoming forum and what the desired outcome would be. Ken shared 2 desired outcomes: a. We would get some fresh ideas on how to welcome those who would differ from our position. b. To have ECC’ers consider, even struggle with what it means to be a welcoming place…and WHY that’s important.
- This Sunday Dan will introduce our updated Statement of Faith document.
- The recent survey results/feedback was discussed. Several shared a bit of a surprise that the majority of those completing the survey did not want much of a change. There was a bit of discussion around “sharing” times during the service. We want to keep it and also be intentional about it. There was also a small bit of discussion about the roles of SG’s in the life of the church
- Upcoming dates: LT meetings, next two months: Oct 17, 30, Nov. 13, 27.
Position & Posture Forum - Oct. 23, Nov. 6, 20
Sept 18, 2024 Meeting
- Prayer for community members and those in and outside of our community
- Previous Minutes Approved
- Members Present: Dan, Dean, Joyce, Judi, Elaine, & Ken
Ken updated the team on the results of the survey recently conducted.
Ken updated the team on Children’s ministry search, sharing that one person had shared some interest but had not followed through as of date.
Joyce was elected as Society Treasurer. She has also been added as an official “signer” for our finances.
The LT agreed to allow Ken to sign and associate ECC with an "open letter" that challenges recent petitions against housing for marginal people in Richmond.
LT meetings, next two months - Oct, 2, 16, 30, Nov. 13, 27
Sept 4, 2024 Meeting
- Prayer for community members and those in and outside of our community
- Previous Minutes Approved
- Members Present: Dan, Dean, Joyce, Elaine, MJ & Ken
- Ken shared that the SS team is looking strong and Chang has been a great addition for admin support.
- Elaine is connecting w/ Luke to work out a partnership to care for the Jr. Youth.
Several families are agreeing to jump in and help out. . June and July statements show that giving is keeping pace with the budget.
Dean raised a few issues about our fire alarm monitoring system and insurance policy
- Ken will share general ideas about vision on Sunday the 8th
- Ken will send a general statement or suggestion of what it looks like to be a place of welcome for those who would hold different positions.
- It was determined we would consider the “Invited” (Mark Anderson) course in 2025…maybe early in the year. Ken will respond to the Andersons.
July 31, 2024 Meeting
- Prayer for community members and those in and outside of our community
- Previous Minutes Approved
- Members Present: Dan, Dean, Joyce, Judi, MJ, Elaine & Ken
- Ministry updates. The refugee team met on Sunday and had a productive meeting with some necessary decisions being made. Our “friends” may be arriving as early as mid August.
- STRATEGIC. What follows are short summaries of a longer conversation regarding specific issues and concerns being heard in our community. Dan began with some comments regarding his overall sense of the current milieu of ECC
- Ken gave a quick overview of a few conversations he has had with some ECC folks about current issues that concern them.
- It was suggested that there are too many different issues and we aren’t able to cover the extensive range of issues. Maybe we need to narrow our focus?
- Another suggested that basic spiritual formation issues are what the church is called to and how to work out our faith in the context of cultural issues can be dealt with.
- One person suggested people who are hurting need to be heard and listened to.
- It was shared that younger people would argue a Sunday service is not relevant to them
- Dan added to the conversation, first affirming everyone’s contribution. Then sharing that indeed there are many issues but we must address the issues that are threatening our unity.
- Dan encouraged everyone to be prepared for planning day by working through the document sent out.
- Our Land Acknowledgement next steps will be to seek to have some more coaching for our hosts on making LA’s more personal.
- Important Dates / Upcoming
Next LT meetings: Sept 4 & 18th
Planning Day, Saturday, August 24.
July 10, 2024 Meeting
- Prayer for community members and those in and outside of our community
- Previous Minutes Approved
- Members Present: Dan, Dean & Ken
- Colleen J. Bible Study in Eph. is off to a good start
- The Online JD for the children’s ministry was discussed and decided it needs to be tweaked
- A Practicing the Way group will start in Sept…possibly two groups
- Rachel is still in the learning process regarding financial reporting.
- There was some time for Reflection in response to concerns by a few community members concerning the “state of the church. A need to be more strategic, relevant and quicker to act on current issues.
- There has been limited feedback regarding new elders, but all of the input has been positive.
- Next LT meetings in the summer.: July 31 and August 28.
June 19, 2024 Meeting
- Prayer for community members and those in and outside of our community
- Previous Minutes Approved
- Members Present: Alastair, Dean, Dan, Joyce, Judi & Ken
Updates: Colleen J. will start a Bible Study in Eph. in July
Hopefully a Practicing the Way group will start in Sept.
Ken shared that the internet has been down/problematic for over a week and it prompted the A/V team and Ken to discuss the future of Zoom and video broadcasting. They will collect some data over the summer and revisit the issue in the Fall.
Ken shared there has been no one interested in the Children’s pastor position.
The Land Acknowledgement discussion continued. Also, each elder had submitted their suggestions in writing. We will begin doing an LA a few times a month and increase it to weekly ultimately.
Several new elder candidates were approached, some have said no and a few are taking more time to prayerfully consider it.
Dan briefly pointed out that Strategic Planning discussions haven’t been as frequent as they could have been
LT meetings in the summer: July 10, July 31 & Aug 28
Alastair closed in prayer, giving his final blessing as an elder.
June 5, 2024 Meeting
- Prayer for community members and those in and outside of our community.
- Previous Minutes Approved
- Members Present: Alastair, Dean, Dan, Joyce & Ken
- Ken shared that Rachel is doing great during the transition.
- Ken shared that it’s been difficult to get people to be part of the search team for a new children’s pastor. Those who have said yes have said they are limited in their time right now. The "contingency team" (what to do if no one is hired by Sept) has formed and will meet in July.
ECC Sign reno was added to a list of other projects. Dean will populate a list and the LT will decide priority on spending.
Ken shared about a request to support Marineview in their time of need right now. Both through Vision ministry and through our own surplus. Alastair will share this discussion and the decision on Sunday w/ the community.
There was a review and consideration of those who will be invited to the eldership
Dan asked us to use email to further the discussion on Land Ack.
Next LT meeting is June 19.
FYI: Ken away June 12- 17. Dan on vacation, June 22-July 6.
May 22, 2024 Meeting
- Prayer for community members and those in and outside of our community.
- Previous Minutes Approved
- Members Present: Alastair, Dean, Dan, Joyce & Ken
- Ken shared the need for a plan for searching for the Children’s ministry position. He shared: a. We need a team to search, interview and recommend. b. We need a contingency plan in case we don’t have someone by June 30th (Val’s last day).
- A few ECC names were discussed for the position and several names were suggested for the search team.
- A contingency plan was discussed and the options discussed were: a. Create a team of volunteers that see this as their responsibility in the interim. Several names were suggested.
- Charlotte S. has “officially” agreed to be on the financial team and will work with Rachel. She will also be a financial signer.
- Some capital improvements were discussed: a new sign, fencing, renovations in the old building, art and other small improvements in the sanctuary, asphalting the parking lot. The LT decided that the best way forward would be to decide on an amount to spend from our savings and then empower Dean to put a list of priorities together, including costs. Dan will come to the next meeting with a suggested figure.
- Land Acknowledgement discussion will be led by Gray on June 2nd. Ken will host. Ken will get some light refreshments for the evening.
- There was some consideration of new elders and several names were discussed.
- Upcoming dates: LT meetings: June 5,19
- Dean closed in prayer