Minutes Subject

Minutes subject to approval St. Luke Orthodox Church Parish Council Meeting Date: August 26, 2008

PRESENT: Father Andrew Harrison, Lay Chairperson Steve Hansen, , Diocesan/All-American Delegate Lee Kopulos, Financial Secretary Jill Olsen, Education Team Leader Cheryl Evangelopoulos, Outreach Team Leader Caye Caswick, , Treasurer: Christine Bowen Community Development Team Leader Luba Johnson, Secretary Debra Dandeles,

UNABLE TO ATTEND: Assistant Lay Chairperson Scott Claiborne Property Team Leader Phil Neznanov

Meeting brought to order at 7:00 P.M. with bible study Matthew 23:1-39,

MINUTES

Caye motioned that the minutes from May be accepted as presented. Luba 2nd -all approved. Cheryl motioned that the minutes from June be accepted as presented. Steve 2nd - all approved.

REPORTS

EDUCATION TEAM LEADER—Cheryl Evangelopoulos present, written report submitted

Education Team Leader Report – July 2008 Cheryl Evangelopoulos Church School – Maria Kopulos • Registration was this past Sunday, with a little over half of the children registered, expecting more once classes begin September 7th. A new class is being taught this year "Young Adult Group" which will be composed of 16 years to college aged kids. It will be taught by Else Tennessen. The book they will study is the "Wormword Files", and included will be doctrine and traditions of the Orthodox faith. We have added one new teacher this year, Nicki McDougal! But we lost a few to being substitutes, which means we will need to find at least 2-3 more teachers for the coming and following school year. Fortunately the teachers we have are very dedicated and this should not be problematic this year. We will try to train/groom new teachers during this 2008/9 school year and pray that next year we have more to help teach the children! At the teacher's meeting we were able to discuss the year schedule, Lenten Retreat, Icon Lady returning, and new books we are using. Adult Education – Clark Wilson • Father Andrew and Else Tennesen have been working to reorganize and reopen the school. They are hoping that it reopens as early as the end of September. Movie Club- Ken Stevens • An impromptu movie club was to be held on Sunday, Aug. 24th. The first movie was to be a movie that Fr. brought from Romania with English subtitles that was given to him at a monastery, the second feature was to be: The Monastery: Mr. Vig and the Nun. Jr .Olympics – Chuck Bern • Nothing to report Book Store – Dn. Danial

Created 3/20/01 Page 1 of 9 • Nothing to report. One piece of information though, is that the price on icons from Byzantine Icons, where we purchase most of the icons, will increase by 20% starting October 1st. Icon Lady – Anthea Lukashonak • Anthea will be resuming the icon presentations this church school year. A schedule for her visits is under way.

Additions; Else will run adult education (through college) in consultation with Clark. Luba wondered about clark’s and lee’s studies possibly interfereing. Steve- no, one informal lee’s specific study.

PROPERTY TEAM LEADER—Philip Neznanov, absent .

OUTREACH TEAM LEADER—Caye Caswick present, written report submitted

Mary Jo Werbiansky

ALCOHOLISM: Nothing new, Caye is reformatting the Romanian Church’s Handbook on Alcoholism.

Caye Caswick for Fr. Andrew

OUTREACH: No report received; however I do know Fr. Andrew is preaching at Greater Galilee Baptist Church on August 31 st. (Lee Kopulos)

THE EVANGELIST: No report received (Diane Wilzcak)

PATRIOT’S DAY (9/11): Invitation letters went out. +Job, Bill Droel, Fr. Kevin Scherer, CAPS and a new Bag Piper will be present. Mayor Bennett has a prior commitment and cannot be present. Paulette has worked with the choir. David will accompany the choir on guitar. Looking to Nick and his traveling keyboard to accompany as well. I'll work on the bulletin board and the program.

Caye Caswick

LOST SHEEP: Nothing new to report.

Additions: Pearl Homiak will be leaving the parish. She will be joining a Monastery in California. Caye reported that. Mayor Bennet (Palos Hills) will not be attending this year’s 9/11 memorial. Many other good speakers will be attending.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TEAM LEADER—Luba Johnson present, written report submitted

Fellowship Ministry

Special Events – Nadia Doss and Luba Johnson

Created 3/20/01 Page 2 of 9  July 13th – 40th Anniversary Luncheon for Fr. Andrew Nikos on 7600 S. Harlem. Total of 144 persons were in attendance. All expenses were covered by the cost of the ticket and approximately $300 was covered by the Community Ministry.  Oktoberfest – Should this be aligned to St. Luke’s feast day? Date?  New Year’s Eve Party – Date?

Coffee Hostesses – Shirlie Hansen

September 7th Tanya Andoniadis & Debra Dandeles September 14th (L)Michaelyn Sloan & Tsehai Andu September 21st Lana Kokayeff & Lydia Christensen September 28th Sheila Dragovich & Lillian Rakovic

Prayer Ministry – Mary Kincaid July we prayed for 26 persons – August we prayed for 60 persons plus our pregnancy ladies and military persons. We had one healthy boy born in July and one solider come home safely from Iraq, while another one deployed to Georgia in August. Sunshine Ministry – Luba Johnson

Bulletin has been sponsored for Sabine Casten and Mira Szpakowicz

Birthday Ministry – Lana Lynch

Birthday and Anniversary cards continue to be mailed out. Birthday and/or Anniversary additions and corrections should be emailed to Fr. Andrew, Lana Lynch and Luba Johnson.

Children Adoption – Michaelyn Sloan

Svetlana Lynch assisted me with a four week Russian host program during the month of July. Nine school-aged orphans and two adult escorts were in the Chicago area during this time with Lana not only providing translation services for the children, families and escorts but also respite care for one of the 5 year old little boys for several days due to his disruptive behaviors. Four of the six host families are moving forward on adoption. Also assisting at various times this summer were Julia Wojcik, Fr. Alexander and Oksana Lukashonak.

Restaurant Rovers – Patricia Dravillas and Shirlie Hansen

 Mamma Mia trip is September 21st. We will try and coordinate car pools, the bus cost is prohibitive.  We are working on a date in October, for Dionysus in Worth. Group prices have been secured. We will begin "advertising" in September.  Plans are being discussed about possibly doing a holiday dinner/theatre at Drury Lane Oak Brook. The production takes place Oct. 9th - Dec. 31st and it is "Mame."

Flowers – Esther Poulos No activity in June and July. Women’s Ministry – Linda Kopulos/Michaelyn Sloan No activity in June and July. Children Ministry – Diane Nickolaou Seasonal - No report at this time. Christmas Decoration Ministry – Sharon Mochel

Created 3/20/01 Page 3 of 9 Seasonal - No report at this time.

Other: This was reported by Michaelyn Sloan

While not an officially designated ministry at this time it has the potential of becoming one. Fr. Howard and Michaelyn Sloan assisted Joe Szpakowicz in moving his wife, Mira from Loyola Medical Center into VISTAS Hospice at their home in Fr. Andrew's absence (in Romania). Michaelyn asked Anthea Lukashonak to coordinate meals for the family and child care via Joe and a family friend (Maggie) who had been staying at the house, which she has been doing since August 5. Svetlana Lynch and Cheryl Evangelopoulos have been providing care for the younger two children.

Additions: Rose, who Father Andrew and Stea have visited since beginning of his ministry- has died. Father Andrew would like her added to departed members.

DIOCESAN/ALL-AMERICAN DELEGATE— Lee Kopulos present, written report submitted

Narthex Project. In early July had to go to Peotone to look at the completed cabinets. Noticed a few things not according to plan and made corrections. This caused a delay of two-four weeks. As of this Monday, Aug. 25 the cabinets are being installed including a special one for the Sacristy. On tuesday the granite man will take measurements and get it cut for installation on Wednesday. That should do it. Thanks to Dennis and Debra Dandeles for following up on this project by being available for the installation. New Church Brochure and Welcome Packet. We are very close to completion with my committee paying alot of attention to the text. This is going to be the best one we have produced. One that would make a good mailer as well. We should be done by early September. Greeter Update and Meeting. The Greeter Program Manual has been published and is now a part of our Church web-site. We will meet the first two Sundays in September to go over the manual and the new setup in the Narthex along with the new brochure and packet. Sunday Bible Study. We will finish the last four chapters of the Gospel of St. John and then decide the next book to study - probably the Book of Acts. Everyone is welcome and can join the group at anytime. Guests. Thru June we have had 15 new guests (visitors) which compares very favorably to prior years. Thru August of the third quarter we have another 8 guests visit. We have two new members (The Valazquez Family) and probably a potential of 6 more in this group of guests. Missionary Baptist Church. Father will be preaching this weekend at this church on the Christianization of Africa.

Lee Kopulos

Additions: A hotel ahs been booked for the diocesan assembly in November in Burr ridge. At the Diocesan Assembly for Midwest- (quad parish) Luba will be lay chair (10/6 and 7). Father Andrew suggested that Lee make resolution that we are to celebrate Autocephaly Day.

Created 3/20/01 Page 4 of 9 FINANCIAL SECRETARY—Jill Olsen present, written report submitted:

July 2008 Income Statement

P l e d g e s Other Total Income Budget Actual Variance Income Budget Actual Variance Jan $12,034 $14,259 $2,225 $1,352 $16,917 $15,611 -$1,306 Feb $13,863 $12,990 -$873 $736 $16,917 $13,726 -$3,191 Mar $13,863 $15,110 $1,247 $1,944 $16,916 $17,054 $138 Apr $13,863 $10,433 -$3,430 $5,620 $18,917 $16,053 -$2,864 May $13,863 $11,863 -$2,000 $876 $16,916 $12,739 -$4,177 Jun $13,863 $13,884 $21 $4,138 $17,917 $18,022 $105 Jul $13,863 $11,421 -$2,442 $11,477 $17,417 $22,898 $5,481 Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Total YTD $95,212 $89,960 -$5,252 $26,143 ####### $116,103 -$5,814

TREASURER’S REPORT— Christine Bowen present, written report submitted St. Luke the Evangelist Orthodox Church 2008 Operating Budget - July 31, 2008

YTD YTD INCOME Actual Budget Difference 2007 Carry-Over 1,750 (1,750) Contributions 7,222 8,750 (1,528) Holiday Services 2,870 5,250 (2,380) Ministry Team's Contributions 16,050 8,750 7,300 Pledges & Assignments 89,960 97,417 (7,457) TOTAL INCOME: 116,103 121,917 (5,814)

EXPENSES Cleaning Staff 5,536 5,898 362

Pastoral Expenses Automobile Expenses 4,593 4,667 74 Continuing Education 646 467 (179) Life Insurance 1,050 1,050 0 Medical Insurance 1,750 13,475 11,725

Created 3/20/01 Page 5 of 9 Military Insurance Coverage (11,725) (11,725) Pension 5,627 5,627 0 Phone Allowance 933 933 0 Social Security 3,588 3,589 1 Workmen's Compensation 858 858 18,187 18,941 753 Pastoral Compensation Housing Allowance 19,831 19,833 2 Pastoral Compensation 15,167 15,167 0 TOTAL PASTORAL: 34,998 35,000 2

Ministries Community Development Team 11,754 9,333 (2,421) Education Team 2,157 2,333 176 Evangelist/Outreach Team 3,440 4,083 643 Liturgical Ministry & Choir 2,155 3,500 1,345 Property Team (Maintenance) 17,829 14,583 (3,245) TOTAL MINISTRIES: 37,335 33,833 (3,502)

Other Expenses Administrative & Travel 2,023 2,333 310 OCA Assessment 13,629 12,805 (824) Office Supplies 1,495 1,750 255 Property Insurance 2,625 2,625 Utilities 7,450 6,125 (1,325) TOTAL OTHER EXPENSES: 24,597 25,639 1,041

OVERALL TOTAL 120,653 119,310 (1,343)

ASSISTANT LAYPERSON REPORT—Scott Claiborne, absent, written report submitted: It has been suggested that the next Charity Collection be for the Orthodox Christian Fellowship. The OCF supports our college students on the college campus, including the University of Illinois. Since the school is back in session it would be a timely donation.

Ken Stevens will be submitting a one-page survey for a 2nd Sunday service starting this fall. He will send it to Father, the Assistant Lay Chairperson, and the Strategic planning team for comments. It should be sent this week. Ken will distribute the survey to the parishioners-at-large as soon as possible.

Additions: Father will work with Scott do develop a stewardship letter. Caye will share her information on how to develop this.

Created 3/20/01 Page 6 of 9

LAY CHAIRPERSON REPORT Steve Hansen present, written report submitted

 Submitted the necessary paperwork to New York Life to complete the dividend surrender to pay off the loan on Stea’s donated life insurance policy. I will update when I have notification that this has been completed.

 Gained acceptance of our offer to provide a $25.00 per week stipend for the choir director as previously approved.

 Committed to working with Christine Bowen and the Property Team Lead to identify all pending projects that have been approved to date. Will need to prioritize the projects based on the money available at this time.

 Agreed at the last meeting to figure out a way to mark the rows so that the chairs stay where they are supposed to be for optimal seating. This item is still pending. A row of chairs was added to the back section by the choir loft stairs for Father Herman’s ordination. However, that section was so tight that people refused to sit in one of the rows.

Additions: After talking to George Evangelopoulos it was determined that we owe $6500 for the front improvement- striping of the lot is not included in that estimate.

PASTORAL REPORT—Father Andrew Harrison present, written report submitted

 .Meetings – 3  .Services – 18 (Liturgies, Vespers, Matins) Jerusalem – 1 Liturgy 1 Vespers Romania – 5 Liturgies 12 Vespers, 10 morning prayers  .Morning prayers – 6  .House calls/blessings – 3  .Wellness group - 1 meeting  .Counseling - 3  .Garden center visit - 1  .40th Anniversary – No words to thank Luba, Committee and Parish  .Nursing home visits – 2  .Funeral, Sabine Casten served by Fr. Nelson  .Civil Air Patrol - No meetings in July & August. They will participate in Sept 11 program  .Will be preaching at Missionary Baptist Church on Aug 31 3 PM  .Will be on vacation from Sept 198 to Oct 7. Fr. Sloan and Fr. Herman will do services. Fr. Karaffa .will cover emergencies. Going to China and Tibet  .Car Mileage – June 1, 97253, July 31 99,605 - total = 2352. 2282 business, 70 personal Car repair - replaced four tires and one rim. Used Sam’s club.  Youth Camp mission to Romania. Allison Murphy & myself. I was team leader. Allison was the hit of the camp. She should be involved in future missions. A great representative of American Orthodoxy and St. Luke.  . Mission to Tanzania – Clark has returned from Tanzania. Have not received a Report.  . Need PADS site manager – So far no response.  . Emma Reyes will be Baptized on Saturday Aug 30 10:30 AM  . Gave Invocation at Illinois Freedom Run. Will invite to Sept 11 program.  . Movie Club 5 attended.  . Philip Neznanov resigned from the council – Appointed Mike Bauml to fill term  .Cemetery Ministry: No new lots sold since June. Cemetery File is kept in the church file with all instructions of procedure for the sale of a lot and needed forms Therefore Priest or a church official could handle in my absence. Maria Vrame

Created 3/20/01 Page 7 of 9  .Proto Deacon Andrew: Missed one Liturgy because of Father’s illness. Was not able to reach Deacon Danial in time for a replacement. Deacon Danial will be serving St. Luke more since the needs at St. Constantine & Helen have diminished.  Sacristan/Readers: I am presently looking for a replacement for Philip for tone 1. Otherwise the Readers are doing a fine job and I am pleased with the progress they are making. Lee told me that we should receive the new preparation table for the Sacristy this week. S.Dn John  Altar servers: Need a replacement for Altar server ministry  Handmaidens: No report given - Lynn Betsanes.  Choir: Paulette Valezquez has started directing alternating with Katie Bern. Paulette will handle the 9/11 program this year. I and Pat Harrison are helping them as much as possible to get them off in the right direction. Maria Vrame:  Altar Vestments: The Gold altar covers we put on for the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross H. Partoll

Additions: Rose’s funeral. Cemetery ministry- Maria Vrame has organized all the material related to this ministry

Caye made a motion to accept the reports as presented. Chris 2nd. All agreed.

OLD BUSINESS

 . Charities approval – Scott recommended the Orthodox Christian Fellowship/campus ministries. Chris reminded the council that the Coptic ministries had already been approved- but never collected-we need to collect for them before the year is up. Steve motioned OCF as the charity for September. Caye 2nd all approved. Lee would like to guarantee $1000 for this donation Luba 2nd.

 . Planning Workshop – Steve reported that the extra chairs added to back of church were unoccupied- he moved them around- so there is more leg room. Steve recommended acoat rack/hooks for winter-which would free up chairs used to hold winter garments.

 . Insurance policy that Stea turned over to the Church – Steve talked to an insurance agent, and Steve completed all paper work-he will correspond with insurance company when completed. He feels we can get about $7000 from the policy.

NEW BUSINESS

 Appointment of replacement for Property team Ministry. Mike Bauml was appointed by father. Lee motioned that the appointment of Mike as property team leader be approved until the next annual meeting Steve 2nd- all approved.  Mortgage – Fr. Andrew proposes that we reconsider/look at paying down bonds. We need cash for current projects. He’s also not sure that it is good for the parish to not have a mortgage. We will probably get another cell tower in December. Steve reported that we need to call a special parish meeting or wait for annual meeting to get this approved. Steve will do research on various options and suggested calling an emergency parish meeting. Father proposed a parish meeting on the 14th – Luba suggested the 7th . Steve motioned that we call an emergency meeting to discuss foregoing payment of bonds. Caye 2nd- all approved. Steve will present a presentation to the parish with help from Lee. .  October Fest- 18th of October is the feast day for St. Luke. We will have vespers on Friday and liturgy on Saturday the 18th . We will celebrate the Feast Day on the 19th.  25th Anniversary- suggested combining with new years eve party. . Additions: Father Andrew reported that Tammy is running for the IOCC. We need to sponsor her.

Created 3/20/01 Page 8 of 9 CLOSING PRAYER

Cheryl made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Lee 2nd. All Agreed. The meeting was adjourned at 9:25 P.M.

Submitted by Debra Dandeles, Council Secretary

Created 3/20/01 Page 9 of 9