ONGOING AMBASSADORS FOR CHRIST
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
TELECONFERENCE MEETING
SUNDAY APRIL 25, 2004

Board members present: Rev. Dan Smith – Chairman, Rev. Tom Moyer – Exec. Dir., Dan Barz – Assist. to the Exec. Dir, Rev. Erwin Ruhlig – Treasurer/Business Manager, Micah Wildauer, Pam Rudick – Secretary, Ben Venteicher, Irene Gruber, Katie Jeppesen, Parker Hicks, Sarah Elliott.

Board members absent: Rev. David Baumgarn, Matt Drefs Drefs

The chairman called the meeting to order at 8:05pm CT
Pastor Moyer opened the meeting with devotions reminding us that what is impossible with us, is possible with God. 

REPORTS

Secretary’s Report [January 2004 minutes] – There were no corrections or additions to the Minutes from January 2004. Pastor Moyer made the motion to accept the minutes as submitted. Parker seconded. Motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report – Pastor Ruhlig shared the financial report. A copy of the 1st quarter 2004 Treasury Report is attached.
Total Inflows: $ 46,740.85
Total Outflows: $ 33,876.65
Overall Totals: $ 12,864.20
Pam made the motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report as submitted. Sarah seconded. Motion carried.

Executive Director’s report – Pastor Moyer shared he has been writing the monthly receipt letter, set up travel team leaders and sent out letters to prospective team leaders inviting them to serve at Summer Training. He also keeps in touch with Dan Barz to see what needs to be completed or what has been done. In addition to his OAFC duties, he continues his pastoral duties in Hillsboro and work for Schwans. Ben made the motion to accept the Executive Director’s report as shared. Katie seconded. Motion carried.

Assistant Director’s report – Dan Barz shared the projects and items he is focusing on at this point. The main event is Summer Training. Currently 45 have registered, with 25 of those registering online. Travel Team stops has been set and leaders have been contacted. A complete report is attached. Pam made the motion to accept the Assistant to the Executive Director’s report as submitted. Pastor Moyer seconded. Motion carried.

Committee Reports – Pastor Smith shared the individuals he asked to serve on the committees established at the January 2004 Board Meeting.

Doctrinal Review Committee – This committee was established to review the doctrine of the songs in the current songbook. They were specifically asked to look at “Happiness is the Lord” and “Jesus my Lord”. Individuals who agreed to serve on this committee are Pastor James Kroonblawd, Pastor Mike Scudder and Micah Wildauer. The committee found the doctrine is not Christ centered and should be changed or taken out. It was shared that the copyright holders will not allow changing the words or writing our own verses. This committee will serve on an ongoing basis and review songs as needed.

Songbook Review Committee – This committee will review the current songbook to correct typing/spelling errors, guitar chord errors. This committee has also selected songs to replace songs in the next printing of the songbook. The Board before the next printing will review suggested song. A more complete report is under New Business.

Youth Gathering delegate – It was decided by the committee to ask Nathan Grewe to attend the gathering and help Dan Barz with the Interest Center Booth for OAFC.

Survey Committee – Tim Onnen was asked to be on this committee. Others members will be assigned when this committee is ready to meet. They will review all of the current survey material and make suggestions for changing/modifying the material. It should be easy to understand and teach to others.

OLD BUSINESS
Production of new songbooks – There is 1 more copyright to obtain before reprinting the songbook. There are 2 songs we are unable to get the copyright for this printing, “Happiness is the Lord” and “Jesus My Lord”. We will be replacing these 2 songs with songs recommended by the Songbook Committee. Initially we were to make minor changes to chords and spelling but since we will be replacing songs, there needs to be something on the cover of the book to note this 3rd printing. Some suggestions were as follows

• Have the words, 3rd printing, on the cover
• Use a different color for the cover or the printing of the words
• Use a cross symbol in a corner of the cover

Parker made the motion we authorize Pastor Ruhlig to make changes as necessary, to the cover of the songbook to note the 3rd printing. Ben seconded. Motion was carried.

Constitution revisions – The Board reviewed the revisions presented for the Constitution of OAFC. Pastor Moyer made the motion to accept the 2nd reading of the revisions to the Constitution, to present these revisions at the National Summer Training in July to be voted on by the Ambassadors. Micah seconded. Motion carried. A copy of the revisions is attached to the minutes. These revisions will also be printed in the Crier for all to view before Summer Training.

Summer Training – Dan Barz reported there are 12 –13 churches who have agreed to host. Letters have been sent out to prospective team leaders inviting them to serve. Meals have been taken care of. Ed Allen and his group have done a great job setting things up.

Travel Teams – Team leaders for the Summer Travel Teams (10-day teams) have been set. They are Pastor Dan Smith, Assisted by Dave (Bubba) Sherwood, Mark Zuber and Brian Krohe.

Micah Wildauer will lead the 40-day team with Pam Rudick assisting. The following is a list of team members.
Samantha Blake, Robin Bonar, Jonathan Drefs, Joy Eddy, Sarah Ehlers, Ricky Harkins, Audrey Herrmann, Nick Martinez, Jacob Mueller, Katie Onnen, Anneliesse Ploetz. Alternates are as follows: Jamie Louderback, Margaret Manteufel, Becky Sherwood. Team training will be in Athens on June 14-15. Stops are set through the month of June.

Board Nominations – Included is a list of the nominees and their response.

National Youth Gathering – Dan Barz reported that the Interest Center is set.

Couples Teams – There has been no response from any Ambassadors to serve on a Couples Team this summer. If churches are still interested in having an individual serve, Dan will speak to local Ambassadors to see if there is an interest.

Pay Pal – This credit card service has been set up by Ed Allen and used for Summer Training payment. It was decided we will stay with this service since it is a minimal cost to OAFC.

Spring Break Teams – All teams have reported stops went well and all teams were well received. Dan recommends we send out Spring Break Teams every year as long as there are individuals who are willing to serve.

Review of letter to former leader - no letter was presented. Pastor Moyer was given permission to draft a letter that would be reviewed by the Board.

NEW BUSINESS
Purchase of Laptop computer – Dan Barz presented a request to purchase a laptop computer for $1164.03. Currently funds are being raised to cover this expense. $88 has been donated for this item. Parker made the motion to approve the purchase of the laptop at a cost of $1164.03. Katie seconded. Motion carried.

Review of Songbook – The song book committee has submitted 6 songs for review, to replace songs for which we have been unable to obtain the copyright. The Board had approved all 6 songs to be used in the songbook as space permits. Ben made the motion to authorize Tim Onnen to include suggested songs in the next printing of the songbook as space permits. Parker seconded. Motion carried.

OAFC Wheel Cards – Dan Barz suggests we have something to pass out at the National Gathering, which states what OAFC is all about. You can see an example in the Assistant’s Report. The cost would be $500- $600 dollars to print these bookmarks. They would be passed out at the booth and any Ambassadors who would like to pass these out while at the National Gathering are welcome to do so. Pastor Moyer made the motion we accept Dan’s proposal to print the OAFC “Ask Me About” Wheel Cards at a cost no greater than $600. Katie seconded. Motion carried.

T-shirts – It has been suggested Ambassadors wear T-shirts at the National Gathering, which promotes OAFC. It would include the same logo as the Wheel Cards and was suggested to place the logo on the front since many youth carry a book bag on their back and it would not be seen. It was decided to make a limited amount of t-shirts to sell at Summer Training and ask for a free will donation. Parker made the motion to authorize the purchase of T-shirts for use at the National Gathering and to ask individuals to make a free will donation. Pam seconded. Motion carried.

Ed Allen’s Prospect Letters – After reviewing Ed’s proposed Prospect letters and discussing the use of them, the Board decided to make these letters available for all groups to use.

The next Board meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 7 at 9am. We will meet at Summer Training in Denver Colorado.

Pam made the motion to adjourn the meeting. Micah seconded. Motion carried.
Pastor Ruhlig closed the meeting in prayer at 9:45pm CT.

Submitted in His service,
Pam Rudick, Secretary.

Constitution Revisions

Currently, the Constitution reads as follows;

ARTICLE VI – MEETINGS OF ONGOING AMBASSADORS FOR CHRIST

SECTION 1. There shall be an annual meeting of the Ongoing Ambassadors for Christ, Inc., and it shall be on a date set by the Board of Directors, held in conjunction with Summer Training
SECTION 2. The Board of Directors shall hold regular meetings and they shall be held no less than quarterly. The agenda, prepared by the Executive Director, shall be sent to the Board members at least two weeks prior to the regular Board Meetings.
SECTION 3. Special Meetings of the Board of Directors may be called at the discretion of the Chairman of the Board of Directors or the Executive Director.

ARTICLE VII – OFFICERS

The officers of the corporation shall be the Chairman of the Board, a Secretary, a Treasurer, and other such officers as may be decided upon by the Board of Directors.

Changes to the Constitution are italicized as follows

ARTICLE VI – BOARD OF DIRECTORS

SECTION 1. In order to carry out the business of the Ongoing Ambassadors for Christ, a Board of Directors shall be established. They shall make all decisions regarding the procedures and policies of Ongoing Ambassadors For Christ in accordance with this Constitution and By-Laws
SECTION 2. The Board of Directors shall hold regular meetings and they shall be held no less than quarterly. The agenda, prepared by the Executive Director, shall be sent to the Board members at least two weeks prior to the regular Board Meetings.
SECTION 3. Special Meetings of the Board of Directors may be called at the discretion of the Chairman of the Board of Directors or the Executive Director

ARTICLE VII – MEETINGS OF ONGOING AMBASSADORS FOR CHRIST

SECTION 1. There shall be an annual meeting of the Ongoing Ambassadors for Christ, Inc., and it shall be on a date set by the Board of Directors, held in conjunction with Summer Training. (moved from Art.VI)
SECTION 2. Commissioned Ambassadors assembled at the Annual Meeting shall have the right to elect members to the Board of Directors for Ongoing Ambassadors for Christ and ratify changes to the Constitution and By-Laws.

ARTICLE VIII – OFFICERS

The officers of the corporation shall be the Chairman of the Board, a Secretary, a Treasurer, and other such officers as may be decided upon by the Board of Directors.

All successive Articles in the Constitution will increase numerically (ARTICLE VIII will become ARTICLE IX and so forth)

Ongoing Ambassadors for Christ Board of Directors
Daniel Barz, Assistant to the Executive Director Report
Spring 2004

Couple Team – following our January meeting an effort was made to e-mail all Concordia Ambassadors. No one has responded to this invitation. I have also mentioned this opportunity in other contacts with Concordia students. This week is to be the deadline. If we have no response, this effort will be dropped for this year. I would still see if we can serve the interested congregations with local Ambassadors.

Spring Break Teams – Our Michigan team had a very fruitful week. Initial reports from both Florida and Kansas were of successful weekends. It seems that two or more Spring Break Teams should be an annual event.

Summer Training – By now all leaders should have ST brochures, workshops and Registration Forms. Mr. Ed Allen and the Coordinators are doing an excellent job in getting plans set. A list of the participating churches is attached to this report. At this point we have 22 people officially registered. Ten have done so on line. Pay Pal has been used by two families to make registration payment.

Travel Teams – Trips for 3 teams in the Southwest have been set. They are posted on the web site and are also attached. The plan is to have the teams meet in Denver. We will need to look closely at TT applications to make sure that everyone can get home in time.

Web Site – continues to serve well. At the suggestion of one SBTT host, we are now trying to post changing pictures on the Front Page. This should be changed at least weekly and could be done more often. We are not able to store too many pictures, as we run out of space on our host. A National Youth Gathering page has been added. It contains the wheel and an explanation of it.
 

National Youth Gathering – While it might not be the final answer, I have been told that we will have just 2 passes for our exhibit with no extra pass for leading the “Chat Room”. That means just one person could come along. I have had two express interest and think it best to have Nathan Grewe take that spot. It also seems best for lodging and other issues to have another male. My former roommate, Jim Coe, is willing to serve as our hosts. For the Youth Gathering I recommend T-shirts with our OAFC Symbol & Acrostic on the back and the Wheel on the front be ordered. They will cost about $5 each and should be available to all Ambassadors who are at the Youth Gathering. A gift of $500 or more could cover this. Book Marker Cards with the Good News card on one side and the Wheel on the other should be given to all. The prices I have are: 110# index - your choice of 6 very bright colors (red, orange, yellow, yellow green, bright blue, bright pink) [These are my choices] 30,000 = $610.00; 36,000 = $714.00; 42,000 = $807.00 a lighter card stock called 67 Vellem Bristol, many pastel colors 30,000 = $329.00 36,000 = $382.00 42,000 = $441.00 Actually, I am more concerned about the color than the weight of the paper, but they should be at least as heavy as our current Good News cards.

Crier – In addition to the web Crier, the Spring 2004 Crier is largely ready to run. After our meeting we will check the final details and get it to the printer.

Aflame – A meeting had been set up with Pastor Roegner and others for April 19. It has been moved to May 26 and will be attended by Pastor Moyer, Pastor Ruhlig, and myself.

Board Nominations – Letters were sent to all nominees shortly after our January meeting. The updated report for 2004 Board Nominations is attached. At this point you might note that only one woman has accepted nomination and many Ambassadors still need to respond. Most were sent and e-mail reminder on April 13.

Song Book – Almost all the work on copyright releases has been accomplished and payments made. We are waiting to hear from 2 or 3 companies yet. Tim Onnen will produce the masters with changes.

OAFC Alumni – We now have about 120 alumni listed. July 16-18 Iowa alumni will be joining the In/Mi group as we lead a weekend in Eldora, Iowa completing our travel back from Summer Training.

Gifts & Updated Technology:

1. At our January meeting we had the new Digital camera. It allows us to do video in addition to photos. The photos are not the highest resolution which means the pictures are not as sharp, but are more easily sent.
2. Thanks to an In/Mi/Neil Training Event & Fund Raiser we were able to raise $814.05 toward the $850 purchase price of a new Toshiba digital projector. The Michigan SBTT had it along and found it useful in showing our ministry.
3. During the trip we also had the use of one member’s laptop. That made possible doing our slide shows and maintaining our team records. That and the need to have access to most OAFC information while on the road and the need to enhance communications led me to check with Pastors Smith, Ruhlig, and Moyer about purchasing a laptop for OAFC use. While prices start at about $700, the best deal I found was an Averatec 5510 which has 512 MB of RAM a 40 GB hard drive a Centrino processor with 5.5 hours of battery life. It should allow us to also be able edit both pictures and video. The cost was $999.04 and a 3 year service agreement for $164.99. The $59.94 in Sales tax should be returned. While we have funds available, I would hope the computer might be paid for by 50th birthday gifts that are outlined in the next Crier and on the web Crier and financial support pages. So far I am aware of gifts of $88 to this fund. Approval for this item is necessary. While Thrivent matching could be possible, I have not made those arrangements.

Other Items:

• With the approval of Pastors Smith, Ruhlig, and Moyer I took Holy Week as a week of vacation. That allowed me to be home with Johanna who had spring break that week while my wife was in New York City with the Lakeshore High School choirs.
• I lead Chapel at Luther East on March 26 and will be able to lead chapel at Luther East one more time this school year.
• On April 6 I was invited to give my “30+ Things I Wish I had Know 30 Years Ago” presentation to just the guys at Luther East. [it is my hope that all my time there will soon lead to some OAFC participation by East students.]
• Our local Thrivent Chapter has asked me to serve as the Youth Representative and I have accepted.
• In the last month or so I have been asked to substitute at our school on 2 half days.
• With the arrival of a new vicar, I am no longer teaching our public school confirmation class.

THANK YOU!! – After our last meeting I flew home the final miles, uplifted by your wonderful support for me and my family. Your encouragement is so greatly appreciated along with the tangible support approved at that meeting. We thank God for your faithful service.

1st Quarter 2004 Treasury Report
INFLOWS
CHURCH 5,027.36
FOUNDATIONS 11,870.71
Gifts to Groups 2,097.34
INDIVI 3,211.00
INTEREST 13.51
MISC
Reimbursement 3,308.05
Van use 100.00
TOTAL MISC 3,408.05
New Years 137.00
ORGANIZATIONS 2,285.00
SALES
Auto 749.00
CD Sales 315.00
Piano Score Bks 70.00
SONG BOOK 162.00
TOTAL SALES 1,296.00
Sng Bk Cntrct 612.63
Thrivent 4,530.00
Thrivent Match 1,200.00
Ch'pter 3,538.35
TOTAL Thrivent Match 4,738.35
TRACTS 13.00
WEEKENDS 7,500.90
TOTAL INFLOWS 46,740.85

OUTFLOWS
ACCRUALS 2,171.00
MATERIALS
CRIPOST 84.95
SNGBOOK
Royalties 2,160.48
TOTAL SNGBOOK 2,160.48
TOTAL MATERIALS 2,245.43
MISCELLANEOUS
Designate Gift 4,678.16
DEVELOP 525.00
Reinburse 543.00
SUMTRN 50.00
TOTAL MISCELLANEOUS 5,796.16
Office
NEWEQUIP 974.09
SUPPLIES 237.00
TELEPH
Barz 62.97
Office 122.98
TOTAL TELEPH 185.95
US POST 967.36
TOTAL Office 2,364.40
Sal&Bene
ASST. DIR
Housing 8,432.00
TOTAL ASST. DIR 8,432.00
BENEFITS 5,891.49
EX DIR
Cash 2,200.00
TOTAL EX DIR 2,200.00
TOTAL Sal&Bene 16,523.49
Travel
AUTOS
GAS 97.54
REPAIR & SERVIC 25.00
TOTAL AUTOS 122.54
BOARD 1,188.70
STAFF 149.00
Staff Barz 1,004.93
VEHINS 2,311.00
TOTAL Travel 4,776.17
---------
TOTAL OUTFLOWS 33,876.65
OVERALL TOTAL + $12,864.2

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