June 2025 NSUMC Leadership Board Meeting Report

In attendance: Cathy Sherry, Winston Vineyard, Andrew Song, Keith Sobraske, Carey Johnson, Dave Blobaum, Samantha Moritz, Curt Hansen, Chris Wurpts, Tom McPhee (Co Layleader), Dinah Bahlman (Co Layleader), Shellee Snoke (Staff)

Loving

1. Devotional (Winston Vineyard)
2. Guiding Spiritual Purpose Statement:

The Leadership Board of North Scottsdale UMC prayerfully leads with gratitude and discernment, stewarding God’s gifts and ensuring every decision, action, and gathering nurtures spiritual connections that draw us close to God’s presence and mission in our lives.

Learning

1. Pastoral presentation and review of annual church mission and goals.

Mission: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Matthew 28:19 

2025 Goals: 

1. Every ministry team, class or church group will identify (in one sentence) how what they do nourishes and builds up spiritual connections with God – to be read at the beginning of each gathering and possibly shared with the larger church because every church activity should bring us closer to God.
2. We will inspire and support 50 people to engage for the first time in activities at NSUMC that are beyond the pew by participating in small groups, classes, service opportunities, ministry teams or other church roles beyond worship attendance by December, 2025 because everyone has a unique gift to share in building the kingdom of God.
3. We will increase our church’s impact on the world by inspiring and equipping 50%, approximately 225 members of our congregation to engage in outwardly facing service activities within the next year because our church and our world need to experience God through our service to the world.

1. Leadership Board Packet Approval Consent Agenda and discussion topics
   1. Safe Sanctuary Updates – Brandon asked that approval of the Safe Sanctuary Updates be held until the next meeting.
   2. Playground poles pads replaced with Funds from Doug Smith Memorial Fund ($900 out of $4522).  Chris will ask Susan Smith if she is okay with the playground pole pads being paid for with those funds, since it directly relates to the children’s ministry.

Leading

1. Financial Review and Stewardship Update
   1. $100,000 was moved from the checking account to Fidelity to earn a better interest rate.
   2. $128,381 was moved from Retained Earnings to Finance Restricted to better designate that money.
   3. Giving to Operations was $10,846 over budget for May.
   4. The Desert Southwest Conference had all of its churches change insurance companies. In April, NSUMC received a refund from its old company and paid the premium to its new company in May.
   5. Financial Secretary Report—60 % of the total estimate of giving has been contributed to the church, which is 23% higher than last year. There are 13 more families giving this year than last year, and they give an average of 22% more than the families last year.
   6. Capital Campaign – $8,170 was donated to the Capital Campaign in May.
2. Five Words Media next step
   1. The case is now in a bankruptcy court.  Most of the items that 5Words has will be auctioned off.  The Lawyer indicated that we would probably only receive about .10 for every dollar we gave to 5Words.
   2. If there is strong supporting evidence, NSUMC could file a complaint with the Attorney General for criminal behavior. We could also hold a press conference exposing 5Words. All of these options will cost money in legal fees that we may never recover.
   3. The board agreed to hold off on making any decisions until the next meeting after Chris has had time to discuss the options and costs with the lawyer.
3. Federation next steps; transition team, branding, staffing
   1. Transition team is still looking for 1 more person and for Pastor Adel to start.
   2. The staff and Boards will begin meeting jointly once Pastor Randy leaves.
4. We approved the Memorandum of Understanding with ALC by email last month. 
5. The Grand Canyon Synod has asked Pastor Chris to be the interim pastor during the Federation Process.  He will be a 1099 employee.  He will be assisted by Pastor Adele, a retired Lutheran Pastor who will work 10 hours per week.  She will be responsible for Congregation Care for the Lutheran members, preaching once a month and being a Lutheran presence through the transition.  Once the Federation process is complete, the church will look for a new Lutheran pastor.

Looking Forward

1. 2025 Board meetings:   7/15, 8/19 at 6:00 pm in the community room. Monthly with ALC after this?
2. 2025 Retreat dates – September 19-21; Might be one day only.