FRLC Board Meeting Minutes

Wednesday, April 7, 2021

2:00 pm MST/3:00 pm CST/1:00 pm PST/4:00 pm EST

            Present: Bohdan, Ed, Otto, Tom, Melanie, Karen

Check In & Prayer: All checked in. Tom led in prayer.

Approval of Minutes from Previous Meeting approved. Otto suggested following up with Jane, suggesting that she look for grants that are related to Lutherans, ones for clergy health, and general alcohol and drug resources. Ed will be meeting with her tomorrow.

            Treasurer’s report As of March 31,our balance is $1,769.17. Ed had not cashed his stipend at this time. Melanie did a FaceBook Birthday fund raiser for the FRLC which brought in $205. She will send the details of donors to Louise.

            Coordinator’s report Ed reported on the success of the Sunday Night meeting on Zoom and suggested that we consider moving the Thursday meeting to Zoom. It has been discussed at the meeting and participants agree it is a good idea. People can still call in by phone or turn off their camera if they don’t want to be seen. MSP (Ed, Melanie)

            Ed is meeting with Jane to discuss grants as mentioned above. The CAF received 238 new email addresses from last webinar. Tim King is helping with marketing. Ed received many calls the week following the webinar from people from other denominations wanting to connect with us. These demonstrate the potential for collaboration/ecumenical partners. Many of the callers indicated feeling like it’s time the church did more with this. The Holy Spirit is moving and we are reaching “critical mass”.

            Ed hired Tim to be the conference manager for the A & F Conference. He has an incredible communication team and is working on a marketing plan and strategic vision. He is one of the keynote speakers for the next conference and wrote the book “Addiction Nation”. Tim is putting together a timeline and task list and Ed will be lining up volunteers when he has the information. The Conference planning meeting will likely be on Zoom. Ed hopes we will all be involved. The hospitality room should be simpler and run by a local person. Coffee, homemade treats and a veggie tray or chips would be sufficient.  

            Ed would also like everyone to be interviewed for the CAF “My Story” podcasts. Bohdan, Melanie and Ed did it. Ed was interviewed by Marshall. One board member prefers not to be interviewed.

            Ed asked if there is interest in a lectionary discussion from the 12 step hermeneutic. Otto shared the story of how Faith Partners started as a 12 step text study.

            Ed  is talking with the Minneapolis Synod DEM about developing an online recovery ministry.

            Melanie suggested working on some of the items on the Work Plan, such as regional representation and defining the role of board members while we wait for a grant.

Next meeting: Wednesday, May 5

2:00 pm MST/3:00 pm CST/1:00 pm PST/4:00 pm EST