It may be the first time in the history of Temple Lutheran...it's certainly the first time in decades...
Because we have enough volunteers, there will be an election to determine who will join congregation council this year. This is an exciting indication that more of our congregation is getting involved and are committed to making a difference!
Congregation Council consists of 9 to 12 elected members. With 6 members continuing on current terms, at least 3 and no more than 6 members are to be elected. The first four elections are for 3-year terms beginning in 2010. The fifth election is for the remaining 2 years of a term that was filled by appointment in 2009. The sixth election is for the remaining 1 year of a term that was filled by appointment in 2009. Council will determine which elected members will serve each of the terms.
Continuing Members: Susan Cook (2011), Celia Engman (2012), Robert Hensil (2012), Joanne King (2011), David Nichols (2012), Christine Rieck (2011)
Outgoing Members: Dick Bruss, Liz Bruss, Bob Burd, Kathy Farally, Rachel Hallowell, Roy Hallowell
2010 Congregation Council Nominees
Valerie Barger, 14 (youth nominee), lives in Havertown and is a lifelong member of Temple confirmed in 2009. Valerie is a 9th grade student at Haverford High School. At Temple, Valerie is involved in music (KENANIAH & youth duet/choir), teaching children's Sunday school, and assisting in worship (reader, assisting minister, projector assistant). "I'm a pretty active member in the church, and I'm interested in putting my ideas as a younger person into making the church better."
Dick Bruss, 59, lives with his family in Wynnewood. Dick works as a Program Director for Amtrak and has been a member of Temple since 1990. Active in many areas of ministry, Dick has just completed a 3-year term on council and has volunteered to continue. "For the Church to thrive, its members must be active participants in its life beyond Sunday worship. I want to use my blessings to help guide our church."
Ingrid Burd, 39, lives with her family in Havertown and is a lifelong member of Temple. She works as a Financial Recovery Officer for Delaware County Juvenile Court. At Temple, Ingrid's involvement includes teaching Sunday School, Community Outreach, and the Contemporary Worship Committee. "Although approached in the past, I never felt I had the time or maturity to serve on a committee of this magnitude. However, now that my children are older and more involved in church life, I believe it is the time to volunteer. I am excited about the changes Temple Lutheran has made over the last several years and I want to be an active participant in future changes 'To know Christ and To Make Christ Known.' I will bring fresh ideas to the table that will continue to strengthen our congregation."
Rachel Hallowell, 22 (young adult nominee), has served on council for the past year after being appointed. A 2009 graduate of Drexel University, Rachel works as an Individualized Learning Plan Coordinator at the Science Leadership Academy in Philadelphia. Rachel has served in many areas at Temple including child care, youth, music, and on the call committee. Her experience on council motivated her to volunteer to continue.
Roy Hallowell, 57, has served on council for the past 3 years and as president for the past year. A member of Temple since 1982, Roy lives with his family in Upper Darby. Other areas that Roy has been active in at Temple include outreach, choir/bell choir, and worship leadership. Roy is also interested in Bible study and stewardship. Roy is willing to serve as a council member "because I care about the mission of this church and the best way to understand what is happening is to be at the heart of what is happening. And mostly because Kathy Farally asked me three years ago."
Jeanne Pocock, 70, is a retired school teacher who lives in Havertown. She has been a member of Temple since 1944 and active in countless areas of ministry. She is interested in worship and Christian Outreach. "I feel that being on Council provides an opportunity to have a voice in the direction that we are taking in solving our problems and providing opportunities to serve others. I believe that each member should have an opportunity to serve on Council to get a better understanding of our church."
Noel Smyth, 44, became a member of Temple in 2008. Noel lives with his family in Havertown and works as a Technology Director for JP Morgan Chase. Noel has been active in Temple's homeless ministries and Habitat for Humanity project and is also interested in Church maintenance. "I was asked to serve on Church council and I am willing to do so because I believe in the Church's mission and would enjoy getting to know more of the congregation."
Jay Tress has been a member of Temple Lutheran since 1985. Jay lives with his family in Lansdowne and works for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. His areas of involvement and interest at Temple include finance, property, youth, and others. Jay has been on council in the past (including 2002-2008) and has enjoyed being part of the decision-making part of our church. "I have been on church council in the past and have enjoyed being part of the decision making part of our church. I would hope that I can make a difference and represent the members of our congregation."