Q:  When will the God Squad (Emanuel youth group) start up again?

A:  One of the priorities of the new congregation is to provide a vibrant youth group.  This will be an important ministry from the very start of the new congregation.

Q:  What is the new church going to be?

A:  It will be a church that cares for its own people but also places great emphasis on reaching out to the surrounding community.  It will seek to become a “magnet for the community” where programs and ministries will draw people to our church and, more importantly, to the love of Christ.

Q:  Do the congregations have any say in the final choosing of the pastors, or is this finalized?

A:  Yes.  As with any congregation, a Call Committee will be formed to interview candidates.  At this time the only candidates being considered are Pastor Evelyn Dahlke and Pastor Craig Pederson, but they will be interviewed to assess their gifts and sense of call to the new congregation.  The congregations would then vote on the candidates recommended by the Call Committee.

Questions about Budget and Finances:

Q:  "What do our numbers look like?" I wondered. Our current assets and revenue, projected permanent site costs, temporary site costs, etc. That night, I searched the NELutherans website, but I didn't see a spreadsheet. Could you please post this information onto the site?

A:  A preliminary budget projection for the new congregation based on current revenue and expenses of the three churches was provided as in the JET Recommendation Report from Sept. 2006.  It is available at http://nelutherans.com/Documents/Recommendation Report.pdf.  A more detailed operating budget is currently being drafted by the New Council, and will be made available for review once it is drafted.

Q:  What are the Special Funds brought to the consolidation by each church.

A:  Each church has been asked to report all non-budget funds to the New Council by mid-February.  The New Council has secured the services of Steve Sorensen, a Certified Public Accountant, to assist in the full disclosure and evaluation of these funds.  The findings will be published once they are verified.

Q:  I feel I need more information before I could vote to consolidate.  What will happen to each church’s special funds?  What is the financial picture of all three churches? 

A:  The “special funds” from each church take a few different forms.  Endowment funds from the previous congregations would likely be moved in part or in full into an endowment fund for the new congregation.  Restricted funds within each current congregation are those that the donor gave for a specific purpose.  They would need to be used for that purpose before the consolidation or may be restricted for that specific purpose within the new congregation.  Designated funds that were set up by the Councils of the current churches would likely not retain that same designation in the new congregation unless the New Council saw fit to do so.  These details will be addressed in the coming month.  What the New Council wants to avoid is setting up separate funds coming from the three separate congregations.  We are setting up a new congregation where all of us are in it together.

Q:  What are the monthly expenses at this time for each church.

A:  This is currently being assessed by the New Council in order to draft a proposed budget for the new congregation.

Q:  Is there no other alternatives to consolidation: grants, foundations, buy property nearby for parking? (this was signed by Richard S.)

A:  Grants and foundations are sources of external funding that are available to any individual congregation, and would be available to a consolidated congregation as well.  In either case, an application and a “case statement” would be required to explain why funding is being requested. 

Regarding property for parking, that option was discussed in the spring of 2003 when a house two doors down from the church went up for sale.   St. Paul’s Church Council ultimately decided it was not a good option at the time.   There is currently a house two doors south of the church for sale.  The homeowners directly to the west and south of the church were contacted a year ago during St. Paul’s long range planning process to inquire about their longer term plans.  Each indicated an openness to conversations about their properties at that time. 

Q:  In view of the deficit shown (at St. Paul’s) for 2005 and 2006 and even a larger one projected for 2007, it seems to be about time to address the income vs. spending aspect.  We can’t continue to spend more than we take in.

A:  One of the reasons consolidation looks favorable to each church is to reduce their expenses by combining staff, reducing building operating and maintenance costs, and consolidating office supplies, worship supplies, etc.   Each church has encountered operating deficits in recent years, and the unfortunate fact is that most churches do.  We rely on members and friends of our congregations to practice Christian stewardship and giving, which fund our mission and ministries.  We hope and pray that the mission of the new congregation will inspire people to support it faithfully and generously.  

Questions about the Consolidation Process:

Q:  When will the consolidation take place?

A:  The original target date for the start of the new congregation was Easter, 2007 (April 8).  At this point it appears that will not be realistic.  The New Council and each church’s own Councils are working to resolve current issues and present information to their congregations so that they can make their decisions accordingly.  The revised goal of the New Council is to complete the consolidation and form the new congregation by this summer.

Q:  Why was the temporary church named before the actual vote on consolidation?

A:  Actually, the temporary site was recommended after each church voted on consolidation.  Emanuel voted to support the consolidation on September 24, 2006.  Holy Triune and St. Paul’s voted on October 8, 2006.   The temporary site recommendation from JET was in November, and the congregations initially voted on December 10, 2006 (Holy Triune re-voted last Sunday).

Q:  How does the Holy Triune NO vote effect the consolidation?

A:  On December 10, 2006, Holy Triune voted ‘no’ almost unanimously (one ‘yes’ vote) against the selection of Emanuel as the temporary site of the new congregation.  On January 7, 2007,  Holy Triune re-voted on their support of consolidation, and the vote was 24 – yes, 6 – no, 3 – abstain.  On January 28, 2007, Holy Triune re-voted to support the temporary site recommendation and the vote was 32 – yes, 3 – no.    

Q:  You must include Holy Triune in the consolidation. There is talk it could be just St. Paul’s and Emanuel.

A:  All three churches remain committed to the consolidation process.  There has been no discussion by the New Council or the Transition Task Force about any arrangement other than all three churches consolidating.

Q:  Has the temporary location been resolved? 

A:  After Holy Triune’s vote on January 28, 2007 in favor of the

Q:  When we are (or have been) voting for issues for the new congregation, what rules of order are we following as far as the percent needed to pass items on which the congregations are voting? It is a simple majority or a 75% of votes cast? Is the majority counted as an entire group – all three churches ballots – or each church individually?

A:  It depends on each church’s constitution, but most matters require a simple majority – 51% or more to pass.  Each of the votes cast so far within the three churches have been based on a simple majority.   Each church has been voting individually up to this point.  The ELCA Model Constitution only recommends a different majority – two-thirds (67%) – in relation to a) the calling of a pastor; b) the sale or transfer of property; and c) amending the constitution.

Q:  Opinions on consolidation at St. Paul’s are all over the map. It would be wise to have a St. Paul’s Q&A before a joint worship/Q&A.

A:  St. Paul’s held a discussion and Q & A about the consolidation at its Annual Meeting last Sunday, January 28, 2007.  Many questions and concerns were raised, and many statements affirming the consolidation were made.  The basic outcome of that discussion was that St. Paul’s would like more information about the selection of the permanent site before it votes for dissolution of its congregation.

Q:  If only two churches merge, can we still proceed?

A:  Yes, it is technically possible for two churches to consolidate (merge), but the hope is that all three will consolidate.

Q:  Will Mercy Seat be going along with the consolidation?

A:  Mercy Seat would remain a separate congregation, but would likely choose to relocate to the same building where the new congregation will be worshiping.

Q:  How are we going to get all three churches to become one? 

A:  A lot of prayer and continuing conversations!

Q:  When we voted for the new members of the “New Council” many of us felt that we were only voting for the members of our church who were going to be part of the new council. It would have been and still would be helpful if we could receive a bio the members to the “New Council.”

A:  The election of New Council members was confusing in each church.  There could have been more clear information presented, as well as bios on each of the New Council candidates before the vote.  The reason people were asked to vote on New Council candidates from other churches in addition to their own was to give them broader authority to make decisions in setting up the new congregation.  People were asked to put a great deal of trust in the New Council candidates, perhaps without even knowing who they were.

In order to provide this information now, below are the bios for those who were elected to serve on the New Council are on the “New Council” page of this web site.

Q:  The big question is Why? Why do we have to do it at all? I am not for it. I like our church and hope we stay put. Thank you. (This question is from St. Paul’s)

A:  As to why pursue consolidation, St. Paul’s was not required to do it.  When the Vision 2010 Plan was adopted a year ago by the congregation at St. Paul’s Annual Meeting, the Church Council looked at possible strategies of how to begin working toward that vision.  Because the vision was to serve the larger community of Northeast Minneapolis, the strategy of joint ministry with other churches was considered a strong option to investigate.  After conversations with Holy Triune and Emanuel, there was strong interest on both of their parts to pursue joint ministry.  Consolidation into a new congregation emerged as the best strategy to engage in joint ministry for the sake of Northeast Minneapolis. 

It has been difficult for everyone involved to consider leaving St. Paul’s building, even those strongly in favor of consolidation.  The same holds true for Holy Triune.  Emanuel may face this same difficulty if it is not the permanent site.  There has also been concern stated about losing the momentum that St. Paul’s congregation itself has developed in the past couple of years.  But the benefits of consolidation – more worshipers, more financial resources, fewer buildings to maintain, more staff possibilities, more lay leadership so that fewer people “burn out” – have been discussed as outweighing the costs.

Questions about Church Buildings, Property, Temporary and Permanent Site:

Q:  If Emanuel is only a temporary site, what is the plan for a permanent location.

     a. Large building fund drive?

     b. Will we be able to stay in the neighborhood? (Within a 15 block area)

A:  No specific plans for the permanent site have been made other than a commitment that the new congregation would stay in Northeast Minneapolis, and more specifically, would locate within the target service area identified by JET.  That target area is bounded by

Resources for a permanent site could potentially include a capital campaign of some kind.  Assuming that the vacated buildings of the previous congregations would be sold, there would be significant income available from those sales.  There may also be possibilities to receive grants and other funding through a) the Minneapolis Area Synod; b) ELCA; and c) Sacred Places.

Q:  Who decides if the three churches are sold?  There is little market for old churches.

A:  If a church building was to be sold before the new congregation is formed, the current congregation would make that decision.  If a church building was to be sold once the new congregation starts and the old congregations are dissolved, the new congregation would make that decision.

There is actually a fairly active market for older church buildings.  Four separate parties have already made unsolicited inquiries about what will be done with our vacated buildings once the new congregation starts.  There are several “start-up” churches from various denominations in the Twin Cities, some of whom are looking for space.  Developers are also interested in certain types of old churches for historic renovation as housing, offices, performance spaces, etc.

Q:  Why wasn’t St. Paul’s given fair consideration during the JET process for the temporary or permanent facility?

A:  Each building was equally considered for the temporary site.  Based on the criteria established by JET and shared with each congregation, the pros and cons of each building were considered. 

The following is from the November 9, 2006 JET Recommendation Report on the temporary site:

“JET first developed a list of desirable features for a temporary site. This list included accessibility, a nursery, adequate Sunday School classrooms and adult meeting spaces, a suitable kitchen and fellowship hall, adequate office space, music space, parking availability and maintenance. In addition we considered visibility, aesthetics, and building operating costs.

JET then sponsored tours of each of the sites and invited all church members to participate.   We were pleased to see a number of people take these tours, and several of them shared their ideas with us afterward.  JET wants to thank those who participated and helped with the tours.

Each of the three current sites meets some of the desired features, yet no site completely fits all of them. Interestingly, JET found that operating costs, when considered with the holding costs for unoccupied buildings and the potential for rent income, turned out to be roughly equal for all three sites. (A report on these costs is available for review.) JET also determined that repair costs will probably not be a significant variable because all three buildings will have to be kept in a basic state of repair but not significantly improved during the holding period.”

Based on the considerations listed above, Emanuel was recommended as the best option to meet the mission of the new congregation on a temporary basis until the permanent site was determined.   No determination has been made on a permanent site. 

Q:  Where will our new church be?

A:  The New Council has discussed forming a facility task force now, rather than waiting until the new congregation starts worshiping together, to begin look at permanent site criteria and options.  While the temporary site decision has been made members from all three churches, but especially from St. Paul’s, are asking for more specific information about permanent site criteria and feasibility of the three current buildings. 

Q:  St. Paul’s has the most potential for a permanent site. Why hasn’t that fact been acknowledged?

A:  None of the three buildings is precluded from consideration as a permanent site.  The potential of St. Paul’s as a permanent site was acknowledged publicly on December 10, 2006 during the congregational meeting at St. Paul’s as part of the discussion on the motion to approve Emanuel as the temporary site.  Minutes from that meeting are available from the church office upon request.

A facility task force will likely be formed very soon by the New Council to establish permanent site criteria and perform a feasibility study of the current church buildings to assess their potential as permanent sites.  The hope is that such an assessment would take less than two months.  This evaluation of permanent site potential comes much earlier in the consolidation process than originally planned, but if it is helpful to the overall process then we will try to provide the most complete information possible as soon as it is available.

Q:  Has the possibility been discussed that, if Emanuel is the temporary site, and we can’t sell the other properties, then does Emanuel become the permanent site?

A:  No discussions took place by the JET, nor have any taken place on the New Council or Transition Task Force so far, regarding the timing of the sale of buildings or contingencies should any of the building not be sold for a long period of time.

Q:  I guess I'm okay with JET's recommendation for Emanuel as a temporary worship site if St. Paul's really is too small and elevatorless. However, I've heard about Emanuel's heating costs and expensive fix-it list, so it wouldn't be my first or second choice for a permanent site. I would feel more confident going there temporarily if I could see the numbers that would get us somewhere else within a couple years.

A:  Emanuel has no emergency repairs or maintenance issues that will require a significant cost right away.  There are short-term (2 – 5 years) and long-term recommendations for repairs and upgrades based on the findings of an architectural assessment, but none of these must be immediately implemented.

Q:  Was there a historical value of each building done before a decision was made on which building would be used?

A:  No, not as part of the temporary site recommendation.

Q:  Was there a community value of each building done before a decision was made on which building would be used?

A:  No, not as part of the temporary site recommendation.

Q:  Has there been a cost analysis done for repairs or needed upgrades for each building to get them to the required state for resale before a decision was made on which building would be used?

A:  No analysis of this type was done.  There are not any “required” standards that must be met before a church building is sold.  Like selling a house, the main considerations for selling a church building would be physical or aesthetic improvements that might make a building more attractive to a potential buyer, and disclosing repair issues known by the seller at the time of sale.

Q:  My biggest concern is that we’ve rushed into this.  I was pleased that Holy Triune had the courage to vote no to the temporary site because I think it gives us more time to look at our options.  I’m afraid that the temporary site will become the permanent site because we won’t be able to sell these three buildings. 

A:  While the timeline for the consolidation process has been public knowledge and in place since October, there has been an increasing desire among many to slow down the process.  The process has now been slowed down, and new target dates for dissolution votes and the start of the new congregation are on hold until there is a greater feeling of readiness by all three churches.

The Joint Exploration Team (JET) made a recommendation on a temporary site only, and made no assumptions about the permanent site.  JET left the selection of a permanent site to the new congregation. 

Q:  I am concerned about the long-term “vision” of where the church will be. What, if any, investigations have been made for potential sites? I am afraid that the commitment to Emanuel as temporary site will turn permanent as there are not that many large parcels of land available for a building w/parking.

A:  The new congregation is committed to staying in Northeast Minneapolis.  Beyond that, no intentional analysis has been done about potential permanent sites other than the three current church buildings.  It is true that there is very little undeveloped land in Northeast Minneapolis where a new church building could be located.  There are large buildings and sites that come up for sale or lease from time to time.  Potential sites that have been mentioned as possibilities to investigate once the new congregation is formed include:  vacated Minneapolis Public School buildings, other larger church buildings that may soon be vacated, old warehouse sites, and converted office buildings such as the one at 15^th and Central called the Alamo Building.

The most important consideration for the permanent site is it that provides a place where the mission and vision of the new congregation can be most fully realized.   The permanent facility must serve the needs of the programs and ministries we feel called to provide.  This will be discussed after our joint worship on Feb. 18.

Q:  I hate to see beautiful, old buildings in good repair not being used.  I think St. Paul’s fits that category and I think we should take the time to get an estimate of what it would cost to add an elevator, more offices, classrooms, etc. 

A:  The intent is that the new congregation will do this kind of cost analysis on potential permanent sites, including St. Paul’s, after the new congregation is formed and has started worshiping and living out its new mission together.

Q:  It’s my understanding that the transition team had planned to move to a neutral site.  I understand the logic in that but I think we need to check out ALL options before making decisions.

A:  There is no plan to move to a neutral site.  A neutral location for the temporary site was briefly considered by JET but was not deemed a good option.  JET recommended in its report that all three of the current church buildings be considered for the permanent site as well as a neutral location, but no decisions were made and no preference was stated by JET.

Q:  What are all the reasons St. Paul’s cannot be the main church?

A:  Emanuel was recommended by JET to be the best temporary home for the new congregation to begin living out its mission until a permanent home is determined.  In relation to the buildings of Emanuel and Holy Triune, St. Paul’s was considered to have limited classrooms, limited space in the Fellowship Hall, limited office space, and is not handicapped accessible.  St. Paul’s could still be considered as the permanent site by the new congregation, but would likely need to address these issues that discouraged its recommendation as the temporary site.

Q:  I believe the majority of the people, St Paul members that voted yes for consolidation truly thought the site would be St. Paul’s. I believe if another vote were taken, St. Paul’s members would vote yes to consolidation provided St. Paul’s was the permanent site. If this is all “said &done” there are many people from St. Paul’s that will not move to Emanuel.  Who is the person that is making the decision to move forward?

A:  Each congregation was presented the same information regarding consolidation.  Each congregation voted overwhelmingly in favor of consolidation, though there were individuals who voted against it.  No one single person is making any decisions to move the consolidation process forward – it cannot move forward without the support of the three congregations.  We ask for your continuing openness to the process and to the work of the Holy Spirit.

Q:  Who will be the last one out St. Paul’s door to lock it?

A:  Uncertain.  If St. Paul’s is determined to be the permanent site, there wouldn’t be a “last one out” to lock it.  If St. Paul’s building is sold to another congregation, it would be locked only long enough to allow that congregation to begin its ministry in the building.  If another site is selected for the newly consolidated congregation, and St. Paul’s building is not sold or otherwise utilized, it would be locked by a representative of the new congregation.

Q:  I smell mold when I walk in the door at Emanuel.  What can be done about that?

A:  A “Conditions Assessment and Priorities Evaluation” dated May, 2006 was done by MacDonald and Mack Architects, Ltd.  There was no mention made of mold problems in any part of the building. 

Q:  Emanuel has crumbling brick on the front of the building.  Will that affect the elevator functioning? 

A:  The pilaster in the front of the building was encountering deteriorating brick and mortar.   The pilaster is ornamental and not a structural necessity.  Emanuel decided to remove the damaged bricks and patch it with Tyvek wrap in the short-term until further decisions are made regarding consolidation and site options.  There is no crumbling brick that affects the functioning of the elevator.

Q:  Is there a way to preserve some of the beautiful architecture from all three churches for use by the consolidated church? 

A:  Yes.  There are a variety of ways to do this on smaller and larger scales.  Certain furnishings (baptismal fonts, altar tables, some pews) can easily be utilized in the permanent site.  Larger items like stained glass or wooden fixtures may be possibilities as well.  If the decision is to build a completely new building, an architect could fine ways to integrate designs and even actual materials from each of the current church buildings.

Q:  If items from Emanuel are removed from the church, furniture or decorations, will those items be for sale to the public?

A:  Yes.  The Transition Task Force (TTF) will make its recommendations about items from all three churches, then items not to be kept for the new congregation will be offered for sale.

Questions about Transportation and Parking:

Q:  The parking at Emanuel was a problem for some elderly who had to park a block and farther away and walk.

A:  Yes, street parking near Emanuel on Sunday mornings can be a challenge, mainly because Elim Baptist Church also uses a lot of street parking during their Sunday morning activities.  Options include: a) staggering new congregation service times with Elim’s service times; b) parking in the Logan Park parking lot just on the other side of the park building; c) parking in the Minneapolis School District lot a block away; d) enlisting volunteers to provide “valet parking” – a ministry that Elim has found to be very effective.

Q:  Did the JET team look at the number of members that walk to the different churches?

A:  No, not for the temporary site recommendation.

Q:  Are there are members who bus to church now?  The Central line has a limited runs on Sunday, where as the Broadway bus, I have been told, does not run on Sunday.

A:  This was discussed, but was not one of the criteria that formed the basis of the temporary site recommendation.  The Route 10 bus on Central Avenue (two blocks from St. Paul’s, three blocks from Holy Triune, five blocks from Emanuel) runs every 15-20 minutes on Sundays; the Route 32 bus on Lowry Avenue (stops a block from St. Paul’s) does not run on Sundays; the Route 17 bus on Washington and Monroe (two blocks from Emanuel) runs every 30 minutes on Sundays.  Connections to each of these routes would depend on the point of origin.

Q:  It has been mentioned that rides would be available for members to the new location. Will this be by a church owned vehicle?  If so, has a cost study been done on purchase, storage and upkeep? Who will be driving?

A:  The exact mode of transportation has not been determined.  It would depend on the number of people wanting or needing transportation.  Holy Triune owned its own bus until about two years ago when it was donated to another ministry.  That bus may be able to be reclaimed.  It is currently parked in the garage owned by Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church on 27^th and Johnson.  Anyone with a Class B license can drive that bus.  No cost study has been done on maintenance and upkeep of that bus, or any other bus.  Other options could be setting up a system of ridesharing among members, or utilizing Metro Transit buses, or renting a small bus or van from another organization such as Eastside Neighborhood Services, or using taxi services.

Other Miscellaneous Questions:

Q:  When will the new church name be chosen?  

A:  The process for naming the new church will begin today!  We hope the name will be selected within the next 30 – 60 days.  

Q:  Will the congregations be able to submit names for the new congregation.

A:  Yes!

Q:  How will we determine what historical items will be saved from each church – photos, records, artwork, etc.?

A:  The Transition Task Force (TTF) will be making inventories of all items and making recommendations as to which items will be kept and how they will be used or preserved.  The congregations are encouraged to contact their representative on the TTF with questions or opinions.

Q:  What area does the Comm. Consider for an inner city church? 

A:  We think this question is about the target service area, which again has been targeted as

Q:  Will relationships with Luther Park and Augustana Homes continue? 

A:  Emanuel has had valuable and long-standing relationships with both of these organizations.  The decision about whether or not to maintain these relationships will be made by the new congregation.