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Annual Meeting

Annual Meeting

Each year, members of Calvary Church gather for an Annual Business Meeting to elect members to the Board of Elders and approve the budget for the coming year. Additionally, important updates to key processes and commitments are shared.

This year's meeting will be held on December 3 at 4 pm in the Auditorium. We look forward to sharing stories from the past year and looking ahead to what's in store for 2024.

The results of the voting will be shared verbally during the meeting and, within a few days, posted on this webpage.

Below you will find:

  • A detailed description of the proposed 2024 budget.
  • Pictures and a brief bio for the Elder Board members up for election and re-election.

Agenda

December 3, 2023, 4 pm

Congregational Business Meeting

  • Call to Order
  • Devotional and Opening Prayer
  • Docket Preview
  • Explanation and Vote for Elders for 2024
  • Explanation and Vote for 2024 Budget
  • Updates about Employment Searches—Student Ministry Director and Lead Pastor Searches
  • Presentation of the Church Assessment Tool Survey Results
  • Adjournment and Closing Prayer

2024 Budget Information

A church budget is an opportunity to creatively imagine how God is going to work in the next year to expand his mission through the faithfulness of his people, financially. It's a tool to help us plan the next year.

How does the proposed budget move us forward (especially during a year in which we are hiring a new lead pastor)?

  • Our proposed budget will help us take greater care of our facilities, supporting the many ministries and people who utilize our building.
  • This budget strengthens our adult ministries.
  • This budget further helps us place the right people in the right roles (multiple employment searches are happening in 2024 including lead pastor, student ministry director, and community ministries director).
  • The 2024 budget includes some unique one-time expenses related to the search for a lead pastor.
  • This budget primes our ministries for continued growth and success - especially family ministries, assimilation, and hospitality.

What about our cash reserves?

At the end of October we have about $500,000.00 in reserves. Due to ministry needs and events, spending ebbs and flows throughout the year. We will continue to emphasize giving, putting specific goals in front of the congregation. A strong fourth quarter and end of year will set us up for a strong start to 2024. Additionally, the Finance Team will be actively monitoring and evaluating income v. expenses and implement a Plan B budget, if necessary.

Short Term & Longer-Term Savings Goals:

  • Build our emergency savings to $780,000 (3 months expenses).
  • Intentionally save to pay off the $2.1 million mortgage.
  • Save for strategic facilities and ministry initiatives.

2024 Budget: Income v. Expenses

Income:

  • Giving: $3,093,511.60
  • Non-Giving: $179,782.87
  • Total: $3,273,294.47

Expenses:

  • Compensation: $1,824,725.36
  • Operational & Ministry Expenses: $1,448,569.11
  • Total Expenses: $3,273,294.47

**Below is a Google slides presentation that contains similar 2024 budget content that will be used during the annual meeting. Unfortunately, it's not visible on all devices but we will publish it again on our website after the meeting.**


Elders Up for Election

Jason Carlton

  • Electing for: 1 Year(s)
  • Family of: Stacey (wife), 4 children
  • Attended Calvary: Since 1980. Moved away in 2003 and returned in 2020.
  • Serves in: Small Groups, Men’s Ministry, Greeters, and Reconciliation Team
  • Also: a skilled Realtor and exercise enthusiast

“In my business and in ministry, God has provided me with opportunities to build relationships and care for people in meaningful and creative ways. As an elder, I intend to use my gifts to grow our influence in our community and in the world. I trust that as I rely on his grace to guide and sustain me, I will grow into the man he desires for me to be.”

Dan Duer

  • Electing for: 2 Year(s)
  • Family of: Terri (wife), 1 child
  • Attended Calvary: 25 years
  • Serves in: Men’s Ministry, Usher, Greeter, EWR, Hammerheads, and Oil Change
  • Also: recently retired and enjoys the outdoors

“I want Calvary to be a church known as a resource for finding God's love. I want to help lead Calvary in sharing the gospel as a strong team of focused believers, to be a resource to those within Calvary and outside of Calvary to know God's love and salvation, and in particular, to ensure that visitors feel welcome, and members feel valued and loved.”

Cliff Merkel

  • Electing for: 2 Year(s)
  • Family of: Nancy (wife), 3 children, 4 grandkids
  • Attended Calvary: 26 years
  • Serves in: Usher and Small Group Leader
  • Also: a professional defense contract estimator and skilled canine trainer

“I prayerfully decided to attend the training and be obedient to where the Lord was leading me. During this process, with encouragement from others, I have agreed to submit my name as a candidate for elder. I can assure the congregation I will do my best to humbly serve the Lord and his church.”

Roger Akester

  • Electing for: 3 Year(s)
  • Family of: Barb (wife), 3 children, 8 grandkids, 2 great grandkids
  • Attended Calvary: just shy of 50 years
  • Serves in: Small Groups and Governance Team
  • Also: Orchard Farms SD school bus driver

“Having studied resources regarding biblical eldering, the importance of shepherding, protecting the church body from the attacks of the evil one are the most fundamental. I am committed to loving and caring for our church.” 

Mark Ralfs

  • Electing for: 3 Year(s)
  • Family of: Sherri (wife), 2 children, 2 grandkids
  • Attended Calvary: 25 years
  • Serves in: Ushers, Encore, Intentional Grandparenting, Governance Team and Advisory Team
  • Also: an experienced Financial Advisor

“I'm first and foremost a believer in Christ as Lord and Savior. I'm a husband of 43 years to Sherri. As an Elder, my goal is to lead with integrity and purpose to help ensure the unity of Calvary Church and that our members and attenders are shepherded and cared for in the development of their faith in Christ.” 

Carl Zaiser

  • Electing for: 3 Year(s)
  • Family of: Paula (wife), 5 children
  • Attended Calvary: 5 years
  • Serves in: Encore, Care Ministry, Small Groups, and Men’s Ministry
  • Also: a Supply Chain and Operations Leader and former Army Ranger

“I am a Christian who is passionate about family and friends both in and out of work. After careful consideration, I am eager, yet trepidatious, to apply my spiritual gifts to the role of elder. I recognize that church governance and leadership are very different from marketplace governance and leadership, and the difference is a laser focus on Jesus mattering most in everything. Let's transform and grow together, recognizing God's sovereignty in creation, infinite wisdom in His Word, and perfect love evidenced in the free gift of his only begotten son, Jesus the Christ.”

Elders Up for Re-Election

Chris Ake

  • Re-electing for: 2 Year(s)
  • Family of: Heather (wife), 1 child
  • Attended Calvary: 7 years
  • Serves in: DivorceCare, Small Groups, and Finance Team
  • Also: Employed as a Landscape Designer

“I pray to serve with humility and vulnerability. My brokenness is redeemed by the Lord and used for his glory. I've learned that eldership is not just a way to serve but a call to shepherd and hold the souls of those under his care.”

Returning Elders

David Hall

  • Returning for: 1 Year(s)
  • Family of: Patti (wife), 2 children, 7 grandkids
  • Attended Calvary: 13 years
  • Serves in: WeekEND Hunger Project, Discovery Men's Bible Study, Marriage Mentors and Children’s Ministry
  • Also: Retired US Army Colonel

“I am excited to see what God has in store for Calvary Church next year. I look forward to the calling of a new senior pastor. We also have a new vision that is easy to understand and grasp. Because of the hard work put in last year on the part of the staff and members of the congregation, we are ideally positioned to grow, learn, serve and reach many for Christ. And I believe that the new Elder Board stands ready to lead the charge.”

Joe Sturges

  • Returning for: 1 Year(s)
  • Family of: Nealy (wife), 3 children
  • Attended Calvary: 22 years
  • Serves in: Children’s Ministry, Ushers, and Lead Pastor Search Team
  • Also: a trusted chiropracter

“I have had the privilege of being a member of the Elder Board for the past three years, and through the recent challenges our Church has endured, I have been amazed to watch how God uses all circumstances for His good. I am so encouraged to be a part of the board for the 2024 year and eagerly look forward to continuing to serve both God and my Church."