Tony Unger called the church council meeting for March 15, 2000 to order at 7:35 P.M.  In the Shelton Congregational Church library.  Rev. Dr. G. Schmidt offered a prayer. A quorum [6] was met with 10 being present [P] and 3 being absent [A].

The minutes from the March 15, 2000 minutes were reviewed and accepted.  Tony called upon the officers and committee member for their reports. 

Treasurer – Bruce presented his March treasurers report on income and expenses, noting a $3,778.55 deficit for the month.  Some of this deficit is due to the final payment to the contractor for the parish house basement  remolding.  Greg inquired whether the church was still on a budget plan for the gas and if the office machine maintenance contract  ends in March. Barbara asked if the $200.00 donation to I.V.C. has been sent and if not, when would it be sent? 

Minister’s Report – Greg reported that there were 250 people at church for the memorial service held for Mr. Russell, a church member who recently died.  He also thanked   Bruce and Tony for covering for a visiting minister who became ill  suddenly.  He was very happy to report that his son [Matthew] is now walking on his own.  Readers  for Maundy Thursday were requested and he also reported a problem with the organ. 

Christian Education [Betty Ogden] – Betty reported all members attending the retreat at Silverlake need to register by April 27, 2000. All allergies and special food needs must be listed. No children without parents will be allowed. Greg and his family will be attending the retreat and Greg will be conducting the Sunday morning service. There will be a need to obtain a replacement minister for the church services. A church member has donated the cost of a replacement  minister. There will be no Sunday school on Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday.  The children will pass out the palms on Palm Sunday. The need for teacher was again discussed. A Detailed curriculum is provided and skills can be acquired as you teach.  Four young people are being confirmed this year. Classes will start at the beginning of May. Youth Sunday is at the end of June.

Trustees – [Bill Barker] One member of the committee has resigned and a letter was sent to the nominating committee.  The contract work on the office and parish house is completed and now the trustees are  reviewing  the costs and purchases  of desks and shelving.  This plan will be submitted at the next  council meeting. Trustees will meet a few days before to finalize this report.  Trustees also will be planning the future withdrawals of the housing costs for the minister. April-May-June are presently covered.  The June Council meeting will need this plan.  There is a church  workday planned for May 13, 2000.

Membership – Barbara reported that letters where sent to 30 in-active members.  Four letters where returned  for lack of and available forwarding address.  A full report was presented to the council on costs of  church service advertising in  local newspapers.

Nominating – Glenn acknowledged receiving the letter of resignation from the trustee member. See  trustee report.

Personnel – Bill reported that at their March 26, 2000  meeting they discussed the plans to conduct a poll of church members, with the intent of surveying for membership attitudes with regard to employees.    He expected the poll would be submitted to the May council.   The next personnel meeting would be held April 30,2000 after church services.

Stewardship – Peggy reported that her committee would have a meeting after Easter. They  will study the pledges made and will contact members in arrears.

Women’s Fellowship [Barbara] It was reported that the school kits have been completed and ready to be shipped. They are also preparing to call all church members to bake for the June 3, 2000 tag sale.  Blanket Sunday will be May 14, 2000 [Mothers Day]. The next Women’s Fellowship meeting will be held May 16, 2000 at 7:00 P.M.

Fund Raising – Walt reported that the plans for the May 8, 2000 card party are complete. He also has available 100 vouchers for Bluefish games. The cost is $7.00 per voucher and can be turned in for the games of your choice.  There is also a tag sale scheduled for June 3, 2000. The fund raising committee will meet soon.

Outreach – Leslie reported that the Spooner House supper was served April 15, 2000.  Leslie also attended a Relay for Life Meeting on April 13, 2000. She has envelopes and waivers for those who wish them. There will be no team march with flags. Luminary money will go directly to the Relay office, but we will keep an account of the money contributed. The Lenten book study will be continued. The last book study will be held on April 30, 2000. About 10 books have been distributed. The next Outreach meeting will be held on May 14, 2000.

Old Business:

1.          Goal 2000 reports need to be submitted at the May Council meeting, from those committees who have not done so.

2.          The request of Lucille on behalf of Richard Wells to create one parking space for the tenants was tabled until the May council meeting.

New Business:

1.          Greg made a motion that the church advertises our Sunday services in the Connecticut Post.   It would be a four-line ad and our web site would be listed. The cost would be $5.16 per week with the money coming from the membership budget. All were in favor.

2.          It was decided that a local contractor be asked to submit a bid on the cost of roadside signs advertising the church.   City Hall will also need to be consulted. Barbara was asked to obtain all needed information for the next council meeting.

3.          Leslie made a motion concerning Tools of Hope. She would like a  Tools of Hope Day. She would like it to be part of a Sunday service and a family lunch planned for after services. There is also a videotape and program available that could be used in Sunday school. The motion was approved, but because of so many other activities going on now, the date was tabled until a later council meeting.

The next council meeting will be May 17, 2000 at 7:30 in the library. In closing a prayer was said by Greg.  The meeting was adjourned at 9:05 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Betty Ogden