Bill Barker called the church council meeting for May 17, 2000 to order at 7:35 P.M. in the Shelton Congregational Church library. Bill opened the meeting with a prayer. A quorum [6] was met with 7 being present [P] and 6 being absent [A].

The minutes from the April 19, 2000 minutes were reviewed and accepted. Bill called upon the officers and committee members for their reports.

Treasurer- Bruce presented his April treasurers report on income and expenses, noting a $264. 32 deficit for the month. Bill noted that the April income is inflated by $2800.00. The extra income is because of the movement of $4200.00 out of the Vanguard Acct. and into income to cover the ministers housing allowance for April-May-June. He also noted that the $2800.00 is committed to future spending. Bruce also noted that the basement and parish-remodeling project finished over budget. There was an approved budget of $7500.00 [$6500.00 of which came from a special donation]. The contractor's original estimate was $8350.00; the actual cost was $9735.00, the difference being $1385.00. [See trustees report]

Minister's Report - Greg was not present to give his report. He was attending the Fairfield East Association meeting in Newtown with Gene Ogden, Deacon. Bruce reported He and Greg recently were invited to the Hartford Seminary. Greg has been elected as Co-Chairman of fund raising for the Synagogue Church and Mosque. Greg was also appointed Corporator, to assist Hartford Seminary Trustees. Bruce was invited because of our Peace Pole. Barbara Brown Zikmund was recently in our church to present Greg with his doctorate. While here, she was very impressed with our Peace Pole given to us by Bruce Nichols. Now that she is retiring as President of the Hartford Seminary, she has chosen to present the Seminary with a Peace Pole. Greg would also like an e-mail directory started. If you have an e-mail address please give it to Greg or Mary.

Christian Education [Betty Ogden] the Retreat 2000 at Silverlake in Sharon, Ct. was a huge success. It was a wonderful, warm, spiritual, and fun weekend camping. Well almost camping. There was indoor plumbing and a roof over our heads. There were showers, a kitchen, and a beautiful fireplace in the great room. Wonder who said camping? How many times have we scurried through the woods out running the insects and poison ivy? Go on a nature walk with Bruce Nichols and you will have a very different point of view. This walk was one of the highlights of the weekend. When was the last time you tie-dyed a shirt, if ever? How about a bubble blowing contest? At night we spent our time perfecting our word skills playing games or Greg entertained us with stories about his adventures with youth ministries. The gourmet meals prepared by Betty and Carol were wonderful. Martha Stewart eat you heart out. Jan Wells did such a great job planning this retreat everyone hopes she does it again next year. Hey! We could rent Jan out to other church organizations as a retreat planner. What a fundraiser.

Trustees- Bill presented the report of the trustees meeting. Richard Wells has submitted a map, to the board of zoning, for a proposed tenant parking area by the parish house and is awaiting approval. Options for a lawn mower were discussed. We are presently using a push mower on loan from Richard Well's. Bill Reported that the contractor hired for the remolding job has been fully paid. Because of changes made to the plans made by the building inspector the costs went over budget by $1385.00. The trustees are now planning the work to complete the project. Dick Conklin is donating the carpeting. The trim was painted during workday. The office door re-installed. The remodeling went $ 1385.00 over budget. This was because the building inspector made changes in the plans that added to the cost. Recently the dorsal curtain behind the altar fell. It was cleaned and properly re-hung by Greg, Bruce and Bill. Workday on May 13, 2000 was very productive. The stairs on the back of the church were removed and replaced by GlennWell, Bruce Nichols, Greg Schmidt, and Gene Ogden. Tony Unger freed up the windows in the church, so on warm days we can open them. Mike Fitzpatrick washed down the outside of the church and sidewalks. Garrett Ogden mowed the lawn and cleaned up the garbage. Jeff Devine pruned the shrubs and Lesley and Bill Barker tamed the wild brush. Andy Campagnuolo painted all the trim in the offices and He and Tony Unger replaced the weights in the office windows. Gene Ogden and Mike Fitzpatrick replaced the stair treads on the back of the parish house. Betty Ogden cleaned the kitchen and supplied the donuts and muffins. Cheryl Patrick did a wonderful job in cleaning the choir room. Next trustees meeting is Tuesday, June 13,2000 at 7:P.M.

Membership - Lesley presented the report for Barbara. Our church is now listed in the Conn. Post Newspaper. {See new business] Next meeting is June 4, 2000 after church

Nominating - Glenn was present but had no report.

Personnel - Bill was present but had no report.

Women's Fellowship - Lucille reported that the last Fellowship meeting would be a luncheon picnic at her lake home. It will be held June 17, 2000 at Noon. Any questions or if you need directions please call Lucille at 929-0344.

Fund Raising - It was reported that the May Card Party raised $309.00. $75.00 was raised on the raffle. There will be a price the tag sale item's party at the church on Wed. May 31.2000 at 7: P.M. Please join us. We need all the help we can get. If any questions please call Betty at 924-2415. It was also mentioned that Fran Russell was injured as she was leaving the card party. A departing guest fell backwards on her while climbing the outside stairs, from the kitchen up to the street level.

Outreach - Lesley reported that the Walk for Hunger was very successful. The Relay for Life on June 24-25 teams still needs 14 people. If you can help, see Lesley. She also reported that Spooner House was served on April 20,2000. She also mentioned that the I.V.C. dues need to be paid this month. The next meeting will be June 4, 2000 after church.

Deacons - Mr. Poole reported that their committee is down to four. He noted that the search for a choir director has not been fruitful. There are only two candidates. Mr. Poole is going to speak to Greg about advertising in local publications. Also the committee will need to find a new chairman. The Poole's are leaving us to move to Arizona. The next meeting will be May 28, 2000 after church.

Old Business:

1. All the committees have not submitted goals 2000. Please try to submit by the June meeting.
2. The request for a parking space for the tenants has been tabled until the June Meeting.

New Business:

1. The church services are now being advertised in the Conn. Post.
2. The road signs are tabled until the June meeting. Waiting for prices from Greg.
3. The date for the Tools for Hope Day has been tabled until a fall meeting.

The next council meeting will be held June 21, 2000 at 7:30 P.M. in the library. The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Betty Ogden