Church Council Meeting-June 21, 2000

Tony Unger called the church council meeting for June 21,2000 to order at 7:35 P.M.  In the Shelton Congregational Church Library. Bruce opened the meeting with a prayer. A quorum [6] was met with 10 being present [P] and 3 being absent [A].

The minutes from the May 17, 2000 meeting were reviewed and accepted.  Tony called upon the officers and committee members for their reports. 

Treasurer Report [Bruce Nichols] Bruce presented a Treasurer's Report on May, 2000 income and expenses. His report showed income of $8,305.05, expenses totaling $9,923.49, noting a $ 1618.46 deficit for the month. Most of this deficit was because of an extra ministers housing allowance of $1400.00.  Therefore the deficit is technically  $218.46.  The treasurer's report projected spending for the year 2000, shows a possible $21,000 deficit. Tony has requested a year - to - date report on income. Bruce will try to have this report for the July 19,2000 council meeting.

Minister's Report - In Greg's absence Bill reported that the next Fairfield East Association dinner would be held at the Shelton Congregational Church on Oct. 25, 2000.   75 to 100 people are expected. Volunteers will  be needed to set up the Beard Room and serve dinner. If you can help in any capacity, please see Greg or Bill.

Christian Education [Betty Ogden] The Children's Day Program, under the supervision of Becky Mccart, Kathy Maillet, Jan Wells, and Helen Brakewood was well done and enjoyed by all church members present.

Trustees [Bill Barker] Bruce presented the report of the trustees meeting. Work on the parish house office remodeling has progressed.  Bill and Lesley Barker installed the carpet tiles donated by Dick Conklin.  An additional $250.00 has been appropriated for materials and furniture needed for the office. It was also noted that paperwork, informing Fidelity Investment's of the change in church officials responsible for the brokerage account, is being done.  It was noted that the Zoning Board has approved our application for a tenant parking space.   The church will have the use of Richard Well's push mower. Greg mentioned the need for painting the ceiling of the church sanctuary. Greg offered to solicit estimates for this job. Also discussed at this meeting was the possibility of additional spotlights in the church sanctuary and downstairs in the Beard Room. Trustees will also hold another workday on Sunday, July 9, 2000 after church.

Membership [Barbara Osterhoudt] Barbara didn't have new information regarding the cost of roadside signs, advertising the location of our church. Greg was to obtain this information, so Barbara will contact him and have this information for the July 19,2000 church council meeting.

Nominating [Glenn Wells] Glenn reported that Greg will fill the unexpired term of a trustee member who has resigned. He also reported an opening on the Deacon's Committee.

Personnel [Bill Barker] Bill reported that the Personnel Committeeheld their meeting on June 13, 2000. He also noted that the Personnel Committee attended a dinner meeting at Captains Pizza with Rev. Neville, U.C.C.  Liaison person, who will also be attending the July 11,2000 personnel meeting.

Bill also made a motion that the Personnel Survey be accepted. It was suggested that a s worded it may be in violation of the by-laws.  [See new business].

Women's Fellowship [Lucille Wells] Lucille reported that the Women's Fellowship picnic at her lake home was well attended and everyone enjoyed himself or herself.

Fundraising - Bill Barker reported that the fund raising committee plans to host a spaghetti dinner in the Beard Room at 6:00 P.M., with an after dinner presentation on "Finding your Roots". The speaker will be Bill Barker. Ticket prices will be $7.00 for adults and $3.50 for children under 12. He also reported that later this fall there would be a Silent Auction. We will also have a table at the Shelton Day function on October 1, 2000. Volunteers will be needed.

Stewardship [Peggy Gilmore] Peggy reported that pledges of $3.336.00 have been received. Tony requested a report showing pledges made verses pledges received. He would like this report for the next meeting, if possible.  It is suggested that Stewardship committee post a letter on the church bulletin board showing these figures.

Outreach [Lesley Barker] Lesley reported that the church served two Spooner House dinners. On May 28,2000 and June 17, 2000. Lesley was asked, "If Spooner House did not find a new home would they be out of business? She replied "Yes." Tony asked if anyone from Shelton has gone before the I.V.C. Congress?  Lesley also reported that she attended two meeting for the Relay for Life.

Deacon's [Mr. Poole] It was reported that Gene Ogden and Kathy Demarco would co-chair the Deacon's Committee.  He also reported that lay readers have been signed up through August.

Old Business:

1. No work has started on the parking place for the tenant.
2. No decisions have been made concerning the roadside signs. More information needed. 
3. The ad, giving information on our church services is running in the Conn. Post.

New Business:

1. A motion was made nominating Greg for the Trustees Committee. Motion was seconded.
2. The Waklee Family donated the money for the piano, upstairs. Glenn asked if there is a Waklee Memorial plaque on the piano? 
3. Bruce asked if the "All America City Program logo can be used on the newsletter, bulletin, and web-site? The motion was made and seconded.
4. The church is sponsoring a trip to New York City to see Jesus Christ Superstar on August 12, 2000.
5. Bill Barker made a motion on behalf of the Personnel Committee that the church survey be accepted.  A discussion took place concerning whether the wording was in violation of the church by-laws. The motion was made and seconded after the following amendments and revisions were made.

1. The opening line of the survey will read " This survey, prepared by the Personnel Committee and approved by the Church Council ".
2. Questions will be under categories. Questions  1-3 will be Trustees.  Question #4 will be Custodian. Question #5-7 will be Deacon's. Question # 8 will be Christian Ed. Question # 9-13 will be the minister. Question # 14 will be the church office. Question 15 will be the Treasurer. And Question # 16-17 will be membership, with a wording change being made on #17.

6. Tony asked if the Personnel Committee would object if members where asked if their survey was returned? Bill said that the Personnel Committee planned on tracking the returns to see if they are being returned.

The next council meeting will be held July 19, 2000 at 7:30 P.M. in the Shelton Congregational Church library. The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 P.M.

Respectfully Submitted 

Betty Ogden, Clerk