Church Council Meeting-July 19, 2000

Tony Unger called the church council meeting for July 19,2000 to order at 7:30 P.M. In the Shelton Congregational Church Library. Greg opened the meeting with a prayer. A quorum [6] was met with 12 being present [P] and 1 being absent [A].

Tony then introduced Rev. Joseph Neville, U.C.C. liaison person who had just attended personnel meeting at the church. He discussed the difficult times facing churches today and how churches may become more effective.

The minutes from the July 19, 2000 meeting were reviewed and accepted after one correction. Rev. Joseph Neville, U.C.C. liaison person was not at the personnel dinner meeting as incorrectly reported in the June 21, 2000 minutes. Tony then called upon the officers and committee members for their reports.

Treasurer Report [Bruce Nichols] - Bruce presented a Treasurer's Report on June, 2000 income and expenses. His report showed income of $6,346.07 and expenses totaling $10,864.95 noting a $4,518.8 deficit for the month. $5000.00 was transferred from the Fidelity investment account for continuing operating expenses. Year to date income from all sources, less transfers from investment accounts has been $54,890.55. Year to date expenses has been $70,735.93. The year to date deficit is $15,845.38. If this decoct rate is projected out for the year our total deficit for 2000 would be $31,690.00. Factoring out some unusual income and expenses related to the remodeling of the church office, the projected deficit is reduced to $25,220.00, based on an average monthly income from all sources, of $8065.00, and an average monthly expense of $10,167.00. Refer to the June treasurer's report for additional information as needed.

Minister's Report - Greg reported that he gave permission for the tables and chairs to be used by a church member. Bill requested that all future requests be made to the church council. 

Christian Education [Betty Ogden] - Betty reported that CE has not met, so there is no report.

Trustees [Bill Barker] - Bruce presented the report of the July 11, 2000 meeting. Bruce noted that the Konica copier was now paid off. He reported that Mary has the forms ready to submit to Fidelity Investments to change the names of our authorized agents to Bruce and herself. Tony thanked all trustee members for all the work accomplished on their recent work weekend. When Bruce updated the council on the status of the tenant's driveway, Richard Wells mentioned that it has turned into a donation to the church. " See old business " Next Trustees meeting will be Aug 23, 2000 at 7:30 P.M. in the church library.

Membership [Barbara Osterhoudt] - Barbara reported that her committee has not had a meeting but would be meeting soon. She didn't have new information regarding the cost of roadside signs, advertising the location of our church. " See old business". 

Nominating [Glenn Wells] - Glenn reported that nominating has not had a meeting so there is no report.

Personnel [Bill Barker] - Bill reported that 151 survey's were sent out to church members and 53 were returned. Tony asked if any attempt has been made to contact those members who have not returned their surveys, and encourage doing so. Bill said no. I f those members had wanted to respond, they would have. Personnel were not planning on mailing them any requests. Bruce suggested perhaps a post card or a reminder in the next news bulletin. 

Women's Fellowship [Lucille Wells] - Lucille reported that the Women' Fellowship has not had a meeting, so she had no report.

Fundraising [Walt Crosby] - Walt 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. So far 40 tickets have been sold. He also reported that on Oct. 21, there would be a Silent Auction at the church. Donations for the auction are being solicited from local businesses and individuals. We will also have a table at the Shelton Day function on October 1, 2000. He has applied for a space near Spirit of Angels. He will need approval for expenses. Volunteers will be needed. He also reported that Bluefish ticket sales raised $304.00 with half that coming back to the church. 

Stewardship [Peggy Gilmore] - Peggy reported that $10,234.00 has been pledged. $12,688.99 has been received. Bill commented that this was only a quartile report and he would like an up to date report. Peggy will bring an up to date report to the next council meeting. She also reported that Stewardship would meet on July 22, after church. 

Outreach [Lesley Barker] - Lesley reported that the church served Spooner House dinner on July 15, 2000. The Shelton Congregational Church participation generated a donation of $1208.00 to the Relay for Life. 

Deacon's [Mr. Poole] - Mr. Poole reported that because Deacon's have not had a meeting, he had no report.

Old Business: 

1. It was reported that the parish house driveway has been completed and Mr. Pires has donated the cost of labor and materials. This is a donation of $800.00. A motion to send a thank you card and to spend $45.00 for a fruit basket to Mr. Pires was made and seconded. 
2. Greg reported that his inquiries into roadside signs advertising our church have not been successful. Bruce offered to check on a source he is aware of. 
3. The ad, giving information on our church services is running in the Conn. Post. 

New Business:

1. Rev. Schmidt is now a member of the Trustees committee for the remainder of year 2000.
2. The Wakelee Memorial Plaque for the piano upstairs has been ordered. 
3. The " All American City Program Logo is now on our web-site. 
4. Arrangements for the " Jesus Christ Super Star theater trip in New York are completed. 
5. The survey has been sent to church members and the results are known. A motion was made and approved to publish the results in the church newsletter and on the web-site. Personal comments will not be included in the publication. 
6. A decision on our church participation in the Hewitt Christmas Tree Decorating Affair at Warsaw Park Dec 8 was tabled until the next meeting. 

The next council meeting will be held August 16, 2000 at 7:30 P.M. in the Shelton Congregational Church library. After a prayer by Greg, the meeting was adjourned at 9:00 P.M.


Respectfully Submitted

Betty Ogden, Clerk