Church Council Meeting-September 20, 2000

Tony Unger called the church council meeting for September 20, 2000 to order at 7:40 P.M. in the Shelton Congregational Church Library. Tony opened the meeting with a prayer. A quorum [6] was met, with 9 being present [P] and 4 being absent [A].

The minutes from the August 16, 2000 meeting were reviewed and accepted after one correction. The Women's Fellowship meeting was September 17, 2000, not September 12, 2000 as reported. 

Treasurer- in August 2000 the church had income of $6,244.03 and expenses of $7,572.85 for a net deficit of $1,328.82. $4,200.00 was transferred from the Vanguard investment account to cover three months of housing allowance payments. Years to date expenses have been $88,069.96. The year to date deficit stand at $19,248.56. In the same time period, total investments and cash have decreased by only $150.00 due to increases in the value of the church portfolio.

Deacon's- [Gene Ogden] Gene reported that deacons served Communion this month. Gene expressed the need for more deacons. There are presently 4. He also inquired about the by-laws, and what information should be forwarded to the Deacon's Committee. The next Deacon's meeting will be on September 24, 2000, at 11:00 A.M. 

Christian Education- [Betty Ogden] Betty reported that Church School began on September 10, 2000. There are four classes; each covered by two teachers, and plenty of helpers. At Greg's request, we will also begin keeping church school attendance, to report in the newsletter, so all that attend church each week are counted. Also, the Youth Group was recognized at a ceremony at City Hall on September 14, 2000 for the adopted garden. We also hope to recognize the National " Children's Sabbath' on October 22, 2000 both in upstairs worship and in church school. The event is a program of the Children's Defense Fund and supported by the U.C.C. it's an opportunity to celebrate children and focus on children's issues. Betty also reported that we have booked " The Pines" at Silver Lake Conference center for another all church retreat next May 18-20, 2001. Mark your calendars early, We need everyone's support and participation.

Women's Fellowship- [Lucille Wells] Lucille reported that a party for Bev Poole, held September 17, 2000 in the Beard Room, was well attended and everyone had a great time. Lucille also reported that the Santa Angel Fair would be held November 11, 2000, from 9-3 P.M. Soup, Sandwiches, hot dogs will be served. As always, volunteers and crafters are needed. 

Outreach-[Lesley Barker] Lesley reported that the Peace Pilgrim Picnic was held on August 27, 2000 at the home of Barbara Osterhoudt. Bruce Nichols shared the latest Peace Pilgrim news with everyone, and plans were made for the Festival of Tree's event in December 2000. On September 16, 2000 Spooner House was served dinner. On September 17, 2000 the Tools of Hope, a joint effort between Christian Ed, Outreach and Greg was celebrated during worship and downstairs during coffee hour.

Stewardship- [Peggy Gilmore] Peggy reported that Stewardship has hosted two Rescue 2000 meetings. One held on Saturday, September 16, 2000, at the church, went very well, with considerable input from those who attended. The next Rescue meetings will be held on Friday, September 22, 2000 at the home of Tony and Mary Unger, and on Sunday, September 24, 2000, after church, in the church offices. Those who have not attended a meeting are encouraged to attend one of the future meetings. 

Membership- [Barbara Osterhoudt] Barbara reported that Shirley Keller has organized a team of greeters, who will be posted at the door every Sunday. She also reported that she has had no luck obtaining information concerning the roadside signs. This has now been passed on to the Trustees Committee. Barbara also reported that the application for the Festival of Trees needs to be filled out and submitted. The theme will be Peace Cranes. The colors will be green, red, gold, etc. Volunteers will be needed at Warsaw Park for the three days of the festival. 

Trustees- [Bill Barker] Bill reported the withdrawal of $3.500.00 from the Fidelity Brokerage Account. It was also discussed as to whom is authorized to access these accounts. Walt asked for a total of withdrawals from this account. Bill reported that the total amount is around $5000.00. Concerning the painting of the sanctuary ceiling, Dick Conklin is in touch with a painter and hopes to have an estimate soon. There is a list of projects that need to be done. Trustees are considering posting an open work list so that church members can volunteer for the jobs of their choice. The next Trustees meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2000 at 7:30 P.M. 

Personnel- [Bill Barker] Bill reported that all work on the survey is done. The pastoral review went well and a number of productive and positive ideas were exchanged. Bill also noted that certain information on the employee reviews should not be published. The next review will be custodians, within the next month. 

Nominating- [Glenn Wells] not present.

Fundraising- [Walt Crosby] Walt reported on the following events. Shelton Day, Oct 1, 2000. The Riverfest on Oct 7-8,2000. We will make and serve Clam Chowder, Chicken Noodle Soup and Vegetable Soup. On Oct 25,2000, will be the Fairfield East Dinner at our church. On Oct 28,2000 there will be the Silent Auction. As usual volunteers are needed for all events. 

Budget Committee- [Bill Barker] Bill reported that they meet every Thursday. Their goal is to have the budget completed by the October council meeting.

Old Business: 

1. The issue of roadside signs has been sent to Trustees.
2. The Wakelee memorial plaque is ready to picked up.
3. The Stewardship Rescue 2000 meetings are in progress.
4. Jesse Patrick, with Betty Ogden, is willing to be our publicity person.

New Business:

1. Membership Committee presented a motion to drop inactive members from our membership 
roles. It was discussed that inactive and out of town members, who wish to continue to receive the newsletter, be asked to make a contribution to cover the expense of the mailing. This motion was passed unanimously. [See add on]
2. It was noted that the siding on the corner of the church has pulled away. Lucille also noted that 
there are a number of items, sawhorses, etc. that need to be moved to the basement. She also asked for permission for Richard to buy a new mailbox. She also reminded Trustees that the tenants lease will expire in Dec. 2000.
3. Walt Crosby requested $50.00, to make wooden signs advertising our events. The motion was made and passed unanimously. 
4. The Electronic Valley is encouraging sub domains to register their URL's. The cost of doing this is $70.00 for two years and www.sheltoncongegational.org is available. The cost of the first two years is being donated by Bruce Nichols. A motion was made to register and was passed unanimously.

The next council meeting will be held October 18, 2000 at 7:30 P.M. in the Shelton Congregational Church library. After a prayer by Tony, the meeting was adjourned at 8:55 P.M.

Respectfully Submitted

Betty Ogden, Clerk