Church Council Meeting-October 18, 2000

Tony Unger called the church council meeting for October 18, 2000 to order at 7:45 P.M. in the Shelton Congregational Church Library. Tony opened the meeting with a prayer with a prayer offered by Rev. Schmidt. A quorum [6] was met, with 10 being present [P] and 3 being absent [A].

The minutes from the September 20, 2000 meeting were reviewed and accepted. 

Deacon's - [Gene Ogden] Gene reported that Deacon's served Communion on the first Sunday of the month. Deacon's also participated in three baptisms. The next Deacon's meeting will be October 29, 2000 after church services. 

Christian Education- Rev. Greg Schmidt reported that Christian Education had not had a recent meeting. This Sunday, October 22, 2000 would be Children's Sabbath. On Nov. 19, 2000 would be Family Sunday and there would be no Sunday School. There would be a pageant December 17, 2000 after church. On December 24, 2000 there would be no Sunday School, and there would be a candle light service Christmas Eve. Greg and Andy Campagnuolo would organize the Youth Group. Tony Unger asked how many people would be confirmed and was told 4.

Women's Fellowship- [Lucille Wells] Lucille reported that Women's Fellowship met on October 17, 2000. They discussed the upcoming Santa's Angel Fair that will be held on November 11, 2000 from 9AM until 3 PM. They will have the White Elephant table, baked goods and Christmas items for sale. Hot dogs, soups and sandwiches will be served. As usual volunteers will be needed. Lucille also reported that there would be no November Fellowship meeting. The next meeting will be December 12, 2000. 

Outreach- [Lesley Barker] Lesley reported that Outreach met on October 8, 2000. Spooner House would be served on October 21, 2000. Gifts are being collected for Bishop Wicke Center. Also that Barbara Osterhoudt will be giving crane-folding classes after church on Sunday's.

Stewardship- [Lesley Barker] Lesley reported that Stewardship has had 5 informational meetings. The last meeting being on October 15, 2000. Thirty-four church members have participated and many ideas have been exchanged. Stewardship will meet soon to collate all the collected information.

Membership- [Barbara Osterhoudt] Barbara reported that the Membership Committee has not had a recent meeting. She said the committee would be meeting soon to work on the membership removal list. 168 names would be removed from the rolls. She was not able to report a date for the next Membership Committee meeting.

Trustees- [Bruce Nichols] Bruce reported that Trustees met on October 17, 2000. Bruce reported the transfer of funds the Memorial Acct. to Fidelity Investments had been completed. An "Adopt a Job " has been posted in the narthex. No new information was available on painting the inside of the sanctuary. A meeting of Trustees will be November 14, 2000 at 7:30 PM.

Personnel- It was reported that Kathy DeMarco would be replacing Mary Unger as the church secretary. 

Nominating - [Glenn Wells] Glenn reported that the Nominating Committee would be starting soon.

Fundraising- [Walt Crosby] Walt reported that approximate profits from recent events were: Shelton Day was $262.00 and the Riverfest was $398.00. The Silent Auction is coming up on October 28, 2000 and the Fairfield East Dinner would be October 25, 2000. Volunteers will be needed.

Budget Committee- [Bruce Nichols] Bruce reported that the Budget Committee has finalized a budget for the year 2001. Bruce also commended Bill Barker on the many hours he spent preparing the final report. 

Treasurer's [Bruce Nichols] Bruce reported that in September 2000, the church had income of $4,945.47 and expenses of $11,611.23 for a net deficit of $6,665.76. $3,200.00 was transferred to checking from Fidelity Investments to cover current expenses. Year to date income has been $71,707.39. Year to date expenses has been $99,681.19, yielding a year to date deficit of $27,973.80.

Old Business: 

1. The issue of roadside signs has been sent to Trustees.
2. The www.sheltoncongregational.org site is up and running.
3. Richard Wells is still working on the purchase of a new mailbox.

New Business:

1. Barbara Osterhoudt inquired as to the availability of funds to purchase paper to make cranes. This discussion was tabled until the next meeting.
2. Rev. Schmidt request permission for the son of a church member, who is presently homeless, to sleep in the parish basement until housing can be found. This would be a temporary situation and would take place as a last resort. A motion was made and passed unanimously. 
3. Bruce Nichols asked that the budget as prepared by the Budget Committee be approved. A motion was made and seconded. 

The next council meeting will be held November 15, 2000 at 7:30 P.M. in the Shelton Congregational Church library. After a prayer by Greg the meeting was adjourned at 8:55 P.M.

Respectfully Submitted

Betty Ogden, Clerk