Church Council Meeting-January 17, 2001

Tony Unger called the church council meeting for January 17, 2001 to order at 7:30 P.M. in the Shelton Congregational Church Library. The meeting opened with a prayer offered by Tony Unger. A quorum [6] was met, with 10 being present [P] and 3 being absent [A].

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

Minister's Report - [Rev. Schmidt] Greg reported that the Shelton Congregational Church will host the Ash Wednesday Service, with the First United Methodist Church, February 28, 2001 at 7 P.M. We will also be hosting the Shelton Clergy Ecumenical Dinner, Wednesday March 14, 2001. A potluck dinner will be at 6.P.M. with the service at 7 P.M. On February 4, 2001 Rev. Struder will be our guest minister. Our six new church members will be welcomed during services on January 21. 2001. Greg also mentioned that Kathey is still waiting for one committee report. Once received she will then print the Annual report. 

Deacon's - [Gene Ogden] Gene reported that communion was served on the first Sunday of the month, with communion being served downstairs and in the parish house for teachers. It was felt that this addition to our communion service needs some fine-tuning. Deacon's also participated in one baptism, and Christmas and New Years Eve Services. Candles have also been ordered. The next Deacon's meeting will be Sunday, February 25, 2001 after church services.

Christian Education- [Betty Ogden] Betty reported that Christen Education did not have a meeting in January. 

Women's Fellowship- [Lucille Wells] Lucille reported there would be a short meeting, after church on Sunday, January 21, 2001. She also mentioned that the group would be doing health kits in August. 

Outreach- [Lesley Barker] Lesley reported the Spooner House dinner would be served Saturday, January 20, 2001. She reported attending two meetings this month. Lesley also reported that the Christmas Card Tree collected $75.00 for Habitat for Humanity. The next Outreach meeting will be February 4, 2001 after church services. 

Stewardship- [Peggy Gilmore] Peggy reported that 60 pledge cards, totaling $42,510.00, have been returned. Last year at this time we had received 61 pledges totaling $44,123.00. Stewardship Committee has sent out 12 reminder cards. The committee is also planning on sending thank you cards to members who have increased their pledges and to those who have made generous one-time gifts. A list of pledges will be published in the church newsletter.

Membership - [Barbara Osterhoudt] Barbara reported that the Membership Committee has not held a recent meeting.

Trustees- [Bill Barker] Bill reported that Trustees met on January 17, 2001, but a quorum was not met, so a meeting was not held. Next meeting will be February 21, 2001 at 6:30 P.M.

Personnel- [Bill Barker] Bill Barker reported that the Personnel Committee had not met since the December council meeting. He did say however, there are four contracts still not finalized. 

Nominating - In Glenn's absence Greg reported that there are four committee positions left to fill. 

Fundraising- In Walt's absence Bruce reported that the fundraising efforts for the year was about $5000.00.

Treasurer's [Bruce Nichols] Bruce reported that in December 2000 the church had income of $20,532.41 and expenses of $12,030.85 for a net surplus of $8,501.56. This is the third month in a row that the church has posted a surplus. Income for December was larger than usual due to a generous donation of $10,000 made to the church and an additional $5,587.25 received in the form of pledges. Year to date income from all sources has been $ 112,171.04. Year to date expenses has been $127,341.83. The year to date deficit stands at $15,170.79. Please refer to the December treasurer's report for additional detail.

Old Business: 

1. Bill Barker reported that Trustees has commenced work on the roadside signs.
2. Tony Unger reported that his article, for the newsletter, requesting volunteers to conduct a self-audit of our church has not been done as of yet, but will be done soon.
3. Bruce reported that the Girl Scout Troop seeking a new meeting place, has found a place at the Shelton Girls and Boys Club. 
4. Trustees have not compiled a set fee- rate schedule for organizations to use the church facilities
because a January meeting was not held, due to a lack of quorum.
5. Lucille Wells reported, for Richard, that the faucets in the apartment have been fixed, the storm windows have been ordered, and the loose siding strip will be soon fixed. 
6. Lesley reported that the Outreach Potluck Dinner, with a talk on refugee sponsorship by Linda Carelton, Church Sponsorship Developer for the "Interfaith Refugee Ministry " be held on February 18, 2001.

New Business:

1. Bill Barker proposed a motion to address unanticipated expenses. This would be a budget change to cover the $1200.00 property tax bill on the apartment over the parish house. And because of submitted fundraising expenses, a line item in the budget for fundraising is created. The motion was seconded and passed.
2. Lesley mentioned the earthquake victims in Central America and if our church could take a special collection on Sunday's. It was agreed that a free will collection could be done for two or three weeks. 
3. Bill Barker informed the council that we do not have physical possession of the insurance contract from Anderson & Krauss, but we are insured. And that Miller Insurance has sent us a bill for our W. Compensation insurance that will not be paid. 
4. Bill also mentioned a bill for $50.00 from the company contracted to do our snow clearing. The job being performed has been substandard and this issue needs to be straightened out with the appropriate person or a new company found to handle this job. It was also suggested that the last bill not be paid. 
5. Because of comments made to Lesley Barker by church members concerning the cluttered appearance of the narthex, she asked that Deacon's address this issue at their next meeting.

The next council meeting will be held February 21, 2001 at 7:30 P.M. in the Shelton Congregational Church library. The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 P.M.

Respectfully Submitted

Betty Ogden