Church Council Meeting-April 18, 2001

Bill Barker called the church council meeting for April 18, 2001 2001 to order at 7:30 P.M. in the Shelton Congregational Church Library. The meeting opened with a prayer offered by Rev. Greg Schmidt. A quorum [6] was met, with 10 being present [P] and 6 [A].

The minutes from the March 14, 2001 meeting were reviewed and accepted with one amendment. During the review of the prior minutes, Walt Crosby objected to the opinions expressed by Betty Ogden, committee member, in the March Fundraising Report. After some discussion it was moved and approved that the comments made by Betty Ogden, formerly in the fundraising report, are by wish of the council, be moved to a member comment paragraph under new business.

Treasurer - [Bruce Nichols] In the absence of Bruce, Greg Schmidt presented the treasurer's report. During the month of March the church had income of $6,345.50 and expenses of $12,323.99 for a deficit of $5,969.49. This marks the first deficit month after five consecutive months that income has surpassed expenses. Contributing to this month's negative balance were a significant reduction in pledge income and the quarterly payments for the Minister's annuity and insurance. The total for these items was $4,034.00. Fluctuations in the stock market combined with last month's deficit continue to have an effect on the total net worth of the church. As of April 2, 2001 the balance in all accounts was $340,572.92 down $8,471.26 from the previous month.

Minister's Report - [Rev. Greg Schmidt] Greg reported that Confirmation is progressing nicely. There is a possibility that one student will not be passing the class. Sponsors will be asked to meet with the students in the coming month. Confirmation is scheduled for June 3, 2001. Greg also asked for the help of church members in greeting new faces seen in church on Sunday. It was also reported that the Bible Study, which meets on Sunday afternoons, has created some lively discussions among the group members. Greg recently attended a UCC Sexual Harassment Training Workshop. This was to guide churches in recognizing sexual misconduct and becoming a safe church. It was suggested that all Sunday School teachers and church members be asked to sign a disclosure form. This form would give the church permission to check a persons history for criminal sexual behavior. This would protect our children and our church from legal liabilities. 

Deacon's - [Gene Ogden] Gene reported that Communion was served on the first Sunday of the month and at the Easter Service. Also that Deacons are now assigning lay readers, communion, and the offering duties a month in advance. This is being done in an attempt to eliminate the Sunday morning confusion as to who is doing what. Alternates have also been assigned in the event anyone can not fulfill their duties. Separate sign-up sheets have been created and are posted in the Narthex. Next Deacon's meeting is scheduled for May 27, 2001 after church services.

Christian Education - [Betty Ogden] Betty reported that Christian Education Committee is scheduled to meet on April 28, 2001 at her home.

Women's Fellowship - [Lucille Wells] Lucille reported that Women's Fellowship met on April 17, 2001. During that meeting the group packed Health Kits for the Church World Service. Lucille also showed an award presented to the group. The award read " 50 YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE ON BEHALF OF THE HUMAN FAMILY AROUND THE WORLD. It was also reported that May 13, 2001 would be Blanket Sunday. The next Women's Fellowship meeting will be held on May 15, 2001 at 7 P.M. in the Beard Room. 

Outreach - [Lesley Barker] Lesley reported that Outreach Committee met on April 1, 2001. Lesley also reported the Spooner House dinner would be served on April 21, 2001. Lesley is also a member of the Spooner House Board. She attended her first meeting on April 17, 2001. Her progress report on Spooner House site search was that it was progressing. An architect was doing site evaluations. Spooner House will need to apply for zoning change approval once a site is found. Derby is being kept in the information loop; to show that they are making progress and hopefully will be allowed to stay past their September departure date. She also reported on the progress of the Concert of Songs and Freedom and Justice to be held in our Sanctuary on April 22, 2001 at 3. P.M. Also reported was information on the Crop Walk to be held in Bridgeport on May 6th. It was also noted that there is a possibility that our church will not be participating in the Relay for Life Walk held in June at the Shelton High School. The next Outreach meeting will be held on May 6, 2001 after church services.

Trustees - Bill Barker reported that Mary Unger had volunteered to be the Chairperson for the Trustees Committee. This will eliminate need for a rotating chair. It was reported that the Youth Group had removed the wallpaper and painted the Beard Room. Trustees have also created a set rental rate fee for use of the Beard Room and the Sanctuary. (see new business). Spring cleaning day will be June 2nd. Saturday, June2nd has will be a day for trustees and other volunteers to do church cleaning and repairs. The squirrel living inside the walls of the Parish House office has been evicted. The gas hot water heater for the apartment over the Parish House has been replaced at a cost of $510.00 by Brainards. While working in the Parish House Brainards pointed out the need for replacement of worn brass water pipes in the Parish House. They would be replaced with copper pipes at a cost of $1,265.00. Trustees approved the expenditure. Trustees also have set rental fees for the use of the Beard Room and the Sanctuary. (see new business). Also the Trustees committee is committing to the painting of the Sanctuary ceiling. This would be done by church volunteers or a contractor. A question arose as to whether our church insurance covered painting by a non-insured contractor. Next Trustees meeting will be held on May 16, 2001 at 6:30 P.M.

Personnel - [Glenn Wells] In Glenn's absence, Bill reported that a training conference, scheduled for Sunday, was missed because of late registration. Personnel have not had a recent meeting.

Fundraising - [Walt Crosby] Walt discussed the up coming May 12, 2001 dinner and speaker. The speaker being Bill Barker. The topic U.F.O 's. A basket of Italian Goodies, being created by Betty Ogden, will be raffled off at this dinner. Also discussed were recent fundraisers. The Longaberger Party raised almost $300.00 in cash and 5 Longaberger Baskets. These baskets have the potential of raising another $500.00 when auctioned or raffled. Bluefish tickets are available again this year. We will again be present at Shelton Day on October 7, 2001. Our Annual Tag Sale is scheduled for June 9, 2001. Inquiries are being made concerning participation of our church during the Tomato Fest at the First United Methodist Church. Next fundraising planning meeting is May 6, 2001.

Old Business:

1. It was reported that the Self-audit would start in May. So far four people are on the committee. Glenn Wells, Ron Karkut, Carol Edson and Andy Campagnuolo.
2. Also there will be two council meetings in April. The regular meeting on April 18, 2001 and Council participation in the Mobilizing Church Volunteers on April 26, 2001 at the Trumbull Congregational Church. 
3. Greg also noted that a lawn mower has been donated to the church.

New Business:

1. The Trustees Committee has created a set rental fee for the Beard Room and the Sanctuary. The categories are 'A' rate for regular users, including commercial users, a 'B' rate for approved non-profit users and a 'C' rate for church members.

The C rate for church members are presently designated to be zero (free use) although reservations would be required in advance for use. For rentals it was decided to require a refundable, $25.00 cleaning deposit, which would be returned if the premises were left in satisfactory condition. Rental privileges would also not include use of the kitchen appliances. This motion was made and seconded. All were in favor. 

The next council meeting will be held April 16, 2001 at 7:30 P.M. in the Shelton Congregational Church library. Rev. Greg Schmidt then led the council members in saying The Lord's Prayer. The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 P.M.

Respectfully Submitted

Betty Ogden