Church Council Meeting-July 18, 2001

Tony Unger called the church council meeting for July 18, 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 8 being present [P] and 6 [A].

The minutes from the May 16, 2001 meeting were reviewed and accepted. Tony called upon the officers and committee members for their reports.

Minister - [Rev. Greg Schmidt] Greg stated that his report is basically new business and would pass until that time.

Treasurer- [Bruce Nichols] Bruce reported that during the month of June the church had income of $6,263.27 and expenses of $12,799.58 for a net deficit of $6,263.27. Year to date income has been $45,992.54 while expenses have totaled $62,618.42 yielding a deficit of $16,625.88 year to date. Quarterly health insurance payments of $4,034.00 contributed substantially to the large monthly deficit for June. The net worth for the church at the end of June was down $14,595.24 from the last report and stood at $342,961.81. This reflects both the monthly deficit and a downturn in the stock market. Greg asked if was possible t pay the insurance premiums monthly instead of quarterly. Bruce felt we could. Tony inquired as to the projected yearly deficit. The yearly deficit is projected to be about 26-30 thousand dollars.

Deacon's- [Gene Ogden] Gene reported that Deacon's served Communion on June 3, 2001. Deacon's also participated in one baptism and Confirmation on June 3, 2001. Gene also reported that for the past few months Deacon's have been collecting information, in the hope of publishing an instructional sheet for new Deacon's. The sheet would outline weekly duties of the Deacon's Committee and procedures for serving communion. With an enormous amount of help from Carol Edson and Greg, we hopefully have been able to accomplish this. This committee would like to thank them for their help. We have every expectation of having this project completed by the next council meeting.

Christian Education- [Betty Ogden] Betty inquired about the feasibility of moving the nursery from the Parish House and into the church proper. This would eliminate the need of bringing small children back and forth in the winter. This would also give the parents and the lone nursery attendant some peace of mind. There have been times when the nursery was the only activity in the Parish House on a Sunday. If a problem occurs, someone becomes ill, a child needs their parent, a fire, etc. help is on the other side of the door. The small room, with the kitchen counter pass through, would be ideal. That class would be moved to the stage area. The older class would be moved to the Parish House. Volunteers have been found to paint the area. Would we have permission to do this? After a discussion it was suggested that a motion be made during new business.

Women's Fellowship- [Lucille Wells] Women's Fellowship will meet again on September 18, 2001 at 7 P.M. in the Beard Room. This will be a working meeting. Also plans for a church wide quilt project will be discussed.

Outreach- [Lesley Barker] Lesley reported that Outreach Committee meetings were held on June 3 and July 1, 2001. Discussed were the Peace Picnic, to be held at the home of the Osterhoudts at the end of August. Another topic of discussion was outreach for our own church members. We need to discuss means of communication between the Outreach Committee and the church office or minister as to whom would like visits. Spooner House was served on June 16, 2001 and will be served on July 21, 2001. Lesley attended an Act Board meeting July 17, 2001. Evaluation of site for a new Spooner House in downtown Shelton is complete.

Plans will be made public and a formal application will be made to P&Z very shortly. An Act Walk-a-thon is planned for September 15, 2001. Next Outreach meeting will be held Aug 5, 2001 after church services.

Trustees - Bill Barker reported although our June 2, 2001 workday was rained out, some major inside jobs were completed. The Sanctuary and balcony were cleaned. The cross support wire was re-inforced and some areas of the church were painted. Trustees are still reviewing estimates for painting the Sanctuary ceiling. Also discussed were the pew repairs. The cost of pew cushions is $6900.00, so we will repair the pews. On Monday July 16, 2001 our front railing was in a car accident. A driver lost control of her car and hit us. This event is under review. With the resignation of our sextons a replacement will be named soon. This is most likely one of our church members. A major clean up of our kitchen will be done separately be one of our church members. The carpeting needs to be cleaned and will be done by Trustees.

Personnel- [Glenn Wells] In Glenn's absence, Bill reported that Personnel attended their annual S.C.C. Pastoral Restaurant meeting on June 18, 2001 at the Riverdale. Contract for the minister that was due for January 2001 was discussed. Also discussed was having the custodian position being contracted out. This would mean the custodian would not be an employee and therefore we would not need to pay FICA. The custodian would purchase needed supplies and then be reimbursed.

Nominating- [Lucille Wells] Lucille reported that she has received a resignation [dated June 10, 2001] for the Fundraising Committee. An attempt will be made to fill this position.

Old Business:

1. It was reported that the Self-audit was near completion. One more piece of information is needed.

2. Greg reported that a piece of property mentioned as donation to the church is now being sold to a builder.

3. Greg passed out a copy of the Congregational Church Policy on Sexual Exploitation. He felt that the procedures for handling complaints of sexual exploitation against pastoral staff and other paid staff or volunteers might be added to our by-laws. He asked that council members read the literature by the next meeting. A discussion can be held at that time.

New Business:

1. Greg reported that the U.C.C. Conn. Conference will be held in October and requests are being made for Health or School Kits. It was decided that families would be asked to donate complete kits of their choice. The council approved a mention in our newsletter.

2. Greg presented literature he had received from ACT. "Called ACT 2001 Bed Night," the campaign is a solicitation of funds for Spooner House. You may buy a bed for one night at a cost of $10.00, one week-$70.00, one month-$300.00, and three months for $900.00.

3. A motion was made to move our nursery from the Parish House and into the Church building. It would be set up in the small classroom near the kitchen. This move would be completed as soon as possible. The motion was seconded. A.I.F.

4. Bill Barker reported that Membership has not had a meeting. He suggested that the committee be removed. Because Deacon's are now doing some of the Membership Committee duties, baptisms, greeting new people, etc. perhaps these duties could be transferred to the Deacon's Committee. Tony felt that the Membership Committee was important to the church and should not be removed. He will call a meeting of the Membership Committee as soon as possible.

5. The Outreach Committee would like to circulate a petition among church members showing our support of the Spooner House application, which will soon be before the Planning and Zoning Commission. This motion was made and seconded. A.I.F.

6. Greg reported that a representative of Danny O's Restaurant has contacted him concerning advertising our church on the one hundred thousand dinner mats they are printing up. The council voted no interest.

7. It was reported by Lucille Wells that our tenant, asking for permission to install a satellite dish on the roof, has contacted Richard. Permission has been granted.

8. Lucille also shared information about an antique store on Main Street in Ansonia. They accept stain glass windows on consignment. We have some stored in the basement of the church. Could we sell these? Trustees will check this prospect out.

The next council meeting will be held August 15, 2001 at 7:30 P.M. in the Shelton Congregational Church library. The Rev. Dr. Gregory Schmidt then led the council members in saying The Lord's Prayer. The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 P.M.

Respectfully Submitted

Betty Ogden