Church Council Meeting - October 17, 2001

Tony Unger called the church council meeting for October 17, 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 August 15, 2001 meeting were reviewed and amended. The new stewardship program is Consecration Sunday, not Conservation Sunday. The minutes were approved as corrected. Tony called upon the officers and committee members for their reports. 

Minister - [Rev. Greg Schmidt] Greg shared events of his recent vacation. They had an excellent time. He thanked Tony Unger and his class for doing the service in his absence. Greg informed us that the Ecumenical Worship Service would be held at the First United Methodist Church on Long Hill Ave. in Shelton. It would be held on November 20, 2001 at 7:30 P.M. Greg would need candle lighters for the Advent season starting Dec. 2, 2001. Greg also passed around a notice from Silver Lake. They are hosting a Christmas Dinner on Sunday, December 9, 2001. Dinner is from 1-5 P.M. Cost is Adults-$15.00, Youth (9-17) $12.00, and children (9 and under) $8.00. Anyone interested may call 1-860-364-5526.

Treasurer- [Bruce Nichols] Bruce reported that during the month of September the church had income of $7.780.56 and expenses of $11.842.24 for a net deficit of $4.061.68. Year to date income has been $65.166.64 while expenses have totaled $91.999.95 yielding a deficit of $26.833.31 year to date. The net worth of the church at the end of September was $307.461.48 down $23.758.33. On September 10,2001 95.96 shares of Vanguard Index Trust S&P 500 were sold from the Fidelity Account for $9.701.56 to cover the costs of continuing church operations. $4.500.00 of this was transferred to the checking account on September 20, 2001.

Deacon's- [Gene Ogden] Gene reported that Deacon's served communion and assisted the Rev. Cynthia Robinson our guest minister during Greg's absence. 

Christian Education- [Betty Ogden] CE has not met since their Aug. meeting. The only new news was that the Sunday School partitions have arrived and are in place. 

Women's Fellowship- [Lucille Wells] Women's Fellowship met on Tuesday October 16, 2001 in the Beard Room. Discussed at this meeting was the Angel Christmas Fair. Lucille reported that we presently have 9 vendors. Lucille asked for help in setting up the tables for the fair. Also discussed were Christmas Gift Cards sponsored by the Church World Services. They would make great gifts for the person who is hard to buy for. Dolls were finished and a discussion on a quilt made by churchwomen was held. There will be no Women's Fellowship meeting in November.

Outreach- [Lesley Barker] Lucille Wells reported that Spooner House dinner would be served on October 20. 2001.

Trustees - Bill Barker reported that Morano Welding has repaired the damaged railing in front at a cost of $200.00. Trustees are having another workday on Saturday, Oct 27, 2001. One project will be a new section of the Sanctuary ceiling to be painted and other jobs around the church that need to be done. On the last workday the section of ceiling above the altar was painted. Also painted were the front door and the foyer entrance to the downstairs. Greg also reported a $3000.00 donation from Marie Hurd. This money to be used for a new sound system. A portfolio review will be conducted at the November 14, 2001 Trustees Meeting.

Membership- [Lois Sutter] Lois reported that the committee had not had a meeting. She believed that Membership was joining with Deacon's. It was explained that although Deacon's had absorbed some of the duties of the Membership Committee, the committee still existed independently.

Stewardship- Tony Unger discussed the Consecration Sunday Program. He felt that an outside facilitator was needed to start the program. Greg also passed out literature on a stewardship program sponsored by the Northeast Ecumenical Stewardship Council. It would be a two-day event and would offer 26 workshops. The event is March 8-9, 2002 in Worcester, Ma. 

Personnel- [Glenn Wells] Glenn reported that his committee had no new business to discuss.

Nominating- [Lucille Wells] Lucille reported that phone calls are being made. Tony Unger asked if the committee has ever considered limiting the number of committees a person can serve on. He felt this would eliminate people feeling overwhelmed. Lucille said she would discuss it with the committee members. 

Budget Committee- [Bill Barker] Bill reported that the budget would be ready for presentation at the November meeting. The committee is going in the direction of an increase in expenses and no wage freeze this year. The budget should come in at about $127.000.00 for the year 2002. The final budget meeting would be October 18, 2001 at 7 P.M. in the Parish House. Bill Barker asked for feed back from the council. Should the report be distributed directly to council members?

Old Business:

1. Lucille shared information about an antique store on Main Street in Ansonia at the July council meeting. They accept stain glass windows on consignment. We have some stored in the basement of the church. Could we sell these? This decision has been tabled until the November Council Meeting, because new pictures need to be taken. 

2. Tony Unger, Church Manager, asked that council members give as much thought as 
possible to creating a theme and goal for next year. The subject would be responsibility. To asking new people to respond to some of the church needs and being responsible for those needs. All council members will be asked for their ideas at the next council meetings.

3. Months ago Greg mentioned a Fairfield East Men's Communion Breakfast. It would be
held on November 11, 2001 at 8 A.M. One suggested speaker is a representative of the Elder Options. The Fundraising Committee would plan and cook for the event. 

New Business:

1. Greg received literature from AA. They offered to have some of their committee come to our church and provide a presentation and answer any questions anyone may have. After a brief discussion it was decided to pass. 

2. Greg received literature from Sage Services of Connecticut requesting an opportunity to tell members of our church about the services Sage provides and to ask for financial support from our congregation. Tony Unger suggested that this should be an outreach event. We could have a Sunday Info Fair during coffee hour. Organizations like Sage and AA would set up tables and those interested could obtain the information they wish. A motion was made and seconded. AIF

3. Tony Unger suggested a program called Understanding Other Religions. This would be an adult forum. A bible study, presentations on other forms of religion. A guest speaker to explain the beliefs and meanings of their religion. This would fall under the auspices of the CE Committee. Greg offered his guidance and help in obtaining speakers from the Hartford Seminary. Bruce offered to ask his friend, a Buddhist Monk, to come and speak. A motion was made and seconded. AIF 

The next council meeting will be held November 14, 2001 at 7:30 P.M. in the Shelton Congregational Church Library. Rev. Greg Schmidt led the council in saying The Lord's Prayer. The meeting was then adjourned at 8:45 P.M.

Respectfully Submitted
Betty Ogden