Church Council Meeting - January 16, 2002

Tony Unger called the Church Council Meeting for January 16, 2002 to order at 7:40 PM in the Shelton Congregational Church Library. The meeting opened with a prayer offered by The Rev. Dr. Gregory Schmidt. A quorum [6] was met.

The minutes from the December 12, 2001 meeting were reviewed and accepted. Tony Unger then called on the officers and committee members for their reports.

Stewardship- [Mary Unger] Mary reported the stewardship campaign for this year about completed. We have received 65 pledges, totaling $45,152.80. There are 6 outstanding pledges [people who have pledged in the past, but have not done so this year.] She reported that she had talked with 2 of them personally and has received confirmation that they will pledge. Twenty-four people did increase their pledges. We did lose several people because of relocation or death.

Minister- [Greg Schmidt] Greg reported that Ash Wednesday is February 13, 2002 and we would be hosting the service. The service will be at 7:00 PM and Intinction Communion would be served. We will again share this service with the First United Methodist Church. The Wednesday, February 27th Lenten Service will be held at our church. A Potluck dinner will be held at 6:00 PM and the Worship Service will be held at 7:00 PM. Deacons will be responsible for set up, and supplying beverages, plates, and serving utensils. He also reported that the Senior Youth Group would host a Lenten Brunch on March 24, 2002, Palm Sunday, after Worship Services.

Treasurer- [Bruce Nichols] Bruce reported that during the month of December the church had expenses of $12,525.34 and income of $14,862.02 for a net surplus of $2,336.68. Year to date income for 2001 was $105,076.54 while expenses were $122,104.42 yielding a year 2001 deficit of $17,027.88. Other income included one substantial donation from a friend of the church and Christmas donations of almost $1,300.00. $300.00 was transferred from the checking account to the Sabbatical account. The net worth for the church at the end of December was $331,002.87, up $6009.25 from the previous month.

Deacons-[Gene Ogden] In Gene's absence it was reported that Deacons served one Communion, cleaned the old wax out of the candleholders, and that one of the Epiphany signs is missing.

Christian Education-[Betty Ogden] Betty reported that the Christmas Pageant was held on December 23, 2001 and was a huge success. It was greatly enjoyed by the attending families. CE committee members and Sunday School teachers will be asked to attend a workshop at the Trumbull Congregational Church on March 9, from 9-12. This will be to review the new lectionary based curriculum materials for the new year.

Women's Fellowship-[Lucille Wells] Lucille reported that WF met on January 15, 2002. Discussions were held for their Quilt 2002 project. Patterns were picked out and plans were made to invite other members of the church to participate. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 19, 2002 at 7:00 PM.

Outreach-[Lesley Barker] Lesley reported that the Christmas Card Tree was very successful this year. $200.00 was raised. Spooner House supper was served on January 19, 2002. Lesley recently attended an Act Board Meeting. The board has abandoned the Shelton site. They are now looking at a suitable site in Ansonia. Spooner House will stay in Derby until a new site is ready, presuming Derby doesn't turn them out. Next Outreach meeting will be February 3, 2002 after worship.

Trustees-[Bill Barker] Bill reported that Cole Heating would replace the furnace soon. The Trustees committee and the church council approved this expenditure. Also approved was the expense of fixing the leaking pipe that runs from the furnace to the men's room. This is at a cost of $500.00. Trustees are planning another workday on February 2, 2002. They hope to finish the sanctuary ceiling at this work session. They also plan on cleaning the stain glass windows stored in the basement. A notice to be put into the bulletin. Greg and Bruce are planning an excursion to investigate sound systems for the church. Trustees have agreed to offer the tenant a new lease with no rent increase. Also, the parking space will need to be added to the lease. Our new cleaning service is now the Conklins.

Youth Group-[Cheryl Patrick] Cheryl discussed coming activities of the youth group. The group is planning a Lenten Brunch on March 24. They are also offering their help and energy to the Fundraising Committee St. Patrick's Day Dinner on March 16, 2002. Cheryl also discussed the possibility of a member of the Youth Group attending council meetings on a rotating basis. This would be a non-voting position. The council was in favor of this.

Personnel-[Glenn Wells] It was reported that all information needed to complete the contracts has been received from Sue Nofi. The employee contracts will be done soon. It was decided that no church survey would be conducted soon. The personnel committee has no formal meetings planned.

Nominating-[Lucille Wells] Lucille reported that our new Church Manager for 2002 is Cheryl Patrick. Also, that there is one extra person on the Trustees Committee and one opening on the Stewardship Committee. Lucille will contact members of the Trustees to ask if one would like to transfer to Stewardship. The council welcomed Cheryl to the council.

Old Business:

1. Though the theme "Uniting in Faith" was approved at the December council meeting it was decided that discussions on incorporating the theme into the new year would be postponed until the February council meeting.

New Business:

1. Lucille Wells asked about the new signs approved in last years budget and the status of the sign that at one time hung on the outside of the church. This discussion was postponed until the February meeting.

The next council meeting will be held February 12, 2002 in the Shelton Congregational Church Library. The Rev. Dr. Greg Schmidt then led the council in saying "The Lord's Prayer". The meeting was then adjourned at 9:00 PM.

Respectfully Submitted
Betty Ogden