Church Council Meeting - February 12, 2002

Cheryl Patrick called the Church Council Meeting for February 12, 2002 to order at 7:30 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.

In attendence were:

Cheryl Patrick-Church Mgr. (P) Bill Barker-Asst. Church Mgr. (P) Rev. Dr. Greg Schmidt-Minister (P) Betty Ogden-Clerk, Christian Ed., Fundraising (P) Bruce Nichols-Treasurer (P) Glenn Wells-Trustees (P) Lesley Barker-Outreach (P) Lucille Wells-Women's Fellowship (P).

The minutes from the January 16, 2002 meeting were reviewed and accepted . Cheryl Patrick then called on the officers and committee members for their reports.

Minister-(Greg Schmidt) Greg reported that the 1st of the Lenten Services would be held at our church on Ash Wednesday, February 13, 2002 at 7:00 PM. We would be sharing this service with the First United Methodist Church. The second Ecumenical Service will be at the First Baptist Church with a Pot Luck Dinner at 6:00 PM and Worship Service at 7:00 PM. The February 27, 2002 Ecumenical Service would be held at our church. A Pot Luck Dinner will be held at 6:00 PM with Worship Services at 7:00 PM. Deacons will be responsible for setting up the Beard Room. We will need rolls, butter, plates, utensils, and beverages for approximately 40 people. On Palm Sunday, December 24, 2002, the little ones will participate in the Worship Service. They will sing a song and pass out the palms. On Easter Sunday, March 31, 2002 the Senior Youth Group will participate in the Worship Service. They will do the lay reading and help with the offering. Deacons will be serving Communion on Easter Sunday. The Sunrise Service at Jones Tree Farm will be held this year. Because of the large number of people now attending this service, the Jones will not be able to serve coffee in their home. The First Baptist Church will be offering breakfast. Maundy Thursday is March 28, 2002. Greg will need 8-12 readers for that service. Anyone wishing to participate should speak to Greg or Geno. Confirmation classes will start soon with Sadie Patrick as the only confirmand. The Senior Youth Group will meet on the 1st. and 3rd. Sunday of the month. They will be hosting a Lenten Brunch on Palm Sunday, after Worship Service. Greg and his family will be away on their winter vacation from March 3-March 10. On March 3, the guest minister will be Rev. Don Studer. On March 10 it will be Gene Ogden. Greg also suggested that perhaps next year we could hold the Annual Church Meeting at a brunch. Everyone thought this to be a great idea. Bill Barker suggested that the Church Clerk, Betty, could obtain prices and information to present at a council meeting later in the year.

Treasurer-(Bruce Nichols) During the month of January the church had expenses of $10,614.79 and income of $15,119.68 for a net surplus of $4,504.89. Despite the cash flow surplus, the net worth for the church decreased by $1,879.63 for the month of January ending at $329,125.07 due to a $6,394.52 reduction in the value of our investment portfolio during the month.

Deacons-(Geno Ogden) Gene reported that Deacons served Communion on the first Sunday of the month. Also, that Deacons will service Communion to shut-ins during Lent and Advent. Gene also thanked Bruce Nichols for making a new Epiphany sign for the hymn board. It was also reported that on Communion Sunday, it would be noted in the bulletin that Communion is for all who believe in Christ. That anyone present is welcome to take Communion.

Trustees-(Glenn Wells) Glenn reported that the new furnace was installed on February 6, 2002 at a cost of $5,625.00. Trustees have also received a repair estimate of $350.00 for the automatic bleeder valves. Trustees will also seek estimates on replacing the front door to the Parish House. The painting of the Sanctuary ceiling was completed on February 2, 2002. The approval for placement of the roadside church signs has been received from the police chief. A new sound system has been installed in the Sanctuary. We are waiting for brackets to mount the speakers. A portable sound system, at a cost of $600.00, will be installed downstairs. A portable microphone costing $300.00 will also be purchased. We were able to replace our sound system because of a special donation.

Christian Education-(Betty Ogden) Betty reported that Family Sundays are February 17, Palm Sunday, March 24, and Easter Sunday, March 31, 2002. On Palm Sunday the little ones are participating in the Worship Service. The will sing a song and pass out the palms. On Easter, the older children will act as lay reader and collect the offering. Communion will be served on Easter Sunday. Ethel Crosby will be practicing music with the children on February 10th and March 10th. The church retreat is scheduled for May 3-4-5th at Silverlake Conference Center in Sharon Connecticut. Because our current curriculum is no longer available, committee members and teachers will be attending a curriculum workshop on March 9, 2002 in Trumbull. The Senior Youth Group will be hosting a brunch on Palm Sunday after worship services. Jan Wells and Betty Ogden will co-chair CE for the year 2002. The next CE meeting will be held on April 6, 2002-9:30 AM at the home of Kin Karkut. To be discussed: The retreat and ideas to encourage other church members to participate. To decide which committee members and teachers will be attending the workshop in March. Also, to find if another committee member, besides Betty, would be able to attend council meetings as a CE rep.

Outreach-(Lesley Barker) Lesley reported that the committee has held two meetings. On February 3rd and 11th, 2002. Lesley and Lucille Wells will act as co-chairs this year. Spooner House supper was served on January 19, 2002 and will again be served on Saturday, February 17, 2002. Lesley also reported that she has joined the UCC Hunger Action Nerwork.

Membership- Bill Barker reported that the Membership Committee is still without a chairperson.
He is calling a committee meeting for Sunday, February 17, 2002 at 11:15. He also noted that the church membership is 162 not 182 as previously thought. The committee should contact the membership, update the list and any changes in the rolls be reported to the clerk.

Nominating-No report

Personnel-(Bill Barker) Bill brought up the subject of a church survey this year. He would have information available at the next council meeting for members to look at. The council can then vote on this issue.

Stewardship-(Sharon Schmidt) Greg reported that per the by laws the committee needed to report quarterly. When council returns to a Wednesday schedule Peggy Gilmore will attend meetings. The committee will be studying the "Consecration Sunday" program in the next few months. A representative of the committee will present a new Stewardship approach to council before May.

Fundraising-(Betty Ogden) Betty reported that the first event of the year, the 4th of July in January picnic was very successful. Everyone had a great time. Four very brave couples, the Schmidts, Ogdens, Barkers, and the DeMarco's played the Newlywed Game. Our host was Cheryl Patrick. 50% of the food items for the event were generously donated by the church membership. Thank you letters are going out soon. The Fundraising Committee added a green flyer to one of the recent church bulletins. A number of people have filled them out and returned them. Church members have not only made suggestions but have offered to work in the kitchen, do decorations and clean up. The Committee is also encouraging other committees to participate in any of the activities planned for the year. The Senior Youth Group helped last year and has offered to participate this year. Upcoming events planned for this year are St. Patrick's Day Dinner on March 16, 2002. In May we are anticipating an event with Sharon Schmidt. June 8, 2002 will be our tag sale. August will a breakfast type event or possibly a Victorian Tea. October will be Shelton Day. November ? Other ideas being explored are the Entertainment Book, children's book and video fair, cheesecakes and raffles that can be held all year. The next fundraising committee meeting will be held on March 2, 2002 at 11 AM at the home of Betty Ogden. To be discussed will be the St. Patrick" Day Dinner and ideas on upcoming events.

Women's Fellowship-(Lucille Wells) Lucille reported that the quilt project has taken off. All 16 squares have been assigned. At the meeting February 12, 2002 anyone needing help cutting their pieces, will have help at this meeting. All squares need to be completed by May. The top will be constructed and the women will meet to finish the quilt. The quilt will be raffled off to benefit the church and the drawing will be held at the Christmas Fair in November. Women's Fellowship also received an unexpected dividend of $1000.00. They voted to give $500.00 to the furnace fund and $500.00 to the Silverlake Cabin Project through the UCC.

Old Business:

1. All committees should be prepared to discuss how they could incorporate the theme " Uniting in Faith" into their committee activities.
2. The Fairfield East committed to funding a cabin to be built at Silverlake. The cost of a cabin is $20,000. Though each church needed only to raise $650.00, they were challenged to raise $1000.00. Our church raised $1,138.00 with our Longaberger Basket Raffles.

New Business:

1. Lesley reported events coming up that could involve our church. The Crop Walk is May 5, 2002, The Spooner House Walk is in the fall, and The Relay for Life Cancer Walk will be held at Riverwalk this year. She asked that Kathey publicize these events in upcoming newsletters. The council was in favor of this.
2. The church would be celebrating a 110 anniversary this Dec. Greg suggested that the Annual Church Meeting in January be held at a brunch. He asked that this be on the agenda for August.
3. Lucille asked if the per-capita dues have been paid to the Fairfield East Ass. Bruce said no. Lucille suggested that perhaps this could be raised through a special envelope donation. Would probably cost no more than $2.00 per person.
4. Bill Barker then asked that any committee has any suggestion for the survey please have them ready for the next council meeting. Also, that the Asst. Church Mgr. can convene the by laws committee. If any one has any by law changes to request, let him know.

Before the motion to adjourn was made Cheryl Patrick asked that agenda information be sent to her two weeks before the next council meeting.
Greg then complimented Cheryl on successfully moderating her first council meeting. Everyone was in agreement with Greg.

The next council meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 19, 2002 at 7:30 PM 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