Church Council Meeting - March 19, 2002

Cheryl Patrick called the church council meeting for March 19, 2002 to order at 7:35 P.M. in the Shelton Congregational Church Library. Cheryl opened the meeting with a prayer. A quorum [6] was met, with 11 being present [P] and 3 being absent [A].

The minutes from the February 12, 2002 meeting were reviewed and accepted after one correction. Cheryl Patrick then called on the officers and committee members for their reports.

Cheryl welcomed Darlene Conklin to our meeting. Darlene will be attending council meetings as a representative of the Senior Youth Group. She then presented a youth group agenda for the coming year. The group would assist the Fundraising Committee with the St. Patrick Day Dinner. The group is hosting a Lenten Breakfast Brunch on Palm Sunday. The YG invited Evangelist Gilbert Abrueo of the Nightrunners Christian Ministries to attend the brunch. Upcoming: Participating in worship services, cleaning up Nicholdale Farm, a sleep over at Greg's house, a Spaghetti Dinner on November 9, 2002 at church. Pending events: running the food booth at the June 8, 2002 tag sale, having a table at our Shelton Day Booth and Mother's Day plant sale.

Treasurer-[ Bruce Nichols ] In Bruce's absence Bill Barker presented the Treasurer's report. Bill reported that during the month of February the church had expenses of $17,370.78 and income of $7,231.62 for a net deficit of $10,139.16. A significant portion of the deficit can be attributed to the $5,625.00 capital improvement cost of replacing the church furnace. Additionally, the ministers March housing allowance of $1,400.00 and March 1st salary payment of $1,459.39 were made on February 28th . All employees were also brought up to date on salary increases retroactive to January 1, 2002. Despite the monthly deficit for February, the net worth for the church increased by $1,365.71 for the month ending at $330,490.71. Year to date, net worth is down by $531.92.

Trustees-[ Glenn Wells ] Glenn reported that though the market has not been great. Trustees has decided the church investments will stay as they are, for now. The new roadside signs have been approved and will be going up soon. All but one pew has been secured. The carpet in the sanctuary will be cleaned after Easter. A new computer for the office is being discussed by the Trustees. Also, a portable sound system for downstairs. Next Trustees meeting will be held on April 17, 2002 at 6:30 in the library.

Christian Education-[Jan Wells-Betty Ogden ] Betty reported the next meeting will be held April 6, 2002 at 9:30 AM at the home of Kim Karkut. To be discussed: the upcoming retreat May3-4-5 2002 at Silver Lake. The curriculum workshop was attended by Jan and Betty.

Outreach-[Lesley Barker] Lesley reported that Spooner House was served on March 16. She had also recently attended an Act board meeting. Outreach Committee will incorporate the church theme " United in Faith" by being more visible and attempting a wider church organization. Hopefully Hunger Sunday will accomplish this. On April 28, after worship services, an educational information event will take place. Information on Spooner House, Food Bank, Crop Walk, Heifer Project, Mexican Child, Church World Service, WIC and Meals on Wheels.

Membership-[Walt Crosby-Leigh Schultz ] Walt reported that the Committee had its first meeting February 17, 2002. They discussed publicity. Getting the church out there and reaching new people in the area. One thought was the Huntington Herald and the Welcome Wagon. Another important function of the committee is visitor contact in the church. All church members are encouraged to greet new faces when they appear. Walt Crosby and Leigh Schultz will co-chair the committee. Their next meeting will be in a couple of weeks.

Women's Fellowship-[ Lucille Wells ] Lucille reported that the quilt project is going nicely. The next meeting will be April 9, 2002. At this meeting school kits will be packed. Any member needing help with their quilt square can receive help at this meeting.

Stewardship-[ Sharon Schmidt-Peggy Gilmore ] No representative of the Stewardship Committee was able to attend this meeting because council has been meeting on Tuesday instead of Wednesday. Both chair persons are choir members, which rehearses on Tuesday. A representative will be present at the next council meeting to explain Consecration Sunday.

Fundraising Committee-[ Betty Ogden ] Betty reported the St. Patrick's Dinner on March 16, 2002 did not have the turnout of last year. A good time was had by all who attended. She also presented the Fundraising Committee "Uniting In Faith" intentions. To encourage all church members to participate in fundraising events by donating supplies, suggestions, working or attending. By encouraging the youth of our church to take a leadership role on the committee. And to bring a group of people together in the spirit of fellowship whenever possible. Also mentioned was the upcoming Cabaret featuring Sharon Schmidt.

New Business:

1. Cheryl reported the Nightrunners Christian Ministries would attend the Lenten Brunch.
Perhaps information on this group could be presented at the Outreach Info event being held
In April.
2. Greg presented a petition ( A Christian Call for Peace) sent to the church from the Global
Ministries. He then moved that the petition be placed in the Narthex for church members who wished to sign, may do so. AIF
3. Betty Ogden moved that a Hospitality Committee be created. This committee would be
available as needed, for funerals, or functions that the church hosts. This would mean setting up and cleaning of the Beard Room. This would be a volunteer group and would report to the Church Manager. AIF
4. Bill Barker moved that the Personnel Committee be given permission to start work on the
proposed church survey. This would be updated as people presented Bill with suggested survey questions. AIF

The next council meeting will be held on April 17, 2002 at 7:30 PM in the Shelton Congregational Church Library. The Rev. Dr. Greg Schmidt then led the council in "The Lord's Prayer". The meeting was then adjourned at 9:18 PM.

Respectfully Submitted
Betty Ogden