Church Council Meeting - April 17, 2002

Cheryl Patrick called the church council meeting for April 17, 2002 to order at 7:40 P.M. in the Shelton Congregational Church Library. The meeting was opened the meeting with a prayer offered by Rev. Greg Schmidt. A quorum [6] was met, with 12 being present [P] and 2 being absent [A].

The minutes from the March 19th, 2002 meeting were reviewed and accepted. Cheryl Patrick then called on the officers and committee members for their reports.

Minister-Greg Schmidt-Greg reported on the Safe House that has opened across the street from our church. He explained how the Safe House might benefit from and impact our church and the services we provide. Those children would be brought to our church for Sunday School. They would attend with adult supervision, four children per adult. Because the children only stay for 45 days (state mandated) we would only see a child for 3-4 Sundays. The church members and Sunday school children would need to be educated as to the need for confidentiality concerning these children. Ten volunteers would be needed for a Summer Sunday School program.

Treasurer-Bruce Nichols-Bruce reported during the month of March that the church had expenses of $10,780.75 and income of $5,354.06 for a net deficit of $5,426.06. A significant portion of this month's deficit can be attributed to the special quarterly payments for the minister's annuity ($1,587.60) and the family health insurance ($2,512.50. Also, pledge income at $3,121 was below the expected average of $4,000. per month. At the end of March, the net worth for the church was $325,763.70, down slightly from the February close of $330,490.78. YTD net worth is down by $5,241. Even though the portfolio gained value since January 1st.

Christian Education-Jan Wells-Betty Ogden-Betty reported on the Christian Education meeting held on April 6th at the home of Kim Karkut. Discussed was the new Sunday School curriculum (Seasons of the Spirit) to be purchased. Adult Education was also discussed. The time, (evenings or Sunday before worship services), the location, perhaps a different home each time or at church. Further discussions are planned. Greg asked about the Sunday School teachers and their class materials. Greg said that CE has made no copies for the year and are the teachers aware they have copy machine privileges. Jan said many times the office is not open when they come and none of the teachers have keys. Jan now has keys. CE will have a visual presentation at the Outreach Hunger Sunday event planned for April 28th, 2002 after church. CE will also have a dispay board introducing everyone to the Mexican child sponsored by the Committee. The CE Committee is offering tickets to "Jesus Christ Superstar" at Sacred Heart University. Ticket cost is $15.00 per person. The retreat at Silver Lake is planned for May 3rd-5th. Cost is $50.00 for adults, age 13-18 is $40.00 and children $30.00. Carol and Betty will plan, purchase and prepare the food again this year. Alsi, discussed were children and adult activities. Greg gave information on the Safe House, which recently opened across the street from our church. Greg explained how the Safe House might impact our church and the services we provide. It was decided there would be no Sunday School the weekend of May 5th and Memorial Day weekend. The next meeting is planned for May 11th, 2002 at 9:30 AM at the home of Jan Wells. To be discussed will be how the new curriculum will be used and what we think the Sunday School students will get out of each grade level. Also the need to obtain volunteer teachers to cover Sunday School in the event children from the Safe House come to church. One teacher in a mixed group setting or a different teacher each week.

Trustees-Glenn Wells-The new computer at a cost of $1000 has been purchased for the office. It has been installed and is now being used. Trustees plan on renting equipment to clean the carpeting in the Sanctuary. A work day has been planned for May 11th, 2002. A sound system for the Beard Room has been purchased and will be used for the Cabaret. Next trustees meeting is planned for May 15th, 2002 at 6:30 in the library.

Deacons-Gene Ogden-Gene reported that Deacons served Communion on Easter Sunday and on April 7th, 2002. He also reported he has been invited to attend the April 21st Youth Group meeting to explain the function of the Deacons Committee. To encourage the youth of our church to participate in some of the committee responsibilities and worship service. Preparing the Sanctuary for worship service, lay reading, etc. Kathey has graciously made copies of the Deacon's Handbook that was created by the committee last year. These will be passed out at that meeting. Gene thanked Kathey for offering to do this. Gene also discussed with Greg the possibility of Senior Youth Group serving Communion during the summer.

Outreach-Lesley Barker-Lesley reported that Spooner House would be served on April 20th. She also attended an Act Board meeting on April 16th, and some progress is being made on finding a new home. On April 28th, after worship services, an educational information event will take place. Information on Spooner House, Food Bank, Crop Walk, Heifer Project, Mexican Child, Church World Services, WIC and Meals on Wheels. Outreach will be serving tomato soup and rice and beans for coffee hour. The Crop Walk will be held on May 5th and everyone is welcomed to sign up. Relay for Life will be held June 8-9th at the Riverwalk. There is a $120.00 registration fee. We have Lot #6 immediately opposite Hill Street. Greg suggested that donations be made to the church team rather than have to sponsor numerous walkers.

Membership-Walt Crosby-Leigh Schultz-Walt reported the committee has not had a meeting. He said that Darleen Conklin would be coming on the committee and would be an asset. He felt that the need for a greeting committee existed and perhaps something could be put into the bulletin asking if anyone would be interested in being on such a committee. The next meeting will be held on Sunday, April 20th.

Personnel-Bill Barker-Bill reported we had approved the concept of a survey at the last meeting. He would present a final survey draft at the next meeting. He also suggested a separate form be sent with a survey. The questionnaire will supply a brief profile about the person sending in the survey, ie, household income, number of people in family, etc.

Fundraising-Betty Ogden-Betty reported that the Fundraising Committee did plan on meeting April 13th, 2002. Because of the open and interacting and relationship that exists between members, in person and via e-mail, it was decided that adequate plans for the upcoming events have been made, so it was felt that a meeting was not necessary. We are waiting on the Yankee Candle literature to come in. This campaign will start on May 11th-28th. 40% of all sales will go to the church. This is not a church campaign. We are encouraging everyone to seel candles outside the church. If we are able to send the check for the fundraiser within a week of being notified of the total amount owed, we will receive 43% of all sales. Plans for the Cabaret Dinner that Sharon Schmidt will be performing is progressing nicely. Tickets were put on sale Sunday, April 14th, 2002 and sold after church. This committee would like to thank Sharon for doing this. The Tag Sale on June 8th, will be handled differently this year. Because the Beard Room is rented most nights, all tag sale items will be left, sorted, priced in the empty room in the Parish House. Items can be left starting May 1st. This will eliminate the need to carry everything upstairs the morning of the event. This will also give us a month to prepare the items for sale. Volunteer sign up sheets will be posted in May. Those who can not bring donations during regular office hours or on Sunday can call Betty and she will be happy to meet them there. The Sampler Quilt Project instigated by the Women's Fellowship Group is going nicely. This is a project that started in January. The squares are now being turned in. These are squares made by women who said, "I don't sew, don't own a machine, don't think I can do that," but would like to try. The squares turned in are amazing. The raffle can generate considerable publicity for the Christmas Fair in November.

Stewardship-Sharon Schmidt-Peggy Gilmore-Sharon attended this meeting to report on the Consecration Sunday program to run mid Sept-mid March. This program will give us an opportunity to rethink our pledging. An outside leader would speak during the Worship Service on Consecration Sunday. Those who have made reservations would attend a catered affair in the Beard Room. The results would then be shared during the luncheon.

New Business:

1. Sharon Schmidt moved that The Stewardship Committee implement the Consecration Sunday Program for this year's Stewardship Campaign. After a period of discussion the motion passed with a vote of 10 in favor and 1 opposed.
2. Rev. Greg Schmidt moved that the Shelton Congregational Church enter into a relationship with the Safe House, offering them the opportunity to worship with us and us providing support and services as needed. After a brief discussion the motion passed with a unanimous vote of approval.

The next council meeting will be held on May 15th, 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 9:20 PM.

Respectfully Submitted
Betty Ogden