Church Council Meeting - August 21, 2002

Cheryl Patrick called the church council meeting for August 21, 2002 to order at 7:45 P.M. in the Shelton Congregational Church Library. The meeting opened with a prayer offered by Church Mgr. Cheryl Patrick. A quorum [6] was met, with 8 being present [P] and 5 being absent [A].

The minutes from the July 10, 2002 meeting were reviewed and accepted. Cheryl Patrick then called on the officers and committee members for their reports.

MINISTER- [Rev. Dr. Greg Schmidt] In Greg's absence the ministers report was given by Kathey DeMarco. On September 11th, 2002 the Shelton Clergy will lead a worship service at the Huntington Congregational Church at 7 P.M. Also, our sanctuary will be open all day for those who wish to spend time in pray and remembrance. On September 22nd we will be host to the Shelton High School class of 1942. This class celebrated their baccalaureate service in our sanctuary 60 years ago. They are returning to worship with us and remember classmates now deceased.

TREASURER- [Bruce Nichols] During the month of July the church had expenses of $9,085.76 and income of $6,296.36, creating a deficit of $2,789.40. At the end of July 2002 the net worth of the church was $257,414.40. This is down $63,590.30 from the January 1st, 2002 total of $331,004.70. Part of the net worth drop is due to a decrease in the Vanguard funds from $117,337.69 on January 1st, 2002 to $89,463.40 on August 21st, 2002.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION- [Jan Wells-Betty Ogden] Betty reported the new curriculum [Seasons of the Spirit] has arrived. It is an updated curriculum with computer CD's. We did receive a 15-18 age group instead of the adult curriculum that had been ordered. Greg has since sent that back for exchange. Sunday school is presently scheduled to start on September 15th, 2002. Jan is contacting teachers to see who will be returning this year. Hopefully all will be. We will need a teacher for the grade 7-9. If there is anyone present at this meeting who would like to teach or knows of someone whom they think would be a good candidate, please share this information with Jan Wells or Betty Ogden. Eight Safe House children have been attending church and classes every week. They appear to be enjoying themselves. The adults who have volunteered over the summer to teach the classes have certainly enjoyed the experience. The next CE meeting will be held at the beginning of September.

DEACONS - [Gene Ogden] Gene reported on his attempts to involve the youth of our church in the worship services. Sadie Patrick and Amanda Macdonald served communion in July and August during regular worship services. It was a good experience for all involved. The girls did great and the congregation enjoyed them serving. All feed back was positive. Gene inquired about the rules concerning those youths that wished to become deacons. Bill explained that deacons could have as many members as needed, but only the nominated members have voting rights.

TRUSTEES- [Glenn Wells] Glenn reported a Korean Methodist Church group [10 families] has expressed an interest in using our church sanctuary for services. They were formally attached to the Fairfield Methodist Church. They would use the sanctuary for a noon service. They will be offered the non-profit rate of $25.00 daytime and a $10.00 evening use of the Parish House. Bill said they would be offered a 3-month trial period. Cheryl asked if a lease agreement was needed and will the council need to vote on this. Walt Crosby made a motion that the group is offered a 3-month trial period, with conditions to be stated. Bill Barker then seconded the motion. Motion was passed with a unanimous vote. The discussion on copy machine review and sub-committees was tabled until the next council meeting. Next trustees meeting will be September 18th, 2002 at 6:30 P.M.

OUTREACH- [Lesley Barker] Lesley reported Spooner House was served on Saturday, August 17th, 2002. The Shelton P&Z has rejected an application by ACT to build a homeless shelter on Cots Street. An alternate site in Shelton is being sought. There will be a walk to benefit Act on Saturday, September 14th, at the Derby Green. The date may be changed so the Mayor of Derby can attend.

MEMBERSHIP- [Walt Crosby] Walt Crosby reported membership has not had a meeting. He stated that Tony Unger was in charge of creating an updated membership list, but he had no information on the completion. It is with regret he announced the resignation of Leigh Russell. She would complete the work she is doing and will donate the cost of advertising with the Newcomers Club. It was also reported that we have a present membership of 162. New members [10-12] would be welcomed into the church on October 6th. Betty informed Walter that October 6th was Shelton Day. Could it be done on another Sunday so that all church members could be present? He would discuss this with Greg. No date was given for the next membership meeting.

NOMINATING- [Kathy Maillet] In Kathy's absence Lucille reported the resignation of Leigh Russell and Mary Unger. Darlene Conklin will be replacing Leigh as the co-chair of Membership. Kathey DeMarco, church secretary, will replace Mary Unger as our Financial Secretary. Lucille warmly welcomed both of them and thanked them for filling the empty positions.

PERSONELL- [Bill Barker] Bill reported two separate surveys. A congregational and a valuation survey. The valuation survey would be the same as sent two years ago with the addition of two outreach questions. The congregational survey will supply the committee with personal information on church members. The survey will be placed in church member's mailboxes and only mailed to those members that do not attend church regularly. Council approval was given for this survey.

FUNDRAISING- [Betty Ogden] Betty reported the new raffles as going well and becoming popular. Mary Sember, the August raffle, is doing very well. As of today she has already raised $80.00 and she still has a Sunday to go. Drawing will be held on August 25th. Plans for the September 21 talent show/buffet are progressing. Still looking for talent. We presently have 4 acts. The menu will be penne' pasta, meatless sauce, meatballs, sausage, salad, bread and butter, dessert and beverages. Thanks to Greg tickets will be available this Sunday. Adults will be $10.00 and children $5.00. Donation wish list will be published soon. The Holland Bulb raiser will start the first Sunday of September. The church will receive 50 % of all bulbs purchased.

WOMEN'S FELLOWSHIP-[LUCILLE WELLS] Lucille reported Women's Fellowship will meet on September 10th, at the usual time and place. The handcrafted quilt is completed and hanging in the sanctuary. Tickets, at a cost of $5.00, are available [thanks to Greg] from any fundraising committee member. The drawing will be held on November 23rd at the Christmas Fair.

STEWARDSHIP- [Sharon Schmidt] Cheryl reported that Consecration Sunday would be October 20th, 2002. Sharon would be attending the September 18th council meeting and will give more details then.

YOUTH GROUP- [Darlene Conklin] Darlene reported the Senior Youth Group would be starting in September. The new member will be Sadie Patrick. They would meet once a month. The committee will celebrate Make a Difference Day. They will take some of their profits and buy supplies for the Safe House. The pasta dinner scheduled for November is still on their agenda. She also invited committee chairs to attend youth group meetings and explain the functions of their committees. She thanked Gene Ogden for attending past meetings and involving the youth group in the worship services.

NEW BUSINESS: Lesley Barker presented a letter she had received from AA. A speaker is willing to come and speak at our church. This could be a substitute service or an after dinner talk. She was asked to contact AA and obtain more information to present at the next council meeting.

The next council meeting will be held on September 18th, 2002 at 7:30 P.M. in the Shelton Congregational Church Library. Cheryl then led the council is saying "The Lord's Prayer." The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 P.M.

Respectfully Submitted
Betty Ogden, Clerk