Church Council Meeting - March 18, 2003

Kim Karkut called the church council meeting for March 18th, 2003 to order at 7:40 PM in the Shelton Congregational Church Library. The meeting opened with a prayer offered by Rev. Greg Schmidt. A quorum [6] was met, with 10 being present [P] and 4 being absent [A].

The minutes from the February 19th, 2003 meeting were reviewed and accepted. Kim Karkut then called on the officers and committee chairs for their reports.

MINISTER- Rev. Dr. Greg Schmidt-Greg reported Tanya away for 3 weeks. The next Lenten Ecumenical Service would be March 19th at Trinity Lutheran Church. Greg will be the guest minister. Maundy Thursday Service will be April 17th at 7 PM. 12 volunteers are needed to be disciples. Communion will be served. Easter Sunrise Service will be at Jones Farm at 6 AM. On Saturday, April 19th, we will hold an all night vigil in the sanctuary of our church. This will be held from sunset, Saturday, April 19th until sunrise on Easter Sunday, April 20th. Church members are asked to sign up for 1 hour.

TREASURER-Bruce Nichols-During the month of February 2003 the church had expenses of $14,549.62 and income of $9,866.61 for a net deficit of $4,683.01. Significant expenditures totaling over $5,200 were made for new windows for the Beard Room, to repair a water leak in the kitchen radiators, and for carpet upgrades in the Parish House apartment. Net worth for the church at the end of February was $232,320.99, down $6,350.95 from the end of January. About $1600.00 of the reduction was due to reduction of the value of the church's portfolio. The remainder came from the February deficit.

TRUSTEES-Glenn Wells-New windows in the basement area of the church have been installed. Two windows are still on order. Trustees voted to sell stock and transfer the money to the church checking account. The new carpeting for the Parish House apartment will be installed on March 19th, 2003. Damage to the fascia on the backside of church will cost $450.00 to repair. The kitchen cabinet, removed because of a broken water pipe, has been replaced. A claim has been submitted to our insurance company for water damage. Our lead abatement is on hold.

OUTREACH-Lesley Barker-Spooner House was served on March 15th. Area Congregations Together meet recently to plan for their next Spooner House application for the P&Z. They anticipate approval by May 15th, 2003. A Benefit Magic Show in support of Spooner House will be held Saturday, April 5th, at 3 PM.

MEMBERSHIP-Darleen Conklin-Membership met on March 16th, 2003. Present were Darleen Conkin, Donna Hasiotis and Walt Crosby. The Senior Youth Group volunteered to handle the Easter jellybean handout this year. Walt contacted a church member regarding her membership questions. Her issue is resolved, she wants to continue as a member, but there are questions concerning the membership status of her children. The committee will speak with Pastor Greg Schmidt concerning membership guidelines. Claudine and Andy Loh will be the first of the new members to be hi-lighted in the Hilltopper Newsletter. The committee will soon be compiling a "interested in joining" list. A New Member Service for May 18th, 2003 is being discussed.

FUNDRAISING- Betty Ogden-Betty reported the St. Patrick Day Dinner raised $307.00. The turnout was not as expected, but those present had a great time. Six church members are planning a Chili Cook Off as a fundraiser. The event will be April 26th. Enough squares for the quilt raffle have been sold to create a queen quilt and two shams.

WOMEN'S FELLOWSHIP-Lucille Wells-Health kits will be packed at the April meeting. At a recent W.F meeting held at Lucille's home, the group created 9 squares for the quilt. The group also voted to donate money to the kitchen restoration. New floor or paint. Next W.F. meeting will be held April 8th, at 7 PM in the Beard Room.

STEWARDSHIP- Sharon Schmidt-Greg read a report prepared by Comm. Chair Sharon Schmidt. As of March 17th, 2003 we have officially 64 pledging households, totaling $53,843 for 2003. This represents an increase of $10,500 over 2002. Good for us! Last week I sent out a letter to 23 households on our mailing list (not pledging or members) asking for a minimum $20.00 donation to remain on our mailing list. Thanks to Kathey for her help with this. I hope to (with Greg's help) secure the speaker/leader for Consecration Sunday by the end of April. We have talked about a couple of possibilities and plan to make contact perhaps by Easter.

YOUTH GROUP-DARLEEN CONKLIN-On Saturday, March 21st, the youth group would go bowling.

NEW BUSINESS:

1. Darleen Conklin asked if 10 of the old red pew bibles, recently replaced, can be donated to a Re-hab Facility in Hartford. So moved and seconded.

2. Lesley asked if a Capitol Improvement Fund was in place. Richard Wells thought asking church members to sponsor the cost of a new window would be a good fundraiser. At a cost of $250.00, sponsors would have a plaque, with their name, placed on the window.

3. Lesley Barker asked the church support a letter endorsing legislation to reduce hunger and poverty. The letter would be signed by church members and sent to our legislators. The letter can be put out during coffee hour for those interested in signing. So moved and seconded.

4. Glenn Wells inquired of Outreach Chair Lesley Barker if the church is participating in the
June 7th, Relay for Life. No definite decision made.

The next council meeting will be held Wednesday April 16th, 2003 at 7:30 PM. in the Shelton Congregational Church Library. The Rev. Greg Schmidt led the council in saying "The Lord's Prayer." The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 PM.

Respectfully Submitted
Betty Ogden, Clerk