Church Council Meeting - May 21, 2003

Kim Karkut called the church council meeting for May 2 1st 2003 to order at 7:44 PM in the Shelton Congregational Church Library. The meeting opened with a prayer offered by Rev. Greg Schmidt. A quorum (6) was met with 9 being present (F) and 5 being absent (A).

The minutes from the April 16th 2003 meeting were reviewed and accepted. Kim then called on the officers and committee chairs for their reports.

Minister-Rev. Greg Schmidt- Greg will be on Sabbatical during July and August. He asked about staffing the pulpit. Church members and clergy. He felt that Communion Sunday should be an ordained minister. Local clergy would be on call thr hospital visits. He presented a Farewell Service for consideration. AU were in favor.

Treasurer - Bruce Nichols - Bill Barker presented the report. During the month of April 2003 the church had expenses of $12,744.79 and income of $14,252.71 for a net surplus of $1 ,507.92. $3,561.00 of income came from insurance payments for water damage to the kitchen. Net worth for the church at the end of April was $238,222.27 up $10,085.60 from the end of March 2003. About $8500.00 of that increase was due to an increase in the church's portfolio during the last month. Year to date, the churchís net worth is down approximately $5,400.00.

Christian Education - Jan Wells - Greg reported Children's Sunday would be June 8th. There would be one confirmation. All classes will give a presentation. Summer Sunday School will be offered.

Deacons - Gene Ogden - Greg reported the choir would give a concert on June 14th 2003 at 7 PM.

Outreach - Lesley Barker - Lesley reported Spooner House served May 17th Spooner House has passed the first appearance before the Board of Zoning. The second appearance has been postponed.

Membership - Darleen Conklin -Greg reported the committee met on May 20th June 15th would New Member Day.

Personnel - Ron Karkut - The committee is actively seeking an Interim Minister. Bill Barker has received a few resumes. The congregation will be informed as to the progress.

Fundraising-Betty Ogden-It was reported that quilt tickets are available. The quilt is a Log Cabin Starlight and the drawing will be held on June 29th Tag sale would be held on June 7th.

Womenís Fellowship - Lucille Wells - Lucille reported the group met May 13th. Call lists for bake goods were made. There would be no meetings until September.

Stewardship - Greg reported a possible speaker for Consecration Sunday. Rev. Lark Hapke.

Trustees - Glenn Wells - Glenn reported a small work detail on 24th for lead abatement on the church windows. A workday on May 21st. would be to paint the kitchen. Dead tree behind Parish House needs to be removed. The lead abatement in the Parish House apartment has passed inspection.

New Business:

1. Lucille Wells reported Richard has fixed 6 pews.

2. Betty Ogden asked for $500.00 to plan the June 29th Farewell Reception for Greg. All were in favor.

3. Greg asked if the I.V.C dues of $200.00 should be discontinued. The group has not responded to any requests for help from our church office. The decision was tabled until the June council meeting.

4. Bill Barker asked for direction in what we can offer and what our needs are for an Interim Minister. It was decided to hold a special meeting on May 25th to discuss this.

The next council meeting will be held Wednesday, June 18th 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 9:15.

Respectfully Submitted
Betty Ogden, Clerk