Church Council Meeting - July 23, 2003

Kim Karkut called the church council meeting for July 23rd, 2003 to order at 7:35 PM in the Shelton Congregational Church Library. A quorum (6) was met with 7 being present (P) and 5 being absent (A).

The minutes from the June 18th, 2003 meeting were reviewed and accepted. Kim then called on officers and chairs for their reports.

Treasurer-Bruce Nichols-In Bruce’s absence Bill Barker presented the report. During the month of June 2003 the church had income of $7,464.83 and expenses of $15,663.32 for a net deficit of $8,198.49. Net worth for the church at the end of June was $236,138.63, down $10,446.40 from the end of May 2003. In June all of the Verizon stock (235 shares) was sold for $9,328.21. $9,000 was transferred from Fidelity to the Webster checking account to cover expenses. Additionally, $1,923.32 was transferred from the sabbatical account (now closed) to the Webster checking account to offset expenses related to Greg’s departure.

Trustees-Glenn Wells-It was reported the lead abatement project on the church windows is 95 % completed. Roof repair work done on June 19th, 2003 cost $825.00. Trustees approved carpet cleaning in the church building. Estimates will be solicited for removal of a dead tree behind the Parish House. The tenant has requested the apartment walls (upstairs in the parish house) be painted. Bill Barker asked if it could be done as a fundraising project at a cost of $150.00 a room. Betty Ogden mentioned $150.00 a room is 1/3 the going market price. Bill said he was now aware of that fact, but not when he quoted the tenant a price of $150.00. Next trustees meeting is August 20th, 2003 at 6:30 PM.

Outreach-Lesley Barker-Spooner House was served July 19th, 2003. PIM (the property owner who opposed the ACT application for a homeless shelter on Todd Road) has filed suit in court against the Shelton Planning and Zoning Commission over their action granting a variance. Act is named in the suit. ACT, while getting legal advice, will continue to move forward on the project. IVC has changed their name to Valley Interfaith Caregivers. Josephine Lifreiri will send information and forms to Kathey at the church office. The procedure for getting transportation from VIC is to fill out an application form and send to VIC. Each time transportation is needed 3 days notice must be given.

Membership-Walter Crosby-Walt reported membership has not had a meeting. The committee needs candidates for the new member profile in the newsletter.

Fundraising-Betty Ogden- The Log Cabin Quilt raffle raised approximately $1700.00. There was enough items left over from the June Tag Sale, which was rained out, that Geno Ogden decided to take everything home and hold a tag sale (to benefit the church) at his home. The sale was held July 12th, 2003 and raised an additional $50.25. Good job Geno!

Personnel-Ron Karkut-The next three ministers in our pulpit will be interim candidates. Rev. Shepard Parsons, Rev. Jean McCusker and Rev. Harold Smith. Ron reported they all have different qualities to offer our church. A special council meeting will be held Wednesday, August 6th, 2003 to discuss and hopefully pick one of the candidates to be our interim minister.

New Business:

1. A motion was made by Bill Barker to allow the Stewardship Committee to implement the Consecration Sunday program as run last year. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

2. Walt Crosby then made a motion the Consecration Sunday program is modified and a caterer not be used for the breakfast meal. He suggested church members cook the meal and save the $600.00. Bill Barker was in agreement with Walt on this suggestion. Betty Ogden expressed the opinion it was a three-year program and should be given the appropriate three-year support. Cost for such an event would probably run about $400.00 and entail a major amount of preparation and work. Betty asked more thought be given to what church members are available and willing before deciding to do this? A discussion was held and the motion was tabled until the next council meeting.

The next council meeting will be held Wednesday, August 20th. 2003 at 7:30 PM in the Shelton Congregational Church Library. The meeting was then adjourned at 8:30 PM.

Respectfully Submitted
Betty Ogden, Clerk