Church Council Meeting - December 17, 2003

Kim Karkut called the church council meeting for December 17th, 2003 to order at 7:32 p.m. in the Shelton Congregational Church Library. A prayer was offered by Rev. Jean McCusker. A quorum (6) was met with 9 being present (P) and 5 being absent (A).

The minutes from the November 20th, 2003 meeting were reviewed and accepted. Kim then called on officers and chairs for their reports.

Treasurer - Bruce Nichols-During the month of November 2003 the church had income of $5,666.11 and expenses of $6,640.61 for a net deficit of $974.61. Net worth for the church at the end of November was $226,070.89, up $2,613.10 from the end of October. The increase reflects appreciation of the church portfolio in November.

Minister - Rev. Jean McCusker-In the past month there have been four worship services. While I was involved in planning and preparing for all of them, I only brought a message to two of them. Due to snow, the worship service on December 7th was cancelled. On December 14th the SCC choir offered several anthems as our message. I had office hours all four weeks. Usually on Thursdays, but once on Tuesday. In addition, I have worked in the office on other days as need required and time allowed. I had one visit at the office, 6 visits to parishioners at home or in nursing homes, and one hospital visit. I had several phone visits and several email contacts regarding church business. I prepared one article for the January newsletter, attended the Shelton Clergy Association meeting, and the “Lunch and Learn” clergy meetings at Griffin Hospital. I also participated in the Community Thanksgiving service. The church received two new members on December 14th. A funeral for a church member was conducted on December 3rd. I have traveled 687 miles for the church.

Special Presentation - At this point in the meeting the council met with and heard a presentation from Mr. Chung. He was representing a small (16 adults-10 children) Korean church group. His group presently rents space from the Covenant Church in Easton at a cost of $600.00 a month. He expressed interest in renting space from SCC. They need Sunday 6-7 a.m. in the sanctuary and 1:30-5 p.m. in the Beard Room. They hold bible study on Wednesdays 8-9 p.m. They hold a prayer meeting every Saturday evening 8:30-9:30 p.m. They would also like use of the kitchen to prepare an evening meal. Bill calculated the cost as $25.00-sanctuary. $10.00-Beard room. There would be a one-time $25.00 custodial fee. If a mess were left, the cost of our custodian would be taken from the fee. Mr. Chung stated they did not have a permanent minister at this time, but do have an interim. Bill Barker was going to contact the Covenant Church as a reference. He would have further information at the next council meeting.

Deacons - Carol Edson-Communion was not held on December 7th, because of snow cancellation. At Pastor Jean’s request all decorations will be left up until after January 10th . Bill Barker asked Carol to correct the Sunday scheduling problems. Scheduling for lay readers and offering should be done in advance and not during the service.

Personnel - Ron Karkut-The search committee held their second meeting on December 9th, at the home of Alicia Cleary. Present were Betty Ogden, Ron Karkut, Marlene Wilcox, Alicia Cleary, Bruce Nichols, Sue Nofi-Bendici and Dave Kingsbury. Bruce shared his experiences on the previous pastoral search twelve years ago and offered helpful suggestions and guidance for our journey about to start. Our next meeting is scheduled for January 13th, 2004 at the home of Marlene Wilcox.

Fundraising - Betty Ogden-The pie plate raffle was held on November 23rd and the winner was Kathy Chilson. The microwave will be held on December 21st.

Nominating - Bill Barker-Bill asked that all committee chairpersons contact their committee members and ask who will be staying or leaving the committee.

Old Business: Per the request of Bill Barker the discussion on “Will we be a safe church” was tabled until the January council meeting. Additional information is needed from our legal representation.

New Business:
1. Betty Ogden requesting an amendment to the budget made a motion requesting that $1000.00 by set aside for the search committee. Council decided access to the account would be co-chairs Betty Ogden and Ron Karkut. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

2. Betty Ogden requesting a decision on publishing the minutes on the church website made a motion asking full report or summary? It was decided not to publish the negative interactions or conflicts between council members and personal member information not appropriate for the website. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

3. Personnel committee would not have the opportunity to meet before the interim contract expires December 31st. Bill Barker made a motion requesting council instruct the personnel committee to change the contracted hours from the current 16 to 26 as of January 1st, 2004. Bill Barker’s motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

4. Betty Ogden asked permission to use a section of the youth group room in the basement of the parish house. If the floor was finished could she use it to store items for the July church tag sale? Because of work being done on the floor, the Ogdens have been allowing church members to store items in their shed. If permission were granted they would like to start moving items to the church. Council unanimously granted permission.

The next council meeting will be held Wednesday, January 21st, 2003 at 7:30 p.m. in the Shelton Congregational Church Library. The council joined with Pastor Jean in saying The Lord’s Prayer. The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Betty Ogden, Clerk