Church Council Meeting - January 21, 2004

Kim Karkut called the church council meeting for January 21st, 2004 to order at 7:45 p.m. in the Shelton Congregational Church Library. A prayer was offered by Rev. Jean McCusker. A quorum (6) was met with 8 being present (P) and 6 being absent (A).

The minutes from the December 17th, 2003 meeting were reviewed and accepted as amended. Three new members were received on December 14th, 2004-not two. The Fairfield Presbyterian Korean Church will use the sanctuary and Beard Room on Sunday afternoon. Kim then called on officers and chairs for their reports.

Minister - Rev. Jean McCusker-In the month since the last church council meeting I have done very little for the church. Most of the month I was in Ohio visiting my mother daily and attending the funerals for my aunt and mother. You have been most kind to me and I appreciate your prayers, generosity and expressions of sympathy more than I can tell you. God Bless you all. In the past month I led only one Sunday morning service and was in the office three days. I had one visit at the office and attempted one hospital visit, but the patient was discharged before I arrived. I had several phone visits, email contacts on behalf of the church and prepared one article for the February newsletter. I attended the Shelton Clergy Association meeting. The Shelton Clergy Association Ecumenical Ash Wednesday Service will be held on February 25th, 2004 at the Shelton Congregational Church at 7 p.m. Rev. Diane McClanahan from the First United Methodist Church will be our guest minister. I am scheduled to preach at the Trinity Lutheran Church on Wednesday, March 10th, 2004. We will host the Wednesday, March 24th, 2004 Lenten Worship Service with a potluck at 6:30 p.m. and worship services at 7:30 p.m. I prepared and led one funeral service for Audrey Lamson at Riverview Funeral Home on Saturday, January 17th. 2004. A Memorial Service is scheduled in our sanctuary on Saturday, January 24th, 2004 for Dorothy Day. Both of these women were members of the congregation at some time in the past. I have also traveled 324 miles for the church during this time.

Deacons - Carol Edson-Communion was held on Sunday, January 18th, 2004. Carol reported the church would be back on our regular communion schedule of the first Sunday of the month starting Sunday, February 1st. 2004.

Personnel - Ron Karkut-The contract renewal for Rev. Jean McCusker, interim, is almost ready. Pastor Jean's hours have been increased to 26. Contracts have not yet been signed. The Search Committee met on January 13th, 2004. The next Search Committee meeting is planned for January 23rd, 2004. With the holidays over, the Search Committee will be meeting more often.

Fundraising - Betty Ogden-The microwave donated by Flo Gryder was raffled on December 21st, 2003. The winner was Rick and Leigh Schultz.

Nominating - Bill Barker-Bill reported two openings on Deacons, one on Trustees and one on Fundraising.

Christian Education - Jan Wells- Jan said the Christmas Pageant was well received by the congregation. It was a new program and involved the entire Sunday School. The Safe House has not been called to see why they have not been coming to church, but she will do so soon. Ron Karkut asked if there would be an Easter Pageant. Jan said there is a possibility.

Membership - Walter Crosby-Membership met on January 18th, 2004. Plans were made for a Spaghetti Dinner/Bingo Fundraising event to be co-hosted by the Membership Committee and the Senior Youth Group and held on February 21st, 2004. The theme will be Bring a Friend. If profits are realized from the event, it was suggested (in the 1-18-2004 Membership Minutes) the money be split between the Senior Youth Group and the Membership Committee. Any money left at the end of the year would be donated to the general fund. Betty Ogden asked Walter if the Membership Committee already has a budget of $1000.00 why the need for more? Walter said the final decision had not been made to keep the profits from the event instead of turning into the general fund. Walter mentioned he read the book "You Belong" which was given to our new members. He said it was very interesting and suggested the rest of the membership committee read it. Walter said updating our current membership list would be on hold until after the Spaghetti Dinner/Bingo Fundraiser. Walter also reported that last year we lost 8 members and gained 8 members. Our membership is currently 175. Robin Fazekas was scheduled to become a new member but due to various illnesses could not attend the New Membership Ceremony. Her new member package was delivered to her. Bill Barker asked Walter if the committee would be continuing the new member profile articles in the newsletter?

Treasurer - Bruce Nichols-During the month of December 2003 the church had income of $7,581.43 and expenses of $6,240.08 for a net monthly surplus of $1,341.35. Net worth for the church at the end of December was $236,194.18, up $10,123.30 from the end of November. The increase reflects both an increase in pledge receipts and continuing appreciation of the church portfolio. For the year total income was $98,925.14 and total expenses were $125,718.24 for a net deficit of $30,893.10. Despite the large deficit, church assets were down only $7,411.69 due to the significant rebound of the stock market in 2003. Bill stated our income was higher than usual, because some paid their pledges for 2004 in December.

Trustees - Glenn Wells-In Glenn's absence Bill presented the report. Trustees approved the purchase of a new stove ($450.00) for the Parish House rental apartment. There are plans to replace missing/broken tiles on the apartment kitchen floor. Trustees approved the purchase of a new vacuum cleaner at a cost of $150. The lead abatement is 90 % completed. Lesley Barker and Jeff Devine laid tile in the storage room off the kitchen. Bill Barker has volunteered to catch the HUGE mouse that has made a home in the basement of the church. Arrangements are being made to have paper towels available in the church kitchen.

Outreach - Lesley Barker-In Lesley's absence Bill Barker presented the outreach report. $214.00 was raised for ACT through the sale of House Pins and donations to the Christmas Tree Fund. Church members bought Christmas gifts for 20 children sponsored by the Salvation Army. Spooner House was served on Saturday, January 17th. 2004. Act will organize an All Community Food Collection for the food bank on February 14th, 2004. In Shelton the site will be the Shelton Square Stop and Shop.

Old Business:

1. Per the request of Bill Barker the discussion on "Will we be a safe church" was tabled until the February council meeting.

2. Bill Barker asked we approve the use of our church by the Fairfield Presbyterian Korean Church. The rent would be $320.00 a month. The group would use the church facilities four times a week. Sunday morning-6:30-7:30 a.m. in the Beard Room. Sunday afternoon 1-5 p.m. and they would use the sanctuary and the Beard Room. Wednesday 8-9 p.m. bible study would be held in the Beard Room. Saturday 8-9 p.m. a prayer meeting in the Beard Room. A one-time $25.00 custodial fee will be charged. They would hold two special meeting a year (Friday and Saturday afternoon) in the sanctuary. There would be no additional fee for this, but they must give two months notice. They will be issued keys to all areas except our church offices. The group is aware they can be bumped for Saturday night fundraisers and Wednesday night council meetings. At those times they have agreed to use the Parish House. They cannot be bumped on Sunday afternoons. They will be using the back area of the storage room off the kitchen. We will provide the building materials and electrician. They will do the carpentry work. The group will hang a small sign under our minister's sign. A motion was made to rent our facilities to the Fairfield Presbyterian Korean Church at $320.00 a month, four times a week, two special meeting a year and a one-year lease. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

New Business:

1. Pastor Jean asked permission to follow through on a flyer she received from Silver Lake Conference Center. A group of Ambassadors are willing to come to our church in January or February 2004 and talk about attending summer camp at Silver Lake. They will come speak to our youth group or church service with slides, pictures, and stories to spread the word and spread the spirit. Permission was granted.

The next council meeting will be held Wednesday, February 18th, 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 9:29 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Betty Ogden, Clerk