Church Council Meeting - March 18, 2004

Kim Karkut called the church council meeting for March 18th, 2004 to order at 7:34 p.m. in the Shelton Congregational Church Library. Rev. Jean McCusker offered a prayer. A quorum (6) was met with 10 being present (P) and 2 being absent (A).

The minutes from the February 18th, 2004 meeting were reviewed and accepted. Kim Karkut then called on officers and chairs for their reports.

Treasurer - Bruce Nichols - During the month of February 2004 the church had expenses of $7,043.97 and income of $9,791.62 for a net surplus of $2,747.65. Strong pledge income and moderate monthly expenses accounted for the surplus. Net worth for the church at the end of February was $240,733.64 up $3,147.42 from the end of January and up $4,539.45 from the end of December 2003. At this time Kim Karkut inquired about the proceeds from the Membership Pasta Dinner. If the money had been deposited and into what account? It was listed in the Treasurers Report under Other Income-Miscellaneous.

Minister - Rev. Jean McCusker- In the past month I’ve led four Sunday morning services. One of them was a service of Word and Sacrament. I also participated in two Wednesday services. I met with two visitors who have since then expressed an interest to join according to Walt Crosby: Derek and Andrea Cable. Two more guests have also told Walt they want to join Justin and Holly Betz. I made one visit to Griffin Hospital to learn the patient had been discharged. I have had some phone visits and email contacts regarding church business. I prepared and led a funeral service for Harriet Kullberg at Riverview Funeral Home on Friday 27th. I prepared one newsletter article for the March issue and have begun one for the April issue. In the coming month there will be a baptism of one of Flo Gryder’s grandnieces. The next Sunday, March 28th, 2004 someone representing Silver Lake will offer the children’s message and a video during coffee fellowship. The book group will meet for the first time on March 25th at 7:00 p.m. The workload has been heavy at times. I’m hoping that when Easter arrives things will calm down a little and I will be able to return to calling on our shut-ins. Between the load of funerals in the last few months and other time constraints, there hasn’t been the time they deserve. My husband Bill and I have planned a vacation. My time off will begin Thursday, April 29th. I’ll return to work on Thursday, May 20th. The Sundays that will need coverage are May 2nd, 9th, and 16th. Bill Barker has been informed of these dates. I have traveled 586 miles for the church during this time.

Deacons - Carol Edson - Carol reported that Kathey is ordering the palms for Easter Sunday. Bill Baker inquired about the lack of people to do the offering on Sunday. It was suggested to Carol that some planning ahead would eleviate this happening.

Personnel - Ron Karkut - Ron Karkut inquired about the status of the contract for Rev. Jean McKusker. It has not been signed yet. It was effective January 1st, 2004 to June 30th, 2004. It is now the end of March and the contract has not been given to Jean to sign. Why and what can we do to help resolve this situation? It was also suggested that members of the Pastoral Relations Committee attend a Pastoral Relations Workshop with Esther Shoup on April 17th, 2004. The workshop will be held at the Congregational Church of New Fairfield.

Nominating - Bill Barker - Fundraising and Christian Education are still lacking a chairperson.

Trustees - Glenn Wells - Trustees has scheduled a workday for April 3rd,2004 at 8 a.m. They hope to finish up any lead abatement projects not completed and other repairs. Daisy Troop has volunteered to do some planting in front of the church. The minister for the FPK Church is Rev. OK. Work has not started on the storage closet for the FPK Church.

Membership - Darleen Conklin - The Membership Pasta Dinner was a success. With only $44.00 in expenses the profits were $439.00. Most of the supplies needed were generously donated. The committee has three potential new members. Darleen and Donna Hasiotis are reviewing the Welcome Bags and will replenish as needed. Membership has a list of church members. It will be broken down into an A list (active members) and a B list. The B list would be receiving letters from the committee to see if they wish to remain as members of SCC. Also a letter will be going out to inactive church members letting them know a $25.00 fee will be charged to continue to receive the monthly newsletter. Mike and Alicia Cleary will be the subject of the next new member profile in the newsletter. Kim Karkut suggested we have temporary nametags for guests to wear while at church.

Outreach - Lesley Barker - Spooner House will be served Saturday, March 20th, 2004. The Derby Shelton Rotary will sponsor their annual magic show on April 24th, 2004 at 3:30 p.m. Proceeds to benefit Area Congregations Together.

Old Business:

1. Per the request of Bill Barker the discussion on “Will We Be A Safe Church was
again tabled. Betty Ogden asked why this is being tabled month after month. Bill stated he was waiting for Christian Education Committee. Pastor Jean felt it was not the sole responsibility of the Christian Education Committee. Two members of council will attend a Safe Church Workshop in May.

New Business:

1. During a pastoral search committee meeting it was discovered the Shelton Congregational Church did not have an Anti-Discrimination Policy in place. At the February Council Meeting Ron Karkut presented and read a suggested policy. The council would be the governing body. Ron made a motion the council adopt such a policy. The motion was seconded and unanimously passed. Bill Barker has asked the approved policy be published in the minutes. The policy as approved is: No individual will be excluded from employment, membership or full participation in Shelton Congregational Church on account of race, color, sex, age, national origin, political affiliation, martial status, physical or mental disability or sexual orientation.
2. Ron Karkut reported the profile as 90% done. The committee is meeting with Susan Townsley on March 22nd, 2004 to review work that has been done and to discuss the financial package. At this meeting we will have UCC guideline recommendations on what to offer. Our previous package, married, single, monetary offer, etc. The committee would have the first draft at the April Council Meeting. The compensation packet will hopefully be discussed and approved by council.
3. Bill Barker made a motion requesting a budget amendment to reflect an increase of our UCC membership dues. Our $2.00 per member dues has doubled. Our yearly dues will now be $700.00. The council voted to amend the budget to reflect the $350.00 increase. The motion passed unanimously.
4. Bruce Nichols introduced information on Jody Kessler. She is a talented singer/songwriter that Bruce has had the pleasure of hearing. She is willing to come on June 19th, 2004 and perform at our church. The cost would be $400.00. A portion of the money has already been raised with private donations. Betty Ogden made a motion council approve the concert on June 19th, 2004 and allot the remaining funds. The council voted to approve $225.00 to cover remaining expenses. The motion passed unanimously.
5. Betty Ogden made a motion requesting the three parking spaces in front of the church be left open on Sunday’s for our handicapped and elderly members of our congregation. This policy would be advertised in the newsletter and bulletin. The council voted unanimously to approve this policy.
6. Kim Karkut made a motion requesting any children left in the nursery during worship services must have a designated adult on the premises. The council voted unanimously to approve this policy.

The next council meeting will be held Wednesday, April 14th, 2004 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 9:05 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Betty Ogden, Clerk