Church Council Meeting - April 14, 2004

Kim Karkut called the church council meeting for April 14th, 2004 to order at 7:39 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 March 18th, 2004 meeting were approved as amended. Under personnel, change spelling of Mckusker to McCusker. Kim Karkut then called on officers and chairs for their reports.

Treasurer - Bruce Nichols - In Bruce’s absence Bill Barker reported (no printed treasurer’s report available) that during the month of March 2004 the church had expenses of $7,950.21 and income of $7,588.57 for a modest deficit of $261.64.

Minister - Rev. Jean McCusker - In the past month I’ve led four Sunday morning services and a Maundy Thursday service. Two of them were services of Word and Sacrament. I attended two Wednesday evening services, participating in one. I served as facilitator for two Book Group sessions. I conducted a graveside service at Riverview Cemetery for member Margaret Lamkins. I baptized Rebecca Ann Gill. There has been some phone visits and email contacts regarding church business. I visited one member. I prepared a newsletter article for the April issue. I attended a Stewardship and Spirituality Conference in Worchester, Ma. I have traveled 584 miles for the church during this time.

Deacons - Carol Edson - Carol reported the lay reading and offering schedule is filled for the coming month.

Personnel - Ron Karkut - Ron reported the Personnel Committee and Church Manager Kim Karkut met with Rev. Jean McCusker on Sunday, April 4th, 2004 and a renewed contract agreement between the church and Rev. Jean McCusker was signed. The contract calling for 26 hours per week of pastoral services for the period up to June 30th, 2004. It was also agreed that Rev. McCusker might have a leave of absence without pay for the week ending April 25th to go to Illinois. The Personnel Committee has also arranged for pulpit supply during Rev. McCusker’s absence for four weeks beginning April 25th. Guest minister on April 25th will be Rev. Cynthia Robinson. May 2nd and 9th will be Rev. Bill West and May 16th will be Mr. Doug Halley.

Nominating - Bill Barker - Bill Barker reported he is resigning as the Pastoral and Personnel Committee Chair. He would also be resigning as a member of the Fundraising Committee. The Fundraising Committee after many years of great leadership from Betty Ogden is now without a chair and in crisis.

Trustees - Glenn Wells - Trustees has scheduled a workday for May 15th, 2004 at 8 a.m. There is still some small lead abatement work to be completed. A recent inspection on the lead abatement progress generated a good report from the Health Department. Various other repairs will also be done on May 15th. Framed pictures of past ministers will be hung in the Parish House.

Membership - Darleen Conklin - Darleen passed out a membership list to all council members. She asked that members review both the A (active) and B (inactive) lists and pass any new information to the Membership Committee. A letter has been sent to in-active people receiving the newsletter letting them know a postage fee of $25.00 will be needed to continue receiving the newsletter.

Outreach - Lesley Barker - Spooner House will be served Saturday, April 17th, 2004. ACT will meet on Tuesday, April 20th, 2004.

Old Business:

1. Per the request of Bill Barker the discussion on “Will We Be A Safe Church” was
again tabled. Bill Barker and Kim Karkut will attend a Safe Church Workshop on
May 8th and will have a report for the May council meeting.

New Business:

1. Church Manager Kim Karkut, as our church representative, will send a congratulatory letter to Paul and Huldah Weston on the joyous celebration of their 90th birthdays.
2. Ron Karkut reported the Search Committee as having completed our Church Profile, which is now posted on the National Registry.

The next council meeting will be held Wednesday, May 19th, 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 8:37 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Betty Ogden, Clerk