Church Council Meeting - June 16, 2004

Kim Karkut called the Church Council Meeting for June 16th, 2004 to order at 7:42 p.m. in the Shelton Congregational Church Library. Rev. Jean McCusker offered a prayer. A quorum (6) was met with 8 being present (P) and 4 being absent (A).

The minutes from the May 20th, 2004 Council Meeting were approved as amended. Under trustees: Trustees will be pursuing quotes to repair the church chimney and the parish house wall near the downspout. Kim Karkut then called on officers and chairs for their reports.

Treasurer-Bruce Nichols-During the month of May 2004 the church had expenses of $5,635.93 and income of $5,355.44 for a net cash deficit of $280.49. Net worth for the church at the end of May was $233,907.90 up $2,025.37 from the end of April and down $2,286.29 from the end of 2003.

Minister-Rev. Jean McCusker-I have led three Sunday services and attended the Children’s Day service. I served as facilitator for one Book Group session. I attended the Fairfield East Association Meeting with Bill Barker. I enjoyed the Early Bird Picnic and Bingo Evening. I visited with members five times. There have been some phone visits and email contacts regarding church business. I prepared a newsletter article for the July issue. I have traveled 684 miles for the church between May 16th and June 15th. In the next few weeks we will host the Jody Kessler Concert on June 19th, benefit from her participation in worship the next day, enjoy the church picnic on June 26th, appreciate the choir’s last time to sing on June 27th, sing patriotic songs on July 4th and baptize Andrea and Derek Cable’s new daughter Lilian on July 11th.

Personnel-Ron Karkut-Ron reported Rev. Jean McCusker has signed an extended contract to run from 7-01-04 to 8-15-04. With the resignation of Bill Barker from the Personnel and Pastoral Relations committee, the committee was in need of a chair and one committee member. Ron Karkut has been elected chair of this committee and Betty Ogden will fill the remaining vacancy.

Nominating-Bill Barker- Bill Barker reported Deacons Committee is still in need of one member.

Trustees-Glenn Wells-Glenn reported a productive workday on June 12th, 2004. A new bathroom floor was put in the parish house bathroom. The church balcony was cleaned, brush control and weeding around parish house, railings painted on side porch of parish house. The church recently received a letter from the Health Department informing us the lead abatement issues concerning the parish house are considered resolved. The Trustees Committee has approved a new policy regarding trash disposal. We will provide two large, lined trash cans. All trash must be placed in the garbage cans. If cans are full then trash must be removed from the building by who ever has generated the trash. Next meeting is July 21st, 2004 at 6:30 p.m.

Membership-Darleen Conklin-Betty Ogden presented a letter the Membership Committee has composed that will be sent to members that are deemed inactive (B list). At this time the committee was looking for approval from council on the letter only. The “B” list will be finalized by the July Council Meeting and presented to council for approval. Once approved the letters will be sent. Council approved the letter as amended. Second paragraph-second line: Should read membership roll and not role. Under sincerely: Should read Shelton Congregational Church not Shelton Congregation Church. Next membership meeting will be July 11th, 2004.

Outreach-Lesley Barker-Lesley reported Spooner House dinner was served on May 15th, 2004 and will be served again on June 19th, 2004. . Members of the Outreach Committee attended a Special Recognition Dinner on June 3rd, 2004. . Appropriation for part of the cost of the new building is in next years state budget. Upcoming events are Touch a Truck on August 14th at the Municipal parking lot and the 7th Annual Walk for Hungry and Homeless, September 18th, Derby Green. The Coffee for a Good Cause, sponsored by the UCC was tabled until the July Council Meeting. Outreach will meet next on July 11th, 2004.

Old Business:

1. Bill Barker and Church Manager Kim Karkut attended a workshop on “Will We Be A Safe Church” on May 8th, 2004. Bill Barker asked their report be tabled until the July Council Meeting.

New Business:

1. Bill Barker reported the FPKC would be installing Rev. Ok as their new pastor Sunday, June 20th, at 5 p.m.
2. Ron and Kim Karkut are hosting the Annual Church Picnic at their home in Oxford on June 26th, 2004. Time would be 1 p.m. --? Flyers with directions have been printed and left in the narthex. Those attending are asked to bring lawn chairs and a side dish. Sign up sheets are posted.
3. Ron Karkut asked permission for the Fundraising Committee to use the double door cabinet in the storage room for supplies. Shelves will be added. Permission was granted.
The next council meeting will be held Wednesday, July 21st, 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 8:30 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Betty Ogden, Clerk