Church Council Meeting - July 21, 2004

Kim Karkut called the Church Council Meeting for July 21st, 2004 to order at 7:37 p.m. in the Shelton Congregational Church Library. Rev. Jean McCusker offered a prayer. A quorum (6) was met with 9 being present (P) and 3 being absent (A).

The minutes from the June 16th, 2004 Council Meeting were reviewed and accepted. Kim Karkut then called on officers and chairs for their reports.

Treasurer-Bruce Nichols-During the month of June 2004 the church had expenses of $8,486.48 and income of $6,885.09 for a net deficit of $1,601.39. Net worth for the church at the end of June was $235,627.32 up $1,719.43 from the end of May and down $566.87 from the end of 2003.

Minister-Rev. Jean McCusker-Since June 16th, I have prepared and led worship for five Sunday services. At one of those Sundays we had special music provided by Jody Kessler and one Sunday my daughter Cristin preached. We took in two new members, Andrea and Derek Cable and baptized their youngest daughter, Lilian Ayre Cable. I visited on six occasions and attempted a couple other visits. I conducted two funerals of non-members. I led worship services for the residents at Hewitt Memorial. I attended the Jody Kessler concert and the church picnic. I attended a meeting for the interim ministers at the Conference office and a clergywomen support meeting. I drove 903 miles for the church from June 15th, to July 20th, 2004. I also completed the last of the requirements and received four continuing education units in Advanced Pastoral Training for Auburn Theological Seminary.

Nominating-Bill Barker- Bill Barker reported he had not filled the remaining position on the Deacons Committee.

Trustees-Glenn Wells-Glenn reported the piping system feeding the boiler has been upgraded. A leak in the main drain line from the church kitchen and men’s bathroom has been repaired. A hairline crack in the main sewer line going out has been repaired. Assets from the Fidelity Short Term Fund will be luiqidfied to pay the $4760.00 repair costs. The FKPC has asked to use the Sanctuary at 6 a.m. on Sunday mornings. They will pay an additional fee of $60, raising their monthly rent to $380.00. Trustees also approved $200.00 for a new vanity and sink in the Parish House bathroom.

Membership-Darleen Conklin-Walt Crosby-The Membership Committee requested approval of the “B” list (verification of membership status 2004) from church council. Once council approves this list the Membership Committee will send a letter of verification of membership to each of the persons on the list. Church Council approved the letter at the June Council Meeting after it was amended for grammatical errors. Once the letters are mailed council will be updated with all responses received.

Outreach-Lesley Barker-Lesley reported Spooner House was served on July 17th, 2004. Lesley attended an ACT Board Meeting on July 20th, 2004. Act is moving ahead with building plans and capital campaign. A prayer chain for church member Ed MacDonald was activated. The Annual Walk for the Hungry and Homeless will take place September 18th, 2004 on the Derby Green.

Old Business:

1. Bill Barker and Church Manager Kim Karkut attended a workshop on “Will We Be A Safe Church” on May 8th, 2004. Using information and literature from the workshop, Bill has written a “Safe Church Policy for the Shelton Congregational Church.” After discussion, Bill made a motion to approve the written policy statement only, as amended for grammatical errors. The attachments would be addressed at the August 18th council meeting. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. A copy of the policy is attached.
2. Lesley Barker supplied more information on the “”Good Coffee for a Good Cause” being sponsored by the UCC and tabled from the June meeting. Lesley made a
motion the church purchase a mixed case of coffee (reg & decaf) for at a cost of $30.00 and a tea sampler at a cost of $12.00 plus shipping. These products would be used during coffee hour. Church members will be able to purchase items from the program directly if they so please. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

New Business:

1. Bill Barker made a motion asking the annual visit of the Elm City Girls Choir on Sept 18th and 19th be approved. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
2. Lesley Barker reported the sponsors of the “Touch a Truck” event happening on August 14th would like to borrow 10 church tables and 50 chairs. They would pick up the tables and chairs and return them that afternoon. Lesley made a motion the church council approves this request. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
3. Bill Barker made a motion the “B” list (verification of membership status 2004) presented by the Membership Committee is approved. The motion seconded and passed unanimously.
4. Pastor Jean requested that Sunday, September 26th, 2004 our church have a special worship service celebrating “International Day of Peace.” Lesley Barker will do an article for the September newsletter. A motion was made, seconded and passed unanimously.

The next council meeting will be held Wednesday, August 18th, 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 8:44 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Betty Ogden, Clerk