Church Council Meeting - September 15, 2004

Kim Karkut called the Church Council Meeting for September 15th, 2004 to order at 7:35 p.m. in the Shelton Congregational Church Library. The Lord’s Prayer was said. A quorum (6) was met with 9 being present (P) and 3 being absent (A).

The minutes from the August 18th, 2004 Council Meeting were reviewed and accepted as amended. The Treasurer’s figures supplied by Bill Barker were incorrect. See treasurer’s report for updated information. Church Manager Kim Karkut then called on officers and chairs for their reports.

Treasurer-Bruce Nichols-During the two-month period of July and August 2004 the church had expenses of $18,941.38 and income of $11,199.59 for a net cash deficit of $7,741.79. Net worth for the church at the end of August was $232,681.28 down $2,946.04 from the end of June and down $3,512.91 from the end of 2003. On July we sold 668.896 shares of Fidelity Short Term Bond Fund to facilitate the transfer of $6,000.00 from Fidelity to our Webster Checking account. The funds were to cover ongoing expenses including a $4,760.00 bill from Glover Plumbing for repair to the church boiler.

Personnel-Ron Karkut-Rev. Jean McCuskers contract has been renewed and signed. The contract will be in effect until December 31, 2004 at the current terms.

Membership-Walt Crosby-Darleen Conklin-Committee reports prepared by Darleen and read by Bill Barker. Due to scheduling conflicts our committee will not be represented tonight. Also due to scheduling conflicts our committee meeting scheduled for September 12th, 2004 was postponed until Sept 19th, 2004. At this meeting we will discuss the Majestic News Christian newspaper. We will also discuss the course being offered on “Becoming a Friendlier Church.” The letters asking our “B” list of church members for verification of membership status were sent out this week. We have given them to the end of October to respond before removing them from the active member list. Darleen also spoke with Kathey regarding setting up a Membership Committee folder to be kept in the church secretary’s office. This folder would contain information concerning the activities and responsibilities of the Membership Committee. By having this information documented and available the Membership Committee can continue to grow.

Minister-Rev. Jean McCusker-In Jean’s absence her report as read by Bill Barker. Now is the time to start planning on a guest speaker for Consecration Sunday if that is the route we want to take. The General Association is September 26th, 2004 to noon of September 28th, 2004. I will be attending. The Fairfield East Association meeting is October 28th, 2004 in the evening. The 137 Annual Meeting of the Connecticut Conference will be October 15th-16th, 2004. They are urging that each local church send a youth delegate. Council should consider this.

Trustees-Glenn Wells- Complaints have been received from a neighbor about limbs falling from the dead tree (behind the parish house) onto her property. She had to have the debris cleaned up. Trustees will obtain quotes on having the tree removed. Trustees have purchased and will install church signs soon.

Outreach-Lesley Barker-Lesley reported Spooner House will serve supper on September 18th, 2004. The Annual Walk for the Hungry and Homeless will be held September 18th, 2004 at the Derby Green. The Act Annual Meeting will be held November 16th, 2004. Lucille Wells is organizing health kits through the Church World Services. There will be another Hurricane Relief collection this Sunday. There will be a collection for refugee relief in Darfar, Sudan for four Sundays starting September 26th, 2004 when a Peace Service will be held.

Christian Education-Jan Wells-Report as read by Glenn Wells. The need for Sunday school teachers was discussed at the September 12th, 2004 CE meeting. Helen Brakewood, Martha Devine and Janet Wells have consented to teach on a rotating basis with Allison Wells assisting with the Pre-K/Kindergarten class. We are trying to cover that class, plus a combined class of grades 2-8. Our curriculum consists of a program for ages 3-5 plus a multi-age program for the older class. This curriculum most effectively meets our educational needs. We are going to try to attract a few more teachers so that no one has to teach more than twice per month. Obviously teachers miss worship when they are in the classroom. We are planning to print up curriculum samples and distribute to the congregation. Classroom observation for anyone who is interested will be encouraged. We also set up our Sunday school calendar for the year.

Stewardship-Bill Barker-Bill requested a date change for Consecration Sunday from November 14th, 2004 to November 21st, 2004. This will be the Third Consecration Sunday. A meal will be offered. A meeting will be held shortly to discuss a guest speaker. Ron Karkut suggested Rev. Susan Townsley, Western Regional Minister. Ron offered to contact her and extend the invitation.

Delegates-Bill Barker-Bill reported that Bill and Lesley Barker would attend the Fairfield East Ass. Meeting on October 28th, 2004. Bill reported that Bill and Lesley Barker would attend the Annual Conference Meeting on October 16th, 2004 with Pastor Jean.

Fundraising-Bill Barker-Bill reported the annual tag sale as very successful. Shelton Day preparations are under way. The church will have space #71. Glenn Wells will supply the tent and cook the clam chowder. Betty Ogden will pick up the soup supplies. Lucille will make calls for baked goods. Betty Ogden reminded Bill of the need to apply for a health permit at least two weeks before the event. Bill Barker will obtain the health permit.

Budget Committee-Bill Barker-Bill announced the budget committee would start soon.

Special Report-Bill Barker-Bill reported that the FPKC would be using our sanctuary for Morning Prayer at 6 am from October 11th to October 23rd, 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. 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, 2004 council meeting. Further action on the attachments was tabled until the Sept 15th, 2004 council meeting because Bill was acting moderator for the August 18th, 2004 meeting. At the September 15th, 2004 council meeting Bill asked that further action be tabled until the October 20th, 2004 council meeting.

2. Final arrangements were made in preparation for the concert and overnight visit of the Elm City Girls Choir on September 19th, 2004.

The next council meeting will be held Wednesday, October 20th, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. in the Shelton Congregational Church Library. The council joined together in saying The Lord’s Prayer. The meeting was adjourned at 8:44 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Betty Ogden, Clerk