Church Council Meeting - October 20, 2004

Kim Karkut called the Church Council Meeting for October 20th, 2004 to order at 7:39 p.m. in the Shelton Congregational Church Library. A quorum (6) was met with 8 being present (P) and 6 being absent (A).

The minutes from the September 15th, 2004 Council Meeting were reviewed and accepted. Church Manager Kim Karkut then called on officers and chairs for their reports.

Treasurer-Bruce Nichols-During the month of September 2004 the church had expenses of $8,862.42 and income of $9,158.50 for a net surplus of $296.08. Net worth for the church at the end of September was $232,438.81 down $242.47 from the end of August and down $3,755.37 from the end of 2003. On September 17th, 2004 we transferred funds within the Memorial Fund Account using shares of Fidelity Cash Reserves (FDRXX) to purchased $8,400.00 of the Fidelity Short Term Bond Fund (FSHBX) with the hope of improving the yield on these funds.

Personnel-Ron Karkut-Rev. Jean McCuskers contract has been renewed and signed. The contract will be in effect until December 31, 2004. The Search Committee has reviewed 63 profiles and has conducted two interviews.
Nominating-Cheryl Patrick-Bill Barker reported that Kim Karkut is staying on as Church Manager for 2005. With the upcoming retirement of our treasurer Bruce Nichols the treasurer’s position will need to be filled for 2005. Derek Cable, a new church member, has expressed an interest in the position.

Membership-Walt Crosby-Darleen Conklin-The committee report was prepared by Darleen and read by Bill Barker. Due to conflicting schedules the Membership Committee was unable to meet last month. We are receiving some responses from our letter sent to members on the B list. Most of the responses have been to remove members from the active list. Our deadline for responses is October 31st, 2004. A list will be provided to council itemizing the status of each member of the B list at the next council meeting.

Trustees-Glenn Wells-Fraser Tree Service has been hired to take down the dead tree behind the parish house at a cost of $2500.00. The roadside signs advertising our church are in and will be put in place soon. Pest control services are now being used at a cost of $250.00 initial visit and $85.00 a month for 11 months.

Outreach-Lesley Barker-Lesley reported Spooner House was served on Saturday, October 16th, 2004. Tickets are on sale for Westfield Works Wonders at Trumbull and Meridan Malls. End of the year statistics show the shelter had 93% occupancy last year. Number of meals from the Food Bank was 57,099. The Peace Service was celebrated, in our sanctuary, on September 27, 2004 with peace prayers, liturgy and a presentation on Darfur, Sudan. A collection for refugee relief over several weeks totaled over $200.00. The Outreach Committee decided to have a Salvation Army Angel Tree for 12 children this year. The Fair Trade Coffee has arrived and the first brew will be at coffee hour on October 31st.

Deacons-Carol Edson-Bill Barker reported that in Carol’s extended absence Barbara Osterhoudt would be responsible for Deacons. Our substitute minister for Sunday, October 24th, 2004 would be Rev. Bodenweber. Bill reported meeting Rev. Bodenweber at church on Monday, October 18th, 2004 and giving him a tour of the facilities and supplying any information needed.

Stewardship-Bill Barker-Bill Barker reported that Consecration Sunday will be November 21st, 2004. The program calls for three mailings to the church membership starting 3 weeks before that date. The committee has voted to drop one of the mailings. The committee has not had any meetings to date.

Women’s Fellowship-Lucille Wells-The Christmas Fair plans are almost complete. We will serve vegetable beef soup, sandwiches, dessert and beverages. There are 6 outside vendors. We will sponsor the Chinese Auction, a baked goods table, a jewelry table, temporary tattoos, our Christmas Craft table and the Cookie Walk. There is an announcement on Telemedia Channel 10 thanks to Ron Karkut. There will be inserts in our church bulletin, newspaper announcements and flyers left at different locations in the area. Betty Ogden will apply for our health permit for that day.

Delegates-Bill Barker-Bill Barker reported that Lesley and Bill Barker would attend the Fairfield East Association meeting on October 28th, 2004. Bill reported that Lesley and Bill Barker attended the Annual Conference Meeting on October 16th, 2004 with Pastor Jean. Bill reported that church delegates attending the Annual United Church of Christ’s Connecticut Conference recently voted to approve the resolution supporting marriage for same-sex couples. Local churches will now decide whether to follow the policy.

Fundraising-Fran Russell-Bill Barker reported that Shelton Day was very successful. Our profits were $341.00.
Budget Committee-Bill Barker- Bill Barker reported the first draft of the 2005 proposed budget is being prepared and will be mailed to committee members.

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 Cheshire Congregational Church a “Safe Church Policy” for the Shelton Congregational Church has been created by Bill Barker. Bill asked that a final vote be tabled until the November council meeting. He felt the Christian Education Committee would hold the most responsibility in implementing this policy and wanted that committee to have an opportunity to read the policy. Kim asked that a cover letter be added. Council tabled the vote until the November 17th, 2004 meeting.

New Business:

1. Bill Barker made a motion requesting that the Pulpit Supply fee be raised from the current $100.00 to $125.00 effective immediately. Motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
2. A request was received from SHS Band Parents that we buy _ booster ad for $50.00. Council voted no.
3. The Christian Counseling Center in Huntington requested a donation of $1000.00. Council voted no.
The next council meeting will be held Wednesday, November 17th, 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 9:17 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Betty Ogden, Clerk