Church Council Meeting - April 20, 2005

Bill Barker called the Church Council Meeting for April 20th, 2005 to order at 7:30 p.m. in the Shelton Congregational Church Library. Rev. Shepard Parsons then offered an opening prayer. A quorum (6) was met with 6 being present (P) and 7 being absent (A).

The minutes from the March 15th, 2005 Council Meeting were reviewed and accepted as written. Asst. Church Manager, Bill Barker then called on officers and chairs for their reports.

Treasurer-Derek Cable-Bill Barker presented the treasurer's report. During the month of March 2005 the church had expenses of $9,708.56 and income of $8,903.63 for a net deficit of $804.93. Net worth for the church at the end of March was $220,754.42, down $7,856.44 from the end of February and down $13,400.34 from the beginning of the year.

Personnel and Pastoral Relations-Ron Karkut-No report.

Nominating-Cheryl Patrick-Bill Barker reported a possible candidate to fill the Outreach position left vacant by the departure of Joyce Dicostanzo.

Minister-Rev. Shepard Parsons-Jonathan Page has declined the opportunity to come to Shelton Congregational Church as a seminary intern. The readers and actors on Passion Sunday and Maundy Thursday were inspiring. Easter Sunday was a packed house. March was an incredible and powerful time in our church. Rev. Parson conducted two funerals. A computer program call Bible World has been purchased for the church computer. This will assist the office in preparing bulletins and worship services. Bill Barker asked if we are still considering have a seminary intern. Shepard said, "We are still in the system and perhaps in the fall or next year."

Membership-Walt Crosby-Darlene Conklin-Darlene met with Rev. Parsons on April 11th, 2005 to discuss the preparatory sessions. They will offer a class on Tuesday, April 26th, 2005 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Parish House. Pizza, fruit salad, soda and juice will be offered to all that attend the class. The class will be led by Rev. Parsons and will educate new and old members about our church and the UCC. All those who choose to become a member of Shelton Congregational Church will receive a copy of the New Member Service, a church phone directory, the 2005 Annual Report, the church history and organization, and a worship and belief printout from the church website. A new member ceremony will be held on Sunday, May 15th, 2005 at 10 a.m. in our sanctuary. Rev. Parsons will become a member on that day. Walt Crosby and Darlene Conklin will lead the New Member Service. This event will be in conjunction with the Christian Education Committee potluck luncheon. The Membership Committee will supply the cake for dessert in honor of our new church members. Betty Armbruster has requested a letter of transfer to her new church and has been removed for our active member list.

Trustees-Glenn Wells-The new storage closet built by Glenn Wells and Ron Karkut is complete. Dick Conklin will start painting this weekend. Trustees have scheduled a workday for June 4th, 2005 at 8 a.m. Trustees voted to transfer $8000.00 from the Fidelity Short Term Bond Fund to the church checking account. The Fire Marshall recently inspected the premises. We need to install emergency lights in the stairways and a panic bar on the front door of the church. It was requested at the January 25th, 2004 Annual Meeting that the trustee's committee track additional expenses incurred to Shelton Congregational Church relating to the FPKC usage of our premises. Glenn Wells recently compared gas and electric costs for the past twelve months since the FPKC has become a tenant. The gas expenses are lower, but the installation of a new boiler might have helped. The electric is slightly higher. Bill Barker is reviewing the water costs.

Outreach-Lesley Barker-Report emailed to Betty Ogden on April 21st, 2005. Spooner House supper was served on Saturday, April 16th, 2005. Songs from the Heart musical program directed by Fran Scarpa and Mary Grace Crisci will be presented on April 24th, at Shelton High School. The event will benefit Spooner House. ACT has hired an Executive Director. Susan Agamy will start her position on May 2nd, 2005. Susan's previous position was executive director of the Barnum Foundation.

Stewardship-Bill Barker-Bill reported no change in our Stewardship. Bill Barker and Bruce Nichols have reviewed the literature from a stewardship workshop attended by Bill on March 12th, 2005. The committee is considering a special stewardship appeal mid year. If the committee decides to do so an official request will be brought to council.

Deacons-Gene Ogden-In March we started using recyclable communion cups. Deacons voted to do this because of health and sanitary reasons. Response from church members has been positive. Deacons served communion four times in March. On April 17th, 2005 our guest minister was Doug Halley. He did an excellent job. He enjoys coming to Shelton Congregational Church and requested we call him anytime we need him. It has been mentioned to me, from church members, that lay readers doing scripture readings during worship service is very enjoyable.

Women's Fellowship-Lucille Wells-Glenn Wells reported 21 health kits were made for Church World Services. An additional $36.00 was added for an additional three health kits.

Fundraising-Cheryl Patrick-No report.

Delegates-Bill and Lesley Barker will not be able to attend the Fairfield East Dinner on May 25th, 2005. Geno Ogden, Ron Karkut and Rev. Shepard Parsons will attend the dinner.

Christian Education-Betty Ogden- A New Member Service will be celebrated in our sanctuary on May 15th, 2005 at 10 a.m. Immediately following this service The Board of Christian Education and the Membership Committee will host a potluck luncheon.

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 very in-depth "Safe Church Policy" was created for the Shelton Congregational Church by Bill Barker. Bill Barker, Betty Ogden and Rev. Parsons have met to discuss creating a shorter version that would include background checks on teachers. Bill planned to have a first draft done and emailed to Betty Ogden, Rev. Parsons and Jan Wells before the April 20th, 2005 council meeting. Bill asked this discussion to be tabled. He hopes to have the policy written and ready for the May 20th, 2005 council meeting. All were in agreement.

New Business:

1. Rev. Parsons asked about our church going on retreat. The last church retreat was
in 2003 and would we like to do so again. It was decided Betty Ogden would start
plans for a church retreat on the weekend of May 5-7th, 2006.

The next council meeting will be held Tuesday, May 17th, 2005 at 8:00 p.m. in the Shelton Congregational Church Library. The council joined together in saying The Lord's Prayer. The meeting was adjourned at 8:19 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Betty Ogden, Clerk