Ok, here are some revisions. I added the lunch option...but am unaware of the specific times of service and price. And I think I will do a card making and scrapbooking table. Sell prepackaged kits you can do right there, or later at home. I think it might go over well.
Here are my newest designs for the new welcome folders for Epworth. Please, let me know what you think. They are based on a design from Church Direct, but I've used many of our activities photos for the back side.
The council was asked if they had reviewed the minutes from last month’s gathering and from the Church Conference. Ginny requested that the comment in last gathering’s minutes mentioning Outreach’s brainstorming session be stricken from the minutes as it sounds as if it related to the picnic. David K. motioned to approve both sets of minutes with said revision. Ron seconded. All present agreed.
Carole passed around the calendar from present until June 2008 for all to review and revise as needed. She also thanked all who were able to attend Sunday’s retreat. For those unable to attend, notes would be available soon and the handouts received there were distributed.
At the retreat, a name change was suggested from Administrative Council to Church Council. Pastor David reviewed the history of the councils in the Methodist religion. This council is not just for administrative purposes and meetings could be structured in a way to alternate the focus between administrative needs and program reports. Also, we could use program reporting to not reiterate the minutes but share ideas for future events/projects and receive support and additional input. Further discussions followed. David K. moved to so change the name and alternate the focuses of the meetings. Mary seconded and all present agreed.
The ideas were reviewed from the previous year’s retreat and overall a great job has been done by all to try to achieve them. Examples included: increases in the number of available bible studies (Bibles and Bagels, Romans, walking study, and two new ones starting soon – one for young kids too), missions (to Montana, International _______, Youth’s 3 Hour Famine, and car show), Intergenerational activities (Wednesday night dinners, all church picnic, car show, and pet blessings), better communication (blogsites, better website, emailing of minutes and the hiring of Kara), and visitor greetings (nametags readily available and every door having a greeter available).
The Ministry Guide Sheet was also reviewed as it has been updated to alleviate some confusion. The differences between spiritual gifts and abilities will be clarified at the cottage meetings this fall. This sheet is to be used as a sharing tool rather than a sheet seeking approval from the council. If attached to the minutes, other committees could review prior to the council meetings especially if they are mentioned on it.
Worship: No report given.
Social Activities: Amy presented the alternative to Halloween ideas to the council. It was asked that they take the idea of this event back to their committees and ask for volunteers to assist any way they are able. It will be Friday the 26th through Sunday the 28th and Wednesday the 31st with times being 6 pm until 9 pm Friday and Wednesday and 3 pm until 9 pm on Saturday and Sunday. There will be a variety of stations made available to the attendees including different customs of Halloween, how it is celebrated world wide and a review of significant saints. Food, crafts, and activities will be available and it would be a fundraising event. Much discussion was held – comments were overwhelmingly concerned with the amount of work involved. Amy mentioned that Pastor David wished to have a service on Halloween and perhaps it could be held outdoors around a bonfire. Ron mentioned our need to contact the fire department to obtain clearance and Mary suggested that she has wood from a tree in her yard. Vickie stated that her committee was unable to assist as they have not begun to meet yet. If they are able to meet prior to deadline, she will mention it. Other concerns included the mentioning of saints is a topic reserved mostly for the Catholic faith and that the event will be too long. It was again asked that the individuals ask their committees who can volunteer and when so a decision can be made as to the ability to hold the event and to what extent. They were asked to let Amy or Kelly know by September 14th at the latest as that will be 6 weeks out.
Education: Amy mentioned that September 9th was Round-up Day. Letters inviting students will be going out this week to all current members and our VBS attendees. This event is open to all small groups, Sunday school classes and committees to join. Threefold signs could be made to advertise them and are available in the junior high room. It would be a way to entice new members to join. Please let Amy, Kelly, or Carol Leeson know by the 7th or 8th of September so room will be allotted.
Softball: A big congratulations was extended to a great season of fun and fellowship.
Youth: Mollie stated that the recent events went very well. She is slightly concerned regarding the attendance numbers being low. She has started a blog style face book for the youth group. The webpage is www.youthroots.com/GroupHome/tabid/14649/Default.aspx and anyone can view the home page. Mollie has to approve someone who would like to leave comments. She has researched the site and it is very controlled. Kara mentioned that she can provide a link from the church’s website.
Child Care: The June Koeser Memorial fund has provided the new pager system for the nursery and the Kangaroo Care changing tables have been installed. David K. suggested announcing during service that this was done and it was noted that it was in the bulletin and will be dedicated soon. Pastor David mentioned that the search for staffing continues and is weighing heavily on the committee. It was suggested that the job be posted at the library and mentioned to Larkin High School’s early education department as a recent graduate may be available for the job. The description is already posted at area preschools/daycares, ECC and Judson and has been in the paper.
Stewardship: Cottage meetings notices have been placed in the bulletin and will be in the newsletter. The sign-up sheets are in the Community Room. A variety of dates and times are available. This will be a time to reflect on the spiritual gift inventory. They will be two part with the first in September/early October and the second in late October/November. All were asked to sign up and encourage others to do so.
Scouting: Keith mentioned that a group has spun off of ours (decreasing the group from around 40 some to 20 some). It was reported that it was a good year. There is a potential for a Cub Scout pack to join ours. U-46 has begun charging more than the nominal fee for utilizing their space and that is influencing some changes. The district as a whole is changing their philosophy and encouraging packs to be affiliated with a church rather than a school.
Community Outreach: David C. reported that they are investigating improving of signage along Randall as well as permanent/temporary signage. Also they are interested in a new electric sign on the corner. New avenues to pursue new members include having a radio station by Epworth to advertise like the realty companies are able to. A mailing to new residents from July and August will go out soon including information on Round-up. Kara has received quotes for signs and passed around flyer and letter ideas. A revamping of the current information booklet is being worked on changing it to a small folder handout. David K. suggested checking with Craig Larsen as he had a DVD made a few years ago and perhaps that could be revised and utilized as well.
Finance: As of July, a $30,000 deficit is still there. The numbers from the double your giving August event were unable to be defined as of yet. We received a gift from Marion Eberling’s trust came this weekend. We had received $50,000 earlier when her estate was first noted. Now that it is settled, we received $100,000. A decision will need to be made whether to put into the general fund or towards the parsonage.
Lay Leadership: Pastor David mentioned that a membership secretary is needed as well as members for the Finance committee and Lay Leadership itself. These are the areas that need the most help now. All committee could use other members but are not high on the priority list like these. It was asked that if we thought of anyone, to please let them know.
Trustees: 1. All Church Clean Out will be October 6th. There will be a dumpster available. Each program area was asked to clean out their items and areas. This will be available for two weeks with the focus being on the 6th. Nate Akemann has been asked to disassemble the fireplace upstairs and that will provide access to the stove piping.
2. Kelly Brown has expressed an interest in providing a class regarding basic electrical and plumbing skills and then putting them to use in our own church (especially the washrooms). If interested, please contact her. Amy asked when the painting downstairs is planning on being done so we can strip decorations off the walls again. Ron stated that it is in the plan for 2008 and can be done by members or professionally.
Staff/Parish: Advertising is still being done for a music director – no candidates are available at this time. They voted to give Pastor $1800 per month for their parsonage allowance. Groundbreaking on the new parsonage was this past Sunday.
Kara: She mentioned that the young families group will be meeting to pick apples and make pies to begin the apple pie ministry on the 22nd of September.
Keith: He mentioned he will be visiting all small groups and committees. He has already begun this. It is for him to get a feel of all the groups currently being utilized.
Pastor David: Pastor mentioned that a Confirmation Coordinator was needed and to keep that in our prayers. He also wanted give a very big “THANK YOU!” to all who helped out in the office during Jackie’s recent trip. Especially a big Thank You to Kara who really helped take over and helped out with the bulletin. Another youth/young adult trip will be available over Christmas break to Chile. This will include members from all across the Midwest, ages 16 to 26, and the cost is approximately $2300. He asked us to keep this in our thoughts as well.
Joys and concerns were shared. Carole closed the meeting in prayer.
Next meeting will be Tuesday September 25th at 7 pm and will be ministry based.
