Church Council Minutes 9-25 -07

Church Council Gathering, 9/25/07

Members Present: Pastor David N, Carole B, Debbie E, Greg C, Amy Z, Kara B, Gloria C, Dave K, Ron S, David C, and Keith P.

Carole opened the meeting by requesting Devotions with Deb. Debbie had elegantly arranged zennias from her garden and spoke of the flower seeds as examples of faith and spiritual growth.

The calendar was distributed for review and changes noted on the master copy.

Pastor David shared the joy of the birth of his Granddaughter, Erinn Collette born just yesterday, 9/24!

August meeting minutes were reviewed. The change (from Kangaroo to Koala, page 2) will be made.

Dave K. moved to accept the minutes (with change); Keith 2^nd; motion approved.

Kara suggested committee minutes, to be seen as more effective presentations, should be in outline form rather than “story-like”…all chairs “took note”. More information is available on Kara’s blogsite via the

Epworth home page.

Nurturing People in Faith:

Education – Amy explained the Discovery Club lesson series – Bible teaching using “fun stuff” …science projects, activity on the balcony, etc. Pastor David requested further explanation via e-mail.

Child Care Ministry – Deb - Suggestion made to schedule meetings on specifically designated evenings for those who need child care. Safe Sanctuary procedures, infant care needs and First Aid training plans will be reviewed.

Stewardship – Carole asked the group why we had fewer attendees than anticipated at the cottage gatherings. Kara, Keith, and David Comings all “witnessed” by sharing their positive feelings.

Carole explained the meetings were designed to help people realize their passions, gifts, and how to share them.

Worship – Greg shared fall Worship plans specifically World Wide Communion Sunday, All
Saints Day, and Thanksgiving Eve Services. He also expressed concern regarding the care of

Altar and Lectern Paraments.

Outreach:

Scouting – Keith shared upcoming events and plans – including work on the Scout garden.

UMW – Gloria spoke of the October 20^th Annual Gingerbread Lane Bazaar, UMW’s primary source of income. She’s also preparing a letter, directed to church women, regarding the Nifty-Fifty Club. Pastor David stated he is working with Patti Floyd to encourage younger women become more involved with UMW.

The Red Bird Craft Fair is scheduled for November 17^th. Proceeds will be designated toward on-going projects at Red Bird Mission in Tennessee. Great news: The $5,000 Whole Ark Heifer Project goal has been attained, and the Save the Stove fund is nearly $11,000.

Witness:

Community Outreach – David C. shared the need for an electronic sign on the corner. The existing sign possibly could be moved westward on Highland Ave. Discussion followed. David will investigate further.

Hospitality – Carole said many people monopolize Pastor David’s “time” before Worship service when greeting worshipers is paramount. She further reminded us (the congregation) of the importance of welcoming visitors…. “doors open, lights on”, coffee hour invitations….Christian hospitality!

Social Activities – Amy announced plans for a Halloween Gala…how Halloween is celebrated around the World. Plans include a Passport (to enter different countries/booths), Saturday Night Bonfire,Hay-Bale Maze, Barbecue, Bake Sale, and many other activities. Each church committee is asked to beresponsible for a “country”. Detailed plans will be available soon.

Looking Ahead:

Ministry Plans that have multiple-committee involvement should be to Carole by November 20^th .

Resource and Support Areas:

Staff Parish & Trustees – Ron Stout reported the search continues to secure a Music Director. Nursery Helpers’ wages will be raised due to the minimum wage increase. Ron complimented the Sunday School teachers for the lower-level décor. Parsonage construction is “moving along”. Pastor David reported on various Staff Parish issues.

Finance – Dave K - Year-to-Date financials were distributed. We are $34K ahead of last year at this time. He will be meeting with the Audit Committee shortly.

NCD Healthy Church Team – Carole stated a list of program priorities is being prepared.

Building – the committee met with Trustees to determine the priorities: first project may be the Sunshine Room (formerly called Old Narthax) renovation ….. corner deterioration, deck above the portico, roofline, etc. Funding, “selling” the ideas to the congregation, how, when, etc. were discussed. Greg requested a New Construction Fund and “backing” from the Church Council. He made a motion to start a Building Fund and print a “space” on the offering envelopes for same. The space would appear beginning in January. Lengthy discussion followed. Dave K. made a motion to table the motion for a month. Kara 2^nd the motion. Carole called for a vote; motion defeated. David K. asked how long monies may “sit” in a designated fund, i.e., memorials. Additional discussion ensued. Greg’s original motion was again presented, vote called, and the motion passed. Pastor David spoke of Epworth’s courage, responses to various needs, our “radical” moving on, Bible Study groups, Cottage Visitations, and the Extravagance of the love of God.

Leadership Development – Keith is leading Breaking the Bread, a short-term Bible study class, Wednesday evenings from 6 to 7. The Wednesday Night Supper may be enjoyed while listening and discussing.

Joys and concerns were shared after which the meeting was closed with prayer.

More Than Monthly News...

I have come to questions the need for the monthly newsletter.

So much is happening in our church community and I believe our bulletin is more than capable
of relaying the information effectively to our Sunday audience.

Our time is so precious, there is little need to spend it in non-effective ways.
Perhaps the first bulletin of the month can highlight the monthly calendar events more completely then others.
Contractual requirements must still be met, but I feel that can be done very easily.

Here are some sites on creative bulletins and marketing techniques.
As always, your feedback is essential...please post your comments!!

Center for Church Communication has a great site titled Church Marketing that Doesn't Suck.

Church Product and Services.

Member care meeting, sept. 27, 2007

DATE: September 27,2007
TO: MEMBER CARE TEAM
RE: Meeting of September 24,2007
PRESENT: Carole B, Barb D, Barb , Ginny J, Dorothea S
Committee members were thanked for providing coffee and.. . during fellowship hour.

1 PICTORIAL DIRECTORY
Barb G reported on the progress of this project. Karen C, Greg C and Don T have been faithfully taking pictures of individuals and families. Karen has done an outstanding job of putting together information as it is gathered. Photo taking will continue for another 2 Sundays and Wednesday evenings. The next phases will be to photograph the homebound and to gather photos
from people who have taken pictures of various activities. Also needed, and very important, is to check name spelling and personal information for accuracy and to decide on format such as how various names are shown, etc. Carole reported that she and her husband, Paul, began working on several lists containing names of members and associates to determine correct infinmation. Work needs to continue on this so that the directory and church records are correct. The calling team (Barb D Mari D, Domthea S and Arlene S) was recognized and thanked.

2 CONTACT RECENT GRADUATES
Peggy has put a note in the bulletin about this, so the process has begun. She will announce in
church the need for donations. Gift cards will be given in the spring.

3- FUNERAL COORDINATOR
Thus far only Joe S has agreed to be on the team Barb G will contact Evelyn C
and Sheila Ewho have not responded to see about their willingness. Ginny
ap&to be a substitute. We revised the list of responsibities which is attached.

4- CRADLE ROLL
Beth R has accepted the roll of Cradle Roll Coordinator. Robin L will coordinate the
group of knitters and crocheters to make items. Barb G will t& w/Beth about next steps which will include coordinating w/Kara B where photos of new babies can be posted. Currently, items should be given to Ritika V, Grant M and the new Akemann baby and their families. Peggy agreed to be in touch with the V. family

5- BUDGET c
As of the end of July, our annual budget of $250 has been overspent. We have spent $296.most
of which was spent for graduates. Barb will request a more detailed report so th$ we can better plan for
next year's budget.
NEXT MEETING -- MONDAY, OCTOBER 29 - 6:30 in Room U1


FUNERAL COORDINATOR Job Requirements.
To enable the pastor and the family with funerals and memorial services which are held at
Epworth Church to have a service which is as comfortable and error-h as possible, the
following items should be cared for:
1- Arrive 1-1 '/l hours prior to the visitation andlot . - the service.
2- The tower door automatic door opener needs to be turned on and other doors unlocked.
3- The sanctuary should be checked to see if the following items are cared for:
- heating/c~)ling/lightasr e acceptable
- the center post in the west set of doors to the sanctuary needs to be removed to allow
passage of the casket (most herd dinxtors are .familiar with this and can assist)
- tissue boxes should be available in the h n t pews
- speaker system should be turned on
- the children's area and the usher's table should be tidy
- tables need to be set in the Community Room, halllway or wherever family prefers for
photos, etc. Easels can be provided by the f u n d home; help coordinate placement
- family should be asked if guests should be allowedlencouraged to begin eating the meal or
whether they should be asked to wait for a blessing prior to the meal (assuming that a meal
is prepared by church personnel).
- place a stand at the entrance of the sanctuary for distribution of bulletins and guest book
4- After the service:
- turn off heating/cooling/lights
- replace center post
- turn off speaker system
- check that memorial envelopes are picked up after the service and givep t6 the
family
- collect extra tissue boxes
- pick up extra bulletins
September 27,2007

child care ministries team meeting oct. 1, 2007

Child Care Ministries Team Meeting
October 1,2007
Members Present: Ginny C, Penny B, Carole B, Deb E and
Pastor David

• Budget line request for Child Care Ministries set at $50.00 for supplies to be submitted toFinance Committee.
  

• A recommendation of $4,576 will be submitted to Staffparish for Child Care Provider(s)compensationin Church Budget.
  

• Ministry Plan is underway to expand child care from Sundays to evenings for churchrelated meetings and activities.
  

• Discussion took place about creating a safe care space for infants and toddlers within the current nursery environment.
  

• A search will continue for a play yard gate system. Other equipment needs include:New infant & toddler toys and materials
  

• Booster seats for Dinners, Pot lucks etc. (would like these to be new same style and stack able.
  

• The Halloween Expo was discussed and CCMT members were encouraged to help out.

• A ministry plan was made to expand child care to evenings for church related meetings and activities.
  

Looking at the Church calendar for October and November it was determined the need
for child care would be on Mondays and/or Tuesdays and Wednesdays evenings. Carole, Debbie,
Penny and Ginny all said that they would be available to help provide care to get evening care
started. A plan was made through October. Debbie also suggested that evening care scheduling
could be delegated to another person, perhaps a parent. No further discussion or decision was
made about this. We will also make an appeal to the Church Members for volunteers for Child
Care Providers for the evening care. Identified persons could also be asked directly if they would
like to serve in this child care ministry. The curtain divider in the nursery will be drawn and the
restroom sink side of the room will be used for evening care. A few items will be selected from the
storage cabinet for children's use before children arrive. Pagers will also be given to parents. To
meet the current Safe Sanctuaries Policy we will ask a Parent rep from each meeting to check in on the Nursery a couple of times during the meeting.
Shared Space was discussed since this room is used also by New Creations Preschool.
Pastor David suggested a clean up check list that would be signed and dated by the Care Provider to aid in keeping the room ready for the next day's use. It was also suggested that a line to report any damage to toys, furniture and equipment would also be placed on this list. Debbie will put this together.
It was decided that the Child Care Coordinator position would pay $12.00 an hour and the
Lead Care Provider position would pay $10.00 an hour. The total amount submitted for Budget
approval is based on each of them working 4 hours a week (Sundays and/or evening care)
It was suggested to place some of our equipment, infant & toddler toys' and materials needs
on a Christmas Wishing Tree ... Care for Kids tree so that Church Members would have an
opportunity to donate "monies" towards the needs or purchase exact toys and materials suggested for Nursery Care at Epworth.
Debbie shared some photos of indoor play yard gates to create a safe place for infants and
toddlers within the nursery environment. We have a an idea in mind what is needed just need to
research a little more to find it. We have $134.37 left from our $1500 memorial gift from June
K. that could be put towards it.
RespectfUlly Submitted, Debbie E