Lenten Prayer Class Schedule

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Everyone is invited to attend any class they can!
Our newest small group addition is Celebration of Discipline, which will run for seven sessions.

Annual Church Conference 12-09-07

Epworth United Methodist Church

Annual Church Conference, December 9, 2007

Pastor David Newhouse opened the Conference with a Call to Worship. Lay Leader, Debbie E, followed with Prayer and Scripture. Pastor David introduced Elgin District Superin- tendent, Rev. Oscar Carrasco, who welcomed all attending and presented Bishop Hee-Soo Jung’s “Harvesting 20/20” video and story. Rev. Carrasco called the meeting to order and indicated the business of the evening would follow the printed agenda.

Pastor Parish Chair, Craig L, presented three items: 1. A six per-cent Pastor salary increase to $60,000 annually. He further explained the compensation package. IRS considers $10K as a housing exclusion for personal use. Audit requirements require receipts for those expenditures. Coming from the Committee, no further motion was necessary. Rev. Carrasco called for questions and, hearing none, asked for a vote: all ayes, no nays or abstentions. 2.The Pastoral Profile was acknowledged. 3. Recommendations and reports to the Charge Conference, no candidates for ordained ministry.

Dave Kellenberger, Finance/Stewardship Chair, reported the 2007 Apportionment and Rainbow

Covenant amounts will be paid in full. The 2008 Budget will be presented to the Church Council in December. We are current on all expenses and anticipate ending the year on a positive note. Rev. Carrasco stated paying our apportionments “tells” we are helping people all over the world.

Carole B presented the Membership Supplemental Report. Rev. Carrasco specifically commented on the number of baptisms and new members. Names were read of those persons who were contacted twice with no response (details in the printed agenda). Rev. Carrasco requested a vote to remove those four families: Vote – majority ayes, no nays, and one abstention. In addition, the audit report shows 115 fewer members than the Conference. The actual membership number is 549. Trustees’ details are in the agenda; it should be especially noted the accessibility audit includes the new handicapped-accessibility door and upgraded lift. Ron stated no parsonage audit is available/necessary as we have we have no parsonage at the present time. New-parsonage details: closing is scheduled for December 21^st, partial moving, December 22^nd; move-in date, January 3^rd. Dedication/House-warming/Open House will be January 13^th from

2-6 PM. Dave K stated $22,000 has been received for the Endowment Fund and an Endowment Committee should be elected to oversee the Fund as the amount now exceeds $25K. Discussion followed. Rev. Carrasco commented the responsibility to elect an Endowment Committee) should be transferred to the Church Council. Carole B made a motion to authorize the Church Council to elect the Committee (will ask Lay Leadership to suggest prospective members); the motion was seconded by Kara B; vote followed; all present voted aye.

Pastor David presented the Lay Leadership (formerly Nominations) Committee Report listing all Church committee members. Following review, a vote was called to approve those listed for each committee. All present voted aye. Pastor David called the congregation to continue working towards the goals of Natural Church Development/Vision Team and Harvest 20/20. In closing,

Rev. Carrasco expressed his appreciation for Epworth’s faithfulness and requested his apology be included in these minutes for a previous misunderstanding.

Respectfully submitted, Ginny J, Recording Secretary

Church Council Minutes 11-27-07

Church Council Gathering, 11/27/07

Members Present: Pastor David N, Carole B, Dave K, Ron S, Mollie D, Roy C, Paul B, Kelly A, Vickie Ak, Carol L, Allison B, Dick and Jeanne B, and Keith P.

Carole opened the meeting by providing a few moments for Roy C to make a presentation on behalf of the Kitchen team. He noted there were three things needed for the kitchen.

1. If we are going to use real china again at functions, a new dishwasher was needed. Approximate cost was $8000.

2. A hardwired and piped commercial coffeemaker with 2 units and warmers. Approximate cost was $2500.

3. Increasing oven capacity by obtaining 2 stackable convection ovens. The burner capacity was fine but more oven space was needed. Approximate cost was $2000.

This was to be reviewed by the Finance committee for consideration. It will then be handed over to the Trustees who will create a Kitchen Task Force.

While on the subject of the kitchen, Ron mentioned that a creation of plans for the lack of food pantry space was in the works. It would include utilizing part of the room adjacent to the kitchen. Carole mentioned that it should be discussed with the Sunday school that meets there and the Scouts. Others to consider would be J Fand the Wednesday night dinner group. This discussion also discussed if there was a need for three freezers.

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

October meeting minutes were reviewed. Dave K. moved to accept the minutes; Keith 2^nd; motion approved.

Nurturing People in Faith:

Child Led Ministry – Pastor David invited us all to think about the “Year of the Child.” He noted that after baptisms and confirmations are made, many are not present afterward. He mentioned many facts including that 90% of a child’s personality and moral structure is there by the age of three and that when an emphasis is on the children, the older generation enjoys participating. Mollie suggested having a future staff member focused on young children and their ministry. Carol L. mentioned that this was also being discussed at the library as many young families do not participate in all age groups. Discussion continued and a Ministry Guide Sheet was filled out (see attached).

January 13^th is when we will celebrate Jesus’ baptism. All that have recently been baptized will be asked to attend. There will be publicity and invites will be sent out.

Stewardship – Carole relayed that they were working on promoting not only the financial aspect of stewardship but of the prayers and presence as well. The commitment form was made available again.

Witness:

Welcoming and Assimilating People – Carole provided a handout with the before mentioned title and asked everyone to read it. After that, a discussion was held.

Social Activities – Kelly mentioned that there would be a Live Nativity on December 15^th from 3 until 6 pm. A Zoo to You will be providing the animals and she was in need of volunteers to make it a success. Volunteers would range from actors portraying various people and behind the scenes people to make cookies and cocoa and clean up. All were asked to consider.

Mission Trip – We were reminded to keep the Mission trip in our prayers and to check out their blog – link is on our website.

Church Council – 11/27/07

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Resource and Support Areas:

Legacy Giving Ministry plan – Dave shared the Ministry Guide for financial and estate planning workshops. He would like to have these once a month during the first half of the Sunday school time. He also would like to have speakers on those various subjects. The plan is to have them in the Sonrise room starting the first quarter.

Parsonage update – Jeanne shared that the parsonage will have its closing and walk through by the 21^st of December. There will be a blessing of the house on the 13^th of January. A small move with delicate items will take place on the 22^nd of December. The larger move will take place on the 3^rd of January.

Finance – Dave reviewed the financial reports with us.

We were asked to consider having a tree this time of year with special requests we have for the church, similar to the Giving Tree. We were also reminded of the need to bring an ornament for the Memorial “Cross” tree that will be started this Sunday.

Carole led us in a unison prayer to close the meeting after joys and concerns were shared.

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Kelly A, filling in for Ginny J