"Roughly 10 percent of all Americans are former Catholics.”
This is taken from an article Jeff gave me from the NY Times.
Check it out...
Americans Changing Faith at Rising Rate
Monday, February 25, 2008
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
12-30-07 Church Council Minutes: Lost Post :)
Church Council Gathering, 12/30/07
Members Present: Carole B, Dave K, Ron S, Paul B, Kelly A, Dick and Jeanne B, Craig L, Susan C, Gloria C, Dave and Ginny C, Steve M, and Keith P.
Carole opened the meeting in a prayer.
Dave K –
He noted that we needed to authorize the new allocations of Memorial/Bequest funds. He reviewed with us the handout including the reasons for the amounts. That included the desire to keep $50,000 in working capital as a baseline to cover the ups and downs of the financial cycles. He noted that the $15,000 for future capital needs was in relation to the tight budget. The amount for the new well was dependant upon many issues including the possibility that it would not be done and that it includes a sprinkler system with the $60,000 cost but we may not need that. This will be checked into in the spring and then decided at that time. The amount allocated for the washroom refurbishment is for those off the Sonrise Room which is not part of the expansion project. The amount for the parlor is for the drywall needed to finish the project. And Roy Chapman has found us a few deals in relation to the Kitchen appliance allocation and therefore it may be less than the $12,500 allocated as of now. Any unused funds would revert back to their original location in the Memorial and Bequest fund account.
After some discussion, Carole called for a vote on these new allocations from the committee. It was passed unanimously.
Natural Church Development Budget
Dave reviewed with us the narrative report and the detailed listing of this proposed budget. Finance would like to utilize more detailed reports for the Trustees. Dave C said that he missed his opportunity to ask for an increase in the Outreach Committee’s budget. They are planning a very large campaign including a mass mailing increase and a splash campaign in the fall. He requested that it be increased to $10,000 from $7,000 as that may be tight. After much discussion, he was asked to meet with his committee to firm up pricing and then request from the council an increase after that.
Carole called for a vote on this budget after more discussion and review. It was passed unanimously.
A very big thank you to Dave for serving as head of Finance for so long and doing such a great job!
Meeting was adjourned.
January Stewardship Committee Minutes
Stewardship Meeting Notes Jan 08
Attendees,
Kara B, Carole B, David N, Keith P, Carol & Don T, Bob B
Opening
Carol opened by reading the purpose of the Stewardship Committee, stressing the new emphasis on discipleship particularly in the areas of prayers, presence, gifts and service.
| Topic: Recap of Stewardship Commitments | |
| There was concern expressed over the individuals who made commitments in the prior year but had not this year. Carole presented information about the response to our follow up letter. David noted that when compared with other congregations in our area with a similar profile we are below the mean. He suggested we need to ask the honest question what is up? Carole will put a team together to do personal follow ups. | |
| Topic: Lenten Emphasis-Prayer | |
| There was a discussion of the emphasis over this quarter and particularly the Lenten Season. In the last meeting it was decided it would be prayer. Commitment forms showed a high level of response to be involved in prayer. There was discussion of how to have an effective for prayer such as prayer chain or a prayer blog. There also was discussion concerning developing personal prayer, particularly areas we don’t consider to be prayer like contemplation or fasting. Keith discussed the Celebration of Discipline series. It is scheduled to be done during Lent. David expressed that he would like to see several groups, Wednesday, possibly at 6 and 7 to reach two different groups, during the day in the middle of the week and Saturday. The goal is to have multiple opportunities for individuals to become exposed to this area. The group also discussed having prayer centers where people could experience different aspects of prayer. Among the issues to be addressed concerning Prayer centers: Where would they be set up Instructions what to do, different groups take responsibilities Posters/ Videos Write letter to God Share a concern Walk through a song When prayer spoke to me Taize Service Music as prayer | |
| Topic: Meeting Time | |
| Consensus was Tuesday evening, but we could meet at other times, even a Saturday. | |
| Action Items: | Owner |
| Recruit team to contact nonresponders, ask what is up | Carole B |
| Ash Wednesday-Discuss with the kitchen crew menu-Soup | Keith P |
| Lenten Bible Study-Names of possible leaders | David N |
| Lenten Bible Study-Material & equipping leaders | Keith P |
| |
December Stewardship Committee Minutes
Stewardship Meeting Notes December 07
Attendees,
Kara B, Carole B, Steve M, David N, Keith P, Waunetta & Bob B
Opening
| Topic: Commitment Card Follow Up | |
| The first matter of discussion was how to affirm the commitment to Epworth. It was decided that letter would be sent out to all respondents with a copy of their commitment form. The question was raised concerning people do not respond to postcard? There was lengthy discussion. We decided to see what the response was to our follow up mailing. We also reviewed the form used this year and if we need to make any changes. Some minor revisions were suggested. It was noted that there was a high commitment for prayer. The question was how do we capitalize on this? See next item. | |
| Topic: Lent Emphasis - Prayer | |
| The group felt very strongly that we wanted to enlarge Stewardship to be a year round emphasis. We want to see the concept of Prayer, Presence, Gifts and Service to be an emphasis year round. David said he would like to see prayer be an emphasis during Lent. He suggested using Richard Foster’s Celebration of Discipline study as a possible choice. The material is available through the conference media center. He would like to see it offered at several different times to get maximum exposure. Lent begins Feb 6. Keith said he would check it out. David said he would be working on including it into the in the newsletter and message as well. There was discussion of possible group leaders and other options for material. | |
| Action Items: | Owner |
| Send break down of commitments and pass to the appropriate committees. | Carole B & Kara B |
| Get a copy of the celebration of Discipline material from the media center and evaluate as possible Lent series. | Keith P |
Church Council Minutes 1-22-08
Church Council Gathering, 1/22/08
Program Focus
Members Present: Carole and Paul B, Pastor David, Keith P, Gloria C, Ron S, Greg C, Kara B, Mollie D, Vickie A, Carlton K, Jeane B, Carol L, Susan C, Carol W, and guest, Dick B.
Carole welcomed everyone; Pastor David opened the meeting with prayer and the “Stone Soup” story.
Mechanics:
December minutes were reviewed. Ron Stout moved to approve the minutes; Kara seconded; motion passed.
Carlton shared Mosaic ideas: A “Super Service Event” scheduled for May 3rd - helping with projects throughout the area and, afterwards, reuniting at the church for a Super-Saturday Worship and Praise Band communion service. The goal is to involve the whole congregation. Preparation plans/ideas include skits to “excite and enthuse” the whole church…. tee shirts for participants…and “Super Heroes” attend committee meetings. Price would be $10 per participant or a yet-to-be determined whole-family price. Perhaps the Wednesday Night Supper hosts will help with lunch.
The master Church Calendar and Coffee Hour Sign-up forms were passed for review, corrections and additions. For new Chair persons, Carole shared Church Council procedures….1-1/2 hr. meetings with alternate monthly focus. No action by the Council is necessary if no funds are required outside of the budget. Dates for meetings and events should be forwarded to Jackie to be added to the calendar. Use of the Ministry Guide Sheets for planning is encouraged. A “Day in the District with the Bishop” meeting for pastors is scheduled for February 1st. Carole requested donations of “a dish to pass” for the event.
Child Led Ministry Plan:
Children will be our focus this year…Christian nurturing leads to good feelings and brings the church family together. After discussion, the Council agreed upon the following Mission Statement: Create an environment through worship and programs that attracts and supports children to grow and be influenced by the values of Christian faith. The council spoke of additional plans to support the Statement. The Cradle Roll program has been renewed to connect with children from birth to three years. Beginning with Baptism, babies will receive hand-knitted items (booties and blankets), and special-occasion cards. A Cradle Roll photo display is also planned. Greg suggested the balcony could eventually be converted to a “cry room” complete with sound for parents with infants. A quarterly open house, at the end of each Sunday School unit, was also suggested. Carole asked the group to discuss how to implement these plans. Develop a task team? Mollie suggested one or two from each committee to work on a Child Led Ministry Plan with ideas to “hand the project forward”. Who will be the person(s) with the passionate interest to guide the program? Pastor David and Keith both suggested the plan include “older” persons (along with young parents) as invaluable helpers. Carole charged everyone present to “think of someone” to lead/assist this new ministry.
Stewardship:
Interim report: 113 commitments, $263,324 pledged; 30 contacts yet to be made.
Welcoming Experience and Workshops:
Kara stated Welcoming Training sessions are scheduled on Sunday mornings (check the bulletin for session times). Dates are
February 3, 17th, 24th and March 2nd . The training will include video presentations, handouts, and discussion.
Financial Closing, 2007:
Paul distributed the year-end Budget Summary and Balance Sheet
Sharing other topics:
- Ron announced the change-out of light bulbs is complete. We are now using CFB (compact florescent) bulbs. He urged us to remember not to turn off lights as often as previously; the life of the new bulbs is shortened with frequent turn offs. Also the heating and cooling systems have reverted to computer control.
- Jeane shared the success of the New Parsonage Open House. Nearly 100 persons signed the Guest Book. She also requested additional funds for small-item purchases (such as towel bars) be available. The council concurred.
- A Farmers’ Market will be held in the Community Room on Sunday, February 24th, from 10 – 2. Sandy K has requested assistance to set up tables, etc.
- Installation of new Staff persons will take place Sunday, February 27th. Officers and Committee Chairs will also be recognized at the service. Pastor David announced Bill B has accepted the position of Staff Parish Chair. Mollie 2nd; the nomination was approved.
-The Worship Committee voted the Summer (June, July, and August) Sunday Worship Hours will be 8:30 and 10:00. Summer Sunday School plans have not been finalized.
- Next meeting (February 26th), come with your area of ministry’s “New Year’s Resolutions”
Respectfully submitted,
Ginny J.
Financial Committee Minutes 1-29-08
Financial Committee Minutes
January 29, 2008
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Decision was made to move the $6182 surplus into Retained Surplus account until we can determine where it needs to go.
- The F.C., after input from Pastor Newhouse, has decided not to have a congregation wide Parsonage Debt Retirement campaign.
- The committee has agreed that we need to undertake a capital campaign. We need to determine our goals, and will work on this by completing a Ministry Guide Sheet as the focus of our Feb. 12 meeting.
In attendance: Donald B, Joe B, Dick B, Carole and Paul B, Pastor David N and Susan C.
Approval of Minutes: Paul moved and Carole seconded that we approve the minutes of the last meeting.
Treasurer’s Report: We ended the year with a positive balance of $6,182. . Much discussion occurred about where to put or use this surplus. Don suggested that we move it to the Retained Surplus until we determine where it needs to be used. All agreed. No motion necessary. Paul took time to go over in some detail both the Balance Sheet and Budget for those of us new to the committee.
2008 Budget: The budget for 2008 was approved at the Church Council Meeting on December 30. We are committed beyond our anticipated income. Pastor David reminded us that our responsibility as the Finance Committee is to meet the budget. We have budgeted for growth. This discussion led to a discussion of our need to have a Capital Campaign.
Capital Campaign: Epworth has not had a Capital Campaign since 1998. Pastor David reminded us that “Good economic practice is to get people in an organization to participate…” in the funding of the organization. We currently have $250 - $300K. We need to raise $500K. We have a $600K mortgage on the church building, and a $125Kmortgage on the new parsonage. The building committee has determined additional needs for, and modifications to, the building. In addition, we have added a number of new ministries this year. We seem to be always trying to stay one step ahead of our needs.
To prepare for a Capital Campaign the F.C. has some tasks to undertake.
- We need to research firms that can do this for us professionally. Professionals should be able to help us raise 2-3 times our annual budget. Pastor David has a couple of company names and websites he will forward to Susan.
- We need to complete a Ministry Guide Sheet so we can establish our goals. We have agreed to devote the meeting of Feb. 12 to this task.
- We should include Greg C, Chair of the Building Committee.
F.C. 1/29/08, page 2
Parsonage Mortgage Fundraise: Pastor David believes that we will not receive a strong response if we undertake a Parsonage Debt Retirement campaign involving the whole congregation. Thus far, twelve persons have been approached; five have responded. Pastor David cautioned that we tread carefully, and perhaps invite individuals to a couple of special events during the year. He suggested that we use the spring tree planting as our next opportunity. The trees could be memorials or we could revisit the idea of creating a Memorial Garden. Other ideas were that publicity be limited to a localized time for the specific event, and that the events be held at the Parsonage. Pastor suggested approaching Pete Floyd for help. Pete has run several quite successful fundraising campaigns in the past year.
3rd Annual Garage Sale: We do want to continue this. Susan will approach Janis D about chairing this event. Janis had said last year that she was interested in continuing. Susan will also verify that Janis is still willing to act as our Fundraiser Committee Chair.
Coffee Hour Sign-up: We still need several persons to commit to making coffee in March. The list will be at the February 12 meeting. During Lent, as a trial run, coffee hour is being hosted after both first and second service so we need volunteers to cover both services.
Missions and Ministries Income: Members of the congregation have expressed a desire to know how much money was raised and where it went for the various missions and ministries Epworth supports. The committee agreed this was worthwhile. Susan will talk to the Missions Committee about this and forward the couple of ideas floated at this meeting.
Meeting Schedule: The committee agreed to schedule monthly meetings with the proviso that Susan will cancel them one week ahead if we have no pressing business to discuss. This is a change from the previous schedule of quarterly meetings. These meetings were tentatively set for the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7:00 P.M. Further discussion can take place at the next meeting if this presents too many conflicts. Our next meeting is Tuesday, Feb. 12, 7 P.M.
No Secretary was nominated. Too few members were in attendance.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan C, Chair
Thursday, February 7, 2008
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