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 3^rd - 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 1^st. 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, 17^th, 24^th and March 2^{nd .} 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 24^th, from 10 – 2. Sandy K has requested assistance to set up tables, etc.

- Installation of new Staff persons will take place Sunday, February 27^th. 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 2^nd; 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 26^th), come with your area of ministry’s “New Year’s Resolutions”

Respectfully submitted,

Ginny J.