Epworth UMC Church Council Meeting, 3-25-08

Church Council Meeting, 3-25-08

Program Focus

Members Present: Carole and Paul B, Pastor David, Gloria C, Mollie D, Kara B, Carol L, David and Ginny C, Susan C, Patti F, Kelly A, Amy Z. Guests: Doug D, Confirmand Michael W.

Gathering Time:

The Gift of Easter: Carole read the Lectionary lesson for Sunday, March 30^th from John 20, 19-21, along with summarizing the comforting Word…. we all are sent as Jesus was sent.

The February minutes were corrected. Ginny C. moved to accept; Kelley seconded the motion.

Mechanics:

The April/May calendar was passed for review, corrections, and additions. Coffee Hour sign-up was urged. August is still “available”….remember, the lengthened timeframe (until noon.) Kara shared “…second-service attendees are not yet accustomed to having coffee and/or tea available; perhaps a coffee cart visually positioned in the hall doorway would be more inviting?”.

Nuture People in Faith:

Child Led Ministry Plan: Carole asked for ideas and suggestions of persons to lead this endeavor. Do we need a specific group? How best can we cover all aspects of the program? Comments: promote the Cradle Roll, pass information to the Education Committee, a quarterly Sunday School Open House to share the curriculum, emphasis on a Child Friendly environment and for Wednesday Night Suppers, high chairs and booster seats should be available .Carole then asked, “Does anyone come to mind?” Several names were suggested….(and will be considered).

Stewardship Focus: Several new areas, located throughout the church, have been designated as Reflection Areas for individual prayer and medication Booklets are available at each table.

Healthy Church Team: Time for another survey (available April 6^th) ….where are our weak areas?

Witness:

Leadership Training: “Go to the mountain, Go to the Masses” training will be held Saturday, April 12^th in Glenview. The training relates closely to the Outreach Conference to be held the same day. See Carole for further information.

Outreach Brainstorming: David Comings – The Dancing with the Star plan (simply stated) is to contact 20,000 families with young children and hope to have 2,000 requests for EUMC information, and 200 families join the church by the end of 2008. The Rally held March 9^th helped familiarize those attending with the Plan. The Worship committee is also involved.

Taste of Epworth: Kelly - June 21^st is the date; time is 3-7 PM. Each committee is to choose a type of food they wish to contribute. Kelly passed a sign-up sheet – see below.

Resource and Support Areas:

Super Service Saturday: Mollie - Date: April 26^th ; Time: 10-4. Thus far, only 30 persons have registered…The cost includes a tee shirt, lunch, and an opportunity to do a good deed for the community! The day will begin with an uplifting, upbeat Worship Service in the sanctuary, break for lunch then out to the service-project sites….Habitat Restore, Hawthorne Nature Center, Sherman West Court or remain at the church working with Cards for Cancer. Cost to participate: $15/person, $10/kids, $40/family.

Other Topics and Updates:

Capital Campaign: Susan Collins explained a fund raising endeavor, “Other Pockets,” April 27^th to June 1^st. The premise is a one-time, “big-ticket-item”, gift to be converted to usable cash. $150,000 –$200,000 is necessary to commence numerous church-improvement projects. A gift example (already received) is a coin collection. More information will be shared shortly.

The Olwin Home will be vacated during the summer.

Joys and Concerns were shared. The meeting closed with prayer. Next meeting is April 22^nd.

Ginny Jensen

Taste of Epworth 2008 Sign up List

Salad

1. Education Choose your own

2 Lay Leadership – Homemade Ice Cream,

Appetizers

Outreach/Hospitality/Stewardship Dessert

Main Dishes UMW/Womens Study

Worship

New Creations Preschool Drinks

Side Dishes Finance

1. Youth

2. Still plenty of opportunities for others to sign up

Drinks Still would like UMM, Staff/Parish, Trustees, Missions

Finance

Epworth UMC Financial Committee Minutes 3-11-08

Financial Committee Minutes

March 11, 2008

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Majority of meeting spent on discussion of “Miracle” or “Other Pockets” Sunday and the presentation on Monday, March 10 by Solid Ground Stewardship.

In attendance: Donald B, Bill B, Joe B, Carole and Paul B, John O, Pastor David Newhouse, Carol W, and Susan C.

Approval of Minutes: Don moved, and Paul seconded, that we approve the minutes of the last meeting. Approved.

Treasurer’s Report: Income is down although we have not had any of our extra collections yet. This will change since Easter is in March this year. Expenses are up, too, in part due to the excess of snow removal expenses as well as an increase in the cost of utilities. Pastor David requested that monthly income and expense figures be provided as they have been previously. Susan and Paul will get those together before the April meeting.

Capital Campaign: This discussion had several parts. Joe, Susan and Pastor David briefly reported on some of the companies with whom each had spoken regarding our Capital Campaign needs. This will be revisited at a later meeting with more details.

The majority of the discussion centered on the presentation on Monday, March 10, by Kevin Gowdy and Ann Coon of Solid Ground Stewardship Services. They were invited to present because of a stewardship option they had put forward to Pastor David during a conference call he’d had with them. The presentation included a 2 pronged approach to our Capital Campaign needs that avoids a conflict with either our annual fall stewardship campaign or our fall 2008 campaign for new members.

As an initial step, Solid Ground recommended an “Other Pockets” or “Miracle Sunday” campaign where our congregants are asked to look elsewhere, outside of their finances, to make a one time donation. Examples given were: a boat, jewelry, cars, stocks or bonds etc. This could be done in the spring of 2008 as a short term, 4-5 weeks, campaign that would let us begin working on some of the renovation projects slated for Epworth. They would help us prepare mailings and presentations for this. We will be responsible for organizing a group of 8-10 persons to work with Solid Ground.

The second step would be a full scale Capital Campaign in spring 2009. This would allow us more time to plan properly for the campaign and also to look at other companies that work with churches on capital campaigns. If we use Solid Ground for both, the fee charged to us for “Miracle Sunday” will be deducted from the fee for the full scale capital campaign held in spring 2009.

One concern is that a “Miracle Sunday” not dilute future contributions members will consider making during the spring 2009 campaign. Another is that we not put off any new members by beginning our Capital Campaign just after they have begun attending.

The committee voted unanimously to hire Solid Ground to work with us on a “Miracle Sunday” campaign. We agreed to kick off the campaign on Sunday, April 27, and to have our wrap up on Sunday, June 1. Susan will contact Kevin Gowdy and Ann Coon to be sure these dates will work for them, too.

Annual Garage Sale: Susan confirmed with Janis Denman that she is chairing the Annual Garage Sale. No date has been set yet because the calendar is full, but it should be the first or second weekend in June. (May 31 or June 7?)

Adjourned at 8:43 P.M. Next meeting is Tuesday, April 8 at 7:00 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Susan Collins, Chair

Epworth UMC Church Council Gathering, 2-26-08

Church Council Gathering, 2-26-08

Administrative Focus

Members Present: Carole and Paul B, Pastor David, Keith P, Gloria C, Kara B, Vickie A, Jeane B, Carol L, David and Ginny C, and guests, Dick B and Confirmand Kevin M.

Gathering Time:

Carole thanked all in attendance and read inspirational thoughts relating to plans for Epworth’s future.

January minutes were reviewed and corrected; Kara moved to approve the corrections; David C. seconded; motion passed.

Mechanics:

The master Church Calendar and Coffee Hour Sign-up forms were passed for review, corrections and additions. Coffee Hour will be extended to 11:00 through March. This year, we will offer Coffee Hour through the summer months….sponsors still needed for June, July, and August.

Resource and Support Areas:

Paul distributed the Balance Sheet; discussion following regarding several line items. In addition, Paul stated the “snow-removal contract limit” has been reached. Further charges will be $300 per inch !

New Year’s Committee Resolutions:

David and Ginny – The Outreach Committee is planning a September “Dancing with the Star” campaign to contact 20,000 households. From those contacts, we hope to welcome at least 200 new families into active ministry at Epworth by the end of 2008. Plans will be shared at a March 9^th Rally with potluck (including special entertainment) following the 11:00 service.

Committees identified to assist in the campaign are Worship, Education, Social Activities, Building, and Youth.

Kelly – The Social Activities Committee is planning one activity per month beginning in April. Details will be forthcoming.

Kara – Communications Coordinator : She shared plans for a new format of communication (newsletter change). The publication will be produced quarterly with a greater inspiration. Weekly communication will be available via the Sunday bulletin or call the church office to arrange home delivery.

Overview of 2008:

Pastor David – One of the roles is having vision of where we are headed and how the dynamics of the church will become functional: Comment highlights:

• The Year of the Young Child special focus on the ministry opportunities for young children as the first three years sets the tone for life. Children discover God is active throughout their lives if immersed in a church environment from birth.
• Outreach Plan leading to young families’ momentum and enthusiasm – massive efforts to draw people “in” sometimes spurs former members to “come back”
• Worship Committee Task Force to develop new and/or additional services
• Building Committee plans include a new East-side “face and space”, interior painting, elevator updates and more.
• Capital Fund-Raising Campaign …. “ not impossible”
• Every member is to be involved the new projects

Additional Comments - Pastor David: Confirmation date is May 4^th. All Church Super Service Saturday date is April 26^th from 10-4. The day’s plans include “gathering” at EUMC, lunch, leaving the premises for community work projects, and returning to the church to celebrate the accomplishments. We hope to have 200-300 persons involved… urge all committees to participate. Costs are $15 person, $10 children ten and under, $40 per family of three or more. Cost includes lunch, tee-shirt, and small donation for some of the service projects.

Witness:

Kara – The last Welcoming Training session will be held on March 2^nd at 12:30 PM. The training features a video presentation, handouts, discussion and food!

Joys and concerns were shared and discussed. The meeting was adjourned with prayer.

Respectfully submitted,

Ginny Jensen

Stewardship Meeting Notes February 08

Attendees:

Carole B, Keith P, Carol & Don T

Topic: Celebration of Decipleship Study Update

There were individuals at all of the groups. The strongest attendance was at the Saturday morning group with 5 attendees. Currently there are 5 groups going on with 3 different group leaders.

Topic: Prayer Center & Newsletter

Kara working on change of newsletter format. Change from info in the newsletter to more spiritual conversation. Kara is working through a number of issues to make the change as smooth as possible. Several prayer centers are scattered through out the church. We discussed how to raise awareness. We looked at using an insert to explain the purpose of the centers and their function. Another possibility would be to do a skit. Raise issue with Patti possibly. Currently in the Sanctuary there are 2, Tower is 1, Sonrise room there is 1 and parlor,1. Keith asked whether David would be tying into service, David has done some working on selling. Discussion followed of prayer centers and people’s response. It will be a journey, growth is part of it what happens to prayer centers. It will take 4-5 weeks for people to engage once they begin to get it. Would like to keep 1-2 stations all year long

Topic: Commitment follow up

Reviewed feedback from commitment. We are looking at providing people tools to exercise their gifts particularly prayer. Use questions in the bulletin to get people looking for prayer centers long conversation how to engage. Putting a prayer on coat hanger another idea. Things to pray about list, email, etc Keith will work with those interested working with readers also follow up with study activities Adult Education Team in Christian Ed is Marcia Larson, Carlene Kellenberger. This may be a way to help them to be involved by utilizing this list of names desiring to be involved in study activities.

Looking ahead

Touch on all area in the year what order do we want do these Talk about ordering- is quarter the best? Prayer thru March, Service as spring emphasis working off of Youth Super Service Saturday.

Financial Committee Minutes 2-12-08

Financial Committee Minutes

February 12, 2008

HIGHLIGHTS:

• This meeting focused on completing the Ministry Guide Sheet in anticipation of our Capital Campaign.

In attendance: Donald B, Bill B, Joe B, Dick B, Carole and Paul B, Ross L, John O, Pastor David Newhouse and Susan C.

Approval of Minutes: Don moved, and Paul seconded, that we approve the minutes of the last meeting. Approved.

Capital Campaign: Prior to beginning work on the Ministry Guide Sheet, Pastor Newhouse described a Capital Campaign for the committee since some members are new to Epworth as well as the Finance Committee. We reviewed that EUMC has not had a capital campaign since 1998, and that we need to raise money to meet our plans and goals. Last month we had discussed raising $500,000. However, we revised that figure to be $1,000,000.

Shall we handle the Capital Campaign internally or hire professionals? There are pros and cons for both. Pastor David, Joe and Susan will contact various professional organizations to find out what each has to offer. Susan will also contact Pastor Paul at Cornerstone UMC about their contact information. After gathering this information, they will meet to pare the list to 3 companies, and invite them to present to the committee. After hearing from these companies, we will be better able to determine whether to handle the campaign ourselves or use professionals.

Ministry Guide Sheet: See attached for what has been determined so far.

Coffee Hour: Finance Committee is responsible for Coffee Hour for the month of March. March 9 and March 16 have no one signed up, and March 30 still needs someone for first service. Please let me know when you will take the opportunity to contribute to this Ministry of Fellowship.

Adjourned at 8:40. Next meeting is Tuesday, March 11 at 7:00 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Susan C, Chair

Mission Committee Minutes 2-10-08

Epworth United Methodist Church

Mission Committee Minutes

February 10, 2008

Present: Chair: Alyson B, Pastor David N, Mary B, J F, Shelia B, Sandy K, Kelly S, Diane L and Mary R F.

1. Meals on Wheels will be February 25-29 and all volunteer slots are filled. Excellent, next session will be the end of May.

2. March food for the Food Pantry will be canned meats. April is peanut butter & Jelly.

3. Christian Development Corporation - Pastor Newhouse approved the donation of $50 per month out of the Missions budget. All area churches are sending money to Brian Heinrich, the CDC coordinator, who is responsible for distributing emergency funds to those who have no other options. Those who use this money must also agree to financial counseling. Even though the committee requested financial reports, Pastor Newhouse feels there are not necessary.

Alyson submitted to cover February & March 2008.

4. The Soup Kettle is this Tuesday, February 19^th at Zion Lutheran Church from 4-6:30pm.

5. Epworth UMC is responsible for volunteers for the PADS program on the second Wednesday of each month. We need more volunteers. J Fazel, Kelly S, Alyson B and Mary R F will be there this month. Alyson said a new church member came to help – YEH!

6. Sheila B proposed that churches use an offering of letter to write to legislators letting then know about pending bills that would alleviate hunger. This effort is to support the Bread for the World project. These letters would urge congress to approve $5million to the hunger project and then to finalize the Global Poverty Act, both of which support the Millennium Goal Project. You can find more information and documentation at www.bread.org.

Not really sure what, where or how this is pull together yet.

7. Mission Work: Sheila B proposed that we send volunteers to Humboldt Park UMC to help them facilitate an office move in their building. Pastor David Newhouse suggested that we get this volunteer request information to the Men’s Breakfast Group and also to the Women’s Group. Mary R F suggested that we first get the specific information like what day, departure time, length of day, lunch will be provided and return time before we approach the congregation. The day will be Saturday, March 15^th.

We are already at March 9^th for this next meeting, Sheila did you get any groups to commit to this event? Alyson & Diane already have previous commitments, is there anyone else on the mission committee who is going??

8. Pastor David Newhouse asked the committee to support a fundraiser that a Woodstock nursery has every April in which 1/2 of the proceeds from the sale of Hostas plants will go to the Heifer project. They will plan to do a presentation at church on April 6^th. Pastor also suggested to establish a goal for our church to raise for the Heifer Project this year. The committee also discussed the possibility of having another plant sale in conjunction with the Garage Sale.

The committee thought this was a good idea. I think Alyson will be getting in touch with Janis D to see when the Garage sale is taking place in 2008. We need further discussion & assignments for this event.

9. Elgin Religious Leaders - Pastor David Newhouse announced a new event to be called “Come to the Table” Dinner being co-sponsored by ECC and Judson colleges and supported by the Elgin Religious Leaders group. The dinner will be held at Judson on March 9^th at 5pm. All funds raised at this event will be donated to Elgin Hunger Relief. Laurel Bault of ECM will have more information for this as well as displays at the event.

Alyson may try to attend. Is there anyone else on the committee who is going?

10. Nothing but Nets Project – Alyson complemented Kelly and Kara on a job well done on the bulletin board. The committee discussed options for a fundraiser for this project. Maybe something with the children like basketball free throw game/competition. For the smaller children maybe something like Bozo buckets. It was suggested that maybe we could do this in conjunction with one of the Wednesday evening dinners before the end of April. We will ask to do a child’s time presentation with a net during the services as well.

Excellent display, thank you. We really think this should become a priority over the next 6 weeks to raise funds for this effort. Mary F are you still interested in doing a dance lesson fun night?? And Kara & Others ae you interested in having a fun childrens time to raise money on a Wednesday night?? Further discussion at March 8 meeting.

11. Sandy K suggested a farmer’s market event on February 24^th and will work on this project and to get all details finalized as soon as possible.

Nice event, thank Sandy for organizing all of the vendors & more. Did you want to offer this type of event a couple times a year or more?? Further discussion at March 8 meeting.

12. Red Cross Flood Buckets and Health Kits - Suggestion was made to get some of the flood buckets and safety kits made up ahead of time to have on hand for weather emergencies. Alyson Beucler and Mary Rees Freeman both brought information on requirements for the flood buckets and health kits. This information will be placed in the bulletin for begin collecting items for this project. Alyson and Mary will work on getting several buckets and kits put together for a display and collection area in the Fellowship Hall.

Kelly thank you for putting the buckets together. Diane can bring a list to the March 8 meeting. Hopefully we can generate some interest by church members, put it in the bulletin, have people bring items on a particular week & the mission group or other group can put the buckets together. Diane will check on details.

Thanks for all your hard work. Mary great minutes!!

Next Mission Meeting will be March 9, 2008 at 9:45am.

• For discussion, mission trips for 2008 & 2009.
• When a suggestion is brought to the meeting, please have all the details available to share (names, phone numbers, & who will head up the project, etc)
• And other items detailed above.