Trustee's Meeting Aug 13, 2008

Epworth United Methodist Church

Board of Trustees

Minutes - August 13, 2008

Present: Ron S, Brad B, Kelly B, Brian K, Pastor David Newhouse, Jan S

Good News Items: Brad spread 10 yards of mulch last Saturday; more is needed.

Ron reported that the west border is being cleaned up by the Friday Morning Guys.

The July 9 minutes were approved as printed.

Storm Damage Report: Ron reported that the recent storm caused flooding in M5 and half of the lower level; part of a large tree came down. Servicemaster dried things out for a cost of $960. Ron is investigating the purchase of a sump pump.

Outreach Support: Ron attended a meeting of the Outreach Committee and reported that the committee has requested donations of minutes on nonbusiness cell phones for a couple of hours each evening during the calling process as well as volunteers to make calls.

There was discussion about the addition of a third Sunday morning service and the importance of the timing of these services. Ron will handle synchronizing all the clocks in the church to facilitate accurate timing for the services.

Residence Demolition: The inspector’s report on the demolition of Roy’s residence revealed asbestos in caulking around windows as well as some ducts and in 12 x 12 floor tile. The barn is asbestos-free. Bryan is getting three bids on remediation and having the two buildings removed for the next meeting; then a recommendation can be prepared and a charge conference will be held.

New Sign Installation: The new sign for Randall Road can be delivered next Friday. Brian will coordinate the installation and it was suggested he can call Ron Hecht for assistance. Bill Mingus will be contacted to move flowers/plantings. The old sign will be reinstalled at the west entrance later.

Ongoing Projects:

The kitchen hood and fire system – A sounder will be installed in the kitchen this week, then inspections can be done and Brian can do the finish work. The project, including painting, is targeted to be finished by Thanksgiving.

Parlor remodel - Brian will work toward early September completion.

Community Room upgrade - Lights are here, and Al will manage the installation. Kelly will get flooring prices from Rick Rakow.

Bathroom remodel – No progress to report. Al is getting estimates.

Sealcoating is done on the main drive and lower parking lot and we are awaiting well completion to finish the project and add more handicapped and visitor signage.

The well permit has been obtained, and the drilling will begin shortly.

Walk-on Items: Jan moved and Ron seconded a request from the Finance Committee to transfer moving Robert McCormic Memorial funds to the Multi Media fund to cover the cost of the additional lens for the projector. Motion carried.

David asked the Trustees to consider development of a landscaping plan to include such elements as a Memorial Garden, picnic area, tree planting schedule, parking expansion, geothermal energy, and playground relocation. Brad will take on this project, including working with Karen B and Amy Z about their garden project for next spring.

The group toured the area over the Sonrise Room to consider replacing cedar shingles, plywood, etc. Brian will open up the railing to see where water gets into the room below to determine how we should move forward.

Ron closed with prayer and the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Jan S

Community Outreach Meeting July 28, 2008

The minutes from the Community Outreach meeting, held on July 28th, can be viewed on our blog: http://epworthoutreach.livejournal.com/3839.html#cutid1

Community Outreach Meeting Aug. 12, 2008

The Community Outreach minutes from August 12, can be viewed on our blog here:

http://epworthoutreach.livejournal.com/3839.html#cutid1

July E-mail Mission Meeting Minutes

July E-mail Mission Meeting Minutes

Mission Meeting Agenda - July, 2008 On-line Meeting

1. Soup Kitchen- July 15

2. PADS volunteers needed July 9

3. Rainbow Covenant Project for July is the Soup Kettle

Old Business:

1. Flood buckets and health kits- Alyson made an announcement in church that there was a great need for flood buckets. Money was collected on 2 Sundays and we were able to get together 15 flood buckets which were delivered to Cornerstone UMC for pick-up. Kelley and Alyson bought the items and packed the buckets. 4 buckets were given and money collected for another 11. Each bucket costs about$60.

2. Taste of Epworth salsa booth- what did we do with what was left over? Can we use it for something else?

3. Missions meeting is responsible for coffee service for the month of August.

4. Box Tops for Education- how is this going?

New Business:

1. Pastor Newhouse has ask us to sell tickets for the Jirani Children’s Choir Concert for Sunday, July 27, 2008 at 3pm at Pheasant Run. The tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children 12 and younger. I would like some feedback as to what you would like to do with this issue.

2. Pastor Newhouse also suggested a mission trip to China for some of the youth. He estimated the cost to be about $3000 per person. I would like some feedback on this issue.

3. The mission committee was approached by the finance committee about an outstanding debt of $700 for the mission trip to Montana last summer. They have tried to collect this from the people who participated and have been unsuccessful. They have ask us to pay this bill, but we won’t have any money left in the account if we do. Suggestions?

4. The Thomas the Train event will be at the Railway Museum in Union, Illinois. This years event will be August 22,23,24,30, and 31. Volunteers are needed for this important event. Volunteers help at the museum and money that would be paid in wages is donated to the PADS program. This is a major fundraiser for them. We need ideas on how to get volunteers for this important project.

Kelley Stover  Regarding the following -

Old Business:

 

2. I don't have any leftovers;

3. Coffee hour - I can help. The only Sunday I might not be able to is August 17 (don't know yet);

 

New Business:

 

1. I will probably be attending as part of the Youth Council and ideas for selling other tickets - hmmmmm?! Don't have any other than promoting it to friends/family;

2. I think the trip is a good idea but how is it being paid for? Also, I think there should be a formal selection process to determine who is best suited to be representing us;

3. How does that happen from last year? I don't think we should deplete our funds to pay for it all. Yes - I think we should pay part of it – but how about splitting it with other depts., too?

4. I could help a day probably because it is for a good cause. Erin and I did it last year. She will be back in school by then but I should be able to help out either a Saturday or Sunday, not Friday is all. I will check my schedule to see if I have other commitments for those days. Maybe I could recruit some Youth (as part of being on the Youth Council), too, to help out with it (starting with my son). I will feel them out and see what they say.

 

Thanks, Mary, and let me know if you need anything else. Have a good day!!

Kelley S,  

Kara B.

Hi All!

I believe Box Tops is going well. There is awareness, now if people will just bring them in!  David B has been putting any collected from service in the missions hutch in the hall, with the soup labels-if we are looking for them.



Also, the flood buckets is great!! I'm gonna write that up for the bulletin next week!  Kinda celebration type article!  Let me know if you need any other PR-I'll definitely send out the Press Release for Thomas the Train-I have one ready from last year/just need to change dates.  See ya Sunday!

Kara B.

Carole B

Old Business:

1. Flood buckets and health kits- Alyson made an announcement in church that there was a great need for flood buckets. Money was collected on 2 Sundays and we were able to get together 15 flood buckets which were delivered to Cornerstone UMC for pick-up. Kelley and Alyson bought the items and packed the buckets. 4 buckets were given and money collected for another 11. Each bucket costs about $60. Thank you for doing this and I think that was an amazing response

New Business:

2. Pastor Newhouse also suggested a mission trip to China for some of the youth. He estimated the cost to be about $3000 per person. I would like some feedback on this issue. I'm assuming this is in the future, like next year or something? Some partnering to raise some funds and education together could be done to work on something like this

3. The mission committee was approached by the finance committee about an outstanding debt of $700 for the mission trip to Montana last summer. They have tried to collect this from the people who participated and have been unsuccessful. They have to ask us to pay this bill, but we won’t have any money left in the account if we do. Suggestions? This is being worked on as Craig has shared some reports he had that he feels it's covered so let's wait to see how that works thru

4. The Thomas the Train event will be at the Railway Museum in Union, Illinois. This years event will be August 22,23,24,30, and 31. Volunteers are needed for this important event. Volunteers help at the museum and money that would be paid in wages is donated to the PADS program. This is a major fundraiser for them. We need ideas on how to get volunteers for this important project. People that have done it in the past would be perfect ones to ask another 1-5 people to join them on a certain day to do this since they can explain exactly what it is as well as an open invite to the congregation---is it the type of thing that a parent and grade school age child could do together or are children not really welcome to help along side an adult?

Carole B

Missions Committee Meeting June 8, 2008

Epworth UMC

Mission Committee Minutes

June 8, 2008

Present: Co-Chairs: Alyson B and Diane L. Members: Shelia B, Kelley S, Kara , Pastor David, and Mary R.F.

1. Pastor David presented information from the Annual Conference regarding the Children of Kenya Choir and concert date at Pheasant Run and 100 tickets to sell. Pastor David also presented a suggestion for a mission trip to China for next year. The cost will probably be about $3000 p/person.

2. Minutes presented, Kara made a motion to accept, seconded by Diane and passed unanimously.

3. Meals on Wheels: We need volunteers for May 27-30. J F will take 5/28, Shelia will take 5/30, Ginny will take a day, which will only leave Tuesday. If you know of any other possible people who would be able to help with this important project, please contact Alyson.

4. The Soup Kettle is this Tuesday, June 17^th at Zion Lutheran Church from 4-6:30pm. Next month, Mary R.F. will again check the church for determining the meal and will meet with J F to check out his supply of fresh vegetables on Monday for the meal on Tuesday.

5. PADS continues to need volunteers on the 2^nd Wednesday of the month, which is June 11^th. The volunteers for this month so far will be J F., Alyson B, Kelley S & Mary R F.

6. May food collection for the Food Pantry will be fruit juices and mixes (koolaids, etc)

7. The July Rainbow Covenant Project collection will be for Soup Kettle.

8. Elgin Christian Development Corporation – Alyson asked the committee for our regular two-month donation. Motion made by Sheila and seconded by Mary and passed unanimously.

Old Business:

9. Red Cross Flood Buckets and Health Kits – Mary R F has five more empty buckets for the project and will bring them to church this week. Supplies will be put away for the summer and placed behind the couch in the Youth Room.

10. PADS Thank You Cookout for Volunteers was really wonderful and well attended.

11. Hostas Plant Sale to benefit the Heifer Project made $317 during the Garage Sale. . Kara B has information regarding a match for funds grant from Bill Gates. Kara will also contact Paul Burris with this information before he sends our check to the Heifer Project.

12. Nothing but Nets Project – the final collection report was $350. Kara B has information regarding a match for funds grant from Bill Gates. . Kara will also contact Paul B with this information before he sends our check to the Nothing but Nets Project.

13. The Mission Committee is responsible for coffee during the month of August. Mary B said she can set up and start the coffee before the first service and J will clean up after the second service. We sill need one or two volunteers to help them each week. MRF will send out an e-mail near the end of July to cover this activity.

14. Meals on Wheels – Alyson reported that some people are having trouble with location directions, especially when a meal is cancelled. We need to find a way to recover directions when a cancellation occurs. After much discussion, Kelley suggested that our volunteers simply call her because she is almost always at a computer and can easily check MapQuest for the best directions.

15. Taste of Epworth: Our table will be a Salsa table and MRF will send out a sign up sheet for volunteers and supplies this week.

New Business:

16. Box Tops for Education – Kara will continue for work on this project and will get samples of the box top items to Jackie for the bulletin and newsletter.

17. Coffee Cups – Shelia presented an idea to discontinue using styrofoam cups and change to paper cups the next time we order coffee cups for church. Shelia and Kelley will research costs.

18. Suggestion by Mary R F to have an on-line meeting for the month of July. Alyson will put together an agenda and MRF will send it out and collect replies and put into minute form and then re-send out to the committee for more on-line discussion.

Respectfully Submitted: Mary R F, Secretary

Next Mission Meeting (on-line) will be July 13, 2008. (due to Summer)

Next Mission Meeting will be August 10, 2008 at 11:00am. (due to 10am Summer Service)

Next Mission Meeting will be September 14, 2008 at 9:45am. (back to regular schedule)

Education Committee Meeting July 31, 2008

EDUCATION MEETING

July 31, 2008

In Attendance: Carole B, David B, Ginny C, Carol L, Mollie O, Jay R, Amy Z, and Kelly A

Amy opened the meeting with a spiritual reading and a prayer.

Blast off registration will begin on Sept. 7 with the official first day being Sept. 14.

September 14^th will also be Bible Sunday for the third graders (Kelly is working on the covers)

Keeping in line with outreach campaign we will utilize the space/star themes – we can reuse décor!!!

Activities will be available in the basement on the 7^th for kids to partake in and meet the teachers/other kids.

Teaching Needs:

2 & 3 year old – Carol L

4 year olds & kindergarten – Ginny C and David

1^st & 2^nd – Amy Z

3^rd & 4^th – Kelly A

5^th & 6^th – Jay R

7^th & 8^th – Kara B

9^th – 12^th – Mollie and Wally O

Adult classes – Women under Spiritual Construction, Men’s class, and Current Events

Amy will put something in the bulletin to seek teachers and teachers for new idea classes-Christianity 101 and a young adult’s class.

Kara will teach using movie focus/films for discussion-get resources from Mollie.

Need to find assistant/additional teacher for Jr. High and other classrooms.

Check with Nadia-continue to teach sr. High?

Let everyone know as soon as you know there is an absence coming, in order to schedule replacement teachers.

Still looking out for curriculum, but not finding the right fit…will keep looking.

Add into promotions, God and Country program now offered-to proffer Boy and Girl Scouts of America. We will utilize this program as our fall curriculum.

We need to find a person to do crowd control for Sunday School-directing folks to rooms and classes perhaps in the tower.

Additional resources available: One minute bible lessons, hands on curriculum (summer section), lessons from past few years. Will check into different libraries for more and many supplies are in the closet – if not there, ask Amy.

Offering needs to be stressed again.

Page 2

Dec. 7-Christmas Program, tied to shopping project/mission for the kids.

5pm potluck/6pm program. A few are being looked into to hopefully tie into the Outreach campaign.

Live Nativity will be a December activity, Kelly will keep everyone posted.

Week after the Christmas Program will be the ideal week. Last year it was a Saturday, so this year it will be Dec. 13 tentatively.

Need to label the stereos for each room.

And have a space poster for each room with grade information.-Kara

Attendance books will be in the sanctuary for sign in and then brought downstairs for sign out.

Have mom’s group on Wed. with Discovery Club which will stay in the balcony

The Carson’s days are coming up-fundraising monies available.

Next meeting: Monday, Aug. 18^th 7pm

Respectfully Submitted with help from Kara’s notes,

Kelly A

Community Outreach Meeting July 14, 2008

If you are curious to the minutes from our Community Outreach meeting on July 14. They can also be viewed on our blog!

Come check us out at:

http://epworthoutreach.livejournal.com/

Church Council Meeting 6-24-08

Church Council Meeting, 6-24-08

Program Focus

Members Present: Pastor David, Carole and Paul B, Kara B, David and Ginny C, Vickie A, JeanE & Dick B and Debbie E.

Gathering Time:

Carole welcomed those present and opened the meeting with prayer.

Mechanics:

Minutes of the May meeting were reviewed and corrections noted; Kara moved to approve the corrected minutes; Ginny C. seconded. All voted aye. The “new format” July/August Calendar was presented and passed…Carole requested corrections and/or additions to be “penciled in”.

Witness:

Sign - Kara shared the Notice of Grant Acceptance for the new sign was received. The United Methodist Communications grant, $9700, will fund approximately one-half the cost of an electronic signboard. (Thanks to Cara Newhouse for sharing the grant information). Installation is anticipated in August. Plans are being developed to move the present sign to the Highland Avenue side of our property.

Outreach – Dancing with The Star – David C. -the Outreach Committee has inquired how all church committees can help with the project to “rev up” in August; the entire church congregation should be involved. The Worship committee Task Force has proposed adding a 3^rd service on Sunday …to be a “different” type of service – interactive with a wide variety of music and drama. The talents and skills, honed by our Epworth youth involvement with Children’s Theater of Elgin, will enhance the “new service”. A questionnaire/ survey will be developed regarding service times.

Website Update - Kara shared the new website design and features from the hosting company will provide exciting possibilities for sharing Epworth activities and information with the addition of new Links. The “directory” may be modified upon request (remove names, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses). A computer may be set up in the Community Room to “show and share” with the congregation.

Resource & support Areas:

Finance & Other Pockets campaign - Paul distributed Balance Sheet and Budget information…. income, compared to last year, is “up” about $1,400. The Other Pockets campaign has contributed nearly $11,000 toward several planned projects.

Trustees Update – The trustees are in “overload” – following is a task-list synopsis:

- The Stove Hood project has been delayed once again…the installation company has commercial client deadlines…looking toward the end of July for completion.

- Replacement water well , perhaps as deep as 600 feet, is on schedule to be drilled after VBS

- Olwin relatives have released the house (on EUMC property); trustees are obtaining bids relating to asbestos removal/remediation and whole house and garage removal.

- The church roof has demonstrated serious leak problems over the south upper level and must be replaced.

- Parking lot needs resealing and re-lining…. project to begin next month (July).

- Other Pockets funds distribution: $7K, New Community Room lighting…. will be very intense or modulating…

- Al R will “do” at cost. $4K, Bathroom(s) update/remodel…to include handicapped accessible features

- Eternal Flame – thanks again to Al R for installing in the sanctuary chancel area.

Nurture People in Faith

Taste of Epworth Review – 12 booths/committees participated; profit total was approximately $450. Discussion followed regarding use of the funds. Suggestions were: Ginny C., Flood Buckets; David C., the Outreach Committee; Kelly A. should also be consulted…. decision postponed. Suggestions for next year included…. schedule the Taste during the winter months, check the community calendar, include some other activity such as a “car show”, and a “drive- through” option.

Sharing other topics

Education – Planning fall programming - Amy hopes to have additional young-child classes

Child Care – Debbie….Mary Ann Lucas has been hired as Childcare Coordinator and “loves the job so far”. Child Care meetings will be held in the fall…Debbie has been “assisting” Mary Ann for the first few weeks

New Creations – will be more involved with other areas of hospitality within the church especially welcoming new visitors

Member Care – planning Neighborhood-group gatherings with 10-12 families involved

Parking Lot – new resurfacing will occur shortly –will be “well driven” (working around the new well drilling/installation)

Out Reach – “reaching out” plans are progressing

Communication –How will people respond to the New website which will enhance our “sharing the good news”?

Women and Men’s Groups – activities should be planned for varying age groups

Staff Parish – search letter sent to District Superintendent for an Associate Pastor (approximately 30 hours/ week) - must have a passion for working with children’s groups and be am integral part of the Youth Group

Church Council, 6-24-08

Page 2

Other Topics continued

Building – many projects on the committee’s To Do List … all being addressed

Stewardship – Planning for fall campaign

Worship – Outdoor (second) service planned for August 17^th to be held in Tent from previous-day Annual Barbeque community vent. EUMC plans - Praise Band Worship service, pet blessing and meal ….bring own meat and dish-to-pass;

the 8:30 service will be held as usual in the sanctuary.

Pastor David – Two main comments comments re: Dancing with the Star

- 1. “This is a priority for the whole congregation…really a cause for radical consideration…must do the best job possible….we must be very thoughtful in how we reach people – to let them ‘see’ how their lives can be changed … this project IS the primary mission and goal for this year…may put other projects on the shelf to allow us to reach the Star goal which could chart the course for future congregations….”

- 2. “What have we heard from the people (congregation) about the ‘Star’ plan?” Answers were ‘not much feedback’,

‘Why do we need to be larger – we’re big enough’, ‘new people do not contribute financially – won’t we be more in

the hole’, ‘it’s about time – making a building doesn’t mean people will come’. In jest, it was suggested we levy a $50 fine for negative comments.

Sharing Joys and Concerns through Prayer

Pastor David spoke of an important event - a Children’s Choir from Kenya will be performing at Pheasant Run on July 27^th EUMC should have a “good representation”. Donations (in lieu of ticket price) collected will be used for missionary work for homeless children in Kenya. Bonnie K, after many years’ service, has resigned from the New Creations Preschool Board.

The meeting was adjourned with prayer.

Respectfully submitted,

Ginny J, Recording Secretary

Finance Committee Meeting June 10, 2008

Financial Committee Minutes

June 10, 2008

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Address negative balances in a couple accounts
• Discuss the budget and the need to increase giving; how to address this

In attendance: Bill B, Joe B, Dick B, Carole B, Pastor David N, Ron S and Susan C.

Approval of Minutes: Carole moved that we approve the minutes of the last meeting. Bill seconded. Motion passed.

Treasurer’s Report: The Building/Remodel Construction Fund (597F) has a shortfall of $2,931.06. After some discussion, Ron moved that we transfer funds from the Grace Parsonage Gift Fund (596T) to cover this shortage. Bill seconded. Motion passed.

The Missions account (700C) has carried a shortage of $753.89 since the mission trip to Montana last summer. Do we ask those who went on the mission to cover the expense?

Do we know how to contact everyone? Since this is a year old, we agreed to ask the Missions Committee for help to find a way to cover some of the shortage or to offer suggestions for ways to cover it. Susan will speak with Alyson.

The question was asked if we still have money left to spend on the parsonage. Last year, the amount approved for the parsonage was $400,000. Of that, $375,000 was spent to purchase the parsonage. The balance of $25,000 is the “hard limit” available to be spent on the parsonage over the first 3 years we own it.

Susan will ask Paul if we have paid for the convection ovens.

New Business

July and August Meetings: The July meeting will be postponed a week due to Vacation Bible School. However, it will be on Wed. July 16 rather that Tues. Discussion of the August meeting was postponed until July.

Budget: Pastor David reminded us that the purpose of the Finance Committee is to find ways to fund projects. We need to help the congregation discover the importance of being part of the financial base, to honor their commitment. We need to help them discover the joy of giving – that church should be at the top of their list not the bottom.

Giving is a spiritual issue not financial. If the congregation won’t support the budget, our outreach effort begins to paint a not-so-pretty picture. What are our priorities?

We will dedicate the July meeting to finding ways to increase giving. The health/life of our church depends on this. At their May meeting, the Church Council discussed ways to increase giving. We will use those to jump start our discussion at our July meeting.

Old Business

“Other Pockets”: We have made approximately $11,000 to date. After the $4350 in fees, we can spend $6650. Ron moved that we allocate $3000 to replace the lights in the community Room and $4000 to refurbish the washrooms off the SonRise Room. Dick seconded. Motion passed.

Annual Rummage Sale: The proceeds were $4700.

Taste of Epworth: We have the drinks booth.

Capital Campaign 2009: A place marker for now

Adjourned at 8:35 P.M. Next meeting is Wednesday July 16, 2008 at 7:00 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Susan C

Stewarship Committee Meeting June 8, 2008

Stewardship Committee Meeting Minutes

Present: Steve M, David N, Bob & Waunetta B, Don & Carol T, Carole B, Kara B & Keith P

Meditation Station

Stewardship theme for this quarter is being in service. Carole is in the process of taking down the Prayer Meditation Station from the last quarter emphasis. These will be replaced with new stations that focus on service. Carole had two ideas. One being a poster with post it notes with opportunities for service to others. Another one would be kind of honey do jar of needs around Epworth. Help was needed compiling a list of service opportunities.

Taste of Epworth

This Saturday is Taste of Epworth. Stewardship is responsible for Sis kabob Sticks.

Saturday Taste of Epworth. The fee will be $1.50 for meat & &1.00 for veggie. Various members volunteered to prepare sis kabob and to cook/serve them. Keith said he would take care of getting grills.

Fall Campaign

David presented material from the 33 Laws of Stewardship. It is a book with a study guide. The cost of the material is about $9 a giving unit. Individual would be asked to donate to the cost of the material. The Study guide had daily activities relating to a topic. David would also tie the sermons tied into the five basic laws;

Hilarious generosity- True generosity

Purposeful blessing-True purpose

Graceful abundance-True faiths

Unconditional contentment-True satisfaction

Loving compliance-True commitment

Mailing related to the topic would be sent out at a specific period. There would also be Sunday School material for youth & adults, including daily reading, daily reflection & daily responses.

David expressed a concern about the clarity of message. With Dancing with The Star Emphasis the question was how to integrate the two together. We will have to watch on other distractions.

Key issues were:

How to be a receptive church to the people God sends us from Dancing

How are other small groups integrated, work at synergy?

Integrating with the spring finance campaign

Coordination with the outreach team on themes/banners

Looking for a powerful integrated campaign

Finance Committee Meeting May 13, 2008

Financial Committee Minutes

May 13, 2008

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Review of some incorrect numbers in April Treasurer’s report.
• Review/report of reallocation of bequest and memorial funds
• Developing consistent procedures for bringing proposals to Finance

In attendance: Bill B, Joe B, Carole B, Pastor David N, Carol W, and Susan C.

Approval of Minutes: Bill moved, and Joe seconded, that we approve the minutes of the last meeting. Motion passed.

Treasurer’s Report: In Paul’s absence Carole shared his notes with the committee. In the 599T Bequest fund, Paul discovered some funds had been left in a no longer existing “Church Decorating” sub account. He used it to partially offset a negative balance in the “Undesignated” sub account under this same 599T account. From the March report, the pastor's pension amount had been put into pastor's insurance. This was corrected in April. Also, the pastor's salary has an extra $900 in it because part of his housing for 2007 had not been paid as per the staff parish. Paul is concerned that the Parsonage Fund has only a $300 balance and air conditioning has not yet been installed.

New Business

Reallocation of Memorial/Bequest Funds: Susan reported to the committee That she had met with Pastor David, Ron S and Jan S to look at the Bequest Fund and find funds to cover some overages for the kitchen hood project and the projector. The proposed reallocation is to move $1,000 from Capital Reserves and $4,599 from the Building Projects fund. Of that, $!,099 will go to the projector and the remaining $4,500 to the kitche hood project. She asked the committee to approve the reallocation. Carol W. moved; Bill seconded. Motion passed.

Old Business

Other Pockets: Susan informed the committee that an anonymous donor had offered to increase any monies received from economic stimulus checks. Our first mailing has gone out, and the second one will go next week. The final mainling with a commitment card will be mailed to arrive during the week prior to June 1.

Annual Rummage Sale: Susan contacted Janis to offer the help of the Finance Committee since this is our biggest fundraiser.

Taste of Epworth: Susan signed up Finance for drinks. We should have our booth “name” by June 8. Taste is June 21 from 3-7 with set up prior to, and take down afterwards. If anyone has any clever or creative ideas, please bring them forth.

Other: Carole shared with the committee that Church Council had discussed a variety of ways to increase giving. Several were mentioned including asking members to double their monthly commitment amount for one month.

Carole and Susan together will develop a procedure for committees to follow so that as soon as a project is known to have cost overruns, that can be brought to Finance. Finance needs to have information so that we are able to describe, define and/or defend additional funds spent on projects. We will also work on creating a procedure for bringing original proposals to Finance so that everyone is aware of what is necessary for consideration and/or funding.

Capital Campaign 2009: A place marker for now

Adjourned at 8:20 P.M. Next meeting is Tuesday, June 10, 2008 at 7:00 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Susan C, Chair

Community Outreach 6-23-08

The minutes can be viewed on our Community Outreach Blog site: blog: http://epworthoutreach.livejournal.com/2740.html#cutid1

Check it out and see what has been going on with our Dancing With THE Star calling!

Trustee's Meeting July 9, 2008

Trustee Board Minutes
July 9, 2008
Present: Ron S, Brad B, Brian K, Bryan D, Kelly B, Al R, Brigid R

Minutes from June were approved.
Good News Items - Ann Fl sent a thank you for putting up the Eternal Flame.
Molly & Wally’s wedding in Mexico was wonderful, the family had an awesome time.
Roof Replacement - the upstairs flat roof portion needs to be replaced. Brian got bids and makes a recommendation to use Weathergard at a bid of $18,700. Ron made a proposal to accept Weathergard’s bid and Bryan seconded. All approved.
The funds will come from the $67,000 that has been allocated to the Trustees. We will combine the new well project, the roof replacement, and the Olwin residence asbestos investigation. There should be enough for all three projects.
Olwin Residence Demolition - Bryan reviewed three asbestos inspection bids. He then made a proposal that we accept the Arcos company’s bid because they have a maximum of $950. Ron seconded. All approved.
It should cost approx. $3,500-$5,500 to demolish the house. Bryan will check with Kane County regarding septic tank and dry well.
Parking Lot - Brad has been working with Dick Breslich who would like to have the parking lot seal coated and restriped. He has brought a bid from Dick’s contractor Petersen. Bryan made a motion to accept the bid with the Trustee conditions to leave the upper parking lot until the well is dug and complete. Al seconded. All approved. Kelly will Coordinate the striping.
New Sign - Kara B has gotten a grant from UMC to cover 50% of the cost of a new computerized sign. She has asked the Trustees to handle the moving of the old sign to an area further west on Highland Ave. and the installation of the new sign. Brian will look into the cost and other resources needed. The sign should be here in 6 weeks.
Ongoing Projects - The kitchen hood and fire system is installed but needs to be tied into the alarm system and then will be inspected by the fire department.
- Kelly will get the work group of volunteers to help clean and paint the kitchen and the Boy Scouts will be moved out of the room off the kitchen and it will also be painted.
- The Community Room upgrades are not quite finished, Al had a few glitches with the lights.
- Al is looking for new sinks and will install changing stations in the bathrooms. The fixtures should be here next week.
- Brad has gotten a bid of $375 for 10 cubic yards of mulch. He will request help when it is brought to the church.
Walk-on Items - Brigid reported that the Kiwanis had asked for some money off of their rental for letting Epworth share their tent on Sunday morning. It was decided to give them their deposit of $100 back after the event.
- Brian will remove old mailbox
Meeting was adjourned, all members present went on a “field trip” to the Olwin Residence (Aka: “Roach Ranch”). Next meeting Wednesday, Aug. 13^th at 6:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Brigid R

Worship Committee Meeting June 16, 08

WORSHIP COMMITTEE
June 16, 2008
Minutes

Present: Mareen S, Kelly B, Robin L, Carole B, Beth R,
Ginny J, Pastor David, Patti F

Father’s Day Donation Update:

The Worship Committee collected quite a few gift cards, watches and portable radios, for
PADS to be given to men in need. Patti F is to get in touch with J F. to see if he could drop these off at PADS. Thanks to the donation of Bev C through her school, fish key chains were given out to the men of Epworth.

Vision Planning:
Family Service Task Force: Patti F shared that the Youth Family Task Force, in working with the goals of the Worship Committee and the plans for the Outreach Committee, are looking at adding a 3rd service in the fall. A Ministry Guide Sheet was passed out, along with possibly Church/Sunday School options. The Worship Committee has empowered this task force to research and prepare their ideas, and as a committee, we need to be there to back up their plans. Their was some discussion about having a 3rd service. The only major concern seemed to be that Sunday School not be cut from 1 hour to 45 minutes. It appears that Sunday School already runs over at times, and cutting it might not be in the best interest of the program. Although it’s hard to image a 3rd service, the committee has agreed to support this new venture for the fall.

A questionnaire is being planned to be put in the bulletins. However, the Worship Committee suggested that it also go out to others who might not regular attend church. A new time or style of worship might bring them back to worship each Sunday.

Youth/Young Adult Service Task Force: Patti is concerned that this service will not be ready
for the fall, but feels that we should work towards this goal of getting a task force together as plans are made for 2009. Patti then asked if others could help make some calls to find people to serve on such a task force. To date, the task force is made up of Jay R, Nadia L, and Chris C. The following people agreed to make some calls:
- Robin L: To call Andrew B & Kelly A and Kyle & Aileen R
- Kelly B : To call Sean C
- Beth R: To contact Jackie E.
The idea is to have a meeting sometime this summer after 2nd service (11 ish).

Calendar/Planning:
Taste of Epworth: June 21st from 3-7 p.m.
A sign up sheet was distributed for help in grilling/manning the table. Our group will be serving ½ brats. We will plan on 50 brats total. There are grills at Epworth available. Patti will check on charcoal needs. Kelly and Beth will help with decorating. Others signed up to bring various food/condiments.

Summer Worship Service: August 17th
There will be 2 services that day. 8:30 will be inside and the 10:00 a.m. will be outdoors, weather permitted. Patti has spoken with the contact person for the Kiwanis to see about using their tents. She said the group is deciding on whether they will be renting tents this year, and she will get back to her on this.
Kelly B will help with planning a pet blessing.
The Youth will be contacted for possibly organizing games for children.
A volleyball net for adults/youth/children to play could be set up.
Patti will talk with Josh about the men’s choir, who are singing at first service that
morning, to also sing at the outdoor service. The idea is to have a blended service with
the Praise Team, plus any other group who would like to sing.
Following the service and pet blessing, there will be an all church picnic. People are to
bring their own meat to grill and a dish to pass.

Originally the hope was to do a car show. Both Pastor David and Patti have contacted Teri J. about this. Car shows are planned way in advance. If we want to plan one for next summer, we need to begin thinking about his early in 2009.

Other:
The group did have some discussion on the importance of communication. Not only for
the big events, but for everyday happenings around the church.

Pastor’s Report:
The pastor talked about the health church development surveys were done and the lowest area that Epworth rated in was “passionate spirituality”. Some of the items in this survey have seen success, but this issue still seems to be low on the list. We need to find out how to empower people to be so enthusiastic about their faith and their church, that they can’t contain themselves. One question posed was: What are the things we can celebrate instead of what does not meet our needs? This issue will continue to be addressed by the Healthy Church Development Committee, as it should also be by each committee/person at Epworth.


Respectfully Submitted,
Patti F (In the absence of Bev C)