Church Council Meeting,
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
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 3rd 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,
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 17th 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
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
The meeting was adjourned with prayer.
Respectfully submitted,
Ginny J, Recording Secretary
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