Spiritual Life and Worship

May 1, 2008

Present: Rick Angell, Elinor Redmond, Sandy Hansen, Dana and Bryan Wiggins, Tex Haeuser, Betsy Keiter, Debbie Riley, John McCall, Chris Dow and Dave Allen

Elinor read from Conscious Living by Gay Hendricks to open the meeting.

We welcomed Rick Angell, our new member.

We had a discussion with Council Reps Chris Dow and Dave Allen concerning the new Governance Structure. Surveys have been done on the model. They asked questions concerning communication and what the Council can do to support our team. The Council’s role is to make the new structure work and to communicate. A goal is to stay connected in dialogue. We agreed periodic visits by Council reps would be helpful. Betsy asked about involving more people. It does not feel like we have branched out very far. What would be an effective approach for next year?

We discussed the Volunteer Participation forms, adding a category for short term commitments, a site map. Elinor, Dave and Chris are going to work toward increasing Congregation participation.

Tex did an awesome job on the April minutes

John’s Report: We had an excellent Inquirer’s Meeting on April 28. The Growth Group, with Kendra Palmer’s urging, wants to welcome new folks to the church. They are meeting with Jim Kupel of Crescendo Co. (marketing) to clarify the message and mission. They will discern the best way to present our church and get our message out.

The Hymnal Committee is researching the hymnals used by churches in our area and talking with the Conference office. The next step is to include the Congregation in the process. There will be a survey discussion in Davidson Lounge. The Committee is working toward an October date. Nov 11th is the kickoff of the 275th anniversary.

We discussed the Annual Meeting. Dana had suggestions on the organization of the Annual Report.

Events:
· Pentecost Art Project: Dana is working with a prototype of cut paper symbols (flames, air, wind, doves) to hang on line in the front of the church. The congregation will be able to make the symbols on Saturday the 3rd and Sunday the 4th.
· Confirmation Sunday: (May 4): Betsy, Lesley and Margaret will set up. Lesley is arranging for the cake and flowers. On Sunday: Margaret and Sandy will prepare the punch. Ginny Gledhill and others will help serve. Debbie can help.
· Picnic (May 18th): Margaret could use help
· Elder Sunday (June 1st): Invitations need to go out. Luncheon needs arrangement.
· Private Baptism (June 1st @ 1:00): need assist from Team Member.

Last Chapel Service is June 22nd. We will have single services through August 31ar. Homecoming is September 7th (2 services). We need Acolytes through June 1st. The stained glass window in the Chapel will be repaired this summer.

Sandy brought up the fact that her name tag is still blue and bears the name ‘Deacon’. We discussed the awkwardness in referring to members of our team. ‘Member of the Spiritual Life and Worship Team’ is a mouthful. If you add ‘of the month’ it is nearly incomprehensible and a show stopper during Worship. Most people, both within our church and from other churches, recognize the word Deacon and quickly have a context for that person’s role. Our group is not ready to cast the name ‘Deacon’ out. The discussion will continue…

Respectfully submitted,
Elinor Redmond