Spiritual Life and Worship

Meeting Minutes of November 5, 2009

Attending: Elaine Brownell, Betsy Keiter, Dana Wiggins, Debbie Riley, Rick Angell, John McCall.

Opening Prayer by Dana

Review of October Minutes: Approved.

John McCall:
- Asked that we decide what to do with the old Pilgrim Hymnals. There are many left and there does not seem to be interest within the congregation. We decided that: Dana will make a few calls to find a possible solution We will donate them to the Bazaar (November 21st) to be given away. We will recycle the remainder of the hymnals.

- Discussed the growth or lack of growth of Protestant Churches and the decline of organized religion in general. We reviewed two articles printed recently that explain and outline this trend. Members here at FCC tend to be cautious and reserved and outreach is difficult. We discussed the need to reach out to the younger generation to make them feel that they matter to this church. We reviewed the inactive list and agreed to send letters to members who have not attended or supported the church for many years.

Elsa:
- Asked that a member of SLW Team attend and participate in the Thanksgiving Ecumenical Service at Thornton Heights Methodist Church on November 23rd. Betsy and Debbie will attend and participate.

- Is concerned that the children do not understand the fact that the collection is connected to the life of the church. We discussed taking the children’s collection during the children’s message in the Sanctuary.

- Asked that we consider having a monthly Children’s Chapel Service on Communion Sunday. Many supportive ideas were discussed including , pre-training and orientation to teach the structure and meaning of a worship service, and the respectful way to behave in the chapel. Debbie also suggested that the ministers make an appearance at these services to connect with the children.

Betsy:
- Asked that we review a letter that she wrote from the SLW Team to the Cumberland Association Committee on Ministry in support of her desire to become a Commissioned Minister of Administration and Communication at the conference level. We approved the letter and it will be sent.

- Reported that it is confusing and stressful when ushers try to serve communion and usher on the same Sunday. We will try to avoid this multi - tasking in the future.

Rick:
- Reported that the Growth Group is ready to pair up guests and parish hosts. Many other welcoming ideas are being discussed and implemented by this committee.

Dana:
- Reported that the Flower Committee is organizing a bountiful harvest presentation for Thanksgiving and poinsettias for Christmas.

Debbie:
- Brought a new hymnal with a new book label, designed by Brian Wiggins. The SLW Team agreed that it was lovely. Debbie will complete this task by Christmas or sooner!

Debbie and Elaine:
- Will look for a table for the Davidson Lounge that is now being used in the Sanctuary as a Communion Table.

Next Meeting: December 3, 2009
- Debbie will set the agenda and lead the meeting.
- Elaine will take minutes.

Meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted by
Debbie Riley