Spiritual Life and Worship

Meeting Minutes of December 3, 2009

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

Opening Prayer – by Debbie.

Review of November Minutes - Approved as written.

Formal Welcome Back – to Tex Hauser who is rejoining SL & W Team.

John McCall:
• Inquired whether or not Ed Saxby would be joining SL&W – Dana will check with Ed again regarding his interest.

• Reported that letters were sent to inactive members informing them that they would be removed as of 12/31 if no communication – 2 responses were received asking for letter of transfer.

• Reminded all of a few upcoming (and past) specific services:
- 4 Monday evening services led by Elsa (pastoral prayers and scriptures) and
accompanied by Ben Bigney playing jazz renditions of Christmas carols on
the piano on Nov. 30, Dec. 7, Dec. 14, Dec. 21.
- Vesper Service at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 13.

All other Christmas and Advent services coming along well thanks to Shirley Curry’s “ever-present energy and creativity”.

• Shared a request from Elsa on behalf of Family Potluck Group asking for money to cover cost of paper products for a family caroling party on Dec. 12; SL&W agreed to support, but Deb suggested that Elsa first check with Shaw’s or Hannaford as to possible donations – John will speak with Elsa.

Betsy:
• Reported that Education, Growth and Fellowship will assume responsibility for Birthday Party for Jesus.

• Asked about Christmas readers - Dana will prepare sign-up sheet and congregation will be invited to volunteer, including new members and returning college students - envisioning intergenerational participation.

• Shared Elsa’s ideas with regard to one Communion service on January 3: Elsa would like to welcome and include our young people in the service, perhaps having one involved in leading worship and others sitting at tables in front of the lecterns working throughout the service on a project reflecting the theme of worship. Dana and Deb volunteered to help with details.

• Shared budget concerns from the Council. $20,000 deficit - still waiting for outstanding pledge monies. All groups asked to consider “not spending” remaining $$$ budgeted for ’09. Prior to request, $80-$90, was spent on memorial bookplates. Dana asked about SL&W’s budget specifically, which is the smallest budget among recognized groups in the church. Reviewed our $2100 budget and what it covers:
Altar Care & Worship Supplies Signing
Confirmation & Membership Devotional Booklets
Food for: Ash Wednesday Lenten Breakfast, Good Friday Soup Supper,
Confirmation Reception, Elders Luncheon

• Reported on attendance/participation at the Thanksgiving service at Thornton Heights Methodist Church on November 23. Many faiths were represented and she felt very welcomed and moved. She helped with “passing of the peace” and the offertory dedication prayer. Thanks for representing us, Betsy.

Debbie:
• Reported that the memorial bookplates are finished and ready for Dana and “crew” to edit. Thanks for all your work, Deb!!

Dana:
• Suggested that national offices of UCC be contacted to see if there is any interest in “old” hymnals – either by congregations or individuals (organists, for example) - John will make contact.

Up-Coming December 6th Service: Communion – Deb, Rick, Elaine

Next Meeting: January 7 at 7:00 p.m. Chair: Elaine Minutes: Rick

Adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by: Elaine Brownell