Education Growth and Fellowship

Meeting Minutes of January 8, 2009

Attending: Amy Foster, Jayne Quinn Sawtelle, Karen Pierce Souza, Elsa Peters, Margaret Thibodeau


The November Minutes were approved.

Coffee Hour – We need to make sure the sign-up sheet is out during coffee hour. Ginny’s been doing it lately, but some Sundays are covered in upcoming weeks by individuals and by church groups. Ginny may ask for volunteers to help clean the kitchen soon (we are willing and able!). Should we try an all-church email to solicit volunteers?

Nursery – Coverage has been better lately. Jen Harle and Mike Quinn have volunteered to work some Sundays. A new sign-up sheet has been posted.

Scholarship – Amy is in contact. Nothing has started up yet, but should be this month.

Library – Everything is going smoothly. They are ordering books.

Hospitality – Ash Wednesday breakfast – Margaret is in touch with a few people to provide a Continental-style breakfast. Karen is available to help if it’s early in the day. No Confirmation breakfast this year. The Elders’ Luncheon and Barbeque are both coming up. The immediate need is for the Inquirers Meeting on January 12th. Jean Fischer isn’t driving anymore and can’t do those meetings. Margaret will work with Elsa to find people. Possible the Growth Group will take on?

Budget – We need to cut 20% of our budget per request of the Council. Our proposed cuts include $700 form 7215 (supplies), $250 from 7250 (library), $160 from 7530 (YM) and $300 from $7525 (fellowship). Those cuts reflected money that didn’t get spent in 2008, so we think it won’t be missed as much in 2009. Karen will let the Library committee know. The Team discussed proposed cuts in the YM director’s salary, and would like to go on record as saying that should be preserved in order to keep the YM as active as possible.

Faith Formation – Sunday School 2nd semester is starting with a full slate of teachers. Wednesdays in January & February, Betsy Keiter is hosting Ethical Wills workshops. Lenten discussions with Elsa will focus on choices in the current economic climate and simplifying/finding out what you truly value. Deb Sandler and Cindy Arn will again teach Bible Discovery to 3rd – 4th graders in March (will buy bibles). On February 8 there will be a conversation for parents and youth grades 6-9 about confirmation.

Other – The Safe Church document will be emailed to the Team by Margaret so we can talk about it at the next meeting. We might relocate the next meeting so we can take our coats off/stop our teeth from chattering.


Respectfully submitted – Jayne Sawtelle