Education Growth and Fellowship

Meeting Minutes of May 6, 2010
Recorded by: Margaret Thibodeau

Team members attending: Karen Pierce, Ginny Gledhill, Margaret Thibodeau, Carolyn Foster, Elsa Peters, Jennifer Fetting.

The meeting began with the approval of the April Minutes.

Jana had contacted Margaret to report that Coffee Hour is going along fine. The question arose as to when Coffee Hour switches to “Lemonade on the Porch”, which happens when summer worship hours begin. Elsa informed the Team that the date is June 27th.

Karen shared that the Library and Scholarship Committees have reported no concerns.

Ginny reported that coverage in the Nursery was found for the 9:00 Easter Service, however no one could be recruited to volunteer for the 11:00 service. Ginny provided coverage herself, and shared that there were only three children. The Team decided next year to offer Nursery coverage only at the earlier service. This will be publicized in the Beacon. Stephanie Cooke, a parent who volunteers often in the nursery, reported that the number of parents willing to help out has increased since a letter was sent out last month, asking for assistance. The Team agreed that next year, a similar letter might be sent out earlier in the year. As in the past, the Team attempts to provide Nursery coverage during summer worship. We have paid young adults $10.00 for their assistance. Carolyn mentioned we might start with asking for recruits willing to provide coverage as part of “community service”, which most high school students need to complete.

Margaret will cover the Inquirer’s Meeting next week, and New Member Sunday on May 23rd. The Church Picnic takes place on Sunday May 16th. Several people have signed up to bring salads, and other items. Beals will donate the ice cream again, and the Eskimos will provide the grilling. Our next event after the picnic is the Confirmation Celebration in June.

Elsa shared the Faith Formation Update. She has invited five people to be a sub-group called “Family Faith Formation Committee”. We are hopeful this committee can share the load of recruiting teachers for Sunday School, as well as support Faith Formation activities. Christ Kid’s Club held a Local Foods Dinner which was a huge success. Elsa asked if the Team might support the purchase of a multi-age curricula for Christ Kid’s Club which cost $100. The Team approved the purchase. The ritual for Aaron’s departure from Youth Ministry was reviewed. The farewell will take place on May 16th, and the Team will offer him a good-bye gift and thanks. Several opportunities are available for Adult Faith Formation, including Leisurely Lectionary and Beach Chair Theology. The question was raised whether Homecoming Sunday should remain the first Sunday after Labor, or be moved further into September. Team members observed that several families and members did not participate in last year’s Homecoming events, because they were not back from summer activities. Our Team strongly supports the idea of having Homecoming Sunday later in September next year, perhaps 9/19. We did discuss moving Sunday School registration out of Homecoming Sunday, and to an online option. However, we would still like a table with information available regarding Sunday School activities for those interested. Confirmation Sunday is June 13, and our Team will be hosting the celebration for the 8-9 children participating.

Council had asked our Team if we wanted a representative from Council to come to a meeting. Our Team found it very helpful when a Council Member visited last year, and we think this should occur on a regular basis. The big issue for our Team is recruiting volunteers, and we would like to know if Council might have any suggestions regarding this.

The next meeting will be Thursday, June 3rd.