Spiritual Life and Worship

Meeting Minutes of December 2, 2010
Recorder: Tex Haeuser

Attending: Debbie Riley, Elaine Brownell, Rick Angell, Dana Wiggins, Tex Haeuser, Frank Arsenault and Rev. John McCall.

Opening Prayer: Dana led the group in a prayer based on an appreciation by Depok Chopra that common to most religions is an awareness of an incomprehensible transcendence, the rich fulfillment that comes from this awareness, and a deep joy and energy that comes from sharing this awareness with others.

Minutes: After a follow-up from John on the budget discussion in the minutes—the initial budget meeting has occurred—the team unanimously approved the November 4th minutes as motioned by Debbie and seconded by Rick.

Church List: John indicated (a) that John and Shelly Porter have moved to Bangor and will be transferring their church membership and (b) that Thyra Porter has confirmed after considerate inquiry that she is unlikely to be returning to church after several years of absence. Debbie moved and Rick seconded to move John & Shelly Porter and Thyra Porter to the inactive list. Unanimous approval.

Minister’s Time: John gratefully thanked the team and the rest of the congregation for their prayers and support regarding his back surgery and recovery.

In response to John’s question, the team confirmed that EG&F handles the cake and baby Jesus birthday party (SL&W has a number of responsibilities during Lent).

Advent & Xmas: Elsa has indicated that a number of the changes for the lighting of the candles that she previously had proposed likely will need to wait until next year to be implemented due to her recent double duty. The candelabra, however, will be installed on the 19th, earlier than usual.

For Christmas, Elsa is rewriting the 7:00 service and John is amending the one at 5:00. Part of the 7:00 adjustment is due to needing to better fit the talents of this year’s Children’s Choir. The 10:00 service will be the same.

John will be announcing and putting out the sign-up sheets for reader volunteers for the 10:00 service.

Debbie asked if we advertise our Christmas services. John said that we have done so in the past but that this year’s budget can’t support it. There will, however, be a big play about it on the website, and the local papers do publish notices. Debbie suggested taking a picture of the pageant and sending it to the Press Herald as they likely would print it. Dana will ask Randall Landry if he will take some shots.

Dana mentioned that they are shooting for Jan. 1 for the launch of the new website (which everyone is eagerly confident will be very cool).

Confirmation: Elsa has proposed clarifying that EG&F has the education responsibilities for confirmation by (with some simplification of the details) adjusting items in the budgets for EG&F and SL&W so that there is a Cake and Confirmation line item in the EG&F budget and that the Confirmation item in the SL&W budget is retasked to Membership and Lent & Easter. SL&W still will have a role in the spiritual aspects of confirmation. Elaine will send Elsa an email documenting the team’s unanimous support for the idea.

Old Business: Regarding Cyndi’s response about covering the expense of the table Debbie acquired for Davidson Lounge, Debbie got a check—case closed.

On a related note, Debbie brought up the need to bring the décor of Davidson Lounge a little more up to date; the vacuous Monet print (in the albeit attractive gold frame) was cited as an example. John mentioned that Phyllis Davidson left a bequest for the periodic upkeep of the Lounge and that he would check on the balance of the fund. The team thought that getting the ideas from some of the younger families might be useful in getting a more modern feel for what in effect is the Church’s living room.

Other Business: Dana suggested that the Jan. 2nd communion be by intinction. John agreed.

Dana mentioned volunteers are needed for this Sunday’s communion. Elaine and Tex raised hands, and Rick mentioned that Scott Berry had volunteered.

Dana said that the sign out in front of the Church is not wearing well; it seems weather-beaten. Dana will see if Adam Solinsky, who built the frame, will look at it. The company who did the signs should be asked to look at it also given that it hasn’t been up very long.

Travel: Debbie will be taking a very exciting trip to Africa; Frank recently returned from a vacation in London.

Next Meeting: Due to known absences, the next meeting will not be on the sixth but instead will be on Jan. 13th.

Next Agenda: Tex
Next Minutes: Frank