Meeting Minutes – March 25, 2010
(April's meeting moved ahead by one week because of Holy Week)
Attending: Rick Angell, Betsy Keiter, Debbie Riley, Elaine Brownell, Dana Wiggins, John McCall.
Opening Prayer - Dana.
Review of March Minutes - approved as written.
John McCall: Life of church is going well with 8-10 new families finding us since Christmas and 50% returning. Growth Group is making a difference and doing well. Energy in the church seems to be good and on an upswing.
Upcoming Holy Week Events:
• Mar.28 – Palm Sunday – Debbie and Elaine organized palms – finding them (stored in downstairs fridge and in box by office), arranging in tall vases in the morning for ushers to hand out, saving many after the service for next weeks table decorations for Good Friday soup supper.
• Apr.1 – Maundy Thursday - communion offered by intinction at 7:30 p.m. healing service by Elsa and John – 2 ushers needed along with 2 Deacons, 2 chalices and 21/2 loaves bread.
• Apr.2 – Good Friday – 6 p.m. Service with the Soup supper (hosted by SLW with help from the Guild) offered at 7 p.m. with a second service at 7:30 p.m.
• Apr.2, 3, 4 – Easter vigil - with sign-ups starting on Feb. 21 – Vigil begins directly after the Good Friday service and ends after the Sunrise service on Sunday. Church wide note sent on Monday as reminders.
• Apr.4 – Sunrise Service at 6 a.m. - communion (2 loaves, 2 chalices, 2 deacons) offered by John, with bagpiper David Smart and trumpeter Sally Keiter played to a congregation of over 100 people.
• Apr.4 – Sanctuary Easter services at 9 and 11 a.m. - offered by Elsa - no communion in sanctuary due to larger attendance and back-to-back service times (offered at sunrise service, and Maundy Thursday services instead).
Other Upcoming Events:
• April 11 – Baptism at 4 p.m. in Chapel – one Deacon needed.
• May 16 – Children’s Celebration Sunday- last day of church school with church picnic afterward.
• June 6 is Founder’s Day with the Elder luncheon.
• June 13 is Confirmation Sunday.
Continued items:
• Elsa asks us to explore - What is your vision for the future of our church and what does church mean to you?
• Research for table replacement for Davidson Lounge.
Adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
Please contact me with any edits or additions,
Dana Wiggins
Showing posts with label April 2010. Show all posts
Showing posts with label April 2010. Show all posts
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Church Council
Meeting Minutes of April 15, 2010
Recorder: Sally Hinckley
Present: Bob Morse, Nancy MacLean, John McCall, Chris Keiter, Phil Whitney, Roger Addor, Carrie Skeffington, Debra Andrews, Elsa Peters, Andy Ellis, Dave Allen and Sally Hinckley
Chris Keiter opened the meeting at 6:35 p.m. Sally read from her top ten list on being one’s best self, followed by a morning prayer.
March Minutes were reviewed and accepted.
Minister’s Time:
John and his family are moving to a condo in South Portland. Due to added cost of housing, John requested that the Council reallocate his 2010 compensation of $73,705, by boosting his housing allowance to $42,000 and reducing his salary to $31,705. Currently, $37,413 is designated as housing allowance and $36,292 as salary, by vote of the congregation at its January budget meeting. This was approved by the Council and will become effective May 1, 2010.
Church Vision – Update:
The survey garnered 125 responses resulting in a twenty-two page document. Things are moving forward and the Council will be informed as things progress.
Stressed to Blessed – Continued:
A myriad of suggestions were made on how to increase volunteerism within our church. The lengthy discussion came down to a first step in what will no doubt be an ongoing process. For now, ideas from the council members will be sent to Chris Keiter via e-mail. Chris will filter then pass on to Sally, Phil and John for review. Their recommendations will be presented at the May Council Meeting.
Maine Conference:
Annual Meeting will be held in Farmington from June 12 to June 14. Our church is entitled to six delegates with only two presently committed. Contact John or Elsa if you are interested in attending.
Reminder: Annual Meeting Sunday May 23
The Council is now taking nominations for new Council members. Typically the term is three years, however, one may stay as long, but not longer than, six years. Please send names to Dave ASAP via e-mail, and he will compile a list. Also, a new Council Moderator will be chosen at the June meeting.
From time to time there are items stored in hallways, egress paths and other areas of the church building that constitute a hazard. The Administration Team will be given the task of addressing these safety concerns and shall create a policy regarding same.
Website Redesign: Update
Elsa met with two vendors who meet our requirements for web design, with another meeting in the works for next week. Elsa will report back to the Council in May. An early August completion date is anticipated. A $2,000 donation has been made specifically for this project.
Mass e-mails from the Church:
How many are too many? This question arose not because of complaints, but because sending these reminder e-mails regarding upcoming events and other issues is time consuming for our Church office personnel, and may not be that worthwhile. There is a method for unsubscribing that each recipient could implement if so desired. This enhancement would cost the Church $15.00 per month and may be worth trying. The council said yes.
Fundraising:
Putting the fun back into fundraising and tying it all in with the birth of The Vision Statement, may be the way to launch some unique celebrations and raise some money. More on this process as it develops.
The meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
Recorder: Sally Hinckley
Present: Bob Morse, Nancy MacLean, John McCall, Chris Keiter, Phil Whitney, Roger Addor, Carrie Skeffington, Debra Andrews, Elsa Peters, Andy Ellis, Dave Allen and Sally Hinckley
Chris Keiter opened the meeting at 6:35 p.m. Sally read from her top ten list on being one’s best self, followed by a morning prayer.
March Minutes were reviewed and accepted.
Minister’s Time:
John and his family are moving to a condo in South Portland. Due to added cost of housing, John requested that the Council reallocate his 2010 compensation of $73,705, by boosting his housing allowance to $42,000 and reducing his salary to $31,705. Currently, $37,413 is designated as housing allowance and $36,292 as salary, by vote of the congregation at its January budget meeting. This was approved by the Council and will become effective May 1, 2010.
Church Vision – Update:
The survey garnered 125 responses resulting in a twenty-two page document. Things are moving forward and the Council will be informed as things progress.
Stressed to Blessed – Continued:
A myriad of suggestions were made on how to increase volunteerism within our church. The lengthy discussion came down to a first step in what will no doubt be an ongoing process. For now, ideas from the council members will be sent to Chris Keiter via e-mail. Chris will filter then pass on to Sally, Phil and John for review. Their recommendations will be presented at the May Council Meeting.
Maine Conference:
Annual Meeting will be held in Farmington from June 12 to June 14. Our church is entitled to six delegates with only two presently committed. Contact John or Elsa if you are interested in attending.
Reminder: Annual Meeting Sunday May 23
The Council is now taking nominations for new Council members. Typically the term is three years, however, one may stay as long, but not longer than, six years. Please send names to Dave ASAP via e-mail, and he will compile a list. Also, a new Council Moderator will be chosen at the June meeting.
From time to time there are items stored in hallways, egress paths and other areas of the church building that constitute a hazard. The Administration Team will be given the task of addressing these safety concerns and shall create a policy regarding same.
Website Redesign: Update
Elsa met with two vendors who meet our requirements for web design, with another meeting in the works for next week. Elsa will report back to the Council in May. An early August completion date is anticipated. A $2,000 donation has been made specifically for this project.
Mass e-mails from the Church:
How many are too many? This question arose not because of complaints, but because sending these reminder e-mails regarding upcoming events and other issues is time consuming for our Church office personnel, and may not be that worthwhile. There is a method for unsubscribing that each recipient could implement if so desired. This enhancement would cost the Church $15.00 per month and may be worth trying. The council said yes.
Fundraising:
Putting the fun back into fundraising and tying it all in with the birth of The Vision Statement, may be the way to launch some unique celebrations and raise some money. More on this process as it develops.
The meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Mission and Outreach
Meeting Minutes of April 8, 2010
Present: Laurie Cary, Greg Wyman, Richard Parker, Mike Kasputes, Sandy Dyer, and Sarah Randall. Elsa unable to attend meeting tonight.
Opening Reading: Carol was unable to attend, so Sarah read Carol’s prepared reading, “Listening to your Life” by Frederick Beauchner.
Minutes from March 4th were reviewed and accepted as is.
Treasurers Report - Greg Wyman:
- Easter Offering collected $1,688. , a decrease from last year ($1899.)
- One Great Hour of Sharing collected $1,441, an increase from last year ($961.36).
- 2nd Quarter payment to Maine Conference of $6,300 paid; thus far have paid half of year $12,600.
- Special support of $4,500 paid so far this year.
Thank you notes received (as follows):
1. “Long Creek Center”- $500.
2. “Southern Poverty Law Center” - $500.
3. “Hospice of Southern Maine” - $150. (This amount was given to Rev Larry Green when he preached and he donated it to Hospice of Southern Maine.)
4. “Bread for the world” - $1,216.25 (Christmas offering)
5. “Preble Street” - donations of hats, mittens and scarves from “Mitten Tree”.
6. “Center for Grieving Children” - money raised during the Holly Daze Bazaar.
7. “Opportunity Farm” - $500.
8. “Root Cellar” - $500.
9. “Preble Street” - $500.
Thank you notes can be found on our bulletin board.
Old Business:
a.) Micah Project: Habitat for Humanity - we had a good turnout about 13 to 14 people. It was a workout demolishing a house and saving what could be salvaged.
b.) Mission Team Nominations for 2010/2011:
--Kendra Palmer agreed to join the team.
--Jan Bossee is thinking about joining.
--Maureen Clancy agreed to serve one more year(maybe two?).
--Mike Kasputes will be Treasurer.
--Sandy Dyer and Sarah Randall agreed to share the job of co-chairing the Team.
c.) Annual Report due 5/4/10 - summarization of what’s been done during the year. Annual Meeting on 5/23/10.
Subcommittees:
a.) Greg Wyman will continue with the Fair Trade Coffee project. Next orders will be taken on 5/9 and 5/16. Last year Fair Trade was able to spend $138. from the proceeds to buy coffee for the church.
b.) Food Pantry Drive starts on 5/16. Notices to go into the Beacon for 4/26 and 5/10. Will give out bags and lists on 5/16 and collect donations on 5/23.
c.) Special Offering - “Blanket Sunday” on 5/9. Money collected to buy blankets, which are then distributed worldwide to areas in need.
d.) Rummage Sale - Saturday 4/17, Prudy Wiggins will need help.
Open Discussion:
Mike Kasputes read the information on Darfur; its format is an educational course which may be best approached by being a separate project or program presented to the church, (film plus several hours of discussion). Team consensus was to table this again until it can be decided upon best way to present the information.
Closing Reading: Sarah finished Carol’s reading.
Recorder: Sarah Randall
Next Meeting - May 6
Opening and Closing Reading - Greg Wyman
Recorder -Maureen Clancy
Present: Laurie Cary, Greg Wyman, Richard Parker, Mike Kasputes, Sandy Dyer, and Sarah Randall. Elsa unable to attend meeting tonight.
Opening Reading: Carol was unable to attend, so Sarah read Carol’s prepared reading, “Listening to your Life” by Frederick Beauchner.
Minutes from March 4th were reviewed and accepted as is.
Treasurers Report - Greg Wyman:
- Easter Offering collected $1,688. , a decrease from last year ($1899.)
- One Great Hour of Sharing collected $1,441, an increase from last year ($961.36).
- 2nd Quarter payment to Maine Conference of $6,300 paid; thus far have paid half of year $12,600.
- Special support of $4,500 paid so far this year.
Thank you notes received (as follows):
1. “Long Creek Center”- $500.
2. “Southern Poverty Law Center” - $500.
3. “Hospice of Southern Maine” - $150. (This amount was given to Rev Larry Green when he preached and he donated it to Hospice of Southern Maine.)
4. “Bread for the world” - $1,216.25 (Christmas offering)
5. “Preble Street” - donations of hats, mittens and scarves from “Mitten Tree”.
6. “Center for Grieving Children” - money raised during the Holly Daze Bazaar.
7. “Opportunity Farm” - $500.
8. “Root Cellar” - $500.
9. “Preble Street” - $500.
Thank you notes can be found on our bulletin board.
Old Business:
a.) Micah Project: Habitat for Humanity - we had a good turnout about 13 to 14 people. It was a workout demolishing a house and saving what could be salvaged.
b.) Mission Team Nominations for 2010/2011:
--Kendra Palmer agreed to join the team.
--Jan Bossee is thinking about joining.
--Maureen Clancy agreed to serve one more year(maybe two?).
--Mike Kasputes will be Treasurer.
--Sandy Dyer and Sarah Randall agreed to share the job of co-chairing the Team.
c.) Annual Report due 5/4/10 - summarization of what’s been done during the year. Annual Meeting on 5/23/10.
Subcommittees:
a.) Greg Wyman will continue with the Fair Trade Coffee project. Next orders will be taken on 5/9 and 5/16. Last year Fair Trade was able to spend $138. from the proceeds to buy coffee for the church.
b.) Food Pantry Drive starts on 5/16. Notices to go into the Beacon for 4/26 and 5/10. Will give out bags and lists on 5/16 and collect donations on 5/23.
c.) Special Offering - “Blanket Sunday” on 5/9. Money collected to buy blankets, which are then distributed worldwide to areas in need.
d.) Rummage Sale - Saturday 4/17, Prudy Wiggins will need help.
Open Discussion:
Mike Kasputes read the information on Darfur; its format is an educational course which may be best approached by being a separate project or program presented to the church, (film plus several hours of discussion). Team consensus was to table this again until it can be decided upon best way to present the information.
Closing Reading: Sarah finished Carol’s reading.
Recorder: Sarah Randall
Next Meeting - May 6
Opening and Closing Reading - Greg Wyman
Recorder -Maureen Clancy
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Growth Group
Meeting Minutes of 4/12/10
Members present: Rick Angell, Stan Jordan, Elinor Redmond, Kendra Palmer, Sue Ross, Dave Allen.
Absent: Jim Kupel, John McCall.
Dave opened the meeting at 5:45 p.m. with a prayer.
Usher ‘best practices’ status (Rick):
Rick is convening the ushers for a meeting on Sunday, May 16th at 11:30. All from the Growth Group are welcome to attend. Rick will present the ‘best practices’ at that time. Stan noted that a member of his team tried passing out bulletins at the front door of the Sanctuary. It seemed to go well and she closed the door around 10 when the service started. Dave said that the ushers in the churches he has visited did not escort people to their seats.
Parish Hosts(Rick):
John reported in his e-mail that ‘Nothing to report on Parish Hosts though I continue to make occasional offers.’ Rick has called the 5 people on his lists. None want to be assigned a host at this time. Dave reflected we spent a lot of time and thought on this program that appears to be going nowhere. He suggested we contact those who signed up to BE hosts to let them know what is going on. He will draft a message.
Welcome Cards (Elinor/Kendra):
Kendra sent John a template to use for drafting a postcard size message about our church. Most likely this project is on hold during the Easter season.
Volunteer web sign up (Elinor):
The group has seen the e-mail describing the program drafted by Elinor. She is waiting to be sure Sandy Hansen is comfortable with the entire process before soliciting congregational sign up. Sandy is enthusiastic about the project; just very busy. Elinor will notify Rick a little ahead of sending a church e-mail so that he can give the usher captains a ‘heads up’. Elinor will add a phrase to her message urging people to register on the web-site if they would be willing to greet at some distant future date.
Friendship pads (Dave/all):
Dave pointed out that the present friendship pads are getting worn. Do they present our church in the most useful way for newcomers? Are there always nametags in the back? We suggested having the ushers make sure they are always stocked with nametags. We discussed how many people just write their names and check off ‘church member’, so that more than one page is required for a Sunday morning. Stan pointed out that we will be looking at the products used by the churches we are visiting. We know John has specific uses for the present form of the information requested and look forward to a discussion with him.
Friends’ Sunday (all):
Kendra read the section from the ’52 ideas’ book on Friends Sunday. Printed invitations are suggested. Members could pick an invitation up at church and mail it to their friend, and then follow up with a phone call invitation. Sue talked about having members stand up with their friend during the service (when prompted). Would there be a special service? Possibly have a friends theme for the children’s story and sermon. Have the Joyful Noise sing. For timing, we discussed early October or possibly Thanksgiving Sunday.
Hospitality Moment:
Do we want to continue with hospitality moments? Only if there are new ideas, although we could have a summary of the ideas presented so far. Kendra suggested transitioning to having people share what the church means to them. We would have a prepared, designated person. Kendra would do the recruiting.
Visits to other churches:
During the May meeting, we will be discussing our visits to other churches. We are looking for what works that we are not doing now. Each person should bring their top 3 ideas to the meeting. The process will be for each person to talk about his/her top new idea. Then each person will present idea #2, etc.
Other:
Stan and Marie have prepared special tags for the greeters. They are stored in the credenza with the flowers. Sandy Hansen has been making sure they are used and put away again.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
Next meeting: Monday, May 10, 2010, at 5:30 p.m. in the Laity Room.
Respectfully submitted,
Elinor Redmond
Members present: Rick Angell, Stan Jordan, Elinor Redmond, Kendra Palmer, Sue Ross, Dave Allen.
Absent: Jim Kupel, John McCall.
Dave opened the meeting at 5:45 p.m. with a prayer.
Usher ‘best practices’ status (Rick):
Rick is convening the ushers for a meeting on Sunday, May 16th at 11:30. All from the Growth Group are welcome to attend. Rick will present the ‘best practices’ at that time. Stan noted that a member of his team tried passing out bulletins at the front door of the Sanctuary. It seemed to go well and she closed the door around 10 when the service started. Dave said that the ushers in the churches he has visited did not escort people to their seats.
Parish Hosts(Rick):
John reported in his e-mail that ‘Nothing to report on Parish Hosts though I continue to make occasional offers.’ Rick has called the 5 people on his lists. None want to be assigned a host at this time. Dave reflected we spent a lot of time and thought on this program that appears to be going nowhere. He suggested we contact those who signed up to BE hosts to let them know what is going on. He will draft a message.
Welcome Cards (Elinor/Kendra):
Kendra sent John a template to use for drafting a postcard size message about our church. Most likely this project is on hold during the Easter season.
Volunteer web sign up (Elinor):
The group has seen the e-mail describing the program drafted by Elinor. She is waiting to be sure Sandy Hansen is comfortable with the entire process before soliciting congregational sign up. Sandy is enthusiastic about the project; just very busy. Elinor will notify Rick a little ahead of sending a church e-mail so that he can give the usher captains a ‘heads up’. Elinor will add a phrase to her message urging people to register on the web-site if they would be willing to greet at some distant future date.
Friendship pads (Dave/all):
Dave pointed out that the present friendship pads are getting worn. Do they present our church in the most useful way for newcomers? Are there always nametags in the back? We suggested having the ushers make sure they are always stocked with nametags. We discussed how many people just write their names and check off ‘church member’, so that more than one page is required for a Sunday morning. Stan pointed out that we will be looking at the products used by the churches we are visiting. We know John has specific uses for the present form of the information requested and look forward to a discussion with him.
Friends’ Sunday (all):
Kendra read the section from the ’52 ideas’ book on Friends Sunday. Printed invitations are suggested. Members could pick an invitation up at church and mail it to their friend, and then follow up with a phone call invitation. Sue talked about having members stand up with their friend during the service (when prompted). Would there be a special service? Possibly have a friends theme for the children’s story and sermon. Have the Joyful Noise sing. For timing, we discussed early October or possibly Thanksgiving Sunday.
Hospitality Moment:
Do we want to continue with hospitality moments? Only if there are new ideas, although we could have a summary of the ideas presented so far. Kendra suggested transitioning to having people share what the church means to them. We would have a prepared, designated person. Kendra would do the recruiting.
Visits to other churches:
During the May meeting, we will be discussing our visits to other churches. We are looking for what works that we are not doing now. Each person should bring their top 3 ideas to the meeting. The process will be for each person to talk about his/her top new idea. Then each person will present idea #2, etc.
Other:
Stan and Marie have prepared special tags for the greeters. They are stored in the credenza with the flowers. Sandy Hansen has been making sure they are used and put away again.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
Next meeting: Monday, May 10, 2010, at 5:30 p.m. in the Laity Room.
Respectfully submitted,
Elinor Redmond
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Education Growth & Fellowship
APRIL 2010 Meeting Minutes - March 25, 2010
Recorded by: Margaret Thibodeau
Team members attending: Karen Pierce, Margaret Thibodeau, Elsa Peters.
Unable to attend: Ginny Gledhill, Carolyn Foster, Jana Frank, Jennifer Fetting.
The meeting began with introductions. We were joined by prospective member Lynne Lanctot. We spent some time discussing the organization of the Church and EG&F Team responsibilities.
The March 4th Minutes were approved.
Jana had contacted Margaret to report that Coffee Hour is going along fine.
Karen shared that the Library Committee has reported no concerns. The Scholarship Group is currently reviewing applications. The deadline for submissions was March 15th. They will inform the congregation soon of their decisions.
Margaret will check with Ginny regarding Nursery & PreK coverage for Easter Sunday. A lily has been ordered in celebration of Linda McAloon, in appreciation of her teaching the pre-kindergarten class on Easter. Margaret will also send her a card, mentioning our thanks, and that the lily can be picked up after the service.
The Team will need to begin thinking about the Church Picnic, which takes place on Sunday May 16th. Margaret will put a sign-up poster at coffee hour, asking for donations and salads. New member Sunday is May 23rd.
Elsa shared the Faith Formation Update. The Team is supportive of ordering the online version of the curriculum materials. This will save money. A sub-group called “Family Faith Formation Committee” is being formed as a sub-group of children, family, and youth ministry. Christ Kid’s Club will host a Local Foods Dinner probably on May 1st, 5:00-7:00 p.m. Approximately 40-50 people are involved in Adult Faith Formation activities, which is a great success. Aaron French, the current Youth Ministry leader will be leaving in May. Steve Ferris has agreed to lead the program next year. The Team would like to think of an appropriate thank you for Aaron before he leaves.
The next meeting will be Thursday, May 6th at 7:00 p.m.
Recorded by: Margaret Thibodeau
Team members attending: Karen Pierce, Margaret Thibodeau, Elsa Peters.
Unable to attend: Ginny Gledhill, Carolyn Foster, Jana Frank, Jennifer Fetting.
The meeting began with introductions. We were joined by prospective member Lynne Lanctot. We spent some time discussing the organization of the Church and EG&F Team responsibilities.
The March 4th Minutes were approved.
Jana had contacted Margaret to report that Coffee Hour is going along fine.
Karen shared that the Library Committee has reported no concerns. The Scholarship Group is currently reviewing applications. The deadline for submissions was March 15th. They will inform the congregation soon of their decisions.
Margaret will check with Ginny regarding Nursery & PreK coverage for Easter Sunday. A lily has been ordered in celebration of Linda McAloon, in appreciation of her teaching the pre-kindergarten class on Easter. Margaret will also send her a card, mentioning our thanks, and that the lily can be picked up after the service.
The Team will need to begin thinking about the Church Picnic, which takes place on Sunday May 16th. Margaret will put a sign-up poster at coffee hour, asking for donations and salads. New member Sunday is May 23rd.
Elsa shared the Faith Formation Update. The Team is supportive of ordering the online version of the curriculum materials. This will save money. A sub-group called “Family Faith Formation Committee” is being formed as a sub-group of children, family, and youth ministry. Christ Kid’s Club will host a Local Foods Dinner probably on May 1st, 5:00-7:00 p.m. Approximately 40-50 people are involved in Adult Faith Formation activities, which is a great success. Aaron French, the current Youth Ministry leader will be leaving in May. Steve Ferris has agreed to lead the program next year. The Team would like to think of an appropriate thank you for Aaron before he leaves.
The next meeting will be Thursday, May 6th at 7:00 p.m.
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