Showing posts with label December 2009. Show all posts
Showing posts with label December 2009. Show all posts

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Education Growth and Fellowship

Meeting Minutes of December 3, 2009
Recorded by: Margaret Thibodeau

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

The meeting began with the approval of November's Minutes.

A "Church Contacts" list was distributed. All contacts are via the church website (fccucc.org), to protect individual's personal emails. Information on the list looked correct and complete, although the question was raised whether Karen Pierce should be added as a contact for Library and Scholarship Committees. Margaret will check with Jen in the church office.

Margaret read the email from Chris Keiter and the church Council, requesting that any remaining 2009 open budget funds that are not needed, not be spent for the remainder of the year, and the Team will attempt to honor this request. Karen will contact the Library Committee regarding the remaining money in their budget. Jesus' birthday celebration will use a small amount for purchasing a large cake. Only minimal supplies have been purchased this year for Christian Education (glue sticks). The Team agreed that any supplies essential to the Sunday School program and positive experience of the children should continue to be purchased this year.

The Advent Workshop went well, according to Kim Early, one of the organizers. Approximately $90.00 was raised from the event. Kim shared that the workshop tends to require funds for supplies one year, then make money the next two years. She asked the Team where the money raised should go. This year, with the current budget deficit, the Team decided the funds should go back into the line-item for such events. Perhaps in the future, money raised during the Advent Workshop could be targeted for the soup kitchen, food pantry, etc.

The Team will host Jesus's Birthday celebration after the family Christmas service, which is Dec. 24th at 5PM. Margaret will purchase a large sheet cake and paper goods, and the Early family have offered to serve.

Jana could not attend the meeting, but sent an update on Coffee Hour. Volunteers to serve and bake are scheduled right through mid-January, when the Mission Team will host. On December 20th, there will only be coffee and apple juice served after the Christmas Pageant, as the Eskimos have their annual cookie/fudge sale.

Karen shared that the Scholarship Committee is ready to begin in the New Year. They will be looking to find two new people to join their committee for next year. Karen reported that the Library Committee is well-organized, and things are going along fine.

There seems to be consistent coverage in the Nursery to assist Diana each Sunday when Ginny has checked. Ginny spoke with a parent, Stephanie Cook, who will contact some of the parents that frequently use the nursery to see if a volunteer schedule might be developed. Some parents appear to volunteer frequently, while others choose not to. The Team discussed the idea of possibly hiring a consistent caretaker on Sundays for the Nursery, with the understanding that Diana should be paid as well, if this were to occur. For now, the Team would like to see if we can continue to use parent volunteers.

Elsa shared that the special Veggie Tales movie event was a success, and something she hopes the church can offer again. She has been working with the Adult Faith Formation Committee on some focused planning for a Lenten program. The number of youth committed to Confirmation is up to seven, and Elsa is actively recruiting mentors.

Several areas regarding the Sunday School program were discussed. One matter was the role of the Superintendent. There are currently 5-6 adults who take turns serving as the Superintendent on Sundays. Carolyn reports that there are clear instructions for this role, with the responsibilities outlined. As volunteers become more familiar with the role, they tend to be more
effective and helpful to the teachers. It is important for the Superintendent to check on the teachers early, to assess individual needs and situations where they might lend support.

A second area of discussion was the children's offering. The Team reflected on whether there are alternate ways to enhance our children's understanding and way of giving, such that their offering has relevance to their spiritual development. During Christ Kid's Club, there is participation in giving and blessing the gifts, as well as a clear understanding of where the donation goes (because the children are involved in the decision by vote). It is not as evident, during Sunday School, that our children are making that same connection. Various methods and means of giving were discussed, some of which came from Team members own positive childhood memories of giving to their church. It was decided to try a new approach of providing a cohesive giving moment, during the Children's Sermon, perhaps with a unique or unusual jar the children can place their own offerings in. The Team decided this should start the beginning of Lent, which allows the Sunday School teachers in January time to explain the new method.

Another area discussed was whether the church should offer an adaptive communion service for the children on Communion Sundays. Church service on these Sundays tend to run longer man usual, so there might be time to gather the children together for sharing and community. An idea was offered to have various grade levels take turns leading the special service. The Team was supportive of this idea, and will discuss it further for Christian Education in 2010.

Lastly, the recruitment schedule of Sunday School teachers was discussed regarding how best to provide consistency for the children. While it may serve children best to have a consistent teacher for a month or two, the reality is that coverage is dependent on the team of teachers and their various schedules. Consistency, even with several team teachers, improves when those teachers strive to communicate frequently about the children and curriculum.

The Team would like to invite a member of the Growth Group to our next meeting, to share some of the group's ideas and programs. Margaret will contact the group regarding this. We also are still hoping to recruit an additional member for our Team, and will discuss this further at the January meeting.

The next meeting is January 7th.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Administration Team

Meeting Minutes of December 3, 2009

Present: Ron Bennett, Eben Marsh, Guy Gledhill, Deb Sandler, Chris Mills, Rod Redstone and Cyndi Alden (Business Manager).

Call to Order: Chris called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m. Per the rotation schedule Guy will record this meeting and run the next meeting.

Minutes of the Admin Team November 5, 2009 meeting: Reviewed and accepted as written.

Old Business:
Finance: Things are looking great, we may do O.K. for ‘09 - $19, 000 was projected for a loss, we may cut that to $16,000. We have been asked to watch what we spend very carefully. 2010 Budget was done for us last meeting.

Tenant Update: Sawyer road house still struggling; dog is gone; corner top floor vacant and bottom floor doing great.

Planned Giving: Ron is still working on the article to go into the Beacon in January.

Committee Reports:
Counting: Chair Peggy is working on getting people to sign up via email for a long term commitment.

House: Chair Guy Gledhill. Yard work has been done. We had the yard clipped and cleaned for winter, and we had an alarm in the middle of the night - a circuit breaker tripped.

Planned Giving: Chairs Ron and Chris reported above.

Independent Accounting: Pricing came in at 4,785 to 4,975, with an hourly rate for other investigation at 50 to 150. Holiday Bazaar and Discovery Center to be added in the future.

New Business:
New Web Site: Rod went over the meeting that the web site committee had; 400 already committed to get a RFP put together. Dana putting the survey together, and we have a few sites that are of interest to us.

Date of Next Meeting: Thursday January 7, 2010 at 7:00 p.m.

Meeting adjourned 7:49 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Guy Gledhill

Thursday, January 14, 2010

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

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Mission and Outreach

Meeting Minutes of December 3, 2009

Attendees: Laurie Cary - Chair, Maureen Clancy, Sandy Dyer, Mike Kasputes, Richard Parker, Greg Wyman, Elsa Peters (part time).

OPENING: Mike opened and closed the meeting with readings concerning humility and kindness.

NOV. MINUTES: Approved as submitted.

MINISTER’S MOMENT:
Pastor Peters’ three year anniversary as our associate pastor was warmly acknowledged. Her guidance and support of this committee’s work has been instrumental in any success we have had.

Because of all the activities surrounding the Holiday, no new requests or issues were brought before the committee.

Micah Project – Due to the lack of response, Pastor Peters volunteered to actively solicit support focusing on the need for a person to lead a spin-off group.

TREASURER’S REPORT:
Final year end allocations and distributions were approved. All budgeted amounts were spent.
$750 Maine Council of Churches
$750 UCC Coalition for LGBT Concerns
$500 Wayside Soup Kitchen
$500 Grace Street Ministries
$500 Family Crisis Shelter
$500 Good Shepherd Food Bank
$200 SP/CE Emergency Food Pantry
$1000 Preble Street Resource Center for the Homeless – from Discretionary Fund
Reference Greg’s budget report for additional information and details. Disbursements were in line with a request from Council Moderator to refrain 2009 spending that was not needed to carry out our programs and mission.

OLD BUSINESS:
THE FUR CULTURAL REVIVAL – (Non-government, non-profit organization to broaden the public’s awareness of genocide in Darfur) - It was concluded that education of the congregation was needed before proceeding with any outside presentation. Pastor Peters’ will bring information on what other churches are doing to address the situation in Darfur. Topic will be discussed again at January meeting.

NEW BUSINESS:
CHILDREN’S CLOSET - Clothing donations are needed. Discussions centered on how to advertise the cause and the need. Public service announcements in local newspapers were suggested. Maureen Clancy will look into getting an ad placed in the “Pond Cove Courier”.
Jenn Hardin has been responsible for the Closet for several years and has done a tremendous job. She has given notice that she will be leaving the post in June 2010. As this work falls under the jurisdiction of the Mission Committee, we are responsible for finding her replacement. Laurie will ask Jenn if she has any suggestions.

RECLAIMING CHRISTMAS – Next year work on this project should start earlier - at Homecoming.

COFFEE HOUR HOSTS – Jan. 10 & 17: Missions is responsible for the first two Sundays in Jan. A sign-up sheet was circulated. Set-up at 9:15 before 10:00 service.
We will take the opportunity to have sign-up and information sheets available for:
1. Micah Project
2. Food Pantry
3. Children’s Closet
Sandy volunteered to provide the information sheets.

HABITATE FOR HUMANITY – The next house will be either in Westbrook or Freeport. We agreed that we will volunteer for March 6th.

MICAH PROJECT – Florence House is moving into a new facility. Maureen will find out if they have a need for help. If so, this could become a Micah Project.


Respectfully submitted,
Richard A. Parker - Scribe

Music Committee

Meeting Minutes of December 3, 2009

Present: Shirley Curry, Kim Early, Anna O’Connor.

Reviewed and accepted October Minutes.

UPDATES:
• In October, the committee talked about donating the Reed organ to a church that is in need of one. Kim exchanged e-mails with Elsa and John about this and was given a contact at the Maine Conference. She will e-mail the description of the organ to Sue Stevens at the conference for publication in the ACE newsletter.

• The 2010 proposed budget was submitted in October. We are awaiting further news from the appropriate people. Kim shared an e-mail from Chris Keiter, as a Council member, asking us not to spend any remaining monies in the 2009 budget if it is not necessary to keep activities and functions going. This is due to a $20,000 operating deficit. Shirley stated that she would like to purchase a piano lamp for the piano in the sanctuary. She estimated the lamp to be around $90. and was willing to wait until the start of the new year to do so.

Christmas Vespers, with the theme of “Carols of Hope, Peace and Light”, will be held on Sunday, December 13th at 5:30 p.m. Shirley outlined the program, which sounds wonderful. We will work together to obtain a volunteer to run a spot light during a few selected performances. Committee members will arrive at 5:00 p.m. to set up for the reception that will follow the program.

Matt Leberge will be a guest trumpeter on December 13th. Shirley has already set him up for the Easter service as well.

• At the next meeting, in February, Shirley would like to discuss the use of the sanctuary (organ and piano) by outside groups.

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Church Council

Meeting Minutes of 12/17/09

In attendance: Nancy MacLean, Bob Morse, Chris Dow, Elsa Peters, Debra Andrews, Sally Hinckley, Andy Ellis, Phil Whitney, Roger Addor, Carrie Skeffington, Chris Keiter, Cyndi Alden, Matt Early.

Opening – Matt prayer for God’s blessing and Christmas Prayer by Robert Louis Stevenson.

Review Agenda – accepted.

Review November Minutes – accepted.

Minister Time – Elsa. John absent due to illness. Christmas time’s busy schedule going along well. Sunday service 12/20 at 11:00 with Children Christmas Pageant at 9:00.

Discussions
1. Vote on SL&W Nomination – Tex Haeuser accepted.
2. Fundraising Criteria – Nancy MacLean led discussion. Will incorporate last month’s changes, distribute to Teams, and publish in the Beacon after the Holidays.
3. Business Referral Directory – Chris Keiter provided update that it is being worked on by Don Russell and Chris with follow up in January after Holidays.
4. Website Redesign – Committee consisting of John, Elsa, Chris Keiter, Dana Wiggins, Rod Redstone, and Guy Gledhill held meeting and are waiting for draft request for proposal to be submitted by web consultant.
5. Sanctuary Railing – No further update from Administration Team at this time. Follow up after Holidays.
6. Church Vision – Nothing further to report at this time. Follow up after Holidays.
7. Budget – Chris Keiter reported and presented draft 2010 budget. Budget Committee consists of Chris Keiter, Chris Dow, Matt Early, John McCall, and Cyndi Alden. Committee has held three meetings to date. Further Committee meeting scheduled 1/11/10 with goal of printing final proposed budget 1/20/10 with presentation to Council for discussion and approval 1/21/10 with print to congregation on Sunday 1/24/10 and congregational vote on Sunday 1/31/10. Pledges still anticipated for 2010 which will drop current operating deficit forecast of approximately $56,000 to approximately $16,000. Committee to closely monitor pledge progress between now and final budget proposal. Stewardship sending out letter to non-pledging households for support. Pledge revenue formula based on actual pledges less 4% shrinkage plus 7% unpledged based on historical collection experience. Proposed total expense decrease of $10,000 from 2009 budget with majority of line items maintained flat with prior year budget or actual spending, including staff salary. Savings primarily in heating fuel and youth minister and church secretary staffing changes. Budget assumes Discovery Center capable of continuing to pay rent of approximately $5,600 annually. Adjustment of this rent, including ½ rent being evaluated and considered for final budget proposal. Brief discussion surrounding Discovery Center and short term and long term plan. Further discussion on January agenda. Consolidating financial statement to include the Discovery Center, Rummage Sale, Holly Daze Bazaar, and CCM to be considered at later date along with plans to establish a committee that will review with the congregation ideas on how to close the budget gap in the future.

Other Business – None presented.

Adjourned at 8:00 p.m.; Next Meeting January 21, 2010; Recorder: Dave.

Respectfully Submitted: Matt Early