Meeting Minutes of December 17, 2010
Recorder: Roger Addor
Present: Roger Addor, Andy Ellis, Nancy MacLean, John McCall, Bob Morse, Peggy Murray, Elsa Peters, Robin Reinhold, John Shoos, Carrie Skeffington, and Phil Whitney.
Absent: Matt Early, Sally Hinckley, and Carl Murphy
The meeting was opened at 6:30 p.m. by Nancy MacLean followed by a poem and prayer by Roger Addor.
The November minutes were approved. Clarification was requested for the statement to support the July Seacoast Mission “using the offering on Mission Sunday, February 13, 2011”. The part of the offering going to this cause will be revisited at the January meeting, probably to include a special appeal and dedication of the loose plate offering.
John McCall was welcomed back after his successful back surgery and recovery and expressed a thankful sense of rejuvenation. He reported a few delays in getting the much improved website up and running, but expects it to be serviceable about mid-January.
The nomination of Scott Ayre for a one-year term and Tom Hamerski for a two-year term to Education, Growth, and Fellowship was unanimously approved.
In the absence of Budget Chairperson Matt Early, Andy Ellis reported for the Budget Committee. Business Manager Cyndi Alden was invited to the meeting to interpret the printed proposed budget, the current financial status, and the projected income and budget for 2011. The situation as it was presented shows a $17,000 deficit likely in closing out the 2010 fiscal year. The budget as proposed for 2011 of over $500,000 would appear to exceed projected income by about $27,000, at the lowest. There is about $38,000 existing in a “rainy day” fund accumulated in past years, but this amount is insufficient to cover both of these contingencies, assuming it was used for this purpose.
• We talked about the need to contact all people who have not renewed their pledges for next year. John Shoos reported that the Stewardship Committee has plans for phoning. Some Council members volunteered to help with the calls. John McCall suggested, and it was agreed upon, that following the next meeting of the Stewardship Committee on January 6, a letter should go out to the congregation describing the financial situation and asking for people to reconsider their financial commitment. The Council needs more information on estimated income to make final decisions about the budget and may be faced with making budget cuts.
• John also asked the Council to put on next year’s agenda an effort to divine longer term projections of membership, income, costs, programs and whatever might impact on moving ahead more predictably.
• The legal status of the Discovery Center: Council members agreed to set up a sub-committee to research this (hopefully, Matt Early, Andy Ellis, with consultation by past Moderator Dan Cummings, who worked on the by-laws during the change in governance).
Bob Morse and Peggy Murray will recruit church members to attend the Cumberland Association Installation meeting on January 20.
Elsa Peters was asked to take a few minutes at several Council meetings starting in February to inform Council members on the organizational set-up for the United Church of Christ. How are we interconnected with the other churches locally and beyond?
Meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
Next meeting is January 20, 2011.
Showing posts with label December 2010. Show all posts
Showing posts with label December 2010. Show all posts
Monday, January 3, 2011
Mission and Outreach
Meeting Minutes of December 2, 2010 (Revised*)
Recorder: Jan Bosse
Attendance: Sandy Dyer and Sarah Randall, Co-chairs; Laurie Carey, Suzanne Linder; Richard Parker, Mike Kasputes, Elsa Peters, Jan Bosse.
Opening Devotions – Laurie Carey
Minister’s Moment – Elsa Peters
- Bangor Theological Seminary is seeking funds to assist in its works.
- Mission Trip – the first organizational meeting was held before this meeting. It was well attended. An initial fundraiser has been scheduled for March – Auction and Spaghetti Dinner.
- Special Offerings were clarified:
o Christmas Fund – Supports the Veterans of the Cross and Emergency Fund – a ministry of compassion and care for those who serve the UCC.
o Christmas Offering – will provide for the church’s mission trip next summer to Maine Seacoast Mission and support of Common Hope, a charity that supports the education of children in Guatemala as a means to achieve social and economic development for themselves and their families.
o A special offering will occur throughout February including Mission Sunday on the 13th . in support of Maine Seacoast Mission.
- A question was raised about OCWM – “Our Christian World Mission”* – $25,200
(see treasurer’s report). What is this money for and who receives it? Elsa will provide the Team with some education on this fund.
The MO Team received an e-mail from John McCall that posed the question “Among the huge number of wonderful religious and charitable groups that need support, how do we decide where our limited dollars go? What are the principle and priorities?” The Team decided to meet with John in March to discuss this and we would undertake an evaluation of the groups we support.
Mission Sunday Planning – Elsa helped the Team discuss the organization we are supporting and the view of our mission in supporting it. We continued our discussion after Elsa left the meeting and came up with a preliminary framework for the service and who on the team will be responsible for which part of the order of worship.
Life of the Church and Call to Worship – Sandy Dyer
Hymn
Unison Prayer/Lord’s Prayer – Laurie Carey
Children’s Time and Passing the Peace – Mike Kasputes
Hymn
Prayer for Illumination and the Word (Alternate choice from list - Luke 10:25-37) – Kristen Silvia
Message – Maine Seacoast Mission Director
Prayers of the People - TBA whom and when
Sharing Our Tithes and Offerings – Invitation and Dedication – Jan Bosse
Hymn
Benediction – Sarah Randall and Suzanne Linder
Hymns – “What Gift Can We Bring” (HTL 377); “Be Thou My Vision” (HTL 445); “I the Lord of Sea and Sky” (HTL S-17); Alternate “Called as Partners in Christ Service” HTL 353).
The Chapel Service on Mission Sunday will be covered by Sarah Randall (?) and Jan Bosse.
Minutes for November 4 were reviewed and approved.
Treasurer’s Report was approved.
E-mail from the Church Moderator and the Budget Committee – discussion of the 2010 shortfall and what can be done to prevent another shortfall in 2011 will be discussed at the January MO Team meeting.
A new Micah Project Coordinator needs to be appointed – This item is scheduled for discussion at the January MO Team meeting.
Beacon announcements are usually done by Maureen Clancy. Laurie Cary will follow-up on this item.
Thank you notes were received from:
• Maine Conference of Churches (UCC)
• Pilgrim Lodge
• FCC Bazaar Committee
• Riverview Foundation
The following donations were approved for the 4th quarter:
$500 each to:
• Wayside Evening Soup Kitchen
• Good Shepard Food Bank
• Preble Street Resource Center
• Sp/CE UCC Food Pantry
• Family Crisis Shelter (Family Crisis Services)
• Grace Street Ministry
• Maine Council of Churches
• UCC Coalition
• Community Crisis Fund
$1000 to:
• Bangor Theological Seminary
Closing Devotional – Laurie Cary
Meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Next Meeting – Thursday, January 6th at 7:00 p.m.
Co-Chair – Sarah Randall
Prayer – Maureen Clancy
Recorder – Suzanne Lindner
* = Correction - "Our Christian World Mission" and should read as follows: "Our Church's Wider Mission"
Recorder: Jan Bosse
Attendance: Sandy Dyer and Sarah Randall, Co-chairs; Laurie Carey, Suzanne Linder; Richard Parker, Mike Kasputes, Elsa Peters, Jan Bosse.
Opening Devotions – Laurie Carey
Minister’s Moment – Elsa Peters
- Bangor Theological Seminary is seeking funds to assist in its works.
- Mission Trip – the first organizational meeting was held before this meeting. It was well attended. An initial fundraiser has been scheduled for March – Auction and Spaghetti Dinner.
- Special Offerings were clarified:
o Christmas Fund – Supports the Veterans of the Cross and Emergency Fund – a ministry of compassion and care for those who serve the UCC.
o Christmas Offering – will provide for the church’s mission trip next summer to Maine Seacoast Mission and support of Common Hope, a charity that supports the education of children in Guatemala as a means to achieve social and economic development for themselves and their families.
o A special offering will occur throughout February including Mission Sunday on the 13th . in support of Maine Seacoast Mission.
- A question was raised about OCWM – “Our Christian World Mission”* – $25,200
(see treasurer’s report). What is this money for and who receives it? Elsa will provide the Team with some education on this fund.
The MO Team received an e-mail from John McCall that posed the question “Among the huge number of wonderful religious and charitable groups that need support, how do we decide where our limited dollars go? What are the principle and priorities?” The Team decided to meet with John in March to discuss this and we would undertake an evaluation of the groups we support.
Mission Sunday Planning – Elsa helped the Team discuss the organization we are supporting and the view of our mission in supporting it. We continued our discussion after Elsa left the meeting and came up with a preliminary framework for the service and who on the team will be responsible for which part of the order of worship.
Life of the Church and Call to Worship – Sandy Dyer
Hymn
Unison Prayer/Lord’s Prayer – Laurie Carey
Children’s Time and Passing the Peace – Mike Kasputes
Hymn
Prayer for Illumination and the Word (Alternate choice from list - Luke 10:25-37) – Kristen Silvia
Message – Maine Seacoast Mission Director
Prayers of the People - TBA whom and when
Sharing Our Tithes and Offerings – Invitation and Dedication – Jan Bosse
Hymn
Benediction – Sarah Randall and Suzanne Linder
Hymns – “What Gift Can We Bring” (HTL 377); “Be Thou My Vision” (HTL 445); “I the Lord of Sea and Sky” (HTL S-17); Alternate “Called as Partners in Christ Service” HTL 353).
The Chapel Service on Mission Sunday will be covered by Sarah Randall (?) and Jan Bosse.
Minutes for November 4 were reviewed and approved.
Treasurer’s Report was approved.
E-mail from the Church Moderator and the Budget Committee – discussion of the 2010 shortfall and what can be done to prevent another shortfall in 2011 will be discussed at the January MO Team meeting.
A new Micah Project Coordinator needs to be appointed – This item is scheduled for discussion at the January MO Team meeting.
Beacon announcements are usually done by Maureen Clancy. Laurie Cary will follow-up on this item.
Thank you notes were received from:
• Maine Conference of Churches (UCC)
• Pilgrim Lodge
• FCC Bazaar Committee
• Riverview Foundation
The following donations were approved for the 4th quarter:
$500 each to:
• Wayside Evening Soup Kitchen
• Good Shepard Food Bank
• Preble Street Resource Center
• Sp/CE UCC Food Pantry
• Family Crisis Shelter (Family Crisis Services)
• Grace Street Ministry
• Maine Council of Churches
• UCC Coalition
• Community Crisis Fund
$1000 to:
• Bangor Theological Seminary
Closing Devotional – Laurie Cary
Meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Next Meeting – Thursday, January 6th at 7:00 p.m.
Co-Chair – Sarah Randall
Prayer – Maureen Clancy
Recorder – Suzanne Lindner
* = Correction - "Our Christian World Mission" and should read as follows: "Our Church's Wider Mission"
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Growth Group
Meeting Minutes of 12/6/10
Recorder: Elinor Redmond
Members present: Rick Angell, Elinor Redmond, Dave Allen, Sue Ross and John McCall.
Rick opened the meeting with a heartfelt and inspiring prayer.
Rick commented that the things we do as a group have a ‘shelf life’. That is, they seem exciting and effective for a while and then the effects wear off. He said our group’s task is to keep things fresh and continue to look at what we do. An example is asking people to sit in different seats. People moved around for a while – and had a lot of comments about it – and now seem to be back where they were in the past. Dave said that urging people to move was a means to an end, a way to get people to talk with someone new. John said he thinks people have an increased awareness of who is around them. Many are looking out for new people.
We proceeded with our update:
1. Friendship Sunday:
Was Friendship Sunday a success? John said there were addresses for 3 new couples on the Friendship pads. There were others there who did not sign in with their information. We could have done more ‘publicity’ – the new website will give us the ability to send out notices more easily. We agreed to repeat this ‘feel-good’ event.
2. Verbal invitation to groups using the building:
John has spoken with 2 groups. Al-Anon (meets Saturday mornings in the Community Room) is reluctant unless there is a scheduled open meeting. They would rather hand out fliers or read a provided statement. AA would love to have us come. The rep is checking with others in the group (meets Saturday afternoons @ 1 in the Music Room). John will contact the Alzheimer’s Support Group.
3. Welcome Notes:
Darla has agreed that the Prayer Shawl group will write welcome notes. Elinor worked on a draft of the text. She and Dave will continue that process. The notes will be written on church note-cards, which include a Bible verse on the inside. Jen will supply the PS group with copies of files created from the Friendship pads of the names of new visitors so that they receive them for their gatherings on Tuesdays. After sending the note, the sheet will be marked with a date and the word ‘sent’. Sue will connect with Darla on the details.
4. Bookmark:
Dave has an idea of using a pineapple symbol (hospitality) and the Vision on the bookmark. We will enlist help from Bryan after the holidays.
5. Welcome Brochures:
The new brochures are in the pews and look great. We discussed other materials made available. How much information do newcomers need (is the full welcome packet necessary or overwhelming?)? How many brochures should be in the pew racks? Who has oversight? Rick will discuss with SL&W.
6. Church signage:
We took a stroll around the church, noting existing signage and speculating on what might improve it. We particularly noticed the lack in the Narthex. Dave will continue the ‘inventory’ process.
7. Hospitality Moments:
From last month’s minutes: “We will provide the next hospitality moment in January. An idea is to use quotes from the Bible that reference welcome.”
8. Growth Group Membership:
Each member will talk with 1 person about the Growth Group and the possibility of joining before the next meeting. Sue talked with Sara Bloom, a new member. She would be glad to be a resource to our group. We discussed inviting her to a meeting so that we can hear her perspective and suggestions.
Next meeting: Monday, January 10, 2011
Recorder: Elinor Redmond
Members present: Rick Angell, Elinor Redmond, Dave Allen, Sue Ross and John McCall.
Rick opened the meeting with a heartfelt and inspiring prayer.
Rick commented that the things we do as a group have a ‘shelf life’. That is, they seem exciting and effective for a while and then the effects wear off. He said our group’s task is to keep things fresh and continue to look at what we do. An example is asking people to sit in different seats. People moved around for a while – and had a lot of comments about it – and now seem to be back where they were in the past. Dave said that urging people to move was a means to an end, a way to get people to talk with someone new. John said he thinks people have an increased awareness of who is around them. Many are looking out for new people.
We proceeded with our update:
1. Friendship Sunday:
Was Friendship Sunday a success? John said there were addresses for 3 new couples on the Friendship pads. There were others there who did not sign in with their information. We could have done more ‘publicity’ – the new website will give us the ability to send out notices more easily. We agreed to repeat this ‘feel-good’ event.
2. Verbal invitation to groups using the building:
John has spoken with 2 groups. Al-Anon (meets Saturday mornings in the Community Room) is reluctant unless there is a scheduled open meeting. They would rather hand out fliers or read a provided statement. AA would love to have us come. The rep is checking with others in the group (meets Saturday afternoons @ 1 in the Music Room). John will contact the Alzheimer’s Support Group.
3. Welcome Notes:
Darla has agreed that the Prayer Shawl group will write welcome notes. Elinor worked on a draft of the text. She and Dave will continue that process. The notes will be written on church note-cards, which include a Bible verse on the inside. Jen will supply the PS group with copies of files created from the Friendship pads of the names of new visitors so that they receive them for their gatherings on Tuesdays. After sending the note, the sheet will be marked with a date and the word ‘sent’. Sue will connect with Darla on the details.
4. Bookmark:
Dave has an idea of using a pineapple symbol (hospitality) and the Vision on the bookmark. We will enlist help from Bryan after the holidays.
5. Welcome Brochures:
The new brochures are in the pews and look great. We discussed other materials made available. How much information do newcomers need (is the full welcome packet necessary or overwhelming?)? How many brochures should be in the pew racks? Who has oversight? Rick will discuss with SL&W.
6. Church signage:
We took a stroll around the church, noting existing signage and speculating on what might improve it. We particularly noticed the lack in the Narthex. Dave will continue the ‘inventory’ process.
7. Hospitality Moments:
From last month’s minutes: “We will provide the next hospitality moment in January. An idea is to use quotes from the Bible that reference welcome.”
8. Growth Group Membership:
Each member will talk with 1 person about the Growth Group and the possibility of joining before the next meeting. Sue talked with Sara Bloom, a new member. She would be glad to be a resource to our group. We discussed inviting her to a meeting so that we can hear her perspective and suggestions.
Next meeting: Monday, January 10, 2011
Music Committee
Meeting Minutes of December 2, 2010
Present: Shirley Curry, Kim Early, Anna O’Connor, Sheryl Kieran, Peg Carmichael, and Trudi Bakke.
1. October Minutes - reviewed and accepted.
2. Updates:
• Chairs – The Eskimos have donated $400. to start purchasing chairs for the choir room. Shirley will order the first batch of chairs. The Music Committee has requested a new line in the budget for the remaining batches of chairs.
• Robe Repair – Trudi is working on the Children’s Choir robe repairs.
3. The 2011 proposed budget was handed out. It has already been submitted to Cyndi Alden.
4. Christmas Vespers will be held on December 12th from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. The committee agreed to volunteer to do/bring the following:
• Request table set-up – Kim
• Tablecloths and Paper Products – Sheryl
• Centerpiece - Anna
• Hot Cider – Kim, Peg, Anna
• Tea and Half & Half – Anna
• Cookies – Kim, Trudi, Sheryl, Peg
Trudi will make a pulpit announcement regarding the vesper service on Dec. 5th and will ask Elsa to make one on Dec. 12th. Kim will look for volunteers to hand out programs at both entrances to the sanctuary for the service.
5. Other business:
• Shirley reported that David Wallace has consulted on the organ shutters. He thinks he can work on the shutters to make improvements.
• The 10:00 Christmas Eve service is in good shape and Shirley is still working on the 7:00 service.
• The number of children in the Children’s choir continues to be an issue. The committee discussed the possibility of no choir and keeping the choir, but not singing every month. This could give the children a longer practice timeframe so they could perhaps sing on their own without the adult choir,
The next meeting is set for March 3, 2011.
Present: Shirley Curry, Kim Early, Anna O’Connor, Sheryl Kieran, Peg Carmichael, and Trudi Bakke.
1. October Minutes - reviewed and accepted.
2. Updates:
• Chairs – The Eskimos have donated $400. to start purchasing chairs for the choir room. Shirley will order the first batch of chairs. The Music Committee has requested a new line in the budget for the remaining batches of chairs.
• Robe Repair – Trudi is working on the Children’s Choir robe repairs.
3. The 2011 proposed budget was handed out. It has already been submitted to Cyndi Alden.
4. Christmas Vespers will be held on December 12th from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. The committee agreed to volunteer to do/bring the following:
• Request table set-up – Kim
• Tablecloths and Paper Products – Sheryl
• Centerpiece - Anna
• Hot Cider – Kim, Peg, Anna
• Tea and Half & Half – Anna
• Cookies – Kim, Trudi, Sheryl, Peg
Trudi will make a pulpit announcement regarding the vesper service on Dec. 5th and will ask Elsa to make one on Dec. 12th. Kim will look for volunteers to hand out programs at both entrances to the sanctuary for the service.
5. Other business:
• Shirley reported that David Wallace has consulted on the organ shutters. He thinks he can work on the shutters to make improvements.
• The 10:00 Christmas Eve service is in good shape and Shirley is still working on the 7:00 service.
• The number of children in the Children’s choir continues to be an issue. The committee discussed the possibility of no choir and keeping the choir, but not singing every month. This could give the children a longer practice timeframe so they could perhaps sing on their own without the adult choir,
The next meeting is set for March 3, 2011.
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
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
Administration Team
Meeting Minutes of December 2, 2010
Recorder: Ron Bennett
Present: Ron Bennett, Guy Gledhill, Chris Mills, Rod Redstone and Cyndi Alden (Business Manager).
Call to Order: Guy called the meeting to order at 7:07 pm. Ron agreed to record this meeting and run the next meeting in January.
Minutes of the Admin Team November 4, 2010 meeting: reviewed and accepted as written.
OLD BUSINESS:
Financial Statements and Budget: Financial results through November 30 were presented by Cyndi. The year is 92% complete. Revenues are at 90.3% of year’s budget. Decrease in revenues is due to reduced tenant rental income and reduced room rental income.
Expenses are at 90.8% of year’s budget. Decrease in expenses is due to lower spending by each of the teams. The most significant item affecting the A Team is reduction in utilities (fuel oil) which is at 68.7% of the year’s budget at November 30. Because fuel oil for 2011 will probably be over budget due to significantly rising prices, a decision was made to completely fill the oil tanks at the end of 2010.
Tenant Update: Tenant at 509 Sawyer Street house is unlikely to be able to pay our previously suggested rent increase in January according to Cyndi.
A new tenant will be occupying the first floor commercial unit at 331 Cottage Road for an artist studio. Rent is $1,200 per month and could begin by mid-December 2010. No repairs will be required. Guy indicated that we will consider installing a programmable thermostat in the first floor unit.
Insurance Renewals: No discussion.
Team Member Replacement: Ron stated that Scott Stacey has indicated that he would like to become a member of the A team in June. He will attend the next meeting to get to know the members.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Counting: No report. All appears to be going well.
House: Guy reported the following:
• The east wall of Guptill Hall is continuing to blister. It is being continually evaluated to determine if the wall is leaking. If it is leaking through porous concrete, outside excavation might be required to apply sealing.
• The steeple repairs of last summer appear to be successful in keeping water out.
• A suggestion was made to set the sanctuary thermostat lower by 2 degrees on Sunday mornings. Two team members indicated that the sanctuary was too hot the past few Sundays.
Planned Giving: Ron indicated that he is working on a fourth article to appear in an upcoming issue of the Beacon.
NEW BUSINESS:
There was discussion of an email from Elsa to Jim & Cyndi on November 16 concerning the Cornerstone Fund. It appears to be mutual fund tied in to the UCC that promises a rate of return on a five year investment of 4.5% vs. 3% for five year CD’s. To receive the extra1.5% return, an investor must designate a “give-back” gift of at least 10% to a UCC church. The fund’s securities are not insured by the FDIC or any other entity. The members of the A team were somewhat concerned about promoting this type of investment idea without more information. Ron agreed to discuss the Cornerstone Fund with Elsa.
Date of Next Meeting: Thursday January 6 at 7:00 p.m.
Meeting adjourned 7:51 p.m.
Recorder: Ron Bennett
Present: Ron Bennett, Guy Gledhill, Chris Mills, Rod Redstone and Cyndi Alden (Business Manager).
Call to Order: Guy called the meeting to order at 7:07 pm. Ron agreed to record this meeting and run the next meeting in January.
Minutes of the Admin Team November 4, 2010 meeting: reviewed and accepted as written.
OLD BUSINESS:
Financial Statements and Budget: Financial results through November 30 were presented by Cyndi. The year is 92% complete. Revenues are at 90.3% of year’s budget. Decrease in revenues is due to reduced tenant rental income and reduced room rental income.
Expenses are at 90.8% of year’s budget. Decrease in expenses is due to lower spending by each of the teams. The most significant item affecting the A Team is reduction in utilities (fuel oil) which is at 68.7% of the year’s budget at November 30. Because fuel oil for 2011 will probably be over budget due to significantly rising prices, a decision was made to completely fill the oil tanks at the end of 2010.
Tenant Update: Tenant at 509 Sawyer Street house is unlikely to be able to pay our previously suggested rent increase in January according to Cyndi.
A new tenant will be occupying the first floor commercial unit at 331 Cottage Road for an artist studio. Rent is $1,200 per month and could begin by mid-December 2010. No repairs will be required. Guy indicated that we will consider installing a programmable thermostat in the first floor unit.
Insurance Renewals: No discussion.
Team Member Replacement: Ron stated that Scott Stacey has indicated that he would like to become a member of the A team in June. He will attend the next meeting to get to know the members.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Counting: No report. All appears to be going well.
House: Guy reported the following:
• The east wall of Guptill Hall is continuing to blister. It is being continually evaluated to determine if the wall is leaking. If it is leaking through porous concrete, outside excavation might be required to apply sealing.
• The steeple repairs of last summer appear to be successful in keeping water out.
• A suggestion was made to set the sanctuary thermostat lower by 2 degrees on Sunday mornings. Two team members indicated that the sanctuary was too hot the past few Sundays.
Planned Giving: Ron indicated that he is working on a fourth article to appear in an upcoming issue of the Beacon.
NEW BUSINESS:
There was discussion of an email from Elsa to Jim & Cyndi on November 16 concerning the Cornerstone Fund. It appears to be mutual fund tied in to the UCC that promises a rate of return on a five year investment of 4.5% vs. 3% for five year CD’s. To receive the extra1.5% return, an investor must designate a “give-back” gift of at least 10% to a UCC church. The fund’s securities are not insured by the FDIC or any other entity. The members of the A team were somewhat concerned about promoting this type of investment idea without more information. Ron agreed to discuss the Cornerstone Fund with Elsa.
Date of Next Meeting: Thursday January 6 at 7:00 p.m.
Meeting adjourned 7:51 p.m.
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