Meeting Minutes - February 25, 2010
Present: Chris Keiter, John McCall, Andy Ellis, Bob Morse, Chris Dow, Matt Early, Elsa Peters, Sally Hinckley, Dave Allen, Carrie Skeffington, Roger Addor.
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Chris Keiter. Roger opened with a short essay on the use of the 86,400 seconds we are allotted each day, followed by a prayer.
Minutes for January were reviewed and adopted.
Minister’s Time: John was pleased to report that Sue Stevens, a long time active member of our congregation, is starting a formal process to become a Commissioned Minister within the Maine Conference of the United Church of Christ.
Elsa reported that the Adult Faith Formation class is using a new curriculum during the Lenten season.
Budget: Chris reported on the successful completion and congregational acceptance of the 2010 church budget.
The Budget Committee, as a follow-up to the budget just passed, is working on a way to incorporate into the 2011 budget an accounting of monies raised and used by groups not currently included, e.g. the Holly Daze Bazaar and the Discovery Center. There was a lot of discussion about what this change means. Chris will develop a sample of what that might look like to help further the discussion.
The Budget Committee is also entertaining ideas for new fund raising possibilities. Sally Hinckley and Carrie Skeffington will work with Chris on this.
Website Design: Requests For Proposals (RFPs) for updating our website were sent to six website companies. Responses are due back by March 5th.
Annual Meeting: The date agreed upon is May 23. The meeting will be held immediately after service.
Sanctuary Railing: Eben Marsh, from the Administration Team, took us to the sanctuary to describe the railings that have been proposed for the stairs that go from the main sanctuary level to the first level of the chancel. The Council liked the design and thinks that it is a worth while effort. The projected cost is $2,500. A total of $1,300 has already been pledged, including $1,000 from Dick and Barbara Merrill (many thanks!) The Council discussed and approved having the Administration Team solicit the remaining funds from the congregation.
Bulletin Boards: A request through Bob Morse by the Eskimos to be able to set up an easel to publicize events was turned down. This means of communication has been considered before by the Council and rejected as being too intrusive. The need for a review of effective use of current bulletin board space, with the agreement that space should be offered to the Eskimos, was recognized. Elsa agreed to pursue the review.
Christ Kids Club Fundraiser: Elsa submitted a completed Fundraiser Form to allow the Club to sell tickets for a church dinner to be held on Saturday, May 1. They will be in charge of ticket sales and in the preparation and serving of the meal. Proceeds are to go to Haiti relief. The Council gave its approval
Church Vision: Elsa reported that the Vision Committee has come up with a set of six questions which will be presented to all church members. The Committee plans to use the responses to draft a vision statement, with fall homecoming as a completion target.
Pastor Parish Relationship Report: The document “Reflecting on Our Ministry,” which had been distributed to Council members by Ken Ross and Mandy Schumaker at last month’s council meeting, was opened for further discussion of the evaluation process. The consensus appears to be, both from the minister’s and the Pastoral Parish Relations Committee point of view, that this newly developed format, although quite exhaustive and time consuming, served as an effective means of refocusing an array of attributes central to an effective ministry and to the better incorporation of the laity in achieving goals. Parish Relations has recommended a four or five year interval for repeating the process; they will check in with John and Elsa about every 6 months regarding their development objectives.
Other Business: Spiritual Life and Worship submitted the name of Frank Arsenault to become a member of the Class of 2012. Council approved.
The Food Pantry requested approval to distribute brochures on healthy eating. This allows them to apply for a $500 grant, to the benefit of the Pantry. Council approved.
Discussion of the article “From Stressed to Blessed,” distributed by Elsa for discussion this month, was postponed until the March meeting.
Adjourned: 8:27 p.m.
Recorder: Roger Addor
Showing posts with label February 2010. Show all posts
Showing posts with label February 2010. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Administration Team
Meeting Minutes of February 4, 2010
Present: Ron Bennett, Deb Sandler, Guy Gledhill, Chris Mills, Rod Redstone and Jim Otis.
Excused: Eben Marsh and Cyndi Alden (Business Manager).
The meeting was called to order by the Meeting Chair Ron Bennett at 7:05 p.m. Jim Otis was appointed Meeting Secretary and Chair for the next meeting.
The minutes of the January 7, 2010 meeting were reviewed and accepted.
Old Business:
Financial Statements and Budget: We reviewed our financial statements and budget for the period January 1 through February 4, 2010. There was a $(9,962) loss for this period vs. a budgeted loss of $(27,284) for the calendar year. Given the seasonality of certain expenses and accelerated payments of other expenses, we felt the variances were reasonable and we concluded that we are on track at this time. We happily noted that we have received 101% of the budgeted Previous Year’s Pledges.
Tenant review: 1.) 331 Cottage Road: The downstairs is currently rented for $1,200 per month to a commercial tenant and things are going fine. The upstairs residential tenant has left after many years and we are currently seeking proposals to rehab the space so it can be rented again (see House Committee report below for details). 2.) 509 Sawyer Street: We have a residential tenant leasing on a (temporary) reduced rent of $700 per month.
Chancel Rail Proposal: We noted that our Procurement Policy calls for 2 proposals if the proposed expenditure is estimated to be $500 to $2,500 and 3 proposals if the estimated cost is $,2500 to $10,000. We felt this could go either way. We reviewed a very similar proposal provided to FCC in early 2007 from Thomas Pittman, Cabinetmaker, for $3,000. Eben Marsh also contacted Wright Ryan (WR), a local reputable contractor and they have submitted a detailed proposal (with a schematic drawing) for $2,500. We discussed this extensively and felt comfortable in awarding the contract to WR, subject to: Council concurrence, congregation feedback and oversight by Eben Marsh (he offered to do this-thanks Eben!). We also noted that the WR drawing reflects different style ballisters than the present ballisters which extend across the chancel. We would like Eben to contact WR and see if they can modify the design to match the ballisters and provide us with an updated schematic drawing (before our March meeting) that we can use when we show this to the congregation. Eben should also ask if this will result in any additional cost. We are also planning to put an article in the Beacon.
Committee Reports:
Counting: Peggy Murray didn’t submit a formal report, but she has been nicely organizing the counters and related scheduling.
House: The House Committee has been very busy recently with the upstairs at 331 Cottage Road. They have inspected the premises carefully and have designed an RFP which includes numerous work items to bring this one (1) bedroom residential unit up to rentable status. Notable items include correcting the front entrance, new kitchen, bathroom remodeling, painting and new electrical plugs and CO2/smoke detectors. We noted that the Committee has done an amazing job. The RFP has been sent out to 3 vendors, with one (1) proposal received so far. We discussed the need to have three (3) proposals and Rod offered to provide another possible vendor (which he has done already!). We hope to have 3 proposals to evaluate at our March meeting. We also expressed a concern about the overall cost of improving the space to obtain estimated rental income of $750/month.
Planned Giving (PG): Ron submitted a second article for the Beacon and we all commended him on the quality of the articles. Ron also mentioned that Allen Bosch volunteered to assist the PG Committee. Allen has a lot of experience with planned giving in churches and educational institutions.
Web Site Subcommittee (WSS): Guy and Rod have been serving on this subcommittee. Rod indicated that he won’t be able to attend the 5:00 p.m. meetings due to parenting obligations, but Guy will continue to attend these. Rod and Guy mentioned that feedback on the proposed web site design RFP was sought and provided by church members. They noted that the final RFP was being sent out today or tomorrow to 5 vendors. The proposals should be received by March 5. The WSS will apparently receive the proposals, evaluate them and make a recommendation to the A Team.
New Business:
Growth Group Request: Chair Dave Allen asked Jim Otis for advice on how to address the issue of a lack of signage around the church. Jim said that he would bring this to the A Team for discussion. We all agreed that signage was a good idea so that we can be as user friendly as possible to our members and guests. Chair Guy of the House Committee said that his Committee would discuss this at their next meeting and take appropriate action and coordinate things with Dave and the Growth Committee.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:01 p.m.
The next AT meeting will be held on Thursday, March 4, 2010.
Respectfully submitted by: Jim Otis, Meeting Secretary
Present: Ron Bennett, Deb Sandler, Guy Gledhill, Chris Mills, Rod Redstone and Jim Otis.
Excused: Eben Marsh and Cyndi Alden (Business Manager).
The meeting was called to order by the Meeting Chair Ron Bennett at 7:05 p.m. Jim Otis was appointed Meeting Secretary and Chair for the next meeting.
The minutes of the January 7, 2010 meeting were reviewed and accepted.
Old Business:
Financial Statements and Budget: We reviewed our financial statements and budget for the period January 1 through February 4, 2010. There was a $(9,962) loss for this period vs. a budgeted loss of $(27,284) for the calendar year. Given the seasonality of certain expenses and accelerated payments of other expenses, we felt the variances were reasonable and we concluded that we are on track at this time. We happily noted that we have received 101% of the budgeted Previous Year’s Pledges.
Tenant review: 1.) 331 Cottage Road: The downstairs is currently rented for $1,200 per month to a commercial tenant and things are going fine. The upstairs residential tenant has left after many years and we are currently seeking proposals to rehab the space so it can be rented again (see House Committee report below for details). 2.) 509 Sawyer Street: We have a residential tenant leasing on a (temporary) reduced rent of $700 per month.
Chancel Rail Proposal: We noted that our Procurement Policy calls for 2 proposals if the proposed expenditure is estimated to be $500 to $2,500 and 3 proposals if the estimated cost is $,2500 to $10,000. We felt this could go either way. We reviewed a very similar proposal provided to FCC in early 2007 from Thomas Pittman, Cabinetmaker, for $3,000. Eben Marsh also contacted Wright Ryan (WR), a local reputable contractor and they have submitted a detailed proposal (with a schematic drawing) for $2,500. We discussed this extensively and felt comfortable in awarding the contract to WR, subject to: Council concurrence, congregation feedback and oversight by Eben Marsh (he offered to do this-thanks Eben!). We also noted that the WR drawing reflects different style ballisters than the present ballisters which extend across the chancel. We would like Eben to contact WR and see if they can modify the design to match the ballisters and provide us with an updated schematic drawing (before our March meeting) that we can use when we show this to the congregation. Eben should also ask if this will result in any additional cost. We are also planning to put an article in the Beacon.
Committee Reports:
Counting: Peggy Murray didn’t submit a formal report, but she has been nicely organizing the counters and related scheduling.
House: The House Committee has been very busy recently with the upstairs at 331 Cottage Road. They have inspected the premises carefully and have designed an RFP which includes numerous work items to bring this one (1) bedroom residential unit up to rentable status. Notable items include correcting the front entrance, new kitchen, bathroom remodeling, painting and new electrical plugs and CO2/smoke detectors. We noted that the Committee has done an amazing job. The RFP has been sent out to 3 vendors, with one (1) proposal received so far. We discussed the need to have three (3) proposals and Rod offered to provide another possible vendor (which he has done already!). We hope to have 3 proposals to evaluate at our March meeting. We also expressed a concern about the overall cost of improving the space to obtain estimated rental income of $750/month.
Planned Giving (PG): Ron submitted a second article for the Beacon and we all commended him on the quality of the articles. Ron also mentioned that Allen Bosch volunteered to assist the PG Committee. Allen has a lot of experience with planned giving in churches and educational institutions.
Web Site Subcommittee (WSS): Guy and Rod have been serving on this subcommittee. Rod indicated that he won’t be able to attend the 5:00 p.m. meetings due to parenting obligations, but Guy will continue to attend these. Rod and Guy mentioned that feedback on the proposed web site design RFP was sought and provided by church members. They noted that the final RFP was being sent out today or tomorrow to 5 vendors. The proposals should be received by March 5. The WSS will apparently receive the proposals, evaluate them and make a recommendation to the A Team.
New Business:
Growth Group Request: Chair Dave Allen asked Jim Otis for advice on how to address the issue of a lack of signage around the church. Jim said that he would bring this to the A Team for discussion. We all agreed that signage was a good idea so that we can be as user friendly as possible to our members and guests. Chair Guy of the House Committee said that his Committee would discuss this at their next meeting and take appropriate action and coordinate things with Dave and the Growth Committee.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:01 p.m.
The next AT meeting will be held on Thursday, March 4, 2010.
Respectfully submitted by: Jim Otis, Meeting Secretary
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Mission and Outreach
Meeting Minutes of February 4, 2010
Present: Laurie Cary, Mike Kasputes, Maureen Clancy, Sandy Dyer.
Opening Reading: Sandy read from Life Tides “Kaleidoscope”. A selection which drew our attention as being a part of the whole, and trusting in the unity of the whole.
January Minutes were accepted as written.
Treasurer’s Report: No financial report was available. However, the new Fund Raising Form process developed by the Council was discussed, including the asking of donations as being part of that process. Laurie reviewed the Haiti disaster relief efforts, which included a contribution to the UCC of $1500. In addition there are opportunities through One Great Hour of Sharing plus an advance of $500 to Konbit Sante designated to earthquake relief. An open discussion of some of the challenges occurring in Haiti concluded the report.
Minister’s Moments: Elsa Peters - Elsa focused on some of her involvement in the greater community:
• What’s our vision as a community? This question arose from Pastor Parish Relations. The Council has created a group to discover a definition of our Vision. To articulate what we are and where we are going. This relates to the Mission Outreach Team. The initial time frame is for a draft in the next 3 to 6 months, but the process is open ended.
• The November marriage vote continues to draw attention. There is work being done in the secular area (Equality Maine) as well as in some religious groups. These include the Progressive Clergy of Portland which John and Elsa attend. Some of the focus is on the teaching of marriage inclusion as we have done here at Meetinghouse Hill FCC.
• She engaged in the employee protest at the Front Room over workers rights. Rock Maine a labor organizing group is coordinating efforts. Elsa had an opinion carried on the editorial page of the January 29, 2010 edition of the Portland Press.
Old Business:
• The next Micah Project is set for the 6th of March. Laurie, Maureen, and Sandy will call to find 12 volunteers. Maureen will get a request for volunteers in the next Beacon. The location for the Habitat for Humanity project is still unknown. We will be departing the church at 8:30. If we have more than 12 volunteers, we’ll attempt to set-up another Habitat project date. Volunteers will need to bring lunch, snacks, and water.
• Coffee hours went well on the 10th and 17th of January. Fair Trade Coffee orders were strong during the coffee hours. Delivery will be around the 14th of February. Sign-ups for projects included the Reynolds, Herb and Evie Strom, and a new Children’s Closet volunteer. The Food Pantry needs volunteers this winter. The pantry is an on demand system where the volunteer of the day is called in to fill a bag (3 meals for 2 days for the family size). The team feels that the coffee hour hosting was beneficial and should be done again next year.
• The Children’s Closet (9 to 11 a.m. first and third Wed. and Sat. of each month) came up with new rules to curb the impulsive over taking of clothes offered. They are working to implement the new rules. They may not need to replace Jen since the team is dividing up responsibilities. They could still use more volunteers and donations.
• The Dafur information is tabled for this month.
Other Discussion:
• Wayside Soup Kitchen: Laurie received a letter on transitioning over into the Preble Street program for volunteers. Wayside is also looking to create a mobile food pantry.
• The Florence house, a facility for both permanent and temporary women, located at the base of Maine Med – on or near Valley Street will need volunteers. Micah may help on a one time project at the Florence house. They will need servers on a regular basis. That request will be passed onto Karen Mooney of the Soup Kitchen committee here at FCC.
• Maureen shared her experience and knowledge of Amistad at St. Dom’s on State Street. This is a restaurant luncheon program focused toward work experience and social interaction for people with a mental disability. The program participants serve the public. Should we support Amistad?
• The South Portland Cape Elizabeth Emergency Food Pantry would like a food collection done later in the spring. A potential for the next food drive is May or June.
• The Azande group, connected with World Vision with a program operating in Sudan for refugees, delivers school supplies in that region of the world. Should we consider this for a donation in March? For more information: www.azandeorganization.org
• Laurie will pull together an article for the Beacon regarding the One Great Hour of Sharing on 3/21/10. This is a UCC offering that goes to international charity.
• Should we invite representatives of the groups we support during the year to attend some of our mission meetings? This would be an opportunity for each group to update the committee on their current programs and needs.
Thank-you Notes Received:
• The South Portland Cape Elizabeth Emergency Food Pantry, in thanks for the Maine Special Support and Mission Mall. Including the cash donation of December 2009, and the Holly Daze Bizarre.
• Opportunity Farm for the cash donation.
• Animal Refuge League in thanks for the Mission Mall.
• Long Creek Youth Center in thanks for the Christmas Giving Tree presents.
Closing Reading: Sandy read from Life Tides - “let us dance in the flame that we see”.
Recorder: Mike Kasputes
Next Meeting: March 4th.
Opening/Closing Prayer: Richard Parker
Recorder: Sandy Dyer
Present: Laurie Cary, Mike Kasputes, Maureen Clancy, Sandy Dyer.
Opening Reading: Sandy read from Life Tides “Kaleidoscope”. A selection which drew our attention as being a part of the whole, and trusting in the unity of the whole.
January Minutes were accepted as written.
Treasurer’s Report: No financial report was available. However, the new Fund Raising Form process developed by the Council was discussed, including the asking of donations as being part of that process. Laurie reviewed the Haiti disaster relief efforts, which included a contribution to the UCC of $1500. In addition there are opportunities through One Great Hour of Sharing plus an advance of $500 to Konbit Sante designated to earthquake relief. An open discussion of some of the challenges occurring in Haiti concluded the report.
Minister’s Moments: Elsa Peters - Elsa focused on some of her involvement in the greater community:
• What’s our vision as a community? This question arose from Pastor Parish Relations. The Council has created a group to discover a definition of our Vision. To articulate what we are and where we are going. This relates to the Mission Outreach Team. The initial time frame is for a draft in the next 3 to 6 months, but the process is open ended.
• The November marriage vote continues to draw attention. There is work being done in the secular area (Equality Maine) as well as in some religious groups. These include the Progressive Clergy of Portland which John and Elsa attend. Some of the focus is on the teaching of marriage inclusion as we have done here at Meetinghouse Hill FCC.
• She engaged in the employee protest at the Front Room over workers rights. Rock Maine a labor organizing group is coordinating efforts. Elsa had an opinion carried on the editorial page of the January 29, 2010 edition of the Portland Press.
Old Business:
• The next Micah Project is set for the 6th of March. Laurie, Maureen, and Sandy will call to find 12 volunteers. Maureen will get a request for volunteers in the next Beacon. The location for the Habitat for Humanity project is still unknown. We will be departing the church at 8:30. If we have more than 12 volunteers, we’ll attempt to set-up another Habitat project date. Volunteers will need to bring lunch, snacks, and water.
• Coffee hours went well on the 10th and 17th of January. Fair Trade Coffee orders were strong during the coffee hours. Delivery will be around the 14th of February. Sign-ups for projects included the Reynolds, Herb and Evie Strom, and a new Children’s Closet volunteer. The Food Pantry needs volunteers this winter. The pantry is an on demand system where the volunteer of the day is called in to fill a bag (3 meals for 2 days for the family size). The team feels that the coffee hour hosting was beneficial and should be done again next year.
• The Children’s Closet (9 to 11 a.m. first and third Wed. and Sat. of each month) came up with new rules to curb the impulsive over taking of clothes offered. They are working to implement the new rules. They may not need to replace Jen since the team is dividing up responsibilities. They could still use more volunteers and donations.
• The Dafur information is tabled for this month.
Other Discussion:
• Wayside Soup Kitchen: Laurie received a letter on transitioning over into the Preble Street program for volunteers. Wayside is also looking to create a mobile food pantry.
• The Florence house, a facility for both permanent and temporary women, located at the base of Maine Med – on or near Valley Street will need volunteers. Micah may help on a one time project at the Florence house. They will need servers on a regular basis. That request will be passed onto Karen Mooney of the Soup Kitchen committee here at FCC.
• Maureen shared her experience and knowledge of Amistad at St. Dom’s on State Street. This is a restaurant luncheon program focused toward work experience and social interaction for people with a mental disability. The program participants serve the public. Should we support Amistad?
• The South Portland Cape Elizabeth Emergency Food Pantry would like a food collection done later in the spring. A potential for the next food drive is May or June.
• The Azande group, connected with World Vision with a program operating in Sudan for refugees, delivers school supplies in that region of the world. Should we consider this for a donation in March? For more information: www.azandeorganization.org
• Laurie will pull together an article for the Beacon regarding the One Great Hour of Sharing on 3/21/10. This is a UCC offering that goes to international charity.
• Should we invite representatives of the groups we support during the year to attend some of our mission meetings? This would be an opportunity for each group to update the committee on their current programs and needs.
Thank-you Notes Received:
• The South Portland Cape Elizabeth Emergency Food Pantry, in thanks for the Maine Special Support and Mission Mall. Including the cash donation of December 2009, and the Holly Daze Bizarre.
• Opportunity Farm for the cash donation.
• Animal Refuge League in thanks for the Mission Mall.
• Long Creek Youth Center in thanks for the Christmas Giving Tree presents.
Closing Reading: Sandy read from Life Tides - “let us dance in the flame that we see”.
Recorder: Mike Kasputes
Next Meeting: March 4th.
Opening/Closing Prayer: Richard Parker
Recorder: Sandy Dyer
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Music Committee
Meeting Minutes of February 4, 2010
Present: Shirley Curry, Kim Early, Anna O’Connor, and Trudi Bakke
1. Reviewed and accepted December Minutes.
2. Updates:
• Shirley reported to the committee about the Christmas Vespers program.
• The newly passed 2010 budget was distributed.
• The description of the Reed organ was e-mailed to Sue Stevens at the conference for publication in the next ACE newsletter.
3. The committee discussed names of possible new members. Anna will talk with Beth Hess and Kim will talk with Peg Carmichael, Karen Emery, and Christi Cannell.
4. Easter refreshments will be provided for the choir on Easter Sunday between the two services in the choir kitchen. Somewhere around 25 people will be present. The committee will e-mail more specifics in the weeks to come.
5. Shirley will be away from the church the five Sundays in August. She will work on arranging for a substitute organist.
6. Shirley reported that the Council has held a conversation regarding the use of the sanctuary for concerts by outside groups and would like to see something of their conversation in writing. Kim will contact Chris Keiter to ask if the Council can put their guidelines into a written paragraph.
7. Other business:
• Shirley reported that she has paid for the piano light, music stand, and Good Friday music.
• Sometime this spring or next fall, Shirley would like the red children’s choir robes repaired and washed. Trudi has volunteered to do this – thanks!
• The chairs in the choir kitchen will need to be replaced. This does not need to happen all at once, but perhaps a handful a year. The committee discussed if we should request a new line item in the 2011 budget for this purpose or check with the Trustees to find out if it would be a capital expenditure.
• For the Good Friday service, Shirley is interested in having a large, rough looking cross (3x3 or 4x4) made for the processional.
The next meeting is set for May 6th.
Present: Shirley Curry, Kim Early, Anna O’Connor, and Trudi Bakke
1. Reviewed and accepted December Minutes.
2. Updates:
• Shirley reported to the committee about the Christmas Vespers program.
• The newly passed 2010 budget was distributed.
• The description of the Reed organ was e-mailed to Sue Stevens at the conference for publication in the next ACE newsletter.
3. The committee discussed names of possible new members. Anna will talk with Beth Hess and Kim will talk with Peg Carmichael, Karen Emery, and Christi Cannell.
4. Easter refreshments will be provided for the choir on Easter Sunday between the two services in the choir kitchen. Somewhere around 25 people will be present. The committee will e-mail more specifics in the weeks to come.
5. Shirley will be away from the church the five Sundays in August. She will work on arranging for a substitute organist.
6. Shirley reported that the Council has held a conversation regarding the use of the sanctuary for concerts by outside groups and would like to see something of their conversation in writing. Kim will contact Chris Keiter to ask if the Council can put their guidelines into a written paragraph.
7. Other business:
• Shirley reported that she has paid for the piano light, music stand, and Good Friday music.
• Sometime this spring or next fall, Shirley would like the red children’s choir robes repaired and washed. Trudi has volunteered to do this – thanks!
• The chairs in the choir kitchen will need to be replaced. This does not need to happen all at once, but perhaps a handful a year. The committee discussed if we should request a new line item in the 2011 budget for this purpose or check with the Trustees to find out if it would be a capital expenditure.
• For the Good Friday service, Shirley is interested in having a large, rough looking cross (3x3 or 4x4) made for the processional.
The next meeting is set for May 6th.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Education Growth and Fellowship
Meeting Minutes of February 4, 2010
Team members attending: Ginny Gledhill, Carolyn Foster, Karen Pierce, Margaret Thibodeau, Jana Frank, Elsa Peters.
The meeting began with the approval of the January Minutes.
The Team reviewed the FCCUCC website proposal. Members of the Team were supportive of the idea, and had no questions or additional suggestions at this point.
The church office was missing several of the past Minutes from 2009. Karen was able to bring them to our meeting, and Margaret will pass them along to Jen in the office.
Aaron had informed the Team that YM was not planning to provide childcare during the Easter service as they had in 2009. Elsa said that the Sunday School teachers were expecting to have that Sunday off to attend worship. Feedback from 2009 indicated that most parents were happy to have their children in worship on Easter. The Team will look into making sure there is coverage for preschool and nursery age children.
Jana explained an ongoing concern for Coffee Hour. There is a visitor with mental challenges who frequents Wright Pavilion during the set-up and serving of Coffee Hour. This person can become demanding and agitated, causing coffee hour volunteers to experience caution and anxiety. The Team discussed the challenge of supporting our open, affirming atmosphere at Church, versus the right of all people who attend to be respected and treated fairly. The best solution the Team could come up with at this time, is to request that a couple congregation members be available to help re-direct this visitor when necessary. Perhaps a Deacon or Usher could touch base with the Coffee Hour servers to see if they need support around this issue. Margaret will follow-up with the Senior Pastor regarding this concern.
Karen reported that the Library and Scholarship committees are going well. Input for the Scholarship committee indicated that they were to meet on 2/2 to begin the process for this year. They have found two new members to “fill the shoes” of a couple committee members who are leaving after this term. The EG&F Team was appreciative of the Scholarship committee finding new recruits.
Ginny reported that there continues to be adequate coverage in the Nursery. A few parents are sharing the coverage, while others do not volunteer to help. A letter written by Elsa a year ago requesting help by parents in the nursery was read by Ginny, with Team members in agreement that it was appropriate to send out again
Margaret attended the Inquirer’s Meeting in January, and reported five prospective women had expressed interest in joining the Church. New Member Sunday is 2/7, and Randall Landry will take photos.
Elsa reviewed the Faith Formation Update. A subcommittee of the EG&F Team will be formed to assist in the Children’s Faith Formation program. The Team approved a budget request for 100 placemats to be laminated as part of the Lenten curriculum, which the Team expressed enthusiasm about. Other items such as Adult Faith Formation and Confirmation were discussed.
The EG&F Team still hopes to recruit a couple new members.
Upcoming Church events which will involve our Team include the Church Picnic (5/16) and the Confirmation Celebration (6/13).
Our next meeting will be Thursday, March 4, 7:00 p.m.
Recorded by: Margaret Thibodeau
Team members attending: Ginny Gledhill, Carolyn Foster, Karen Pierce, Margaret Thibodeau, Jana Frank, Elsa Peters.
The meeting began with the approval of the January Minutes.
The Team reviewed the FCCUCC website proposal. Members of the Team were supportive of the idea, and had no questions or additional suggestions at this point.
The church office was missing several of the past Minutes from 2009. Karen was able to bring them to our meeting, and Margaret will pass them along to Jen in the office.
Aaron had informed the Team that YM was not planning to provide childcare during the Easter service as they had in 2009. Elsa said that the Sunday School teachers were expecting to have that Sunday off to attend worship. Feedback from 2009 indicated that most parents were happy to have their children in worship on Easter. The Team will look into making sure there is coverage for preschool and nursery age children.
Jana explained an ongoing concern for Coffee Hour. There is a visitor with mental challenges who frequents Wright Pavilion during the set-up and serving of Coffee Hour. This person can become demanding and agitated, causing coffee hour volunteers to experience caution and anxiety. The Team discussed the challenge of supporting our open, affirming atmosphere at Church, versus the right of all people who attend to be respected and treated fairly. The best solution the Team could come up with at this time, is to request that a couple congregation members be available to help re-direct this visitor when necessary. Perhaps a Deacon or Usher could touch base with the Coffee Hour servers to see if they need support around this issue. Margaret will follow-up with the Senior Pastor regarding this concern.
Karen reported that the Library and Scholarship committees are going well. Input for the Scholarship committee indicated that they were to meet on 2/2 to begin the process for this year. They have found two new members to “fill the shoes” of a couple committee members who are leaving after this term. The EG&F Team was appreciative of the Scholarship committee finding new recruits.
Ginny reported that there continues to be adequate coverage in the Nursery. A few parents are sharing the coverage, while others do not volunteer to help. A letter written by Elsa a year ago requesting help by parents in the nursery was read by Ginny, with Team members in agreement that it was appropriate to send out again
Margaret attended the Inquirer’s Meeting in January, and reported five prospective women had expressed interest in joining the Church. New Member Sunday is 2/7, and Randall Landry will take photos.
Elsa reviewed the Faith Formation Update. A subcommittee of the EG&F Team will be formed to assist in the Children’s Faith Formation program. The Team approved a budget request for 100 placemats to be laminated as part of the Lenten curriculum, which the Team expressed enthusiasm about. Other items such as Adult Faith Formation and Confirmation were discussed.
The EG&F Team still hopes to recruit a couple new members.
Upcoming Church events which will involve our Team include the Church Picnic (5/16) and the Confirmation Celebration (6/13).
Our next meeting will be Thursday, March 4, 7:00 p.m.
Recorded by: Margaret Thibodeau
Spiritual Life and Worship
Meeting Minutes – February 4, 2010
(REVISED)
Attending: Frank Arsenault, Betsy Keiter, Debbie Riley, Elaine Brownell, Dana Wiggins, John McCall.
Opening Prayer - by John.
Review of January Minutes - approved with one edit.
John McCall - Upcoming events:
• Feb. 7- Sunday service with communion and reception of new members.
• Feb. 17- Ash Wednesday- SL&W will host breakfast at 7:00 a.m. followed by a 7:30 a.m. service.
• Mar. 21- Hospice Sunday with Rev. Larry Greer giving the sermon with a talk on end of life care in Davidson Lounge after the service.
• Apr. 1 - Maundy Thursday –communion offered at 7:30 p.m. healing service by Elsa and John.
• Apr. 2 - Good Friday Soup supper – hosted by SL&W.
• Apr. 2,3 and 4- Easter vigil - with sign-ups starting on Feb. 21.
• Apr. 4 – Easter
- Sunrise Service – communion offered with 2 needed to assist John.
- Sanctuary services at 9 and 11- no communion in sanctuary offered due to larger attendance and back to back service times (but offered at sunrise service, and Maundy Thursday services).
• June 6 - Founder’s Day with the Elder luncheon.
• June 13 - Confirmation Sunday.
Elsa Peters:
What is our vision for the future of our church? – What does church mean to you?
Lenten theme is “Toward transformation” – Elsa is offering a 6 week Bible study with 2 times offered; Monday evenings at 6:30 to 8:30 and Tuesdays mornings at 10:30 - 12:30 leading with the curriculum she has written and made available electronically, with hard copies available in the office.
SL&W support needed:
• Ash Wednesday (Feb. 17) breakfast was discussed with 25 people expected. Dana and Betsey will meet the evening before to set up (coffee, tea, table settings and toaster at 5:30 p.m. Dana will bring bagels and paper goods Frank and possibly Betsy, Tex and Rick attending 6:45 for 7:00 a.m. breakfast– waiting to see who is free that week and can give help
SL&W Terms of Members - Review of Terms: We're not sure about this rotation but we are filling it in and getting more information so we have it on record.
• Class of 2010– Betsy and Debbie
• Class of 2011 – Rick and Dana
• Class of 2012– Elaine and Tex
• Class of 2013– Frank
Agenda Items for next meeting: Review Ash Wednesday; Elder selection process; Vigil signups
Next Meeting: 7:00 p.m. on March 4 (plan on another meeting Mar. 25- this will be April's meeting moved ahead one week due to Easter events); Prepare agenda and Chair next meeting - Rick; Minutes – Betsy.
Adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dana Wiggins
(REVISED)
Attending: Frank Arsenault, Betsy Keiter, Debbie Riley, Elaine Brownell, Dana Wiggins, John McCall.
Opening Prayer - by John.
Review of January Minutes - approved with one edit.
John McCall - Upcoming events:
• Feb. 7- Sunday service with communion and reception of new members.
• Feb. 17- Ash Wednesday- SL&W will host breakfast at 7:00 a.m. followed by a 7:30 a.m. service.
• Mar. 21- Hospice Sunday with Rev. Larry Greer giving the sermon with a talk on end of life care in Davidson Lounge after the service.
• Apr. 1 - Maundy Thursday –communion offered at 7:30 p.m. healing service by Elsa and John.
• Apr. 2 - Good Friday Soup supper – hosted by SL&W.
• Apr. 2,3 and 4- Easter vigil - with sign-ups starting on Feb. 21.
• Apr. 4 – Easter
- Sunrise Service – communion offered with 2 needed to assist John.
- Sanctuary services at 9 and 11- no communion in sanctuary offered due to larger attendance and back to back service times (but offered at sunrise service, and Maundy Thursday services).
• June 6 - Founder’s Day with the Elder luncheon.
• June 13 - Confirmation Sunday.
Elsa Peters:
What is our vision for the future of our church? – What does church mean to you?
Lenten theme is “Toward transformation” – Elsa is offering a 6 week Bible study with 2 times offered; Monday evenings at 6:30 to 8:30 and Tuesdays mornings at 10:30 - 12:30 leading with the curriculum she has written and made available electronically, with hard copies available in the office.
SL&W support needed:
• Ash Wednesday (Feb. 17) breakfast was discussed with 25 people expected. Dana and Betsey will meet the evening before to set up (coffee, tea, table settings and toaster at 5:30 p.m. Dana will bring bagels and paper goods Frank and possibly Betsy, Tex and Rick attending 6:45 for 7:00 a.m. breakfast– waiting to see who is free that week and can give help
SL&W Terms of Members - Review of Terms: We're not sure about this rotation but we are filling it in and getting more information so we have it on record.
• Class of 2010– Betsy and Debbie
• Class of 2011 – Rick and Dana
• Class of 2012– Elaine and Tex
• Class of 2013– Frank
Agenda Items for next meeting: Review Ash Wednesday; Elder selection process; Vigil signups
Next Meeting: 7:00 p.m. on March 4 (plan on another meeting Mar. 25- this will be April's meeting moved ahead one week due to Easter events); Prepare agenda and Chair next meeting - Rick; Minutes – Betsy.
Adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dana Wiggins
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