Meeting Minutes of June 3, 2010
Attending: John McCall, Dana Wiggins, Rick Angell, Elaine Brownell, Debbie Riley, Betsy Keiter, and Tex Haeuser
May Minutes: Reviewed and approved as corrected.
Opening Prayer: Offered by Tex
Minister's Time:
John and Elsa will be offering a sermon series throughout the Summer, June 27- August 20, titled “First Followers”.
In the fall, John will be offering a 4 part series ~ evening study ~ focused upon either the book of Acts or a more in depth study of some of the first followers of Christ.
Discussed summer worship leader needs and requirements - Worship leaders are needed for the following dates: 6/27, 7/4, 7/11, 7/25, 8/1, 8/8, 8/15, & 8/22. Rick and Betsy will work on finding volunteers. A concern was raised that people may not know what is required of worship leaders.
As a side note: some members of the team expressed a concern that people aren't necessarily reading the electronic version of the Beacon. Perhaps a weekly all church email once a week with fewer articles or go back to paper or try to communicate in multiple ways. Should let Council know our concerns. Maybe have congregation choose again preferred method paper or digital communication. Betsy will let Chris Keiter know about this. (Per Chris, issue should be referred to the Admin Team because it deals with the office.)
New sign for outside: Debbie checked with Vistaprint. Cost is $30.00 single sided 2 ½' x 6. We need to provide image-ready. We decided to replace with duplicate of what had ripped ~ we had double-sided so would need 2 banners = $60.00. Debbie will continue to follow through on this replacement.
Confirmation Sunday: Elsa would like to eliminate the kneeling part of the service. There was good discussion within the Team resulting in a decision to go ahead with the service without having the confirmands kneel. We wonder what other churches are doing.
Elder Luncheon: Planning is in great shape ~ plenty of food is being prepared ~ servers, set-up, and clean-up volunteers are all set. 28 Elders have responded, but we are planning on a few extra just in case.
Tex and Darla will be presenting certificates to the new Elders during worship ~ The Rideouts and Helen Adams.
Homecoming: We've had some success but it may be due to the location we had last year. So, yes, we think it is fruitful. We don't have a problem having the 'fair' being a week later than traditional which would be September 19. We had enthusiastic discussion about scavenger hunt w/ prizes for kids.
FYI: The church is looking into making the Sunday School registration process electronic.
June 27th will begin summer schedule.
Rick Angell will be SL&W contact for the office.
Meeting adjourned 8:15 p.m.
Next Meeting: plan to meet first Thursday in September (9/2/10)
Respectfully submitted by: Betsy Westcott-Keiter
Showing posts with label June 2010. Show all posts
Showing posts with label June 2010. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Stewardship Committee
Meeting Minutes of June 15, 2010
Recorder: Gretchen Reynolds
Opening prayer lead by Gretchen.
Welcomed new addition Bill Campbell.
Touched on recruiting a few more people for Stewardship.
Introduction to stewardship coupled by John McCall and John Shoos/overview of what we do after we believe. Church takes care of the poor; clothing, housing and feeding people. We, as a committee, work to invite people of the congregation to have that sense and give what they can.
Also spoke briefly about the stewardship timeline. How we follow up with pledges, calling people to remind them/ask if they have given a consideration to their pledge this year (if we have not heard from them). Then the Council crafts a budget based on what people plan on giving. Build on what they feel is manageable.
We talked about a few ideas; big banquet, generous givers to come forward, photo book on what is happening in the church and pass it around and seemed to hit on one idea in particular that stuck.
A theme based on One Generation Talks to Another. Where we would have an older member of the church sit up front each week leading up to Consecration Sunday with a younger member in a dialogue of what this church means to them. Memories of the past and glimpses of the future. Print the dialogue each week in a bulletin insert. A few leading questions would be put forth before the service each week to allow the participants to better formulate their exchanges. Thoughts of starting with the older children and finishing with a younger child.
We brainstormed a few people:
• Barry Quinn / Roger Addor
• Phil Whitney
• Lauren Magnuson
• John McCall / Andy Mahoney
On Consecration Sunday restate some of the priceless comments and sum up “what does the church mean to you?”.
We also talked about creating a mural of “what the church means to me” from Sunday school classes.
Looked to meet July 13, 2010 at 7:00 p.m.
Recorder: Gretchen Reynolds
Opening prayer lead by Gretchen.
Welcomed new addition Bill Campbell.
Touched on recruiting a few more people for Stewardship.
Introduction to stewardship coupled by John McCall and John Shoos/overview of what we do after we believe. Church takes care of the poor; clothing, housing and feeding people. We, as a committee, work to invite people of the congregation to have that sense and give what they can.
Also spoke briefly about the stewardship timeline. How we follow up with pledges, calling people to remind them/ask if they have given a consideration to their pledge this year (if we have not heard from them). Then the Council crafts a budget based on what people plan on giving. Build on what they feel is manageable.
We talked about a few ideas; big banquet, generous givers to come forward, photo book on what is happening in the church and pass it around and seemed to hit on one idea in particular that stuck.
A theme based on One Generation Talks to Another. Where we would have an older member of the church sit up front each week leading up to Consecration Sunday with a younger member in a dialogue of what this church means to them. Memories of the past and glimpses of the future. Print the dialogue each week in a bulletin insert. A few leading questions would be put forth before the service each week to allow the participants to better formulate their exchanges. Thoughts of starting with the older children and finishing with a younger child.
We brainstormed a few people:
• Barry Quinn / Roger Addor
• Phil Whitney
• Lauren Magnuson
• John McCall / Andy Mahoney
On Consecration Sunday restate some of the priceless comments and sum up “what does the church mean to you?”.
We also talked about creating a mural of “what the church means to me” from Sunday school classes.
Looked to meet July 13, 2010 at 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Administration Team
Meeting Minutes of June 3, 2010
Recorder: Ron Bennett
Present: Ron Bennett, Deb Sandler, Guy Gledhill, Jim Otis, Chris Mills, Rod Redstone and Cyndi Alden (Business Manager).
Call to Order - Deb called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. Ron agreed to record this meeting and run the next meeting in September.
Minutes of the Admin. Team May 6, 2010 Meeting - reviewed and accepted as written.
OLD BUSINESS:
Financial Statements and Budget: Financial results through June 3 were presented by Cyndi. The year is 42% complete. Revenues stand at 35% of year’s budget, but endowment support of $48,750 had not been requisitioned by Cyndi as of June 3. If it had been received, revenue would be at 45.5%. Most exciting revenue item is the per capita contributions which now stand at 153% of year’s budget.
Expenses are at 44.7% of year’s budget. This appears to be in line as 50% of employee annuity and insurance has been paid. Also, Mission has paid out over 50% of its budget and will reduce second half payments to meet budget.
Tenant Update: Tenant at 509 Sawyer Street house has agreed to now pay $800. per month (up from $700). She will be contacted before year end to hopefully increase rent to $900. A new tenant at 331 Cottage Road has moved in at a rent of $750.
Chancel Railing: An article was inserted in the most recent Beacon describing the railing and requesting additional contributions. No response to date.
Church Signage and Rummage Storage: Guy reported that these issues are in progress. Guy did note that there is available storage area in the basement at 331 Cottage Road that could be used for storing rummage items. Guy will contact the first floor tenant for approval.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Counting: No report. Peggy Murray reported subsequent to the meeting that counting is all set through the summer.
House: Guy reported the following:
• The roof is complete. The total cost exceeded the amount reported last month by $9,000 due to extensive flashing required both at the steeple and at the chimney.
• Two birch trees at 331 Cottage Road will have to be removed as their roots are growing into the foundation.
Planned Giving: Ron’s third article appeared in the most recent Beacon. He will hopefully prepare a fourth article later this summer. Two individuals have indicated to him their intention to provide for the church in their wills.
Website Subcommittee: Guy announced that the web site design and implementation contract has been awarded by the committee.
NEW BUSINESS:
A church member who is an account executive at a local insurance agency has asked to review our property insurance. Ron agreed to contact the member to determine if he wants to be a volunteer consultant or become the church’s insurance agent. If he wants to volunteer his services, he will be invited to meet with the team. If he wants to be chosen as our agent, he will be asked to propose on our contracts next year, because annual policy renewals are due soon, and it would not be prudent to change agents on such short notice.
Date of Next Meeting: Thursday September 9, 2010 at 7 p.m.
Meeting adjourned 7:58 p.m.
Recorder: Ron Bennett
Present: Ron Bennett, Deb Sandler, Guy Gledhill, Jim Otis, Chris Mills, Rod Redstone and Cyndi Alden (Business Manager).
Call to Order - Deb called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. Ron agreed to record this meeting and run the next meeting in September.
Minutes of the Admin. Team May 6, 2010 Meeting - reviewed and accepted as written.
OLD BUSINESS:
Financial Statements and Budget: Financial results through June 3 were presented by Cyndi. The year is 42% complete. Revenues stand at 35% of year’s budget, but endowment support of $48,750 had not been requisitioned by Cyndi as of June 3. If it had been received, revenue would be at 45.5%. Most exciting revenue item is the per capita contributions which now stand at 153% of year’s budget.
Expenses are at 44.7% of year’s budget. This appears to be in line as 50% of employee annuity and insurance has been paid. Also, Mission has paid out over 50% of its budget and will reduce second half payments to meet budget.
Tenant Update: Tenant at 509 Sawyer Street house has agreed to now pay $800. per month (up from $700). She will be contacted before year end to hopefully increase rent to $900. A new tenant at 331 Cottage Road has moved in at a rent of $750.
Chancel Railing: An article was inserted in the most recent Beacon describing the railing and requesting additional contributions. No response to date.
Church Signage and Rummage Storage: Guy reported that these issues are in progress. Guy did note that there is available storage area in the basement at 331 Cottage Road that could be used for storing rummage items. Guy will contact the first floor tenant for approval.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Counting: No report. Peggy Murray reported subsequent to the meeting that counting is all set through the summer.
House: Guy reported the following:
• The roof is complete. The total cost exceeded the amount reported last month by $9,000 due to extensive flashing required both at the steeple and at the chimney.
• Two birch trees at 331 Cottage Road will have to be removed as their roots are growing into the foundation.
Planned Giving: Ron’s third article appeared in the most recent Beacon. He will hopefully prepare a fourth article later this summer. Two individuals have indicated to him their intention to provide for the church in their wills.
Website Subcommittee: Guy announced that the web site design and implementation contract has been awarded by the committee.
NEW BUSINESS:
A church member who is an account executive at a local insurance agency has asked to review our property insurance. Ron agreed to contact the member to determine if he wants to be a volunteer consultant or become the church’s insurance agent. If he wants to volunteer his services, he will be invited to meet with the team. If he wants to be chosen as our agent, he will be asked to propose on our contracts next year, because annual policy renewals are due soon, and it would not be prudent to change agents on such short notice.
Date of Next Meeting: Thursday September 9, 2010 at 7 p.m.
Meeting adjourned 7:58 p.m.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Church Council
Meeting Minutes of June 17, 2010
Recorder: Bob Morse
Present: Roger Addor, David Allen, Chris Dow, Matt Early, Andy Ellis,Sally Hinckley, Chris Keiter, Nancy MacLean, Carl Murphy, Elsa Peters, Carrie Skeffington, Phil Whitney, Bob Morse.
New members not present: Peggy Murray, Robin Reinhold, John Shoos.
Nancy MacLean, Vice Moderator, opened the meeting at 6:35 p.m. Bob Morse read some reflections by Archbishop Oscar Romero.
Introductions - by all for Carl Murphy as a new Council Member.
May Minutes - reviewed and accepted; noted that Food Pantry is already on the list for approved fund-raising in the church.
Minister’s Time:
• John is at a community gathering as the moral voice for the future direction of the city.
• Southern Maine Gay Pride Parade and Festival will take place on Sat., June 19. Our congregation is participating. People are encouraged to meet at Noon at Monument Square.
• John and Elsa will be doing a Summer Sermon Series, “First Followers”, capturing the lives of persons following in the ways of Jesus. They are anticipating building on a theme of discipleship for the coming year.
• Elsa has shared with the Mission Outreach Team that she would like to do an intergenerational Mission Trip to a location in Maine next summer. There will be no upper or lower age limit. There is hope this can be done through the Maine Seacoast Mission. The goal will be home building, with expectations based on type of skill.
Moderator and Vice-Moderator:
• Nancy MacLean shared reasons she is not able to be the Moderator, although she continues for one more year on the Council.
• Chris Keiter shared some of the expectations & his experience in that role. He noted that budget preparation leadership is NOT automatically the Moderator's work.
• There were no volunteers.
• Decision: Nancy MacLean will continue to function as the Moderator through the summer and into the fall. Matt Early will be the Vice Moderator.
• Topic of Moderator and Vice Moderator will be re-introduced.
Homecoming Sunday:
• The Council agreed with Teams that it will be Sunday, September 19. This is one week later than it has been.
• Much discussion about the particular style it should be, primarily around the value of sign-up time at the Homecoming Fair.
• Feeling that it has lost some of its emphasis; not a valuable response for the energy it takes.
• Directions:
- Some may still want to do it; some may not. Group agreed with suggestion that each team have short announcement time spaced throughout the church year at worship services to promote their tasks and ask for volunteers.
- Supervision of refreshments will be handled by EF&G.
- Nancy will get in touch with teams. Word will go out to groups who might like to participate in sign-up opportunities.
• Brainstorms for Sept 19:
- Intergenerational Service with a parade of youth downstairs.
- Church school will begin Sept. 26. Registration will be online.
Church Vision:
• Decision: “FCC-UCC A Christian Family: Welcoming, Loving, Serving.”
• Much discussion about how this will be presented to the congregation. Decision: Report in the “Beacon” that the Vision Survey was initiated by the Council, Elsa was chair of the team, this is what we did, if there are comments we would like to hear them.
Volunteerism:
• EF&G needs three persons. Stewardship needs one person.
• Phil Whitney has made 21 calls to new members. Much appreciation expressed for all that he has done.
• Much discussion: Some areas:
- How are volunteers sought out and selected?
- Why are there often openings on some teams and not on others?
- Is the new governance approach to filling teams working?
- The structure of a Nominating Committee is relatively efficient; at least everyone gets only one telephone call. How do you prevent someone being called multiple times? Suggestion to set up Nominating Committee for filling slots was tabled to the future.
- Nancy, Phil and Elsa will get together to consult with EF&G.
Congregation Annual Meeting:
• Good feelings about it expressed.
Maine Conference Annual Meeting:
• Nothing specifically related to local churches to report.
Next Meeting will be Thursday, September 16, 6:30 p.m.
• Carrie Skeffington: Reflection and Recorder.
• All joined hands at the end with appreciation for the excellent job which has been done by Chris Keiter, Moderator, and Nancy MacLean, Vice Moderator.
Recorder: Bob Morse
Present: Roger Addor, David Allen, Chris Dow, Matt Early, Andy Ellis,Sally Hinckley, Chris Keiter, Nancy MacLean, Carl Murphy, Elsa Peters, Carrie Skeffington, Phil Whitney, Bob Morse.
New members not present: Peggy Murray, Robin Reinhold, John Shoos.
Nancy MacLean, Vice Moderator, opened the meeting at 6:35 p.m. Bob Morse read some reflections by Archbishop Oscar Romero.
Introductions - by all for Carl Murphy as a new Council Member.
May Minutes - reviewed and accepted; noted that Food Pantry is already on the list for approved fund-raising in the church.
Minister’s Time:
• John is at a community gathering as the moral voice for the future direction of the city.
• Southern Maine Gay Pride Parade and Festival will take place on Sat., June 19. Our congregation is participating. People are encouraged to meet at Noon at Monument Square.
• John and Elsa will be doing a Summer Sermon Series, “First Followers”, capturing the lives of persons following in the ways of Jesus. They are anticipating building on a theme of discipleship for the coming year.
• Elsa has shared with the Mission Outreach Team that she would like to do an intergenerational Mission Trip to a location in Maine next summer. There will be no upper or lower age limit. There is hope this can be done through the Maine Seacoast Mission. The goal will be home building, with expectations based on type of skill.
Moderator and Vice-Moderator:
• Nancy MacLean shared reasons she is not able to be the Moderator, although she continues for one more year on the Council.
• Chris Keiter shared some of the expectations & his experience in that role. He noted that budget preparation leadership is NOT automatically the Moderator's work.
• There were no volunteers.
• Decision: Nancy MacLean will continue to function as the Moderator through the summer and into the fall. Matt Early will be the Vice Moderator.
• Topic of Moderator and Vice Moderator will be re-introduced.
Homecoming Sunday:
• The Council agreed with Teams that it will be Sunday, September 19. This is one week later than it has been.
• Much discussion about the particular style it should be, primarily around the value of sign-up time at the Homecoming Fair.
• Feeling that it has lost some of its emphasis; not a valuable response for the energy it takes.
• Directions:
- Some may still want to do it; some may not. Group agreed with suggestion that each team have short announcement time spaced throughout the church year at worship services to promote their tasks and ask for volunteers.
- Supervision of refreshments will be handled by EF&G.
- Nancy will get in touch with teams. Word will go out to groups who might like to participate in sign-up opportunities.
• Brainstorms for Sept 19:
- Intergenerational Service with a parade of youth downstairs.
- Church school will begin Sept. 26. Registration will be online.
Church Vision:
• Decision: “FCC-UCC A Christian Family: Welcoming, Loving, Serving.”
• Much discussion about how this will be presented to the congregation. Decision: Report in the “Beacon” that the Vision Survey was initiated by the Council, Elsa was chair of the team, this is what we did, if there are comments we would like to hear them.
Volunteerism:
• EF&G needs three persons. Stewardship needs one person.
• Phil Whitney has made 21 calls to new members. Much appreciation expressed for all that he has done.
• Much discussion: Some areas:
- How are volunteers sought out and selected?
- Why are there often openings on some teams and not on others?
- Is the new governance approach to filling teams working?
- The structure of a Nominating Committee is relatively efficient; at least everyone gets only one telephone call. How do you prevent someone being called multiple times? Suggestion to set up Nominating Committee for filling slots was tabled to the future.
- Nancy, Phil and Elsa will get together to consult with EF&G.
Congregation Annual Meeting:
• Good feelings about it expressed.
Maine Conference Annual Meeting:
• Nothing specifically related to local churches to report.
Next Meeting will be Thursday, September 16, 6:30 p.m.
• Carrie Skeffington: Reflection and Recorder.
• All joined hands at the end with appreciation for the excellent job which has been done by Chris Keiter, Moderator, and Nancy MacLean, Vice Moderator.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Growth Group
Meeting Minutes of 6/14/10
Members present: Rick Angell, Stan Jordan, Elinor Redmond, Kendra Palmer, Sue Ross, Dave Allen, John McCall.
Elinor opened the meeting at 5:30 p.m. with a prayer.
Revisit the purpose of the group and validate whether we should continue: Our discussion was free-ranging on this topic. I am including observations. Group consensus is to continue.
• John is grateful there is a Growth Group. It helps to charge up the congregation. New people comment on the welcome they find here.
• Kendra says the group has an important role going forward. She sees more new faces in church and thinks the hospitality tips are helpful.
• Stan notices a lot of people at services he does not know.
• John says some return, some do not. Most Sundays there is someone who is visiting for the first time. Part of our draw is we are open and affirming and intentional about direction.
We discussed whether newcomers attend coffee hour.
• Sue stated we have exhausted hospitality tips.
• Elinor wants us to have a higher profile: report in the annual report and (John suggested) doing an article for the Beacon around Labor Day.
To the question, What is our purpose?
• Stan said ‘to increase welcoming and fellowship of the church’. He found a nearly complete purpose in the March 2009 minutes: To provide a structure and a process to warmly welcome newcomers to our church and to encourage the building of meaningful relationships so that newcomers feel they belong and can participate in our church community. The minutes state we felt we were close. It was not mentioned in subsequent meetings.
John described the pattern of attendance among young church-goers. They might come every week for 6 weeks and then stay away for several months. Nothing is ‘wrong’, they are just making other choices of what to do with their time.
To the question, What is the measure of our success?
• Elinor mentioned John’s reaction, as he has his finger on the pulse of the congregation.
• Stan talked about looking around as you enter the church. Are the ushers happy (smiling)? Are the members happy?
We agreed to focus on both the welcome to people who have found their way to us and to pursue activities that bring people in the door. John said that fewer outside groups use the church building than in the past (the cub scouts and mom & dad’s clubs no longer meet).
We discussed how we function as a group. Next year we want to do more work between meetings. One or two people will handle a project. The agenda will be reports on the project list. We will use e-mail to give one another information ahead of a meeting so that meeting time is saved.
Facilitator: Dave has been doing an excellent job for a few years. He graciously agreed to continue for first half of the program year rather than rotating the responsibility.
Top Priorities:
• Review printed materials to have an overview and to see what materials should be updated. The office has time to work on this task in the summer. Elinor and Sue will look at materials in the pew racks, welcome packets and reading racks. They will look for overlap and report back to the group.
• Kendra is interested in working on events to bring more people in the front door of the church. Friend Sunday, special events.
• Rick will investigate what it the rules and regulations are concerning signage in South Portland so that we know what we have to do to place signs directing people to the church.
• We want to expand on our in-house hospitality.
Everyone will review the lists and resources we already have and come prepared to set an agenda for the year in September.
Next meeting: September 13, 2010
Respectfully submitted,
Elinor Redmond
Members present: Rick Angell, Stan Jordan, Elinor Redmond, Kendra Palmer, Sue Ross, Dave Allen, John McCall.
Elinor opened the meeting at 5:30 p.m. with a prayer.
Revisit the purpose of the group and validate whether we should continue: Our discussion was free-ranging on this topic. I am including observations. Group consensus is to continue.
• John is grateful there is a Growth Group. It helps to charge up the congregation. New people comment on the welcome they find here.
• Kendra says the group has an important role going forward. She sees more new faces in church and thinks the hospitality tips are helpful.
• Stan notices a lot of people at services he does not know.
• John says some return, some do not. Most Sundays there is someone who is visiting for the first time. Part of our draw is we are open and affirming and intentional about direction.
We discussed whether newcomers attend coffee hour.
• Sue stated we have exhausted hospitality tips.
• Elinor wants us to have a higher profile: report in the annual report and (John suggested) doing an article for the Beacon around Labor Day.
To the question, What is our purpose?
• Stan said ‘to increase welcoming and fellowship of the church’. He found a nearly complete purpose in the March 2009 minutes: To provide a structure and a process to warmly welcome newcomers to our church and to encourage the building of meaningful relationships so that newcomers feel they belong and can participate in our church community. The minutes state we felt we were close. It was not mentioned in subsequent meetings.
John described the pattern of attendance among young church-goers. They might come every week for 6 weeks and then stay away for several months. Nothing is ‘wrong’, they are just making other choices of what to do with their time.
To the question, What is the measure of our success?
• Elinor mentioned John’s reaction, as he has his finger on the pulse of the congregation.
• Stan talked about looking around as you enter the church. Are the ushers happy (smiling)? Are the members happy?
We agreed to focus on both the welcome to people who have found their way to us and to pursue activities that bring people in the door. John said that fewer outside groups use the church building than in the past (the cub scouts and mom & dad’s clubs no longer meet).
We discussed how we function as a group. Next year we want to do more work between meetings. One or two people will handle a project. The agenda will be reports on the project list. We will use e-mail to give one another information ahead of a meeting so that meeting time is saved.
Facilitator: Dave has been doing an excellent job for a few years. He graciously agreed to continue for first half of the program year rather than rotating the responsibility.
Top Priorities:
• Review printed materials to have an overview and to see what materials should be updated. The office has time to work on this task in the summer. Elinor and Sue will look at materials in the pew racks, welcome packets and reading racks. They will look for overlap and report back to the group.
• Kendra is interested in working on events to bring more people in the front door of the church. Friend Sunday, special events.
• Rick will investigate what it the rules and regulations are concerning signage in South Portland so that we know what we have to do to place signs directing people to the church.
• We want to expand on our in-house hospitality.
Everyone will review the lists and resources we already have and come prepared to set an agenda for the year in September.
Next meeting: September 13, 2010
Respectfully submitted,
Elinor Redmond
Mission and Outreach
Meeting Minutes of June 3, 2010
Attendees: Laurie Cary - Chair, Jan Bosse, Sandy Dyer, Mike Kasputes, Kendra Palmer, Richard Parker, Carol Scheffler, Kristen Silvia, Greg Wyman, Elsa Peters (part time)
OPENING:
Laurie opened the meeting with an original note concerning service and the Mission team. Departing members – Carol Scheffler and Greg Wyman – were thanked for their service; new members – Jan Bosse, Kendra Palmer and Kristen Silvia – were introduced and welcomed.
MAY MINUTES:
Corrections to Minister’s Moment
– “Discipleship” will be the theme for next year’s program for our local church, not for the Conference.
– Micah Project: “…………. Kristen Silvia or Gretchen Reynolds might be ……..”
Minutes approved as corrected.
MINISTER’S MOMENT:
Pride March will be held in Portland June 19th. March is at noon. Meet at 10:30 in Monument Square.
A week long Mission trip in Maine is being planned for next summer (2011).
Elsa’s sabbatical will be in 2012. While she has not finalized her topic, she is considering exploring how churches address justice issues. She welcomes other ideas from the Mission Team.
TREASURER’S REPORT:
Donations for blankets totaled $770. This will be sent directly to Church World Services.
It was decided to add Sweetser to our list of approve charities. Richard will update the list and distribute.
The following payments were approved. Reference Greg’s budget report for additional information and details.
$500 Andover-Newton Theological Seminary
500 Center for Grieving Children
500 Protestant Hospital Ministry
500 Serenity House
500 Shalom House
500 Spurwink Services
500 Sweetser
OLD BUSINESS:
FOOD DRIVE – May’s food drive collected 30 Bags of groceries.
MISSION OUTREACH SEVICE ASSIGNMENT 2010/2011:
HOMECOMING SUNDAY - Assignment pending church Council’s decision if this will take place.
BEACON ANNOUNCEMENTS (Special Offerings)- Maureen Clancy
SPECIAL SUPPORT – MAINE & UCC - Richard Parker. This is a new item and consists of assembling a schedule for distributing payments to our various charities. The initial schedule will be based on 2009/2010 dispersements.
BULLETIN BOARD - Assignment not needed.
MISSION MALL - Carol Scheffler
THANKSGIVING BASKETS - Kendra Palmer
CHRISTMAS GIVING TREE - Jen Hardin and Sandy Dyer
CHRISTMAS MITTEN TREE - Bob and Andrea Morse
MISSION HANDBOOK - Laurie Cary
LONGCREEK YOUTH DEVELOPMETN CENTER BIRTDAY CAKES - Maureen Clancy and Sandy Dyer
MISSION SUNDAY - TBD – see note below
EMERGENCY FOOD PANTRY - Sarah Randall
THE MICAH PROJECT - Gretchen Reynolds – if not willing, Laurie, Kristen or Jan may be interested
CHILDREN’S CLOSET - AnnElissa Leveque
Mission Sunday – The question “Is the Mission Team interested in doing?” was left unanswered. Laurie has discussed with Pastor McCall and the best time would be in Feb 2011.
Mission Mall: Will be held 20 Nov 2010
CHURCH CONTACT LIST: Laurie to revise and distribute to the team.
STRENGTHEN THE CHURCH OFFERING: it has been agreed by Laurie and the Pastors, that no special offering will be held for this cause because of the number of special offerings already taken. However, it may be a candidate for inclusion as one of the areas supported by the Easter or Christmas Offering.
Attendees: Laurie Cary - Chair, Jan Bosse, Sandy Dyer, Mike Kasputes, Kendra Palmer, Richard Parker, Carol Scheffler, Kristen Silvia, Greg Wyman, Elsa Peters (part time)
OPENING:
Laurie opened the meeting with an original note concerning service and the Mission team. Departing members – Carol Scheffler and Greg Wyman – were thanked for their service; new members – Jan Bosse, Kendra Palmer and Kristen Silvia – were introduced and welcomed.
MAY MINUTES:
Corrections to Minister’s Moment
– “Discipleship” will be the theme for next year’s program for our local church, not for the Conference.
– Micah Project: “…………. Kristen Silvia or Gretchen Reynolds might be ……..”
Minutes approved as corrected.
MINISTER’S MOMENT:
Pride March will be held in Portland June 19th. March is at noon. Meet at 10:30 in Monument Square.
A week long Mission trip in Maine is being planned for next summer (2011).
Elsa’s sabbatical will be in 2012. While she has not finalized her topic, she is considering exploring how churches address justice issues. She welcomes other ideas from the Mission Team.
TREASURER’S REPORT:
Donations for blankets totaled $770. This will be sent directly to Church World Services.
It was decided to add Sweetser to our list of approve charities. Richard will update the list and distribute.
The following payments were approved. Reference Greg’s budget report for additional information and details.
$500 Andover-Newton Theological Seminary
500 Center for Grieving Children
500 Protestant Hospital Ministry
500 Serenity House
500 Shalom House
500 Spurwink Services
500 Sweetser
OLD BUSINESS:
FOOD DRIVE – May’s food drive collected 30 Bags of groceries.
MISSION OUTREACH SEVICE ASSIGNMENT 2010/2011:
HOMECOMING SUNDAY - Assignment pending church Council’s decision if this will take place.
BEACON ANNOUNCEMENTS (Special Offerings)- Maureen Clancy
SPECIAL SUPPORT – MAINE & UCC - Richard Parker. This is a new item and consists of assembling a schedule for distributing payments to our various charities. The initial schedule will be based on 2009/2010 dispersements.
BULLETIN BOARD - Assignment not needed.
MISSION MALL - Carol Scheffler
THANKSGIVING BASKETS - Kendra Palmer
CHRISTMAS GIVING TREE - Jen Hardin and Sandy Dyer
CHRISTMAS MITTEN TREE - Bob and Andrea Morse
MISSION HANDBOOK - Laurie Cary
LONGCREEK YOUTH DEVELOPMETN CENTER BIRTDAY CAKES - Maureen Clancy and Sandy Dyer
MISSION SUNDAY - TBD – see note below
EMERGENCY FOOD PANTRY - Sarah Randall
THE MICAH PROJECT - Gretchen Reynolds – if not willing, Laurie, Kristen or Jan may be interested
CHILDREN’S CLOSET - AnnElissa Leveque
Mission Sunday – The question “Is the Mission Team interested in doing?” was left unanswered. Laurie has discussed with Pastor McCall and the best time would be in Feb 2011.
Mission Mall: Will be held 20 Nov 2010
CHURCH CONTACT LIST: Laurie to revise and distribute to the team.
STRENGTHEN THE CHURCH OFFERING: it has been agreed by Laurie and the Pastors, that no special offering will be held for this cause because of the number of special offerings already taken. However, it may be a candidate for inclusion as one of the areas supported by the Easter or Christmas Offering.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Education Growth and Fellowship
Meeting Minutes of June 3, 2010
Recorded by: Margaret Thibodeau
Team members attending: Karen Pierce, Ginny Gledhill, Margaret Thibodeau, Jennifer Fetting, Elsa Peters, Jana Frank.
The meeting began with the approval of the May Minutes.
Jana reported that no one volunteered to serve “Lemonade on the Porch” last Sunday (May 30th) despite a sign-up sheet located outside the sanctuary for the past couple weeks. John did mention during Sunday’s worship, the need for volunteers, and a congregation member stepped-up to serve refreshments after the service. Jana will continue to monitor Lemonade on the Porch during the summer months. However, Jana informed the Team that she will no longer be able to serve on EG&F come September, due to family obligations. The Team appreciates her efforts coordinating Coffee Hour this past year.
Karen shared that the Library and Scholarship Committees have reported no concerns.
Ginny shared that coverage in the Nursery during the summer months will be provided by Diana. For the past several years, high school students have been paid to volunteer in the nursery. The Team was unaware that Diana would be happy to provide nursery coverage, and had just not been asked in the past. The Team appreciates her service and willingness to help out each Sunday.
Margaret reported that the Church Picnic was very well attended, and we had a beautiful day! Many more items were donated this year, and the savings to our budget was almost $150.00! Some suggestions for next year include more tables and chairs set up, and two large containers of lemonade instead of one. Our next fellowship event is the Confirmation Celebration on June 13th. The Team began planning for the event, using the template outlined several years ago, which had the reception taking place in Guptill Hall, and including coffee hour service. As coffee hour has now been replaced by fellowship on the porch, the Team decided to have the reception take place on the porch. A cake, flowers, and balloons will be part of the festivities as the congregation celebrates the confirmation class.
Elsa shared the Faith Formation update. The new Faith Formation Committee will have its first meeting in June. The Team reviewed next year’s calendar for Sunday School, which looked well-organized. Sunday School will use the on-line version of Seasons of the Spirit curricula, and Christ Kid’s Club will use the newly purchased “Faith Practices” curriculum, which incorporates games and experiential learning. Adult Faith Formation has “Beach Chair Theology” starting in July, and many plans for the fall. The Confirmation Class has 8 youth to be confirmed on June 13th. These young adults and some of the mentors plan to continue their faith exploration next fall.
The Team discussed two questions proposed by Council: whether Homecoming Sunday is a valuable activity as it has been conducted in the past, and secondly, should the date by changed to later in September (9/19/2010). Our Team was supportive of moving the date to 9/19 next fall. We also did not think that Homecoming Sunday was a valuable event, as far as recruiting Team & committee volunteers. There was concern about getting information about the various functions of the Teams and sub-committees out to the congregation. Members wondered if each Team might do a brief presentation during worship on Homecoming Sunday, regarding their Team and sub-committee responsibilities and plans for the upcoming year. We also support the idea of a “pot-luck” type fellowship activity for Homecoming this September, rather than the tables and sign-ups as were offered in the past.
As Ginny and Margaret are leaving the EG&F team, members discussed roles for next year. Jennifer Fetting has agreed to be the contact person for the Team. Karen would like to continue her connection with the library and scholarship committees, and Carolyn expressed interest in continuing her efforts with Sunday School. The EG&F Team will be looking for three new members to join the Team for next fall.
Recorded by: Margaret Thibodeau
Team members attending: Karen Pierce, Ginny Gledhill, Margaret Thibodeau, Jennifer Fetting, Elsa Peters, Jana Frank.
The meeting began with the approval of the May Minutes.
Jana reported that no one volunteered to serve “Lemonade on the Porch” last Sunday (May 30th) despite a sign-up sheet located outside the sanctuary for the past couple weeks. John did mention during Sunday’s worship, the need for volunteers, and a congregation member stepped-up to serve refreshments after the service. Jana will continue to monitor Lemonade on the Porch during the summer months. However, Jana informed the Team that she will no longer be able to serve on EG&F come September, due to family obligations. The Team appreciates her efforts coordinating Coffee Hour this past year.
Karen shared that the Library and Scholarship Committees have reported no concerns.
Ginny shared that coverage in the Nursery during the summer months will be provided by Diana. For the past several years, high school students have been paid to volunteer in the nursery. The Team was unaware that Diana would be happy to provide nursery coverage, and had just not been asked in the past. The Team appreciates her service and willingness to help out each Sunday.
Margaret reported that the Church Picnic was very well attended, and we had a beautiful day! Many more items were donated this year, and the savings to our budget was almost $150.00! Some suggestions for next year include more tables and chairs set up, and two large containers of lemonade instead of one. Our next fellowship event is the Confirmation Celebration on June 13th. The Team began planning for the event, using the template outlined several years ago, which had the reception taking place in Guptill Hall, and including coffee hour service. As coffee hour has now been replaced by fellowship on the porch, the Team decided to have the reception take place on the porch. A cake, flowers, and balloons will be part of the festivities as the congregation celebrates the confirmation class.
Elsa shared the Faith Formation update. The new Faith Formation Committee will have its first meeting in June. The Team reviewed next year’s calendar for Sunday School, which looked well-organized. Sunday School will use the on-line version of Seasons of the Spirit curricula, and Christ Kid’s Club will use the newly purchased “Faith Practices” curriculum, which incorporates games and experiential learning. Adult Faith Formation has “Beach Chair Theology” starting in July, and many plans for the fall. The Confirmation Class has 8 youth to be confirmed on June 13th. These young adults and some of the mentors plan to continue their faith exploration next fall.
The Team discussed two questions proposed by Council: whether Homecoming Sunday is a valuable activity as it has been conducted in the past, and secondly, should the date by changed to later in September (9/19/2010). Our Team was supportive of moving the date to 9/19 next fall. We also did not think that Homecoming Sunday was a valuable event, as far as recruiting Team & committee volunteers. There was concern about getting information about the various functions of the Teams and sub-committees out to the congregation. Members wondered if each Team might do a brief presentation during worship on Homecoming Sunday, regarding their Team and sub-committee responsibilities and plans for the upcoming year. We also support the idea of a “pot-luck” type fellowship activity for Homecoming this September, rather than the tables and sign-ups as were offered in the past.
As Ginny and Margaret are leaving the EG&F team, members discussed roles for next year. Jennifer Fetting has agreed to be the contact person for the Team. Karen would like to continue her connection with the library and scholarship committees, and Carolyn expressed interest in continuing her efforts with Sunday School. The EG&F Team will be looking for three new members to join the Team for next fall.
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