Meeting Minutes 11/24/08
Members present: Jim Kupel, John McCall, Rick Angell, Dave Allen, Kendra Palmer, Jerry Onos, Stan Jordan, Elinor Redmond
John opened the meeting with a prayer at 6:30 p.m.
I. John reported that 16 ‘prospects’ have been worshipping regularly with us. From what they say, we seem to be developing a brand identity: welcoming, diverse, forward thinking and mission minded. Ours is the only church that fits that description in the South Portland, Scarborough, Cape Elizabeth area.
II. Structure: Dave prepared the agenda and facilitated the meeting. The group agreed that the job of taking the minutes would rotate among the group members. Dave will facilitate the next few meetings and prepare the agenda. We agreed that the 6:30 p.m. meeting time works.
III. New member focus groups: Jim will facilitate a group after church on Sunday, January 11, 2009. We will invite the 30-35 adults who joined the church most recently. Kendra will draft the letter of invitation and work with our new Church Secretary, Jen Dealaman, to mail them on December 28th. The letters will be signed by Dave. Either Dave or Stan will attend the event to take notes. Kendra will write a small announcement of the event for the Beacon and it will be listed in the bulletin.
Jim passed around a protocol for focus groups. Kendra commented that having a structure shows the importance of the questions to us as a church.
We focused on possible questions (Jim is looking for 12 questions):
• Prior church experience and current experience
• From ‘successful tendencies’: add good sermons to music, social justice, high energy
• We want insight into what the experience of coming to our church as a new person was for each of them. What could we have done better?
• Articulate the characteristics of this church
• When you think of Sunday morning here, what words come to mind? (gives a perspective on how you are perceived)
• How have you connected with the life of the church beyond Sunday morning?
• Would a mentor have been valuable?
• (Magic wand) If you could change one thing, what would it be?
IV. Power of Invitation and Welcome: We discussed several points from this handout.
John focused on ‘Making your entire church a welcoming community’ – we really need a large team, a group far bigger than the number of people sitting around the table. Kendra said we need to involve all church groups in extravagant welcome, reaching out to new members. Are groups represented? For example, do the people we help through Community Crisis Ministries become part of our congregation? Jerry wants to recruit member for the Growth Group through the existing Teams (Council, Mission, SLW, Administration, Education). He will go to the Mission meeting on December 4th to discuss our work and invite them to come to a growth meeting.
Rick’s Beacon article was a great way to let the congregation know that the Growth Group exists and what our purpose is. How could the mission of other church groups tie in with extravagant welcome? Our group will formally adopt a mission statement of our own. We will discuss it at the next meeting as well as ‘hospitality basics’.
V. Other Business: It would be great to have a person or 2 in the Narthex after church to escort newcomers to coffee hour. John said the use of the word ‘mentor’ is confusing and misleading. We need to use a different name.
Next Meeting: Monday, January 5, 2009 at 6:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Elinor Redmond
Showing posts with label November 2008. Show all posts
Showing posts with label November 2008. Show all posts
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Diversity Committee
November 16, 2008
Present: Dolores Broberg, Carol Scheffler, Deb Theriault, Leigh Garrett, Joan Carrier, John McCall
The minutes of the previous meeting were approved.
Old Business:
Women in Harmony ad. Deb will revise the ad for use in both the winter and spring concert programs. Leigh will invite Women in Harmony to use our sanctuary for the spring concert. The deadline for the ad is sometime in January.
October Social Witness Ministries (SWM) potluck. Dolores realized that there is an overlap of membership; the same people on various committees are involved with SWM.
The next potluck is on April 26, 2008.
"For the Bible Tells Me So". The DVD has been placed in the library. It is also available at Blockbusters. Kathy will write an article for the Beacon.
"Anyone and Everyone" is another movie that Deb has purchased. Joan said that it could be reserved at the CE library through the inter-library loan system.
New Business: Budget. We have not spent any funds from the budget in 2008.
Clothing Drive for Preble Street Teen Center. 40% of the homeless teens staying in shelters nationwide are LGBT youth. Deb will contact the Teen Center about the possibility of having a clothing drive and will e-mail the committee with the information.
GLSEN request for a donation and an offer to do a presentation. It was decided that we will ask the GLSEN to present a forum after Diversity Sunday.
ONA coalition donation. These funds have been earmarked in the Mission Outreach budget as it has been done in the past.
Diversity Sunday, January 18, 2009. The theme will be who/what is a family? John suggested 4 or 5 brief statements about who/what is a family and 2 or 3 minute vignettes.
• Family – who you love and who loves you.
• John will find a scripture for the day and pass the resources around via e-mail.
• John will brainstorm with Joan and Deb about the service. The committee should e-mail the group with questions and suggestions for the service. Meeting Tuesday December 2 4:30 pm.
• Possibilities for speakers:
1. Dolores will speak to an adoptive adult
2. Single parent
3. Someone who has built a family of unrelated people
4. Foster parent
5. Gay or lesbian parent(s)
Maximum of 3 speakers
Next meeting: January 4 at 11:30 a.m.
Minutes taken by Kathy Cotter
Present: Dolores Broberg, Carol Scheffler, Deb Theriault, Leigh Garrett, Joan Carrier, John McCall
The minutes of the previous meeting were approved.
Old Business:
Women in Harmony ad. Deb will revise the ad for use in both the winter and spring concert programs. Leigh will invite Women in Harmony to use our sanctuary for the spring concert. The deadline for the ad is sometime in January.
October Social Witness Ministries (SWM) potluck. Dolores realized that there is an overlap of membership; the same people on various committees are involved with SWM.
The next potluck is on April 26, 2008.
"For the Bible Tells Me So". The DVD has been placed in the library. It is also available at Blockbusters. Kathy will write an article for the Beacon.
"Anyone and Everyone" is another movie that Deb has purchased. Joan said that it could be reserved at the CE library through the inter-library loan system.
New Business: Budget. We have not spent any funds from the budget in 2008.
Clothing Drive for Preble Street Teen Center. 40% of the homeless teens staying in shelters nationwide are LGBT youth. Deb will contact the Teen Center about the possibility of having a clothing drive and will e-mail the committee with the information.
GLSEN request for a donation and an offer to do a presentation. It was decided that we will ask the GLSEN to present a forum after Diversity Sunday.
ONA coalition donation. These funds have been earmarked in the Mission Outreach budget as it has been done in the past.
Diversity Sunday, January 18, 2009. The theme will be who/what is a family? John suggested 4 or 5 brief statements about who/what is a family and 2 or 3 minute vignettes.
• Family – who you love and who loves you.
• John will find a scripture for the day and pass the resources around via e-mail.
• John will brainstorm with Joan and Deb about the service. The committee should e-mail the group with questions and suggestions for the service. Meeting Tuesday December 2 4:30 pm.
• Possibilities for speakers:
1. Dolores will speak to an adoptive adult
2. Single parent
3. Someone who has built a family of unrelated people
4. Foster parent
5. Gay or lesbian parent(s)
Maximum of 3 speakers
Next meeting: January 4 at 11:30 a.m.
Minutes taken by Kathy Cotter
Monday, December 8, 2008
Spiritual Life & Worship, Music Committee
November 6, 2008
Present: Dolores Broberg, Judy Magnuson, Kim Early, Anna O’Connor, Sheryl Kieran and Shirley Curry
1. Reviewed and accepted October minutes with a date change.
2. Reviewed Vespers Program for December 14th at 5:30 PM. There are about 18 performers scheduled with a combination of solos, duets, quartets, and instrumental accompaniment.
Reviewed refreshments: Shirley is to bring tea. Dolores will provide the cider (3 hot and 1 cold). Judy will bring a large pan for one of the warm ciders. Anna, Judy, Kim, and Sheryl will bake. Anna will provide a centerpiece. Committee members will arrive by 5 P.M. to set up. Judy will call and see if the Skeffington girls would like to distribute programs.
Sheryl will write an article for the Beacon. Shirley will handle the program.
3. The pianos were tuned (the music room and the chancel) and the organ as well.
4. The ad for the reed organ was placed in Vbox and there has been no response. Other options were discussed for advertising. Kim will place an ad on Craig’s List.
5. Next meeting scheduled for February 5, 2009 at 7 P.M.
Present: Dolores Broberg, Judy Magnuson, Kim Early, Anna O’Connor, Sheryl Kieran and Shirley Curry
1. Reviewed and accepted October minutes with a date change.
2. Reviewed Vespers Program for December 14th at 5:30 PM. There are about 18 performers scheduled with a combination of solos, duets, quartets, and instrumental accompaniment.
Reviewed refreshments: Shirley is to bring tea. Dolores will provide the cider (3 hot and 1 cold). Judy will bring a large pan for one of the warm ciders. Anna, Judy, Kim, and Sheryl will bake. Anna will provide a centerpiece. Committee members will arrive by 5 P.M. to set up. Judy will call and see if the Skeffington girls would like to distribute programs.
Sheryl will write an article for the Beacon. Shirley will handle the program.
3. The pianos were tuned (the music room and the chancel) and the organ as well.
4. The ad for the reed organ was placed in Vbox and there has been no response. Other options were discussed for advertising. Kim will place an ad on Craig’s List.
5. Next meeting scheduled for February 5, 2009 at 7 P.M.
Administration Team Meeting
Minutes of Meeting: November 6, 2008
Present: Ron Bennett, Eben Marsh, Deb Sandler, Jim Otis, Guy Gledhill, Chris Mills and Cyndi Alden.
The meeting was called to order by the Acting Chair Deb Sandler at 7:05P.
The minutes of the October 2, 2008 meeting were reviewed and accepted.
Old Business:
Financial Statements and Budget: Cyndi lead a review of our financial statements and Budget. Also, the Admin Team reviewed its proposed 2009 Budget. All team budgets are being solicited by the Council’s Budget Committee. Cyndi will represent the Admin Team on the Budget Committee. The AT made no changes from what was proposed, and voted to submit as proposed and dated 11/6/08.
Tenant review: Our tenants were current in their rent payments through October. No rent payments have been received for November.
Coffee Hour: The EF & G Committee will continue to solicit volunteers to put the coffee out following Sunday service. Thus, the AT’s proposal of 10/2/08 is withdrawn.
AT talk: It was reported that Chris did a great job!
Bulletin Board Policy: This matter came about last year in anticipation of the 275th Anniversary. Chris developed and submitted to the AT a sample policy. Using it, the AT developed a suggested policy guideline which will be presented to the Council.
Committee Reports:
Counting: Brian Wallace has created a counting schedule and staffing through December 31, 2008. To date, it appears to be working fine.
House: The painting on the front of the Church is underway. We are having a heating consultant come in to analyze our heating system. The objective is to gain efficiency and to save on heating costs. The recently renovated stained glass window in the Chapel must have a protective shield placed over it per our insurance provider. The chandelier lights are being replaced with higher efficiency bulbs. A rug was repaired??? The Simplex cost was reduced to $902/year.
Planned Giving: Ron reported that Ellie Baker will develop a suggested approach at an upcoming meeting. Ron anticipates that a simple and educational packet will become available for use by the PGC. Ellie suggests that the Maine Community Fund be used for ???
The meeting was adjourned at 8:20P
The next AT meeting will be held on December 4, 2008
Respectfully submitted by: Eben Marsh, Acting Secretary
Present: Ron Bennett, Eben Marsh, Deb Sandler, Jim Otis, Guy Gledhill, Chris Mills and Cyndi Alden.
The meeting was called to order by the Acting Chair Deb Sandler at 7:05P.
The minutes of the October 2, 2008 meeting were reviewed and accepted.
Old Business:
Financial Statements and Budget: Cyndi lead a review of our financial statements and Budget. Also, the Admin Team reviewed its proposed 2009 Budget. All team budgets are being solicited by the Council’s Budget Committee. Cyndi will represent the Admin Team on the Budget Committee. The AT made no changes from what was proposed, and voted to submit as proposed and dated 11/6/08.
Tenant review: Our tenants were current in their rent payments through October. No rent payments have been received for November.
Coffee Hour: The EF & G Committee will continue to solicit volunteers to put the coffee out following Sunday service. Thus, the AT’s proposal of 10/2/08 is withdrawn.
AT talk: It was reported that Chris did a great job!
Bulletin Board Policy: This matter came about last year in anticipation of the 275th Anniversary. Chris developed and submitted to the AT a sample policy. Using it, the AT developed a suggested policy guideline which will be presented to the Council.
Committee Reports:
Counting: Brian Wallace has created a counting schedule and staffing through December 31, 2008. To date, it appears to be working fine.
House: The painting on the front of the Church is underway. We are having a heating consultant come in to analyze our heating system. The objective is to gain efficiency and to save on heating costs. The recently renovated stained glass window in the Chapel must have a protective shield placed over it per our insurance provider. The chandelier lights are being replaced with higher efficiency bulbs. A rug was repaired??? The Simplex cost was reduced to $902/year.
Planned Giving: Ron reported that Ellie Baker will develop a suggested approach at an upcoming meeting. Ron anticipates that a simple and educational packet will become available for use by the PGC. Ellie suggests that the Maine Community Fund be used for ???
The meeting was adjourned at 8:20P
The next AT meeting will be held on December 4, 2008
Respectfully submitted by: Eben Marsh, Acting Secretary
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Spiritual Life and Worship
Minutes - November 6, 2008 7:30pm – 9:00p
For the opening prayer Betsy read a beautiful meditation on the persona of “Joy” from the “Book of Qualities”.
The October Minutes were reviewed and approved.
Updates from John
John let us know that we have a vacancy for church secretary. Jodie Ramsey is doing a wonderful job filling in and will train the new secretary. We currently have four candidates we are considering.
Special services – John told us that he thought the dedication of the chancel went well, and applauded Chris Keiter’s work in making everyone involved feel welcome. John reminded us that this coming Sunday is the dedication of the kickoff of the 275th anniversary celebration. He also asked for feedback on the new method of serving of communion with deacons seated as part of the congregation. Our consensus was that the new way of serving was generally going well and John heard some positive feedback from both participating deacons and the congregation about this more “intimate” way of serving.
Pastor parish relations meets in two weeks. John will take them first draft for plans concerning church life during John’s sabbatical.
Conversation on “What is Worship?”
Betsy shared that Elsa asked us to put this item on the agenda as a way to reignite conversations that had happened during the discernment process about alternate worship services. SLW was seen as a body that would be interested in hosting a congregation conversation about these opportunities. We talked about the difference between “What is Worship” being a different focus than “What are other special worship opportunities?” We all agreed that Chris Mills, Elsa, Peggy Murray and the others who initiated this idea should be part of this discussion. Betsy said she’d email this group and try to find a time for them to meet with SLW.
On-Going Events/discussion
• By-Laws Update - Council is working on it.
• SL & W Mailbox Responsibility - Betsy generously volunteered to attend to this.
• Pew Papers - Betty Deschaine has generously volunteered to attend to this.
• Use of Multimedia in Worship Service - Rick shared that Bryan and he went to Saco to review the multimedia system in the First Parish church there. Rick said that chapel service there was similar to ours, but with the addition support multimedia. He said the church there intends to expand their ministry through worship. We discussed copyright issues and how we might implement multimedia services in our church. Bryan shared that he thought SLW could help facilitate such a service if the energy and idea came from a group in the church. Rick said that there were resources from first Parish that would help us with this. We saw this as a service to have at a different time than chapel or 10 am service. Rick wants to research some more by going to other services and said that the growth group has interest about this as well. Deb suggested we put an article in the Beacon about our church’s capabilities. Rick saw multimedia as a way to stimulate growth in our church. We had a discussion about what would be needed in terms of cost, resources, and staff involvement to get something like this to be a regular worship opportunity at church. Rick said he could talk to Abby about the steps needed to implement such a plan.
• November Coffee Hour Schedule.
Upcoming Events – For next month
• 275th Anniversary Celebration – November 9.
• November Coffee Hour Schedule and Coordination.
• Advent.
New Items?
Shirley’s Request – Shirley reminded us that she sent us a memo about the use of the sanctuary for the upcoming Longfellow concert. Betsy mentioned that Chris spoke for the council in authorizing SLW to make the decision about permitting this to happen, but asked if there would be a fee for the concert. John recommended that since there was admission charged that we let the council make the final decision. The SLW sent the request to the council with our endorsement for the concert. Debbie expressed her appreciation that the new sanctuary was welcoming people outside of the church.
SLW expressed their strong endorsement for appropriate use of the sanctuary by outside groups as a way to introduce our church to the wider community. Issues such as security and charging fees made this an issue that needs to be considered by the church council.
Budget
• $2500 for SLW budget will stay the same.
• Combined SLW and music budget will go from $7205 to $7380 (music committee ($4880 - $175 more and SLW budget – increase for piano maintenance).
• $600 for signing last few years $345 used to date – balance is available for Christmas Eve signing.
Hymnal Info - moved that we approve memorial fund for $3900 for new hymnals.
Next Meeting Date: December 4th – 7:00 p.m. next time.
• Items for next month’s Agenda?
• Volunteer for November’s Opening Prayer – Bryan; taking Minutes – Betsy.
Adjourn
For the opening prayer Betsy read a beautiful meditation on the persona of “Joy” from the “Book of Qualities”.
The October Minutes were reviewed and approved.
Updates from John
John let us know that we have a vacancy for church secretary. Jodie Ramsey is doing a wonderful job filling in and will train the new secretary. We currently have four candidates we are considering.
Special services – John told us that he thought the dedication of the chancel went well, and applauded Chris Keiter’s work in making everyone involved feel welcome. John reminded us that this coming Sunday is the dedication of the kickoff of the 275th anniversary celebration. He also asked for feedback on the new method of serving of communion with deacons seated as part of the congregation. Our consensus was that the new way of serving was generally going well and John heard some positive feedback from both participating deacons and the congregation about this more “intimate” way of serving.
Pastor parish relations meets in two weeks. John will take them first draft for plans concerning church life during John’s sabbatical.
Conversation on “What is Worship?”
Betsy shared that Elsa asked us to put this item on the agenda as a way to reignite conversations that had happened during the discernment process about alternate worship services. SLW was seen as a body that would be interested in hosting a congregation conversation about these opportunities. We talked about the difference between “What is Worship” being a different focus than “What are other special worship opportunities?” We all agreed that Chris Mills, Elsa, Peggy Murray and the others who initiated this idea should be part of this discussion. Betsy said she’d email this group and try to find a time for them to meet with SLW.
On-Going Events/discussion
• By-Laws Update - Council is working on it.
• SL & W Mailbox Responsibility - Betsy generously volunteered to attend to this.
• Pew Papers - Betty Deschaine has generously volunteered to attend to this.
• Use of Multimedia in Worship Service - Rick shared that Bryan and he went to Saco to review the multimedia system in the First Parish church there. Rick said that chapel service there was similar to ours, but with the addition support multimedia. He said the church there intends to expand their ministry through worship. We discussed copyright issues and how we might implement multimedia services in our church. Bryan shared that he thought SLW could help facilitate such a service if the energy and idea came from a group in the church. Rick said that there were resources from first Parish that would help us with this. We saw this as a service to have at a different time than chapel or 10 am service. Rick wants to research some more by going to other services and said that the growth group has interest about this as well. Deb suggested we put an article in the Beacon about our church’s capabilities. Rick saw multimedia as a way to stimulate growth in our church. We had a discussion about what would be needed in terms of cost, resources, and staff involvement to get something like this to be a regular worship opportunity at church. Rick said he could talk to Abby about the steps needed to implement such a plan.
• November Coffee Hour Schedule.
Upcoming Events – For next month
• 275th Anniversary Celebration – November 9.
• November Coffee Hour Schedule and Coordination.
• Advent.
New Items?
Shirley’s Request – Shirley reminded us that she sent us a memo about the use of the sanctuary for the upcoming Longfellow concert. Betsy mentioned that Chris spoke for the council in authorizing SLW to make the decision about permitting this to happen, but asked if there would be a fee for the concert. John recommended that since there was admission charged that we let the council make the final decision. The SLW sent the request to the council with our endorsement for the concert. Debbie expressed her appreciation that the new sanctuary was welcoming people outside of the church.
SLW expressed their strong endorsement for appropriate use of the sanctuary by outside groups as a way to introduce our church to the wider community. Issues such as security and charging fees made this an issue that needs to be considered by the church council.
Budget
• $2500 for SLW budget will stay the same.
• Combined SLW and music budget will go from $7205 to $7380 (music committee ($4880 - $175 more and SLW budget – increase for piano maintenance).
• $600 for signing last few years $345 used to date – balance is available for Christmas Eve signing.
Hymnal Info - moved that we approve memorial fund for $3900 for new hymnals.
Next Meeting Date: December 4th – 7:00 p.m. next time.
• Items for next month’s Agenda?
• Volunteer for November’s Opening Prayer – Bryan; taking Minutes – Betsy.
Adjourn
CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING
NOVEMBER 20, 2008
Meeting called to order at 6:35 PM by Moderator Chris Keiter
Opening prayer by Phil Whitney
All Council members and both ministers present
Review of October Minutes approved
MINISTERS’ TIME: Elsa indicated that the Mission Team will be organizing some activities to involve the whole congregation. The first will be to serve at Preble Street after Christmas. As part of the conclusion of her first 360 review, Elsa mentioned a wish to have a definitive statement in the church files describing the vision of our church. After a brief discussion, there did not seem to be a consensus. Chris elected to postpone further discussion to a meeting in 2009.
UPDATE BY CHRIS REGARDING 11/17 BUDGET MEETING: All of the pledges have not been received. A general overview suggests this is in line with last year. He will attend another budget meeting in mid-December when more information will allow a decision whether or not new approaches will be necessary to meet goals. The Council decided to have Chris send a note to the Teams requesting them to not use remaining 2008 budget funds if they are not really needed, noting that this would not affect their 2009 budget requests.
ARTASCOPE/SILENT AUCTION: This group of independent artists and crafters named Artascope has been given permission to have a table at the Holly Daze Bazaar. The Crisis Ministries will be given all of the proceeds collected from the sale of their art objects. The drawing for the objects will be held on Dec. 21.
CHURCH SECRETARY: A new church secretary has been hired and will start on Dec. 1. Her name is Jennifer Dealaman and she is from the Freeport area. She previously worked at UM Lewiston as an administrative assistant.
VISIT WITH EG&F: Jean visited with EG&F during their November meeting. They appreciated a member of the Council with them as they discussed their budget request, feedback from their coffee hour proposal and other matters.
COFFEE HOUR IN RESPONSE TO EG&F TEAM REQUEST: In response to their memo sent to various teams and committees in the church, EG&F has received help from several teams and other volunteers. It is assumed that EG&F will contact the council if they need help in finding servers and bakers in the future. Chris made it clear that teams with problems need to ask the council for input before seeking solutions that put other teams at risk for further duties beyond those prescribed in the By-Laws. The Council decided that it is fine for Teams to request help from other teams and their members, but not to assign duties to other Teams and members.
CHANCEL RAILINGS: The choir, after using the reconfigured chancel since September, feels just fine without railings. Problem solved.
CHORAL CONCERT IN CHANCEL: Approval has been given by the Council for a concert by the Portland-based Longfellow Singers (who put Longfellow poems to music). This non-profit choral group will sing in the sanctuary in mid-February on a Sunday afternoon under the supervision of Shirley Curry. Voluntary contributions will be collected.
JANE EBERLE – POT LUCK SUPPER: State representative Jane Eberle has asked to use Guptill Hall for a supper to thank supporters – with invitations for up to 150. Expected turnout closer to 40.
Discussion included precedence for political groups to use the church (though Democrats already use the church once per month) and the conflict of dates with Parenting Pot Luck on the same night of Dec. 7. John McCall will contact Jane to discuss the conflict and work out details.
BUILDING USE POLICY FOR NON-CHURCH GROUPS: Most of this policy is known already by John and Cyndi who handle such inquiries. It was agreed to ask John, Elsa and Cyndi to prepare a list of possible gray areas for discussion by the Council. With the new Chancel configuration possibly attracting more entertainment groups, it is necessary to discuss this use of space in more detail.
MAINE CONFERENCE / APPEAL FOR FUNDS: The ME Conference has asked for an architectural study of the three common buildings belonging to ME UCC churches: Rockcraft, Pilgrim Lodge and Pennell administrative building. Study cost is $7500 with the idea of repairing, expanding, replacing or selling one or more buildings or locations. After discussion John was asked to call the Conference to ask how the canvass is going. Further questions include whether to send up to $500 if the campaign is going well.
CHANGE IN BY-LAWS; Sections 1.5, 2.2, 3.3, 4.3, 5.3F and articles 6 and 6.1A were approved and will go to the teams for approval. This completes the Council’s work on the By-Laws revisions which now match the new governance format.
The meeting was adjourned by Chris at 8:20 PM.
Acting Secretary
Philip G. Whitney
Meeting called to order at 6:35 PM by Moderator Chris Keiter
Opening prayer by Phil Whitney
All Council members and both ministers present
Review of October Minutes approved
MINISTERS’ TIME: Elsa indicated that the Mission Team will be organizing some activities to involve the whole congregation. The first will be to serve at Preble Street after Christmas. As part of the conclusion of her first 360 review, Elsa mentioned a wish to have a definitive statement in the church files describing the vision of our church. After a brief discussion, there did not seem to be a consensus. Chris elected to postpone further discussion to a meeting in 2009.
UPDATE BY CHRIS REGARDING 11/17 BUDGET MEETING: All of the pledges have not been received. A general overview suggests this is in line with last year. He will attend another budget meeting in mid-December when more information will allow a decision whether or not new approaches will be necessary to meet goals. The Council decided to have Chris send a note to the Teams requesting them to not use remaining 2008 budget funds if they are not really needed, noting that this would not affect their 2009 budget requests.
ARTASCOPE/SILENT AUCTION: This group of independent artists and crafters named Artascope has been given permission to have a table at the Holly Daze Bazaar. The Crisis Ministries will be given all of the proceeds collected from the sale of their art objects. The drawing for the objects will be held on Dec. 21.
CHURCH SECRETARY: A new church secretary has been hired and will start on Dec. 1. Her name is Jennifer Dealaman and she is from the Freeport area. She previously worked at UM Lewiston as an administrative assistant.
VISIT WITH EG&F: Jean visited with EG&F during their November meeting. They appreciated a member of the Council with them as they discussed their budget request, feedback from their coffee hour proposal and other matters.
COFFEE HOUR IN RESPONSE TO EG&F TEAM REQUEST: In response to their memo sent to various teams and committees in the church, EG&F has received help from several teams and other volunteers. It is assumed that EG&F will contact the council if they need help in finding servers and bakers in the future. Chris made it clear that teams with problems need to ask the council for input before seeking solutions that put other teams at risk for further duties beyond those prescribed in the By-Laws. The Council decided that it is fine for Teams to request help from other teams and their members, but not to assign duties to other Teams and members.
CHANCEL RAILINGS: The choir, after using the reconfigured chancel since September, feels just fine without railings. Problem solved.
CHORAL CONCERT IN CHANCEL: Approval has been given by the Council for a concert by the Portland-based Longfellow Singers (who put Longfellow poems to music). This non-profit choral group will sing in the sanctuary in mid-February on a Sunday afternoon under the supervision of Shirley Curry. Voluntary contributions will be collected.
JANE EBERLE – POT LUCK SUPPER: State representative Jane Eberle has asked to use Guptill Hall for a supper to thank supporters – with invitations for up to 150. Expected turnout closer to 40.
Discussion included precedence for political groups to use the church (though Democrats already use the church once per month) and the conflict of dates with Parenting Pot Luck on the same night of Dec. 7. John McCall will contact Jane to discuss the conflict and work out details.
BUILDING USE POLICY FOR NON-CHURCH GROUPS: Most of this policy is known already by John and Cyndi who handle such inquiries. It was agreed to ask John, Elsa and Cyndi to prepare a list of possible gray areas for discussion by the Council. With the new Chancel configuration possibly attracting more entertainment groups, it is necessary to discuss this use of space in more detail.
MAINE CONFERENCE / APPEAL FOR FUNDS: The ME Conference has asked for an architectural study of the three common buildings belonging to ME UCC churches: Rockcraft, Pilgrim Lodge and Pennell administrative building. Study cost is $7500 with the idea of repairing, expanding, replacing or selling one or more buildings or locations. After discussion John was asked to call the Conference to ask how the canvass is going. Further questions include whether to send up to $500 if the campaign is going well.
CHANGE IN BY-LAWS; Sections 1.5, 2.2, 3.3, 4.3, 5.3F and articles 6 and 6.1A were approved and will go to the teams for approval. This completes the Council’s work on the By-Laws revisions which now match the new governance format.
The meeting was adjourned by Chris at 8:20 PM.
Acting Secretary
Philip G. Whitney
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Education, Growth and Fellowship
11/6/08
Recorder: Ginny Gledhill
Next Meeting: 12/4/08
Attendance: Ginny Gledhill, Amy Foster, Jayne Quinn-Sawtelle ,Karen Pierce Souza ,Elsa Peters, Aaron French, Margaret Thibodeau
Opening
Introduction: Jean Siulinski – Council Representative- To bring back any concerns of our team to the council.
Minutes
The 10/2/08 minutes were read and approved.
Adult & Youth Education
Weekly offering of the Christ Kids Club sent to Wayside Soup Kitchen
Recruiting new teachers for the second half of year.
Betsy Keiter – Ethical wills – distributing and sharing ethics with your children . A discussion with your children .
Christmas Caroling at the homes of the shut-ins on Dec 13th.
Christmas Pageant coming together for December 21st.
Email from Carol Zechman – Request that children worship with their families at Holiday services, and not attend Sunday school classes.
Easter Sunday Idea- Arrange some kind of large group activity in Guptil Hall for those children that would not be attending Sunday school that wish not to attend church worship with their parents .
Youth Ministry
Aaron reported everything going well. They had a fun time at a Halloween Hayride in October. There is a planned meeting to do Laser Tag with the youth group.
Coffee Hour
People are volunteering but still a need for on going volunteers for the coming months. The council clarified their position of coffee hour and the proposal presented to teams hosting a month of coffee hour. Further feedback will come after their November meeting.
Nursery
Instruction sheet placed outside of nursery –Limit number of children left with Diana if there is no volunteer to help out.
Scholarship
Nothing new
Library
Nothing new
Hospitality/Inquirers
Jean Fisher helped serve
Upcoming Events
Advent Wreath Making – Kim Early and Judy Magnusson - Nov 30th
Materials supplied and cost to make wreaths to individuals is a minimal amount.
Jesus’Birthday – Purchase a cake for Christmas Eve
2009 Budget
Leaving some of budget as is for EG & F
Increase curriculum budget to $1,800 (eliminating 7280 Continuing Education and place into curriculum thus new budget amount)
Look into child care expense if that should be under EG & F, it is presently under Spiritual Life & Worship.
Recorder: Ginny Gledhill
Next Meeting: 12/4/08
Attendance: Ginny Gledhill, Amy Foster, Jayne Quinn-Sawtelle ,Karen Pierce Souza ,Elsa Peters, Aaron French, Margaret Thibodeau
Opening
Introduction: Jean Siulinski – Council Representative- To bring back any concerns of our team to the council.
Minutes
The 10/2/08 minutes were read and approved.
Adult & Youth Education
Weekly offering of the Christ Kids Club sent to Wayside Soup Kitchen
Recruiting new teachers for the second half of year.
Betsy Keiter – Ethical wills – distributing and sharing ethics with your children . A discussion with your children .
Christmas Caroling at the homes of the shut-ins on Dec 13th.
Christmas Pageant coming together for December 21st.
Email from Carol Zechman – Request that children worship with their families at Holiday services, and not attend Sunday school classes.
Easter Sunday Idea- Arrange some kind of large group activity in Guptil Hall for those children that would not be attending Sunday school that wish not to attend church worship with their parents .
Youth Ministry
Aaron reported everything going well. They had a fun time at a Halloween Hayride in October. There is a planned meeting to do Laser Tag with the youth group.
Coffee Hour
People are volunteering but still a need for on going volunteers for the coming months. The council clarified their position of coffee hour and the proposal presented to teams hosting a month of coffee hour. Further feedback will come after their November meeting.
Nursery
Instruction sheet placed outside of nursery –Limit number of children left with Diana if there is no volunteer to help out.
Scholarship
Nothing new
Library
Nothing new
Hospitality/Inquirers
Jean Fisher helped serve
Upcoming Events
Advent Wreath Making – Kim Early and Judy Magnusson - Nov 30th
Materials supplied and cost to make wreaths to individuals is a minimal amount.
Jesus’Birthday – Purchase a cake for Christmas Eve
2009 Budget
Leaving some of budget as is for EG & F
Increase curriculum budget to $1,800 (eliminating 7280 Continuing Education and place into curriculum thus new budget amount)
Look into child care expense if that should be under EG & F, it is presently under Spiritual Life & Worship.
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