Church Council Meeting - August 20, 2003

The Church council Meeting was called to order on Wednesday, August 20, 2003, at 7:35pm by Assistant Church Manager, Bill Barker. The meeting was held in the SCC library. Rev. Jean McCusker led us in prayer at the start. A quorum of 7 was met with 8 present (P) and 6 being absent (A).

The minutes from the July 2003 council meeting and the August 6th, 2003 special meeting were reviewed and accepted. Bill called on the officers and chairpersons for their reports.

Treasurer - (Bruce Nichols) - Bruce reported that during the month of July, the church had an income of $6,711.01 and expenses of $10,214.55 for a net deficit of $3,503.54. The net worth of our church at the end of July was $227,364.64 down $8,773.99 from the end of June 2003. $5,270.00 of the decrease was due to reductions in the value of our stock portfolio. The remaining $3,500.00 came from the July deficit. YTD, the church's net worth is down approximately $16,000.00

Trustees - (Glenn Wells) - Glenn mentioned that a verbal estimate of $2,500.00 was given to remove the dead tree behind the Parish House from Scinto's Tree Service. The cleaning of the carpet in the sanctuary (already approved) will be done once the heat and humidity are gone. Bill Barker has agreed to do the carpet with Lesley's help. A workday will be announced during the month of September since several items still need to be done. Painting of the Parish House apartment upstairs was again mentioned with no decision made.

Outreach - (Lestey Barker) - Spooner House supper was served at the homeless shelter on August 16th The ACT land purchase for a new Spooner House on the Todd Road site will proceed with a mortgage for $4 million from Webster Bank. Lesley attended an Informational Breakfast that ACT sponsored at Rapp's Paradise Inn on August 20th The 6th Annual Walk for the Hungry and Homeless will take place on September 13th, 2003 at 8:30 am on the Derby Green.

Membership - - No report was given.

Fundraising - (Bill Barker reported for Betty Ogden) - Betty was on vacation but submitted the following report: Fundraising will soon start preparations for Shelton Day. Shelton Day will be October 5th, 2003 from 10 am to 5 pm. We will have space #71.

Deacons - (Bill Barker submitted Geno Ogden's report) - The banners suggested by Del Burger from the Memorial contributions of his late wife, Eleanor will face the altar on the left and right side of the church. Hardware to hang banner would need to be installed. Am assuming this would be a trustee's item. Would need to purchase a position pole. To facilitate the changing of the banners easily and safely. These are my thoughts, whatever they are worth. If council has different ideas, fine. Schedule for displaying banners. Bill Barker has already created a schedule. Looks fine to me.

Personnel - (Ron Karkut) - Rev. Jean McCusker has accepted our calling for an Interim Minister and we are very happy to have her be an integral part of Shelton Congregational Church. A Pastoral Search Committee needs to be formed with 8 members and 2 alternates. Kim Karkut is in charge of this and has identified a few members interested in being on this committee.

Stewardship - Cheryl Patrick - In Cheryl's absence, it was asked that no decisions be made with regard to Consecration Sunday until the Stewardship Committee can meet and discuss the program. A meeting of this committee is scheduled for Sunday, August 24th.

Women's Fellowship - Lucille Wells - After summer break, Lucille mentioned the committee will meet on Tuesday, September 9th at 7pm to discuss plans our Annual Fair in November.

Old Business: Stewardship Consecration Sunday tabled until committee meets.

New Business:

1). A new sign out front with Rev. Jean's name on it. Glenn would provide the materials and Civitella's would do the printing for about $60.00. Lesley moved to accept this, Kathey seconded it, and the motion passed.

2). Ron mentioned that we accepted a binding agreement contract with Rev. McCusker for August 5th until December 3 1st There will be renewable 3 month terms thereafter.

3). Elm City Girls Choir will be here on Saturday and Sunday, September 20th and 21st Meal arrangements for them will be discussed at the next council meeting. Ron has agreed to advertise their visit on Telemedia, once Kathey gives him the information!!.

The next council meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 17th in the Shelton Congregational Church library. The meeting adjourned at 8:33pm.

Submitted by Kathey DeMarco