Parish Council Minutes
September 9, 2003
The moderator convened the meeting at 7:20 P.M. Present were Bruce Gist, Raymond Patch, Bill Hoey, George Hayden, Barbara Langill, Bill Newell, Phil Johnson, Linda Ladd, Hugh Penney and Susan Lambe. Hugh Penney offered the meditation during the meeting.
The minutes of the August meeting were reviewed and accepted.
Senior Pastors report: The first lay communion will be held this Sunday, the Worship Team will observe and critique. The Membership Commission will also meet on Sunday to form a panel to answer the question: "What would attract your peers to come to this church?" Raymond will be setting up a meeting with church school teachers to see how he can be of help to them. A new Adult Education book group will begin on Oct. 7th. The will be reading Peter Gomes’, The Good Book. Gomes, who preaches at Harvard, has been referred to as one of the 10 best preachers in our country. Raymond will attend a workshop in Baltimore from Oct. 20th- 23rd. It is entitled "Helping a Congregation with a Vision." Raymond will be able to attend stewardship Sunday here on Oct. 26th.
Report from Youth Ministry: Barbara reported we had a great turnout last Sunday at the Rotation Sensation Open House. Next week will be Registration Sunday. All the classrooms have been completed, the video projector will be installed in the media room this week. We now have 2 paid nursery staffers on board. This will alleviate the need to find a volunteer each Sunday. Discussion ensued about having Fire Exit routes reposted at key locations. Barbara would like to investigate taking Youth Ministry courses. These could be funded.
Financial Secretary’s report: Bruce reported pledges have come in well despite a traditionally slow August.
Phil thanked Bill Hoey for his enormous effort and time given to get our church repainted.
Board of Worship: George reported the Worship Team will meet tomorrow to prepare for leading Lay Communion on Sunday.
Board of Faith Development: Linda reported that Tower Day School has a new playground. The surface installed was woodchips instead of a matted surface. This was a large cost savings. The new Kindergarten class has begun, the Preschool opens in mid-September. As mentioned previously, a new Adult Ed book group is beginning. The Family Life Commission will be meeting on 9/21 to discuss planning a social event around the time of the Amistad visit.
Treasurer’s report: Hugh informed us that our finances are on track. Income is at 96% YTD, and expenses are in line.
CCC Goals: At the next Parish Council meeting we will discuss visions for our church based on the books we have studied. This meeting will take place Sunday, Sept. 28th from 11:30- 1:30. Our main focus will be church growth; a question for all to ponder is: What is the purpose of our church?
Coming Events: Golf Outing and Family Cookout on Friday, Sept. 19th, and a Parking Lot dedication coming soon. Discussion ensued on keeping the Senior High Youth Group active.
The meeting adjourned at 8:45 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Lambe, Recording Clerk