Parish Council Minutes

February 28, 2006

The moderator convened the meeting at 7:15 P.M. In attendance were Chris Gehret, Barbara Langill, Rick Carey, Susan Lambe, Dwight Decker, George Hayden, Phil Johnson, Mike Dunfee, and Linda Ladd. Phil offered the meditation. He welcomed Rick to his first council meeting as the new Chairperson of the Board of Administration. Minutes from the January 24^th meeting and the Annual meeting were approved.

Moderator’s Report: Phil reviewed council’s objectives for the year 2006 as were established at the annual meeting. He updated council on the pastoral search process. So far, the committee has received 50 profiles for review. Tom Clough of the UCC attended the last meeting to help conduct a mock interview. The group will meet again tomorrow to start planning an interview schedule. Reading each individual profile is very time consuming, much work has already been accomplished. Rescheduling the strategy-setting meeting for council was discussed; the new date will be March 7^th. Strategy will focus on membership, stewardship and missions. We will also work on streamlining the by-laws. Phil noted that we now have a full slate of council officers, including 5 board chairpersons.

Pastor’s Report: Mike informed us that he has received notice that an insurance application needs to be submitted, Dwight will check if this has been completed. The confirmation group is gong well, a retreat is planned for March 17^th and 18^th. A family-friendly worship service is being planned for this Sunday to mark the beginning of Lent. On March 12^th, there will be a guest preacher. Mike is currently reviewing ideas for the Easter service with Doug Hodgkins. Adult Education has a series dealing with End of Life issues that begins this Sunday. The membership committee is planning to induct new members in a service before Easter. They have also made progress on the web page. The personnel commission needs to schedule a meeting. Revising the bylaws is still on the agenda.

Treasurer’s Report: Dwight reported that he has finalized all year-end 2005 reports. He then presented the 2006 treasurer’s report to date. Chris asked to have the funding for missions noted on the monthly reports, Dwight agreed to add this. Discussion on all our financial systems and software took place.

Christian Ed. Report: Barbara reported that a special rotation Sunday was held last week in order to cover topics that needed reviewing. This Sunday, the classes will share some of this in worship. Also this Sunday, Kindergartners and 4^th-graders will receive their Bibles. On the following 2 Sundays, the 4^th-graders and their parents will have classes on how to use their new Bibles. The new Rotation begins on March 12^th, all classes have teachers. CCC "Easter Fun Day" is scheduled for Saturday, April 15^th; during which the 8^th-graders will be performing a puppet show for everyone.

Youth Group Report: An overnight mission trip entitled "City Reach" is scheduled in March for the 7^th and 8^th grades. The trip focuses on homelessness, the students will collect things to take on the trip on the 2 Sundays prior. The High School youth group is planning a mission trip to NYC in June. Spring retreats being planned include a beach retreat for grades 5-7 and whitewater rafting for grades 8-12. Barbara also reported on her own continuing education; she is in a 2-year program working towards her certification and would like to join the association and attend a retreat at Craigville in May. This was approved.

Christian Service Report: Chris reported their last meeting was cancelled due to snow. The group is hoping to reinstitute their pledge to OCWM. Next week, a knitting group will begin. Their purpose is fellowship and to produce blanket squares for the American Red Cross.

Faith Development Report: Linda encouraged people to see "Resurrection" again this year. Details will be posted on the bulletin board and in Tower Notes.

Administration Report: Rick informed us that the Properties commission has been revamped and that they will meet soon. Their goals will include improvements and repairs; as well as organizing and programming all maintenance to a central location. The Lights Out program has new members, and is still recruiting. The Properties Commission would like to add one member who is available during daytime hours if a need should arise. The Investments commission needs to be reactivated.

Worship Report: George reported that planning would be underway for the Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday and Easter services. He is looking for another active member for the Worship Team.

Phil discussed the proposed donation to CCC of a Loon Mountain timeshare. It was decided that more information is needed, Phil will pursue this. The next council meeting will be held on March 28^th at 7:00 P.M. The moderator adjourned the meeting at 8:50 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,
Susan Lambe, Recording Clerk