Parish Council Minutes

May 23, 2006

The moderator began the meeting at 7:12 P.M.  Present were Mike Dunfee, Barbara Langill, Susan Johnson, Susan Lambe, Chris Gehret, George Hayden, Phil Johnson and Tony Lucia. Tony offered the meditation. The minutes from the April 25th meeting were approved.

Pastor’s Report: Mike reported that confirmation class is now completed. He also informed us that he has 2 goals to complete in his time remaining at CCC: finalizing the revision of the by-laws, and updating our website. On Sunday, June 4th, Mike will be preaching in Scituate as part of candidacy and Dayl Hufford will preach at CCC. Mike’s last Sunday will be June 25th. The service will be held in the sanctuary; the program is being planned.

Christian Ed. Report: Both youth groups just completed successful, Spring retreats. The Middle School group went to Craigville on Cape Cod; the High School went rafting on the Hudson River. Attendance on both trips was excellent. The flamingo flocking fundraiser was completed last week, and raised $2000 for the High School mission trip to NYC in June. Stock shares in the trip will be sold after church on June 4th; 16 of our youth are planning to go on the trip. Sunday school for the year is wrapping up, Children’s Sunday will be held on June 11th. Teacher recruitment for Fall has begun.

Treasurer’s Report: Phil reported for Dwight Decker that year to date expenses are running in line with our budget. Final income for the year from Tower Day still needs to be added in.

Financial Secretary: Susan reported that letters have been sent out to remind everyone to pay up pledges owed before the end of the fiscal year in June. New pledge cards will be sent out. This year’s Easter offering was very generous.

Pastoral Search Update: Phil reported that Debbie Cotting has informed him that some very strong candidates have emerged from the search. Interviewing will continue this week. Phil has spoken to a possible short term interim minister who could begin on July 1st. Council discussed the logistics of this, as well as the possibility of utilizing guest preachers for the summer.

By-laws Update: Mike and Phil presented to Council a proposed revision of our by-laws for review. Lengthy discussion ensued. When the proposed by-laws are finalized, they will be presented to the new minister and the congregation to be voted on at the Annual Meeting.

The moderator adjourned the meeting at 9:25 P.M. Mike led the group in a closing prayer. The next council meeting will take place on June 27th at 7:00 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,
Susan Lambe, Recording Clerk