Attendees: Reverend Dennis Bailey, Phil Johnson, Barbara Langill, Perry Hayden, George Hayden, Debbie Cotting, Chris Gehret, Dwight Decker, and Sandi Watson

The meeting started at 7:07 p.m. Minutes from the previous meeting on August 22 were approved.

Pastor Report

Fifteen students have signed up for this year’s Confirmation class. There will be a meeting on September 30, following worship, for confirmands, parents, and anyone interested in serving as mentors. The class will likely begin meeting in October.

There will be two baptisms on Sunday, October 21.

Rev. Bailey will attend fire safety training at the 2007 Chaplains’ Fire Academy in Stow, Massachusetts, on October 10 and 11.

Christian Education Report

Barbara reported that more than 50 children participated in Church School on Sunday. Thirty eight youth (5th through 12th grades) attended the first Youth Group meetings on September 16.

For the summer of 2008, two Youth Group trips are possible:

• The UCC National Youth Event at the University of Tennessee, July 24-28.
• A Mission Trip to help the people of New Orleans who are still recovering from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, August 1-8.

Discussion of possible fundraising ideas for these trips followed.

On Sunday, September 30, the 5th grade and 6th through 8th grade Youth Groups will participate in the Hike for Hope in support of Lazarus House in Lawrence.

The High School Youth Group will take part in a City Mission Society outreach trip in Boston on Friday and Saturday, September 28 and 29.

Church Budget for 2007/2008

Dwight reviewed the 2006/2007 church budget, which came in as balanced. He then presented an overview of the budget for 2007/2008. In order to balance this budget, it includes a line item called “Supplemental Pledge,” for $25,000.00. This line item—and the Stewardship Team’s proposal for funding it—will be part of the budget discussion at the Annual Meeting on Sunday, September 23. A motion was made, seconded, and approved that the church budget for 2007/2008 be accepted by Council.

Appointments

A motion was made, seconded, and approved that Council accept the following appointments, which fall outside the ministry team structure:

• Pinky Warnock – Church Historian
• Edie Richard – Membership Clerk
• Ann Decker – Church Librarian
• Frank Scott – Safe Church Director
• Perry Hayden and Dwight Decker – Tower Day School Board Representatives

Annual Meeting Preparation

Phil led a discussion of the agenda for the Centre Church Annual Meeting following worship on September 23:

• Reports of Officers and Ministry Teams
• Planned Giving Committee Report
• Presentation and Approval of the 2007 to 2008 Budget
• Election of Officers, Ministry Team Chairs, and Other Positions
• Remembrance of Deceased Members
• Recognition of 50-Year Members

One of the items Phil highlighted is the set of proposals to be made by the Planned Giving Committee, who will recommend that the church:

Ministry Team Reports

• Education Ministries: Perry said that George Hayden completed a number of tasks for Tower Day School over the summer, such as painting the fence around the playground. Barbara and Jill have planned out the Rotation Sensation classes for the 2007/2008 Church School year.
• Stewardship Ministry: Debbie reported that the Stewardship Ministry team has reviewed the last campaign, discussing which elements they would like to incorporate in future drives and which ones didn’t work as well as hoped. The Stewardship team will be meeting soon to discuss ideas for the next campaign.
• Diaconate: George said that two deacons will participate in pre-baptism meetings, as well as the service, for the two baptisms planned for October 21.
• Over the summer, Rev. Bailey led three funerals and one memorial service.
• Mark Meehl will resume the movie series about Open and Affirming Congregations on October 7.
• The ushering schedule is set for the fall.
• George expressed appreciation for the work done by the Ladds, Marinos, and Storeys, who improved the literature holders in the sanctuary pews.

Phil closed the meeting by noting that the 5th Annual Centre Church Golf Tournament will take place this Friday, September 21. As has been traditional, proceeds will go to support the Outreach program.

Next Meeting: The next meeting of Parish Council is scheduled for Wednesday, October 24, at 7:00 p.m. in the Pastor’s office.

Respectfully submitted,
Sandi Watson, recording clerk