Attendees: Rev. Dennis Bailey; Chris Parker, Jeff Law, Debbie Cotting, Chuck Cotting, Perry Hayden, Phil Johnson, Dwight Decker, Linda Ladd, Chris Gehret, and Sandi Watson.
The meeting opened at 7:10 p.m. with a meditation by Phil. Minutes from the May 27 meeting were approved.

Pastor’s Report: Reverend Bailey said that Seavey Bowdoin, Phil Triffletti, and Jeff Langill have volunteered to lead services while he is away for the mission trip in August and, later on, for vacation. Dennis is excited about joining the 21 youth and four other adults going to New Orleans to help continue the rebuilding process.

Treasurer: Dwight reviewed the 2008-2009 budget. Discussion ensued about the church offering medical insurance coverage and the current fiscal year’s likely final numbers. A motion was made, seconded, and approved for Dwight to present the 2008-2009 budget to the congregation on June 22 as he presented it to Council.

Christian Education and Youth Ministries: Perry gave the CE report:

• Fourteen children are signed up for the Vacation Bible School (June 23 through 27).
• The High School Youth Group year-end retreat on June 14 and 15 at Six Flags was a lot of fun.
• Funding for the mission trip to New Orleans is in place, thanks to generous donations from the congregation to the various fundraisers, contributions by the parents of the kids participating, and a contribution from the Outreach Ministries team.

Outreach Ministries: Chris said that the usual collections will continue through the summer—aluminum can pull tabs, used eyeglasses, non-perishable food, travel-size toiletries, knitted squares, and used cell phones (numbers erased, and please include the phone’s charger).

Membership Ministries: Chuck reported that the Membership Ministries team is still looking for people who want to serve on their team. So far, 67 people have signed up for the Essex River Cruise, scheduled for Sunday, August 17, from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. The cruise will be followed by dinner at Woodman’s Restaurant, where Chris Parker’s A Capella group, Peking and the Mystics, will perform.

Education Ministries: Perry said that the Education Ministries team is also seeking new members.

Diaconate: Joining in the theme, Linda said that the Diaconate is looking for new members, too. The first worship service in the Chapel will be Sunday, June 29. Ushers and readers are in place for the summer worship services.

Stewardship Ministries: Debbie reported that she will be sending a letter of appreciation to the congregation for participating in the stewardship drive to fund the 2008-2009 fiscal year.

Properties Team/Finance Ministries: Phil said there will be a work day at the church on Saturday, June 21. “Evie’s List” of opportunities to fund small repair/maintenance jobs at the church will soon be published. Phil received a request to use the church for a craft fair in November. Council will make a decision at a future meeting.

Next Meeting: The next meeting of Parish Council is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 23, 2008, in the Pastor’s outer office. Respectfully submitted – Sandi Watson, recording clerk

Respectfully submitted,
Sandi Watson, recording clerk