Attendees: Rev. Dennis Bailey; Chris Parker, Barbara Langill, Debbie Cotting, Perry Hayden, Dwight Decker, and Sandi Watson.
The meeting opened at 7:07 p.m. with a meditation by Chris. Minutes from the June 18 meeting were approved.

Pastor’s Report: From August 2 through 8, Reverend Bailey will be joining the Youth Group mission trip to New Orleans. Then he will be on vacation until August 16. Preachers are in place for the Sundays that Dennis will be away and Rev. Dayl Hufford will provide pastoral care while Dennis is away.

Initial planning for this year’s confirmation class is under way. Rev. Bailey showed Council the Open and Affirming certificates, which will be displayed in the hallway by the parking lot entrance. He expressed appreciation for the work Carol Mackendrick did to design the layout, create component pieces, and arrange for the framing. Dennis also mentioned funding possibilities for a discretionary pastor’s fund, which would be used to help individuals who approach him to ask for help.

Treasurer: Dwight presented the almost-complete numbers for the fiscal year just closing. The numbers look good, with pledge income tracking very closely with original estimates.

Christian Education and Youth Ministries: Barbara said that nine youth and three adults are leaving on Thursday, July 24, to attend the United Church of Christ National Youth Event at the University of Tennessee. On August 2, 21 youth and five adults will travel to New Orleans, to participate in rebuilding projects for people still recovering from the effects of Hurricanes Rita and Katrina. Barbara expressed appreciation to everyone who contributed money in support of these Youth Group trips.

Barbara and Jill are developing materials for the Rotation Sensation classes. She noted that 7th and 8th graders will be offered a new class, with a curriculum centered on the book “Way to Live: Christian Practices for Kids.”

Outreach Ministries: Chris said that this year’s Annual Meeting will be on Sunday, September 28. In addition to the usual agenda items, church members will be asked to consider the question of calling Reverend Mark Strickland as Pastor Emeritus of Centre Church. Please note: all ministry team and committee reports for the Annual Report are due to Susan Spear by August 15th.

The 6th Annual Centre Church Golf Tournament will be held on Friday, September 19 at 1:00 p.m., at the Thomson Country Club in North Reading. Proceeds from this exciting time of fellowship and friendly competition go to support programs at Centre Church. Please contact Phil Johnson or Chris Parker if you have questions about the quest for the coveted UnHoly Grail Trophy.

Membership Ministries: Debbie reported that 90 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. The deadline for signing up for the cruise is August 1. Membership Ministries will meet in August.

Education Ministries: Perry said that the Education Ministries team has two new members.

Stewardship Ministries: Debbie presented pledge numbers for the 2008-2009 fiscal year -- $230,659 for local operations; $30,817 for outreach; $2,025 to support Bread and Roses.

Next Meeting: The next meeting of Parish Council is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 24, 2008, in the Pastor’s outer office. Respectfully submitted

Respectfully submitted,
Sandi Watson, recording clerk