Attendees: Rev. Dennis Bailey; Chris Parker, Mary Ann Parker, Jeff Law, Barbara Langill, Chuck Cotting, Dwight Decker, Linda Ladd, and Sandi Watson. The meeting opened at 7:07 p.m. with a meditation by Barbara.

Pastor’s Report: Rev. Bailey has been working with Barbara, Jill, and the Diaconate on upcoming services and events:

• November 2: The next family worship, this time focusing on the sacrament of baptism. There will be three children baptized. This service will also include communion.
• November 9: The church will honor Rev. Mark Strickland as Pastor Emeritus of Centre Church (see related item under Membership Ministries).
• November 16: The church will celebrate Membership Sunday, with four people joining the church. Confirmation class begins on this Sunday, with five students. Confirmation Sunday is planned for March 22.
• November 23: The Interfaith Thanksgiving service will take place at St. Maria Goretti’s church.

Reverend Bailey has also been visiting people who are new to, or returning to, Centre Church. The Lynnfield Clergy Association continues to meet on a regular basis.

Vice Moderator: Jeff Law talked about the list of vacant positions: Outreach Ministries Chair, Assistant Treasurer, and Recording Clerk.

Treasurer: Dwight reviewed the 2008/2009 income and expense numbers through the end of September.

Planned Giving: Chris said that the Planned Giving team met on October 27 to discuss how to promote planned giving at the church and to develop materials for educating members about how planned giving works. Phil Johnson will be attending a seminar about Planned Giving in November.

Christian Education and Youth Ministries: Barbara reported on many Sunday School and Youth Group activities:

• The family-friendly services on the first Sunday of each month are going well. Barbara and Jill will use the Children’s Time on November 2 to help the children understand the sacrament of baptism.
• The current Rotation Sensation is focusing on Heifer International. The Heifer Market (alternative giving opportunity) will be held on Sunday, November 23. The Pumpkins for Pigs pumpkin-carving contest raised $250 for Heifer, which is enough for two pigs plus one share of a pig.
• The 7th and 8th grade class has shifted focus, away from a set curriculum toward a more hands-on, service project approach.
• Bibles were given out to children in the pre-Kindergarten, 4th grade, and 9th grade classes.
• The Middle School Youth Group walkathon on October 19 raised $250 for My Brother’s Table.
• The High School Youth Group is planning to return to New Orleans for another outreach trip next summer. The recycling drive on October 4 raised $1,900 in support of this trip.
• If enough kids sign up, the High School Youth Group will be joining other local UCC churches for the “Increase the Peace” retreat at the UCC Conference Center in Framingham on November 7-8.
• The winter clothing drive for Cradles to Crayons is underway. The High School Youth Group will be collecting children's coats from Sunday Oct. 26 to Nov. 9.  Please bring new or gently used coats, sizes 0-16, to the collection box in the Narthex.  The youth will be going to volunteer at Cradles to Crayons on Tuesday, Nov. 11.
• On November 16, the High School Youth Group will be collecting frozen turkeys for Haven from Hunger.

Membership Ministries: Chuck talked about the luncheon on November 9 to celebrate Rev. Strickland’s status as Pastor Emeritus of the church. Membership Ministries is also planning a trip to Stoneham Theatre to see “It’s a Wonderful Life” on December 6th, at 3:00 p.m. Please sign up in advance! Chuck also described the new Centre Church Newcomer Information Card that Cindy Trayers designed.

Diaconate: Linda said that the Diaconate was happy to welcome three new members: Carrie Pericola, Leslie Carey, and Bruce Weaver. In addition to working with Reverend Bailey on upcoming worship services, the Diaconate is planning a “Favorite Hymns” Sunday with Doug Hodgkins.

Stewardship: Mary Ann reported that she had met with Debbie Cotting, the outgoing chair. The new Stewardship Ministry team members are: Ann Decker, Chris Gehret, Sue Johnson, Bob MacKendrick, Cindy Trayers, and Mike Nickerson.

Upcoming Stewardship events:

• Kickoff of the Supplemental Pledge Drive, requesting an additional $30,000 for the operating budget.
• November 23 – Breakfast in the Fireside Room before worship (8:00 to 9:45 a.m.). There will be a charge of $5.00 per person, with tickets available in advance or at the door.
• December 7 – The Craft Fair. Ann Decker and Mary Ann will coordinate the luncheon. This is the same Sunday as the Advent Workshop and cookie swap.
• January 11 – Breakfast before worship.
• March – Kickoff event for the regular Stewardship Drive, featuring a silent auction, refreshments, and music at an offsite location to be determined.

Finance Ministries/Properties: Chris said that the Lights Out program is staffed through February.

The HVAC system’s efficiency is being analyzed; the Finance Ministries/Properties team will be making a recommendation to Council soon. Phil and Chuck are working on a proposal to replace the range in the big kitchen (in the church basement).

TMobile may be interested in renting space for an antenna on the church’s steeple. Phil will meet with them in November.

Respectfully submitted,
Sandi Watson, recording clerk