Thank you to everyone who made it last night. One of the issues that came up at the meeting (for those who didn't make it) was the availability of space in our buildings. A motion was passed to conduct a space use survey; before next meeting (which is May 17th) each member of the Church Council is to make a schedule of which rooms are used and when for all of the ministries/activities overseen by their committee or staff position- including areas used constantly for storage. This information will be compiled with lists kept by the church office for things like boyscouts and other outside groups to create a reasonably accurate picture of how our facilities are being used.
This information will allow us to evaluate the effeciency with which we use space and examine options for improvement. We also have some ministries (such as UMW) which are expanding and searching for more room and this survey will equip us to determine how we can accomidate these ministries and help foster continued growth.
As soon as your schedule is complete you can submit it to Charlie, who has graciously volunteered to compile everything, at cyund@roadrunner.com or in person. The sooner you can get it in the better as Charlie will need time to work everything together. Thank you.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Monday, April 19, 2010
Trustee's Report
Announcements:
All-church Spring Clean-up on Sat May 1, 8a –noon. Please support and promote.
-Direction, “Coffee and donuts” will be provided
-Concludes with celebration cook-out
Projects Completed:
New vinyl floors in entryways and coatrooms
More soundproof door between Double Door room and Nursery
Windows replaced at Historic Trinity
Projects Planned or In Process:
Logo matts (3) for church entrances
Parking Lot sealing and striping
Investigation of leak around south chevron window
Telephone/Internet review, all buildings
Stair and window lighting at Historic Trinity
Video inventory of church property
Projects Being Considered:
Replacement of Organ Console
Electronic Sign at Street
Expand back-entrance meeting room into “Brides room”
All-church Spring Clean-up on Sat May 1, 8a –noon. Please support and promote.
-Direction, “Coffee and donuts” will be provided
-Concludes with celebration cook-out
Projects Completed:
New vinyl floors in entryways and coatrooms
More soundproof door between Double Door room and Nursery
Windows replaced at Historic Trinity
Projects Planned or In Process:
Logo matts (3) for church entrances
Parking Lot sealing and striping
Investigation of leak around south chevron window
Telephone/Internet review, all buildings
Stair and window lighting at Historic Trinity
Video inventory of church property
Projects Being Considered:
Replacement of Organ Console
Electronic Sign at Street
Expand back-entrance meeting room into “Brides room”
Saturday, April 17, 2010
April Prayer report
PRAYER MINISTRY REPORT
The Prayer Ministry - ACE sponsored weekend retreat with Rev. Dr. Roy Miller is on the brink of happening at the time of this report. We have 45 registered, with participants coming from Lockport, Hilton, Angelica and several surrounding UM Churches, two churches from the Island as well as participants from Trinity. Lots of us and others have been praying for the blessings to come from it!
It's taken lots of publicity and many folks volunteering and working well thru the office and cooperation from Pastor Jeff and all of the staff people to prepare for the 8:30 to 3:30 Sat. April 17th worship/teaching/praying event and cooperation and help from Pastor Jeff in arranging for Dr. Miller to preach at all three services on the 18th.
We are hosting the Millers and our grandaughter, Carleigh Kaiser, who will be sharing some worship dance during the two days.
Our hope would be for folks to grow in their understanding of what kinds of prayer gives them a real sense of genuine communication with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit...so they feel empowered as Christians as they pray. Then we would look for ways Prayer can bring some new kinds of prayer activity in the church added to that which we already do.
Rev. Sue Kaiser, Prayer Ministry Coordinator
The Prayer Ministry - ACE sponsored weekend retreat with Rev. Dr. Roy Miller is on the brink of happening at the time of this report. We have 45 registered, with participants coming from Lockport, Hilton, Angelica and several surrounding UM Churches, two churches from the Island as well as participants from Trinity. Lots of us and others have been praying for the blessings to come from it!
It's taken lots of publicity and many folks volunteering and working well thru the office and cooperation from Pastor Jeff and all of the staff people to prepare for the 8:30 to 3:30 Sat. April 17th worship/teaching/praying event and cooperation and help from Pastor Jeff in arranging for Dr. Miller to preach at all three services on the 18th.
We are hosting the Millers and our grandaughter, Carleigh Kaiser, who will be sharing some worship dance during the two days.
Our hope would be for folks to grow in their understanding of what kinds of prayer gives them a real sense of genuine communication with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit...so they feel empowered as Christians as they pray. Then we would look for ways Prayer can bring some new kinds of prayer activity in the church added to that which we already do.
Rev. Sue Kaiser, Prayer Ministry Coordinator
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Youth Ministry report for April
Youth Report
~The Workcamp Stock Sale is going great! We’ve raised $2,450, as of now, but are hoping to hit $3,000. We’re going to finish it up by May 2nd, so if you haven’t purchased your stock please do so by then.
~We’re continuing Workcamp fundraising with a Mulch Sale. We will be selling 2 different colors and it should be available by the 1st and 2nd weekend in May, so keep an eye out for further details.
~Anyone stuck on what to get Mom or Grandma for Mother’s Day? How about a present for less than $10 already wrapped and ready to go? The youth are selling planters decorated with a quote and logo for $8.00, which includes a plastic planter with a lid that doubles as drip tray, Johnny Jump Up seeds, peat pellet and directions.
“Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.”
~Event update: High School youth had an awesome Lock-In on May 10th-11th. We had 6 guys and 7 girls attend. It was lot of fun and we got an opportunity to use the Wii that was gifted to us, as well as using Historic Trinity to its fullest.
Middle School Youth will be heading to Splash Lagoon for the day on May 1st and are looking forward to that.
~The Workcamp Stock Sale is going great! We’ve raised $2,450, as of now, but are hoping to hit $3,000. We’re going to finish it up by May 2nd, so if you haven’t purchased your stock please do so by then.
~We’re continuing Workcamp fundraising with a Mulch Sale. We will be selling 2 different colors and it should be available by the 1st and 2nd weekend in May, so keep an eye out for further details.
~Anyone stuck on what to get Mom or Grandma for Mother’s Day? How about a present for less than $10 already wrapped and ready to go? The youth are selling planters decorated with a quote and logo for $8.00, which includes a plastic planter with a lid that doubles as drip tray, Johnny Jump Up seeds, peat pellet and directions.
“Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.”
~Event update: High School youth had an awesome Lock-In on May 10th-11th. We had 6 guys and 7 girls attend. It was lot of fun and we got an opportunity to use the Wii that was gifted to us, as well as using Historic Trinity to its fullest.
Middle School Youth will be heading to Splash Lagoon for the day on May 1st and are looking forward to that.
April Worship Committee report
Worship committee meeting minutes from Monday April 12
1. The purchase of banners for Historic Trinity were approved at an approximate cost of $100.00.
2. The issue of repair vs replacement of the pipe organ in the Sanctuary was discussed. Most of us like the organ music, the question is , do we like it enough to pay $47,000 for repairs. The possibility of a fundraising campaign to finance the repair was suggested. the possibility of no "real"organ music was also discussed.
3. The very hot topic of discussion at our meting was regarding the division of the congregation between the 9am and the 10:30 services. ( the 8'oclockers are happy with their worship situation). Back in '08, some of the congregation were not completley happy with the worship service, a survey was taken and the 9am contempory service began last Summer. Since then, some members from both services are concerned that we have two separate and much smaller congregations. There is a lack of fellowship between the two congregations. One suggestion brought to our attention, would be to hold a forum style meeting to let members of the congregation voice their concerns. These forums would be held in 2 sessions. The 1st would be held on May 2nd after each service. (this is very soon, but the May schedule is very busy ). The 2nd would be in mid June. Two or three questions would be raised. 1. What do you like about the service you attend? 2. Is there anything you don't like about the service? 3. What would you like to see changed? What are your thoughts on a blended service?
Any thoughts from the church council members on the #3 topic are welcome.
Next Worship committee meeting is on Monday May 10th.
1. The purchase of banners for Historic Trinity were approved at an approximate cost of $100.00.
2. The issue of repair vs replacement of the pipe organ in the Sanctuary was discussed. Most of us like the organ music, the question is , do we like it enough to pay $47,000 for repairs. The possibility of a fundraising campaign to finance the repair was suggested. the possibility of no "real"organ music was also discussed.
3. The very hot topic of discussion at our meting was regarding the division of the congregation between the 9am and the 10:30 services. ( the 8'oclockers are happy with their worship situation). Back in '08, some of the congregation were not completley happy with the worship service, a survey was taken and the 9am contempory service began last Summer. Since then, some members from both services are concerned that we have two separate and much smaller congregations. There is a lack of fellowship between the two congregations. One suggestion brought to our attention, would be to hold a forum style meeting to let members of the congregation voice their concerns. These forums would be held in 2 sessions. The 1st would be held on May 2nd after each service. (this is very soon, but the May schedule is very busy ). The 2nd would be in mid June. Two or three questions would be raised. 1. What do you like about the service you attend? 2. Is there anything you don't like about the service? 3. What would you like to see changed? What are your thoughts on a blended service?
Any thoughts from the church council members on the #3 topic are welcome.
Next Worship committee meeting is on Monday May 10th.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Devotions for 4/19 meeting
Pastor Jeff has prepared some things for us to reflect on in preparation for our devotional time at Monday's meeting:
1. Complete the following statement: “For Trinity Church I have a dream that some day _____."
2. We will listen to the speech by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Can you see his dream? What did it say to you?
3. Before the Church Council meeting read these scripture passages and answer the “I have a dream” vision for each one.
Gen 2:4-3:7
Exodus 3:1-15
Exodus 16:1-30
Amos 5:21-24
Matthew 28:16-20
Luke 1:46-55
Luke 4:18-21
4. Make a list of the most important values of Trinity Church.
5. Now try writing a one sentence vision for Trinity Church as you understand it today. What do you feel God is calling us to become given our history, values and current reality and mission? (This may give you a glimpse of what a visioning process might yield.)
1. Complete the following statement: “For Trinity Church I have a dream that some day _____."
2. We will listen to the speech by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Can you see his dream? What did it say to you?
3. Before the Church Council meeting read these scripture passages and answer the “I have a dream” vision for each one.
Gen 2:4-3:7
Exodus 3:1-15
Exodus 16:1-30
Amos 5:21-24
Matthew 28:16-20
Luke 1:46-55
Luke 4:18-21
4. Make a list of the most important values of Trinity Church.
5. Now try writing a one sentence vision for Trinity Church as you understand it today. What do you feel God is calling us to become given our history, values and current reality and mission? (This may give you a glimpse of what a visioning process might yield.)
April Finance Committee report
Finance Committee report to Church Council – April 14, 2010
Through First Quarter 2010 giving has increased, spending decreased and Apportionments payments increased vs. 2009:
Much of the reduced spending results from Trinity spreading its gas heating costs over the calendar year rather than paying them as incurred. Through March 2010 we paid $4.4k vs, $24.9k in 2009. Regina Truitt agreed to determine how much Trinity will pay for the remainder of 2010.
The Easter Offering was $4.9k, 50% of which will be used to pay Apportionments and the remainder to cover program costs.
Financial assistance was offered to the Von Walds and Ginny Wilkinson to enable them to purchase health insurance, starting 4/15.
The possibility of offering Nate Lange a part-time position as a Local Minister was discussed. Much remains to be resolved, but if he were to be offered such a position it is desired to have it start July 1st. Compensation for a full-time position would be about $34k annually. This subject will be revisited during out May meeting.
Jeff Childs asked for a representative from the Finance Committee to participate in a Planned Giving committee to continue the work begun several years ago. FC members are asked to consider volunteering for this role.
Initial concepts for a series of fall stewardship neighborhood meetings were discussed.
Our next meeting will be May 11th at 6:30 pm.
Chris Hipp Chair Finance Committee
Through First Quarter 2010 giving has increased, spending decreased and Apportionments payments increased vs. 2009:
| 2010 | 2009 | |
| General fund giving | $88k | $85.8k |
| Spending | $88.6k | $107.4k |
| Apportionments payments | $8.8k | 0 |
| General Fund balance | $9.6k | -$11.3k |
Much of the reduced spending results from Trinity spreading its gas heating costs over the calendar year rather than paying them as incurred. Through March 2010 we paid $4.4k vs, $24.9k in 2009. Regina Truitt agreed to determine how much Trinity will pay for the remainder of 2010.
The Easter Offering was $4.9k, 50% of which will be used to pay Apportionments and the remainder to cover program costs.
Financial assistance was offered to the Von Walds and Ginny Wilkinson to enable them to purchase health insurance, starting 4/15.
The possibility of offering Nate Lange a part-time position as a Local Minister was discussed. Much remains to be resolved, but if he were to be offered such a position it is desired to have it start July 1st. Compensation for a full-time position would be about $34k annually. This subject will be revisited during out May meeting.
Jeff Childs asked for a representative from the Finance Committee to participate in a Planned Giving committee to continue the work begun several years ago. FC members are asked to consider volunteering for this role.
Initial concepts for a series of fall stewardship neighborhood meetings were discussed.
Our next meeting will be May 11th at 6:30 pm.
Chris Hipp Chair Finance Committee
April Christian Ed. Report
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION NEWS:
Easter was a lot of fun for the children at Trinity. We hid almost five hundred eggs. The Pre-k to 2nd graders looked for theirs in the kindergarden classroom and the 3rd to 5th graders searched in the Kidzone. Those that found the large eggs got special prizes and we also had a guess the amount of jelly beans contest.
In May we are planning on having a Family Movie Night and a Renaissance Fair. We are also planning a community service trip.
Our numbers have remained steady and we continue to see new children weekly at our Wednesday night program.
Please save the following dates:
-July 3rd: Trinity VBS float at Fourth of July parade
-July 31st: VBS Carnival and registration
-August 8 - August 15: Vacation Bible School 6-8:15 PM
PLEASE CONSIDER VOLUNTEERING FOR VBS. WE NEED HELP IN MANY AREAS SO IF CHILDREN'S MINISTRY IS NOT YOUR GIFTING WE STILL NEED YOU. HERE ARE SOME OF THE THINGS WE NEED HELP WITH: CARNIVAL, PROP BUILDING, SET-UP, TEAR DOWN, WORSHIP, DRAMA, FOOD PREPARATION, ARTS AND CRAFTS, GAMES, SECURITY, CHILDCARE, PRESCHOOL, AND ELEMENTARY GROUP LEADERS.
Thank-you and God Bless,
Liz and Mark Von Wald
Easter was a lot of fun for the children at Trinity. We hid almost five hundred eggs. The Pre-k to 2nd graders looked for theirs in the kindergarden classroom and the 3rd to 5th graders searched in the Kidzone. Those that found the large eggs got special prizes and we also had a guess the amount of jelly beans contest.
In May we are planning on having a Family Movie Night and a Renaissance Fair. We are also planning a community service trip.
Our numbers have remained steady and we continue to see new children weekly at our Wednesday night program.
Please save the following dates:
-July 3rd: Trinity VBS float at Fourth of July parade
-July 31st: VBS Carnival and registration
-August 8 - August 15: Vacation Bible School 6-8:15 PM
PLEASE CONSIDER VOLUNTEERING FOR VBS. WE NEED HELP IN MANY AREAS SO IF CHILDREN'S MINISTRY IS NOT YOUR GIFTING WE STILL NEED YOU. HERE ARE SOME OF THE THINGS WE NEED HELP WITH: CARNIVAL, PROP BUILDING, SET-UP, TEAR DOWN, WORSHIP, DRAMA, FOOD PREPARATION, ARTS AND CRAFTS, GAMES, SECURITY, CHILDCARE, PRESCHOOL, AND ELEMENTARY GROUP LEADERS.
Thank-you and God Bless,
Liz and Mark Von Wald
April SPRC report
SPRC report for Church Council Meeting April 19, 2010
1.) The program staff review of youth coordinator, Ginny Wilkinson was conducted on April 6. The review focused on are we achieving the goals for the youth program, is the program going in the direction that we would like it to go and what support can we give Ginny in the youth ministry.
Ginny is accomplishing the goals she set for the year but the group asked her to define her longer term goals and dreams for a successful youth program. Her future focus is shared below in the details of the review and she will revise her goals to reflect changes.
Additional dialogue of the interview is below (under comments) for those interested in the details.
2.) We reviewed the benefits for medical insurance coverage to the part time program staff individuals. A $150 per month per staffer allowance would be paid to individuals who provided proof of paid outside insurance. The Von Wald’s would be paid starting 4-15 and Ginny if she requests it. Ginny would come under her husbands insurance in September. This allowance is in effect until 12-31-2010 and will be reviewed for 2011.
3.) Pastor Jeff reported that good financial performance has continued and Trinity may want to consider applying positive revenue to providing support for:
-the Contemporary service leader
-2011 health care for staff
-Providing some recognition awards to part time staff as discussed at a previous meeting.
4.) The next meeting will be Tuesday May 4 at 6:30 with a review of the Christian education directors
Respectfully submitted,
Charlie Yund
1.) The program staff review of youth coordinator, Ginny Wilkinson was conducted on April 6. The review focused on are we achieving the goals for the youth program, is the program going in the direction that we would like it to go and what support can we give Ginny in the youth ministry.
Ginny is accomplishing the goals she set for the year but the group asked her to define her longer term goals and dreams for a successful youth program. Her future focus is shared below in the details of the review and she will revise her goals to reflect changes.
Additional dialogue of the interview is below (under comments) for those interested in the details.
2.) We reviewed the benefits for medical insurance coverage to the part time program staff individuals. A $150 per month per staffer allowance would be paid to individuals who provided proof of paid outside insurance. The Von Wald’s would be paid starting 4-15 and Ginny if she requests it. Ginny would come under her husbands insurance in September. This allowance is in effect until 12-31-2010 and will be reviewed for 2011.
3.) Pastor Jeff reported that good financial performance has continued and Trinity may want to consider applying positive revenue to providing support for:
-the Contemporary service leader
-2011 health care for staff
-Providing some recognition awards to part time staff as discussed at a previous meeting.
4.) The next meeting will be Tuesday May 4 at 6:30 with a review of the Christian education directors
Respectfully submitted,
Charlie Yund
Monday, April 12, 2010
our first committee report
Here is the April report from the Hospitality and Outreach Committee:
Action Items:
Reinstate Name Badges at both services
-Natalie will coordinate putting badges out at services that people attend most regularly
-Make visitor tags
-Make new nametags for new people who do not have them
-Find a new system for holding the tags.
New Member Luncheon (to honor all new members since January 1, 2010) will be held on Sunday May 23rd after the 10:30 service. That is Pentecost Sunday and we will be receiving confirmands and new members that day. This will be a luncheon . Ministry Chairmen will be asked to be present to briefly introduce themselves and bring information about their ministry and perhaps have a display table.
This will also be farewell recognition for Richard and Natalie Rice who will be moving in June.
STAFF the WELCOME CENTER on Sundays and move the Center out on Sundays. Sheila will coordinate. We now have most of our informational brochures current. There are gift bags for visitors as well as ivy plants supplied by Natalie with the theme Come Grow with Us. He is the vine and we are the branches.
VISITOR FOLDERS
-We are looking into visitor folders to hold the various brochures and a contact card.
-These packets will be given out to visitors during the service.
-We discussed some means of identifying visitors if they wish to be. Posssibilities: Nametag, cross pin. Children’s Ministries and Youth Ministries brochures need to be updated.
Have GREETERS at front door at both 9:00 and 10:30 services.
Colleen will write an article for Tidings and Tiny Tidings stressing the importance of this welcoming ministry and encourage and recruit younger members to volunteer. We noted that we already have some excellent greeters amongst the 50 and older membership who greet at the front door. Greeters are no longer scheduled by the Worship Committee to greet prior to the 10:30 service. Ushers are present at the 10:30 service to welcome people. There are presently no ushers or greeters at the 9 AM service.
Hold an Outreach Picnic at Town Hall Terrace on Saturday, May 15th. Natalie will check into availability of the Social Room. We discussed having hotdogs and side dishes provided by members, Games and activities for the kids (discuss with Mark and Liz), Activities and Games for Tweens and Teens (see Ginny Wilkinson), and displays by Women’s Ministries (book club, movie nights, etc), Scrapbookers, Quilters, and other similar groups. Possibly a promo of Kidmo or VBS. Natalie will coordinate.
Colleen Marx will be coordinating Membership Care and Nurture including new member follow-up. Sheila will bring Catch: Attracting and Connecting Visitors by Adam Hamilton for her to preview.
Action Items:
Reinstate Name Badges at both services
-Natalie will coordinate putting badges out at services that people attend most regularly
-Make visitor tags
-Make new nametags for new people who do not have them
-Find a new system for holding the tags.
New Member Luncheon (to honor all new members since January 1, 2010) will be held on Sunday May 23rd after the 10:30 service. That is Pentecost Sunday and we will be receiving confirmands and new members that day. This will be a luncheon . Ministry Chairmen will be asked to be present to briefly introduce themselves and bring information about their ministry and perhaps have a display table.
This will also be farewell recognition for Richard and Natalie Rice who will be moving in June.
STAFF the WELCOME CENTER on Sundays and move the Center out on Sundays. Sheila will coordinate. We now have most of our informational brochures current. There are gift bags for visitors as well as ivy plants supplied by Natalie with the theme Come Grow with Us. He is the vine and we are the branches.
VISITOR FOLDERS
-We are looking into visitor folders to hold the various brochures and a contact card.
-These packets will be given out to visitors during the service.
-We discussed some means of identifying visitors if they wish to be. Posssibilities: Nametag, cross pin. Children’s Ministries and Youth Ministries brochures need to be updated.
Have GREETERS at front door at both 9:00 and 10:30 services.
Colleen will write an article for Tidings and Tiny Tidings stressing the importance of this welcoming ministry and encourage and recruit younger members to volunteer. We noted that we already have some excellent greeters amongst the 50 and older membership who greet at the front door. Greeters are no longer scheduled by the Worship Committee to greet prior to the 10:30 service. Ushers are present at the 10:30 service to welcome people. There are presently no ushers or greeters at the 9 AM service.
Hold an Outreach Picnic at Town Hall Terrace on Saturday, May 15th. Natalie will check into availability of the Social Room. We discussed having hotdogs and side dishes provided by members, Games and activities for the kids (discuss with Mark and Liz), Activities and Games for Tweens and Teens (see Ginny Wilkinson), and displays by Women’s Ministries (book club, movie nights, etc), Scrapbookers, Quilters, and other similar groups. Possibly a promo of Kidmo or VBS. Natalie will coordinate.
Colleen Marx will be coordinating Membership Care and Nurture including new member follow-up. Sheila will bring Catch: Attracting and Connecting Visitors by Adam Hamilton for her to preview.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
If you're reading this that's a good sign...
Most of you probably remember our discussion at the March Council meeting about trying to figure out how we can spend less time reviewing reports at each meeting; this blog is an experiment in one way we might achieve that. Please read the reports and make whatever comments you like as well as noting things you think are important to discuss at the meeting. Also, if you have a report posted please try to check for questions or comments that you may be able to address via the blog.
If you have a report to submit you can submit it directly to the blog at trinity.churchcouncil@gmail.com or you can still email it to Gail, at least for now- as we iron out the bugs we'll likely drop one of those options.
I know this will be a major change from the way we've done things in the past and thank you for your participation. The more feedback we get the faster we can work out all the kinks and determine if this is a functional direction in which to head. We'll schedule some time at this month's meeting (on the 19th) to talk about our initial thoughts, concerns and experiences. I look forward to seeing you all there.
Most of you probably remember our discussion at the March Council meeting about trying to figure out how we can spend less time reviewing reports at each meeting; this blog is an experiment in one way we might achieve that. Please read the reports and make whatever comments you like as well as noting things you think are important to discuss at the meeting. Also, if you have a report posted please try to check for questions or comments that you may be able to address via the blog.
If you have a report to submit you can submit it directly to the blog at trinity.churchcouncil@gmail.com or you can still email it to Gail, at least for now- as we iron out the bugs we'll likely drop one of those options.
I know this will be a major change from the way we've done things in the past and thank you for your participation. The more feedback we get the faster we can work out all the kinks and determine if this is a functional direction in which to head. We'll schedule some time at this month's meeting (on the 19th) to talk about our initial thoughts, concerns and experiences. I look forward to seeing you all there.
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