Minutes from Council Meeting May 17, 2010

Trinity United Methodist Church
Church Council Meeting
May 17, 2010

Call to Order: Nate Lange called the meeting to order at 7:05 PM

Unison reading of mission statement was recited by all.

Attendees: Charlie Yund, Nate Lange, Gail Conschafter, Pastor Jeff, Kathy Stisser, Chris Hipp, Anne Hipp, Sheila Rader, Judy Maurer, Bob Kaiser, Sue Kaiser, Liz VonWald, Excused: Jim Ellson, Wesley Burkman, Bobbie Cap, Ginny Wilkinson, John Harbison Guests: Regina Truitt, Carrie Mesmer, Jill Atkinson.

Opening Devotions: Sue Kaiser opened in prayer. Nate shared Matthew 25:14-30. Discussion followed on talents. Nate expressed his thoughts regarding on responsibilities and asked the question, “Did you make good on what was given to you? Are we being responsible with the leadership that has been given to us?” Nate challenged us to make the most of what we are given and are responsible for.

Changes and additions to the Agenda: Nate made a few changes in the order of the agenda. UMW would like to be added to the agenda before Blog Evaluation.

New Business: UMW is dba Women’s Ministry @ Trinity. Carrie reminded the committee that there was a need to take a different route to include and encourage new women to participate and attend the activities. They are attempting to regenerate interest and meet the needs of all the women of the church. The group is still looking to expand and include all women. The group now has a Bible study and a Lit and Latte course. They are looking to attending Women of Faith and considering hosting our own retreat in the fall. A number of activities are still taking place. Room scheduling has been a challenge so consequently all activities are on hold. Regina added that this group is not to replace UMW. The idea is to be all women of the church. It is an all-compassing ministry funded through UMW. Charlie took a look at the activities in the church, and reported that every room in the church is being utilized. Discussion on what other committees meet in the Lounge. Charlie reported that the Lounge is highly used and the women are also looking for an area for storage. Charlie felt the room by the back door could easily be converted to accommodate the group, and that it should be a Trustee’s issue. The question arose as to whether there would be a better room. Bob Kaiser said the Trustees are here to serve the church, and felt they should convey the options: and in this case, there are very few options out there. Sue brought up the suggestion of making the back coat room a room for more storage. Charlie said it had been considered, but felt it would not work. Discussion on what Historic Trinity used to be and if it might be considered for other options. There was an explanation of what used to be there and what is there now. Trustees would like us to make the decision. Judy moved we accept the request that Women’s Ministry @ Trinity presented to the Church Council that the room by the rear entrance to TUMC be set aside as the Women’s Ministry Room. The room would be remodeled and decorated with funds supplied by UMW and would involve moving the wall of the existing ladies’ room lounge. Chris seconded. Discussion followed. Bob stated that the usage of the church is a problem, and that we should make a decision based on an overall solution. Kathy questioned as to whether we could move the wall to make the storage area larger and use the room until “further notice.”
You could do that and end up with a more usable room for whatever purpose! Nate commented on the fact that if the women pay for the renovation and then are moved to a larger room, there should be no hard feelings. Vote to stop discussion was held. Motion carried. Vote on Judy’s motion was then passed.

Blog Evaluation: The blog works much better if you have a Gmail account. Charlie commented that it is great that anyone in the church can access it to see what is going on in the church. It helps with the Council meeting. It might be worth it if Jeff sends out a mass mailing to everyone with the link. Nate said that some of those 9:00 attendees read the blog. Perhaps we could have a link to the blog on the church website. Nate will e mail that to Linda tomorrow.

Questions/Comments on Reports: Charlie noticed that there was no indication in reports that might need Council’s action. For emphasis, please add something in the text to draw attention. Please submit with as little format as necessary for ease in posting. Liz questioned as to whether or not there might be a separate section for action items. There would have to be a running tally and then post it a few days before the meeting. Gail and Nate will work out the details of this.

Worship: Jeff reported that there will be a church-wide time of discussion on the Fall worship and Sunday school schedule on Wednesday night, May 26 with all that are interested. Options were looked at for all services. Worship options:
1. Stay where we are
2. Two services: 8 AM and 10:30 with a variety of types of services.
3. Four hour option of 8, 9 10, and 11. 11 would be the current 10:30 service. The issues are problematic with trying to get from one event to another.
4. Sunday is not the best day for some… Saturday or Sunday evening option.

Jeff compared and researched other churches and their schedules to get some ideas. Sunday school is an issue in most churches. Sue reported Springville is a large church and has an optional weekly communion time after services for all. Pendleton also offers that choice. Nate commented that he would like to see communion offered every Sunday after the 9 AM service. Bob –reiterated that the issue is that the church seems to be “fractured” and we don’t get to see all the members that attend the different services. Sunday school attendance has also been affected. Nate felt that the option of two services at the same time might be an option as a solution to the issue at hand. Anything that is an option will always have pros and cons. We can have unity without all being in the same building at the same time… being together for Sunday school and fellowship. Bob stated that he feels the best thing we can do is seriously consider a blended service. The only topic that was discussed at all three services was the blended service concept. Jeff reported that the attraction of the 9:00 service is the smaller size and the closeness of the group. Bob stated that he feels that the unity is in worshipping together. Nate feels the issue at hand is the 10:30 service is empty and there is a disconnect on some level. Liz commented on her definition of unity and how a person entering would feel welcomed when attending any service. She feels people are looking for love and acceptance… a friendly welcome when walking into church. Bob commented on wholeness and being intergenerational. Anne commented on a blended service and how it was discussed in the past – approx. 10 years ago. There was a good faith effort to create a blended service, and the numbers dwindled. Anne did attend the 9:00 service and said even though it was outside her comfort zone, it was interesting. Nate commented that we should probably discuss our church goals before determining the answer to this issue. Nate asked that we all write down our goals for the next few years so we can discuss this for next month.

Discussion on Church Goals: Tabled until next month. Due to the nature of the next report Nate excused himself as chair and Charlie Yund led the meeting.

SPRC: Charlie recommended that we bring Nate Lange as the Contemporary Service Leader as a paid staff position. He will continue to lead the 9:00 service and do some part time preaching. This could possibly lead to a full time position when the funding becomes available. This is to be compared to the position of Jim Welch for the 10:30 service. Other services might be added in the future, but the responsibility would be to make sure there is leadership. This would not be a position for a licensed pastor at this point. Jeff heard from Conference that Nate’s local pastor’s license may not be approved until next year. Charlie moved we bring Nate on as a staff person with the title of Contemporary Worship Leader. Judy Maurer seconded the motion. Discussion followed. This position would begin June 1st for approximately $6000 for the remainder of the year. The next year would become a part of the budget for funding for the remainder of the 12 month position. Discussion on what Nate is currently doing to insure someone would be able to fill the leadership position at the 9:00 service if he were to be appointed to a different church. It was stated that there is a need for this contemporary service. A question was raised as to whether Nate can continue on as Council Chair. The vote was taken and the motion passed unanimously. Nate returned to the meeting. Charlie congratulated him on his new position. We would like Nate to stay on as Chair of Council if he feels he can handle both. Nate agreed to remain until it becomes too difficult to handle both. There is always a chance that the District will assign Nate somewhere. Nate is spending time with Chris Bidell to “train” him in the event Nate has to step down from the Contemporary Leadership position.

Charlie moved to accept April’s minutes as presented. Sheila seconded the motion and the minutes were approved as presented.

Finance: See Blog Report

Trustees: See Blog Report

CE: See Blog Report

Prayer Ministries: See Blog Report

Next Meeting: Monday, June 21 at 7 PM

Jeff asked for prayer requests along with joys and concerns. Liz asked for prayer for Mark John, Sarah Lange along with Natalie Rice and family.


Meeting adjourned at 9:20 PM
Respectfully submitted,
Gail Conschafter