November 2010 Minutes

Church Council Meeting
November 15, 2010

Nate Lange called the meeting to order at 7:10 PM with the unison reading of the mission statement.

Welcome and roll call by Gail Conschafter. Attendees: Bob Kaiser, Sue Kaiser, Ann Hippe, Chris Hippe, Nate Lange, Nancy Hayes, Sheila Rader, Jeff Childs, Gail Conschafter, Charlie Yund, Fred Claus, Kathy Stisser, Elaine Johnson, Ginny Thies. Excused: John Harbison, Paul Sipson, Judy Maurer, Bobbie Cap, Jim Ellson,

Opening devotions: Nate encouraged us to share our gifts to better the meeting environment. We are the body of Christ.

Changes to the Agenda: Nancy Hayes would like to speak. Fred will update on ACE at end of agenda after Nancy. Jeff will share with Nominations and Charge Conference.

New Business: Jeff reported that Dec 1 at 7 PM will be our Charge Conference Meeting. Dinner at 6 PM with meeting at 7 PM. All committees are encouraged to file brief reports by Friday, November 19 in order for the annual report to be available for that evening. Tidings deadline is also this Friday. Nominating committee will have a report by Dec. 1. Nate reported that the volunteers with the Contemporary Service are considering an outreach (production) around Easter time. A nice dinner would be served, with a nice flair to the evening. Chris and Christian have written songs, and would potentially sing and perform for the evening. Perhaps a Sacred Dance, a drama, and would conclude with a message – talk – about the meaning of Easter. Tickets would be sold. This is still in the early stages, but is a serious consideration. Please think of ways to be involved and start to pray for this event. Sue reported that she heard there was a Conference wide effort to look for a local outreach. Sunday, April 3 is the date set for this event.

Reports:
Christian Education:
As reported on the blog:
The CE depart is going well. We have recently added two new families who have been coming regularly to our services.

We also have been doing much for Gods kingdom recently we have partnered with the girl scouts to host a "Trunk or treat" Halloween event. Our church had over 100 trick or treaters on our property.

This past Saturday we had hosted a family movie day where we had over 20 kids in attendance, many from outside of our church who received info about our CE Program.

This past Sunday we collected shoeboxes full of Christmas gifts for "Operation Christmas child". Our gifts collected will go to needy children around the world who would not receive a Christmas gift if not for the generorsity of our Trinity families.

Upcoming events are only one for now. We are planning on doing a turkey bowl flag foot ball game the night before thanksgiving. We hope this will become an annual event for the kids to look forward to.

Finance:
As reported on the blog:
The November Finance Committee meeting was held on 11/9 at 6:30 pm in the Church Lounge. 2010 budget results through October were reviewed:

General Fund giving
2010-$305k
2009-$292.1k

Capital Fund giving
2010-$25.7k
2009-$36.8k

General fund spending
$297.6

General Fund balance
2010-$17.6k
2009-$-1.2k

Despite the $1.8k increase in combined GF and CF giving, we have been able to fully fund our Apportionments while increasing our GF balance by nearly $19k. There are two major reasons, a $20k reduction in utility costs vs. budget and receipt of an unanticipated $10k contribution from a family which recently moved from Grand Island. This has allowed us to anticipate an end-of-year budget surplus.
The Fall Festival generated $4.2k, $3.3k of which is allocated to the General Fund. The Fall Festival planning committee will be asked to designate a recipient for the remaining $1k.

The 2010 Christmas Offering will be treated similarly. $5.1k will be added to the General Fund as planned, with the remainder going to Missions.

Commitment Campaign results through 11/9 were reviewed. 50 pledges were received, totaling $159.4k. All pledges received were from 2010 pledgers, permitting the following analysis:


No.of pledges
2010 - 50
2011 - 50

General Fund
2010 - $149.2k
2011 - $150.2k

Capital Fund
2010 - $8.2k
2011 - $9.2k

Total
2010 - $157.4k
2011 - $159.4k (a 1.2% increase

93 pledges from 2010 pledgers remain.

The Church Charge Conference is planned for 12/1. If 75 – 80% of anticipate pledges are received before then, a 2011 budget will be presented. If not, only the Pastor’s compensation packages will be given. The Associate Pastor will be presented as a 25% time position, with the intention of increasing this to 50% as soon as giving will permit.

The results of the Church Visioning Core Values Audit were presented.
Chris reported that we now have 86 pledges and it looks very much like last year. 68 are outstanding at this point.

SPRC:
As reported on the blog:
1.) The SPRC approved the 2011 Recommended pastor’s Compensation Package as recommended by the new Upper New York Conference. The package would increase expenses for conference cost, personal medical cost and include a 3% wage increase. The total compensation package is $75,660. Trinity does not qualify for a grant as previously thought. This will be presented at the church charges conference in December.

2.) Based on the continued positive financial results the SPRC will provide recognition awards to staff members in 2010.

3.) The SPRC will recommend 2011 budget changes based on actual recourses available. :.
a. Incremental wage increases of 3% to part time positions of office assistant, custodian, events person, supervisor of building and grounds, visitation coordinator and crib room.
b. Continuation of the health care allowance to the Christian education directors and youth coordinator.
c. Adjusting the Contemporary Worship leader position from ¼ to ½ time. This position would also receive a health care allowance.

4.) The Bishop has appointed Nathan Lange as a local licensed pastor at Trinity UMC. This would allow him to administer weddings, baptisms and communion here as well as Ontario St. Church.

5.) Anyone wishing to provide input to the 2011 church profile should provide the input no later than Wonderful Wednesday 11/17, 2010.

Charlie is still taking the Church Profile, so please have them in by Wed., Nov. 17. You don’t have to answer every question.

Trustees:
Bob reported projects completed: Purchased: metal storage shed for grill, snow blower for $297; Shed for garbage at youth house. Repaired leaks in bell tower also were done by roofing company along with John Gast and Rob. (Approx cost is $2000 –$ 1800 came from Historic Trinity) Fire inspection has been done, but not yet received bill. Planned and/or in work: Install metal shed, install metal , add windows into 5 classrooms doors as per safe sanctuary in addition to windows in the elevator doors. Exploring signage near 190, and front sign in the driveway near Whitehaven Road, is it cost effective outsourcing the mowing of the cemetery lawn, considering room numbers for all rooms in both buildings. The committee is also investigating storage space in the building, as there is a shortage. If there are any large items to be purchased, please consult with Trustees as storage space for larger items is at a premium. There was discussion about the cemetery committee and the trust. There was discussion on the columbarium and the cost.

UMW:
Nancy reported that Religion in America will air on PBS at 9 PM tonight. Church supper on Dec. 5 at 5 PM is pot luck. Beverages and desserts will be provided. There will be a drama about the First Christmas.

5 PM service on November 14 had approximately 10 people in attendance. By design, it is more interactive. In the event there is a Sunday evening event, those who would attend the service, will be encouraged to attend the event.

ACE:
Fred reported that the event will be Feb 26 and 27 with missions as the focus. John Nestel will be the guest speaker. There will be an all day Saturday program with an evening program, then a Sunday School program culminating with speaking at the 10:30 service. Next meeting for ACE will Dec 12 at 7 PM

Seminar Report:
Charlie reported on the priority results from 9/18/2010. We were all interested in Worship attendance leading into increasing finances… hand in hand. The next were making disciples and developing church leaders, followed by targeting younger families w/children/youth/younger adults. After that, growing in Sunday School for all ages. There was no mention of music. The survey results/analysis from November 7 were then displayed and presented. The #1 item across the board was that people are important. Fellowship and community was the priority and we need to retain our friendly fellowship. The Great Commission – Matthew 28. All authority on heaven on earth has been given to me, therefore go and make disciples.








Values Bundled Trinity’s Ranking

1. Biblical Learning Christian Education Tied 1
Godly Leadership 3
Bible centered preach/teach 5

2. Community/Fellowship Fellowship & Community Tied 1
Family 4
People 7

3. Worship Worship & Praise 2
Bible centered preach/teach 5

4. Service/Ministry Community Service 6
Teamwork 9
Well mobilized Laity Tied 10

5. Evangelism Growth 8
Great Commission Tied 10

There was a suggestion from the seminar to “adopt a school, firehouse, nursing home, ect.

Charlie shared a power point presentation on what we have been discussing for the past few months. We recognize where the “problem” is and how we can make some changes and address the issues. The solution is building the church – not the building. Charlie reported that he feels we are well on our way to helping identify the key things that are recommended we might do and we are doing good work.

October minutes were accepted as changes. Sheila moved, Charlie seconded. Minutes will be emailed and included on blog.

Unfinished business:
Nate announced that this will be his last meeting as Chair of Council and will continue to attend as a staff person. Thanks to Nate for a job well done.

Next meeting will be Monday, January 17 at 7 PM.

Nancy Hayes closed in prayer.
Respectfully submitted,
Gail Conschafter