We are well underway with our VBS Preparations for the July 17th. We are finding wonderful props as well new leaders for this years event. should be a wonderful time and a lot of fun. This years VBS will have a bounce house, puppets as well many more new and exciting things.. We are expecting God for an awesome event. Encourage your kids and grand kids to attend.
The past Sunday was our last Sunday school for the summer. During the 10:30 hour we will be shifting gears we will have Bible story lessons based around popular TV shows that will spark imagination in our kids. We did this last year and had a wonderful showing..
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Worship Committee June 2011
Worship Meeting held May 23rd
1. Discussed Sunday services through Larry's coming
June 5 - Youth led at contemp.
June 12 - joint service - confirmation, Pentacost
June 19 - Jeff's final Sunday - Reception for Jeff
June 26 - Nate preaches
July 3 - Outside if possible - joint service
July 10 - Welcome reception for Larry
2. Worship committee will provide supper for Bairds on June 24 - their move in day
3. Summer worship - to be worked out by Nate and Larry
4. Questioned if we need two worship committees, one for each 10:30 service
Possibly hold Thursday nights so music director can attend
5. Our next meeting will be in July after Larry settles in - either the 17th or
24th after 10:30 worship.
1. Discussed Sunday services through Larry's coming
June 5 - Youth led at contemp.
June 12 - joint service - confirmation, Pentacost
June 19 - Jeff's final Sunday - Reception for Jeff
June 26 - Nate preaches
July 3 - Outside if possible - joint service
July 10 - Welcome reception for Larry
2. Worship committee will provide supper for Bairds on June 24 - their move in day
3. Summer worship - to be worked out by Nate and Larry
4. Questioned if we need two worship committees, one for each 10:30 service
Possibly hold Thursday nights so music director can attend
5. Our next meeting will be in July after Larry settles in - either the 17th or
24th after 10:30 worship.
Vision Statement Waiting Council Approval!
The following is a revised version of the vision statement discussed at the May Church Council meeting. The vision team will ask your approval to implement it as our Trinity vision.
TRINITY UMC VISION STATEMENT
GRAND ISLAND, NY
Vision is not about present reality. Vision reflects our dreams and aspirations.
We envision sharing the Good News of Jesus with unchurched friends and people in the community.
We envision enriching the faith of established and new believers through worship services, Bible study, other study opportunities Sundays and weekdays, prayer, special events, fellowship and small groups.
We envision creative, inspiring, reverent worship that shares Jesus’ message for today’s world.
We envision helping children, youth, and adults to discover their gifts and talents, and equipping them to grow and serve Christ in ministry within the church and community. Our goal is for all members to be disciples and share God’s word with others. We will provide opportunities to express the presence of Jesus in our lives through fellowship, music, and service. We will build and encourage our intergenerational community to love and care for each other.
We envision recruiting and training disciples and leaders to support inspired worship, effective education, and service.
We envision a church community where people of all ages feel welcome and become messengers of God’s word to all persons they meet.
We envision our church facilities fully utilized and accessible for the sharing of the Good News. We will provide space and resources to accomplish this ministry.
TRINITY UMC VISION STATEMENT
GRAND ISLAND, NY
Vision is not about present reality. Vision reflects our dreams and aspirations.
We envision sharing the Good News of Jesus with unchurched friends and people in the community.
We envision enriching the faith of established and new believers through worship services, Bible study, other study opportunities Sundays and weekdays, prayer, special events, fellowship and small groups.
We envision creative, inspiring, reverent worship that shares Jesus’ message for today’s world.
We envision helping children, youth, and adults to discover their gifts and talents, and equipping them to grow and serve Christ in ministry within the church and community. Our goal is for all members to be disciples and share God’s word with others. We will provide opportunities to express the presence of Jesus in our lives through fellowship, music, and service. We will build and encourage our intergenerational community to love and care for each other.
We envision recruiting and training disciples and leaders to support inspired worship, effective education, and service.
We envision a church community where people of all ages feel welcome and become messengers of God’s word to all persons they meet.
We envision our church facilities fully utilized and accessible for the sharing of the Good News. We will provide space and resources to accomplish this ministry.
Trustees Report June 2011
Both the 8’x10’ metal storage shed in back and the 10’ x 16’ St. Pauly clothing shed at the edge of the parking lot are in place and in use.
We approved spending about $150 for a 2’x3’ outdoor direction sign pointing the way to key functions (services, offices, ministries) in both church buildings. The graphic design and sign material are being finalized.
A trial 4’x8’ panel was mounted on our property along the I-190. It was found that the view from the road was unobstructed over an adequate distance, but the sign, of the max allowable size, appears quite small. The next step is to attach trial lettering to determine its readability.
We decided to award a $13,000 contract to A-Best Roofing to re-roof both sides of the gym. Though only one side was damaged by wind, the other side is in poor condition. We expect our insurance to cover $6000 of the cost.
Necessary painting in the parsonage and porch are well underway. A detailed plan has been developed for the many final housekeeping tasks, but vacation plans etc are impacting volunteer signups.
We approved spending about $150 for a 2’x3’ outdoor direction sign pointing the way to key functions (services, offices, ministries) in both church buildings. The graphic design and sign material are being finalized.
A trial 4’x8’ panel was mounted on our property along the I-190. It was found that the view from the road was unobstructed over an adequate distance, but the sign, of the max allowable size, appears quite small. The next step is to attach trial lettering to determine its readability.
We decided to award a $13,000 contract to A-Best Roofing to re-roof both sides of the gym. Though only one side was damaged by wind, the other side is in poor condition. We expect our insurance to cover $6000 of the cost.
Necessary painting in the parsonage and porch are well underway. A detailed plan has been developed for the many final housekeeping tasks, but vacation plans etc are impacting volunteer signups.
SPRC Report June 2011
The Staff-Parish Relations Committee continues to coordinate many functions for the smooth transition of pastoral leadership at Trinity. Plans are in operation to express gratitude to outgoing Pastor Childs and to welcome Pastor and Mrs. Baird. Trinity people will be on hand to help in the moves and show hospitality to the Bairds. The Trustees are seeing to needed parsonage renovations and cleaning.
The congregation is responding generously to a gift project for Pastor Childs, which includes a personal gift and three charities of his choosing.
A new, part-time Child Care Coordinator has been hired: Ms. Wendy McCaffery.
The SPRC has begun a process of evaluation of church staff members, which will occupy the Committee for much of the coming year.
Because of SPRC Chair will be working out of the country in the fall, Charlie Yund, former chair and presently Associate Chair, will serve as Interim Chair from August 1 through December 31, 2011.
The SPRC encourages church officials and members to work in a spirit of unity in this time of transition.
Important dates
Sunday, June 19. Last Sunday for Pastor Childs; reception after church
Sunday, July 3. First Sunday for Pastor Baird
Friday, July 8, 6 p.m. Meet the Leaders cookout at Burkman's. SPRC, Church Council, Trustees, Staff, and significant others.
Sunday, July 10. Reception for Bairds after church
The congregation is responding generously to a gift project for Pastor Childs, which includes a personal gift and three charities of his choosing.
A new, part-time Child Care Coordinator has been hired: Ms. Wendy McCaffery.
The SPRC has begun a process of evaluation of church staff members, which will occupy the Committee for much of the coming year.
Because of SPRC Chair will be working out of the country in the fall, Charlie Yund, former chair and presently Associate Chair, will serve as Interim Chair from August 1 through December 31, 2011.
The SPRC encourages church officials and members to work in a spirit of unity in this time of transition.
Important dates
Sunday, June 19. Last Sunday for Pastor Childs; reception after church
Sunday, July 3. First Sunday for Pastor Baird
Friday, July 8, 6 p.m. Meet the Leaders cookout at Burkman's. SPRC, Church Council, Trustees, Staff, and significant others.
Sunday, July 10. Reception for Bairds after church
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
May Minutes 2011
The minutes from May's meeting along with the blog posts are below. Please take time to review. Should there be a need for a correction, please let Gail know by a comment on the blog or e mail.
Church Council Miunutes
May 16, 2011
Attendees: Charlie Yund, Pastor Jeff, Jan Garrison, Paul Sipson, John Harbison, Judy Maurer, Pastor Nate, Ginger Mason, Tom Tamsen, Tom Burkman, Gail Conschafter, Laura Mason, Sheila Rader, Chris Hipp, Anne Hipp, Elaine Johnson, Ginny Thies, Mark VonWald
Excused: Nikki Fadel, Sue Kaiser, Bob Kaiser, Bobbie Cap
Call to Order: Charlie called the meeting to order at 7:05 PM . Nate opened after roll call with prayer.
Charlie briefly explained the outcome of the Visioning Meetings that have taken place. It is a consolidation of thoughts and how we might go forward. Pastor Jeff expressed that vision statements are usually longer than mission statements. Discussion on the document, and Charlie asked that we all make our own changes and e mail them to him. The committee was in agreement that it does state the direction that the church wants to go in the future. Please respond to Charlie with any/all corrections by June 1.
Upcoming Dates:
VBS: July 17 – 21st. Due to change in date, some leaders had to pull out. There are several new leaders that are anxious to be a part of the teaching staff. Mark feels we are ahead of where we were last year at this time. The theme is “Shake it up Café.” The last night will be the concluding rally.
Our VBS dates are as follows
July 17th till the 21st starting around 6pm in the evenig. Our theme this year comes from Cokesbury "shake it up cafe"
Our last day of Sunday school will be June 12th. During summer months we will be having themed Sunday mornings during the the kidzone hour. We are doing this to give our staff time off during the summer and to rest up for VBS.
There will be a couple on Island field trip during the summer. Dates to be announced.
July 4 Outdoor service on July 3 – combined congregation. Nate suggested that perhaps a combined choir might be an option. Will be on the grass, not the parking lot, perhaps tents. No plans to do a concert on July 4. Manpower would be necessary to put it all together moving equipment in and out, which might be challenging. An inside service is possible, but volunteers are still needed to set up on Sunday. All options are being considered. It would be nice to have a BBQ after the service.
There was a question about a float for the parade. Shannon is in charge of the parade and the vehicle. We will need to have volunteers to walk along side the vehicle to hand out freezy pops. (It will be a vehicle, and not a float!) Charlie offered a snowmobile trailer if there is a need.
Work Camps Ginny reported they leave the first week in August, but will be here the last week in July. Camp is July 31 through the week. They are staying local. They are looking into work camp reunion to perhaps get together and paint Historic Trinity – the outside. Ginny announced they are camping from Friday night to Sunday AM and would like it if meals could possibly be brought to them. They will be at Campgrounds of Niagara. Need Sat. breakfast, and Sat Dinner and Sunday breakfast. They will be here at church and leaving directly after the 10:30 service for camp. (Hamburg) Renting a cargo van is not necessary. Question about having a college workcamp came up. Ginny does not have the time to organize that. Nate, Nikki, and Jeff are in the process of perhaps putting something together – with UMCOR. There is a good chance something may develop. Ginny reported that a date has not been decided for a work camp service instead of a stockholder’s meeting. It will be sometime in August after the group returns. There are approximately 12 kids going to camp with Amy as a Jr. Leader.
Rally Day The date is September 11, 2011. It is Charlie’s hope that we can all help with Rally Day and not put all the work on CE. He is looking for a “cheerful” volunteer to chair Rally Day this year. Stan Ellson was recommended. There are already a couple of volunteers that have volunteered to help, but are not ready to CHAIR the event. Paul recommended younger people who have younger children and know what the kids like and want. Mark suggested that since there has not been a chair recently, it might be helpful if a past chair would help to train an upcoming person. Paul offered to advise, and Nate offered to work as a staff liason. Ginger stated that the nice part of being on Rally Day is that it is a one time committee – once Raly Day is over, the committee is over. Andrea Buxton’s name was also mentioned. If we get excited about Rally Day, it is a great way to start the upcoming year with Larry as the new pastor. This is a great day to display what our church is all about and the groups and opportunities that we have to offer. Question as to whether there is a budget for Rally Day… Carnival games are available as reported by Sheila and Mark. David Wilkinson’s name was also recommended along with his wife. Shannon’s name was brought to the table for the marketing aspect. Hopefully by June meeting the chair will be in place. Tracey’s name was also recommended. Laura will speak with John.
Everybody
Camp There is a date for Casawasco for September 2-4. They also have hook ups for campers. Question as to whether the church has ever gone to Fantasy Island for a day. John Harbison will call to see if there are group rates available. Those that have a season’s pass could come also. There has not been a chair for the past three years. If there is nobody else available, Nate offered. Ginger suggested that a “younger” person be in charge. Mark offered to take care of the PR for the event, and publicize it to the younger families. Cost and distance are an issue for some, perhaps scholarships could be made available. Another option might be closer, fixing own meals, ect. Charlie asked that Nate “shepard” that, and fnd someone else to work with him.
Fall
Festival This even is up in the air. Discussion of dates….Nate has an idea that would be incorporated into Fall Festival on October8 … there was discussion about October 1. The general feeling was that the Friday night preview was not worthwhile. A simpler approach might be better – selling apples, cider, and fall things. Do a bigger deal with pumpkins and cornstalks. Have crafts be more one of a kind, with no garage sale items or books. Baskets are a good money maker, with doing our own food available all day long. If we do the Fall Festival, the probable dates would be September 30 (concert and bonfire) and October 1. We need to look at our leadership as we move forward. Ginger’s vision/goal is to have nobody in the church have more than one “job/position.” Sheila said that she and Nate have discussed “discovering your natural gifts.” Sheila said that we should look at all these events as hospitality and outreach. Charlie suggested we get a date and then get leaders in place.
Other Dates: November 4 – Friday night. Hosting a retreat at Stella Niagara. This came out of Saturday morning spiritual enrichment. Open to all adults. It will be dinner Friday through pre-dinner Saturday. Cost will be approx. $100 per person.
One day seminar – Saturday over the summer. One would be an evangelism training session. Teaching people about comfortable ways to share your faith. The other would be a spiritual gifts seminar. No dates set yet. Nate and Sheila are working on this.
Trunk or Treat – October 29 – Saturdays work well. Trunk or Treat!
Sanctuary and Historic Trinity have anniversaries coming up. What types of celebrations might we like to see. Ginger reported that Fred Claus and Historic Trinity committee have been talking about doing something for one of these dates.
Attendance Trends / Budget Trends
Discussion on graph generated by Charlie.
Budget: We are maintaining a positive income and expense trend.
Tidings Input: Friday, May 20 is the next deadline! Please be vigilant to make sure everything is marked on calendars so it will be a smooth transition! Ginger reported that she will be away most of the summer, so please send articles to the tidings address in order for it to be published. It’s in the newsletter. Charlie questioned as to whether it might be beneficial to send an e-tidings. It is an option – and there is a pdf file on the website.
DVD’s: Nate reported that the bulk of it is already created. Probably within 2 weeks, it should be close to being finished. The purpose is to inform those that are not aware of what is happening at Trinity;. A separate mailing will go out to the inactive members. It will also go into the welcome bags. The DVD has been done with Larry and some music.
SPRC Liz is having surgery soon. Tom asked for June 19 after 10:30 service, July 10 after 10:30 as a welcome to Larry and wife. Meet the leaders cookout on July 8 at Burkman’s house. SPRC will be providing food. We need these times to get together and enjoy each others’ company.
For transition – “no stone unturned.” Articles about both pastors will appear in the upcoming Tidings. Thanks to Jeff for great suggestions to make this transition seamless.
Report of SPRC for Church Council meeting of May 16, 2011
The SPRC is finalizing plans for the pastoral transition. This includes farewell and welcome receptions, gifts, moving helpers, hospitality on day of arrival, and a “Meet the Leaders” cookout June 8 for lay officials and staff and significant others.
Associate Pastor Nate Lange’s position has been elevated to half-time. Nate is taking leadership in a video project to introduce Pastor Lange to the congregation. He has moved into the first office in the education wing and Linda McGuire’s office has been moved into the main church office area. The Trustees did a fine job of arranging the offices.
Chris Sipson’s paid service in the church office has been reduced from two to one day per week.
Child Care Coordinator Michelle Swartzmeyer will be thanked in the services on her last Sunday May 15. Her replacement is undergoing a two-week trial and orientation period in the position. She will be formally hired and announced once this two-week period is over.
The SPRC will conduct a program of annual evaluation of hired staff, beginning with children’s ministries.
Upcoming dates:
Sunday, May 22. The Rev. Larry Baird preaches at Trinity
Sunday, June 19. Last Sunday for Pastor Childs; reception
Sunday, July 3. First Sunday for Pastor Baird
Friday, July 8. 6:00 p.m. Meet the Leaders cookout at the Burkmans’. SPRC, Ch. Council, Trustees,
Staff, and significant others. Hosted by SPRC.
Sunday, July 10. Reception for the Bairds
Prayer Report: Although I will not be at this Church Council meeting I want to thank Pastor Jeff for the many ways he has encouraged the Prayer Ministry at Trinity. He does actively pray at any meeting at which he is present and covers personal, local and global issues at least in brief. He helped with issues around the Prayer Event with Dr. Roy Miller in April of 2010 and has continued to feed me info as it’s come in thru the mail. We have talked together about other prayer ideas, prayer services which didn’t seem to take shape, with prayer stations in the sanctuary, with individual kneelers for people to come after worship, when they need special prayers. This will take more intentional planning and hope that can be part of a new approach when Rev. Baird comes. That will take training a team of pray-ers to be with them so there is still a need for more people to be involved in an ongoing/or rotational basis to further the personal prayer possibilities at Trinity.
There are prayer retreats which have worked in the early years I was at Trinity and could again. And altho I’ve offered my services to the Sunday School teachers for special prayer “teaching times” there’s been some other activities or programs going on that seem to interfere. Ginger Mason has encouraged many to pray in the choir and that’s reaping benefits. Lani Burkman has helped lead the ecumenical Island Prayer Group which meets monthly. Thanks to those who have set up Trinity’s web site for others to find prayer help. And of course Trinity’s Prayer Chain handled by Gloria Brown is available locally and the Upper Room prayer line is open 24/7. Progress has been made, thankfully.
More recently I’ve felt ongoing frustration with our efforts to build a vision for Trinity Church without special times of prayer and discernment for the future God has for us not just what we can come up with ourselves. This situation may work itself out but for now it feels to me like we will try very many ways to draw people to Trinity but still hoping WE can find the right activities – still not praying for God’s guidance in a more intentional way.
So I’ll be praying and working for that in the future as well as continuing to read how others are finding their way thru prayer....and will attend other activities like the World Day of Prayer, The National Day of Prayer and training events in healing prayer as I have this spring.
Ginger questioned about the Easter questionnaire. They have not been collated and are available to be read. They are in Charlie’s slot. Once Nikki finishes school, she will compile a report. Nate reported that a second questionnaire will be generated for the non-active members.
Bob Kaiser reported that the clothing box has been in discussion. The shalom Zone will receive $50 a month from the Scouts in lieu of US collecting for the Shalom zone. There is some wind damage and committee is on top of them all. Columbarium (60 unit) is in the works. Question as to if there is a picture of this. It is expandable for the future.
Signage is out and up… more to come!
Heavy winds on April 28 blew many shingles, etc, from the gym roof at Historic Trinity. We are getting quotes to replace the entire south side of that roof, which is in very poor condition. We expect a cost in the neighborhood of $10,000, that will be partially offset by an insurance award of around $4000.
We decided to move ahead with the Clothing Drop-Off Shed requested as a fundraiser by our Boy Scout Troop 510. The 8x16 ft by 10 ft high shed will be located on the east side of our parking lot, in the parking space next to the “Hausler Parents and Children” memorial tree. A $50/mo site fee payable to Trinity (in addition to the $.04/lb payable to the scouts) will be given to the Asbury Shalom Zone, in lieu of future clothes donations, which can thenceforth be more easily dropped in the shed. Our Mr. ASZ, Paul Robinson, agrees ASZ will come out ahead with this arrangement, while our clothing storage and transportation needs will be eliminated. Also as part of this decision we stipulated that the continuation of this project will be evaluated after one year of operation.
We approved a proposal by the Cemetery Committee to erect a 60- compartment Columbarium. The project’s anticipated total cost of $32,000 and eventual receipts of $60,000 will accrue to the Cemetery Trust Fund. The Cemetery Committee will be providing more details in their publicity.
An 8x10ft metal storage shed is expected to be in place now near the back entrance, if the weather permits Jim Ellson to install it on May 14. It will house our propane grill, probably the Youth’s collection of deposit bottles, and no doubt other things TBD. Total cost of unit and its foundation: about $550.
We are making progress on a direction sign near the driveway, requested by the Hospitality Committee, and a large roadside TRINITY sign in our “backyard” near the I-190 right-of-way.
Pastor Jeff Mary Dowd came as asked Jeff for a list of “accomplishments.” Jeff reminded us to have our pictures taken for the directory and to continue reading the New Testament. Another death: Jan Hughes passed away last night.
Annual Conference – first week in June. Policies will be set for annual conference regarding Pastor’s packages – vacation time… budget for conference will be voted on. This impacts our apportionments. Safe Sanctuary policy will be discussed. Jeff, Paul Robinson, Sue Kaiser, Nate, and Sheila will be there for a variety of days.
We sent out the first DV of the contemporary service. It costs $1.71 to send… so the technology is in place for us to move to the next level.
Freedom Riders is on PBS tonight from 9 – 11 PM.
Minutes from April’s meeting: Chris motioned to approve and Paul Sipson seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
Unfinished Business: Ginny reported Youth did a video for the conference. If you are on Facebook: uppernewyorkannualconference – click LIKE to vote. It is up until the end of June. The video will be shown on June 5. Trinity Facebook page is on hold until Larry arrives. We are working on a policy of communication.
June 24 – Youth choir from VA – need housing for Friday night.
Next meeting is June 13.
Nate asked that Nikki asked for prayer for her great uncle that passed away. Ginger commented on the death of Eddie Benns stressed the imp9ortance of making each day count.
Pastor Jeff closed in prayer.
Meeting adjourned at 9:25 PM
Church Council Miunutes
May 16, 2011
Attendees: Charlie Yund, Pastor Jeff, Jan Garrison, Paul Sipson, John Harbison, Judy Maurer, Pastor Nate, Ginger Mason, Tom Tamsen, Tom Burkman, Gail Conschafter, Laura Mason, Sheila Rader, Chris Hipp, Anne Hipp, Elaine Johnson, Ginny Thies, Mark VonWald
Excused: Nikki Fadel, Sue Kaiser, Bob Kaiser, Bobbie Cap
Call to Order: Charlie called the meeting to order at 7:05 PM . Nate opened after roll call with prayer.
Charlie briefly explained the outcome of the Visioning Meetings that have taken place. It is a consolidation of thoughts and how we might go forward. Pastor Jeff expressed that vision statements are usually longer than mission statements. Discussion on the document, and Charlie asked that we all make our own changes and e mail them to him. The committee was in agreement that it does state the direction that the church wants to go in the future. Please respond to Charlie with any/all corrections by June 1.
Upcoming Dates:
VBS: July 17 – 21st. Due to change in date, some leaders had to pull out. There are several new leaders that are anxious to be a part of the teaching staff. Mark feels we are ahead of where we were last year at this time. The theme is “Shake it up Café.” The last night will be the concluding rally.
Our VBS dates are as follows
July 17th till the 21st starting around 6pm in the evenig. Our theme this year comes from Cokesbury "shake it up cafe"
Our last day of Sunday school will be June 12th. During summer months we will be having themed Sunday mornings during the the kidzone hour. We are doing this to give our staff time off during the summer and to rest up for VBS.
There will be a couple on Island field trip during the summer. Dates to be announced.
July 4 Outdoor service on July 3 – combined congregation. Nate suggested that perhaps a combined choir might be an option. Will be on the grass, not the parking lot, perhaps tents. No plans to do a concert on July 4. Manpower would be necessary to put it all together moving equipment in and out, which might be challenging. An inside service is possible, but volunteers are still needed to set up on Sunday. All options are being considered. It would be nice to have a BBQ after the service.
There was a question about a float for the parade. Shannon is in charge of the parade and the vehicle. We will need to have volunteers to walk along side the vehicle to hand out freezy pops. (It will be a vehicle, and not a float!) Charlie offered a snowmobile trailer if there is a need.
Work Camps Ginny reported they leave the first week in August, but will be here the last week in July. Camp is July 31 through the week. They are staying local. They are looking into work camp reunion to perhaps get together and paint Historic Trinity – the outside. Ginny announced they are camping from Friday night to Sunday AM and would like it if meals could possibly be brought to them. They will be at Campgrounds of Niagara. Need Sat. breakfast, and Sat Dinner and Sunday breakfast. They will be here at church and leaving directly after the 10:30 service for camp. (Hamburg) Renting a cargo van is not necessary. Question about having a college workcamp came up. Ginny does not have the time to organize that. Nate, Nikki, and Jeff are in the process of perhaps putting something together – with UMCOR. There is a good chance something may develop. Ginny reported that a date has not been decided for a work camp service instead of a stockholder’s meeting. It will be sometime in August after the group returns. There are approximately 12 kids going to camp with Amy as a Jr. Leader.
Rally Day The date is September 11, 2011. It is Charlie’s hope that we can all help with Rally Day and not put all the work on CE. He is looking for a “cheerful” volunteer to chair Rally Day this year. Stan Ellson was recommended. There are already a couple of volunteers that have volunteered to help, but are not ready to CHAIR the event. Paul recommended younger people who have younger children and know what the kids like and want. Mark suggested that since there has not been a chair recently, it might be helpful if a past chair would help to train an upcoming person. Paul offered to advise, and Nate offered to work as a staff liason. Ginger stated that the nice part of being on Rally Day is that it is a one time committee – once Raly Day is over, the committee is over. Andrea Buxton’s name was also mentioned. If we get excited about Rally Day, it is a great way to start the upcoming year with Larry as the new pastor. This is a great day to display what our church is all about and the groups and opportunities that we have to offer. Question as to whether there is a budget for Rally Day… Carnival games are available as reported by Sheila and Mark. David Wilkinson’s name was also recommended along with his wife. Shannon’s name was brought to the table for the marketing aspect. Hopefully by June meeting the chair will be in place. Tracey’s name was also recommended. Laura will speak with John.
Everybody
Camp There is a date for Casawasco for September 2-4. They also have hook ups for campers. Question as to whether the church has ever gone to Fantasy Island for a day. John Harbison will call to see if there are group rates available. Those that have a season’s pass could come also. There has not been a chair for the past three years. If there is nobody else available, Nate offered. Ginger suggested that a “younger” person be in charge. Mark offered to take care of the PR for the event, and publicize it to the younger families. Cost and distance are an issue for some, perhaps scholarships could be made available. Another option might be closer, fixing own meals, ect. Charlie asked that Nate “shepard” that, and fnd someone else to work with him.
Fall
Festival This even is up in the air. Discussion of dates….Nate has an idea that would be incorporated into Fall Festival on October8 … there was discussion about October 1. The general feeling was that the Friday night preview was not worthwhile. A simpler approach might be better – selling apples, cider, and fall things. Do a bigger deal with pumpkins and cornstalks. Have crafts be more one of a kind, with no garage sale items or books. Baskets are a good money maker, with doing our own food available all day long. If we do the Fall Festival, the probable dates would be September 30 (concert and bonfire) and October 1. We need to look at our leadership as we move forward. Ginger’s vision/goal is to have nobody in the church have more than one “job/position.” Sheila said that she and Nate have discussed “discovering your natural gifts.” Sheila said that we should look at all these events as hospitality and outreach. Charlie suggested we get a date and then get leaders in place.
Other Dates: November 4 – Friday night. Hosting a retreat at Stella Niagara. This came out of Saturday morning spiritual enrichment. Open to all adults. It will be dinner Friday through pre-dinner Saturday. Cost will be approx. $100 per person.
One day seminar – Saturday over the summer. One would be an evangelism training session. Teaching people about comfortable ways to share your faith. The other would be a spiritual gifts seminar. No dates set yet. Nate and Sheila are working on this.
Trunk or Treat – October 29 – Saturdays work well. Trunk or Treat!
Sanctuary and Historic Trinity have anniversaries coming up. What types of celebrations might we like to see. Ginger reported that Fred Claus and Historic Trinity committee have been talking about doing something for one of these dates.
Attendance Trends / Budget Trends
Discussion on graph generated by Charlie.
Budget: We are maintaining a positive income and expense trend.
Tidings Input: Friday, May 20 is the next deadline! Please be vigilant to make sure everything is marked on calendars so it will be a smooth transition! Ginger reported that she will be away most of the summer, so please send articles to the tidings address in order for it to be published. It’s in the newsletter. Charlie questioned as to whether it might be beneficial to send an e-tidings. It is an option – and there is a pdf file on the website.
DVD’s: Nate reported that the bulk of it is already created. Probably within 2 weeks, it should be close to being finished. The purpose is to inform those that are not aware of what is happening at Trinity;. A separate mailing will go out to the inactive members. It will also go into the welcome bags. The DVD has been done with Larry and some music.
SPRC Liz is having surgery soon. Tom asked for June 19 after 10:30 service, July 10 after 10:30 as a welcome to Larry and wife. Meet the leaders cookout on July 8 at Burkman’s house. SPRC will be providing food. We need these times to get together and enjoy each others’ company.
For transition – “no stone unturned.” Articles about both pastors will appear in the upcoming Tidings. Thanks to Jeff for great suggestions to make this transition seamless.
Report of SPRC for Church Council meeting of May 16, 2011
The SPRC is finalizing plans for the pastoral transition. This includes farewell and welcome receptions, gifts, moving helpers, hospitality on day of arrival, and a “Meet the Leaders” cookout June 8 for lay officials and staff and significant others.
Associate Pastor Nate Lange’s position has been elevated to half-time. Nate is taking leadership in a video project to introduce Pastor Lange to the congregation. He has moved into the first office in the education wing and Linda McGuire’s office has been moved into the main church office area. The Trustees did a fine job of arranging the offices.
Chris Sipson’s paid service in the church office has been reduced from two to one day per week.
Child Care Coordinator Michelle Swartzmeyer will be thanked in the services on her last Sunday May 15. Her replacement is undergoing a two-week trial and orientation period in the position. She will be formally hired and announced once this two-week period is over.
The SPRC will conduct a program of annual evaluation of hired staff, beginning with children’s ministries.
Upcoming dates:
Sunday, May 22. The Rev. Larry Baird preaches at Trinity
Sunday, June 19. Last Sunday for Pastor Childs; reception
Sunday, July 3. First Sunday for Pastor Baird
Friday, July 8. 6:00 p.m. Meet the Leaders cookout at the Burkmans’. SPRC, Ch. Council, Trustees,
Staff, and significant others. Hosted by SPRC.
Sunday, July 10. Reception for the Bairds
Prayer Report: Although I will not be at this Church Council meeting I want to thank Pastor Jeff for the many ways he has encouraged the Prayer Ministry at Trinity. He does actively pray at any meeting at which he is present and covers personal, local and global issues at least in brief. He helped with issues around the Prayer Event with Dr. Roy Miller in April of 2010 and has continued to feed me info as it’s come in thru the mail. We have talked together about other prayer ideas, prayer services which didn’t seem to take shape, with prayer stations in the sanctuary, with individual kneelers for people to come after worship, when they need special prayers. This will take more intentional planning and hope that can be part of a new approach when Rev. Baird comes. That will take training a team of pray-ers to be with them so there is still a need for more people to be involved in an ongoing/or rotational basis to further the personal prayer possibilities at Trinity.
There are prayer retreats which have worked in the early years I was at Trinity and could again. And altho I’ve offered my services to the Sunday School teachers for special prayer “teaching times” there’s been some other activities or programs going on that seem to interfere. Ginger Mason has encouraged many to pray in the choir and that’s reaping benefits. Lani Burkman has helped lead the ecumenical Island Prayer Group which meets monthly. Thanks to those who have set up Trinity’s web site for others to find prayer help. And of course Trinity’s Prayer Chain handled by Gloria Brown is available locally and the Upper Room prayer line is open 24/7. Progress has been made, thankfully.
More recently I’ve felt ongoing frustration with our efforts to build a vision for Trinity Church without special times of prayer and discernment for the future God has for us not just what we can come up with ourselves. This situation may work itself out but for now it feels to me like we will try very many ways to draw people to Trinity but still hoping WE can find the right activities – still not praying for God’s guidance in a more intentional way.
So I’ll be praying and working for that in the future as well as continuing to read how others are finding their way thru prayer....and will attend other activities like the World Day of Prayer, The National Day of Prayer and training events in healing prayer as I have this spring.
Ginger questioned about the Easter questionnaire. They have not been collated and are available to be read. They are in Charlie’s slot. Once Nikki finishes school, she will compile a report. Nate reported that a second questionnaire will be generated for the non-active members.
Bob Kaiser reported that the clothing box has been in discussion. The shalom Zone will receive $50 a month from the Scouts in lieu of US collecting for the Shalom zone. There is some wind damage and committee is on top of them all. Columbarium (60 unit) is in the works. Question as to if there is a picture of this. It is expandable for the future.
Signage is out and up… more to come!
Heavy winds on April 28 blew many shingles, etc, from the gym roof at Historic Trinity. We are getting quotes to replace the entire south side of that roof, which is in very poor condition. We expect a cost in the neighborhood of $10,000, that will be partially offset by an insurance award of around $4000.
We decided to move ahead with the Clothing Drop-Off Shed requested as a fundraiser by our Boy Scout Troop 510. The 8x16 ft by 10 ft high shed will be located on the east side of our parking lot, in the parking space next to the “Hausler Parents and Children” memorial tree. A $50/mo site fee payable to Trinity (in addition to the $.04/lb payable to the scouts) will be given to the Asbury Shalom Zone, in lieu of future clothes donations, which can thenceforth be more easily dropped in the shed. Our Mr. ASZ, Paul Robinson, agrees ASZ will come out ahead with this arrangement, while our clothing storage and transportation needs will be eliminated. Also as part of this decision we stipulated that the continuation of this project will be evaluated after one year of operation.
We approved a proposal by the Cemetery Committee to erect a 60- compartment Columbarium. The project’s anticipated total cost of $32,000 and eventual receipts of $60,000 will accrue to the Cemetery Trust Fund. The Cemetery Committee will be providing more details in their publicity.
An 8x10ft metal storage shed is expected to be in place now near the back entrance, if the weather permits Jim Ellson to install it on May 14. It will house our propane grill, probably the Youth’s collection of deposit bottles, and no doubt other things TBD. Total cost of unit and its foundation: about $550.
We are making progress on a direction sign near the driveway, requested by the Hospitality Committee, and a large roadside TRINITY sign in our “backyard” near the I-190 right-of-way.
Pastor Jeff Mary Dowd came as asked Jeff for a list of “accomplishments.” Jeff reminded us to have our pictures taken for the directory and to continue reading the New Testament. Another death: Jan Hughes passed away last night.
Annual Conference – first week in June. Policies will be set for annual conference regarding Pastor’s packages – vacation time… budget for conference will be voted on. This impacts our apportionments. Safe Sanctuary policy will be discussed. Jeff, Paul Robinson, Sue Kaiser, Nate, and Sheila will be there for a variety of days.
We sent out the first DV of the contemporary service. It costs $1.71 to send… so the technology is in place for us to move to the next level.
Freedom Riders is on PBS tonight from 9 – 11 PM.
Minutes from April’s meeting: Chris motioned to approve and Paul Sipson seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
Unfinished Business: Ginny reported Youth did a video for the conference. If you are on Facebook: uppernewyorkannualconference – click LIKE to vote. It is up until the end of June. The video will be shown on June 5. Trinity Facebook page is on hold until Larry arrives. We are working on a policy of communication.
June 24 – Youth choir from VA – need housing for Friday night.
Next meeting is June 13.
Nate asked that Nikki asked for prayer for her great uncle that passed away. Ginger commented on the death of Eddie Benns stressed the imp9ortance of making each day count.
Pastor Jeff closed in prayer.
Meeting adjourned at 9:25 PM
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