January 2012 Minutes

Church Council Meeting

Monday, January 23, 2010

 Charlie called the meeting to order with the unison reading of the mission statement.

 Attendees:      Charlie Yund, Bobbie Cap, Sheila Rader, Ginger Mason, Jan Garrison, Chris Hipp, Anne Hipp, Liz VonWald, Thom Burkman, Laura Mason, Gail Conschafter, Pastor Larry Baird, Jim Tamsen, Sue Kaiser, John Jones, Mark VonWald, Paul Sipson, Pastor Nate Lange,  Jessica Skelly for John Harbison, Excused: George DeGlopper, Judy Maurer

Larry began with prayer.  Sharing of God sightings.  Sue Kaiser shared her story about Roger’s 75^th birthday and the refugees celebrating his special day.  Laura Mason shared the celebration in the number of children in church.  Sheila shared her story about Kiera Hayes and looking for welcome bags for kids..as she was so excited about the kids. Sheila’s women’s Bible group is wonderful.  Bobbie Cap shared their experience with a Dog Sled demonstration.

Changes to Agenda:  Add discussion about a fall retreat by Ginger Mason

                                    Add: Missions report
                                    Add discussion with Laura Mason

 Review of Mission and Vision:  Our mission statement is the guide on which all we do should follow. To follow Jesus means to follow His examples and as He has instructed.  Are we developing disciples? 

·         The time we spend develops disciples.

·          We need to get to know people before we can develop disciples. 

·         Fellowship dinners are important.  

·          Standing at the door, greeting people as they come in.

Do we need more opportunities for that?   Ginger shared that there are multiple entry points – baptism, walking thru the door, new member class.  The new member class could perhaps use some work. Another entry point might be the greeting of one another.

Charlie commented that we need to make sure we are following the mission.

Are we transforming the world?  This starts with just one person.  Ginger feels we need to identify entry points. We need to identify new/unrecognized people in church.  Follow up is essential.  The Welcome Center is a huge help.   The new location is wonderful.  Ginger: LOVING ONE ANOTHER INTO THE CIRCLE OF GOD’S LOVE.  Sheila commented how she likes seeing the sayings on the sign. 

Charlie spoke on the vision and wonders if it is not crystal clear.  If there are goals and no courage to act on goals, it is probably an empty drum.  Vision is not about the present, but about what our dreams and aspirations are. 

Mark commented on how it just takes a bit of confidence in sharing our faith with others. 

Committee Reports:

      

Finance: 

Chris Hipp reported that it has been a trying few months with Jay Martin’s passing.  Linda McGuire, Jan Garrison, and Jim Winter are a few to be commended for their help.  The software that predicts giving seems to be accurate.

Trinity finished 2011 with about $10k in the General Fund (as has been recent practice) and having paid $40.7k toward our $52.6k Apportionments commitment. The Capital Fund finished with a $33.4k balance.

Going forward into 2012 we have the following:

2012 pledges from 123 giving units (including 21 new pledges) for $265.9k to the GF (similar to 2011) and $26.6k to the CF. We also have 19 giving units which pledged in 2011, but have yet to do so in 2012. In 2011 they pledged $46.9k. Non-pledged 2011 income was $40.3k.

While there is uncertainty in the level of support the congregation will provide to Trinity, we do have a mechanism which will enable us to estimate year-end giving based on weekly giving patterns. The 2011 estimate became quite accurate as we approached year-end and was predictive by the end of June.

We also have an initial budget created by assembling requests. It is $388k, which is too high. The Finance Committee recommends that we target a $360k budget and carefully monitor giving patterns with the expectation of making a mid-year correction if necessary. A number of potential reductions have been identified, including a $1k reduction in Postage & Postage Meter and at least a $5k reduction in natural gas expenses.. Work remains to identify additional spending reductions. This is so we can pay our apportionments.

It will take until the end of the first quarter before we can take action.  We paid about 80% or our apportionments for 2011.  We had a good giving pattern at the end of the year, and a part of Christmas giving went to apportionments as well as the Trinity Fair.  Charlie spoke on apportionments and where they are distributed.  He encouraged us to look at them and make a personal commitment to meet them with our giving.  We need to be good stewards of what God has given us.  We did pay all our apportionments in 2010 for the first time in a while.  Bobbie commented on the fact that when we join the church we also join the United Methodist church – included in apportionments.  There must be a way to make it personal in order to make an impact.  Larry spoke on the new membership class.  It will be opened up to anyone wanting to attend – members and non-members alike.  The response was well received.  This would open up the fellowship opportunity as well.  Sheila suggested some short video clips to show during worship to illustrate what is going on, and is very motivational.  The idea is to make is personal!!  Charlie asked Paul to think about it with the Worship committee and perhaps show a short video during the offering.  Are we teaching our youth to give?  Is there a collection during Sunday School?  Chris said there are extra envelopes to hand to the children to establish a giving routine.  There is a Financial Peace University for kids that is available.  Larry commented that we do not have the technology to run all that in the sanctuary.  It will take some time to do this.  The computer is taxed and “needs help.” 

Chris will contact each committee and ask each if there are any cuts that can be made!  There was a question as to when the budget needing approval.  Larry is comfortable to wait until the end of the first quarter – we have momentum.  If we can keep things going in the same direction they are going, we need to have a long term view – which is not looking bleak at all.  Sue questioned as to how we let the church know what is going on and perhaps increase a pledge.  Sue feels that the Tidings have been lost due to the transition of e mailing vs. snail mail.  Chris sent something into the Tidings for the next two months.  There was discussion on putting attendance and giving into the bulleting.  Larry commented that it should probably be a stewardship committee issue.  Ginger questioned the accountability for each committee.  Chris responded that committees are very responsible and try to remain in the confines of their budget. 

SPRC:  Tom Burkman summarized the last six months regarding staffing.  God has brought us through these transitions very well.  He reported:

The SPRC continues to work with Pastor Baird on issues of adjustment to
his ministries at Trinity.  At the meeting on January 9, time
utilization by the Pastor and Associate Pastor were discussed in a
positive spirit.  Pastor Baird explained the upcoming time demands
brought on by his representing the Upper New York Conference at the UM
General and Northeast Jurisdictional conferences.  The SPRC affirms the
Pastor's participation in these church bodies, and will seek to assist
in informing the Trinity congregation concerning these happenings beyond
the local church.  Never in recent memory has a Trinity pastor been
elected to these positions.

SPRC continues the processes of staff evaluation and reviewing and rewriting job
descriptions for all staff.

The SPRC needs to replace two members stepping down from the Committee.

How can we be a source of inspiration for the staff?  What are the spiritual, creative and leadership roles that each of the staff can take?  This will be a key component in his committee.

Missions:  Jessica Skelly shared a PowerPoint for Aligning Apportionments and Local Mission Projects.  See paper version of PowerPoint.  Bobbie suggested that all committee members should be listed on the application.  Sue wondered if the UMW and Youth projects are separate.  Jessica Skelly reported that there is communication between all groups.  The projects listed are just FOCUSES….. Charlie commented that this is a big help in lining up the calendar so we do not have too many things going on at once.  Question was posed as to where Fall Festival would fall.  Paul reported that it might be in the Mission calendar of events as it contributed to apportionments and missions.  Motion was made to approve the procedure the Mission Committee has presented and send out the letter with application by Ginger Mason and seconded by Laura Mason.  Discussion on mailing – bulk.  Ginger stated that this church does wonderful mission work, and this provides a good umbrella to do this effectively.  Vote taken and passed with no opposition or abstention.

Ginger Mason reported on a women’s retreat that she would like to put together  It will be a co-ed retreat.  Charlie questioned as to whether or not it fits the church mission?  Ginger said she believes it does.  Tom Burkman asked if this would replace the Family Camp in September.  Ginger said it would revolve around the church calendar and would be in October or November.  October 6-7 is already scheduled for a retreat.  Charlie would like everyone to bring in their events so we can all put on one calendar to make sure we are not conflicting with one another.  Anne shared that the idea is good, but timing might be an issue.  Perhaps winter might be a better time as to not conflict with all fall activities.  Paul moved that we pursue dates for a spiritual grown event this year and Anne seconded the motion. Vote passed with no abstention or objections.  Ginger asked that she be added to the agenda for next month for further discussion.

Laura Mason offered 52 inch projection screen television in working order.  It is large and is an actual piece of furniture.  Nate said the youth has a large screen TV. 

Sue Kaiser said we are still working on the 24-7 prayer.  They are looking for full week coverage.  This is a state wide activity and are trying to cover a full week.  We approved it last month and we are just waiting for dates.

Nate reported that they are restructuring the Youth Advisory Council.  There will be an informational dinner within the next month for 9 committed and involved people to serve on the committee.  Please let Pastor Nate know if you are the least bit interested.  YAC oversees the MS and HS ministry.  There will be a rolling commitment.  Parents, students, and church members are welcome to join.

CE  Liz and Mark VonWald reported:

We are coming off a very busy but good holiday season, and we are still on a growth trend. God has been good.
After meeting with our teachers we have come up with a list of possible dates that we lay out for your consideration.
Activity Calendar to be Proposed to Council on Monday January 23^rd, 2012:

CE upcoming possible dates:

January 29^th - Bible Sunday- Presenting Bibles to children
Friday, February 10th 6pm until February 11^th 9am CE sleepover.
February 5^th
Fun-day or bring a friend to church Sunday.
Also CE teacher training 12pm-1pm----VBS meeting 1-2pm
March 4^th 12pm- 1pm Teacher meeting -----VBS meeting 1-2pm
March 18^th 12pm Children’s Ministry spaghetti dinner (to be served by the children)
April 1^st Fun-day or bring a friend to church Sunday.
Also 12pm- 1pm Teacher meeting -----VBS meeting 1-2pm
April 8^th Annual Egg hunt 9:45 am
May 6^th 12pm- 1pm Teacher meeting -----VBS meeting 1-2pm
May 12^th 9am Mother’s Day breakfast served by the children.
June 23^rd- Moving up ceremony for 5^th graders.
VBS Sunday July 21^st- Thursday July 26^th 6pm-8:30pm.  (Operation overboard)

TRUSTEES:  Bob Kaiser reported:

  At their January 12, 2012 meeting the trustees duly elected George DeGlopper as Chair of the Board of Trustees and Sharon Nichols as Co-Chair, effective immediately.  Bob Kaiser continues on the board through 2012, but had asked to be relieved of the Chair for personal (though not private) reasons.  Bob is thankful for the privilege of having served as Chair and grateful to all those who helped and supported him in so many ways.

 The mid-December gas leak in the main church cost a total of about $4200 for A-Plus HVAC services, repair parts and rent of auxiliary heating equipment.  Many thanks to Don Mason for his tireless handling of the problem and to all who helped him.

A basement wall of the parsonage that exhibited crumbling around a support beam and several other cracks was repaired by Sam Long for a bargain $400.

 A serious water pipe failure above the kitchen ceiling in Historic Trinity on Sunday afternoon, Jan 15 was found by several Islettes Elites who luckily were there practicing.  They notified Pastor Larry who called Ron Domagala and George DeGlopper to shut off the water and assess the damage.  Don Mason and Rob Domagala repaired the burst pipe, replaced several soaked ceiling tiles with spares on hand and cleaned everything up the following morning--all at virtually no cost.  It could have been much worse.

Charlie reminded everyone to email the church office or himself any dates to be put on calendar.

Paul Sipson reported that Worship committee was responsible in moving the Welcome Center.  Also a topic of discussion with committee is the processional in worship.  An issue is getting people out of the family room into the sanctuary for a prompt start to the service.  Perhaps a bell can be rung from the Welcome Center.  We were encouraged to get to the service and set a good example.  Larry suggested the kids go in before the choir.

Ginger passed out brochures for the ACE weekend – beginning on March 3.

Catch the Spirit is this weekend.  Brochures are available.  Some of our “people” are teaching.

Pastor Larry:   Pastor lifted up the mission committee of their presentation.  Thumbs up on what they are doing.

Pastor feels we need to be more positive with our meetings so we can leave more uplifted.  We have so many positive. We have tripled our KidZone and we have a stream of new visitors.  Some of us come to church to see each other.  Please pray about the positive indicators that are surfacing here at TUMC and jump on board.  Let’s focus on what the Lord is doing in our midst and act on it.  Let’s NOT focus on the fear and anxiety.  We have the people, gifts, and talent right here under our own roof.  We need to be enthusiastic about it and move on it.  Pastor Nate commented that if we come with enthusiasm, we will be energized and excited to be here.

Next meeting will be February 20, 2012.

Pastor Nate closed in prayer.

Meeting adjourned at 9:30 PM.