February 2012 Minutes

Church Council Meeting

February 20, 2012

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

 Sharing of God Sightings

Attendees: Mark VonWald, Pastor Larry Baird, Pastor Nate Lange, Charlie Yund, Laura Mason, Ginger Mason, George DeGlopper, Sheila Rader, Ann Hippe, Sue Kaiser, John harbison, John Jones, Elaine Johnson, Gail Conschafter

Approval of January’s minutes: Motion by Sheila Rader seconded by Ann Hipp. Minutes were approved as presented.

Changes to agenda:   New Business will be added by Nate

New Business:  WOW – Women of the Word have been with us since September.  They seem to be doing well here and we get the feeling they feel comfortable as well.  They are asking that we allow them to stay through 2012.  They have communicated with Larry and enjoy being here and would like to continue to stay.  Larry said that it is good community relationships and is a positive relationship.  It does create a bit more set up work for our custodial staff, but Larry feels it is well worth the effort.  Their contribution to the church more than likely covers the cost of the work.  The feedback has been complimentary.  Sheila motioned to house WOW here at TUMC for the next year, and Ginger seconded the motion.  Discussion followed regarding what portion of the building was being used.  Vote was taken and passed unanimously.

                        Nate shared that there are more young families coming to TUMC.  Nate would like to organize monthly dinners and invite the families (in their 20’s and 30’s) to be a part and show them that there are other families here to connect with.  The first date did not materialize do to a scheduling conflict.  They are looking at trying to do this on a Friday at about 6:30 or 7:00.  Still looking into childcare…. Larry suggested the “older” folks be a part of the childcare portion of the program.

                        Attendance review: Discussion on attendance taking procedure.  We are following the same pattern as to where we were last year for the Contemporary service.  As far as the traditional service is concerned, we are seeing a general increase over time and not taking away from any other service.  Some of the spikes are the “come together” Sundays. The trend for the 8 AM service seems to be growing as well.  Charlie called it “the Larry affect” for all services.  John Harbison commented on how great the services have been.  Preaching, music, and the kids in church have all been positive.  Charlie commented that the kids also find it uplifting in the service.  Larry commented on how he appreciates that Liz and Mark continue the theme of the service into the KidZone message.

Budget Review:  Charlie reported that there were a few issues getting the funding into the right “spot.”  Jim Winter has been working hard.  The giving is up.  We have overpaid some unemployment, so there was a refund of about $4500. The expenses have been down due to the mild winter.  There was a question as to whether or not the apportionments were paid.  Charlie was not aware, but thought they were paid.

 SPRC:  As reported from Tom on the blog:

The SPRC is engaged in the following projects:

Evaluation of staff. The committee held a conversation at its February
meeting with Associate Pastor Lange, and expressed commendation and some
suggestions. SPRC is dealing with the issues raised.

Revision of staff job descriptions. Questionnaires have been
distributed to staff in need of such revision. Ed Stisser and the SPRC
chair will revise descriptions in consultation with the employee and the
senior pastor, for final approval of the SPRC

Through articles in Tidings, SPRC is informing the church about Pastor
Baird's tasks in service to the broader denomination: General
Conference, Jurisdictional Conference, and Board of Discipleship. The
SPRC endorses this activity and urges the church to grant indulgence for
the time this requires and to uphold our pastor in prayer in these
important tasks. Pastor is making every effort to maintain his time
commitments to the ministry at Trinity.

Charlie commented that Larry will be at both the Annual Conference AND the General Conference.  It is an honor that Larry has been selected to be represented there.  Sue Kaiser asked Larry to share with the group as to what is done at Conference.  Larry felt that the average member is aware of what goes on, but is willing to meet with anyone that is interested in knowing what goes on at that level.  There are a number of challenging issues that are coming up.

Church Calendar:     Charlie collaborated with the church calendar along with the other activities that occur here at TUMC.  There are several groups that meet on a weekly basis.  We are beginning Lenten Luncheons during Lent.  We went through each month and reviewed what activities will be held.  Child care will be for Lenten Luncheons and are asking for those that are attending to sign up in advance so we are able to provide if needed.  Franklin Graham is hosting a festival September 22 -23 in Buffalo.  It is a series called Rock the Lakes and will be targeting a younger demographic. The Ash Wednesday service has a tie in to the Good Friday service.  There may be a conflict on May 12 with a few activities.  Larry asked that the UMW communicate with the church, so there are not any conflicts.  The Mother/Daughter dinner is being replaced with a Women’s Brunch.  There is time to reschedule one of the events.  Laity banquet is April 29 as reported by Sheila Rader.  Motion made to approve VBS for July 9-12, seconded by Ginger.  Motion passed unanimously.  Work camp tentatively scheduled for July 22-28.  There will be a Garden Tour this summer.  Charlie asked if there were any plans for July 4^th.  Mark commented that there would be a float in the parade promoting VBS.  Discussion on front lawn picnic after the parade.  Rally day will most likely be September 9.  The question came up as to whether or not we will be hosting Family Camp this September.  Taste of Trinity will be October 20.  This is to replace the Fall Festival.  Larry reminded us that each event that is on the calendar should make sure it meets the mission of the church.  Sheila reported that December 2012 the UMW will be hosting ONE STARRY NIGHT – an intergenerational event – and also a community outreach.  It will be a walk through and booths with crafts for kids to make, food to sample.  It will be a Saturday in December.  Ellie Robinson and Sheila Rader will head this committee and will work with Mark and Liz.  Sheila shared that last years’ retreat was wonderful, but the target group was 50’s group.  There was a comment made that there is nothing for the “younger” women, so UMW is getting together with that group for input.  Always involve childcare provision for those interested in attending.  Charlie will try to put up three months at a time so we can be apprised of each event, in order to keep all committees informed.

Other Reports:

Trustees:  George reported that committee reported purchase of a projector and stand.  The heating system in Historic Trinity is in need of some repairs.  Charlie asked that George and a group take a walk through the campus to get things ready for the “birthday parties” that are upcoming. 

A question on Safe Sanctuary policy.  There is a copy of it in the slots outside the office.  It is a policy attached to the use of building form.  The procedural issues are being reviewed by Ed Stisser right now.  He is making sure all is recorded and any new adults working with youth our children are properly screened.     Nate asked about the special paint that has reflective flecks in it.  It would helpful if it were painted in Historic Trinity for a better projection.

Pastor’s Comments:  Larry asked that we continue to ask “why are we doing what we are doing?”  He will continue to ask that question so we do not get stale.

                                    Nate had no comments.

            Ginger asked that we dream dreams when generating the calendar and its events. Examples: Youth and Children’s’ choir.

 Next meeting will be Monday, March 26, 2012.  Nate will not be in attendance.  The time will be 6:30 for leadership training with meeting beginning 7:15.

Nate closed in prayer.

Meeting adjourned at 9:00 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Gail Conschafter