March 2012 Minutes

Church Council Meeting

March 26, 2012

Attendees:      Pastor Larry Baird, Charlie Yund, Laura Mason, Tom Burkman, Chris Hippe, Ann Hippe, Ginger Mason, Jan Garrison, Elaine Johnson, Sue Kaiser, John Harbison, Gail Conschafter, Mark VonWald, John Jones, Donna LaVallee.  Excused: Liz VonWald, Sheila Rader, Bobbie Cap, Paul Sipson, Jim Tamsen, Fred Claus.

Sue Kaiser opened in prayer.

God Sightings:  John Harbison shared about his trip to Africa and how they were welcomed by the people.  He also shared about the education for the children and how the women had to go to the well to get water.  There was poverty all around, making him realize how blessed we are.  John also shared his pleasure with seeing the student of the month here at Trinity.  Gail shared about her auction for Christian Central Academy and how God blessed the school.  Elaine shared her appreciation for being a part of the choir.  Tom shared about his wife and her business, and how the efforts of her business are now “world-wide!”  Laura shared that she enjoyed Larry’s sermon on Sunday, and how it moved and touched her.  Sue shared how her son was so impressed by our sanctuary and the cross. 

Minutes from February’s meeting:  motion by Elaine Johnson to accept the minutes as presented and seconded by Mark VonWald.  Motion passed unanimously.

                       

Changes to Agenda:  Several would like to add to calendar.  John would like to update us on Missions.

New Business:

            Election of Officers:  Lay Leaders – Mike Fonte and Terri Bellanca

                        Motion to accept Mike Fonte – all in favor and passed

                        Motion to Accept Terri Bellanca – all in favor and passed

                                                Trustees: -        Jim Linenfelser, George DeGlopper, Carol Dearlove, Tim Phillips, and John Gast.

                        Motion to accept Jim Linenfelsesr – all in favor and passed

                        Motion to retain George DeGlopper, Carol Dearlove, Tim Phillips and John Gast – all in favor and passed.

                                                Financial Secretary:     Jim Winter

                        This is a volunteer position.  Ginger commented that in conversation with Jim, he is enjoying this position.  All in favor – passed.

Charlie stated we will do the same for the other vacant positions on various committees.

            Attendance Review: Charlie reported that all is good news. We are significantly up from where we have been in the past four years.  Easter attendance will be interesting, as it has declined over the past few years.  Contemporary service attendance is now being taken and e mailed to Linda. In total we are up and trends are good.  There was a question as to about the attendance in Adult Sunday School.  Charlie will speak with Fred Claus about that.  Sunday School and KidZone numbers are increasing!  Donna reported that High School is about 6 per week.  Larry reported that Confirmation class is about 15 and is consistent. 

Budget Review:  Chris reported that giving review would indicate that giving would be below budget.  WE did not pay apportionments in Jan and Feb, but will in March and April.  The committee will review things in full after April.

The General Fund is about where it was at the start of the year, $9.9k. Thus income and expenses are in balance, but we have not made apportionments payments this year. The conversion to Paychex for salary distribution is in progress, with positive results to date. Salary payment by direct bank deposit is now available to those who wish it.

After some discussion the FC voted to make 1/12th monthly payments in March and April. At the end of 1Q our financial situation will be reviewed and cost reductions made to keep us on course, if necessary. Weekly estimates of where the GF will close at year-end oscillate around $368k, about $10k below the budget total.

The Counters, Posters and Treasurers list will be published by the Chair by the end of the month.

It was noted in passing that the Trustees have voted to pay for the new Finance computer and associated items as a capital expense. The FC thanks the Trustees for doing so. We do need a definition of what technology purchases constitute capital expenses. The FC will work with the Trustees to accomplish this.

Charlie commented and asked the question as to whether the payment of apportionments should be incorporated into the budget.  The response was that it SHOULD.  Ginger commented that this budget information will be in the Tidings to inform the congregation.  Trends and attendance are up, and there is hope that we will make up the shortfall.  John feels we should be more pro-active.  Charlie commented that there are two ways to balance – raise more or spend less.  Chris reminded us that this is a 3% deficit – and is a projection.  Sue asked if there were a more passionate invitation to give.  The Council feels that paying the apportionments is a huge commitment that should be met.  There was a question as to whether or not the congregation is aware of where the money goes. John will work with Ginger to put an article together to inform the congregation where our apportionments go to.  There was discussion on putting weekly offering information in the bulletin.  Larry reported that statistics show that people do not give passionately by the numbers that are posted in a bulletin.  Chris stated that between Christmas and Easter offering the total is over $10,000.    Discussion followed on fundraising and raising money.  Tom shared that he feels that if a project is highlighted, people may give more money if it for a specific project.  Share what the money is going to – “shared giving.” 

SPRC:

Tom reported on evaluations on all the staff.  He also shared his appreciation for Donna Lavallee for serving as interim in his absence.

The Staff-Parish Relations Committee is continuing a process of periodic evaluation of the employed staff of the church. This involves consultation with the staff member, input from congregants who regularly interact with the staff person, and review of the person's job description.

SPRC will sponsor a staff recognition event at the Harbisons on Sunday afternoon or evening, August 19.

During an upcoming overseas assignment of the SPRC chair, Dr. Donna Lavallee will serve as Interim Chair from May through September.

Major Calendar Events/Changes: 

            Breakout Buffalo – July 15 – 19. This is a mission project in the city of Buffalo.  There will be no fundraising for this, as it is relatively inexpensive.  This is the week after our VBS. Mark reported that this is an excellent ministry.  Charlie also reported that a Volunteers In Missions from Oct 21 – 27 for adults.  Cost is $350 plus transportation. Sr. Mary Jo’s Spiritual enrichment could be scheduled for May 19 from 10 to noon if it did not conflict with any other activities already on the church calendar. Sr. Mary Jo was not able to commit to an October date.  Donna LaVallee reported that we have an all wide event to paint Historic Trinity.  The outside of the church is beginning to show.  This is designed for any/all that would like to be a part of this mission.  It would be nice to be an intergenerational work camp for our own church.  The peak and steeple are probably not going to be addressed by youth.  The dates for this are tentatively set for May 19-20.  Donna is working on the cost of paint and specifics.  George DeGlopper – as head of Trustees – is aware of the project.  Tom suggested Trustees pay for the steeple so it can all be completed.  Anne Hipp reported that we would like to host Word Day of Prayer for 2013. The date would be March 1, 2013.  John will share his mission dates.  April 29 is the laity banquet at Samuel’s Grand Manor. This year, Elaine is asking for recommendations for the recipient.  We usually have two or three tables to support our recipient.  Charlie and John Harbison have agreed to work on the nominating committee.  If you have any suggestions, pleases see Elaine.  E mail address for Elaine is elainerjohnson@roadrunner.com for you to contact her. 

Trustees: No formal report.  May 5 is a work day to clean up outside the ..  Please make sure there is no conflict should you have to place an event on the calendar.  Please remember that George is a “proud” non-computer user, so we will use Sharon Nichols as the Trustees contact.  Bob Kaiser is the secretary for that committee.

Other:

            Prayer Ministry:  June 3-9 is the 24/7 prayer.  Sue Kaiser reported that there might be an all Island prayer on Sunday, June 10 if the Town Square is available.

Perhaps one way to explain what’s been going on with the small Island Prayer Group which had included a few folks from other churches and several from Trinity is to say that now only a few from Trinity are meeting monthly. Lani Burkman has been working to keep in touch with some church women who cannot meet on a regular basis but have had a few meetings at the Burkman home during the winter. We hope to keep including others but may need more consistent meeting times or broader advertising...prayer continues however!

Thankfully other groups which meet in the church have taken on some regular times of prayer as they meet, plan activities and carry them out. That has happened before, now perhaps the difference is that personal prayers are offered for those who have needs of various kinds in the church at most meetings.

On another prayer event that has been planned thru the Island Ministerium – we’ll have a week of 24/7 prayer planned with 7 Island Churches for each to take one day during the week of June 3-9. Trinity’s day for 24 hour prayer is Friday, June 8th. More details will be available at our next meeting – and probably before.

This is part of the NY Statewide observance during this 2012 calendar year called OneHeartCry – developed thru a ministry of Pastor Roger Brown in the Adirondack region of the state. This is a vision God has given him to lead other churches across the state which will be committing to pray for issues that impact our state: churches, and spiritual renewal, government, business, education, security, growth and general well being of our diverse population. There will be biblical guidelines to follow for some of the prayers people may offer and of course personal issues that face us locally will be addressed as people feel led in each church or ministry.

Although it is still in the talking stage and not set as an Island function, there is some discussion in the Ministerium of having a joint prayer service, perhaps at the Town Commons at the end of the 24/7 week in which we’ve prayed. More will be discussed on this but inquiry has been made to the GI Town Board to have such a service to which everyone would be invited...probably a combination worship of prayer, music, meditation and thanksgiving...in which all churches would have an opportunity to participate.

A time of prayer will be offered for Pastor Larry in worship (to be determined) before he goes to serve as a delegate to our United Methodist General Conference, April 24-May 4th.

Please continue your daily prayers for Trinity.

Pastor Comments:  Pastor Larry commented that tonight he is revived and renewed by this meeting. Maundy Thursday service is still in the works.  It will be a communion service.  Palm Sunday, there will not be communion in the Traditional service.  Larry is one of the preachers at the Catholic service on Good Friday at 12:15.

Next meeting is Monday, April 16.  Laura Mason will not be in attendance. 

Pastor Larry closed in prayer.  Meeting adjourned at 9:00 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Gail Conschafter