Church Council Meeting
April 16, 2012
Welcome and roll call – Gail Conschafter
God Sightings – Gail shared about the senior trip to the DR at her
school. Jan Garrison shared the excitement of having dessert with her large
family. Fred Clause shared the
generosity of people regarding his mother and need for funds while sick. Pastor Nate shared about the good feelings
and sharing with the confirmands. Elaine
Johnson shared her deep feelings about the send off for Larry during Sunday’s
service. Nick Drumsta commented on
evangelizing and forming a relationship with a person before anything else to
show we really care!
Minutes from March’s meeting:
Motion to accept by Mark VonWald and seconded by Fred Claus. Passed unanimously.
Changes to Agenda: None
New Business:
Charlie reported that Asbury Shalom Zone has been
supported in a variety of ways for many, years.
We have over the last several years paid for the Asbury Web Site as a
matter of “routine.” Charlie spoke to
Paul Robinson about this and Paul felt that it may no longer be necessary for
us to continue this. The cost is $199
per year. Fred commented that he could
cut the cost in half if we wanted to continue that ministry. Our annual web site is not that expensive,
and Fred would be willing to help. Paul
Robinson is the person to speak with .
We are also paying for the printing for their bulletins/newsletters,
ect. Our cost is about $400 annually. There are about 6400 pages total that we
print here in our office. Sue Kaiser
reported that it has been part of our mission for a number of years. A question was asked as to whether or not
there are other churches that support them as we do, and Jan Garrison said
there were. The church itself also does
fundraising for themselves to help the church and its budget. Larry suggested we take a comprehensive look
at the entire budget vs. starting with just one or two line items. Fred will work with Paul Robinson to see if
we can reduce the cost of the web site.
Ann – when counting on Sundays – reported that she has seen
contributions come in on a Sunday earmarked for Asbury Shalom Zone. Discussion as to where it appears in the
budget. Charlie recommended we minimize
the use of color copies and switch to black and white to reduce costs of
copies. Chris suggested we review this
and all line Items during the second half of the year.
Nate presented his proposal for a vegetable garden on the
grounds of TUMC. See attached
proposal. Nate also reported that the
number one predictive characteristic is intergenerational activities. This garden would provide a wonderful
opportunity for the veteran gardeners to build relationships with the youth of
the church. Nate feels this is a huge
ministry – intergenerational ministry, community ministry among some. Nate asked that we approve this proposal so
it can be presented to the Trustees.
Nick commented that it is also a good example for other churches to get
on board and do the same on their property as well. Bobbie asked if food pantries are allowed to
accept fresh foods; Soup kitchens are, Nate was not sure of food pantries. Fred suggested that the food pantry at St.
Stephens could offer a coupon for those that would need it. Animals were also a question. We will put a fence around the garden to keep
rabbits out…. Along with marigolds to keep “critters” out of the garden. Soil was also a concern. Nick reported that he has used all the
proposed items and has never had a problem with any of them. Because we would not be charging, it does not
go against any Methodist prodigal. Nate
reported that he didn’t want to do another fundraiser and will take the money
out of the youth budget if necessary.
Mark offered to raise funds through CE.
Fred asked if there would be a committee or group to maintain and
organize volunteers. Nate reported that
Nick will take the responsibility for that.
Larry’s one concern is that the parsonage remain private and not a storage
shed for tools. Larry reported that
there once was discussion of a privacy fence to keep their deck private. Cost of water was not included in their
calculations. Motion was made that the church council looks favorably upon the
proposal for the garden as presented was made by Sue Kaiser and seconded by
Sheila Rader. Vote taken and passed
unanimously.
Youth Program Update: Nate
shared what the short term program will be like in addition to the long term
plan might look like. Recap of ministry
philosophy: deeply rooted in mission statement.
Programatic approach is not successful for TUMC. We are taking what Nate feels, is a more
effective approach. We are trying to
develop a core group that will grow as disciples and empower them to minister
to their friends. It is based on a
principal called “the princiap of multiplication.” The growth, if successful, is exponential. Short term goals are changing – primary goals
for current year are to establish core group that are interested in sharing
faith. We have kids that have been
involved in Sunday school, confirmation, Wednesday night group. Another goal is to recruit and develop
volunteer leaders. Nick has become a
very active volunteer leader this year.
We are about to come to a point where we are expanding beyond our
volunteers. Long term goal is to develop
a network of volunteers for a variety of aspects in the program. Intergenerational ministry is another long
term goal. Another is to see the program
expand – offerings and numbers. Middle
School and High School fellowship into two different groups is another goal. Larry reported that Nate held an extension of
Confirmation class (voluntary) and there were a good number of those that came
back to participate. We are attempting
to extend confirmation bonds vs. “confirm and release.” There is a desire to have a fellowship activity, so Nate is looking to
offer something on Friday evenings.
Bobbie suggested that a mentor (lay leader) welcome the confirmands as
part of the actual service. Nate asked
that someone remind him of that at the time of the next confirmation
class. Charlie commented on how it is a
good thing that Nate is working to keep the group together. Mark shared his experience at a previous
church and how the relationship building helped build the program. The City Ministry project date has been
changed that overlaps our VBS. We will
shuttle the kids back and forth so they
are able to participate in both.
Evangelism Discussion:
Alligning our ministries with God’s Activities in the world. Our weakness is at the front end of reaching
out to people that are not people of faith.
We are talking a true evangelism team – different than hospitality. We need to be reaching out into the community
and offer the good news of Jesus Christ.
If Larry can find 12 people to lead in effective evangelism and create a
team to do evangelism and breaking out beyond our campus. He feels we would all be quite
surprised! This sounds like an approach
that makes sense. 12 may be a bit
optimistic but we are going to give it our all.
If we do our part, God will do His part!
Charlie stated that our survey revealed that there was a large vote for
evangelism.
Attendance Review: See
charts distributed by Charlie. Total
attendance is creeping upward. 8:00
service continues to grow. It is a
convenient time. Contemporary service is
consistent. Good news for the kids is
that the number is significant and growing.
There is excitement with KidZone.
Elaine would like to see the adult attendance in the charts. Fred supplies Linda with the numbers for
Adult Ed. Charlie suggested Fred get
with Mark and Liz to have those numbers on their sheet. There was a discussion on where the parents
of the kids are. Some kids are also
brought by grandparents.
Budget Review: Chris reported through 1st
Quarter, General Fund giving was $84.3k vs. $85.3k in 2011 and expenses were
$90.1k vs. $92.3k last year. The General Fund balance was $4.1k vs. $6.3k in
2011.
Our monthly Apportionments were paid in March,
and will continue in April.
The year-end estimate generated by weekly
giving compared to the previous three years indicates $365k, vs. a budget of
$373.8k.
Not included in this are the $2.5k Ester
Offering, a possible Trinity Fair and the Christmas Offering, all of which will
be used to meet our Apportionments Commitment..
Pledged giving through 1st Q is
behind commitments, but may be largely a calendarization issue.
The Finance Committee recommends that the
year-end estimate be monitored and cost reductions be pursued should it drop
below $360k on a sustained basis.
The
Committee wishes to thank Jim Winter for his diligent efforts to maintain our
financial system in the difficult time after Jay Martin’s untimely passing.
Sue commended Larry and staff
on the Easter letter that was sent out.
It was very upbeat, and positive.
All members of the
Trinity staff are contributing in the growth we are experiencing in the church.
The Staff-Parish Relations Committee continues its
project of staff evaluation and revision of job descriptions. A staff
recognition event will take place at the Harbison’s on August 19.
Donna
Lavallee will serve as Interim Chair of the SPRC for May through September.
Calendar Events: Sue Kaiser
reported that the prayer event is state-wide called One Heart Cry for New York
State. It has been adopted on the Island
from June 3 – 9, with a 24 hours prayer.
Our date is Friday, June 8. We will
promote it similar to our other prayer events.
To kick this off, we will have a public prayer meeting on Saturday, June
2 at TUMC at 2 PM. Youth event in August
with Franklin Graham that we are hoping to participate in.
Shiela reported on One Starry
Night. Informational meeting is Saturday
after the men’s meeting. It is an
exciting event. Meeting will begin at
9:00 AM.
Larry commented on the event
of One Starry Night is a good way to draw the community in.
Mark reported that June 10 is
the last day of regular Sunday School. This
will be an “all together Sunday.”
Larry re-interated that we are
ahead of anticipated momentum. He is
praising God for what is happening!
Larry is leaving for the next
three weeks… please pray for him. There
will be a combined service on Sunday.
Next two meetings:
May 21, 2012
June 18, 2012Green and Pink luncheon is Sunday after 10:30 service.
Larry closed in prayer.
Meeting adjourned at 9:20 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Gail Conschafter