church Council Minutes May 2012

May 2012 Minutes

Church Council Meeting

May 21, 2012

Attendees: Charlie Yund, Jan Garrison, Liz VonWald, Elaine Johnson, John Jones, Laura Mason, Chris Hipp, John Harbison, Sue Kaiser, Fred Claus, Terri Bellanca, Donna LaVallee, Paul Sipson, Sheila Rader, Mike Fonte, Larry Baird

Charlie Yund opened in prayer followed by the unison reading of the Mission Statement.

 Welcome and Roll Call – attendance sheet was circulated.

God Sightings – The Rainbow in the sky tonight, Saturday at the painting of Historic Trinity with adults and youth, Karen Bellanca’s recovery, Elaine Johnson’s Sunday School class on World Religions.

 April Minutes: Motion to accept by Chris Hipp, seconded by Jan Garrison. Approved.

 Changes to Agenda: None.  Reports did not get added to the website so committees can report.

 New Business:

Seneca Street UMC: Seneca Street UMC is in need of Sponsors for their Sunday Dinners.  Available dates are 7/1; 7/22; 7/29; 8/5; 8/26.  8-10 volunteers are needed to cook and serve approximately 40 - 60 people. They would need to arrive at 2 PM to heat food which we would provide and serve the meal at 3 PM and stay for the worship service at 4:15.

Fred Claus offered to lead the Men’s Group to grill and provide salads on 7/22/2012.

 Victory Garden: No Report. It may be relocated behind the rear parking lot.

Status of Middle School, High & Confirmation Kids:

Confirmation class would be the core for future Senior High Class/Fellowship.  We need better communication to parents and teens so people know when and where the Middle School and High School Groups are meeting.  Momentum meets every Wednesday in the HS Sunday School room.  Every other Friday is a fun night.

Pastor Larry mentioned that he is not getting names of visitors from the office.

Suggestion was made to have greeters wear nametags.  Comment was made that we need to be friendly but not overpower visitors.

 Finance Committee: Chris Hipp

Refund from NYS Unemployment Compensation was received. Easter offering was approximately $2700.  Our apportionment is $4700 and we have been making monthly payments.

 SPRC: Donna LaVallee

Rob Dean will be ordained at UNY Annual Conference on June 6^th.  Donna was contacted by Mike Smith to ask if we would present Rob with a stole.  The stole has been purchased and will be blessed this Sunday in Worship.

Dennis was reviewed last month and Joe Martino will be reviewed next month at his 6 month hire date.  Joe will take over the Direction of the Bell Choir from Jan Peters.  His salary will be increased accordingly.  Wendy McCafferty will be reviewed in August.

Charlie spoke on FICA withholding explaining that UMC pastors are self employed as contractors.  They pay 8% as employees. 7.65% is employers portion.  Re: Nate, we paid for his portion of FICA.  As a pastor, he has to pay 7.65% that we used to pay him.  Charlie made a motion that we add 7.65% into his base salary.  That would raise his base salary from $21,000 to 22,600 as an adjustment for FICA and Medicare.  Seconded by Terri Bellanca.  Approved unanimously.

 Calendar of Events:

Annual Conference May 31- June 2 at Syracuse ONCenter. Larry, John Harbison and Sheila will attend.

Monday, June 11: Being Your Best.  This is an Accountability Group that provides comprehensive spiritual growth, personal wellness, stress relieve, and sharing with others led by Tom DeLoughry.

June 2^nd Prayer Service for All Island Churches at 2 PM in TUMC Sanctuary. TUMC is assigned June 8^th for 24 hour prayer coverage.  Sign up sheet is in the Fellowship Hall.

July 4^th VBS Float in GI Parade.  There will be a Shipwrecked Theme to the float and VBS Fliers will be passed out for Operation OverBoard VBS.  In the evening, hot dogs, chips and pop will be served at Fireworks viewing in front of Historic Trinity.  VBS Registration will take place.

Everybody Family Camp will not be held this year as we step back this year and revitalize it for the future.  Fred Claus proposed a Weekend Work Camp to help close Camp Findley.

Liz VonWald reported that there will be a Family Night at the end of August for parents to meet the Sunday School Teachers and see the new curriculum.  It was suggested to include parents of Middle and High School Students.

September 9^th will be Rally Day.

 October 12-13^th  - TUMC Women’s Retreat at Camp Asbury

 October 20^th – Taste of Trinity.  This is a Fundraiser with Food Booths and a Basket Auction. Trunk Or Treat will run in conjunction with this event.

 October 21^st Laity Sunday

 December 2^nd One Starry Night Intergenerational Outreach Event 2-5 PM

 Worship Format: Charlie Yund

Charlie reviewed a chart of various Worship Schedule Options with the Pros and Cons. 

Options include:

No Change

Drop or Add Services; Blended Service; Drop 8 AM Service

Revise Service Times: 8 AM, 9 AM Contemporary, 10:30 traditional. Contemporary currently has attendance of 50-55.  Discussion Ensued.

Larry, as Senior Pastor, ultimately has the final decision, church council is advisory only.

Charlie encouraged members to stay positive in your dialogue and situations.

 Pastors Comments:

 Larry appreciates the support that he has recieved and the staff appreciates the support.  We have a critical mass of caring people at TUMC.  He will recommend that we organize fewer committees and more teams that are focused on ministry. There is a strong, growing sense of mission & ministry.

Adjournment:

Fred Claus moved that the meeting be adjourned.  Larry closed in prayer.

 Respectfully Submitted,

Sheila Rader

Sheila Rader