Finance Report for December 2013 Meeting

Finance Committee report to the December 16^th Church Council

 

We have 61 pledges totaling $174.3k, about an overall 8% increase from estimated current-year giving. For these pledges giving increased about 8% over 2013 estimated giving.  There remain a similar number of potential pledging units who have yet to respond.  It remains critical to get pledges from as many of these folks as possible.. 

Below is a very rough guess for 2013 year-end and 2014:

 

2013 

GF on 11/30                    $282.8k

Expenses on 11/30         $305.4k

GF balance on 11/30        -$11.4k

GF December giving       $42.2k  $325 YE giving forecast estimate minus giving through 11/30

December expenses        $30k

GF balance at YE            -2.2k  $42.2 minus $11.4, minus $30k expenses, minus the estimated Christmas Offering estimated at $3k

Apportionments payments in 2013  $17.6k, the $8.6k given plus $5k from the Fall Festival, plus $1k from targeted Apportionments giving, plus $3k from the Christmas Offering

Apportionments arrears $34.2k

 

2014 Assuming that non-personnel costs are held constant.

 

Expected GF expenses        $372k including $335k in GF expenses which include$8.6k for apportionments and an additional $37.4k in apportionments (total $46k) 

apportionment contributions     $12k (Easter and Christmas Offerings plus a Fall Festival and !4k in targeted giving)

 

2014 GF resources needed $360k for current spending and full apportionments payment

 

2014 budget reduction needed $20 -30k needed to comfortably cover expected expenses

 

Chris Hipp Chair Finance Committee

Minutes from November 2013 Meeting

November 18, 2013

Church Council Minutes

Meeting was called to order and opened in prayer by Pastor Larry.  Unison reading of the mission statement.

Attendees:  Pastor Larry, Charlie Yund, Gail Conschafter, Chris Hipp, Anne Hipp, Mike Fonte, Jan Garrison, Terri Bellanca, Fred Claus, Laura Mason, Sue Kaiser., Liz Von Wald, John Harbison, Sheila Rader

God Sightings:  Mike shared the experience that his daughter is having during her time of student teaching at a city school in Niagara Falls.  She is looking to do something special for her underprivileged class. (PJ’s, toothbrush, books, crayons, and a small toy.) This is all for children in grades K – 1. Prayers for those that have been affected by the tornadoes in Illinois and Indiana.

Changes in Agenda: Larry has to step out early, so he will present his report earlier than planned.

Pastor’s Report:  Larry and Nate met today.  He is doing better, and will be entering the work force soon.  Confirmation has gone well and thanks to those that are helping.  Wednesday evening continue to go along. Holidays are well planned.  There will be three services for Christmas Eve.  Information on One Starry Night is not going to allowed to be distributed within the school district.  A great deal of publicity has gone out to Ken Ton, and Niagara Falls, as well as the in-church Nursery Schools.

Minutes from October’s meeting were approved as corrected.  Motion made by Chris Hipp             seconded by Fred Claus.  Motion approved unamimously.

Calendar Events:

            December 6-7              One Starry Night

            December 15               Children’s Play during 9:00 and 10:30 Service

                                                Concert 12:30

            Jan 10 – Nov 2014      Confirmation Retreat

            ACE weekend                        CANCELED

            April 18                       Good Friday Fish Fry

            April 20                       Easter/confirmation

            Nov 9, Dec 14

            Jan 25, 2014,

            Feb 14                         Internet Safety Course by Fred Claus here at TUMC.

             Feb 25, March 15

            April 12                       Spiritual Enrichment Dates

            March 5                       Ash Wednesday Prayer Vigil

July 13 (week)             Possible VBS week (tentative!) Liz does not want to conflict with Bible Pres and Whitehaven Baptist.

  

Finance/Stewardship Report:  Chris Hipp reported from the blog:

Through October, General Fund giving is $259.0k vs. $281.6k in 2013, while expenses are $273.5k vs. $299.9k.  The General Fund balance is -$4.3k vs. - $8.4k last year.  To date we have paid $8.6k on apportionments of $43.2k ytd.

The year-end forecasting software suggests that we may end up 8% below 2012, near $325k and thus unable to substantially reduce our apportionments arrears.

A contingency 2014 budget has been developed for implementation if needed,  which reduces spending by about $30k, should it be necessary once the results of our current Stewardship campaign are known.  We simply cannot continue down the unsustainable path we have been on.

Chris Hipp – Chair, Finance  Committee

Fall Festival money may be used to pay apportionments. The knives and cutting boards have been taken care of by the UMW, so that money will not be taken out of the Fall Festival profits.  The total of apportionments changes each year. 2014 it is $46,000.  This year it is $51,000 and we have paid $8600.  There was discussion on the giving and those giving at TUMC.  The formula for apportionments is largely based on the income of the church.  We need to help our congregation understand what the apportionments are used for.  Larry commented that in 2014 we need a dynamic group of people that will be key in evangelism. 

Committee Reports:  Sheila reported that the decorations for Starry Night are almost up, and wondered if the 5:00 Christmas Eve service might be held in Historic Trinity. The question came up as to whether or not we could video tape One Starry Night.  Discussion followed.  Charlie suggested Sheila talk with Paul Sipson and the worship committee.  Charlie reported he met with the Historic Trinity committee.  It has served several purposes to many people.  How do we get people enthusiastic about using the building. Discussion followed on how to utilize the space, perhaps during the week.  There is discussion that seating will be put into it at a later date.  It is a good place for small weddings and funerals.  Sue Kaiser reported that some improvements need to be made.  If you have any suggestions or know of anyone who might be interested in using the building, talk to Sharon Nichols.

There was discussion on new attendees and how to get mailing information from them.  It was suggested that we start taking attendance again with the sign in pads.  Charlie will discuss it with Larry and perhaps start that up again. 

Hospitality: Sheila shared what some churches are doing with those people that miss a “few” Sundays. Jan remarked that we still have all the attendance pads should we start taking attendance again on a regular basis.  Suggestion was made to call last year attendees for One Starry Night and invite them back this year.  A short video was shown on Inviting Others to Grow in Faith. Sheila motioned we reinstate the attendance pads at all services.  Motion seconded by Fred Claus.  Motion passed unanimously. We have fulfilled some of the areas we had addressed a few years ago: vibrant youth/Sunday school, growing Confirmation class, and momentum.  Small group concept was discussed.  Perhaps once a month is a good place to start.  Ann commented on the Time and Talent survey.  What happened to the “results” and the follow through from that survey.  Jan still has them in the desk drawer.  Fred expressed interest in developing a dinner and movie with free child care.  Fred and Nate will talk and perhaps offer this to young families.  Charlie encouraged Fred to move forward with this idea! The young families are the ones that need to be nurtured. 

Unfinished Business: none

Larry closed the meeting in prayer at 8:55 PM.

Next meeting:  Monday, December 16, 2013 at 7 PM

Respectfully submitted,

Gail Conschafter

CE Report for December 2013 Meeting

Well its New Years again, around this time of year many people think of ways they can improve or grow in. The CE department is no different. We are looking into ways to make our message to the kids clearer and something that they will remember for years to come.

            But before you can go forward you must know where you have been, so I would like to take time to mention so recent events are still fresh in our minds.

             I wanted start my report with a heart of gratitude for all who helped out with this year’s Christmas play entitled Christmas Night Live. There were many highlights that come to my mind but it was the team work that went into this play form all the teachers and parents that I will remember from years to come. It was a great success for all who were involved. Thank you once again.

             Also I would like to mention our annual New Year’s Eve party where we count down the New Year for children and their families. It is a great event that take place early enough for kids to go to bed at a reasonable hour and for those parents who still have other plans. In case you were wondering, yes, we have a ball drop.

Thank you again. It’s an honor to serve you as your ce directors.

  

Mark and Liz Von Wald

CE Report for November 2013 Meeting

WHAT'S GOING ON IN TTHE CHILLDREN'S MINISTRY THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON:

  

Sunday December 8^th - Christmas Choir Practice – Ages 4-11 – Downstairs Kidzone 10-10:30am

Christmas Play Practice – Second Half of Older Kidzone for Interested 1^st - 5^th graders.

Saturday December 14^th – Play Practice 6-8pm – Family Room and Sanctuary

Sunday December 15^th – Christmas Performance at 9 and 10:30 serrvice – Children with acting roles must perform at both services and arrive at 8am on day of play.

Attendance Awards will be handed out on this day as well.

Sunday December 22^nd – Christmas Parties at 9am – Pre-K & K-1 classses in Junior Kidzone, 2& 3 and 4 & 5 classes in Kidzone.

Tuesday December 24^th – Children's Choir at 5pm Family Service – All interested children are welcome to come at 4pm to rehearse songs to lead the church in. This is a service designed for families with young children.

Tuesday December 31^st – Fifth Annual New Year's Party – 5-8pm – food, games, crafts, activities, lesson, and early ball drop and New Year' celeebration.

Submitted by Mark VonWald.

Finance Report for November 2013 Meeting

Finance Committee report to the November 18^th Church Council

Through October, General Fund giving is $259.0k vs. $281.6k in 2013, while expenses are $273.5k vs. $299.9k.  The General Fund balance is -$4.3k vs. - $8.4k last year.  To date we have paid $8.6k on apportionments of $43.2k ytd.

The year-end forecasting software suggests that we may end up 8% below 2012, near $325k and thus unable to substantially reduce our apportionments arrears.

A contingency 2014 budget has been developed for implementation if needed,  which reduces spending by about $30k, should it be necessary once the results of our current Stewardship campaign are known.  We simply cannot continue down the unsustainable path we have been on.

Chris Hipp – Chair, Finance  Committee

October 2013 Council Minutes

October 21, 2013

Church Council Minutes

Meeting was called to order by Charlie Yund with the unison reading of the Trnity mission statement.

Attendees:  Pastor Larry, Charlie Yund, Gail Conschafter, Mark VonWald, Sue Kaiser, Chris Hipp, Anne Hipp, Mike Fonte, Sheila Rader, Jan Garrison, Donna Lavalle (for Tom Burkman), Mark VonWald.

Pastor Larry opened in prayer.

God Sightings:  Sheila reported the Statewide UMW met this Friday night.  The duet that sang as part of the program was fantastic and a tribute to God.  The ladies had a great retreat at Silver Lake a few weeks before. Mark reported that there are a few people that came to the Fall Festival that are interested in coming to our church.  Fall Festival was a success. 

Minutes from September’s meeting were approved as corrected.  Motion made by Chris Hipp             seconded by  Donna Lavalle.

Donna Lavalle reported that SPRC is meeting Nov. 4 at First Church at the Church Charge Conference.  All paperwork has been completed.  The committee is addressing issues as they arise.

Calendar Events:

            October 26                  UMW Chicken Dinner

            December 6-7              One Starry Night

            December 15               Children’s Play during 9:00 and 10:30 Service

                                                Concert 12:30

            Jan 10 – Nov 2014      Confirmation Retreat

            ACE weekend                        CANCELED

            April 18                       Good Friday Fish Fry

            April 20                       Easter/confirmation

            Nov 9, Dec 14

              Jan 25, 2014,

             Feb 25, March 15

            April 12                       Spiritual Enrichment Dates

At last meeting we spoke of three priorities for TUMC.  One was exciting worship.  The second is once our worship is exciting, our next step is hospitality.  The third is evangelism!

Sheila shared a video on hospitality.  Larry commented that we experience difficulty in sustaining what we start.  Charlie would like to continue to pursue the training.  Timing for this class is crucial.  The information is well written and short enough to make it manageable. 

Ann commented that we are attempting to increase the attendance of Chat N Chew.  Something happened last month: someone came with two friends and it appeared that they were not welcome at a table. So consequently, they sat at a table by themselves.  We need to be more aware to be more welcoming!!  A suggestion might be to have certain quadrants assigned to key people to be aware of newcomers or those that appear to be confused as to where to go.  The question came up as to whether or not we need to bring out our name tags.  Another suggestion was made to perhaps wear a shirt to identify a team member as a “helper.”

Finance/Stewardship Report:  Dare To Dream is our stewardship campaign.  The pamphlet is one of the focal pieces. It will be introduced on Sunday.  It will take us through November 17, at which point we will bring in the commitments.  There will be short video clips that will also be shown during worship.  It is very hard to get everyone on the same page.  We are going to maximize the number of people that will follow the booklet. Stephen Spangler said that this campaign helps those that give “in the middle” will move up a bit with their pledge. 

There are about 40 people that have access to the Right Now program.  What didn’t happen was that parents would get together and form a small group for parenting skills aspect.  Pastor Larry feels that Sheila’s presentation on hospitality is right on.  We need to focus on retaining those families that enter through our doors.  Larry was very pleased with Laity Sunday and the messages that were conveyed.  Perhaps we could do this on a regular basis.  We also need some more “techie” volunteers to help with AV.  Another need is to perhaps film the Children’s Time during worship. 

Charge Conference is November 4 at 7:00 PM at First Church  in North Tonawanda.  Larry explained the process.  Larry encouraged us all to attend.

Identifying shirts came up in discussion again.  Charlie will talk to Bill and get some samples of shirts with logos along with prices. 

Committee Reports:  Chris reported that founders Day fund needs a pilot.  There is $3400 in the account.  Someone is needed to decide how and where the money is spent.  Would it be beneficial to know what the money is being used for prior to the collection of the funds.  Perhaps we should turn it into historical recognition of our church.  Is there a standing committee working on the anniversary of the church?  Larry is communicating with Bobbie Cap about this.  There are some interested in making some basic improvements to the “chapel” in Historic Trinity.  There is a lot of work that needs to be done inside the building.  Founders day is Thanksgiving Sunday.  It was discussed as to where the money from this collection should be designated. 

Question: Are we still having 3 services on Christmas Eve?  Larry is leaning towards 2 with the thought of moving the 11 PM service up in time a bit.  Attendance has been dwindling at the 11:00 and increasing for the 7:00 PM service.  Two suggested times are 7:30 PM and 10:30 PM. Most people are checking the website for service times. After lengthy discussion, a vote was taken and the consensus was to keep the three services to accommodate our members. We have a positive balance after September.  It looks like we will be short on our apportionments this year. 

Paul Sipson reported that the Festival food brought in $3300, basket brought in $2200. Some expenses will have to be paid out of this.  Paul suggested some money be spent for new pots and pans and new knives for the kitchen.  Also, Paul would like to purchase a few more long, white tables.  Paul suggested about 3 tables be purchased.  Larry commented that Trustees has money to purchase tables.  Perhaps this might be something for them to purchase. Trunk or Treat had well over 300 attendees! Paul feels that Trunk or Treat was a draw, as families came in before Trunk or Treat and had lunch before hand. 

Paul also commented on the large white wall, and wondered what was being done with it.  He suggested a mural be painted on it.  Paul will bring some ideas to share.  Trustees have had some plans for the wall also. 

Unfinished Business: none

Next meeting:  Monday, November 18

Respectfully submitted,

Gail Conschafter

September 2013 Council Minutes

Church Council Meeting

September 16, 2013

Charlie opened with the unison reading of the mission statement.

Attendees: Larry Baird, Charlie Yund, Fred Claus, Chris Hipp, Anne Hipp, Laura Mason, Sue Kaiser, Jan Garrison, Debbie Lavalle (for Tom Burkman), Sheila Rader, Mark VonWald, Gail Conschafter, Mike Fonte, John Jones, Terri Bellanca.

Prior to the showing of a video, Larry opened with prayer.  Video was shown on Worship.  Laura shared about her experience at a seminar and recommitted her life to Jesus Christ.  It was an amazing experience!  Charlie shared an experience at a workshop he attended, and the importance of giving your struggles to Christ at the foot of the cross.  Sheila shared the connection between her search for her classmates for her reunion vs. those that we should be searching for in our own church if they have been out for a while!  Mark shared the success of VBS and how some of the families have joined us for worship.  Charlie stated that Mark and Liz and team have been a huge positive impact on the growth of the church!

Minutes for August and June were approved as corrected.  Motion by Chris and seconded by Sue Kaiser.  Approved unanimously.

Nate will be here next month to report on his items.

Calendar:       Oct 11 & 12                Asbury Retreat Center

                        October 13                  Crop Walk

                        October 19                  Fall Festival w/ Trunk or Treat

                        October 26                  UMW Chicken Dinner

                        December 6-7              One Starry Night

                        Jan 10 – 11                  Confirmation Retreat 

                        Feb 2                           Souper Bowl

                        April 18                       Good Friday Fish Fry

                        April 20                       Easter/Confirmation

Finance:  From the blog:

            General Fund giving is $206.9k, vs. $227.6k in 2012.   

Spending YTD is $223.2k vs. $236.5k last year.   

This leaves a $6k deficit at August month-end, despite underfunding apportionments by $25.9k YTD.

Giving in August was about equal to 2012, and giving generally increases for the remainder of the year.  

 It is anticipated that we will finish the year with a positive GF balance but will not be able to fully fund apportionments.  Having a successful Trinity Fair and Christmas offering would help close the gap.

We will have a fall Stewardship Campaign.  Planning is underway on a contingency budget, should it be necessary to balance the 2014 budget while fully funding apportionments.

Having only one worship service in the summer, decreased our overall attendance.  Jan reported that the weekly givers, usually get their pledges in by either mail or drop off!  We do have a committed group of givers. 

Pastor’s Comments:  Larry presented a few areas:

1.      Budget realities.  Larry thanked the finance committee for a wonderful tracking of all the money that comes in and goes out!  Larry is gratified by the number of people that have increased their pledge as we have lost some substantial givers.  The leaders of the finance committee have been attuned to the demographics of our congregation. Stewardship plan is under discussion by finance.  Larry has contacted a friend (Stewardship consultant) to assist/suggest ideas for this year.  It has been shown that pledge cards are not as effective as we think.  If we are going to use pledge cards, it should be viewed more as a “partnership” card to focus on why people need to give as individuals…. Don’t stress giving to “negatives.”  Show them visually the successes we are having!  Share short term victories as to what God is doing and celebrate those things.  People do Not give to budget, but will give to a vision they can connect to.  It is not a good idea to go after your best givers.  The middle group should be your target! The group that is low in giving may move, but will not tithe due to one campaign.  A program, “Dare to Dream” is being developed for us.  Using this plan, the author’s church has increased by 35% in giving!  We do have a contingency plan in place should we need it.  Details will be shared if necessary!  Donna shared that we have not met our apportionments in years.  She stressed that this is our responsibility and the committee is working on putting a positive “spin” on this. 

The “Nominations Committee” which is now called the Lay Ministry is now looking for candidates.  Larry is looking for new people that are new to leadership.  We need to develop people that have the willingness to work in leadership development.  Core teams needing members are SPRC and Trustees.  If anyone feels they know of anyone that might fill these positions, please let Larry know.  It is far more and more important that filling officers and/or positions. 

It has become obvious to some that we need separate service teams for the 9:00 and the 10:30 service.  There needs to be some alternative methods to put into place so that the absence of a few would not alter the service itself.  Extra help is needed for praise team and the tech team.  It was suggested that we have a training session on the sound board.  We are hoping to offer that on October 3.  Charlie said the three areas of concentration are Worship (all three services!), build and support the 9:00 service, Hospitality, and Evangelism.  Mark commented that it needs to be a mindset that we automatically step forward and take a step to introducing ourselves and find something out about them.  There was discussion on how to showcase some of the leaders of the church for all to see. It was suggested by Larry to contact some new people that have recently joined the church to ask them what was helpful to them as new attendees. 

Committee Reports:

Jan Garrison reported that Trustees have not met, however the work has been done on the Parsonage.  There was a foundation issue, but has been taken care of.  There was a problem with the foundation separating, and the company has taken care of this.  The capital fund funded the repair, and it has a 15 year warranty. 

Next meeting is October 21 at 7 PM.

Meeting adjourned after Sue Kaiser closed with prayer.

Respectfully submitted,

Gail Conschafter

August 2013 Council Minutes

Church Council Minutes

August 19, 2013

Attendees:  Larry Baird, Charlie Yund, Chris Hippe, Ann Hippe, Tom Burkman, Nate Lange, Liz VonWald, Mark VonWald, Sue Kaiser, Jan Garrison, Bobbie Cap, Terri Bellanca, Sheila Rader, Jim Tamsen.

Meeting opened with unison reading of mission statement.

Larry opened in prayer.

Major Calendar Events:

            September 8    Rally Day

            Oct. 11 & 12   Women’s retreat at Asbury Retreat

            Oct. 13            Crop Walk

             Oct. 19           Fall Festival/Taste of Trinity/Trunk or Treat

            Oct. 26             UMW Chicken and Ribs Dinner

            Dec 6 & 7        One Starry Night

            Jan 10 & 11     Confirmation Winter Retreat

CE Rally Day

            Sunday School will start on Rally Day.  After the 10:30 service youth will serve hot dogs and hamburgers as a free will offering fundraiser.  A bounce house has been rented.  Tables for SS registration will be set up for the month of September at entrance.

            Confirmation Class will begin on Rally Day.  There will be 16 sessions – every other week, beginning September 8 with confirmation on Easter Sunday.  Meetings will be at noon on Sundays.  Parents of confirmands meeting will be September 21.  Nate has been mentioning this to parents.  It will appear in the Tidings.  Nate has the list of students. (7^th grade and up.)

Finance:

Chris reported giving is down approx. 10% from last year. We are spending less than last year.  Giving for\cast will be about 10% below last year.  Trinity Fair and Christmas offering will help with the apportionment payments.  Work is underway to determine a 2014 budget which will permit us to meet our apportionment commitment. (see written report!)

              Charlie remarked that we will review this within the next months ahead

SPRC

            Tom reported staff evaluations are being conducted.  Committee is meeting again to present a realistic staff salary budget for our upcoming budget.  The committee is discussing various scenarios that will be presented to Finance once the budget has been set.  All decisions will be made with the needs of the program and the mission of the church.  Donna LaValley will serve as interim for Dec and Jan.  Updating the church profile of the church is taking place.  We need to do this every year.

            The church profile is what we are about and who we are.

Nate would like an opportunity to report on summer Mission project next month and share pictures and stories.

CE

            It is hard to believe the summer is almost over and that the fall is fast approaching. That being said, the CE department is gearing up for the fall.

            Rally day is the first Sunday of our fall programming. On this day we will have special activities as well as our first day of Sunday school classes. Also on this day we will have registration forms for the parents or caregivers to fill out. We will also have take home forms for you review so that you may know what is going each Sunday. Rally day is on September the 8^th. We will also have special games and a bounce house before and after the 10:30 worship service.

            We also wanted to provide you the list of Sunday School classes that will be happening this year as well of who will be teaching it.

                        During the 9:00am Worship hour

All classes are held in the CE wing.

Pre-k Class will be taught by the capable hands of Karen Bridget Doyle. The Teen helpers will be Maddie Mesmer and Mikayla Claus. This class is located Next to the CE office.

Kindergarten and 1^st grade class will be taught by Jeri Wright and Mary Von Wald. The teen helper will be Kate Fonte. This class is located next to the lounge.

Our 2rd and 3^rd grade class will be taught by Brenda Baird with the help of rotating Volunteers.

This class is located in the kidzone room down stairs.

Our 4^th and  5^th grade class will be taught by Keira Hayes and Judy Johnson. The teen Helper will be Heather Robinson. This Class is located next to the kidzone room

                        During the 10:30am worship hour

All classes are held in the CE wing.

Junior Kidzone. Ages Prek through 1^st grade. Will be  taught by Liz Von Wald with the assistance of a rotating volunteer. This class is held in the Junior kidzone room.

Kidzone. Ages 2rd threw 5^th grade. Will be taught by Mark Von Wald and Kiera Hayes. The teen Volunteers will be Joey Mesmer, Kate Fonte, and Sydney Keane. This class is held in the Kidzone room down stairs.

Our Rotating Volunteers are as follows

Kelly Ulrich

Cherie Sharp

Lisa Renee

Debbie Robinson

Andrea Buxton

Thank You As we look forward to a great fall.

Mark and Liz Von Wald

VBS was largest to date! There are 60 kids on the list.  We have been averaging 40 something each week between the two services.

VBS was extraordinary.  Everyone had a great time. 

Nate is hoping to start HS youth program with a few more students.

Larry’s Report:

            Larry asked for a detailed report for what is happening with the giving without asking names.  Larry is talking with a friend of his, who is a well-known stewardship director to see if there is something different we can do.  We are analyzing last years’ approach.  A significant of that loss comes from those that have moved away or to another church. 

            Baptisms will continue this fall on two or three Sunday’s.  This is a great indication of new families.  There will be a wedding this fall and the woman is very interested in joining the Chancel choir.  Larry will keep tabs on this. 

            Team Trinity – Youth parenting session with Sylvia Captane to head up.  Larry is working a parenting session.

            In talking with Nate and others, our most successful pattern for worship is the three services.  It is very staff intensive, but necessary for a successful church.  The 9:00 group was instrumental with the group under the tent.  Attendance for summer has declined.  If we do an outdoor service, it will most likely be one of three services.  For missional purposes, it does not work when we change services.

            Chris Bidell and Nikki Fadel have moved to North Carolina.  They are getting married this weekend.  If anyone sees Christian, please comment on what a great job he did during VBS.

Sue Kaiser asked if anyone is asking about Labor Day Weekend Camp.  Nobody has said anything to Charlie.  The last two years have been a struggle to get attendance.  The format changed over the years, and has become expensive for families. 

The men have been using the Right Now program called Stepping Up.  We have tools that we need to share with the young families.

Sue reported there is an idea floating around in the Ministerium  as to whether the churches can be a part of a disaster plan.  A woman associated with Roswell spoke to the group.  Mary Cook has also shown an interest in this idea as well.  A brief outline was created.  Churches are asked to evaluate this and perhaps to take a look at this!  Charlie asked for any information that Sue might have.  Don Weaver will be here in the fall to present this idea.  His plan suggests we work through the Town Council.  “How accommodating can we be?”

Minutes from June will be tabled for approval until next month.

Shiela Rader reported One Starry night committee will meet this week.  Publicity is under the direction of Linda McGuire. 

Next meeting will be September 16 at 7 PM.

Nate closed in prayer.

Meeting adjourned at 7:45 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Gail Conschafter