Minutes from September 15 Church Council Meeting

Church Council Meeting

Monday, September 15, 2014

Meeting opened with unison reading of the TUMC Mission Statement.

Attendees: Jan Garrison, Larry Baird, Laura Mason, Tom Burkman, John Jones, Charlie Yund, Gail Conschafter, Sheila Rader, Abby Cole, Mike Fonte, Fred Claus, Teri Bellanca, Jan Garrison, Laura Mason, Julie O’Connor, Billy Worthy, Christian Nole, Sherri Schaus

Larry opened in prayer

God Sightings:   Laura shared her father is recovering from surgery.  Christian reported that Rally day seemed a huge success.  Jan reported we received a booklet from the Archives from Illinois about TUMC’s history and heritage. Sherri shared her privilege to work on the ministry she feels she has been called to.

Approval Of Minutes:  Motion by Fred Claus to approve the minutes from August’s meeting as presented.  Seconded by Tom Burkman.  Unanimously approved.

Changes to agenda:               Ace Weekend date has been set

                                                Tom Burkman would like to share an item at end of meeting

Calendar of Events:

            UMW Lumch                                                  September 21 after worship

            Fall Festival                                                     October 25 with set up October 24

            One Starry Night                                            December 5 – 6

            ACE weekend event                                       February 7

            Advent Festival                                              December 7

            Christmas pageant                                           December 21

Choir Fundraisers                                            (bringing in choir from outside for concert)

                                                                        (no specific dates have been set)***

                                                                        (proceeds perhaps to go to organ fund) 

            Spiritual enrichment dates                              TBD

Project 5000                                                    November (Mission Committee is in charge of this event)

Pastor Comments:

*** Larry commented that if the money go to the organ fund, it is a hefty bill and should go through the trustees as perhaps a small capital improvement.  The conversation requires more clarity as to what the goal is.  The fundraising, itself, is not opposed, there is question as to where the money will be spent.  Tom feels the money will go to the repair/renovation of the organ. There was discussion as to whether it would be a free will offering taken or a charge for the ticket.

Fundraising still needs to be organized and recorded so events do not conflict with one another.  Missions had originally offered to monitor and record these events, but found it too time consuming.  Larry stated that he felt the Council should take this on, and not leave it with Missions.

Larry reported he feels we are off to a good start.  Staff meetings will be once a month, and everything he has looked at is going well.  Terri Bellanca said the turn-out for adult SS was great! “Simplify – de-cluttering your soul!”

Finance:  We are moving in a direction where we will meet all our obligations including our apportionments by the end of the year! Our giving is up and our expenses are in line and we have streamlined our budget which allows us to live within our means.

SPRC:       Tom reported the committee has nearly completed the hiring for all vacated positions.  A bookkeeper is still needed.  The finance committee hopes to appoint a volunteer or team of volunteers to fill the position until a permanent person is found. Requirements are no more than 10 hours a month. SPRC would not approve a paid position.  Annual evaluations have been given to veteran employees.  Updating of church profile, staff salaries for 2015 will be addressed at the next SPRC meeting.  Tom thanked us all for prayers for the SPRC committee.

Committee Reports:

            Abby reported all is well, and is having fun.  Seeing all the groups that are happening here at TUMC is encouraging! Rally day was fun and the kids had a great time.  Sunday school numbers are up since last year!  This is encouraging!  High school fellowship started on Thursday, and two new kids were in attendance.  A good start to the year!

            Julie reported numbers were good for Sunday School. 

            Trustees:  The tree that was doing some damage was taken down.  All work at the Cole parsonage is completed.  Open house there was received very well.  Abby is happy with the work that has been done.

Unfinished Business:

            Tom Burkman spoke on the needs of the organ.  “Our organ has become a jalopy.”  Dampers do not work at all.  Dennis is able to control by changing other things, which is not the proper way to play it.  It is functioning minimally currently.  The cost to fix/renovate can range from $0 to thousands of dollars.  Tom feels the minimal should be done as soon as possible – now.  Tom motioned the Council to ask Trustees to investigate the condition and needs of the organ and generate a plan for renovation or replacement and funding thereof. Terri seconded the motion.  Mike expressed concern that this might split the music department.  Tom stated there is not an entire music department – it is all divided based on where in the church they serve. Abby noted that the reason the staff is meeting once a month at night is to bring all factions together and feels they are heading in the right direction in bringing them all together. Larry said we do not have a general music department and needs to be worked on for this very purpose.  There are two existing bids that are outdated, but could be used for connections for a current proposal.  Vote taken and motion was passed with one opposed. 

150 Anniversary Plan

            Fred expressed interest in doing a documentary on a monthly basis culminating on the anniversary date.  Larry has been accumulating information over the past year on the history part of it.  Bobbie Cap may be part of this committee.  We need to get a committee together and think this through. There is a little lack of clarity of the history of TUMC.  It could be spread out over a year, you could combine a capital fund drive with it.  It should be a commissioned committee that would report back to Council with ideas.  Fred is interested in serving on that committee.

There was a vote to form a committee for the Anniversary Event.  All are welcome.  GI Historical Society may be of some help.  Celebrating is important.

Tom Burkman shared a concern about a course being offered at GIHS Adult Ed.  Tom expressed his feelings that this is religious and schools should not be supporting this course.  It is a course on Angels.  Fred shared that the courses are organized by the school and the teacher is paid by those that take the course.  Sheila stated that others have questioned this, and offered to teach a “Christian” course, and the district denied the request.  Larry will take this to the ministerium.

There was discussion about using different knaves for Contemporary service and traditional service.  Technology is an issued.  Terri commented that she sees growth in numbers.  It was decided that both knaves will be used to see if it is satisfactory for all involved.  Larry, Christian and Fred will work out the tech and music issues.

It was noted that we are so blessed to have so much going on at TUMC.  Larry has made a huge commitment doing all three services, and was thanked.

Next Meeting: Monday, October 10 @ 7 PM in Historic Trinity

Closing prayer by Larry.

Meeting adjourned at 8:20 PM

Respectfully submitted,

Gail Conschafter