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| Annual Meeting 2011 Minutes |
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MEMORIAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST ANNUAL MEETING January 23, 2011 A quorum was declared present. The meeting was called to order by Council President Ron Reichert, and opened with prayer by Pastor Phil Haslanger. It was moved by Gary Johnson and seconded by Wendy Proctor that the minutes of the 2010 Annual Meeting be approved. Motion carried. Ron noted that the printed Annual Report was available in the narthex for those who did not receive it by e-mail. Pastor Phil spoke about the Life of this Congregation, emphasizing our hospitality and describing the challenge of receiving and folding into the life of the church so many new members and visitors in the last two years. He urged us not to be shy about approaching an unfamiliar face, not knowing whether this is a member or a visitor. Phil also said that since the Ahrnsbrak Fund is somewhat diminished in the current economy, the Pastors' Discretionary Fund needs more money. This is a fund not part of the church budget, from which money to help people in need is drawn; donating to this fund is another way Memorial people can help. Phil described the expansion of adult education opportunities, and also of our presence on the Web. Election of Council members: Four candidates were presented by the Nominating Committee -- Kelly Jetzer and Sonjia Short, continuing with new terms. Bobbie Beson-Crone and Josh Gormley, new members for the Council. Ron called for nominations from the floor. It was moved by John Hilliard that nominations be closed and a unanimous ballot be cast for these nominees. Motion seconded by Gary Johnson and carried. Ron declared these nominees elected. Budget 2011: Gary first thanked the congregation for the good financial outcome for 2010. Then he explained the Ahrnsbrak Fund, since there were many new people present - how it had been set up by Henry A., how it is used. Gary went on to explain the Memorial Fund and the Building Fund (noting that its debt to the Ahrnsbrak Fund is gradually being reduced). Budgets for 2010 and 2011 were compared and explained, including a 2% increase in staff salaries. The 2010 budget was a deficit budget, and the final deficit was much less than anticipated. The Trustees are OK with a deficit budget for 2011 because this congregation is generous. All bills are paid, using the "Rainy Day Fund" when necessary, and expenses reduced where possible. Questions were asked concerning our support for UCC institutions (we do support them) and suggesting inviting representatives from them to speak to us; concerning whether maintenance and update of our computers and such technology are provided for (they are); and whether the loss of LifeLink's rental is serious (it isn't, and discussion of the arrangement is ongoing). Sonjia moved that the 2011 Budget be accepted as presented. Motion seconded by Gloria Holz and carried. Gary went on the explain the uses of the Second Mile Fund, the Benevolent Fund, and the Endowment Fund. He expressed thanks to John Hilliard, Denise Brandl, and Keith Von Der Heide (our financial officers) for the enormous amount of time they have spent on our church finances. Generosity: John spoke about the letter sent out in the Fall concerning financial red flags - in this economy some are unable to complete their pledges, our deficit could be double what we expected. The letter's points - 1) Pray for those in economic trouble; 2) Try to keep up with our pledging; 3) the Silent Auction had good results; and 4) Asking those who are financially OK to step in and give more. This added $17,000 to the church income! John expressed hearty thanks to all! Mona Dudley, of the Outreach Committee, spoke on how the "Giving Locally – Going the Second Mile” fund is built up each year, and how it is used, naming several local agencies which receive money from this fund. She thanked Cheryl Porior and Bobbie Beson-Crone for their leadership. Sonjia requested that Ron Reichert be recognized for his four years of leadership as President of the Council. He received a standing ovation. Ron pointed out the excellent service of Keith Von Der Heide, Treasurer, whose term as a Council member is ending. Meeting adjourned. Shirley Robbins, Recording Secretary |