The Council at its April 13 meeting approved a plan by the Trustees for how to handle memorial trees planted in honor of members who have died. In the past, as families requested trees, they were planted, but the trustees were concerned with how to develop a plan for our property that would honor our deceased members while preserving the overall growth in our natural areas.

Starting this May, one tree will be planted each spring in honor or memory of all the members and friends of Memorial UCC who have died in the past year. Several trees have been requested in the past and those will also be planted this month. In the future, members that would like a separate tree planted in memory of a loved one may do so with the approval of the Building and Grounds committee in accordance with the Memorial Garden Plan. Such specific requests should be accompanied by a donation to cover all the costs of the tree.

The Council also heard a presentation by Jackie Neidhart and Janine Bessemer from the Sunday morning advisory committee about ways to enhance our education programs for children and adults. This presentation was the result of surveys, listening sessions and extensive discussion about ways to accommodate the many things that happen here on Sunday morning.  The Council is considering the options and will make a decision at its May 11 meeting about how to proceed.

Two delegates were elected to represent Memorial UCC at the Southwest Associationís annual meeting on April 24 ñ Ron Reichert and Jacy Boldebuck. Pastor Phil will also be at that meeting.  The Council is now looking for delegates to the Wisconsin Conference UCC annual meeting June 11 to 13. The deadline for registration is May 9.

The next council meeting will be on May 11 at 6:45 p.m.