March 8, 2011

Present:  Jon Boldebuck, Josh Gormley, Phil Haslanger, Leah Lonsbury, Michael Magness, Wendy Proctor, Elliot Schad. Shirley Robbins, Sonjia Short.     
Absent:  Kelly Jetzer, John Hilliard, Keith Von Der Heide, Bobbie Beson-Crone.
 
 Council President Sonjia Short opened the meeting with prayer.
 
Michael moved that the minutes of the February meeting and of the brief meeting at the Council retreat be approved.  Motion seconded by Jon, and carried.
 
Pastors' Reports
Leah --- She recently had a great meeting with youth and their parents, discussing ideas for activities and projects.  There is a Facebook page up for youth.  We have a potential of ten to twelve young people for this group.
               The Way has usually had small attendance, and ideas are needed for how to enhance this activity.
                She has found many opportunities for justice work in Madison in the current economic and political situation.

Phil --- Reviewed several requests for use of our building:
               ---Michael's annual banquet of his gaming group on March 26
               ---the rescheduled Hospice retreat on March 16
               ---ChristopherGrundy's state-wide music workshop (Wisconsin Council of Churches) on May 24
               ---the proposed public school four-year-old Kindergarten is off the table.
          ---Lifelink Adoption Agency's new manager will be coming to meet with us.
          ---There is a challenge grant of $600 for our Pastors' Discretionary Fund, to be open during the first two Lenten Sundays.  It was moved by Wendy and seconded by Jon to approve this.  Motion carried.
          ---Phil and Jann Veloff have been discussing expanding Children's Programming to include activities for families.  Ideas:  a trip to the Zoo, a Moms' Group.
          ---During Lent, daily Scripture reading lists will be available, and we are encouraged to use daily readings e-mailed from the Wisconsin Conference UCC. Also posting scripture verse on Facebook daily
          ---Phil will write up our Bethlehem Partnership for General Synod's contest called "Imagine What's Possible".
 
Financial Report:  Given by Jon in John's absence, with John's message, "Finances are excellent."  This is in part because people are  paying ahead or contributing more than they pledged.  Moved by Josh and seconded by Elliot that the report be accepted.  Motion  carried.
 
Committee Reports
---Trustees:  Asked for OK to spend $1,000 from the Memorial Fund for inside signage for the church.  Wendy moved that the Council OK this plan.  Motion seconded by Jon and carried.
---Building and Grounds:  Michael described planned kitchen refurbishing. Phil noted  improvements made in the sacristy by John Van Overbeke.
---Sonjia requested a list (for the ushers) of medical people in our congregation, in case of need during church services and activities.
 
New Business
---Delegates for the SW Association on May 7 and the Wisconsin Conference June 10-12 are needed. 
---The Nominating Committee is asked to find a replacement for Michael; the Magnesses are moving at the end of April to Oklahoma to run the family farm. This is exciting for them, but a great loss for us!
---Sonjia read a thank you note from Leah for the Christmas gift.
---Any member may do the opening prayer at Council meetings.  Leah offered to lead a short version of "Awareness".
 
Old Business
   Discussion of 2011 Goals list developed at the Council retreat.  Each of the seven goals was approved, with a small change and some additional ideas. (Goals are attached.)  Goal #7 is to continue expanding our outreach in the community, and it was agreed that a focus on the Latino population in Fitchburg would be good for this year.  Ideas:  1) classes for kids in both languages and including cultural studies;  2) working with other local groups impacting Latinos, such as Interfaith Coalition for Worker Justice;  3) we need for this goal people with enthusiasm for it and possibly experience.
   A specific Council goal is to establish a strategic planning group to create a long-range plan for our physical space, to accommodate future membership growth.
     Policy Review:  a subcommittee can work on this and report to Council.
 
Adjourned, on motion by Michael and second by Jon.
NEXT MEETING:  April 12, 2011, 7:00 p.m.
Shirley Robbins, Recording Secretary