Quick info
Services:
Sundays
8:15 & 10 am
Child care provided
Office hours:
Tuesday - Friday
9 am - noon
Location:
5705 Lacy Rd.
Fitchburg WI 53711
View map
Phone:
608-273-1008
Calendar
Our events
Contact info
Names, e-mails
"Like" us
| Council minutes Jan. 6, 2009 |
|
MEMORIAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST COUNCIL - January 6, 2009 Present: Jon Boldebuck, Denise Brandl, Barbara Gallogly, Kristin Gorton, Phil Haslanger, John Hilliard, Kelly Jetzer, Gary Johnson, Wendy Proctor, Ron Reichert, Shirley Robbins, Sonjia Short, John Van Overbeke, Keith Von Der Heide. Phil led in prayer. Moved by Sonjia and seconded by Kelly that the December minutes be approved. Motion carried. Financial Report for December and for the year 2008 (John V.O.): Year-to-date pledges are below budget, non-pledges are above budget, and special events below budget. The year-to-date expenses are on budget. Building fund cash reserve of $19,000 will be used to pay down the Park Bank mortgage. Council reviewed the 2009 preliminary budget. It was noted that "in-out" money is not budgeted, simply passed through. Denise was asked to make an account of money given to causes outside the church (the in-out dollars). Moved by Sonjia and seconded by Jon to approve the financial report. Motion carried. Pastor's Report (Phil): Phil introduced Kristin Gorton, who will begin February 1 as Pastoral Intern. She spoke about her experience and life story. Announced an upcoming stewardship event in which the focus will be on how a church may function in an "economy gone sour". The Fitchburg Chamber of Commerce annual meeting is coming up; since MUCC is a member, we may attend; Phil will go. Council liaisons to committees are asked to check on whether committees have followed up the Time and Talent sheets. Phil hopes that in the time of pastoral transition people will stay involved and will raise questions they may have. Proposed 2009 Budget (John H., John V.O.): John H. said there are more pledges this year, but he cautioned that more people may not be able to fulfill their pledges. Council discussed "Special Events" - should we do more of them? It was suggested to list Special Events without specifying what they would be, and make the line $4200. Phil said that the Ahrnsbrak New Initiatives Fund is providing money for the Intern. Kristen will give us 15 hours per week - 10 hours as an unpaid internship and 5 hours paid by MUCC. Moved by Sonjia and seconded by Kelly that the Budget be approved by the Council for presentation to the Congregation. Carried. Discussion of our unusually high level of giving to outreach programs and needs. If this amount were run through the budget, would some members think we should spend more "at home"? It was suggested that many people, especially younger people, are more interested in giving to community and world needs than they are interested in giving to the local church. Some have insisted that we tithe our building fund. Conclusion: it is best not to run "outside" giving through the budget. John V.O. brought a request by Karin Wells for up to $1000 for a new program for women returning from prison (help with job-seeking, housing, other needs). Karin is on the Board of Directors of this "Sister House" project. They are raising money for launching this project. The Trustees approved a donation of $600. Moved by Sonjia and seconded by Barbara to approve $600 from the Endowment Fund for Sister House. Motion carried. Committee Reports: ---Adult Programming - Kelly will begin organizing the next Music Evening (which could be a minor fund-raiser). ---Children's Programming - The Pennies for Peace project of Kelly's class will begin Jan. 18. Heifer Project coming up. ---Outreach - two new members from the Time and Talent sheets; new chairperson needed. ---Worship - liturgist and ushers lists coming up. ---Building and Grounds - John V.O. is making a list of "things we should know". Old Business: ---Constitution update not ready yet. ---Phil's Installation Feb. 15 at the 10 o"clock service, with a big fellowship hour afterward. ---Phil has chosen three of the four Pastoral Support Committee members: Dean Baumgardner, Ruth Schoenwetter, Lisa Rutherford. He noted that people with "grievances" or questions should go to the Council, not to this committee. New Business: ---Donated to Bright Stars of Bethlehem in honor of Bonnie: $2000. ---Appreciation to Nancy Baumgardner and John and Jacy Boldebuck for planning the big farewell party for Bonnie. ---Thank you cards read from staff members for the Borders gift cards. ---Review of the "Goals for 2009", title changed to "Directions for 2009". These are guidelines, directions, not fixed goals to measure ourselves against. Moved by Sonjia and seconded by Kelly that the Council adopt these Directions and present them to the Congregation at the Annual Meeting. Motion carried. They will be included in the Annual Reports and discussed at the Annual Meeting. ---When new people come onto the Council we will consider changing the day or hour of Council meeting. Meeting adjourned. Next meeting: February 10, 2009, 7:00 p.m. Shirley Robbins, Recorder |