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Fitchburg WI 53711
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| Council minutes, Feb. 10, 2009 |
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Present: Kristin Gorton , Phil Haslanger , John Hilliard, Kelly Jetzer, Michael Magness , Wendy Proctor , Ron Reichert, Shirley Robbins , Sonjia Short , Keith Von Der Heide. Absent: Jon Boldebuck, Barb Gallogly-Turner Phil led in prayer to open the meeting. It was moved by Sonjia and seconded by Keith that the minutes of the January 2009 meeting be approved as presented. Motion carried. PASTORS' REPORTS Phil: ---There were six prospective members in the recent Inquirers Class, with a few more waiting for the next class. ---Phil is contacting members who have been "on the fringes" by writing notes, phoning, and visiting, and he reported on some of them. ---He described plans he and Mary Ircink are making for a Lenten series on food and faith. No "soup suppers" this year, because of the sparse attendance in recent years and the high level of effort required. ---The Pastoral Support Committee is getting underway, and has met with Bob Mutton for orientation. ---The 20th anniversary of the dedication of our building (April 16) will be celebrated on Sunday, April 19. ---The Director of Pilgrim Center will speak on a Sunday in May. ---Phil reported on the Stewardship Conference he just attended. In the present bad economic situation, the level of support for the state Conference is diminishing, and our own finances have been hit. We need to be aware of the economy's impact on our members, and to consider how we can help in our community. Steve Clapp, the stewardship leader, is available to us by phone for consultation. Kristin: She feels welcomed by the congregation, and has especially enjoyed interaction with the kids of all ages. FINANCIAL REPORT John said that our income, though below budget, is at a better point than it was in January 2008. How people are keeping up with their pledges will be carefully tracked. It was moved by Sonjia, seconded by Kelly, that the report be accepted. Motion carried. COMMITTEE REPORTS Trustees (Keith): 1) Phoebe Maloney's bequest of $15,772 has been received, and allocated to the Endowment Fund so as to make the total Fund investments 25% equity and 75% fixed. Mike moved that the Council approve this action. Motion seconded by Kelly and carried. 2) Keith noted that all bills must be accompanied by an authorization form signed either by a Committee Chair or by Phil. Adult Programming (Mike): The kitchen has been undergoing a huge cleaning and rearranging, with items either outdated, unused, or not "green" being eliminated. Some items are saved for the spring sale. Programs coming up: the Night of Music, this time with a free will offering; the Easter Breakfast; and the Adult Game Night. Children's Programming (Kelly): 1) A change in the Sunday morning schedule is being considered, with the possibility of Children's and new Adult Sunday School classes being held between services and the children included in the whole worship service. Discussion and research will continue, with committee updates to Council and eventually a recommendation to the Council and congregation, if changes are planned. 2) the Heifer Project (chicks and bunnies). 3) Kids' Fun Night during the Back Bay Bash. 3) Pennies for Peace continuing well. Membership (Wendy): 1) Fitchburg Days. 2) a "Twenty Years in Fitchburg " sign, which will need city approval. 3) Sonjia suggested that it is time for a new photo directory, and this will be on the committee's agenda. Outreach (Shirley): 1) Two new members, one of whom (Bobbi Beson-Crone) will be Chair. 2) Plans are proceeding for participation in St. Vincent de Paul's food pantry and fund-raising for The Road Home housing project. 3) It was moved by Wendy and seconded by Sonjia that the Council express appreciation to Shirley for her work on the Outreach Committee. Motion carried. Shirley said that it is an excellent committee. She is ready to ease up on her activities. Worship (Sonjia): Planning decorations for Lent, with some fine consultants among our new members. This committee will have input on the exploration of a new schedule. Building and Grounds: The library is being cleaned and rearranged by Nona Suhr , Loma Klossner, and Carol Williams. OLD BUSINESS Constitution review committee: John Hilliard, Ron Reichert, and Pastor Phil. Committee to bring possible changes to Council, prior to congregation. If any changes are made, they must go to the congregation for approval. Noted Phil's installation on February 15, during the morning service. NEW BUSINESS Five-Year Strategic Plan Task Force: Phil suggested that a Search Committee for an Associate Pastor should be constituted at the same time as this Five-Year Strategic Task Force. Ron will bring to the next Council meeting a list of names in various categories (age, etc.) from which these task forces can be chosen. Fitchburg Fields request for space for community gardens and classes: Phil will respond that we don't have that kind of space (mostly woods, a gully, and a parking lot), nor a big kitchen; but we might like to have a Fitchburg Fields leader do one of our Lenten food-and-faith series. Mike moved that our current officers continue for this year. Motion seconded by Wendy and carried. President - Ron R.; Vice-President - Sonjia S; Recording Secretary - Shirley R.; Treasurer - Keith V.; Financial Secretary - John H. All of these consented to continue. John will continue until a new Financial Secretary is found and they both feel comfortable with transferring the office. Council Liaisons: All remain the same except that a new liaison to Outreach is needed. Barb Gallogly-Turner was appointed. Meeting adjourned. NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, March 10, 2009 at 6:45 p.m. - NEW TIME. Shirley Robbins , Recording Secretary |