CHURCH COUNCIL

July 28,2008

ATTENDANCE: David Humphrey, Chairperson, Mary Jo Ford, Rev. Dr. Deryl Larsen, Robin Mason, Jane Elliott-Coul, Gina DeLair, Valerie Stitt, Howard Rhoades, Jeff Foor, Jim Bolinger, Trueman Mills, Debbie Say, Herm Stange, Sarah Siegel, Deon Knickerbocker, Karen Luderer

Chairperson Dave Humphrey called the meeting to order and Dr. Larsen opened with prayer.

Minutes of the Previous Meeting

The minutes of the June 2, 2008, meeting were reviewed. Mary Jo Ford moved and Debbie Say seconded that the minutes be approved as printed. Motion carried.

PROGRAM MINISTRY AREA REPORTS

Christian Education Ministry Team - Valerie Stitt and Jane Elliott-Coul

See attachment.

Care Ministry Team - Lois Ford and Deon Knickerbocker

Deon reported that the Care Ministry Team is not meeting regularly during the summer months, but will resume monthly meetings beginning in September. The caregivers, however, are continuing to meet often with their assigned individual.

FUMC Day Care - Mary Jo Ford

Mary Jo expressed her gratitude to the Church Council for the financial support that is being given to the Day Care program. The board continues to work on determining the day care needs of the community and within the church. She stressed that, contrary to rumor, the FUMC Day Care program is not going under, in spite of lower attendance. The board is examining various advertisement possibilities, including Yellow Page and radio ads. A brochure is being created, with Mary Weyer designing the logo. A new sign will be constructed, once the logo is completed. They are also working on improving the website. All Day Care workers passed the required CPR training. The full-time workers have been adjusting their hours to allow for more hours for the part-time workers.

Youth Ministry - Dr. Larsen reporting for Shelley Rhoades

Dr. Larsen commended Howard Rhoades and Shelley Rhoades for the outstanding presentation given to the congregation on this year's work camp.

Wesley Fellowship - Dr. Larsen

Myrna Kuehn has resigned as director of Wesley Fellowship and a replacement is actively being sought.

Worship - No Report

United Methodist Men - Dr. Larsen reporting for Clyde Minich

Rev. Clara Belloit is working to initiate a joint United Methodist Men's Breakfast among the various churches in the community, with the hosting of the breakfast done on a rotating basis.

United Methodist Women--Dr. Larsen

Dr. Larsen expressed thanks to Mary Brooks, Deon Knickerbocker and the United Methodist Women for their help with the Fourth Avenue Adventure 10th Anniversary Celebration picnic on July 27, 2008.

Fellowship and Outreach - Debbie Say and Robin Mason

No report.

Missions - Deon Knickerbocker

No report.

SUPPORTIVE MINISTRY AREA REPORTS

Building Committee - Howard Rhoades

The Building Committee has been meeting monthly for the last three months to determine options for the new facility design. On August 19, 2008, at 6:30 PM, the committee will present these options to the Church Council and other leaders of the church. At a later time, these options will be presented to the congregation. Howard stressed the necessity of members focusing on needs rather than cost during this time of planning and decision. Dr. Larsen emphasized the importance of Church Council members attending the August presentation.

Finance - Jeff Foor and Sarah Siegel

Jeff reported that it was decided at the July 16, 2008, Finance meeting to extend a plea to the congregation for contributions for the organ repair fund. He noted that other resources can be tapped, if necessary. It was also noted that the Stewardship Campaign will commence in September and culminate in November. The Irresistible Invitation stewardship campaign by Maxi Dunham will be used. Jeff reported that the church continues to enjoy a sound financial situation.

Sarah reported that Shelley Rhoades is reviewing the books. She also noted that approximately $4,200.00 has been donated for the organ repair fund in July alone.

Trust and Endowment- Trueman Mills

A request to the law firm of Alexander, Alexander and Troese for money from Fran Shope's bequest for organ repairs was denied. Trust and Endowment would like to make a presentation to the congregation this fall. A suggestion was made that a form be made available for congregants who would like to remember the church in their will.

Lay Delegate to Annual Conference - No Report

Lay Leadership Team - Deryl Larsen

The following vacancies need to be filled – chairpersons of Worship, Wesley Fellowship and Church and Society, and a member of the Christian Education Ministry Team.

Report of Lay Leaders- No Report

Staff Parish Relations- Gina DeLair reporting for Jim  Knickerbocker

SPRC brings a recommendation in the form of a motion from committee that the hours of Christian Education Coordinator Jane Elliott-Coul be increased from ten to twenty hours per week. It was noted that this action would result in a $6,000.00 per year salary increase. Mary Jo Ford seconded the motion. After some discussion on the general finances of the church, Trueman called the question. Motion carried.

SPRC brings a recommendation in the form of a motion from committee that, per a request from Randy Bowser, the Organist II position be filled and that a wide search be conducted for such as soon as possible. Deon Knickerbocker seconded the motion. It was noted that provision for the Organist II salary is already in the budget. Dave Humphrey called the question. Motion carried.

SPRC brings a recommendation in the form of a motion from committee that Cathy Chuculate's salary as Nursery Supervisor be raised from $40.00 per Sunday to $50.00 per Sunday, instead of the original proposed increase to $45.00 per Sunday, following her six month probationary period. Mary Jo Ford seconded. Motion carried.

Trustees - Herm Stange

Among the concerns at the rental units are gutters which need to be cleaned, an apartment which needs to be painted, a deteriorating porch on 620, and dangerous balconies which must be replaced. It was noted that most of the old appliances have been replaced. After some discussion, it was agreed that upkeep of the apartments is costing more money than the rents are generating, but that ownership of this adjacent property is important for the church.

An air conditioner in Day Care has been replaced as well as two windows repaired.

Dr. Larsen noted that the parsonage down-spouting needs to be cleaned.

Repairs on the parsonage porch began today, July 28, 2008.

Communications - Dr. Larsen

Michele Howard was to have worked on remaking the FUMC website, but has been unable to do so. It was suggested that Susan Traynor of the Clarion University Computer Science Department may have students who could do this.

OLD BUSINESS- Completed

NEW BUSINESS-Completed

REPORT OF THE PASTOR

Dr. Larsen remarked that he is pleased with the direction of the work of Church Council.

ADJOURNMENT

Dr. Larsen closed the meeting with prayer at 8:30 PM. The next Church Council meeting will be Monday, September 29 ,2008, at 7:00 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Karen Luderer
Secretary

Christian Education Council Report

The Christian Education Committee met Tuesday June 16, 2008 @ 1830. Eleven members attended with two members being excused.

At the request of representatives from SPRC the Committee, discussed and recommended that the hours allowed for the CEC position be increased from the present 10 hours to 20 hours. This recommendation was made to permit completion of expectations and responsibilities of this position.

Fall and Winter Programs. 2008-2009:

Staff recruitment for fall programs is on going., letter went out to all volunteers to ask for recommitment.

Rally Day
General plans were discussed which included: breakfast at 0930, introduction and commissioning of volunteers, and giving out Bibles to the children in 3rd grade.

Coming curriculum change
Approval was, given of a new curriculum, Solid Rock from Cokesbury Publishing, to replace Exploring Faith that is being discontinued. It will be used beginning September 2008.

Christmas Pageant
Various options were discussed as to when, or if, or how, to include a children's Christmas event this year. Alternatives were presented including doing the pageant on Christmas Eve and/or moving the children's service to 7:30 pm or doing an Advent workshop instead. There will be further discussion during the August meeting.

Nursery needs and guidelines
The Nursery supervisor continues to do well. The greatest need appears to be in recruitment of nursery helpers. Room upgrades continue with acknowledgement that it is important to coordinate with long range planning.

Summer 2008:

Sunday school
A schedule for summer Sunday School staffing was available. Summer positions are filled with the exception of nursery helpers and two Sunday School dates.

VBS
VBS went smoothly with 99 children registered: Good organization and good volunteers made this possible. The mission project for VBS exceeded expectations and four organizations were the recipients of the 507 items donated.

Kid's to Kid's
The date for the trip to Children's Hospital is still to be determined.

Camps
Eight campers are registered for camp. More requests have been made for funding. Deadlines have passed and more money is unavailable at present time. The Committee is pleased with the response, but struggles with the ability to meet the created financial need. Jane will try to find any undedicated monies that axe available. In the future it may indicate a need to rethink how to allocate the funds. A Camp Sunday is planned for January of next year to help with early promotion.

Safe Sanctuary Review
Progress has been made in receiving Act 33/34 clearances from all individuals who work with or around the children and youth.

Long Range Planning
New dreams are still being generated about various mini courses for adults that can be implemented including: praying in public, UMC beliefs and History (by Deryl Larsen in fall '08), faith and your child, internet safety for children and talking to children about sex. Other ideas included beginning an after school program (maybe in cooperation with First Presb. Church), AAA Life Services sexuality program for youth, regular family dinners with activities for children and class for adults and an all church CPR training event.