ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM MEETING

March 14, 2009, 7 PM

 

PRESENT:  Cathy Hartle, Michael Perry, Dyanne Olson, Bryan Hill, JoBeth Marshall, Gordy Stobb, Helen Isaacson, Betz Tepley, Bette Benedett, Donna Rekstad, and Dianne Spillum.

CALL TO ORDER: Cathy Hartle.  The agenda was approved (M/S/P Betz/Dyanne)

OPENING PRAYER: Rev. JoBeth Marshall

SECRETARY’S REPORT: Report was approved (M/S/P Bette/Bryan)

FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S / TREASURER’S REPORT: Financials from January and February were accepted (M/S/P Mike/Bryan)

MINISTER’S REPORT:  Pastor JoBeth has developed a form she’ll use to let us know how she spends her time.  Most recently, that has been on Lent and Easter, financial matters, visitation, and on job descriptions.

LAY LEADER’S REPORT: Cathy – The Search and Call Committee will be meeting with the UCC Associate Conference Minister on Monday, March 23rd.

NEW BUSINESS: Extended discussion was held around the future structure of First United Church.  We discussed the pros and cons of teams and of committees, and came to the conclusion that we could use the best of both types with a hybrid system.  We can leave these committees generally open-ended, with people serving for one year with the option to serve longer if they wish.  It was felt that the Building, Grounds and Equipment team, the Personnel Parish Relations team, and the Finance team in particular would benefit from people who committed for a longer period of time than one year, to add stability and continuity to the teams.  We will try this hybrid method for the next year, and then re-evaluate.

COMMITTEE, TEAM AND TASK FORCE REPORTS:

Finance: Bryan Hill reported the discussion of several items at the finance committee, ranging from financial management recommendations to improving our computer system.  This committee will be implementing several improvements over the next year.  Bryan reminded us that we promised Donna we would find a new treasurer for next year.  The board agreed that we should go ahead with the wireless access and networking of the computer/printer system as in the approved budget.

Building, Grounds and Equipment: Dyanne reported they have looked into a new refrigerator for the kitchen at a cost of $600-$650, and a new vacuum cleaner at a cost of $450.  The carpet in the church will be cleaned on Thursday and Friday.

Outreach: Betz reported that March is MN Food Share month.  Betz asked if we could divide our donation between the local food shelf and MN Food Share.  The board felt that it was too late into March to change that this year.  Saturday April 4th is a Kids Against Hunger packaging event in Sauk Rapids, from 10:30 – 12:30.

AGENDA ITEMS FOR APRIL 14TH MEETING:  We will again devote most of the meeting to discussion of how we are as a church at First United.  Written reports are strongly recommended in order to save time for discussions about key topics through the next few months.  JoBeth will be gone for this meeting.  Topics chosen for next month are:

·        Hospitality at First United: How do we best do this?  What are our outreach opportunities through hospitality?

·        Building the volunteer base of First United

Reminder: if you want something in the Sunday bulletin, it needs to be in the office by Wednesday.

The meeting was closed with The Lord’s Prayer

 

Acting Secretary – Dianne Spillum