Rev. Heidi Chamberland, District Superintendent, welcomed all. The meeting was started at 7:05 PM
PRESENT: Rev. Heidi Chamberland, Rev. Roberta Williams, Bob Mattern, Dave Howe, Shirley Howe, Jayne Cappiello, Carolyn Waltman, Lorraine Crowder, Dorothy Blythe, Laurie Tucker, Eleanor Stead, Jim Haag, Lydia Dingle, Carl Tyler, Jr., Carl Tyler III, and Al Dingle. Also George Button of the District Ministry Team.
Heidi recognized that Bob Mattern volunteered to be the recording secretary, and Heidi declared the Charge Conference to be a Church Conference (all Church members can vote).
Here are the highlights of the Church Conference:
The worship service, led by George Button, included the hymn "This is the Day", prayer, scripture, and the message was "The Challenge of Hospitality". In the message:
Heidi mentioned stores are always changing the way they draw in people. Churches have to market themselves, too. She stated that we are the best marketing tool, as the "walking church".
Heidi told us a story of how a man who was injured was constantly visited by folks bringing food and helping out around the house. His neighbor asked who all these people were and he told them that they are his church family.
Heidi suggested some creative ways to get people's attention for our church - be a welcome wagon to newcomers in the town, take gifts to those with new babies, change the engine oil in cars for those who can't, ask the 12-step groups if they would like a Sunday School class for their kids during meetings, take cookies to the 12-step groups, and let people in the community donate $ to remember or honor someone.
Heidi mentioned that we should keep evangelizing and told us to follow the SWSWSWSW = Some Will, Some Won't, So What, Someone is Waiting. Find them.
She told us to be the Church out in the community.
George Button stated that the District Ministry Team is trying to better minister to the local churches. They offer a Leadership Academy workshop, which include communication tips, SPRC training, a Natural Church Development success story, and more (see attachment for 10/07 brochure). George stated that if churches want help, just ask. His phone number is 413-584-3189 and his email address is geobtn@aol.com.
George also mentioned the "Nothing But Nets" fundraiser with the Harlem Globetrotters on Feb. 20, 2008 in Springfield. Tickets are $25 before 12/15 and $30 after that.
The minutes of the November 2006 Church Conf. were approved.
Dot Olender was raised as a Saint that had passed away in 2007. She was remembered as a long-time member that found many ways of raising money with her cooking. We celebrated her life with us.
Since there was no Lay Leader report, Bob Mattern stated that among the key things for our church in 2007 was Roberta joining us, the church raising a large amount of funds for the roof, and just the general workings of everyone as a church family with a good spiritual base.
Heidi asked us if we are PASSIONATE SPIRITUALLY. She showed us that we are passionate about many things, such as sports, and we exhibit that passion, but when it comes to showing our spiritual passion, we hesitate. That's the Challenge.
Rev. Roberta summarized her report by stating that our church has great leadership, that we are ready to start the NCD process in 2008, and we have a strong, active Missions committee.
Jayne Cappiello reported that membership dropped by four (Dot Olender and the Lively family) with no new members.
There was no financial budget yet - to be voted on in January 2008. Dave Howe stated that we have received a $714 Conference check for the Capital Campaign's local church share. He also mentioned that we have raised nearly $70,000 for the Building/Renovation fund, which has been delayed until the spring There was no financial budget yet - to be voted on in January 2008. Dave Howe stated that we have received a $714 Conference check for the Capital Campaign's local church share. He also mentioned that we have raised nearly $70,000 for the Building/Renovation fund, which has been delayed until the spring of 2008 - more time to save. Dave talked about our 100% club, those who keep up with their pledge. 2008 will be a challenge with the roof repair, but God has always helped us meet the challenges. Dave also thanked all the committee members for their hard work.
The Trustees stated that the roof construction for 2007 has been delayed until spring of 2008. There is good support on work around the church by members and friends. There were no bequests or endowments.
The Lay Speaker renewal recommended to District lay speaking committee was Kathleen O'Connor.
Heidi stated that the Lay Leadership Committee should consider simplifying our committee structure, relative to Outreach & Missions, Nurture, Evangelism, Education and Worship. Hopefully the NCD process will assist us in determining where our priorities should be. She also mentioned that Pete Schilling would be our NCD coach, as well as for EH. The 2007 committee list was accepted as a "work in progress".
The SPRC made a motion to approve the pastor support package of $19,941 including a salary of $17,941 and $2000 for travel and other expenses as reimbursable - it passed unanimously.
Jim Haag summarized the Worship report by stating that we, the church and Roberta, have worked out the worship service "bumps". The Lenten and Advent sessions continue to be popular. The committee will look for ways to continue with traditions and yet will be challenge to seek new ways of worshipping Jesus.
Lydia Dingle, Outreach & Missions chair, stated that the main reason she and Al joined our church was its dedication to local missions, and it still is a very hands-on, missional church.
We closed by watching a video of some volunteers helping out in New Orleans.
Adjourned at 9:10 PM
Respectfully submitted,
Bob Mattern, Recording Secretary
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