| I. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM in the Cove View Room by Chairman Betsy Steele. She asked that Rev. Ken open the meeting with a blessing. II. Minutes Rick McGrath moved that the minutes of the October and November, 2006 meetings be approved as filed. The motion was seconded by Pat Reed and unanimously approved. Robin Poole moved that the minutes of the January 2007 meeting be approved as filed. The motion was seconded by Rick McGrath and unanimously approved. III. Reports A. Pastor Ken Ken announced that communion will be passed to the Congregation this month. Mitzi has scheduled her installation for March 4. She is making the arrangements. Ken warned us that Daylight Saving Time will begin on March 11. That will also be Women’s Sunday. UCC will be in Hartford June 22 through June 26. The Lenten studies will concentrate on the UCC including what it is and why we belong. Ken announced that 14,000 dozen cookies will be needed for the UCC gatherings. Ash Wednesday will be celebrated on February 24. Rick McGrath and Sallie DaQuilla will hand out bulletins. There will be no collection. Shrove Tuesday dinner will be on February 20. It is intended to be “just fun”. Adult Education will begin on February 18 at 9:00 under Mitzi’s guidance. Sallie commented that she was impressed by the budget meeting. Rick added that it was commendably civil. B. Committees Youth – Caitlin reported that the pot luck dinner will be February 2. The Fellowship will ski at Ragged Mountain on March 3. Acolytes - Ken announced that three confirmands will begin studying on February 11. Deacons will continue to light the candles prior to the service. Coffee Hour - Coffee hour is good for February. March needs to be recruited. Supplies are on hand. Celia will clean the cupboard when she serves next week. Flowers- Robin will place the silk flowers on the altar when there are no donations. Palms are a standing order. Ushers can tear them apart as needed. Robin will also send a note of thanks to Riggio’s for supplying fine quality plants at cost and delivering them to us in such a cooperative way. Communion Robin expressed concern about the children dashing into church during communion. Ken will add a hymn to give time and sound to cover their entrance. Ushers will warn the teachers at the beginning of the Pastoral Prayer. Readers Rick mentioned that Anne Easton is a new recruit to the reading team. Her reading was particularly well done. Ushers Pat asked about the Easter Services. There will be two—9AM and 11 AM. The sign up sheet was passed. Visitors Notes Celia reported that one note was sent this week. The results of the notes and the interaction with the Membership Committee were discussed. Special Events Sallie reported that her services were not required during the past month. Special Projects Rick reported that the main problem is objects being moved into passage ways and blocking doors. Ken commented that the building is used by many groups. Rick commented that the obstructions created by the two grand pianos worry him. He suggested that they be sold and replaced by an electronic console. Council Betsy reported that the Council had discussed details of the budget. IV. Old Business Advent Celia commented that the candles are a lot neater. New candles are to be ordered for next year. Robin will shop for an Advent Wreath for the chapel. Ken mentioned that the supply of 10 inch white candles needs to be replenished. IV New Business By-Law Revision ARTICLE VIII Sections 2.a, b, and c of the By-laws were reviewed again. It was agreed that the key word in paragraph “a. “ is “active”. Moderator Sue Nilsen asked if we need twelve Deacons. She is concerned about the diminishing pool of people to serve the needs of the church. The current by-laws require at least 60 committee members. She is asking all committees to insert the words “up to” in the membership requirements. It was noted that this will also change the quorum requirements. In section c., Secretary-Treasurer should be referred to simply as Secretary. Under ARTICLE VIII section 2.d., the term “unchurched members” could suitably be replaced by “people” since we are referring to non-members of this congregation who may or may not have previously been a member of another church. Ken suggested that the second bullet in 2d be deleted from the Diaconate responsibilities and assigned to the Membership Committee. During discussion, it was agreed that the service is performed by Deacons on a one to one basis. Ken suggested that ARTICLE VIII Section 2.d., bullet 3 be transferred to Christian Education. Deacons are not currently asked to participate in educating the confirmands although Deacons have a history of participating in confirmation. Pat Reed suggested that “in training classes for young people” could be deleted or transferred, leaving” Conferring and participating with the Ministers as needed” as part the text. It was suggested that ARTICLEVIII, Section 2.d. bullet 4 is apparently done by Called to Care. The history, existence and function of Called to Care was brought into question. ARTICLE VIII Section 2.d. bullet 5 is deemed fine just as it is. ARTICLE VIII Section 2.d. bullet 6 involving the spiritual life of the church will be discussed at another time. Under ARTICLEVIII Section 2.d , both bullet 7 and bullet 12 refer to determining who shall belong to The First Congregational Church in Essex ,Member of the United Church of Christ. It was agreed that this is a very Congregational matter and is in conflict with the open and affirming policy of the United Church of Christ. Rick asked about obvious demonstrations of immoral behavior. It was decided that such behavior would not affect membership under the current policy. Betsy reported that a subcommittee of Deacons did survey the roll and recommend revisions to the Membership list. It was agreed that this is also a concern of the Membership Committee. It was pointed out that Membership as a separate committee is not mentioned in the 1999 bylaws. Providing supply for the pulpit brought forth discussion and was a learning opportunity. After discussion it was agreed to suggest new wording including” In the absence of direction from the ministers, the Diaconate MAY provide…………..” The responsibility for ushers, readers, coffee hour, and flowers was accepted as ongoing. Direct references to the Deacons on pages 2,3,4,5 and 6 under ARTICLE V. MEMBERSHIP, together with Article VI. Services and Meetings 1. WORSHIP, Section VI 2.b. BUSINESS MEETINGS, Article VII OFFICERS 1. MINISTER section 6 spiritual welfare, will be discussed at a future meeting. The meeting was closed with a prayer by Pastor Ken. Respectfully submitted, Wini Olson | 
