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Committee :	Deacons
Date :	3/1/2007
Present :	Betsy Steele, Rev. Ken Peterkin, Rev. Mitzi Eilts, Robin Poole, Deb Jones, Mary Ann Steinbach, Susan Christopher, Pat Reed, Rick McGrath, and Wini Olson.

Minutes :

I. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM in the Cove View Room by Chairman Betsy Steele. Rev. Ken lead us in prayer. II. Minutes The minutes of the February meeting were approved by acclamation. III. Reports A. Pastor Ken Pastor Ken announced that the service for Mitzi will begin at 3 PM on Sunday, March 4. Deacons will be needed to hand out bulletins. The Lenten music series begins this week. Women’s Sunday is scheduled for March 11. There will be planning meeting on Tuesday March 6 at 4:30. Clocks move ahead on March 11. Henceforth, the anthem will be early in the service, before the children leave. This will allow Mary Lewis to teach the Cherub Choir in lieu of Sunday School. There will be two offerings on March 18. Dud Bickford and Mary-Lawrence Sinclair will be married on at 3 PM on March 24. The congregation is invited. B. Pastor Mitzi Adult Ed is at 9AM on Sundays. The subject is UCC at 50. In May, Adult Ed will be after church. C. Committees Acolytes - Ken announced that the three confirmands will assume this task in the near future. Coffee Hour - Sue Christopher reported that she needs a volunteer for March 11. Flowers- Robin is placing an order for lilies. She asked if an insert that she has prepared may be placed in the bulletin soliciting sponsors for lilies. The lilies will have to be arranged Easter morning to accommodate the vigil. Communion - Betsy reminded ushers to be sure that some bread is offered in pre-cut pieces. Readers - Rick reported that he has enlisted and coached some new readers. Ushers - Pat is searching for head usher for the 11AM Easter service. Visitors Notes - Betsy reported that Celia, who had eye surgery today, sent three notes in February. Mitzi added that Celia is in touch with the Membership committee. Special Events - Special Projects - Rick reported that he has had feed back and some opposition to replacing the pianos with keyboards. The one downstairs still migrates to a position that blocks the door. The nursery school staff still blocks the bottom of the exterior emergency evacuation ramp with their equipment. Youth - Pat reported on behalf of Caitlin that the Youth Group is skiing this weekend. There will be a pot luck on April 1 and a bake-a thon on April 28. The group will participate in YSOP to New York. There is a limit of 20 participants. Council- Betsy reported that the Council asked about having coffee in the Cove View room once a month to allow the elderly and the handicapped to participate. Rick mentioned that it is not safe. The room is too difficult to evacuate. The kitchen is small. He noted that when a pot of coffee is on a side table, a child could be scalded. He suggested an exterior elevator. Betsy asked for input on the potential use of the “old office” . Deacons currently store the collection plates, candles, note books etc. there. It was agreed that to keep it neat , improve coat storage and provide some storage are desirable goals. There is question about having a May breakfast. A Chairman is needed. It was suggested that another insert be created. IV. New Business A. Feedback to Ken Recent sermons have been well received. B. Maundy Thursday. A soup and sandwich supper will be held at 6:30 preceded by a rehearsal for Tennebrae. A sign up sheet was passed for food assignments. IV Old Business Betsy lead a review of ARTICLE V. MEMBERSHIP that included several references to the Diaconate. Section I brought forth several questions. Who maintains the roster? Do the Deacons now depend on the staff to maintain the official records? Who, if anyone receives and reviews letters of transfer. Are they even applied for? Section 2 can be retained for unique cases. Section 3 d. needs to be “tweaked”. Section 3 e stimulated discussion. Ken explained that it refers to beliefs , not actions. Is this obsolete? ARTICLEVI SERVICES AND MEETINGS Section 1. WORSHIP Ken asked that Section 1.a. be made more inclusive. 2. BUSINESS MEETINGS. It was agreed that the Deacons should retain the privilege of calling a business meeting. ARTICLE VII,OFFCERS Section e. It was agreed that the Deacons should retain the responsibility of assisting the pastors in the spiritual care of the congregation. Betsy reviewed the previous discussion of ARTICLE VIII BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS Section 2. THE DIACONATE. The meeting was closed with a prayer shortly after 9:00 PM Due to Tennebrae, the next meeting is tentatively scheduled for April 12. Respectfully submitted, Wini Olson