I. Opening and PrayerThe meeting was called to order Chairman Hawke at 4:30 PM in the Cove View Room. Mellicent opened the meeting with a prayer.
II. Minutes Jane Fuller moved that the minutes of the February meeting be approved as circulated. The motion was seconded by Don Male and unanimously approved.
III. Welcome Wagon Chairman Hawke recognized Toni Johnson from the Welcome Wagon. Ms. Johnson announced that Welcome Wagon no longer makes home visits. The new approach is to mail packets of information to new home owners and to maintain a web site. The First Congregational Church in Essex is already listed on the welcome wagon web site as a municipal asset. To have a specific ad , to receive a list of new home owners in the Saybrook area and have Welcome Wagon send a follow up post card, would cost $107.16 per month. Without the follow up post card, the service would cost $70.50 per month. It might be possible to share the cost with other churches in Westbrook, Old Saybrook, Deep river, Chester, Ivoryton and Killingworth. Within the Welcome Wagon regime, Killingworth in a different sales area.
IV. From the Council A. Suggestions for the use of the “old office”. It was agreed that neat, organized storage and room to hang coats is a good use of the space. B. Definitions of “member” It was agreed that one list does not fit all purposes. Is the definition for assessment purposes? for mailing lists? for voting privileges? What is the difference between belonging, being an “associate” or a friend? Mitzi explained that this is part of the reconsideration of the by-laws. Should continued membership require attending services and/ or contributing to the budget? Rev. West asked how the conference defines membership. C. Mellicent mentioned that she and Bill have suggested a Jazz service on Thursday nights.
V. Ongoing A. Eagle Festival Mellicent reported that she had an Email from Mary Ann reporting that she sent photos and a write up to local papers. B. New residents Jane reported that a revised mailing was sent to 15 people on February 15. She is in contact with Celia Frances who, on behalf of the Deaconate, sends a hand written note of welcome to each new person who signs the welcome sheet. The Godsman couple and Gloria Hoover are attending quite regularly. The possibility of sending Passages to new prospects was discussed. C. Synod Mellicent reported that Don literally threw a “gauntlet” on the floor at Council to challenge members to attend Synod. He came close to a full commitment. Bill West reported that he still has no particulars on requests for volunteers. It was suggested that a flotilla from Essex might escort the Amistad out of New Haven Harbor. The on foot march from the area of the New Haven Green to the harbor was reviewed. The suggestion of a pot luck dinner and a viewing of the movie version of the Amistad was discussed. The Deacons have considered volunteering to serve communion. Bill West mentioned that there is a fee of $50.00 per person to attend any session of the synod. An exclusion has been arranged for Sunday 3 PM worship only. Jane has received prices for a 47 passenger bus. One trip leaving Essex at 7 PM and returning from Hartford at 9PM would be $275. Two trips would be $385. D. Invitations to the Mardi Gras dinner were well received. E. New Image - Slogans Mitzi reported that she is intrigued by the slogan of “There’s More Inside”. F. Lighting Lightoleer submitted an elaborate schematic. There is no indication of the level of brightness or the potential cost. G. “ God is Still Speaking” It was agreed that the best place for an external sign would be on the building near the side entrance. The interior sign could be most effective downstairs. H. Street Sign It was agreed to ask House and Grounds to consult with other committees, including Membership, about the wording of the new sign. Mellicent reported that the Council was pleased with the ads in Essex Events.
VI. Defining our role It was agreed to review the Proposed Credo that Dud Bickford supplied when he created the committee.
The next meeting will be March 29, 2007 at 4:30 PM. Respectfully submitted, Wini Olson | 
