| Opening prayer – Pastor Ken Peterkin Minutes Approval -- The March 14, 2007 minutes were approved with these corrections: Outside lighting: change “A concern is not to have a “dark sky” effect.” to “Stop the adverse affects of light pollution on dark skies.” Adult education topics: change “The Constant Joy of being the United Church of Christ,” to “The cost and joy of discipleship.” Board and Committee Reports: Membership Committee -- met on March 1 and 29, but not in April. Deacons -- Susan Nilsen asked the Deacons to compile a list of issues that need to be addressed in order to hold the after service coffee hour in the Cove View Room. Long Term Planning Initiatives -- No updates. Treasurer’s Report – Paula Merrick asked who is responsible for sending money to World Vision. We have had an electricity rate increase; the savings for new lighting will not pay for the installation expense for several years. Paula will supply House and Grounds a monthly printout of its budget and will notify other committees of any over-budget status. Clergy Staff Report Pastor Ken reported: April 29 is New Member Sunday. There is potential for 12 new members. Up to 3 people will come on April 29 and 6 more will join in the fall. The Summer Arts Program needs to be reorganized and will not occur this year. CE Committee needs members. Pastor Ken formed a group to create a vision and plan for the future. May 4 is NYC Trip. May 15 is Youth Sunday. May 27 is Confirmation. June 14 is the last Sunday for 8:00 and 10:00 services. June 21 begins one 9:00 service. June 21 the Amistead sails. Pastor Mitzi reported: She is focusing on two areas: spiritual formation and visitation. On April 22 the interfaith classes begin, with Dr. Tony Perry, a Judaic scholar, discussing Judaism. The health series will begin in May at 11:15 (after worship). Pastor Mitzi is planning for the fall agenda. Mitzi wants to renew and increase visitation at Essex Meadows, both in the health center and in the “commons.” She encourages the community to let her know when someone is in need. Mitzi continues to work with Ken on all that the church is focused on. On Saturday, April 22, Mitzi will share her trip to Israel and Palestine after a potluck supper in Fellowship Hall. Old Business – The May Breakfast will not occur this year. The Nelsons and Scott Harger may be able to help organize a May breakfast next year if held on a Saturday. A Silver Lake scholarship will made available in Wendy Foster’s name. Church membership categories – Susan Nilsen gave a handout summarizing Council’s March 14 discussion on church member categories. The handout is part of these minutes and a discussion followed: How do we develop a meaningful definition of membership categories for new bylaws. The responsibilities of the Diaconate, as stated in the by-laws, are not practiced. The Diaconate sends letters to visitors, but does not want the responsibilities of maintaining membership list. Additional comments, questions and suggestions: people who have not formally joined consider themselves members. Are we hung up on the term “member.” It is important to some worship attendees NOT to become members. How do we pare down the list of members to reflect members as defined by the by-laws? How many people should we expect our clergy to offer services to? What does it mean to be a member? Can one be a member but not show up or contribute. A by-law states we should remove people who do not meet the by-law criteria. Should we change the by-laws to reflect a new definition of what a member is? People who are not members use clergy time; for example a member wants a grandchild baptized. What about a member who left for years but comes back and is active. How do we encourage and develop people to be active, particularly when one is not yet ready to participate. How does one nurture those who are not members but attend? Get them on committees and active? Would hope new by-laws will allow for a “work in progress” for people who are in transition, i.e., not sure where they are in their spiritual journey. Put membership list in a newsletter and ask people to define what kind of member they are. Who should attend congregation meetings and who should vote? Should the Membership Committee and the Diaconate meet with potential members to explain/describe what we expect of them, i.e., be a part of the committee structure, etc. Susan Nilsen asked us to develop ideas and plans that reflect what is best for the community. Use of the endowment fund – Susan Nilsen suggested that an endowment fund survey be completed by each church member. A copy of her survey questions is part of these minutes. Council recommended that the following choices be part of a survey: How to you want to use money from endowment? 1. Support charities/missions 2. Provide seed money for new programs 3. Fund budgeted deficits (Pay for expenses not covered by current pledging) 4. Emergency use 5. Capital improvements and/or major repairs A suggestion was made to conduct two surveys, one asking how to spend the endowment and a second asking how much to spend, i.e., a percentage of profits, a set dollar amount each year, etc. No decision was made on sending a survey. Pastor Ken suggested we talk with church members about what to do with the endowment. New Business: Annual Meeting is May 23 (Wednesday), and will be a potluck dinner which council coordinates. Committees need to email their reports for the year to Sue Engel by May 9. June Council meeting: Susan Nilsen asked Council to develop goals and projects that could be addressed during the 2007 – 2008 church year. Topics to consider are issues regarding membership, endowment, by-laws and open and affirming Old Business – Ted Bliss was asked by a non-member (attends another church) if we have records of marriages performed in this church in the 1880s and 1890s. Our church historian, Dan Kottke, said the ministers keep this information. Pastor Ken will look into what he has found. Staff Evaluations -- Sherry Clark reminded committee heads to do staff evaluations. House and Grounds -- Bob Marshall reminded us that H & G is responsible for furniture and fixtures. Any issues with the physical plant should be brought to H & G which acts as a clearing house for requests and changes. Council has the final decision making authority on any recommendations. Stewardship – Stewardship recommends two by-law changes: (1) Reduce the size of the committee from 6 to 4 members. (2) Move budget preparation responsibility from Stewardship to Trustees. Closing Prayer – Mitzi Respectfully submitted, Marian Messek Church Clerk Next meeting: May 9, 7:00 p.m. Reminder: If you have not submitted your By-law revisions they can still be sent to Susan Nilsen via e-mail at sglednils@comcast.net. | 
