| I. Opening and Prayer The meeting was opened with a prayer by Chairman Hawke at 4:35 PM in the Cove View room. II. Minutes The minutes were of the May meeting were accepted as presented. III. Video Mellicent reported that the Council was enthusiastic about proceeding with the video project. The fee will be $175.00. Don asked that we reserve final approval of the finished product. It was agreed that fall would be the best time to film the project. Tom Ciarcia will be invited to a July or August meeting to present his proposal. III. Purpose and focus It was agreed to postpone the discussion of Purpose and Focus until fall. IV. Ongoing Projects A. Synod Don Male gave an enthusiastic, numerical report on plans for the synod. 1. T-Shirts He is concerned about T-shirt orders. He placed an order weeks ago. They will not arrive until a late date. 2. Don reported that he has reserved a parking spot for the bus that will transport people from Essex to the Sunday afternoon worship service. Jane reported that she had already reserved a space. The possible need for two spaces was discussed. The bus only holds 47 people. Twenty people have signed up. 3.. Amistad The Amistad is set to sail at 1 PM. The march from the New Haven Green has been canceled. Mitzi mentioned that not everyone interested in attending the departure is willing to spend the entire morning. The sign up sheet was removed due to timing changes. Don will lead the early group, leaving the church at 8:00 A.M. to attend the 9:30 worship service and proceed to the harbor. 4. Cookies Cookies must be delivered to the church office no later than 5PM, Thursday, June 21. Don will take them to Hartford. All cookies are to be packaged by the donor on paper plates by the dozen and covered with foil or Saran. 5. Volunteers A spread sheet of volunteers is being formatted. B. Publicity 1. A copy of the latest Essex Events ad was circulated. 2. Jane reported that she has sent invitations to 25 new home owners. 3. A copy of the brochure from the United Church of Christ in Brunswick ME. Was circulated and admired. It was agreed to use it as a model and to ask various committees to be responsible for writing portions of the text referring to their responsibilities. The idea will be referred to the Council. 4. Signs- Jane reported that she saw a perfect off-site sign in Newington. Mitzi reported that she asked the state office of the church about such signs. They are not coordinated by that office. C Lighting Mellicent reported that Herb Clark is willing to buy the fixtures to facilitate a trial of the proposed exterior lighting plan on the basis that if the church decides not to proceed, the fixtures can be used elsewhere by his company. This project also involves the House and Grounds and the Council. Mellicent suggested that Membership be responsible for funding the project. The sale of light bulbs would produce $2.00 profit per package. "Let it Shine" T-shirts could be sold. Don suggested sponsoring luminaries. Don also suggested that the proposed light be put on the same timer as the window lights. D. Signage Mellicent displayed suggested wording for the proposed larger sign. Alternative wording was suggested. The possibility of illuminating the proposed sign was discussed. E. Judy Kells supplied a proof sheet of photos of members. She is ready to continue the project. F. Web Site Geoff is willing to continue being our Web Master. He needs an Editor to supply information on a weekly basis. Mugsy West was suggested. There was no other business. The next meeting will be July 19. Rev. Eiltz gave the closing prayer. Respectfully submitted, Wini Olson | 
