| Opening prayer – Pastor Ken led us in prayer. Approval of last Council meeting minutes – The October 10, 2007 Council Minutes were approved with this correction: George Penniman was present. Boards and Committee Reports: Outreach – Outreach will insure that Thanksgiving offerings are given to Town Hall Social Services for local distribution. Stewardship -- Dudley Bickford reported that to date 56 units have pledged $137,647; we are 4 pledges lower than the past year at this time. There are 81 units yet to respond. 68.9% of families increased pledges over last year. Dudley estimates that the final pledge number could be $225,580. Christian Ed -- Jane Haeni reported that we still do not have enough C.E. teachers. In the past we gave relied on high school students to teach but now we are relying on adults. Comments from teachers: Paula Merrick said she is new at teaching but has enjoyed it and that teaching the lessons is not hard because one lesson is taught for 4 weeks to different age groups. Paula encourages all of us to try it out. Susan Nilsen has enjoyed teaching and George Penniman has had a blast. Jane Haeni encouraged us to “talk it up” because we need young people in our church – and young families judge our church by what our Sunday school is like. We need to make C.E. vibrant. High school students are acting as “shepherds.” Pastor Mitzi asked if we can use teenagers as teachers and Jane Haeni replied that we can but Pastor Ken is encouraging the adults to teach – particularly because there will be a scarcity of teenagers in 2 to 3 years. Clergy Staff Report Pastor Ken – The new Thursday 6:30 a.m. service is in place. Pastor Ken encourages all of us to be a part of the community and to invite people to come to church. Pastor Mitzi has marvelous programs but if we don’t grow, we may not be able to afford Mitzi in the future. Pastor Mitzi – Thanked us for our concerns about Paula Welch who may have Lyme disease. Mitzi asked us to review Jane Fuller’s comments in “Passages” about Retreats. Mitzi is still working communion service in the home. She has held communion in some homes and thanked diaconate for the new chalice. Mitzi conducts services at Essex Meadows once a month. The Health and Wellness series will continue the first 2 Sundays in December (see “Passages”) – and the Islam study will begin in January. Old Business: Budget discussion – Dudley has not changed the numbers that committees have asked for: 3% for pastors, 2% for others, and none for the sexton. The Pulpit Supply monies are not paid to either Pastor Ken or Pastor Mitzi. Nearly 100 letters were sent asking for commitments from the folks who either haven’t pledged or given “non-pledged” gifts. Unless pledges increase we will be asking for $50,000 from the endowment. George Penniman complimented Dudley and Stewardship for the work they’ve done. Outside lighting – needs to be tweaked to bring steeple light on around 5:00. The Winklers donated $5000 to pay for the outside lighting. The “Let it Shine” campaign brought in around $400.00. Open and Affirming – Emily Williams reported for the group who held an informal meeting to discuss the possibility of becoming an Open and Affirming church. Emily said that it is important to be welcoming to everyone – no matter what or who they are and that ONA is part of this. Emily reiterated that an ONA study/education committee must be committed – totally committed – to developing a process and then to finishing the process. A general discussion followed: Although the ONA focus is on sexual preference, because that tends to be the one “ism” that is forgotten, it is important to include all: race and color and class. Why do we have to go through a two year education process to develop a statement when members belong here because of what our church already stands for? We have been taught through the years that the Bible says gay/lesbian people are doomed to eternal damnation. Ken said it is important that we have a full discussion so all may express opinions. If we are truly open and affirming we need to be open and affirming to those who are not “open and affirming” now. A motion passed that we form a committee and announce in January’s “Passages” that we are proceeding to address becoming an Open and Affirming church and that a committee is being formed to create an education plan/process. Those who are interested in volunteering for the committee should contact Pastor Ken. It was recommended that one person from Council be on the committee. Discussion of Church by-laws pages 1-5. Page 1 – no changes. Page 2 – Article V, Membership Page 2, #1 -- A question was raised: can Parish Members serve on committees? A discussion followed regarding who could serve, vote and/or chair committees. A motion passed to accept the definition of Covenant Members, Parish Members and Friends of the church as described on Page 2, #1. (Note: The Clerk, Marian Messek, does not feel this is exactly what was voted on and asks for an amendment at the next Council meeting to correct these minutes, if appropriate.) Page 2, #3 -- Termination of membership – A motion passed to delete section b. A motion passed to add “any resignation of membership shall be accepted.” Page 3, #3, d – Council will revisit this definition at the next Council meeting. Page 3 -- Article VI, Services and Meetings Page 3, #2, a -- Business Meetings -- A question was raised: should the “church year” be the same as calendar year. A motion passed, with one member abstaining, to consolidate both the Annual and Fiscal meetings in January. Page 3, #2, d, Rules and Regulations – a motion passed that a quorum will consist of 10% of Covenant members. Page 4, Article VII – Officers Page 4, #1, b -- A motion passed to change the name “Pulpit” committee to “Search” committee. Page 4, #3 -- Director of Christian Education – A motion passed to add “A director may be hired to initiate . . . “ Page 4, #5 -- Financial Secretary – The Financial Secretary shall be bonded by the insurance company. Closing Prayer -- Pastor Mitzi led us in prayer. Next meeting: December 12th at 7:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Marian E. Messek, Clerk | 
