Baldwin First United Methodist Church

Church Council Meeting

May 23, 2011

Attendees

Council Members:  Council Chair Bill Clement,  David Cook, Donna Curran, Mike Curran, Martha Harris, Chris Lawrenz, Darren Lawrenz, Colin Thomas, Kathleen Thomas

Staff:  Pastor Connie Wilson

Advisory Members: Katherine Cook Barbara Pressgrove, Stan Vickers

Bill called the meeting to order at 7:00. p.m.  David offered a devotional from Matthew 7.

Donna moved to accept the minutes of April 25, 2011; Martha seconded the motion.  They motion passed unanimously.

There was a correction to the minutes of the previous meeting: the dates for the trustees’ talk with the congregation were corrected to read May 12^th and May 17^th.  Carolyn moved and Martha seconded to accept the minutes as corrected.  The motion passed.

Martha presented the monthly statement of financial position in addition to a statement documenting budget versus actual budge and expenses.   Mike shared April’s financial report.  At this time, we are $2,224 short on giving and $8,412 short on expenses.  The expectation is that we will “climb back to ‘even’ by June.”

Darren began the Trustees’ report with comments on the Trustees’ presentations to the congregation in May.  Darren suggested that we visit with the congregation again in the Fall before returning to the committee to make decisions.

With a new pastor coming in July and the request by the pastor that we provide a parsonage, the Trustees have begun seeing what houses meeting district requirements are available in Baldwin.  The committee has located two houses.  It is necessary now to negotiate a price on the house we’re interested in and put down $2,000 in earnest money.  One of the available homes may be willing to offer a rent-to-own contract.  Carolyn moved that we initiate and follow the procedure for purchasing a parsonage according to conference and district superintendent guidelines.   Donna seconded the motion.  The committee passed the motion unanimously.

Chris reported that in her role as SPPRC she has been in communication with the new pastor, and he appreciates all that is happening on behalf of himself and his wife.

Pastor Connie expressed profound appreciation for the opportunities and fellowship during the time she has served here.

Barb reported that she and Connie Neuenswander propose a renaming of their committee from the Membership Team to the Welcoming Team.   Bill asked that they examine the present 3-5 year plan to see if it needs to be revised so that the goals of the team are aligned with the plan of the Council.

Colin asked that if people have gently used clothing or food items they bring them to the church on Sunday.  They will be transported to aid the tornado victims of Joplin, MO.

Stan extended an invitation to the men’s breakfast on June 4^th at 8:00 a.m. in Fellowship Hall. 

Pastor Connie offered a prayer to close the meeting at 8:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Katherine Cook