Baldwin First United Methodist Church

Church Council Minutes

September 26, 2011

Attendees

Staff:   Pastor Paul Babcock,, Eva Durand, Shelly Todd

Council Members:  Council Chair Bill Clement, Olivia Beins, David Cook, Donna

Curran, Mike Curran, Carolyn Groves, Martha Harris, Christina Lawrenz, Darren

Lawrenz, Clay Thomas, Kathleen Thomas

Advisory Members:  Katherine Cook, Laura Dickinson, Bill Neuenswander, Barb

Pressgrove, Michelle Swain

Guests:  Sue Ann Kleist, Tom Kleist, Stan Vickers

Bill opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. by welcoming Clay Thomas to the council.  He followed with a devotional from Hebrews 10:32-39.

Martha moved and Mike seconded the motion to accept the minutes of August 22^nd.  The motion carried unanimously.

Laura represented the Missions Team in presenting a request to open a Dollar General charge sales agreement. Chris moved that missions set up a charge account with Dollar General and be responsible for managing the account.  Kathleen seconded the motion;  the motion carried.

Cora Martin asked that the church be made available for family games and fellowship.  Her group would like to meet Thursdays for three hours.  Bill suggested that questions concerning sponsorship, supervision, and liability need to be answered before the request can be entertained. 

Bill Neuenswander addressed stewardship.  The committee will be meeting next Thursday to begin development of this year’s stewardship plan, and they would like to have the campaign finalized before Thanksgiving.  He reminded the council that stewardship is not about raising money; it’s about supporting the church mission.

Martha offered a financial position statement that reflects a reduction in the ABC and window loans.  Mike explained that funds are $673 over budget for the year, a gain of $4000 from last month.  Giving exceeds operational expenses by $3350 at this time.

Darren shared that the parsonage search is ongoing.  Trustees have discussed the future of the playground area, but have not reached a decision.  He was reminded that the playground is an area of concern for parents of young children.   Several council members shared concerns about a malfunctioning refrigerator and toilet. 

Chris reported for SPPRC, offering a Vital Congregations Planning Guide that helps congregations evaluate themselves and analyze their communities.  She will be sending the guide to the council and various committees for their input.  She offered a formal statement as preface to the 2012 staff salary package.

Discussion turned to the 2012 budget with Mike sharing results of the finance committee discussion.  The committee recommends splitting music and worship into two separate line items.  Several discussions must take place with staff before the finance committee will submit their final proposals. 

Eva reported on community movie night that reached approximately 150 people. She said it was a great night to focus on faith and perseverance.

Shelly reported that two new Sunday school teachers are on staff.  There has been some relocation of staff, and Connie Neuenswander and David Bolz have joined the team.   Becky Thomas will join Shelly at a children’s ministry convention in Chicago next month.

Pastor Paul shared that the Church Conference is scheduled for November 17^th.  He reminded the council that  BFUMC is a great place.

Bill offered several points of interest for the coming month:

•  Chili Feed and Bake Sale,  11-1 on Maple Leaf Saturday, October 15

•  Thursday, October 27^th, Baker Chapel Service will be held here; UMW will be serving

    the meal

•  Pastor Paul will be delivering the message at Chapel Service on October 20th

•  The Men’s Study Group will raise a new storage shed on Saturday, October 1st

•  Tentative church clean-up on November 19^th from 8-12

Pastor Paul closed the meeting with a prayer at 8:46 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Katherine Cook