All Souls Unitarian Church Council

October 17, 2007

Minutes

 

Present:

 

Babette Miller, Council Co- Chair, Memorial Reception, Dinner Discussion

Victoria Rempel, Council Co-Chair

Helen Dwyer, Council Secretary, Touchstone

John Murphy, President Board of Trustees

Bruce Clear, Minister

Linda Burns, Parents Day Out, Caring Committee

Kathryn Woods, Office Administrator

Norma Cummings, Communications Liaison Member at Large, Bookshop, Fine Arts-Décor Co-Chair

Joan Basson, Grounds Go-Chair, Memorial Gardens

Penny Kyker, Backus Library

John Burns, Ushering Co-Chair

Elsa Sands, Membership Co-Chair, Caring Committee

Dottie Huffman, Fine Arts Music

John Wendt, Community Outreach Co-Chair

John Mendonca, Fundraising Co-Chair

Jenny Yumibe, Choir

Kym Reeves, Social Hour Co-Chair

Caroline Wendt, Partner Church Co-Chair

 

Babette Miller called the meeting to order.  The Church Covenant was recited.

 

The proposal for the fence around the playground was presented by the Grounds Task Force committee.  It was noted that the fence plans moved the fencing south on the property, and an angle added to blend the fence into the view from the Atrium.  Kym Reeves moved the Council accept the proposal for the fencing surrounding the playground.  Jenny Yumibe seconded, motion carried.

 

Elsa Sands presented the Membership Committee report.  Path to Membership Classes will begin in November.  Visitors will be encouraged to work in coffee hour or usher to meet church members.  New visitors will be encouraged to use the burnt orange coffee cups during social hour.  Path to Membership is being implemented as a structured program informing individuals about the church, the different committees and stewardship commitments.

 

A church directory will be published in January.  Additional information for the directory should be sent to Kathryn Woods for the directory.

 

The Nominating Committee will convene in January for new Board members, Committee Chairs, and new Council Members-at-Large.  If there are any recommendations to give the Nominating Committee for new Committee Chairs, please see Babette Miller or Victoria Rempel.

 

It was noted the Board of Trustees meeting has been rescheduled in November to November 21st.  Sara Reed-Purvis moved the Council meeting be rescheduled for November 28 a 7 p.m. in the Beattie Room.  Kym Reeves seconded, motion carried.

It was noted the last bulletin went out and had errors in it.  There was discussion about an actual committee that published the bulletin in the past, and that several people had proof read the document prior to printing.  Doris Cantrell and Fern Page currently come in to help the office administrator put the bulletin together and get it ready to mail.  Victoria Rempel will ask Doris Cantrell if she would proof the bulletin before it is printed.  Kym Reeves said she would be able to proof read the bulletin as a back up to Doris Cantrell.

 

The Church Budget is available on the literature table.  Requests for line items should be submitted to the Budget Committee during the upcoming meetings, November 11, and 18th at 9 a.m. in Room 6.

 

Parents Day Out reports there is room for more students.

 

Ushers Committee reports there is a need for Ushers to sign up.  In the past, ushers have committed to signing up for one month during the year.  It was suggested a table be set up for signup to usher.  It was noted that many people are unable to commit themselves for one month, and perhaps going in two week segments would be an option that should be offered.  This information will be taken into consideration.

 

Religious Education reported things were gearing up for the Retreat.  The Garage Sale netted $700, the Taco Lunch was a success, and RE will sponsor lunch after church once a month.  Wish lists for food supplies will be posted outside classrooms.

 

The Bookshop reported there is a need for help.  Children’s books are normally available in the children’s library, and therefore is not sponsored as much in the bookshop.

 

Grounds reported the grass is growing.  The Memorial Garden is in need of power washer maintenance.  A new American flag has replaced the old flag in the Memorial Garden.

 

Music sub-committee of Fine Arts noted Courtney-Crouse-Sutton had resigned effective November 30th, and the Search Committee had been reactivated.  Mrs. Crouse-Sutton had asked the Board to rescind her resignation, which has been granted, and the Search Committee now has 7 to 8 months to find a new Director of Music.  It was also noted more recently, that Mrs. Crouse-Sutton had been ill, and her husband Nathan had conducted during the church service.  The Choir is getting new members, and is growing.

 

The report from Backus Library noted there is funding from the Endowment, and Policies and Procedures dictate approval through the Board.

 

The Touchstone noted the need for articles, poems, stories.  Poems written by Mary McNorton will be included in the next issue, as well a story from Rene DeFourneaux.

 

Membership Committee noted the 11th of November will be a Welcome to All Souls Lunch.

 

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Helen K. Dwyer,

Council Secretary