Blackstone Valley United Methodist Church

Church Council Minutes

September 8, 2008

Blackstone Valley United Methodist Church
Church Council Meeting Minutes
September 8th, 2008
7:00pm

Members Present: Jim Gallagher, Brian Murphy, Mark Gentry, Adele Gentry, Ray Talke, Bob Marseglia, Heather Brown, Laural Plourde, Dean Fortin, Glenn King, Rev. Michele Ewers, Lee Ducharme, Danielle Wilson, Peggy Codner, Carolyn Mitchell, Steven Shangraw, Beth Snider

Gathering

1. We discussed the possibility of doing a study instead of communion at each meeting. We decided that we would each take some time, consider it and pray on it and let Rev. Michele or Beth Snider know their preference in the next two weeks.

Responding

2. Capital Campaign

            The committee members are: Glenn King, Bob Marseglia, Dean Fortin, Derek Plourde, Rev. Michele Ewers and Charlie Thompson.

There have been two questions that have been asked of the committee:

            1. Where did my money go?

            2. I want to give more money but I want to know what happens to it.

Glenn King presented a financial summary and review. All the funds that were pledged during the capital campaign have gone towards the building.

He emphasized that the goal is to pay off the mortgage as quickly as possible. We operate under a unified budget so if money is given it goes to the unified budget. We cannot take donations that are designated to one project or fund. We need to have faith that the donations will be used in the way that is best for the church.

The Finance Committee will look at the budget on a quarterly basis and pay down the debt as able.

3. Ministry Proposal

            Carolyn Mitchell proposed the following:

The following is a proposal to begin a Community Youth Handbell Choir for grades 3-6. The group would meet on Fridays from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. in Faith Hall for 6-8 weeks. It would be free and be part of our church's outreach ministry to the community. At the conclusion of the 6-8 weeks, the choir would be invited to play handbells during our worship service. Their families would be invited to attend the service.

A motion was made and seconded to accept the proposal.

4. Stewardship of Resources

            We are going to work on being a better steward of our resources, being more of a green church.

            a. We are now emailing newsletters to those that indicated they were willing to receive it this way.

            b. The bulbs have been changed to the compact fluorescent type.

            c. We discussed the heating costs for the upcoming winter.  Trustee’s will look into putting programmable thermostats in the original building to try and save some money.

            We also discussed the possibility of worshiping in Fellowship Hall to save on the cost of heating the sanctuary. There was agreement that we want to worship in the Sanctuary through the Christmas season but that moving to Fellowship Hall from January to March would be a good idea.

5. Pilgrimage for Peace

            The Pilgrimage will be here on October 15th. Rev. Michele does not have all of the details yet. Marion Grant will speak and we will have an evening of discussion. All other churches will be invited. We will need volunteers in some capacity.

6. Rotational Sunday School

            We will be using a rotational model for Sunday School K-5 this year. The preschool remains separate.

            They rotate on a 3-week rotation and there will be different teachers for the different sessions.

7. Communications Team

            Ray Talke presented the information re: the BVUMC website which is now operational. www.blackstonevalleyumc.org

The purpose of the website is to reach members and the community.

Currently 75% of the content is up. Ray is requesting further content from committee chairs and ministries.

If you have any photographs you can forward them to Ray. He is also looking for suggestions for community links.

8. Identity Theft Seminar- Dean Fortin

            This is being planned for November 5th and it is open to the church and the community. The individuals who are offering it to us feel they are called to offer this service to others. It is not a program that sells anything. There will be a maximum of 130 people who can attend and we ill need to get RSVP’s.

            There are follow-up seminars if this is successful and there is an interest.

9. Library Proposal

            Lee Ducharme had indicated an interest in the past in starting a library. She has decided that she is unable to take on the project at this time. The Wheeler and Beachauine families have agreed to take on the project. There is no money needed for this project and they will have to discuss with Trustee’s the best space to locate the library.

A motion was made and seconded to accept the proposal.

10. Building Use Policy- Laural Plourde

            The final building use policy was presented.

11. Cherub’s Haven Contract

            Their contract has the fee being increased from 8200.00 per year to 9000.00 per year. They pay on a monthly basis. There is a clause that states if they increase their hours their fees will increase. They are also installing a stove that they will take care of.

A motion was made and seconded to accept the contract.

12. New Members

            We will be taking in new members on October 21st; there will be a potluck luncheon following to welcome them.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:05pm.