Church Council Minutes

November 3, 2008

Blackstone Valley United Methodist Church
Church Council Meeting Minutes
November 3, 2008
7 pm

Members present: Mark Gentry, Adele Gentry, Jim Gallagher, Joyce Gallagher, Ray Talke, Dixi Talke, Carolyn Mitchell, Michael Sherry, Dean Fortin, Robert Marseglia, Brian Murphy, Barbara Fortin, Laural Plourde, Steve Shangraw, Beth Snider, Rev. Michele Ewers

Gathering and Listening

1. We opened the meeting with a time of sharing and the celebration of Holy Communion.

Responding

1. Minutes from the September 8th meeting were reviewed and a motion was made to accept and seconded.

2. Charge Conference

Will be held on 12/15 @ 7pm her in Faith Hall.
SPRC will meet @ 6:15pm to review salaries etc.
Budget will be voted on.
Membership Report- we are required to update our membership yearly. Letters were sent out asking if members would like to remain on our list if they have not been active, those that have not responded will be removed.
Members being removed from the list were reviewed.

3. No Church Council Meeting in December due to charge conference.

4. Stewardship of our Resources

A. We have paid an extra 25,000.00 on the principal of our mortgage. Additional Payments will be made based on quarterly review.

B. Stewardship – Chair Glenn King
Change in approach this year, church members were encouraged to think about the work we do, work serving the world. Multiple presentations given about the outreach we do as a church.

November 16th, pledge cards will be returned.

C. SPRC
    Dan Sure is serving as our organist. SPRC encourages any feedback. General consensus was he is doing well.
    Jeff Allard will remain as sexton.

D. Winter Services
Oil prices have dropped and there is a concern that we might not fit in Faith Hall. We will continue to meet in the sanctuary.

Automatic timers have been purchased and just need to be installed.

Vision and Mission

1. Communications

A. The newsletter is being emailed to most members, we are still mailing 35 by traditional mail. It is also being posted on the BVUMC website.

B. BVUMC Website
    We are getting hits on our website. It is the first thing many people who are searching for a church may see.
    Ray Talke( webmaster) encouraged all committee chairs and any Ministries to submit information to him so that we can have a complete site.

C. Mark Gentry has made CD’s of the services for our shut ins.

2. Rev. Michele was excited to share with us that the Bishop will be at our Church on November 9th, 2009!!

Meeting was adjourned at 8:40pm