Church Council Minutes
March 1, 2010
Blackstone
Valley United Methodist Church
Church Council Meeting Minutes
March 1, 2010
GATHER
The March 1, 2010 meeting of the Blackstone Valley United Methodist Church Council was called to order at 7:07 PM in Faith Hall of the Church at 61 Linwood Avenue, Whitinsville, Massachusetts by Chairman Mike Sherry. The following members were present: Mike Sherry (Chair), Rev. Michele Ewers (Pastor), Peg Codner, Barbara Fortin, Dean Fortin, Rev. Tom McKeown, Carolyn Mitchell, Steve Shangraw, Ray Talke and Wade Warner.
A discussion was held on the subject of the earthquake victims in Chile. A collection for the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) to assist the earthquake victims will be held at the next service on March 7, 2010.
Peg Codner announced that she has completed her physical therapy.
Members of the Church Council complimented the wonderful job Rev. Tom McKeown did on the previous week’s sermon.
LISTEN
Chairman Mike Sherry read a passage from the First Epistle to Timothy.
Rev. Michele Ewers read a devotion from Upper Room, asking whether we are moving towards God, away from God or are we adrift during this Lenten season.
The Church Council celebrated Holy Communion.
Rev. Michele Ewers led the Church Council in an opening prayer.
RESPOND
A. Business
1. Minutes
The minutes of the February 1, 2010 Church Council meeting were reviewed. The following correction was made:
B.2.: “ATM Construction” should actually read “APM Construction”.
Motion by Dean Fortin to accept the minutes of the February 1, 2010 Church Council meeting as amended, seconded by Peg Codner. Motion passed by voice vote.
B. Stewardship of Our Resources
1. Pastor’s Moment – Rev. Michele Ewers
Pastor Michele Ewers announced that the new church directories from Olan Mills will ship on March 13, 2010.
Terri Morrissette requested that a small sign for Cherub’s Haven be placed in the front of the church and in the parking lot. The Church Council recommended that Ms. Morissette meet with the Board of Trustees to discuss her plans for the sign.
Cherub’s Haven wants to use their church space all day for the April school vacation during the third week of April. Cleaning issues and terms must still be negotiated.
Cherub’s Haven also wishes to put announcements in the church bulletin.
On May 22, 2010, Bishop Peter Weaver will be in the district for Bishop’s Day.
Children’s Sunday will be May 23, 2010 (Pentecost Sunday). There are currently 15 children in the Children’s Choir. Laural Plourde will lead the Education Ministry Team following Children’s Sunday, succeeding Susan Wood.
On March 21, the Sunday School children will sing during the worship service.
2. Space Request – LuAnn Belseth
LuAnn Belseth requested the use of Faith Hall on Saturday, April 10, 2010 from 2:00 – 6:00 PM for the Uxbridge Grange conference. The President of the National Grange will be in attendance and about 50 other people are expected. The Church Council approved the space request.
3. Space Request – Dean Fortin
Dean Fortin requested the use of church space on May 15, 2010 for the Southern New England Emmaus Fourth Day gathering. The activity room will be used from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM and Fellowship Hall and the sanctuary will be used from 3:00 – 5:00 PM. The Church Council approved the request.
4. Trustee’s Report – Steve Shangraw
Steve Shangraw reported that the parsonage repairs have been completed with the final inspection held on March 1, 2010. A new tub and toilet were installed and flooring was repaired. Steve performed other work in the parsonage and will soon upgrade the light fixtures.
C. Vision and Mission
1. Clothing Swap Update – Tina Beauchaine
Church Council Chairman, Mike Sherry, read a report by Tina Beauchaine about the clothing swap. Another clothing swap will be held on May 15, 2010 from 9:00 AM to noon.
2. Summer Picnic – Wade Warner
Wade Warner announced that he will be looking for available dates for the summer outdoor service and picnic at the West Hill Dam and Park.
3. Other Business
Rev. Tom McKeown suggested using larger baskets for the collections during Sunday worship services. Rev. Michele Ewers will look into it.
Chairman Mike Sherry asked the members of the Church Council to think about how often the council should meet. He asked the Church Council to determine if monthly meetings are necessary to help maintain the faith community and address the business of the church, or if less frequent meetings will suffice.
GO FORTH
Peg Codner led the Church Council in a closing prayer.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 PM.
The next Church Council meeting is scheduled for April 5, 2010 at
7:00 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Raymond A. Talke, Jr.
Secretary