The Meeting was called to order at 12:00 noon.

Stephen Glauz-Todrank gave an opening prayer.

Old Business:

1. By-Law Changes. Larry Cooke asked that we review proposed by-law changes and make suggestions. He recommended that we postpone discussion and decision until after the meeting in the fall. A motion to postpone consideration of the by-laws changes was made by Don Law and seconded by Mary Ellen McTamaney. It was passed. Larry asked that suggestions and concerns be sent to him.

2. 10K Run status: Larry Cooke gave a short status report on the 10K run. More volunteers are needed. Volunteers who have not already been assigned to specific tasks are welcome to show up on the day of the run and they will be assigned to tasks that need help.

Committee Reports: Reports may be submitted in writing or presented at the meeting. Larry Lopp expressed concern that the congregation needs to have access to board and committee reports so that they will know what is happening with the church. Larry Cooke stated that the reports and the approved minutes will be send to John Wetherill for posting on the web site.

Trustees: Maire Howard stated that Brook Kraeger will make a concrete proposal regarding the kitchen remodel at the next meeting. A generous donation was made especially for fire protection. The Trustees met and discussed the budget proposal. They will meet with Larry Cooke and the Deacons to discuss the budget further with them.

Deacons: Nancy Jo reported that our student intern, Kristen Pratt, will do a sermon during Stephen’s sabbatical. Larry Lopp will also present a sermon. Kristen is asking for feedback on her sermon. The trustees and Deacons are working on a welcome packet for new church attendees. They are also working on revising the booklets for the pews. They want to be as clear as possible when presenting the church to the community.

Religious Education: T’Shala reported that there may be some slight reorganization of responsibilities. The first regular meeting will be held on August 21.

Music and Arts: Christina reported that the t-shirt design for the 10K run has been completed. John is working on music for the run.

Missions: Joan reported that the Bread for the World letter writing project was very successful. Seventy five letters were sent. She will continue writing articles about where Mission money goes. The committee will meet in September.

New Business

1. Financial remedies: The Trustees have several ideas which will be presented to the congregation in a special meeting. Mary Ellen suggested using a big “thermometer�? to collect donations because it will show what is needed and progress made. Larry Lopp commented that it is important to let people know what is happening regarding the budget process. Members are worried about it.

There is concern that our core values are causing people to leave. There was a discussion about the role of the Pastoral Relations Committee versus the role of the Deacons. Pastoral Relations is responsible for the interface between the church and Stephen. This role needs to be made known to the congregation so they can talk to the committee if they have concerns. All other feedback about the church services, guest speakers, etc., should be addressed to the Deacons. It is very important that confidentiality of all parties be respected. Suggestions for promoting the church were discussed. For example, community members may be invited to special events, such as the 4th of July barbecue and we could consider more activities for the larger community.

2) Special budget meeting: Larry Cooke proposed having two Sunday afternoon meetings in October and November at least two weeks apart to discuss core value issues. Mary Ellen asked if it might be helpful to have an outside facilitator. Christina and T’Shala had some ideas for possible facilitators. Larry Cooke asked for a committee to decide how to proceed with the meetings. Pam Nates, Jan Swayne, Christina Schwabecher, T’Shala Olivieri and Larry Cooke will be on this committee. The budget meeting will be held on October 16.

The next Council meeting was scheduled for September 24. The meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Marcia Rollins

Clerk

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