St. Paul's United Church

Minutes of the Congregational Meeting: February 8, 2009

The Annual Congregational Meeting of St. Paul's United Church, Harrowsmith was held February 8, 2009.

The meeting was called to order by nominated Chair, Jeannette Pixley.

Marni Pedersen agreed to act as Secretary.

Rev. Lynda Price opened with a prayer.

IN ATTENDANCE:

Illeen Scott, Elizabeth Bruce, Mary Barr, Hilda Hodgson, Rev. Lynda Price, Elaine Lazier, Nancy Moore-Carr, Jeannette Pixley, Ardith Woolsey, Fergus Brown, Carolyn Brown, Robert Galbraith, Don Woolsey, Douglas Scott, Marni Pedersen, Dawn Sieben,

Erma Bracken, Eileen Vanderzwan, Rob Christie, Gayle Robertson, Brenda Crawford.

AGENDA: Moved by Nancy Moore-Carr, seconded by Fergus Brown, that the agenda be adopted with the addition of donation of a used organ, under New Business. Carried

CORRESPONDING MEMBERS: Moved by Elaine Lazier, seconded by Brenda Crawford that all persons present who are not full members of St. Paul's be made corresponding Members for this meeting. Carried

MINUTES: Moved by Brenda Crawford, Seconded by Fergus Brown, that the minutes of the previous meeting on February 3, 2008 be accepted as presented. Carried.

BUSINESS ARISING:

Stained Glass window repair:

The windows have not been repaired. A committee of Gayle Robertson and Marni Pedersen was set up to apply for any grants or other funding that may be available.

CORRESPONDENCE: A thank you letter was read by Lynda Price for condolences received from the congregations in the recent passing of her father.

PASTORALCHARGE REPORTS & CONGREGATIONAL REPORTS:

• It was suggested that more lay people or groups be asked to lead services when the Minister is not available.
• It was noted that there was an omission in the Food Hamper report that Costco had donated thirty turkeys.
• It was noted that the monthly allocation is down by one hundred and twenty six dollars this year.

Jeannette Pixley thanked the following people:

• Thanks to all those retiring from Council.
• Thanks to Marni Pedersen and Gayle Robertson for their work with the Sunday school.
• Thanks to Erma Bracken for her work with the Tuesday lunches.
• Thanks to Brenda Crawford and Donna Walker for their work on the Social Committee.
• Thanks to the scrap booking group and to Eileen Vander Zwan for their donation of one hundred and twenty dollars.
• Thanks to Nancy Moore-Carr for her work as church treasurer...
• Thanks from Nancy Moore-Carr to Ardith Wolsey for her support with the weekly counting of offering.
• Lynda Price commented that St. Paul's has done very well with current finances, as we have managed to keep afloat financially.

MOTION: Moved by Gayle Robertson. Seconded by Carolyn Brown that all reports be adopted as presented in the 2008 Annual Report. Carried

REPORT OF THE NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE:

Brenda Crawford presented the report of the Nominations Committee with the following people agreeing to serve on Council:

Angela Alton

Sheila Anthony

Mary Barr

Liz Bruce

Rob Christie

Brenda Crawford

Bob Galbraith

Elaine Lazier

Nancy Moore-Carr

Gayle Robertson

Rob Tapscott

Donna Walker

Congregational Treasurer - Nancy Moore-Carr|

TRUSTEES:

Moved by Jeannette Pixley, Seconded by Marni Pedersen that Erma Bracken be nominated to serve on the board of Trustees. Erma Bracken accepted. Carried

PRESBYTERY REPRESENTATIVE:

Liz Hughson has agreed to stay on as representative, with Gayle Robertson as alternate.

NOMINATING COMMITTEE for 2009

Brenda Crawford, Donna Walker, and Jeannette Pixley have agreed to form the nominating committee.

ELECTION OF FINANCIAL, AUDITORS FOR ST. PAUL'S:

Irwin Babcook and Rob Christie have agreed to act as the St. Paul's financial examiners for 2009.

ELECTION OF FINANCIAL AUDITOR FOR PASTORAIL CHARGE:

Bob Galbraith has agreed.

MINISTRY & PERSONNEL COMMITTEE:

Brenda Crawford

Elaine Lazier (Chair)

Gayle Robertson

MANSE COMMITTEE:

Donna Walker

Liz Bruce volunteered to serve.

OFFICIAL BOARD VICE CHAIR: Rob Christie has agreed to vice-chair the Official Board for 2009, with Marni Pedersen and Brenda Crawford as alternates.

REPORT OF 2008 FINANCIAL EXAMINERS:

Erma Bracken and Rob Christie have audited the Treasurer's books for the year, 2008, and have found them to be in good order.

NEW BUSINESS:

Mission & Service Goal for the Pastoral Charge was set at $ 22,500.00 for 2009

Summer Worship Services:

Discussion as to whether Trinity and St. Paul's should each close for one month this July and August.

MOTION: Moved by Marni Pedersen, seconded by Nancy Moore-Carr that both churches stay open this summer but alternate the two months, with one having services one month, and the other the second month July and August).

MOTION DEFEATED

MOTION: Moved by Brenda Crawford, seconded by Carolyn Brown, that we close St. Paul's for the month of August 2009 only.

MOTION RECANTED

MOTION: Moved by Brenda seconded by Gayle Robertson that this decision be referred to the next Official Board meeting to be responsible to make the decision on this matter. Carried

REPORT ON FURNACES:

The furnaces were inspected by Leonard's Fuels. It was reported that the furnaces should last another five years. It was suggested that special fundraising could be started for future furnace costs.

FIFTH SIJNDAY BULLETIN COVERS:

A volunteer to design the fifth Sunday bulletin covers was requested. Jeannette Pixley and Carolyn Brown have volunteered to help with printing.

PRAYER SERVICE FORWEEK OF CHRISTIAN UNITY:

It was agreed that St. Paul's would host an ecumenical service one February afternoon in 2010.

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER SERVICE:

St. Paul's will host the World Day of Prayer Service the first Friday in March.

ORGAN:

A used Hammond organ has been offered to be used in the fellowship room. Council will consider this matter.

Adjournment by general consensus.