Trinity United Church

Minutes of the Congregational Meeting held February 15, 2008

Opening: Rev. Lynda Price opened the meeting and led in a prayer.

Attendance: A quorum was present consisting of: Lynda Price, Paul Spaar, Deborah Spaar-Mueller, Darlene Nicol, Margaret Reynolds, Elfleda Watson, Bonnie Brown, Connie Shibley, Jennifer Bennett, Diane Buchannan, Linda Brown, Bert Mountney, Doug MacIntyre, Gordon Ramer, Carol Ramer, Andy Adamson, Jane Adamson, Barb Joyce, Don Coleman, John McDougall, Ann McDougall, Ralph McInnes.

Chairperson and Secretary: Moved by Jennifer Bennett and seconded by Linda Brown that John McDougall be the meeting chairperson and Diane Buchannan, secretary. Carried.

Agenda: moved by Jennifer Bennett and seconded by Linda Brown that the agenda be accepted as printed with the addition of three items to Congregational Reports: Trustees report, Fundraising report and Breakfast report. Carried.

Corresponding Members: Moved by Jane Adamson and seconded by Elfleda Watson that all persons present who are not full members of Trinity United Church be made corresponding members for this meeting. Carried.

Minutes: Motion that the minutes of February 3, 2008 by Bert Mountney and seconded by Darlene Nicol be accepted as printed. Carried.

Business Arising from the Minutes:

7b. Stained Glass Window Repair – four windows have been refurnished. We have money and a commitment for the 5^th window and are waiting weather change. Moved that the Session consider using Memorial funds to replace the three remaining windows and that those wanting to donate towards the windows can still do so into the Memorial fund. Moved by Bonnie Brown, seconded by Ann McDougall. Carried.

• This will be announced to the congregation so that people can continue to donate. This will also be mentioned in the newsletter. Those donating a window, a plaque will still be provided.

7c. Proposed sale of the manse. The sale is off as the township stated it is not possible to sever a lot. The land and the manse are St Paul’s responsibility.

Correspondence – nothing at present.

Pastoral Charge Reports: Moved by Ralph McInnes and seconded by Doug MacIntyre that all the pastoral reports be accepted as reported in the Annual Report. Carried.

Discussion: Jane Adamson offered to be contact for the 2009 Christmas Food Hamper. It was noted that the Cosco contribution was missed in the annual report but they did receive a Thank You card and were noted in the Newsletter.

Congregation Reports: Moved by Connie Shibley and seconded by Jane Adamson that all the Congregational reports be accepted as reported in the Annual report. Carried.

Discussion:

· Financial reports: St Paul’s and Trinity United will apply for funds for Stained Glass Windows through the National office. The Trust Fund is currently down – suggestion to leave the money where it is for the time being and see if the market comes back. On Page 27 under the Joint Worship Committee it should read Hannes Friedli instead of Andy Adamson. Re: Men’s Wednesday Breakfast Community Group – they have raised over $3,000 – this needs to be noted as it wasn’t listed, the funds raised have been included under the Building Fund and Local Expenses.

Nominations Report: this was presented by Darlene who moved acceptance of this report. Seconded by Paul Spaar. There was discussion of the fact that while both Stewards and Session now have 8 in each, they would work better with one or two more members.

Financial Examiners: Paul Spaar reported that he and Doug Boulter did a thorough job of examining the records of our church finances managed by Don Coleman. Compliments were offered on an extremely efficient job of record-keeping by our treasurer. Acceptance of the report was moved by Bert Mountney and seconded by Gordon Ramer. Carried.

Summer Worship Services: there had been a discussion on having the services at one church in the summer months of July and August. Following discussion, it was moved by Ralph McInnes and seconded by Elfleda Watson that Trinity remain open for the summer. Carried.

Discussion: it was suggested that we possibly advertize more for summer, targeting cottage community. Jennifer Bennett noted that the next Board meeting on April 20^th, is going to discuss pulpit supply for the summer. M&P are going to meet ahead of time. People can send ideas along to Jennifer who is Chair of the Board.

Financial Examiners: Andy Adamson volunteered to be the financial examiner for the pastoral charge for 2009. For the remaining positions Gordon Ramer moved, seconded by Bert Mountney that Andy Adamson be Financial examiner, that Jennifer Bennett and Jane Adamson be on Stewards. Deborah Sparr-Mueller was elected as the General Congregational member of the 2010 Nominating Committee.Carried.

Congregational Picnic: McCullochs are unable to host the picnic this year. Linda Brown will check with Carlton to see if they can host it.

Anniversary Sunday is June 14^th: Linda Brown volunteered to organize this. It was suggested that we have a potluck luncheon after the service on that day and not have as many activities that weekend. It was also suggested that we have a smaller anniversary weekend this year and next, and a bigger event in 2011 for the 125^th anniversary. Suggestions for guest speakers this year were: Lois Wilson or Pete Short.

5^th Sunday Bulletin Covers: After discussion Doug McIntyre volunteered from Trinity to work with Jeanette Pixley at Harrowsmith to make up the 5^th Sunday Bulletins for the church. Suggestions were to use children’s’ items or photos from church members.

Other Business: Carol Ramer on behalf of the congregation thanked Lynda Price for her good work over the past year. Members gave Lynda a standing ovation.

Adjournment: Bert Mountney moved adjournment of the meeting. Carried.

Chairperson: John McDougall

Secretary: Diane Buchanan