MEETING OF THE CHURCH DEACONS

                                                                        JULY 17, 2008

A meeting of the Board of Deacons of the Phippsburg Congregational Church (UCC) was held Thursday, July 17, 2008 at the Linden Tree Meetinghouse.

Present were: Jean Flink, Chair, Helene Thomas, George Langbehn, John Morse, Mark Wilson, Don Rankin, Bill Gilman, Bev Tuttle.
Absent were: Betty Herron & Cynthia Hunt.
Excused were: Peter Doran, Paula Benoit, Wayne Beach.

The meeting was called to order at 7:06 PM.
Pastor Mark Wilson opened with a prayer.

Pastor’s Remarks
Mark spoke about the youth group from Bridgewater, MA spending the night here on the way home from a mission trip to Washington County. It was a positive experience for the young folks and for the many from the church who came into contact with them. They were a good group and we were blessed to be able to offer them some rest on their way home from doing the Lord’s work.
The Brightwater Community is going to lead worship Sunday, July 27 - including flowers, coffee hour, preaching, and so on. All is in readiness for this service from our end.
Alternative Worship Service. Mark is going to start it up after his vacation in August.
Mark shared a concern about the service “splitting” the congregation - having some worship Saturday at 5 and some Sunday at 9. He was counseled that some will come and some won’t from 9 AM who may not be able to make it Sunday, etc. In other words, he heard “keep on your track, what’s going to happen will happen.”

Covenant Member Concern
A covenant member is concerned that our worship service is becoming more of a social gathering - concerned about use of applause - concerned about the length of announcements and the placement of announcements - and not as spiritual as it could be or should be. The concern was heard by all and shared by some. In prior years, it was in the bulletin that we were to be quiet and meditate and prepare for worship. Concerns were also shared about folks talking during the Prelude which Bill and Helene work hard to put together. Folks shared various experiences and views from other religious traditions on the issue. Some said, about our congregation, that part of our appeal is how welcoming and social we are.

Deacons Budget Request - 2009
The Deacons were asked whether or not Missions should come under our budget. We spoke about our OCWM. The Pastor spoke about our OCWM being embarrassingly low given the buzz in the Maine Conference about what we’re doing here (new, paid for building, etc.). We spoke about transferring the $500 we’ve been paying to the Maine Conference UCC to repay our grant money (once we’ve paid that off) to add to our OCWM.
We spoke of heating this winter being a crisis. Should we have a fund for heating assistance along the lines of the Discretionary Fund? Mark spoke about using Mission money to support the Bath Area Food Bank. John mentioned the Bath Area Food Bank needs space to store food for later use. Perhaps we can use the Minott Meditation Room temporarily? We thought this would be okay.
Since we don’t have a specific group to handle the Missions Budget, the Deacons will have a shot at it, perhaps also the Church Council and Caring Ministries.
We reviewed and accepted the presented proposed budget for 2009. John Morse motioned and Bev Tuttle seconded that we accept and send along our proposed budget to the Budget and Finance Committee. The vote was unanimous in favor of doing this.

CPR Training
We’re going to let Peter Doran contact Sandy Hart about when she’d like to offer CPR at Linden Tree Meetinghouse to folks in the church and wider community.

Deacons Duty Checklist
Two have been placed in the church - one on the table by the calendar and the other in the utility room with the copier, communion, etc. They were met with favorable responses. With thanks to Jean and Mark for updating them.

Church Council Update - June

Oil contract was settled at 4.349 per gallon. Downeast Energy is our supplier for 2008-2009.
Chilloa Young will be contacted to review the books of the church from last year.
Rummage Sale is this Sat. July 19 at 9 AM to benefit the Heifer Project.
Social Justice Group - Talent Show in the works.
Young People - interested in putting on a play.

Linden Tree Update
We referenced the letter Tim Vail, our tree guy, sent to us - which was read at Summer Membership meeting. Our Linden Tree is hurting - might have 20 years or less to live. Meanwhile, another linden has been found near the Meetinghouse on John Totman’s property - a daughter of our mother tree. We have permission from John Totman to cut around the new little Linden to have it thrive.

Pastoral Evaluation Process
A motion was made by Bev Tuttle that the Chair of the Deacons be the Deacon to be on the subcommittee which evaluates the Pastor. George seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

August Meeting - planned for August 21
John Morse moved, Bev Tuttle seconded, Don Rankin thirded that we not meet August 21. Motion passed unanimously.

Other items . . .
Boundary Training October 15 Second Congregational Church, Newcastle. Bev and Jean have expressed an interest in going to this.
Bill Gilman reported that he and Don Rankin have been talking about how to do the head count for Sunday worship services. Bill and Don have come up with a system for counting folks at church, which isn’t as easy as it looks given the way folks move around during the worship service. Bill is frustrated by his computer, but perhaps a new draft count sheet will be available by the next meeting? With thanks to Bill for his hard work.
George reported on the Directory. There were two very successful days of photographs this week.
We also spoke of one Covenant Member, Darlene Coombs Rogers, who has been given a Letter of Transfer, but not officially removed from the rolls, which is still a function of the Deacons. John Morse moved, and Bill Gilman seconded that we remove her, at her request, from our Covenant Membership. The vote was unanimous, but it was noted we send her on to the next part of her journey (which she’s been on for a year or more now) with blessings and best wishes and fond memories of her time with us.
Wayne Beach is working with CE about Jr. Deacon and other participation of the youth in our worship.

Pastor Mark Wilson closed with a prayer.

The Meeting adjourned at 8:30 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,


Mark Wilson, Scribe

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Phippsburg Congregational Church

  CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING - September 23, 2008

The monthly meeting of the Church Council was called to order at 7:03 PM by John Morse, Moderator.  Attending were John Morse, Joannie Krohn, Linda Totman, Jean Flink, Kitty Paiste, Wayne Beach, Peter Oceretko, Patty Percy, Bev Tuttle, Gay Galleher, Dottie Swanson, Helene Thomas, and Mark Wilson, Pastor, who opened the meeting with a prayer.  Lloyd Lowell and Dill Paiste also attended.

Clerk’s report - Jean Flink moved and Wayne Beach seconded to accept the minutes of the meeting of July 22, 2008 as distributed.  Motion passed.  Thanks to John Morse for taking notes at the July meeting.

  Treasurer’s report - Lloyd Lowell questioned the use of the Sam Johnson bequest and its availability.  Peter Oceretko asked who would be caring for the landscaping in the future. This will be clarified for the Building and Grounds Committee.  He also asked how he would find out what funds are available to be used for Building and Grounds work.  If the funds have been budgeted, he only has to submit a bill to the assistant treasurer for payment.  If not having been budgeted, permission must first be granted.

Jean Flink moved and Dottie Swanson seconded to accept the Treasurer’s Report as distributed.  Motion passed.

  Pastoral Review Committee Report - Dill Paiste, Chair, explained that the process had three steps: 1) the questionnaire; 2) submission of the recommendations of the committee to the Church Council for approval; 3) discussion of findings with Mark.  The committee has met with Mark and reviewed the questionnaire, and recommendations are being given to the Church Council. 

  Specific recommendations include:

  1 – to consider hiring a part-time secretary for 10-12 hours a week to take care of “background stuff”.  The person hired would have regular hours. This would be helpful not only to Mark, but to the Church as well.

  2 – to award Mark a 2% salary increase.  This is a mid-point of a UCC recommended increase (1% - 3-4%).  Mark was willing to forego an increase in salary, but the committee feels it’s fair to give it.

  3 – to extend Mark’s vacation from 4 weeks to 6 weeks for the coming year only.  Mark is “everything to everyone” and this is a compensation or “reward”.

  4 – to consider Mark’s request for a 3 month sabbatical, which would include his vacation time.  He has some specific study goals in mind and seems to be open to the time being split.  UCC guidelines suggest that a sabbatical be granted every 5 years.  The Pastoral Review Committee recommends that this be considered for 2010: it gives time to build this into the budget; allows for funding and planning; and allows time to present the concept to the congregation.  There are UCC retirees available in the area to draw from who would be able and willing to step in during this 3 month time period.

  Discussion followed:

• Linda – this would be 3 consecutive months?  Wayne ’s response was that to be effective, it should be a solid 3 months.
• Lloyd suggested that the vacation be split 3 weeks/3 weeks.  Wayne’s reply, with Bev in agreement, was that it takes time for Mark to get into vacation, then time to actually be on vacation, and by then it’s time to build up to working.
• Kitty commented that consideration needs to be given to the summer population.
• Dill also commented that the 6 week vacation for 2009 would be only for 2009.
• John questioned the wording of Mark’s contract.  It was not available to check but will be done when needed.
• Jean commented that Sept. might not be a good time for Mark to be away, as it is the “beginning” of the new church year after summer.  Attendance increases quite a bit when Mark returns from vacation and she feels it’s important to the Church, as reflected by attendance the last two weeks.
• Linda asked why the questionnaire wasn’t mailed, so more would have had the opportunity to respond to it.  Mark said he doesn’t feel as comfortable being evaluated by people who are not regular attendees.  Linda commented that they are paying his salary, however.
• Wayne replied that in the future the evaluation process will be refined.
• Linda feels that because the questionnaire was mailed last year, there were more responses.
• John’s comment was that all members have a right to evaluate Marks’ work and contribute to the process.  The questionnaire should be mailed to all Covenant and Associate Members.
• Dill said that after tonight’s meeting, the committee will meet with Mark to go over more specifics on his salary and vacation increase request, along with a more structured evaluation of his strengths and weaknesses.
• Bev recommended approval of Mark’ salary increase.

  Motion to accept summary:

The motion was made by Patty Percy, seconded by Kitty Paiste to accept the results of 2008 pastoral evaluation for Mark Wilson, Pastor.  All voted in favor with the exception of Bev Tuttle, who says it’s only a summary, so is not something to be voted on.

  Motion to accept salary increase:

Wayne Beach moved, with Gay Galleher seconding, to increase Mark’s salary 2% for 2009 and acknowledge his years of service to the Church by extending his vacation to six weeks for 2009.  The annuity amount is to be commensurate with past practice in relation to his salary, with the timing of his vacation to be worked out.  There was no discussion.  Motion passed unanimously. 

• John began discussion concerning the hiring of an administrative assistant for 10-12 hours a week (#1 in Pastoral Review Committee recommendations).
• Wayne said that part of the conversation with Mark was regular office hours and an assistant.  Linda agreed with the regular office hours for Mark.
• Jean said that the Deacons endorsed this idea for both Mark and the Church, that it makes us more business-like and allows Mark to focus on people more.

Motion to hire an administrative assistant:

Jean Flink moved, Patty Percy seconded to endorse the concept of an administrative assistant, hours and compensation to be determined.  Motion passed unanimously after the following discussion and questions:

• Lloyd asked who will decide the days and hours of work. 
• Wayne said that the recommendation is for 10-12 hours a week, but that it should be regular hours each week, with set days and times.
• Mark was asked what would work best for him – he said that his wife Erin’s schedule has changed, so he agreed that the assistant have regular hours.

Motion for sabbatical:

Gay Galleher moved, Kitty Paiste seconded that the Pastoral Review Committee, with the Pastor, refine the concept of a 3 month sabbatical for 2010.  Motion passed.

  Dill said this will be refined and made more specific so it can be presented in February.

Wayne said that it needs to be presented to the congregation to get a general show of support.

 

Newsletter – The Branches staff requested funding for Issue 2.  Jean Flink moved, Kitty Paiste seconded that $70 be available to cover printing and mailing.  Motion passed.

 

Budget

  Bev explained the budget process.

Church Council discussion included:

• Collections and offerings figure – anticipating less than last year
• Interest income anticipated to be less than 2008
• Current figures related to the hiring of an administrative assistant
• Bev – approximately $20,000 outstanding in Capital Campaign pledges
• Linda – one request to complete payments in 2009 instead of 2008 payment deadline
• Gay – perhaps the ASPIRE program here in Maine could come into play for Admin. Asst.
• Wayne and Linda – perhaps send out letters to remind folks of their pledges
• Patty – perhaps a note in Branches as a reminder
• John - not a good idea to ask folks to put remaining Capital Campaign funds to general expenses; but things in budget might have money available from other sources: music budget, for example, might come out of Music Fund
• Jean and others – perhaps funds left from LTMH can go to Capital Improvements, which are separate from budget, everything for LTMH is done and paid for. 
• Wayne – what are implications of use of funds from Capital Campaign?  John said it should go into building projects fund – steeple, painting, recarpet, other things in church
• Linda - does Church body have to vote on the use of funds? Bev – everything has to be approved by congregation
• Dotty – suggested suppers to raise funds
• Bev – estimated cost for administrative assistant is $5000
• John – asked Peter if all Capital Improvement projects need to be completed next year – yes, ideally
• John – noted that in income there is no balance forward – do we know what it might be? 
• Various places found to trim and reallocate: Organist salary, Linden Tree, Small Church Mission Team, Church Wider Mission, Christian Ed., Deacons, Music, Membership, Hospitality
• Mark summarized budget changes, all in agreement with changes made

  Other discussion and questions:

• John asked about the pledge drive: who will do it, how, when to generate more income.
• Patty asked for permission to roll over CD due soon, permission granted.
• Budget will be made available Oct. 12.
• There is a congregational meeting on Oct. 19 to vote on 2 new Covenant Members, and to present budget to congregation.

  Closing - Mark offered the closing prayer.  At 9:48 PM Joannie Krohn moved and Dottie Swanson seconded to adjourn the meeting until Oct. 7, 2008 at 7:30 to finalize the budget and take care of remaining business.

 

Oct. 7, 2008   Continuation from September 23 meeting

The Church Council met on Oct. 7, 2008 in a continuation of the meeting of Sept. 23, 2008 and was called to order at 7:35 PM by John Morse, Moderator.  Attending were John Morse, Joannie Krohn, Linda Totman, Jean Flink, Wayne Beach, Peter Oceretko, Patty Percy, Bev Tuttle, Gay Galleher, Dottie Swanson, and Mark Wilson, Pastor, who opened the meeting with a prayer.  Kathy and Don Rankin attended as visitors.

  All discussion focused on various aspects of the proposed budget for 2009.  Several topics were covered:

Administrative assistant position

• Mark spoke to his suggestion of reducing his hours to ¾ time to lessen his pay and therefore free up money in the budget for other items, as some things he now does would be done by an administrative assistant.  A vote was taken, with all opposed.
• Several members spoke to the topic of the administrative assistant position: hours, pay, deductions, pension, federal regulations, hiring an “independent contractor”.
• Patty suggested that the person hired for this position perhaps take over part of the Assistant Treasurer’s duties.

  Expenses for 2009

Bev spoke to the topic of how the budget was arrived at.  All members of all committees had input, and the Budget-Finance Committee reviewed it as well.  Figures in the budget reflect much thought and are as low as possible, given the various estimated committee expenses.  She asked for suggestions as to how to generate income to meet expenses.

It was noted that pledge income has not kept up, although the general feeling is that many folks catch up at the end of the year.

  Discussion ensued concerning heating oil for the Church –

• We are locked in at the price in the contract and have agreed to purchase a set amount of fuel.  If we go over or under that amount significantly, there is a penalty.  If we were to try to get out of the contract, there would be a charge of $.75 per gallon we agreed to purchase.
• Mark noted that we need to honor our agreement.
• An option for conserving fuel was suggested: turn off the heat in the Church and meet in the Linden Tree Meeting House, instead of using the Church during the coldest months (as suggested in the energy audit).
• There is concern that problems could arise with the piano and organ, as well as the handbells, if there were no heat.  Peter mentioned that temperature extremes, such as quite cold during the night and warmth from the sun’s heating during the day, could lend itself to a buildup of condensation, mildew, mold and rot.

  Income for 2009

• Bev noted that there needed to be a way to balance the budget and determine where the funds would come from for the anticipated expenses.
• The consensus was to enter a pledge amount of $58,000, as well as income of $5,654 from unrestricted funds in order to present a balance of income to expenses.
• John declared that we have a balanced budget. 
• Patty moved and Peter seconded to accept the balanced budget and to present it to the congregation on Oct. 19, 2008.  Motion passed.

  Pledge drive/Stewardship

John questioned who will conduct a pledge drive and how.  It was proposed that an ad hoc Stewardship Committee be created for this purpose and that the committee will decide what steps to take.  It was agreed that the ad hoc committee be created and there was a suggestion that Dill Paiste be part of it.  Volunteers will be recruited at Sunday service, as well as by email, and will be given a summary of how to go about it, using resources that Mark has from the UCC Conference concerning pledge drives and stewardship that can be used as guidelines.  Joannie agreed to send the email, using the list she has created for emailing the newsletter.

 

Other business

Mark noted that he received a note from the Salvation Army concerning assistance during the holiday season.  It was agreed that it should be passed along to Paula and Caring Ministries.

He also read a note from the gentleman who was running the AA meetings, that AA will no longer hold meetings at the Linden Tree Meeting House due to lack of participation, and thanking us for our openness and making them feel welcome.

Wayne reminded us about the talent show and silent auction of donated artwork on Oct. 25, and encouraged everyone to attend.  He also asked us to remember that there are pumpkins available to purchase, the income of which will benefit the Heifer Project.

The next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2008 at 7:00 PM.

  Joannie Krohn moved and Jean Flink seconded to adjourn the meeting at 8:50 PM.

  Respectfully submitted,

Joannie Krohn

Joannie Krohn, Clerk

 

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Phippsburg Congregational Church

Note: These Minutes are Considered "DRAFT" Pending Approval at the next Council Meeting  

CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING - October 28, 2008

 

The monthly meeting of the Church Council was called to order at 7:02 PM by John Morse, Moderator.  Attending were John Morse, Joannie Krohn, Linda Totman, Jean Flink, Marcia Beach, Wayne Beach, Peter Oceretko, Patty Percy, Bev Tuttle, Dottie Swanson, Paula Benoit, Bill Gilman and Mark Wilson, Pastor, who opened the meeting with a prayer.

 

Clerk’s report  -  Jean Flink asked for clarification of wording in reference to the Linden Tree funding for the coming year, and wanted to be sure the amount allocated is still available – it is.  Wayne suggested wording under Pastoral Review Committee on page 1 be changed in reference to the duties of an administrative assistant to read “general office work”.  He also suggested a wording change on page 3 under Budget to read “to remind folks of progress towards fulfilling their pledges”.   Bev moved, Jean Flink seconded to accept the Clerk’s Report as corrected.  Motion passed.

 

Treasurer’s report  -  Linda said that a pledge of $1500 has been withdrawn from the Capital Campaign.  A little over $18,000 of the total pledged is still outstanding.  With over $37,000 in the checking account at this time, Linda moved, Patty seconded to investigate moving $15,000 to $20,000 to a CD.  Motion passed.  Wayne moved and Jean seconded to accept the Treasurer’s Report as presented.  Motion passed.

Betsey Morse has been elected as Assistant Treasurer and the transition from Patty to her has begun.  Betsey’s name will be put on accounts.  The Clerk has been asked to write a letter to change names on the account at Five County Credit Union.  Betsey will speak to Bill Racine about reviewing of the accounts of the Church.

 

Pastoral Review Committee  - There was discussion concerning who will take responsibility of selecting someone as administrative assistant.  John thinks the Pastoral Review Committee should recommend and advise on who is appointed or hired, as they are the ones who have worked with Mark on this, and are more aware of what this position will entail.  John suggested that the person hired or appointed might take responsibility for the Annual Report.  George Langbehn has indicated that there is someone willing to fill this position on a volunteer basis – he will be contacted for that person’s name.  Having a volunteer versus a paid person might make a difference with respect to Workers’ Compensation Insurance.

 

Pastor’s report  

Seasons continues to be offered as an alternative to Sunday morning worship.  There have been 10-15 in attendance at each service, and it will continue to take place as long as there is interest.  Activities and services for the Christmas season have been scheduled and supplies are here.  Blue Christmas service is Dec. 18 at 4 PM, Christmas Eve services will be Dec. 24 at 7 PM and 11 PM.  Mark has accepted the request to lead the service at the West Bath Meetinghouse on Dec. 16.

 

Workers’ Compensation Insurance – Three places have been contacted – Cross Insurance, Spencer Gray, and the UCC.  Estimates on cost range from $600 to close to $1000 a year for coverage of the pastor, administrative assistant, sexton, organist, and clerk.  Cost would vary depending on who is an independent contractor, and who is an employee.  It was agreed that there should be further investigation of details on this issue.  Bev moved, Dottie seconded to purchase Workers’ Compensation Insurance from Spencer Gray, dependent on the quote received from the UCC.  Motion passed.  The Clerk agreed to contact Elizabeth Gray on this issue, if necessary.

 

 

Deacons’ report - The Deacons met on Oct. 16.  Beth Hood was in attendance and shared details about her studies for the ministry.  The Deacons voted to support her in her journey.  They will learn more about the process of mentoring Beth at a future meeting.

The Church welcomed five new members on October 26, 2008 – Derek Avery, Albert White, Jean White, Alan Walton and Betsey Walton.  Because there had not been a formal vote to accept Derek Avery as a Covenant Member at the meeting on Oct. 19, a vote was taken and all were in favor.

 

Committees:

Buildings and Grounds - Peter mentioned several items:

• Jim Totman will be contacted about snow plowing and sanding.
• Zech Thomas will be contacted concerning shoveling.
• Furnaces will have their annual servicing by Ellis Reed.
• The heating system at the Linden Tree Meeting House has some leaky valves.  Terry Gray met with Dana Gilliam to resolve this.
• The Cabinets in the lower level meeting room are complete. Many thanks to Don Friend and Terry Gray for their work.
• John Ruth is completing the lighting project for the stairwells in the Church as well as the steeple lights.
• Wayne had requested venting for the storage space in the LTMH.  Peter is going to install 2 fans above the door instead of vents.
• The steeple will be painted by Mr. Hanscom in the spring, and he will do other repairs as well, pending receipt of the report from Lincoln Haney.  The ceiling work in the balcony is on hold until the steeple work is complete.
• The outside of the Church will be painted next year by John Ater, cost estimate of $28,000.
• The 2010 and/or 2011 budgets will include an estimated $20,000 for painting the inside of the Church.  Funding for this capital improvement will come from various accounts.
• Peter is going to put together a model to include an amount in each yearly budget to fund the painting of the steeple and outside of the Church as a recurring expense, to be adjusted as costs change.  He estimates the amount to be about $4000 per year.
• Terry Gray has spoken to Lincoln Haney concerning the report of the condition of the steeple, and has given a deadline of next week for receipt of that report.

 

Caring Ministries - Paula Adam has suggested we contribute to Mair Honan’s program working with the homeless in Portland as an alternative to Salvation Army contributions.  The decision was made to do both as holiday service, as well as to contribute to Long Creek Development Center , and the socks for the homeless.  Paula Benoit has agreed to coordinate bell ringing for the Salvation Army, and the socks for the homeless.  Fran Scott has been working on the socks as well.

 

Christian Education - The Talent Show and silent auction on Oct. 25 were a huge success.  Contributions towards the Heifer Project totaled over $1931!  The grand total is now over $6000 raised, with special thanks to Julia Hart and Addie Beach for their continuing enthusiasm, as well as to the many folks who have helped out in so many ways.  This is quite an accomplishment!  The money raised will be sent to the Heifer Project within the week, to be accompanied by a letter detailing the efforts. 

There have been about 7 young people at Seasons at times, so this is being watched in terms of Christian education for them during the service.

 

Flower - Jean Flink has stepped in as committee chair, as Gay prepares to go to Germany .  Gay has provided flowers for the altar on the 3^rd Sunday of each month, so someone will step in to do this while Gay is away.  A framed photo of the Church will be given to Gay on Nov. 16, her last Sunday in church before traveling to Germany .

 

Historical Records - Marcia has recently been told that anything donated to the Mine Historical Society becomes their property, and the Church cannot get it back.  There will be a brief presentation to the Church at the Annual Meeting in February to explain this, in view of the recent vote to send items there, such as the original deed to the Church.  The Historical Society might let us copy what is already there, if we don’t have copies of those items already.

Marcia also confirmed that the file cabinets used to store records are fire- and weather-proof.

 

Hospitality - The committee deserves many thanks for providing refreshments for the Church meeting on Oct. 19, 2008.  In addition, many thanks go to Paula Adam and her mom for all the goodies available during the Talent Show on Oct. 25.

A concern for the local lobstermen was mentioned, and followed by a suggestion that a fundraiser of some kind be held to show our support for them.

 

Membership - It was noted that George and Carol Langbehn took the initiative to mail directories to those members and friends who are not in the area, and not able to personally pick up their copy of the new Church Directory.  Many thanks to them for their thoughtfulness in doing this.

 

Music - Music stands, lights and music for Belles and Buoys will be purchased soon using money from the Music Fund.  In addition, Bill and Helene will receive instruction to better utilize various functions of the new organ.

 

Ways and Means - The committee will participate in two upcoming fairs:  Nov. 22 at the Phippsburg Elementary School , and Nov. 22 at the Fire Station.

 

Stewardship Committee ad-hoc - Dill Paiste will most likely head this committee; no other volunteers came forward.  There will be a meeting on Nov. 6.

 

Old business - Jean Flink spoke about the Linden Tree.  Dick Dozois and Lloyd Lowell spoke with Tom Wirth concerning roots damaged during construction of the Linden Tree Meeting House, drainage issues, and animals contributing to the tree’s demise.  She said that these issues had also been discussed with Tim Vail.

Dottie Swanson said that Steve Perkins has painted a picture of the Linden Tree.  He is willing to talk to the Church Council about another painting for the Church.  Dottie will look into this further.

 

New business - Wayne spoke of plans underway for a contra dance.

 

The next meeting will be held Tuesday Nov. 25, 2008 at 7 PM.

Closing - Mark offered the closing prayer.  Patty moved and Jean seconded to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Joannie Krohn

Joannie Krohn, Clerk