Present:  David Sarra, Tom Hackley, Emily B, Beth Lefever, Bea Takeuchi, Gary Cook, Richard Berndt, Viola Moore, Evan Lefever, Amy Eklund

Corrections to minutes of previous meeting:  Add David Sarra to list of those present, eliminate show, keep identify.  In membership report insert “on behalf of BUUF.  Board approved pledging $10 per member and making up any difference in actual contributions from the budget”.  Minutes were accepted with corrections.

Treasurer’s report.  Presented by Dick.  Gretchen and Dick have been working out the division of reporting functions.  It was proposed that Gretchen be authorize as payor on the checking account and pay bills as they come in, having as many payments be automatic as possible.  Payments for Beth and Theresa’s salary would be set up as automatic.  It was suggested that signature/authorization for payments should remain with the board/treasurer.  Tom moved that we transfer the bookkeeping part of the treasurer’s job to Gretchen for a trial period of 4 months and pay her up to 5 hours/month @$10/hr for these duties and then re-evaluate at the January meeting;  this expenditure to come from the money which was donated by Ray last year “for the good of the church”.  Motion was passed.  Dick presented a form which can be used to show members where they are at in their pledge payments and an income/expense report.  Treasurer’s report accepted as presented.

Building and Grounds.  Field trips to green parking lots were proposed.  The first is in Watervliet and Gary, Tom, and Bea will go Tuesday to take a look at the gravel gridded surface.  There is also a parking lot in Chesterton which is grassy and Bea will provide further information about this lot soon.  Concensus was not to take any further action regarding the current parking lot at this time.  Bea found some stainless steel coffee urns on the Target website.  Viola will buy one SS coffee urn if the congregation will contribute to buy the other needed urn.  There was concensus that improvements are needed in the front signage.  Plans for this will be discussed Friday.

RE team report:  Tabled since Renee was not present

Membership team report:  The sign up boards are working but it is taking a lot of prompting by Emily.  She will try to get people signed up for the slots for when they are gone.  Control of the boards should remain with the membership committee.  WVPE pledges so far total about $100.  Community Corner off to a good start.  Sharon resigned from the Caring Committee.  Charles has focused on contacting the minister when members had an issue in the past.  Janice has offered to send sympathy cards where needed.  For welcoming congregation month, several members are going to the OAC movie night and will be providing refreshments.  Thursday Oct. 11 is National Coming Out day and another thing we might participate in.  Power and Light Awards suggested to start in May.  Amy will email the calendar back to Tom/Emily.

Music:  Let Harvey know if you have some music you wish to suggest or contribute for services.  Rene, Emily Hecht, Sue Betz, and Kate are available for accompaniment at times, as well as Gretchen.  Discussion on special music for some Sundays; Freldman’s, Gretchen’s friend Pam, students at Andrews were among the suggestions.  There was also discussion about hiring a choir director at $50/wk and searching in the schools for this.  There needs to be a leader for this.  There is not currently money in the budget for this.  Special contributions for music could be requested.  Viola will check with Harvey to see who his contact is.

COSA/Welcoming congregation:  (See above under membership) Emily Hecht has expressed interest in working on COSA but there hasn’t been much action so far.  David will check with Emily to see if she is still interested.  The brochure for the October Welcoming Congregation services was presented.

Ministry/Care Team:  School is starting, a meeting has been scheduled with Viola.  Beth went to a meeting regarding Welcoming Congregations which was a good networking opportunity.  She suggested we resume the practice of submitting highlights from the board meeting for publication in the newsletter.

Other Business/Team Reports:  Beth will address in the newsletter column that we will be celebrating our 50^th reunion next year and looking for suggestions on how to best do this.  Viola suggests a Viennese ball.  There was discussion of the Chalice lighters grant.  The Michiana group is discussing a joint retreat.

The next meeting is 10/28/07, then a combined meeting for Nov/Dec. on 12/07/07.