Present:

Members:  Richard Berndt, Emily Bettencourt, Sue Betz, Gary Cook, Amy Eklund, Kate Fuller, Marv Fuller, Harvey Johnson, Tricia Johnson, Teresa LaPlante, Beth Lefever, Charles Long, Dorothy Long, Viola Moore, Gretchen Ohmann , Walter Pascal, Sharon Roberts, David Sarra, Gloria Weberg, Heartha Whitlow, Gene Whitlow, Julie Williams, Janice Zerfas

Associates:  Evan LeFever, Jean Sharp, Mary Lou Elson

Guests:  Theresa and David Wilson

The meeting was called to order by David Sarra and a quorum established.

A motion was made by Walter to approve the minutes from last year’s annual meeting.  It was seconded by Marv Fuller.  Minutes were apporoved unanimously.

A request was made for suggestions for summer services, changes to directory, changes or additions to the committee list, or other suggestions to be submitted now or as soon as possible.

Presidents Report

The Presidents report was provided by David Sarra.   Mentioned were all the events that took place this year including, Bob Milne,  the service auction and the Cabaret.  There was a suggestion from the congregation that we talk with the Elkhart congregation about the service auction for suggestions on how we might improve upon it and smooth out some of the difficult spots we encountered.  David is working on an idea for an RE summer camp.

Committee on ministry report was given by Trisha; See attached report

Religious leaders report:  see attached report

Sunday service committee report was given by Harvey.  He has done the Sunday service planning pretty much singlehandedly.  He invited other folks to participate with him on the Sunday Service Committee in the coming here.   Several Sundays have already been planned for the summer.  The duties of the service committee were explained as making sure there is a speaker and music and to make sure that all the preparation necessary is being done.

Director of RE report:  Teresa has resigned as Director but will fill in until a replacement can be found.  She is grateful for the opportunity but needs to seek a full time job now so cannot devote the time needed to serve as Director.  See attached report.

Membership team report:  see attached report

Care Committee:  Charles stressed the importance of letting the Care Committee know when there were members who are in need.  Members/friends were invited to sign up for the Care Committee.  Charles explained the responsibilities of the Care Committee.

Endowment committee report:  See attached Endowment Fund history.   Questions were brought up regarding the distribution of the CO/SA money since a portion was to go to VIA and there was no activity there.  There are $1800 available for next year for CO/SA activities.  Correction to report under Restricted Fund it should read 75% income, 25% growth instead of 24%.

Community Outreach/Social Action report: Trisha spoke with Emily H and there has been no proposal submitted for use for next year.  The suggestion is to request additional time to come up with that proposal.  A congregational meeting must be called and the new proposal voted upon when it is ready.  The money should not be withdrawn until it has been spent.  The Crop walk was an activity that did not require congregational fund.  (see attached for COSA report)

Facilities/Building and Grounds Committee Report:  Bea was unable to present the report.  Much discussion was on the parking lot and going green (porous which would not allow runoff carrying contaminants into the water table….would be very expensive (like the entire budget)  Dave is hoping to look into further grants for such a project.  Also there was a suggestion for a contest for replacing the sign at the side of the road.  The requirements for the sign contest were not determined.

Administrator’s Report:  Gretchen asked about the feedback for the online newsletter.  She is hoping to make further changes to make the submissions easier and have less technical requirements.  She spent many hours this year getting the bookkeeping things set up on Quickbooks.

Finance Committee/Treasurer’s Report/Budget for FY 2008-08:  See attached budget/report

An expanded report showing breakdown of categories was requested and was distributed to those interested.

This year’s budget reflects more accurate accounting of expenses for having an involved minister.  Travel expenditures rose significantly.

A suggestion was made that the current budget and the proposed budget be published in the newsletter so that the congregation can review it before the meeting next year.

Lack of communication was suggested as a reason that the number of voting members has dropped to half.  A suggestion was made that more information should to be included in the “church notes” in the paper.

A suggestion was made that we eliminate the category of associate member.

A motion was made that we accepted the proposed budget for next year by Heartha and seconded by Viola.  The motion passed.

Nominating Committee

A)      Two members to serve on the nominating committee for 2 year terms—Walter and Sue have accepted nomination.

B)     1 member to serve 3 year term on Endowment committee—No nominees have been identified prior to the meeting though there have been some who were pursued.  Endowment committee would like to nominate Dave Sarra.

C)     3 members to serve 2 year terms on Board of Trustees—Jim Dalgleish and Chris Sorotiak have accepted nomination.  Janice Zerfas was nominated from the floor.  Nominating committee accepted this nomination and Janice accepted as well.  Walter moved, Marv seconded to accepted the slate of officers.  Motion passed unanimously.

CO/SA committee must notify the board who must then notify the congregation when their proposal for spending the money is ready.

Further comments:  It was suggested that the minutes be included in the newsletter for the coming year.  It was suggested that we update the board member photos by the door to reflect the new board.

A motion to adjourn was made by Emily.  Viola seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.