Salem United Methodist Church Council Meeting, October 4, 2009

Present:  Doug and Cheryl VanVenrooij, Keith Pond, Kris and Sarah Huckaba, Harold and Bernadine Morris, Chris and Lori Page, Irice Sipes, Thomas Hudson, Sandra Hudson, Kathleen Walker, Bro Jaimie, and visitor district chancellor, Bro David Hoffman.

Bro. Jaimie opened with a prayer.  Sarah gave a short devotional.  She volunteered her mother, Charlotte, to give the devotional at the next meeting.

 Doug presided.

Pastor's Report:  We have been working with the Wesley Foundation at UCA to encourage college students to come to Salem.  Jeremy and Patti Carson are helping with this.  Charge conference is approaching.  Our food pantry is closed for a while because the people who work it are on vacation.  We need more food pantry workers.  Bro Jaimie has been in contact with a group that runs a ranch to helpl adults and youth who need rehabilitation.  They are called Renewal Ranch.

Stewardship:  All current bills are paid.  We are about $30,000 behind in our apportionment.

Nurture and Hospitality:  The shepherding groups were a huge success.  All had a good turnout.  Charlotte and Sarah are going to set up some guide lines.

Family Ministry:  The children are studying the life of Jesus.  The youth are going trick or treating for UNICEF.  All are encouraged to attend CityFest.

Communications:  Kris is working on changing the form of the directory.  Maybe give each family a whole page so they could include a little bit about themselves if they choose.  This way it would be easier to add or delete a page.  We could provide our own binders.  Cheryl moved and Kathleen seconded that he continue this process.  Hearing devices for churcdh are still in the working.

Youth:  Chris reported that the youth are going to participate in CityFest.  They are going to paint Bro Bill's house.  They are willing to work for church members if needed.  Since pictures are taken while they work, Christ  wondered if parental consent was needed to post them on our website.  He was told yes.

UMW:  Irice reported that there are 10 active women in UMW at this time.  They are working on the in-gathering and also on the chili/soup meal.  They have pledged $300 toward missions.  They attended district conference at Concord and were awarded several certificates praising their work, such as Mile of Pennies.

SPR:  Kathleen reported on the up coming bazaar and pancake breakfast.  The date is November 7.  All areas of the church are encouraged to participate.  Each Sunday School class is asked to make up a large basket to be given away at a drawing.  Persons can make a donation and get a ticket for the drawing.  Last year this event brought in $2000.  The money was used for the playground, Christmas baskets, and Angel Tree.  A lengthy discussion ensued about the distribution of this year's money.  Kris moved and Kathleen seconded that 70% of the money be paid toward the apportionment; up to 30% of the money be used for the Angel Tree and Chrismas baskets; and if any is left, it will go toward the playground.  The motion passed.

Trustees:  Tom reported that the balance owed on our loan was printed in the latest newsletter.  We have a balloon loan.  Tom Baxter is working on the inventory.  New insurance contract is due.  Ed Moffitt said repairs of the roof will come to about $600.  A repairman is coming on Monday, October 5, to fix the dishwasher.  The trustees will check to be sure we have enough handicap parking.  They are also checking on lighting in the parking lot.  There is $869 left in the playground fund.

Doug declared the meeting adjourned at 8:35.

Next meeting will be Sunday, December 6, at 7:00 P. M.

Respectfullly submitted:  Sandra Hudson