Leadership Council Minutes- September 2011

Northaven United Methodist Church
Leadership Council Meeting- Room 239
September 27, 2011- 7 p.m.

Those Present: Marlene Haskell, Elaine Wiant, Terry Lowery, Dotti Timmins, Tom Timmins, Shirley Cooper, Beth Schuessler, Mindy Dague, Kathy Delsanter, Eric Folkerth, Mary Clair Lowrance,
and  Dick Weaver.

Elaine Wiant called the meeting to order on behalf of the chair, Betty Boyer, who will be arriving late.

Meditation – Shirley Cooper

Approval of August 23, 2001 Minutes - Elaine motioned to approve the minutes and the motion carried.

Leadership Chairperson’s Remarks:  (Betty arrived and chaired the remainder of the meeting)
Betty thanked Marlene Haskell and Betsy Schenck for their work on the surveys that helped Draft night to be such a success.  The Annual Charge Conference is at Preston Hollow UMC on October 30 beginning with a worship service at 6 p.m.  Our monthly leadership meeting will be after the worship service when we break into small groups.  At some point during our meeting we will break for the Charge Conference and then if necessary resume our meeting at the conclusion of the conference.


Leadership Council Reports:

Finance Report - See Attached
Terry Lowery said that we are $16,000 ahead of budget at this time.  The Finance Committee has been meeting with committees on budget development.  Tom said that we have never looked so good at this point in time in terms of meeting our budget.  Tom Timmins had questions about groups that have under spent so far and whether their plans had fallen through.  Marlene said she will look into it and will address it at the next Program Council meeting. Marlene reported that the new chairs may not have been aware of their budget. Trustees have over spent by $10,000. Dick commented that the trustees are planning on looking at the expenses and will report on them at the next meeting. A big portion of the expense was on a new lighting board and adjustments that had to be made.

Staff Parish – Carole Carsey will be standing in for Jim McBride while he has surgery.  See attached report.

Covenant Fund - See attached report from Dotti Timmins.

Trustees Report – See attached report from Dick Weaver.

Stewardship Report – See attached report from Betty Boyer.

Human Development Fund – Elaine reported there are six new members serving on HDF since Draft night.  These new members were identified from the survey.

Lay Member to Annual Conference – Shirley Cooper reported that Love Your Neighbor is the running theme this year.  The Parents Reconciling Network is having an all-day meeting at Northaven on October 8.  Training will be provided in the morning.  Lunch will be served for $7. In the afternoon, the Annual Conference Teams will be meeting.  The flyer is attached for reference.  The assigned working groups will be calling delegates this year.  Eric reported that after talking to others that he his hearing that many of the delegates think something should change but that they are not exactly sure what it should look like yet.

Co-op Liaison – No Report

Black Tie Dinner – No Report.  It was noted that the BTD is Sold Out.  Terry will be sending out volunteer assignments soon.

Program Council Report – Marlene Haskell is pleased with results of the last Program Council meeting. There was a good turnout and it helped looking at the calendar and planning for future events.  See attached report.

History Project Update- Tom Timmins reported that the Northaven history book is being delivered to his home tonight.  They will be looking over the proof copy before it goes to print.  Tom asked for approval of the marketing guide.  Betty asked for approval and Elaine seconded the motion and it carried. Discussion ensued and Elaine asked if we could make a deal if you buy the total package.  The recommendation was made to charge $17 for a book, $5 for a DVD, or $20 as a package deal.  Betty made a motion for approval with the added amendment of a different pricing structure and the motion unanimously carried.

Staff Reports:

Co-op – See attached report from Kathy Delsanter.

Administration Report – See attached report from Mindy Dague.

Minister of Children – See attached report from Beth Schuessler.

Worship and Arts – Eric reported in Stephanie Rhoades’ absence.   A reminder was given of the upcoming Marshall Hymn Festival and that Blue Bell is donating an ice cream cooler for the afternoon for the ice cream social.  A big crowd showed up for the rehearsal and there is an expectation of it being quite a large event. Special musical pieces never heard before at Northaven will be presented at this event.  Some of the pieces were written by special commission and may have been played only one time.  The Children’s Choir is doing well.  Seven children have joined the hand chimes group.  There are exciting plans being made for the Advent season.

Minister of Congregational Life – See attached report from Mary Clair Lowrance.

Senior Pastor- Eric Folkerth reported that the Feast of Beginnings had a lot of positive energy and that we have extraordinary programs coming up.  The Marshall’s  Hymn Festival, Owen Ross speaking at Faith Voices of Justice, Michael Hawn being featured at the Second Monday program, and Rev. Jimmy Creech.   Lately, lots of families with young children have been attending. Eric believes that they will be joining soon.  Eric is excited about the many new developments.  Tom asked about the people that have been leaving the church.  New members have approached Eric and said that they are having a hard time connecting.   Some people have left. It is easy for people to be welcomed and to join but it is on the deeper level of connecting with others that they are struggling with.  They are seeking friendships.  The Northaven 101 and Dinner for Friends really help people to create friendships and to connect.  Eric said that we should really encourage people to attend these types of programs.

Closing Prayer – Eric Folkerth

The next Leadership Council Meeting is at Charge Conference on October 30 at 6 pm, Preston Hollow UMC.