Leadership Council Minutes- November 2011

Northaven United Methodist Church
Leadership Council Meeting- Room 239
November 15, 2011 - 7 p.m.

Present:   Betty Boyer, Betsy Schenck, Marlene Haskell, Elaine Wiant, Terry Lowery, Dotti Timmins, Tom Timmins, Shirley Cooper, Beth Schuessler, Mindy Dague, Kathy Delsanter, Eric Folkerth, and Laurie Reichenbach.

 Betty Boyer called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.

Meditation:  Betsy Schenck

Approval of October 30, 2011 Leadership Council Minutes:  Betty motioned to approve the minutes after there was one change made that Carole Carsey should be moved from “Members present” instead of as a “Guest” since she is the residing Chair of Staff Parish.  Once the change was made, the motion was carried.

Leadership Chairperson’s Remarks:  Betty said that her last meeting as the Chair of Leadership Council will be at the morning meeting in January.  Betty appreciates everyone’s efficiency in their remarks and that we have had a good year.

Policy Statement on Misconduct of a Sexual Nature:  Eric Folkerth discussed the policy.  We have followed the guidelines in the past but this has been updated and presented to the Lay Leadership.  Eric recommended that the policy be reviewed on an annual basis. He would like for the Children’s Council and the Youth Council to also review the policy annually.  Staff Parish has suggested an annual criminal background checks on the Northaven Staff.  There was discussion about the teacher/child ratios and Beth Schuessler said that there are sufficient numbers of staff and there is a back-up plan if there is a need for additional staff.  In regards to internal policies, confidentiality is essential.  Everyone has rights including the person accused.  There was a question about removal of the accused and whether they would be paid or not.  Eric said that there is nothing stated in our policies about this which leaves us room to review it case by case.  Betty motioned to approve the policy and the motion was unanimously approved.  Eric passed out stickers that have been used in the pass.  The stickers question relationships and whether they are abusive or not.  Elaine Wiant suggested looking at other kinds of stickers and seeing what they have to offer.  The Family Place was suggested as a possible resource.  Eric mentioned that if the stickers were approved he could discuss the stickers first in a sermon to explain the purpose before displaying them.
Motion to Approve:  Northaven United Methodist Church Policy Statement on Misconduct of a Sexual Nature and Leadership Guidelines and Safety Standards for Children and Youth Events – Motion Approved.

Leadership Council Reports

Finance Report:  Report attached.  There was a discussion about why the budgeted income for the Contemplative Retreat was so high.  The income projected was $10,000.  It was explained that initially it was thought that Jim Finley would be coming but he was unable to come so Ruben Habito was scheduled instead.  It was also mentioned that many of the Contemplative expenses included the honorariums given to guest speakers for the 2nd Monday Series.  There was also discussion about the Trustees being over budget by $21,000 so far this year.  There have been many unplanned building expenses this year.

Staff Parish:  Report attached.

Covenant Funds:  Report attached.  There was a discussion about the damage done to the harbor by woodpeckers.

Trustees Report:  Report attached.  Eric spoke about the gas leak and the repair of the regulators.  We reminded everyone that we should call the plumber first before Atmos since the plumbers can turn the gas on and off while Atmos requires an inspection first and approval from the City of Dallas before turning the gas back on.  Eric also reported that we have a water leak upstairs in the mini-kitchen, but staff is looking into the needed repairs. 

Stewardship Report:  Report attached.  The update as of today is:  99 total pledges for a total of  $444,799. The average per pledge is $4493. 

Co-op Liaison:  No Report

Black Tie Dinner:  Laurie Reichenbach circulated the Black Tie Dinner book so everyone could see Northaven’s ad.  Laurie also put together a notebook for the next Black Tie Dinner Chair which explains everything the new chairperson needs to do and the deadlines.  Laurie has offered an orientation to the new chairperson.   Betsy Schenck suggested using the notebook at the Leadership Council planning meeting as an example of what each committee chairperson could put together for their successor.

Program Council:  Marlene Haskell reported that the Membership Committee, Shepherding Program was discussed at their meeting and ways to improve it and make it active again.  There was discussion of the “No Nut” policy for the church.  This applies to the Cookie Exchange, as well.  Program Council will not meet again until the January Leadership Council planning meeting.

History Project Update:  Tom Timmins reported that sales are slower than expected.   Many complimentary copies have been given out.  We have sales of  77 copies and an income of $1500.  E     To date, expenses are at approximately $9500.  When the DVD comes out, the book and DVD’s will be sold again in the Atrium.  Tom reported that Mary Beth Rogers has taken a fall and broke her arm and dislocated her shoulder.  He wanted the Care Team to be aware of this concern. Marlene also reported that Nancy Manien fell and broke her leg in 4 places.

Staff Reports

Co-op-See Attached.  Kathy said that the event’s purpose is for fun and not necessarily for profit. They made a profit of $2,000. Beth was impressed with the teen volunteers. Eric said that the event was well organized. There is a Barnes and Noble fundraiser for the Co-op and it will be in the Northaven newsletter and is posted on the bulletin.

Office Administrator Report- No Report

Minister of Children- Beth reported that they want to add a music, drama, and art camp in the summer. The name will be “Mad Camp”. Junior Players will give a proposal for the drama portion of the camp and Stephanie Rhoades will help with the music portion.  The planning is in the way. Reminder that the Family Advent program is coming up; the Chrismon Tree will include lots of arts and crafts.

Music and Arts- Stephanie asked that Betty remind everyone of the Ecumenical Thanksgiving at 5 p.m. Eric reported that he met with 2 of the staff of churches involved with the service. This could be a nice tradition that we are starting.  Eric reminded everyone that Christmas and New Year’s Day are both on Sundays this year. Special things are being planned for the Christmas Eve services.

Minister of Congregational Life- No Report

Senior Pastor- Jimmy Creech came to Northaven and it was a wonderful Faith Voices event. Eric said that Jimmy sold more books the week he was here than at any other time. Jimmy Creech was well received. Eric said that he has a good message and that he talks about how context is very important and that he thinks what Northaven is doing is great things. The Church Office will be closed part of next week and the Church office will be closed for the Christmas holidays and will reopen on Tuesday, January 3. Elaine mentioned that KERA advertising has really connected people to Northaven through Jimmy Creech. Eric said that Communications is seriously looking at the results of the advertising and wanting to continue it.
 Eric wanted to thank everyone for attending the Charge Conference. Betsy suggested that we think about how we want to be Northaven at future Charge Conferences in case it is held at Northaven.  Tom wants us to emphasize to others that we the reason we are having the retreats are to improve what we are doing. 

Closing Prayer

The next Leadership Council Meeting is January 7, 2012.