Church Board Newsletter

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0 height="100%"><tr> <td valign="top" width=180 BGCOLOR="#003399" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <IMG SRC="b77506d0.jpg" border=0 width="80" height="109" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <B>St. John's UCC</B></div> <div> 606 N. 5th St.</div> <div> Vincennes, IN 47591</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="St. Johns United Church of Christ"><U>Home Page</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="meet_our_pastor.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Meet Our Pastor"><U>Meet Our Pastor</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="calendar.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Monthly Calendar"><U>Calendar</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Newsletter"><U>Newsletter</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="about_our_church.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="About Our Church"><U>About Our Church</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="mission_outreach.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Mission/Outreach"><U>Mission/Outreach</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="music.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Music Ministry"><U>Music</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="education.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Education"><U>Education</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="fellowship.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Fellowship"><U>Fellowship</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="committees.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Committees Specific information"><U>Committees</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="what_we_believe.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="What We Believe"><U>What We Believe</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="church_history.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Church History"><U>Church History</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="contact_staff.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Contact/Staff"><U>Contact/Staff</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="photo_albums.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE=" St. Johns UCC Photo Gallery"><U>Photo Albums</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="links.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Links"><U>Links</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="preschool.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Preschool"><U>Preschool</U></A></div> <bR> </td> <td valign="top" BGCOLOR="#CCFFCC" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <I><B> Church Board Highlights</B></I></div> <div> <I>By Cyndi Glass, Church Board Secretary</I></div> <bR> <div> <B>Next meeting: May 19, 7 PM</B></div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG SRC="20727b1c0.jpg" border=0 width="379" height="284" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="7" VSPACE="0">April 21, 7 PM</B></div> <div> The Church Board met on Monday, April 21, at 7 PM. Our big roofing project was discussed at length, including the needed guttering and fascia repairs as well as a possible rebate on the old Parsonage shingles. We're happy to report that donations and the Sinking Fund should cover the roofing expenses.  A representative from the Search Committee updated us on the financial package they would like to offer to a new Associate Pastor. However, the Finance Committee and Church Board are very concerned about a financial shortfall in the general & benevolent funds due to decreased pledges for 2008...a shortfall which will make it difficult to cover current expenses, let alone fund a new Associate Pastor full-time position.  Good news: The Pipe Organ is finished and will return to St. John's during the week of May 19!  Much thanks to Mike Lankford and Harold Lambertson for their work on filling in the "pit" and installing the beautiful new flooring.  Several special Sundays are coming up at St. John's, along with the return of the early morning Sunday worship services (at 8:30 AM this year). The Evangelism & Membership Committee has been extremely busy thinking up ways to attract new members and welcome visitors, and three new members joined in April. The Committee Review Task Force is working on consolidating the current committee structure into seven committees (with more subcommittees) and hopes to have something to present in late summer. The Vision Implementation Committee distributed a list of changes and improvements they would like made. We will be working on organizing the Emergency Closet. Some St. John's members will be attending the UCC Wabash Valley Association Visioning Meeting on May 4. Finally, the Board welcomes our new Church Secretary, Angela Bolenbaugh. A Reception for retiring Church Secretary, Bert Julian, will be immediately after church on Sunday, May 4. The Church Board deeply appreciates and thanks her for many years of service! Our next meeting is May 19 at 7 PM. </div> <bR> <div> <B>March 24, 7 PM</B></div> <div> The Church Board met on March 24 at 7 PM. Financial concerns were discussed at length as well as the Associate Pastor Search Committee and benefit package. We voted to accept the Personnel Committee's recommendation to hire a new Church Secretary.  Our Holy Week services were moving, beautiful, and well-attended.   Thanks to Bert Julian for her beautiful a capella rendition of "Were You There."  Rev. George will be preaching on April 20 in Rev. Kate's absence. The church has a new oxygen tank to help anyone who may need it during worship services or church functions. It will be stored in the emergency closet (in Memorial Hall) with instructions so that anyone will be able to use it. The Organ Pit will be filled in soon, as the refurbished organ will be returning. In addition to that, some of the ancient wiring up behind the pipes was redone. We discussed roofing and guttering projects that must be done. All three of our new committees met in March and are working well (Vision Implementation, Committee Review, and Associate Pastor Search Team). The church's CCLI (copyright license) has been renewed. We will have new members joining in April, and the Evangelism & Membership Committee is working on ways to be welcoming to visitors, guests and new members.  </div> <bR> <div> <B>February 18, 2008, 7 PM</B></div> <div> Newly installed Church Board President Brad Summers presided over the first Church Board meeting of 2008. We're excited about Holy Week plans, as well as being host again this year for the community Good Friday ecumenical service (12:15 PM).  All plans are in place for the Purdue Glee Club appearance  during our March 30  worship service. We discussed the Executive Secretary position, which is being advertised in the local newspaper and on our website. The Church Board will meet with Thomas Webster to discuss selection of the Associate Pastor Search Team, as well as what procedure to follow. Several members of St.  John's will be attending the E-Coach Training event at Merom to work on evangelism skills.</div> <bR> <div> The various committees at St. John's are electing new officers and beginning their 2008 projects. We're very grateful  to everyone who has volunteered/agreed to be on our three new committees: Visioning Implementation, Committee  Review and Associate Pastor Search Team. The Board of Christian Education is finalizing plans for the Tennessee  Work Trip in July. The Finance Committee reminds everyone of correct voucher use procedures.   Roof repairs and guttering are needed, and the House Committee is handling estimates for those, as well as working on raising the "organ pit" in preparation for the return of our restored Pipe Organ. The Music & Worship Committee is renewing the church's copyright license and working on replacing the choir loft railing with something removable but sturdy. Finally, the Church Board voted to accept the Evangelism & Membership Committee's recommendation of moving Fellowship Time to immediately after the 10:30 Worship Service in order that we can welcome visitors and get to know them after they have worshipped with us.</div> <bR> <div> Our next meeting will be March 17, at 7 PM.  If anyone would like to get involved in a committee, the complete list (with descriptions) is available <A HREF="committees.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Committees Specific information"><U>here</U></A>.  Widely varying skills and talents are needed, and it's a wonderful way to get involved, make friends, and make a difference!</div> <bR> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="437" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#003399" BORDERCOLORDARK="#003366" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#EEEEEE > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 645 WIDTH="425"><div> <B>January 20 Annual Congregational Meeting</B></div> <div> At the Congregational Meeting, conducted by Church Board President Sheri Stodghill, we covered many important matters in the life of St. John's.</div> <bR> <div>  First we discussed the 2007 Financial Analysis and the 2007 and 2008 Faith Commitments. The good news:2007 ended with us in the black for the first time in a few years. The bad news: Faith Commitments are down for 2008. </div> <bR> <div> Next, our five newly nominated Church Board members were presented and approved by Congregational vote. They are Ed Cummings, Brenda Fillingim, Terry Goodman, Mark Welte and Donnie Black. </div> <bR> <div> The Annual Report, including the committees' annual reports, was approved as well. </div> <bR> <div> The major issue of the day was the new full-time staff position of Associate Pastor. After a question and answer session with many thoughtful comments, we took a paper ballot vote, in which the Congregation voted to go ahead with this much-needed next step in the growth of our church. As our current Budget shows a potential shortfall (based on Faith Commitments), we ask that the Congregation take this leap of faith with us in order to keep St. John's relevant and growing over the next years. </div> <bR> <div> Some other items that were briefly discussed included the Safe Child Policy, the Emergency Preparedness Policy, the three new one-year committees that will be formed next month (Committee Review Task Force, Associate Pastor Search Committee and Vision Implementation Committee), as well as the retirement of our Church Secretary, Bert Julian. </div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> <B>January 21, 2008, 7 PM</B></div> <div> The Church Board welcomes new members Ed Cummings, Mark Welte, Brenda Fillingim, Terry Goodman and Donnie Black. Officers for 2008 are: Brad Summers (President), Nancy Stultz (Vice-President), Secretary (Cyndi Glass), and Treasurer (Ed Cummings). Board representatives for each church committee were also assigned, so if you or your committee have something you'd like brought to the Church Board, be sure to tell your Board representative.</div> <bR> <div> Rev. Kate reported that services for Ash Wednesday and Holy Week/Easter are fully planned out. St. John's will again host the Community Good Friday service for Vincennes. We will be looking into buying an oxygen tank for medical purposes. Plans are afoot for work camps in St. Louis and the Appalachians, and the Preschool is looking into adding afternoon classes next Fall. Our church committees are organizing for the new year right now, so if you have ever wanted to get more involved in the church and make new friends, this would be an excellent time! Last, but definitely not least, the Board is very pleased with the Congregation's willingness to stand behind our recommendation to hire an Associate Pastor.</div> <bR> <div> We would like to remind everyone of Invite-A-Friend / Nametag Sunday on February 3. We will be having Fellowship Time *after* church that Sunday so that everyone can visit with our guests and welcome them. Please bring a friend, co-worker, family member, neighbor...anyone you'd like to bring along! Thanks to the Evangelism & Membership Committee for this great idea!</div> <bR> <div> The Church Board is deeply appreciative of our out-going Board Members for all their hard work: Peggy Meyer, Lonny Vieck, Ray Pieper, Brenda Roark and Ruth Varns. Thank you so much for your service to St. John's! </div> <bR> <div> <B>January 7 Church Board Special Meeting, 7 PM</B></div> <div> We had an extra meeting on Jan. 7 to prepare for the Annual Congregation meeting. We discussed at length the 2007 and 2008 Faith Commitments as well as the Financial Analysis for 2007 and Budget for 2008. Then we turned to the proposed Associate Pastor position, deciding on a salary & benefits and going over the job description. </div> <bR> <div> <B>Dec. 17, 2007, 7 PM</B></div> <div> Everyone is ready for Christmas, and the Church Board is no exception. We enjoyed such an awesome Children's Christmas program and lovely music by the Sanctuary Choir, Jubilatés and Joyful Sounds Handbell Choir. The Advent Candle Lighting and liturgies have been beautiful, as well as the stunning decorations (much thanks to Donnie Black and his helpers!).  </div> <bR> <div> In other church matters, Rev. Kate will be taking the Confirmation Class to Merom for a retreat in late January. We discussed a portion of the Facility Policy in regards to lending chairs and tables, and there will be no change in that policy. We're still working on plans for the Klein and Bell Houses. Rev. Kate will have assistance from Peter Haskins with home communion this Christmas season. We discussed and passed the year-end staff bonuses and raises, as well as recommendations from the Stewardship Committee. The Pastoral Relations Committee has been reactivated. The After-School coffeehouse will fold temporarily due to low attendance & staffing issues. We will review in a year, possibly under supervision of the Associate Pastor if we hire one. The Church Board will have a special meeting on Jan. 7 at 7 PM to discuss finances and the Associate Pastor job description. </div> <bR> <div> The Nominating Committee has five nominees for open positions on the 2008 Church Board: Brenda Fillingim, Mark Welte, Terry Goodman, Ed Cummings and Donnie Black. We will present them for Congregational Vote at the Annual Congregational Meeting on Jan. 20. The 2008 Church Board (current and new members) will be installed during the worship service on Sunday, Feb. 3. </div> <bR> <div> <B>December 2, 2007, 9:15 AM</B></div> <div> A quick meeting was called to discuss formation of the new Task Forces. We also voted to ask Peter Haskins (an ordained pastor) to help Rev. Kate with Home Communion to our members who are homebound or in nursing home facilities.</div> <bR> <div> <B>November 19, 2007</B></div> <div> Plans are in place for Memorial Sunday, as well as many Advent and Christmas activities. The Church Board is working on finding new members for 2008 to replace those going off the Board at the end of their terms. Please prayerfully consider serving St. John's in this way if you are called. We're also working on plans for the Bell & Klein Houses and a revision of the Facility Policy Book.</div> <bR> <div>  There will be two new Task Forces formed. One Task Force will work during 2008 to re-evaluate and possibly restructure our church committees to better serve our current needs. The other Task Force will work on ways to implement the church vision as given to us by the Congregation and the Visioning Committee, including moving from a "pastoral size" church to a "program" church. Information on all of this will be provided to the Congregation. Part of this exciting challenge is the creation of the full-time Associate Pastor position, based on the work of the Visioning Committee, in preparation for the Congregational Vote (don't miss the Congregational Meeting on January 20, 2008!). </div> <bR> <div> The House Committee has been hard at work keeping St. John's beautiful and functional - you may have noticed our new directional signs and our new church sign on 5th and Hart Streets, and we'll soon be getting some new parking lot signs and repairing some guttering. The Personnel Committee has completed files and job descriptions for all paid staff positions. The Recreation Committee presented a possible new activity for St. John's: an All-Church Paoli Peaks Ski Outing. Watch the bulletin board for a sign-up sheet and more information. </div> <bR> <div> <B>October 15, 2007</B></div> <div> So many good things happening lately in the life of St. John's! From the potential new members to the new backdoor entry flooring, from the KIDS Hope enthusiasm to the fantastic and generous response to our "Pipes of Glory" Campaign, we have much to be thankful for. The Nominating Committee will soon be approaching people to serve on the Church Board, so please give prayerful consideration if you are asked to serve in this important work for the church. In addition to our new church dinner committee, we're also forming a Decorating Committee, headed by Donny Black, to make sure the church is inviting and welcoming for our three large holidays (Easter, Christmas and Harvest Home). Plans are afoot for Memorial Sunday, Advent, Christmas, and the Women's Retreat at Merom. Next year's church picnic will also be at Merom, restoring a great tradition and fond memories. A new Confirmation class begins this month, and our new directional signs will be ordered soon as well. You may also notice some construction on 5th and Hart: our new St. John's United Church of Christ sign! </div> <bR> <div> <B>September 17, 2007</B></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="237" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#996600" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#FFCC80 > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 172 WIDTH="225"><div> <B>Reminder:</B> If an individual or committee needs to charge a purchase to the church or pays in advance and needs reimbursement, the Church Board requires that a pink voucher slip be filled out in the church office so that the correct fund can be billed/charged. </div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> Fall is in the air, with busy schedules resuming, including many activities here at St. John's. The Church Board is pleased with the well-attended All-Church Picnic, the Mission and Ministry Fair, the Church Office remodeling, and the Congregational vote to restore the Pipe Organ. Another joy is that the KIDS HOPE Program has doubled in size and has enough Mentors! October will bring new members to St. John's: the five Confirmands as well as some others. A St. Thomas Mass will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 9 (5:30 PM) here at St. John's, so don't miss it! We hope that everyone enjoyed the displays at the Mission & Ministry Fair, and that you will join in - we have lots of committees and outreach groups that would love to have you! We voted to form a new Church Dinner committee, so if you're interested in helping with that, please let one of us know! We're also looking for volunteer rotational Sunday School teachers. Committees have been busy with new events and projects, such as a new floor covering for our back entryway, the Nine to Dine Wiener Roast, some indoor directional signs, a new receiver for the Theatre Room, a new Portable Sound System Policy, next year's All-Church Picnic, and even the Christmas Eve services!</div> <bR> <div> <B>Congregational Meeting - September 16, 2007</B></div> <div> A Congregational Meeting took place after the Worship Service, with 89 members present. Sheri Stodghill (Church Board President) and Becky Brockman (Music Facilitator) gave a brief presentation about the Pipe Organ Revitalization. Members voted to move forward with the project. After that, Lonny Vieck gave a brief report on the Visioning Committee's findings and the need for a new Associate Pastor. </div> <bR> <div> <B>August 20, 2007</B></div> <div> Plans are underway for the beginning of our new Church Year, with Sunday School, Fellowship Time and Sanctuary Choir resuming. Most exciting is the Mission and Ministry Fair (Sept. 9), an opportunity for church members to find out more about what each Committee and Group contributes to the workings of St. John's. It's always fun to discuss plans for the All-Church Picnic, a beautiful and fun-filled day of fellowship. The House Committee has been working hard and has many projects in progress to improve the church and its grounds. Check out Rev. Kate and Bert's newly remodeled offices! The Organ Campaign Committee is preparing for the Special Congregational Meeting on Sept. 16 (after church). We're very pleased with the successful and well-attended Softball League season, with 23 players who had a great time. Most committees have had a chance to relax this summer, but fall approaches with projects and plans for all. We're also thinking about creating a new committee which would solely handle church dinners...would you be interested? Stay tuned for more details. </div> <bR> <div> <B>July 16, 2007</B></div> <div> We have much to celebrate this summer - a typically busy summer in the life of St. John's. The New Orleans Work Trip, while sobering in its reminder of the city's realities, was very productive, and we thank the participants who gave up their time and worked so hard to help. Our float in the local 4th of July parade was a great joy, as well as the Softball League and the great attendance for our special UCC 50th Anniversary Worship Service (the Church Board thanks Rev. Kate and Rev. George for sharing their experiences!)  With Kickoff Sunday, the Mission & Ministry Fair, the All-Church Picnic and the resuming of Sanctuary Choir and Joyful Sounds handbell performances, we have lots to look forward to. We welcome new Preschool Assistant, April Brown. Good news: Sanctuary Choir Director Mike Burns will be extending his contract for another year! The House committee has been hard at work on many projects around the church and its grounds. We will soon have some new directional signs as well as our new outdoor brick sign on Fifth and Hart. New policies are in place for holiday Sunday School (which will be held regardless of holidays, if we have a worship service), and the Portable Sound System (see Bert in the Church Office). The Caregivers Committee is in need of volunteers to give rides to the elderly.  We will have a Congregational Meeting on Sept. 16 to discuss the Visioning Committee results and the Pipe Organ Revitalization. </div> <bR> <div> <B>June 18, 2007</B></div> <div> The Church Board welcomed guests Denise Haase (new Preschool Director) and Becky Brockman (Music Facilitator). The Preschool is on its way to a bright future with Denise. We're excited about the 50th Anniversary of the UCC, the All-Church Picnic, and a successful turnout for both Vacation Bible School and the St. John's Visioning Town Meeting. A new Safe Child Policy and Emergency Preparedness Plan are now in place. Plans were also discussed for a remodeling of the church office. We offer our prayers and encouragement to the Youth and other church members who are traveling to New Orleans for the Work Trip. </div> <bR> <div> You may rest assured that the Church Board is leaving no stone unturned in its quest for the right way to approach the much-needed revitalization and refurbishment of our 1930 Pipe Organ. We thank Becky Brockman for her informative and detailed presentation as well as all the work she and the Organ Committee will be doing over the next few months. Please attend the Congregational Meeting after the 10:30 Worship Service on September 16 if you have any comments, questions, or feedback about this process, as this is a project that requires a Congregational Vote. </div> <bR> <div> <B>April 16 & May 21, 2007</B></div> <div> Many plans are being made for summer Worship Services, including the June 24 service honoring the 50th Anniversary of the United Church of Christ. Our congregation has been enjoying the new coffee bar provided by the Youth. We will be working on an Emergency Preparedness Plan, a Church Inventory, and a Safe Child Policy over the next few months. We welcome Denise Haase as our new Preschool Director. </div> <bR> <div> Our Visioning Committee is working hard to compile surveys for the Congregational Town Meeting in June.  This is a very important process to determine the vision & future of St. John's, as well as staffing needs, and we need all church members to give their input. Much thanks to all of you who completed and turned in surveys. </div> <bR> <div> Our largest area of discussion currently is the Pipe Organ, and its need for a complete refurbishment and restoration. The Pipe Organ is an original from 1930 and last received an minimal update over 20 years ago. In addition to the organ work, we plan to eliminate the organ pit. This is a significant financial investment in our church, requiring much planning, discussion, and an eventual vote from the Congregation. </div> <bR> <div> Our committees are hard at work planning Summer Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Nine to Dine, Softball Tournaments, the 4th of July float, and the All-Church Picnic. Construction will begin soon on our new sign at 5th and Hart, to be completed by Labor Day. The House Committee will be working hard as well on new paint and carpeting for the church offices. The Technology Committee is pleased to report that it's now possible to record church services on CD or DVD (audio). </div> <bR> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="id581.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Fellowship Adults"><U><IMG SRC="11e6440f0.gif" border=0 width="68" height="15" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">  </U></A></FONT><A HREF="id581.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Fellowship Adults"><U>(to Adult Fellowship Page) </U></A><A HREF="id581.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Fellowship Adults"><U> </U></A>  **    <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="newsletter.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Newsletter"><U><IMG SRC="11e6440f0.gif" border=0 width="68" height="15" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">  </U></A></FONT><A HREF="newsletter.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Newsletter"><U>(to Newsletter Page)</U></A></div> </td> </tr></table></body>