COUNCIL’S CORNER: 

Your Congregation Council meeting Tuesday, July 14 was called to order by
Alvin Mills at 7pm

Pastor's Report: Pr Karen Erskine-Valentine reported that she and Alvin Mills have made six calls and provided communion for members who are sick or homebound.  Additional calls are planned for July and August.  In emergencies, Pastor Karen can be reached via Alvin Mills or Gary Kavanagh, by phone at 304-754-6239- home or via email at reversk@gmail.com.

Treasurer's Report:  Treasurer Pete Hinkle reported on the financial picture.  For the month of June, General Fund income totaled $4,685 and paid expenses totaling $5,958, leaving a net $1,273 deficit for the month.  The congregation also contributed $94 to the Future Growth Fund.  For our year-to-date, total contributions to the General Fund were $42,410, with expenses of $43,202, leaving a net deficit of $792.  The data indicates a continuing trend of monthly deficits during the summer months, with an upswing anticipated after Labor Day.

Draft Revised Constitution:  As approved by the Council at their June 9th meeting, the draft revised Constitution was submitted to the Synod June 12th for interim review and comment.  Synod comments have been received and incorporated, and the Council approved resubmitting the final draft.  The Council also tentatively scheduled a special congregational meeting for September 20th immediately following the worship service.  The purpose of this meeting is to provide for the first of two constitutionally-required congregational reviews of the two proposed amendments.  Specific details will be provided in the September newsletter and announced at two services prior to the meeting

Inactive Member Recovery: Council continues to urge all congregation members to contact and invite back those who have not been at services for awhile.

Christian Education Revitalization:  The Youth & Christian Education Committee met June 25th for initial organization and planning.  The organization is:   John Kluge - Committee Chairman, Coleen Kluge – Secretary, Missy Link - Sunday School Program Co-Chair, William and Jessica Reno and Coleen Kluge - Youth Program Co-Chairs, Gary Kavanagh – Adult Education Program Co-Chair and Andrew Black – Confirmation Co-Chair.  Additional members will be added in the future.  The Committee also planned for holding Vacation Bible School program July 13-17.  The next committee meeting is scheduled for July 23rd.

Communications:  Newsletter Editor Carol Kavanagh reported that feedback from the July Newsletter was very positive, and that the August newsletter is being prepared for distribution.  The mailing list has been updated to reflect the 29 email addresses received as well as required additions and deletions.

Nurture & Care: Chairman Alvin Mills accompanied Pastor Karen on six pastoral calls with communion in addition to several calls made alone to other members.  Preparations are being made to enlarger the group to augment the Pastor's visitations and to establish a Lay Eucharistic Ministry group.

Guest Preacher Scheduling:  VP Gary Kavanagh has the lead on scheduling the Guest Preachers.  The current schedule provides preachers through October 4th, and scheduling through the end of the year is in progress.

Stewardship/Evangelism Discussion: Synod Assistant to the Bishop Helen Harms, who is scheduled to preach July 26th, after which a special Council meeting will be held with Ms. Harms to discuss Stewardship and Evangelism program planning, for which she is a Synod resource person.  

Initial Worship Service Planning: The Council considers continuing one service following a Christian Education hour as the most prudent scheduling approach for the short term, subject to attendance increases.  The Council requested that President Alvin Mills advise the congregation during service announcements to solicit their comments regarding the single service plan.

Fellowship Room Flooring:  The Yard Sale Committee provided information on their proposal to install composite wood flooring in the Fellowship Room.  This has been the subject of several years' fund raising of approximately $6,000.  The Committee will investigate material and installation costs and other issues and provide their recommended plan at the August Council meeting.

The next Council meeting will be held August 11th.  All congregation members are invited to attend on a "voice, but no vote" basis.  Please contact Alvin Mills or Gary Kavanagh if you plan to address the Council or if you have suggested topics for discussion.