I just want everyone to know that I appreciate the existence of this church. I appreciate what you do individually and collectively. So, though I may not be involved, I am aware and I do know your importance to the universal spirit which I believe connects us all. Thank you. I wish everyone health, happiness, peace and acceptance - acceptance of self and of others. coleen woody
NORMAN UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST MEETING OF THE TRUSTEES – December 1, 2008 Location: Mayflower Congregational Church, Oklahoma City, OK Attending: Jan Greene, Jay Gunning, Kay Holladay, Nancy Logan (Chair), Judith Maute, Matt Wright • Financial Management Practices – Financial management policies and procedures were discussed: system of reimbursement for budgeted items (with invoice and receipts), petty cash (agreed not an acceptable practice), payables request form, processing of deposit slips, coding income and expenses in order to produce a detailed monthly report, and conducting an outside audit when revenue reaches approximately $100,000. • Oklahoma-Kansas Conference Grant – The conference grant to help support the pastor’s salary will continue for another year. The 2009 budget, which was approved at the November 2nd Trustees meeting, was reviewed with the Mayflower accountant, Jan Greene.
Norman United Church of Christ Deacons meeting – Dec 14, 2008 at First Presbyterian Church. Attendees: Gail and Jay Gunning, Harriet Bohanan, Don Holladay, Kelly Crawford, Anna Holloway, Chris Moore, Terry and Carol Holliman 1. Prayer by Chris 2. Top areas of interest based on volunteer list – small group formation, church social events, greeter (worship service), social justice project 3 Sign up of greeters – Hollimans weekly call for help from existing volunteers is current process. Chris wants greeting as a natural process. No sign up sheet which has the feel of a “task”. Keep it the way it is. 4. Social events – need someone who coordinates and ensure it progresses. Gail willing organize one event. No one volunteered for the broad role. Chris suggests that Gail do the first one and then see what happens. Gail agreed. First event would be next year. 5. Small group formation. Harriett has background. Anna has offered to be resource. Harriett discussed the “why”. Good way to live out our faith. Can create powerful bond to Christ and to church. Model can be less emphasis on leaders of small groups but rather facilitate. Considerations – location (convenient), people mix, curriculum (book, video, …) Group facilitator and group host are usually different. Chris expressed need to not have this be perfect. Sojourner model discussed – broad topic, ability to bring in local speakers, booklet etc Size – 3 min, 8-10 ideal, over 10 can create issues (huddle factor). Keep it organic. Stay in one group to build up trust but also be ok to move to others. Purpose – be in fellowship, create relationships. How many can our congregation support – one to see what happens, or 2 on two different times? How start? – One group that trains the leaders – then grow. Need to get all of them on the same page. Set up tables for lunch and that makes the group for that time. 3 key components – friendship, curriculum, service Anna – Unitarian examples – focus on common interests – choir, sewing group, watch movies – may have nothing to do with church stuff. Once a year have a social event that shares what each group does. Kelly volunteered to be coordinator. But has responsibilities for Jan/Feb – robotics. Potential facilitators – Matt and Erika, Don and Kay, Anna. We should open up to anyone else who is interested. Hope is that this helps us build. Training can be done in 4 weeks. Harriett has offered to do this training. Time commitment – eg 3 months then month off, meet 3 of 4 weeks in the month? Date for kickoff – Don offered at his house – will confirm. 2nd Monday – 19th, 26, Feb 2nd, 9th. 1028 Connelly Lane. 6:30 – 8:30pm. 6. Terry reviewed items that we will need to move to next meeting – how make worship service more sticky, Chris’ list of deacon duties, organization/formalization of deacon role into charter when needed. Chris wants to be sure we leave room to develop, but also leverage past experiences/models. 7. How come up with our “brand” – who we are and what we do? We are overshadowed by this building. Chris – early church model – actions defined who we are. What we do in worship really matters. Explain bowl. Other things just to be experienced. Can greeters help more – e.g. explain last song of the service? Anna – we are a church in conversation. Idea – have readings within the group – do across the aisle. Need volunteer category to prepare worship and help Chris out. Gail specifically volunteered. Terry – we should bring out significance of candles, bowl, offering (bring it forward for blessing). Chris - Change to fair trade baskets again. Anna - Not evident in the service – inclusion of family and children – noisy offering – spare change in a bucket given to local charity.
