January 17, 2010

The Avalon United Methodist Church Council met at 6:45 on January 17, 2010. Dot McClain opened the meeting and welcomed new members. Her devotional addressed creating settings where men, women, and children can enter into life-changing relationships with God. She took excerpts from Learning To Love Jesus, His Works and His word And the song, “Lord, Speak To Me”. She quoted from the Workers’ Prayer that we must care about unbelievers before we can lead them to Christ.

Sheila Creel called the roll and submitted the minutes from the last meeting for additions or corrections. The minutes were approved by motion from James Ivey and second from Lynne Haggerty. All committee chairmen were reminded to schedule at least one meeting per quarter.

Dot called for Committee Reports:

Finance-Lynne Haggerty reported that 99.85% of ‘09tithes had been received. She submitted the 2010 proposed budget  ($447,342.04) and reported pledges to date($226,010.40) with Faith Giving expected ($221,331.64) James Ivey made motion to adopt the 2010 budget and there was no discussion; so Budget passed by “Aye” vote.

Trustees- James Ivey submitted current concerns of the committee: Security-excess keys to buildings, lights, unlocked doors; A/C and Heat- $33,000 electric costs for 2009.

Staff/Parish- Bill Beard reported the need for a Childrens’ Director and

One additional custodian. He also reminded the council that his committee is scheduled to meet the District Superintendent on Saturday, January 23.

Music- Jill Taylor reminded the council that the Georgia Boys Concert is scheduled for Sunday  night, January 31 and the Adult Choir’s Easter

Cantata is planned for March 28.

Evangelism- Ann Owen reported the success of visitation between Sunday School and 11 AM service. It was suggested that greeters stay in Narthex a little longer until service began.

Sunday School- Frances Anderson reported that SS attendance is still down. 

Missions- Carolyn Rentz announced that her committee was scheduled to meet every second Wednesday at 5 pm. She also reported that the committee desires to join First UMC with their Homeless Project. The Committee will be choosing a focus each quarter for missions, with next mission focus to occur as Valentines’ Memorials.

Mona Faye Williams reminded committee chairmen to post their meetings/activity dates for entire year on church calendar. Jill Taylor announced the Patriotic Service planned for June 27. James Ivey told of plans of United Methodist Men to construct wooden crosses for sale as an Easter Project. Sheila Creel reported that the pictorial directory assembly is in progress and pictures are needed for the activity pages.

Ken Myers gave the Pastor’s Report. He announced the Wesley Glen Ministries Capital Campaign in which each church is asked to give $6000. Ken plans to participate in the Snickers Marathon on March 6 and he will accept pledges from church members. He also plans to preach a revival in Byromville on March 21-24.

Dot McClain asked Ken to close the meeting with prayer and the meeting adjourned at  7:35.

The next meeting will be March 14th with following dates planned for May16th, July 18th, Sept.19th, and Nov. 14th.

Respectfully submitted,

Sheila O. Creel

November 15, 2009

The Avalon United Methodist Church Council met at 6:45 on November 15, 2009. Dot McClain called the meeting to order and opened with a devotional based on Colossians 3:12-17. She encouraged the council members to use Paul’s strategies for a daily life lived in ways to draw others to Jesus in line with Avalon’s mission statement and the Methodist Book of Discipline. She urged each of us to have a love affair with Jesus and His church and then go and make disciples of all people.

Sheila Creel called the roll and Dot called for any additions or corrections to September 27th Council meeting minutes.  

Reports:

Finance           Jiles Parham brought the Finance report and announced the revenues for October as $26,657.85 with Expenses for October at $24,806.82. (See attached Income Statement)

Children & Family        Martha Horne announced the date for the Childrens’ Christmas Musical on December 6 at 11 am service. She reported the success of the Fall Festival on Sunday, November 8 and she brought the recommendation of the Childrens’ Council to change the Sunday morning schedule for children to begin on the first Sunday of January.

Youth     Tim Dix reported the success of the Country Hoedown with $1400+ to be used for Youth ministry for the next year. He also announced the expansion of the youth activities to include more community service beginning with the participation at “Love Thy Neighbor” on November 14. They also want to be in service to Albany’s homeless.

Sunday School     Harold Smith reported low attendance for past few months in spite of attendance contest. There are plans to modify First Sunday activities for Sunday School  beginning in January. Frances Anderson says there may be assembly once a quarter with fellowship and coffee to continue each Sunday before Sunday School begins. Dot McClain suggested an assembly time for all ages including the children in an effort to create more “unity in the body”.

Ken Myers questioned  the implementation of our mission statement to bring in more disciples by asking “How do we make disciples? ” and “Can we teach strategies for believers to use to bring others to Jesus? ”.  

Martha Horne asked for input on dealing with opposition to programs and recommendations for changes after the Childrens’ Council prayed over and chose different scheduling. Much discussion occurred with a suggestion that she announce the changes in the church newsletter and then speak to those changes in Sunday morning service and also that all committees make better use of  newsletter to keep our membership informed. It was suggested that Bob Smith make the Council minutes available on the website with printed copies available in Narthex.

Tim Dix reminded all council members that we receive our calling from the Lord through our pastor; therefore we must be diligent to pray for him.

Worship     Jill Taylor announced the Christmas Choir Concert that is planned for December 13 in Sunday morning service. She also announced the “Susan and Friends Concert” that is planned for Sunday night, December 20. She reminded the Council that the date for the Georgia Boys Concert is January 31, 2010.

Pastor’s Report     Ken Myers commended all staff members for their vision and commitment to Avalon’s Mission statement. He welcomed healthy discussion to bring more unity into our membership. 

Dot McClain asked Ken Myers to close the meeting with prayer. The next meeting is January 17, 2010.

Respectfully submitted,

Sheila O. Creel

July 19, 2009

The Avalon United Methodist Church Council met at 4 pm on July 19, 2009. Dot McClain called the meeting to order and began with a devotional based on Nehemiah 1 and 2. She encouraged all to meet impossible tasks with determination to hear God’s word for us through prayer and to begin our holy work like the faithful, obedient people of Jerusalem who were responsible for rebuilding the city in Nehemiah. She then led the Council in prayer.

Sheila Creel called the roll and the minutes were accepted without additions or corrections on motion by Harold Smith and second by Jiles Parham.

Jiles Parham gave the report from Finance Committee noting that giving was very low. Lynne Haggerty presented the Current Income Statement(see attached sheet).

James Ivey reported from Trustees that a recommendation to sell the church bus was presented to and approved by the Finance Committee. The Church Council requested that Bob Fowler bring a report back to Council on how to advance this recommendation.

Tim Dix reported the success of youth summer camp which focused on awareness of God’s presence. He sees a new confidence growing in Avalon’s young leaders. Tim also reported profits of $1000 from Youth carwash and pancake breakfast.

Shirley Benford reported that Lisa Henderson is no longer on staff as wedding coordinator.

Dot McClain reported a requested change in Wednesday Night Family Fellowship to begin August 5. Dollie Dollar will prepare meals for 50+ people at same price ($6.00 per person). Dot made motion and James Ivey made second for proposal to pass.

The pastor’s report was made by Ken Myers. He noted the August 9^th Sunday A.M. worship service was planned to celebrate education. Recent high school graduates will be honored before they begin college classes. Sunday School teachers, school teachers, school administrators, and students will be honored and Dr. Sally Whatley will be our special guest speaker.

Ken also reported additional calendar dates for:

• Pictorial directory for early fall

• August 12^th- Town Hall meeting scheduled for visioning session

• Sept.10^th- Lifeline Medical Screening

• Sept. 18^th- Westover Football team dinner planned for 3 pm

• Oct. 18^th- Homecoming 

Ken challenged the members with concerns that we are not living up to our vision statement; therefore we are not growing as a church and not adding new disciples of Christ to our membership. He asked, “ What is our business at Avalon?, Who are our customers?, What do we value?,  What do we do well?” He urged us to be more intentional to minister to new members and to those who are different from us. Many members don’t find a place to lock in and feel there are cliques in church where there is no place for them. He quoted from a prayer by AW Tozer that asked “Who was I designed to be?”

Ken said that new members should be given a Spiritual Gifts Inventory and quickly pulled in to some ministry of our congregation.

Ken also raised some discussion about changing the traditional Sunday am service to  9:00 and putting the contemporary service in the 11:00 time slot. Ida Fowler asked that the Council pray about this change and ask for God to give us discernment about it before we make the proposal.

Dot reminded Council that next meeting is scheduled for September 27^th and then she closed the meeting with prayer.

Respectfully submitted,

Sheila O. Creel

May 17, 2009

The Avalon UM Church Council met at 7 p.m. on May 17,2009. Dot McClain called the meeting to order and presented the devotional based on Malachi 3. She discussed how we may be robbing God and reminded us that God has promised to pour out His blessings if we will bring the whole tithe to Him.

Sheila Creel called the roll and one correction(see attached sheet) was made to the printed minutes of March 15^th meeting. Terri Stumpe made motion to accept the corrected minutes and Lynne Haggerty seconded the motion.

Lynne Haggerty gave the report for Finance Committee (see attachment). The church mortgage is in process of  refinancing, but bank balance is in the red $9,743.05.

Trustees report was given by MonaFaye Williams. James Ivey has repaired the two columns on front of the church and then requested from Finance Committee an approval to accept bid for repainting by Canty Painting. Finance Committee approved this request.

Children and Family Ministries report was given by Ken Myers. Bible School will be June 21-25 and will be different this year in its focus to facilitate the Childrens’ Building Project as a service project.

Youth Ministries report was given by Ken Myers. The “Disciple Now” celebration will be June 5-7 and a trip to the beach is planned in July for Bible study and renewal.

MonaFaye Williams reported for Shirley Benford that Rita Wukerson has been hired  for the Nursery.

Ken Myers reported that he had been asked to return to Avalon UMC for 2009-2010.

The UMW report was given by Terri Stumpe who reported a $500 profit for UMW on Casserole/Bake Sale and also funds given for Mothers’ Day Memorials. She also reported the celebration planned for Avalon graduates on Wednesday, May 20^th at FNF. Our gradutes for 2009 are: Evan Boyd, Kacey Enfinger, Mackenzie Justice, Kelly Pearce,  Kendall Stumpe, Anna Zuern, and Lydia Zuern. The UMW School of Missions is scheduled for July.

Ken Myers reported that Lloyd Mears had discussed with FNF attendance about canceling FNF for June and July. The members agreed to this and asked that FNF begin again in August. The Church Council approved this request with a motion from Dot McClain and second from Terri Stumpe.

In Pastor’s Report Ken Myers noted Annual Conference in Columbus on June 7-10. Lynne Haggerty is Lay Delegate with Aubrey McClain as Alternate and MonaFaye Williams will also attend.

Ken discussed the subject of upcoming sermon series on “Why Do You Come To Church?”  and reported his vacation  for 2 Sundays in July.

In new business:

• Aubrey McClain stated his concern that there needs to be more men in the church.

• Harold Smith inquired about an ecumenical group in Albany who could organize and plan a Christian crusade in the fall to unite Christians in this community.

• Ken Myers spoke about a possible ministry opportunity for Avalon members who could serve at First U Methodist Sunday evening service called “Sunday Evening With Our Neighbors”.  Our members could serve the meal and then Ken would give the message. The Council agreed that this was something we should do.

• MonaFaye Williams related the need for making  2010 Calendar available during Fall Planning for committee members and church members to record important dates so the church office would be able to be better informed and organized.

Ken Myers closed the Council meeting with a prayer. 

Respectfully submitted, 

Sheila Creel

March 15, 2009

The AUMC Council met  at 4:30 on March 15, 2009. Dot McClain called the meeting to order and gave the devotional based on 1 Chronicles 29. She challenged the council members to use the example set by David and his government leaders when they chose to give generously from personal wealth and in addition to       make a commitment to be passionate about their leadership examples to the people.

The Roll Call was made and minutes from last meeting were approved. (See copy attached)

Lynne Haggerty gave the report from Finance Committee. (See attached sheet) She reported a Net Income Loss of $12, 341 in January and February combined. She said this loss was being covered by funds that were available from Bowles Estate but that would not last for much longer. She also reported that Avalon conference apportionment giving was up-to-date.

James Ivey reported for Trustees. The new roof for Pavilion and Children’s Building will be replaced starting March 16^th at cost of approximately $9000. He reported anticipation of replacement of air conditioners to begin soon at cost of approximately $7600 each. The repair of rot on sanctuary pilasters is a need estimated at approximately $3000, with column repair estimated at $1000.

Martha Simmons gave report for Children and Family. The renovation needs of Children’s Building have been determined and the Committee is ready to open bidding to 3 contractors. James Ivey recommended that they ask for itemized bid so that some action such as painting could be filled with church volunteers. A Family  Celebration is planned for Sunday afternoon, April 5^th. It will include a cookout, egg hunts, bake sale, bingo, and booths for childrens’ activities. The children will sing on Easter Sunday during 11 am Service. They also plan to join in First UMC’s Spring Fling activities on April 18^th. A Lock-In is planned for April 24^th and Vacation Bible School will be on June 21-25.

The Youth Ministry Report was given by Tim Dix. He announced the focus of youth ministry during Sunday activities, Wednesday activities, and weekly Bible Study is a call to “pursue Christ” every day, not just on church meeting days.  

He is projecting plans for June 5-7 in the “Disciple Now” celebration weekend with three sign-up  times. Graduation for high school Seniors is planned for Sunday May 18^th.

Shirley Benford reported for Staff/Parish Committee that Gloria Ranew Parker was recuperating from surgery and anticipated return on March 30^th. She thanked Carole Ellis and Lynne Haggerty for filling needs in Church Office. Lisa Henderson, Nursery Worker, resigned and committee is interviewing with anticipation of recommendation for hiring, but Committee has yet to meet to recommend a wedding coordinator.

Jill Taylor reported plans for Easter Choir Cantata on April 5^th and Patriotic Program on June 28^th.

Harold Smith reported need to replace lock and keys to SS supply cabinet to eliminate unauthorized entry.

Ken Myers gave Pastor’s Report. The Lay Leadership committee will meet to fill vacancies which have occurred including Vice-Chairman for Church Council. He brought recommendation of Bobby Bruner and Lola Moreland for Lay Leadership Committee. The motion was made by James Ivey and seconded by Lynne Haggerty to approve these members. Voice vote carried the motion.

Maundy Thursday service is planned for 7 pm and Ken  asked for Council to accept combining the Avalon Good Friday Service with Porterfield at noon on April 10^th. Easter Sunrise Service will be scheduled for 7 am with UMM breakfast to follow in Celebration Hall. There will be 2 services on Easter Sunday- 9:30 and 11 am.

Ken reported that Aubrey McClain had been recommended by Lay Leadership for Alternate Lay Delegate to Annual Conference. James Ivey made motion to accept recommendation and Frances Anderson seconded it. Voice vote carried motion.

In general discussion the Council recommended that FNF Committee plan for 3 suppers, not provided by Kaye Blaylock, to be planned for June and no suppers to be planned for July, with FNF to begin again in August. Lynne Haggerty made motion to accept this recommendation and James Ivey seconded the motion.

The next Council meeting is planned for May 17^th at 6:45 pm.

Harold Smith closed the meeting with prayer.

Respectfully submitted,

Sheila Creel

October 5, 2008

The AUMC Church Council met October 5^th at 6:45 pm. Elizabeth Wolfe called the meeting to order. She began the meeting with a devotional based on Ephesians 4:8,11-13 and encouraged all members to serve on their committees by using the gifts given to them by the Holy Spirit for use in the work of the church. She closed the devotional with a prayer.

Minutes were read by Sheila Creel and approved w/o additions or corrections.

Carl Ellis gave the Finance Report. Elizabeth reminded the Council members that the new leaders for 2009 would be involved in a Leadership Planning session scheduled for October 26 from 4-5:30.

Dan McCarthy brought the recommendation of the Staff/Pastor/Parish Committee for the Pastor’s 2009 salary: a 3% raise($62,316) is recommended with additions to include  $1000 for Pastor’s Reimbursable Expense Account plus $500 for Annual Conference Expense and $500 for Pastor’s Continuing Education. Carl Ellis announced that this recommendation for Pastor’s salary had been approved by the Finance Committee. Elizabeth called for vote and there was no opposition.

Carl Ellis reported that some committees had not yet responded with budgets for 2009 and reminded all members how important this is.

Martha Simmons gave the report on Childrens’ Ministries:

• October 10- KidzQuest at St. Simons

• October 18- Cleanup in Childrens’ Building in preparation for Rummage Sale and planned renovations there

• November 8- Rummage Sale at church (7 am- 1 pm)

• Novmber 16- Fall Festival at Fowler Farm after church services

• December 14- Childrens’ Christmas Music Program

Mona Faye Williams presented an amendment to the Mission Statement that was approved in August. She requested the addition of a phrase to the approved Mission Statement:

“Avalon Church is committed to respond to the call of Jesus Christ to make disciples one person at a time (through prayer and being in the word) and to bear fruit for the Kingdom of God by loving and caring, preaching and teaching, witnessing and worshipping, growing spiritually and reaching out to others, all for the Glory of God.”

There was no discussion and Mona Faye Williams motioned that this addition be approved with Ida Fowler making a second to the motion. The motion was approved.

Tim Dix had no report from Youth. Ida Fowler encouraged all members to commit to join a prayer team that meets in the Prayer Room to pray for the church and for other prayer requests.

In the Pastor’s comments Ken announced the beginning of a new service on Sunday morning to begin at 9:30 on January 11^th. This service will appeal to young adults and families with young children. Ken will be visiting all adult Sunday School classes to discuss concerns and questions about this new service. But he asked that all members support this with their prayers and their invitations to all who might enjoy a contemporary service.

Elizabeth suggested that children’s Sunday school classes begin at 9:30 am to accommodate needs for this service times. She then reminded all present that next meeting will be a Leadership Planning session scheduled for October 26 from 4-5:30. 

Ken Myers closed with prayer.

Respectfully submitted,

Sheila Creel

August 24, 2008

The Avalon UM Church Council met August 24^th at 6:45 p.m. Elizabeth Wolfe called the meeting to order. Her devotional was based on two scriptures:

I Corinthians 1:10 and Romans 12:12-13. She challenged all church leaders to model the defining characteristics that make good leaders: 

• Be team-based leaders that inspire committee members to share in the vision we have for Avalon

• Use good communication to involve all committee members

• Make prayer and Bible study the basis of each meeting 

Elizabeth asked Ken Myers to lead the group in prayer for all the matters that would come before the Council. Sheila Creel called the roll and the minutes of the last meeting were offered for corrections or additions. One correction was made and the minutes were approved as corrected.

Lynne Haggerty, Treasurer, presented the Treasurer’s report. She announced that giving was down for the summer months, but our apportionments had been paid to date. The report was accepted by voice vote. 

Herschel Darsey gave the Christian Education report and announced that  a new Study was planned for prospective Sunday School teachers and it would include a sharing time from current teachers about the teaching strategies that they are using with their classes. He also reported that a new Bible study was being planned.

There were no other committee reports. Elizabeth opened the meeting for discussion and questions. She reported:

• Finance Committee is now working on projections for 2009 budget. All Committee Chairmen should submit a proposal for each committee’s needs in 2009 based on expenses from 2008. The proposed budgets should be submitted to Kavita by September 30.

• Nominating Committee is currently working on leadership positions for new year.

• There has been an ongoing problem with food being consumed in the kitchen that has been designated for use at another time.

Ken Myers gave the Pastor’s Report.

1.     The Church Health Team has reconvened and is now ready to submit Avalon’s Mission Statement. “Avalon Church is committed to respond to the call of Jesus Christ to make disciples one person at a time and to bear fruit for the Kingdom of God by loving and caring, preaching and teaching, witnessing and worshipping, growing spiritually and reaching out to others, all for the Glory of God.” Harold Smith made a motion to accept the Mission Statement and James Ivey seconded the motion. Voice vote approved the motion.

2.     The Church Health Team has also studied our data about Functional Structures and recommends that we reorganize our Church Council. Elizabeth opened the meeting for discussion about the proposal using the sheet submitted for recommendation. Harold Smith made a motion to accept the proposal to reorganize the Church Council and Dan McCarthy seconded the motion. It was approved by voice vote.

Elizabeth asked for any further discussion and Dan McCarthy reminded the Council the VBS was very successful and commendation should be given to Martha Simmons and Nancy Newman.

Dot McClain closed the meeting with prayer.

Respectfully submitted,

Sheila O. Creel

June 29, 2008

The Avalon United Methodist Church Council met on June 29, 2008 at 6:45 p.m. Elizabeth Wolfe called the meeting to order and gave the devotional based on Acts 6:1-7. She then began the meeting with prayer.

Sheila Creel presented the minutes from the April 27^th and May 25^th meetings. Elizabeth asked for corrections and additions. James Ivey asked for the deletion of a phrase in the April 27^th minutes. That deletion was made and the minutes were approved as corrected.

The roll was called by Sheila Creel. Sixteen members were present.

Committee reports were given:

• Lynne Haggerty, Treasurer, reported that June giving totals were down, but June apportionments had been paid and cash flow was OK.

• Dan McCarthy, Staff Parish Committee Chairman, reported that a part-time custodian had been hired to work through sometime in August and the committee is seeking a replacement for him. The committee will also be reviewing and revising their personnel guidelines.

• Martha Simmons, Director of Children’s Ministry, reported that Vacation Bible School is scheduled for Sunday, July 13^th through Friday, July 18^th from 5:30- 8:45 after the Hamburger Cookout on Sunday night. There will be an Adult Bible study led by the pastor on Evangelism. Martha’s goal for attendance is 50-60 children.

• James Ivey reported for the Trustees the Avalon passed the Fire Inspection. Our alarm system had been tested and that inspection report was filed. One broken outlet plate is the only current need.

The pastor’s report was given by Ken Myers. He presented the vision statement that    the Vision Committee has developed as a function of the Natural Church Development process. The proposed vision statement is -

Avalon: hometown church, worldwide mission, making disciples one person at a time.

Ken presented this statement as a recommendation from the committee. Bob Fowler moved that it be accepted and Martha Simmons seconded the motion. The motion carried with 16 hands and none opposed.

A proposed reorganization of the Church Council was introduced (see attached sheet). This reorganization follows guidelines from the Book of Discipline. It will streamline the Church Council membership and include the elimination of classes in Lay Leadership committees and necessitate the in-depth functioning of each of the subcommittees prior to the Church Council meeting. Discussion included the need for inclusion of additional subcommittees such as Outreach and Nurture. The reorganized Church Council will begin in January, 2009.

Dan McCarthy motioned that Council accept these reorganization proposals and James Ivey seconded his motion. After additional discussion Dan asked to withdraw the motion. Herschel Darsey suggested that the Lay Leadership nominating committee consider the reorganization proposals and present their recommendations in August Council meeting. The motion to wait until August for the final recommendations was made by James Ivey and seconded by Bob Fowler.

Ken Myers closed the meeting with prayer. 

Respectfully submitted, 

Sheila O. Creel  

May 25, 2008

The Avalon UM Church Council held a called business meeting on May 25 at 12:15 pm. Elizabeth Wolfe called the meeting to order and asked each member to record their attendance on the legal pad that was being passed (see attached sheet). Elizabeth reminded the group that there was unfinished business from the April meeting and asked Terri Stumpe to give the report from the committee for Family Fellowship Activity nights planned for Wednesdays in June and July.

Terri Stumpe reported on the committee’s recommendations:

• Alternative activities planned for members on Wednesday nights in June instead of FNF suppers and devotionals
• Time change to 6:30-8:00 p.m.
• No activities in July on Wednesday

Discussion included a reminder from Elizabeth Wolfe that choir rehearsal began at 7 p.m. and choir members would not be able to participate fully if time changed.

Motion was made to meet during June on Wednesday nights from   6:00 until  7:30 with activities to include covered dish supper and grill night and special entertainment each night. The motion carried with show of hands.

Elizabeth reminded members that next Council meeting is scheduled for June 29 at 6:45 and an ice-cream social to honor Ken would be held on June 22 at 6:00. She than closed the meeting.

Respectfully submitted,

Sheila Creel

February 24, 2008

The Avalon UM Church Council met on February 24, 2008 at 7 pm. Elizabeth Wolfe called the meeting to order and welcomed all those present. She began the meeting with a devotional and prayer.

Sheila Creel called the roll. The minutes of the December 16, 2007 meeting were read and approved without additions or corrections. (See the attached sheet.)

Elizabeth called for Committee Reports:

• Lynne Haggerty, Chairman of Finance committee, submitted a printed report and invited discussion. (See attached sheets.)
• Herschel Darsey, Chairman of Education committee, reported the initiation of Avalon University with the first meeting of the study titled, The Graying of the Church, and with Harold Smith serving as the facilitator. Herschel also encouraged all Council members to subscribe to The Wesleyan Christian Advocate.
• Jenni Bode, Chairman of the Worship Committee, reported that she had not received a notice of this scheduled meeting.
• Terri Stumpe, President of UMW, asked for clarification of what Elizabeth needed in the form of written reports before the next Council meeting. Elizabeth explained her need to be aware of anyone who wanted to speak before the next meeting started and she asked for a written report of each committee meeting.

Elizabeth presented her vision for the Church Council and a charge for each member for 2008. Using the hymn, “Open My Eyes…”, and John MacArthur’s book, Twelve Ordinary

Men, she suggested that each member focus on his/her weakest points and channel energy to raise those lowest levels in order to grow and to change.

She also challenged us as a church to get ready for change in any area where we can enhance our worship. We at Avalon need to bring in new members and make plans to leave the church’s ministry alive and well for those who follow us.

Avalon’s current challenge is to improve discipleship through Natural Church Development program which will guide us to clarify our weaknesses and to take specific steps to address our greatest weakness, which is “effective functional structures”. Using Ephesians 4:15-16, Elizabeth guided us into the understanding that each member must function as a part of the whole body which is focused on implementing steps needed to improve our weakness in communication.

Elizabeth introduced some possible changes that will improve communication:

1. Each committee should elect a recording secretary.

2. Each committee will prepare and submit a summary report to include minutes of the meeting. Elizabeth offered a form which might be used for this. (See attached sheet.)

3. Each committee needs to prepare a year’s calendar with any current revisions

4. reported to Gloria Ranew in Church Office. 

5. The Church Bulletin Board in the Celebration Hall should include a copy of current committee summary reports. Sheila Creel will be responsible for posting a copy of each report that is submitted.

6. Each committee chairman should be responsible to contact members before each scheduled meeting with assistance from Gloria Ranew if needed.

Elizabeth concluded her challenge to the Council with a request for each member to be open to opportunities for changes that will improve communications and will refine any traditions which we determine are not having a positive impact on our worship experience. She suggested we ask ourselves these questions:

            Do I have a static approach to change?

            Am I afraid to make changes?

            Can we achieve change in our structures at church?

            Will you ask- “Is this my job or ministry to do?”

            Will I blame someone else for jobs not done or changes not made? 

The pastor, Ken Myers, gave his comments. He reported Avalon’s highest area of strength in Natural Church Development as “loving relationships”.  He announced the opportunity to respond to results of Development Survey at Sunday School hour on March 2. Ken also suggested that Avalon needed a Vision/Mission statement and the creation of that will come soon.

Ken closed the Council Meeting with prayer.

The next meeting is scheduled for April 27, 2008 

Respectfully submitted 

Sheila O. Creel