ATTENDEES:   Ron Wendt (CC Chair), Sharon Ramos (CC Secretary), Gayle Meyers (UMW and Youth), Steve Hagg (Trustee), Bob Burnett (Adult Council), Bruce Keough (Missions), Janet Wildeboor (Health Ministries), Curt Stock (Youth), Donna Stock (Stewardship), Lynn Howard (Children), Jeff Howard (At Large), Alan Jacobsen (SPRC), Stan Ferguson (M&E), Jillian Clark (At Large), Lyndall Foulds (Lay Leader), Cyndi Ewing (SGE), Shelley Johnson (Worship), Sharon Kenyon (REACH, GTF, Missions), Julleen Snyder (Finance)

OPENING PRAYER:  Pastor Jim

CELEBRATION OF MINISTRY: 

1.  Painting completed.  Pergo flooring for Parlor to be placed on the weekend of Oct 20-21^st.    VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

2.  Twenty-six youth attended the fall retreat

3.  The Atlantic Street Center breakfast at Qwest Field had 300+ attending and was a terrific experience.

The minutes from September were approved with one correction.

SANCTUARY AUDIO/VISUAL:   Jeff Howard for Bill McEwen

Jeff comes to the Church Council asking approval from the committee for the development of a small task force to include Bill McEwen, Jerry Flagel, Jeff Howard and others interested to research the upgrade of the current audio system in the sanctuary.  This committee will look at options for an audio/visual system and make their recommendations.  A long discussion took place and the Church Council consented to have this task force go forward.  Specifically, the goals of the task force include:

* Explore improvements & upgrades to the current sanctuary sound system.

* Determine the needs of incorporating a visual medium presentation for services and events in the sanctuary and MPR.

* Develop a volunteer staff that will be trained to operate A/V equipment and needs for the church.

* Research cost proposals for needed equipment, supplies, and building modifications to present to the council.

* Prepare materials to adequately describe to the congregation how such a system would be incorporated into the worship service.

USE OF CHURCH PHONE DIRECTORY: Ron Wendt

Ron was contacted during the recent City of Fairwood vote by a member who was upset that the church directory appeared to have been used for emails in support of one side of the issue.  It was noted that the directory currently states that it is not to be used for “advertising or commercial purposes”.  This will be amended to add “political” to the list.

All should be reminded that the directory is to keep members in touch and to further the ministries of the church.

ROUND TABLE UPDATES:

Ron Wendt:  “Race to Reach Out”, a conference on October 21^st at the Auburn United Methodist Church will look at how to bring new members to the church and how to nurture those new to the church.   Those interested to see Ron.

Lynn Howard:  “Trunk or Treat” on October 28^th at 5:30 pm.  Parking spots can be reserved.  The children will be carving pumpkins to be displayed around the church.

Sharon Kenyon:  REACH Meeting had a speaker on “Disaster Preparedness for Churches”.  She has provided written information to Janet Wildeboor, Chair for the Health Ministries Committee.  One point made is that everyone should learn how to test message as this is a viable form of communication in a disaster.

ARISE and HOME will join together under the name of HOME.  These are the two programs that feed homeless men all year in Kent and Renton.  A donation is being asked from each church involved of $150 and the program would like monthly donations if possible.

Greening:  The wet land is coming along.   Planting will start and Sharon has purchased $300 worth of plants and would like the individual church members to “adopt”(financially) a plant or two.  More to come.

Janet Wildeboor:  Can this church be a center for the community in the event of a disaster?  More to come.   There are videos and downloadable information from Public Health on various topics related to health that may be beneficial to present to the congregation.  A discussion in Health Ministries took place on training for adults who work with children on how to manage an emergent allergic reaction in a child.

Bob Burnett:  There are many opportunities in this church for adult education.  In January there will be an 8 week offering based on a book, “Boundaries”.  Quarterly, classes will be highlighted in the Epistle.   In most of the adult classes, excluding the Disciple classes, there is an open door, drop in, policy.

Julleen Snyder:  The individual committee budgets need to be in by October 22^nd.

Cyndi Ewing:  The Spiritual Growth Events committee will be responsible for the hospitality times after services on October 29^th for the Stewardship Celebration.  She asks for volunteers to bring fall/harvest type foods.   There will be two services that day.

Shelley Johnson:  Advent begins Sunday, Dec 3^rd and the Christmas Decorations will be placed on Saturday Dec 2^nd.  VOLUNTEERS NEEDED.   On Sunday December 24^th, there will be the two regular Sunday services and then three Christmas Eve services at 6:00 pm, 8:30 pm, and 11:00 pm.  Communion will be served at the Christmas Eve services.

Steve Hagg:  Will be meeting with the American Red Cross to discuss what would be needed to make this church a center in a time of a disaster.  November 19^th is the all church clean up and chili feed.  Clean up will begin right after first service with those attending that service and all will join for chili after second service and then continue the clean up.

Donna Stock: Pledge cards will be mailed and received by the congregation members during the week of October 23^rd.  .  On October 29^th, Tom Wilson, Executive Director of the United Methodist Foundation of the Northwest, will preach.  Both Paula and Jim will be present.   Tom is one of the creators of the Stewardship Program, “Grace and Gratitude” being used in our church this month.

Curt Stock:  The senor high group will be going to Fort Flagler the first weekend in November.  The junior high group will have a church lock-in that same weekend.  The Youth Council is proposing a Youth Sunday on February 4^th.    Scouting Sunday is February 11^th. 

Pastor Jim:  A discussion was had with Mike regarding the web site.  Mike will be meeting with Randy to get the site updated.   Many new people have been coming to the church.  Remember to wear name tags and greet new people.  There will be an all church conference on October 16^th to vote on the preschool proposal.   It was also noted that recently the phone directory was used for political mailings.  In the next printing of the directory the word “political” will be added to the bolded disclaimer on the first page of the directory to read:  “Do not use for any advertising, commercial or political purposes”.

Jillian Clark:  Lifting up Chandler Balkman, the Issaquah High School student severely injured in a boating accident, as he is at home now.  Five of our youth are serving on the Pacific Northwest Annual Conference Youth Planning Team.   This team is responsible for planning the major youth events of the year.

Stan Ferguson:  A Co-Chair of the Picture Directory project is still needed.   This task will be undertaken in January-February.  Congregational Care is active and getting good feed back.

Gayle Meyers:  Seventeen women attended the UMW meeting on Thursday, Oct. 12^th.  Joanne Flagel shared of her recent trip.   “Sharing our Stories” is the theme of the Women’s Retreat coming up.  On Thursday, October 19^th, UMW will have a potluck and Vanessa Smith will share her testimony.   Thanks to those who ordered nuts to support UMW. 

Closing prayer:  Pastor Jim

Respectfully submitted by

Sharon Ramos