Mike read a letter from Pastor Rick to Grand Ledge First United Methodist Church, thanking that congregation for their contribution to the resettlement fund.  This is an example of the letters that are sent to the other groups assisting in this area.

Property Evaluation Taskforce – no activity.

Roofing Project - Russ Riggs is re-letting bids again to contractors, listing items that we want to see addressed in the overall scope of this project.

Gregg Vicary distributed some surveys for the Ventures – Partnership in Stewardship Growth project approved during the January Council meeting.

Bridgebuilders/Congregational Communication. Elizabeth Ayoub presented to the Council opinions from some members, indicating that they believe that we have not completed the Bridgebuilder process.  She also noted that some areas have been accomplished.  Areas that still need to be addressed include: the need to post in a prominent position an organizational chart and the need to provide Council minutes to shut-ins.  Also, the need for each committee to publish articles in each edition of The Manger and the calling of special congregational meetings to avoid conflicts.  They also suggested that we have clearly defined job descriptions for each employee, and also requested that Council approve all fund raising activities.  They reminded us that a forum was to be developed to find out how each individual attendee wants to receive communication (e-mail, regular mail, etc.).  Also, they felt that Council needs a method to provide constructive feedback when these areas are addressed.  Elizabeth wants to propose two things: that the Education Subcommittee does not move forward until we have the involvement from a representative that initially served on the Bridgebuilders subcommittee present.  It was agreed that the subcommittee could have whomever they want to help/serve on that committee, and Elizabeth stated that she has a volunteer ready to serve in this capacity.  Additionally, we need to bring a representative from Bridgebuilders here to assist us in meeting the requests of those members that are still unhappy with the progress.  We need to be flexible enough to realize that our deadlines are not as important as communicating the changes, and having the congregation “on board” with these changes.  Mike advised that we don’t want to side step our plans, but instead, we will have in place a small group that is focused on communication.  Additionally, the congregation will have the opportunity to vote on these changes, so it doesn’t appear necessary to modify our timeline at this point, as the congregation, by its vote, will ultimately decide whether or not we proceed with these changes.  Council will address at the time of the vote to determine if we have an overwhelming majority in order to proceed. 

The concept of a Communication small group ministry was discussed at length.  We will start promoting this right away, and would like to find individuals to serve in this capacity.  This will in effect “build a bridge” both ways – from the communication small group ministry to the congregation, as well as from the congregation to the communication small group ministry.

Teresa advised that the Youth Group is having a St. Patrick’s Day party on March 16th here, as a fund raiser for attendance at the National Youth Gathering. 

Reference to church planning calendar for February and March 2006.  Worship Committee has will responsibility for providing communion assistance at the 10:30 service on communion Sundays in February and  the Management Committee has the same responsibilities in March.

Mike advised that the following individuals have agreed to serve on an Audit Committee: Jay Cardinal, Jeff Everts, Bill Paulins and Allan Blaske.

Marlaine will work on the Nominating Committee for the next meeting.

Lenten Offerings.  Pastor Rick advised that Siren/Eaton Shelter has been turning away a lot of individuals in the last year, and he recommends that we consider that organization.  Additionally, if we want to split the givings, perhaps we could consider the Bishop’s Mission Fund which is currently comprised of three segments:  an endowment fund that will provide tuition for seminarians, an endowment fund to begin new mission congregations in the Synod, and building a mission center in DeWitt.  He wants to build a Synod office with meeting rooms, etc., instead of renting space.