Webster Word

ANNUAL MEETING REVIEW

January 18, 2008

The annual meeting of Webster Church was held on January 18, 2008 with 26 voting members present. Need for quorum was 24 members.

A review of the minutes of the annual meeting of 2007 was done. After this, Art Helton moved, Gary Lyttle seconded to accept minutes of that meeting. Motion passed.

TREASURER - (p.19-20 Annual report) Jim Duffy stated all bills of 2007 were paid. Jim explained that the $4000 transferred to the budget was from the endowment and was in the terms of a loan. Paid for additional budget items; such as repair of steeple, replacement of gutters. Gutter replacement also received contributions. Gary Lyttle moved, David Wilhelm seconded, to accept the treasurer's report. Motion passed.

PASTOR - Rev. Lonna stated she considered the entire church her family. She stated it was a tough year with the death of her Mother. Thanked people for their support. Goals for 2008 include more outreach, resulting in more members.

MODERATOR - Curtis Cohen thanked everyone for their support. All officers and committee chairmen were given special thanks for the way they performed their duties. Recognition was given to two recently deceased members for their church loyalty; Ruth Reeder and Doris Babic.

OLD BUSINESS - Updating of membership rolls was done. (p. 8-9 Annual report) Genevieve Snodgrass moved and Bessie Bowman seconded to remove the names of members from the inactive list that have not responded to inquiry for 2 years. Genevieve Snodgrass moved and Bessie Bowman seconded to place members that have not responded to church contact for the past year be placed on the inactive list. Both motions passed.

NEW BUSINESS - First on this agenda was the voting on 4 topics that were to be voted upon at this particular meeting. Each topic involved church policy. Considerable discussion including explanations was done.

Casey Anno moved and Pat Mengel seconded that the church should create a study group to study what it means to become an "Open and Affirming" church. On secret ballot it passed - 24  in favor and 5 opposed.

Art Helton moved and Susan Cohen seconded that the congregation choose between two options in how the church should handle memorial funds since there is now no policy.  #1- Funds will be used at the discretion of the family with any remaining funds be used at the discretion of the Official Board, #2- The Official Bd. will consider the wishes of the family, but the Official Bd. will ultimately decide how the funds will be used. The secret votes were 1 for #1, 23 for #2, and 2 abstentions.

Doris Lyttle moved and Genevieve Snodgrass seconded that Webster  Church be allowed to hold Basket Bingo at the church social hall or other sites. The secret ballots results were 24 in favor and 2 opposed.

Woody  Hower moved and Gary Lyttle seconded that when Webster Church rents the Social Hall, the tenants should be allowed to serve alcohol, providing all permits and licenses are obtained and will assume all responsibilities associated therewith. The secret ballot votes were 20 in favor, 5 opposed, and 1 abstention.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS - Gary Lyttle read the list of nominees willing to serve. (see p. 23 of annual report) Nominees from the floor to fill vacancies were Brian Placzankis as the COR, Nolan Gallion as a Trustee, and Levin Heath as Ass't. Moderator. Casey Anno moved and Julie Akers seconded to accept the nominations. The motion was approved.

NEW MODERATOR (Ann Helton) - Ann stated that she was aware that this job has many aspects to it with large responsibilities. She recognizes the need for each committee to assume and do its responsibilities. She hopes that all will work together although all may not agree. She is hoping that tact, understanding, and love will prevail in our relationships with each other. She wants to draw a special focus on Christian Ed. as this is the heart and soul of our church. The first meeting of the new Official Bd. will be the second Monday, Feb. 11. Remember that new copies of the church constitution are available for every one. Be sure to bring any concerns to the Official Bd.

2008 BUDGET - (P.21-22 in Annual report.) The approved budget for 2007 was $102,828. Actually it became $117,113. This was due to amendments during the year. Pledges dropped near the ending of the year due to members moving or due to death. $4000 is carried over to the current year. Money is still to be repaid to the endowment fund. Large gifts may make it possible to replace the parsonage front porch, redo the handicapped ramp, replace the well (if needed), and increase the endowment. Elsie Marie noted that the minister's salary, continuing education, and mileage amounts are below conference standards. Gary Lyttle suggested we challenge the minister bring in ten new members within 6 months and then readdress the budget. Bessie Bowman reminded everyone that we must keep in mind the possibility of needing to replace the roof. Gary Lyttle moved and Curtis Cohen seconded that we accept the budget. Motion passed. Ann Helton stated that the Official Bd. will revisit the standards that apply for our parish at the June meeting.

DISMISSAL - Curtis Cohen moved and Elsie Marie seconded to adjourn the meeting. Motion passed.

Summary Submitted by Levin Heath