MEMORIAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
ANNUAL MEETING
January 24, 2010

The meeting was called to order by Council President Ron Reichert, and opened with prayer by Pastor Phil.

Church members present were counted by a show of hands and a quorum was declared.

It was moved by Gary Johnson and seconded by Steve Arnold that the minutes of the 2009 Annual Meeting be approved.  Motion carried.

Ron asked everyone to review the printed 2009 annual reports.

Pastor Phil spoke about three aspects of life at Memorial UCC:

---Generosity:  Both the internal and the external generosity of the congregation is amazing.  He expressed thanks from the whole staff.  He highlighted the Ahrnsbrak Fund as a resource, and also the new Pastors' Discretionary Fund contributed to by individuals and by the Second Mile Fund. This is available to the pastors for helping urgent individual needs.

---Growth:  In 2009, 20 people became members.  We are reminded that all of us must help to "weave them into congregational life" as well as  be attentive to visitors.

---Goals:  Phil reviewed the 2009 goals, some of which we achieved, some we haven't yet achieved.  He noted that there is a new list of goals, for 2010, in the packet we all received, and he briefly reviewed these.

Election of Council Members for 2010:  Ron thanked Barb Gallogly-Turner for her service on Council.  Her term has ended.  Ron announced the nominees for the 2010-2011 term: Wendy Proctor, Michael Magness, and Jon Boldebuck (returning Council members), and Rick Orton.  There were no nominations from the floor. It was moved by Gary Johnson and seconded by Sonjia Short that this slate of Council members be elected.  Motion carried.

Budget for 2010:  Gary first said that the giving of both money and time/talent by the members of this community is astounding.  Then, using a Power Point presentation, he explained the income and uses of each fund (Ahrnsbrak, Memorial/Gift, Second Mile, Benevolent, Endowment, and Building).  He asked for ideas for using the Memorial Fund.  Next Gary presented the annual operating budget, comparing 2009 and proposed 2010.  He said that the Trustees are comfortable with a deficit budget ($11,864 deficit at this point) because of the generosity and commitment of the congregation, and feel that we can handle it, even keep costs below those predicted.  Gary expressed special thanks to the huge time and effort given to the budget task by the Trustees, Jon Boldebuck, Keith Von Der Heide, and Denise Brandl.  It was moved by Sonjia Short and seconded by Michael Magness that the 2010 budget be accepted.  Motion carried.  Ron also thanked Gary for his time and effort.

Revision of Constitution:  A copy of the revised Constitution is in the packet received by the congregation.  Ron explained that the minor changes constitute updating the language, and he reviewed the highlights. 

Questions from the congregation:
-- Why was an Executive Committee established?  Phil said that this smaller group can deal with time-sensitive or emergency issues quickly and refer to the Council for recommendations and decisions. 
--Why are some references to the Southwest Association stricken out? They are outdated references to non-existent policies.

It was moved by Dean Baumgardner and seconded by Sue Webb that the revised Constitution be approved and adopted.  Motion carried.

Second Mile Fund:  Cheryl Porior-Mayhew told us that "Second Mile" has been renamed "Giving Locally--Going the Extra Mile".  She explained how the Outreach Committee makes decisions about the fund and will inform the congregation, and listed the focuses for 2010.

Endowment Fund:  Gary pointed out the explanatory pamphlet and request form, saying that members are encouraged to make requests for funds.

Policies and Procedures Committee:  Ron said this committee is being formed to formalize and put in writing the policies and procedures by which MUCC operates.  He invited anyone who would like to participate in this to talk with him about working on the committee.

A warm welcome was expressed to Rev. Leah Lonsbury as she joins us as Associate Pastor.

It was moved by Sonjia and seconded by Gary that the meeting be adjourned.
Meeting adjourned.

Shirley Robbins,    Recording Secretary