May 1 Congregational Meeting Highlights

Election of Officers for 2004-05
Nancy Patchen, chair of the Nominating Committee (which includes John Duvall, Kaye McSpadden, and Gary Fowler), presented the following slate:

Barny Dunning—Chair-elect
Volker Thomas—Trustee
Gale Kvam—Treasurer
Janice Thiel—Assistant Treasurer
Dagmar Murray—Secretary
Marty Patchen—Endowment Board
Lisa Pantea—Nominating Committee

The slate was approved.
 

Program Growth Initiatives
The Long Range Planning Committee presented program growth initiatives for 2006. These will serve as a guideline for the process of determining a budget. There were two general initiatives to serve all program areas, and they were: 1) Ensure continued creative, effective administration of the church by its lay leaders and 2) Develop a plan for accommodating growth. There were also specific initiatives for each of the program areas.
 

Social Action Committee Proposal
The Social Action Committee has requested that our congregation study a proposal for our church to become an organizational member of the Indiana Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice.

Kaye McSpadden solicted ideas for how to proceed with this study. Suggestions were given and they will be considered by the committee. It is hoped that the congregation will be able to vote on this proposal in the fall.
 

Investment of New Building Fund Money
The congregation voted to authorize Keith Brown to invest the money in the New Building fund in treasury bills or other high-yield secure investments.
 

Appreciation
Noemi Ybarra expressed gratitude to the outgoing members of the board of trustees—Gary Fowler, Mary Ann Foley, Don Ferris and Kathy Coder
 

Religious Education Happenings

RE Co- Directors Sarah Boulac and Michele Tomarelli
RE Committee Co-Chairs: Beth Misner, Cheryl Fowler

On Sunday, May 1st, we had the opportunity to recognize the individuals completing the junior high Our Whole Lives sexuality education program. This year, twelve of our seventh, eighth, and ninth graders participated, committing many of their Sundays over the course of this year to this important program. The Religious Education Committee wants to thank all of our participants and their families for making this a priority; I know the benefits will last a lifetime.

The RE Committee also wishes to give special thanks to our co-facilitators, Cricket Steinweg and Paul Van Wyk who devoted much time and energy to planning, organizing, and facilitating this group. Because of their commitment, the OWL program could be offered this year, ensuring that this group of teens acquires the important knowledge and skills that the curriculum builds.

We traditionally offer the junior high OWL (Grades 7 - 9) every other year. There are curricula for grades Kindergarten - 1st, 4th - 6th, 10th - 12th as well as adults. It is in our Long Range Plan to offer OWL at all age levels. We have purchased copies of the curricula for each age level and need people to lead the classes (the curricula for the younger classes are much shorter than the junior high program). We are interested in hearing from individuals who would like to go through the training to become facilitators. Requirements to be an OWL facilitator include: being a part of our congregation for at least 9 months, filling out an RE Worker Screening Form with two references, having a background screen, and an openness and comfort in talking with children our youth about sexual issues.

This program is one that is so important and offers so many benefits to the leaders and students. I am proud to be a part of a congregation that prioritizes this education and values the knowledge it imparts to our young people.

~ Sarah


Upcoming RE Event

RE Sunday is May 22nd! Our annual intergenerational service, led by the Religious Education classes, is a time to hear from our children and youth what they have been learning this year.
Parents, RE Sunday is an important event and we hope to see many faces who will join in sharing their work this year! The Sundays leading to this day are also important as the classes will be planning and practicing their parts. Join us for this annual service!
—Sarah and Michele

 

Can You Teach This Summer?
RE is in sore need of teachers and helpers for the summer. Age groups are preschool/kindergarten: first through third; and fourth through sixth grades.

Please fill out an RE Teacher Screening Form from Sarah or Michele and provide two references.