The Vision Team met this past Wednesday, August 22, 2012, with our facilitator, Dean Hayse. The main item of discussion was the need to expand the children’s Sunday School. The team approved the use of part of the Vision Team budget for a new children’s curriculum (we have been reusing one that was purchased years ago, but it is starting to wear thin). The main difficulty foreseen is that of recruiting additional teachers. It was decided to ask the Aldersgate Experience Class to come up with a list of recommended possible teachers. A lesser concern was the need for additional space. It was decided that this would best be solved by cleaning out and cleaning up room 105.

Last night the Board of Trustees met at 5:15pm. Having a plumber’s camera explore the vent to the abandoned gas well under the Fellowship Hall was discussed, it was decided to check with the State of Kansas to see if such verification would meet their standards. It was decided to close out a low-yield savings account and a low-yield Certificate of Deposit in order to make additional funds available for the restoration and weather proofing work that has already been contracted and is scheduled to begin towards the end of this month. It was also reported that the removal of the shrubbery to the south of the parsonage by Dave the shrubber is almost complete and that the parsonage will be inspected for termites next week.

Outreach/Witness Meeting Notes by John Collins on April 26, 2012 Last night the Outreach and Witness Committees held a joint meeting. The success of The Adventures of Princess Atlantis was celebrated and future sponsorship possibilities were discussed.

Julie Thompson reported that putting the shopping list for the food pantry in the bulletin the week before Food Pantry/Good Samaritan Sunday worked really well. As always, Braum’s paper sacks are needed.

I reported on a meeting Jenny and I had with Resource Specialists from Coffeyville Schools and the areas they shared where we can help children in need. Our current Lice Kits project is appreciated and very much needed. They affirmed the need for replacement household goods for families who have suffered a fire. And also suggested the possibility of preparing hygiene kits for local school children. Both of these projects were warmly received and will begin soon.

On the Witness side of the equation, radio advertising, web streaming, and new exterior signage were discussed.

The Vision Team met yesterday. The team is starting a project to send cards signed by members present in worship to those we pray for during the prayers of the people on Sunday morning. The idea is to have the person bringing the concern write a brief message inside a card and then pass it around for the rest of the congregation sign.

The Vision Team Wednesday (March 14, 2012). Highlights included:

• A decision to split the cost of the Princess Atlantis Cast party with the witness committee.
• Thanks to the trustees for the purchase of Worship and Song hymnal supplements from memorial funds and the decision to contribute money for ten additional copies
• Continued working with Dean Hayes on goal setting and implementation for the Vital Congregations project.

The Outreach Work Area met yesterday. Highlights included:

• A reminder that organic, fairly traded coffee, tea and chocolate are available in the church office.
• Support for the Witness Work Area’s plan for a “Opening Night Dinner” in conjunction with the CCC production of “The Adventures of Princess Atlantis” to raise money for United Methodist Youthville.
• Discussion of other outreach possibilities.
• A decision to try and place Food Pantry Sunday (the first Sunday of the month) on the church calendar and include a shopping list the Sunday before as reminders.

The Witness Work Area met Monday. Highlights included:

• A decision to offer to host the cast party for the cast of The Adventures of Princess Atlantis (the offer was accepted).
• Mary Kai Brandenburg will spearhead an “Opening Night Dinner” on Wednesday, April 18, 2012 from 5:30 to 6:30 in the Fellowship Hall with a free will offering to benefit United Methodist Youthville.