August 2021

 

Arts on the Lawn 2021 - Campfire Songs v2

Arts Committee

Heather Swallow, Chair

• We have not met over the summer. We held our final "Arts on the Lawn: Congregate to Create" on August 18. There will be no event on the 25th, but every other Wednesday at 6:30 to 7:30, a handful of people met on the lawn to try different ways of engaging the spirit with art and community-building activities. Special thanks to Selina for Tai Chi lessons, Alison for flower arranging tips, and our four musicians from the final singalong, Deb, John, his brother Ken, and his other brother Ken. 

Children Youth and Family Committee

Irene Griffiths, Chair

• The committee sought further instruction for filling posting for a temporary Children, Youth and Family Minister.  

Finance Committee

Julie Poznanski, Chair

• Mid-year report for circulation to the congregation is being prepared
• First Forward Gift Recommendation - for discussion by Council
The finance committee met in late July for a thorough six-month review and analysis of a First Forward gift in order to bring a recommendation to Council. With little activity or issues arising in July, we will report on July and August at next month’s meeting.

In Reach Committee

Sally Ball, Chair

• No report for August

Outreach Committee

Patricia Alexis, Chair

• No report for August

Ministry and Personnel Committee

Jacqueline Kelly, Chair

• No report for August

Property Oversight Committee

Mark Mikulec, Chair

• No report for August

Spiritual Nurture Committee

Chris Epting, Chair

• No report for August

Trustees 

Doug Smart, Chair

• No report for August.

Worship Committee

Merrilee Thompson, Chair

• Worship met several times over the summer to develop and finalize a plan for returning to in-person worship, hopefully beginning September 12. The protocol is consistent with council’s suggestions and is intended to help worship participants feel safe and comfortable in returning to worship together. Virtual worship will continue for those who prefer to remain at home and for those feeling unwell.

• Preliminary review of Summer Spirit - An in-depth review of Summer Spirit will take place in the fall.
• Beacon Event Review -  incorporating ideas from the Beacon events rests with all committees of the church. The worship committee is focused on the Wednesday service being a short simple service with lots of repetition. As we return to the person worship, we are hopeful that greeters will be able to welcome people by name.
• Live-Streaming Worship - The installation of live-streaming equipment is complete and the plan is to begin live-streaming on September 12. We recognize that there is a steep learning curve for everyone involved and we will need patience and grace as we move forward. There will be signs in the narthex informing worship participants that the service will be live-streamed and there is a small camera-free area in the southeast back corner of the sanctuary.