DECEMBER 3, 2004

Members present: John Belaski, Dennis Benoit, Roger Gilles, David Maxam, Dan Schneider, Herman Sullivan, Jackie Vines, Ursula Williams, Rev. Dr. Brent Smith

Absent: Mike Arents, Gordon Arnold, Sue Belaski, Linda Mohney

I. Opening Words – None

II. Introductory Functions

A. Minutes from the November 19, 2003, Board of Trustees meeting were reviewed and approved as submitted.

B. Agenda items for this meeting were reviewed and times established to complete Agenda within two hours

C. Assignments for this meeting: Action Item Recorder Dan Schneider, Process Observer Ursula Williams, Time Keeper Herman Sullivan

III. Financial – President Roger Gilles and Vice-President of Finance Dennis Benoit

A. November Financials are not yet available. Dennis Benoit will have the November plate figure by the December 14 Congregational Meeting.

B. A written update on the 2004 Canvass and resulting impact on the 2004 Budget was presented by Roger Gilles. (See attached document.)

C. After 1 hour and 45 minutes of intense and heart-rending discussion and decision-making, the resulting balanced 2004 Budget was adopted, with John Belaski making the motion, Dennis Benoit seconding, and Sue Belaski voting by telephone to provide a quorum. (See attached document)

As a consequence of budget cuts, the Rev. Dr. Smith will speak with Carey Compton, RE Coordinator; Dan Schneider will put out a jar or basket for coffee donations; Jackie Vines will communicate to Community Life the cut of their $500 budget item for Thanksgiving Seder; Dennis Benoit will speak with our bookkeeper about her responsibilities and salary; and Roger Gilles will communicate budget adjustments to the Religious Education, Music, and Newcomers’ program boards.

In addition, Roger Gilles and Dennis Benoit will finalize the 2004 Budget and prepare it for e-mailing to the congregation. Copies will also be available at the Newcomers’ Table Sunday, December 7.

IV. Organizational

A. Report from the Minister, the Rev. Dr. Brent Smith

· Christmas Eve Candlelight Services will be held at 6 PM in the St. Cecilia Music Society Ballroom. The Christmas Eve Committee has recommended that the offering that evening be given to In the Image. John Belaski so moved, with a second from Dan Schneider. Motion approved after e-mail contact with absent Board members.

· The Rev. Dr. Smith asked that December 7 plate be designated for Rev. Tom Burdett in gratitude for his service to our congregation as its summer preacher, to help defray the costs of his education. This past summer Rev. Burdett generously bore the expense of his transportation from Chicago to Grand Rapids, and we can repay his generosity in this way. John Belaski so moved, with a second Dan Schneider. Motion approved after e-mail contact with absent Board members.

· Ursula Williams, Pastoral Cares, reported on Vernon Shepard’s health and asked that Board members remember him with cards and notes.

B. Report from President, Roger Gilles

· President Gilles previewed the plan for the December 14 Congregational Meeting.

· President Gilles also updated the Board on plans for the December 7 Dickens event.

C. Report from Vice-President of Programs, Mike Arents

None

V. Old Business

The proposed Bylaws of the Newcomers’ Department were tabled until the January Board of Trustees meeting. Jackie Vines will ask Evie Leeman, Chair, to clarify Article IV. Board Members as to who is to elect members nominated for the Newcomers Board.

VI. New Business

Community Life Bylaws have been revised and will be presented for approval at the January Board of Trustees meeting.

VII. Reports from Action-Item Recorder and Process Observer

Dan Schneider and Ursula Williams reported on action items and group process.

VIII. Closing Words. The Rev. Dr. Brent Smith reminded the Board that making budget decisions is the hard part of church life. He applauded the All Souls Board for taking their fiscal responsibility seriously. He stated that Board members were elected to lead, and part of leadership is making hard decisions.

Meeting was adjourned at 9:30 PM

Respectfully submitted,

Jackie Vines, Board Secretary, All Souls Community Church of West Michigan