The meeting was called to order at 7:35 P.M.. Steve and Amy Bitalia, new owners of Good Day Nursery, were present to share their hopes and dreams with us.

Pastor Rich read thoughts by Tom Norvell, “Hopes and Fears of 911”. He concluded with Psalm 27, and a prayer.

Jim Voorhees made a motion to accept the minutes of June 13, 2002, with a second by Jim Erb. All in favor.

Steve and Amy then told us of their plans for the future of the Nursery School.  They would like to negotiate a long term lease with the church for the nursery school.  They have new plans for the playground outside which would include a three foot fence where the sand is located, and to fill in with new sand and playground mulch.  They are also looking into a security system (camera system) which would be in operation during school hours.  They would also like to install a sign in front of the building, but would have to get copies of the state standards for schools. They said they would be interested in doing the outside work themselves with help from the board.  They brought their first rent check and a contribution to the building fund.  Steve Kircher requested they submit a list in writing to the consistory of what they would like to do, so these recommendations could be discussed by the consistory.

They thanked Jim Voorhees and all his men for the hard work they put forth during the transition.  Jim requested more “sticky buns”.  Duane suggested they see the town for any ordinances and everyone thought the playground was a great idea.  They thanked everyone for letting them visit with us.

Rich read a letter from Carol Masselli, which she thanked all for everything we did to help her while she owed Good Day.

Financial: Financials for June, July, and August were reviewed. Question was raised concerning the Evangelism conference registration that seven members of consistory are attending in November. Motion to cover Evangelical Conference by Jim Voorhees, second by Jim Erb, all in favor.

Motion to accept financials as corrected by Jim Voorhees, second by Duane Borwegen, all in favor.

Music: There were four people interviewed for the organist position. Paul Villarreal accepted the position.  Paul recently moved to Staten Island from Texas, and is a music teacher on Long Island.   Paul has accepted the terms set forth, and will start on October 1st. He has nine years experience with church music. A motion to agree with the contract presented was made by Jim Erb, second by Duane Borwegen, all in favor.

Church and Family Life: Dot Klesitz attended a meeting at the Methodist Church in August for the Crop Walk, which will be on October 20th.  She has a video of six minutes duration, which she would like to present after church on Sunday, September 22 in the social hall.  She brought brochures and information on the Crop Walk. St. Paul’s is in charge of advertising for the Crop Walk.  Maryanne spoke to Sue Dowling on media mailings. Posters are to go up around town.  They are in need of walkers to get donations. 25 % of the proceeds will go towards Elijah’s Promise. The walk will start at the Methodist Church, to Our Lady of Lourdes, to St Paul’s, and to Borough Park, with refreshments to be served at the park. Dot stated that she spoke to Acme about donations of food, and they requested a letter on letterhead paper, and would donate food. A rain date was discussed.

Education: Sunday starts the rotation program. Each class will have a homeroom. They are always looking for volunteers. The youth are all geared up for the New Year. They have set goals to enable the kids to become stronger in faith and leadership. Junior group is being led by Donna and Dawn. The goal of the senior group this year is to do a mission trip in the summer. Adult opportunities offered for this year include: a small group of 12 people to meet in the choir room on Tuesday evenings; once monthly a biblical look at the signs of the zodiac; weekly Wednesday study of Proverbs.

Property and Grounds: Duane spoke of the dumpster and the delay on having it delivered because of a family incident with the supplier. The dumpster should be delivered within the next week or two. Jim Voorhees asked if there was any news on the land behind the social hall that the Borough was donating. This property had not been turned over to the Church as of yet. Grounds clean up will be held on Saturday, November 16th, Decoration of the Sanctuary on December 7th. There has been a fire inspection (which we passed), and will be done monthly. Work night has been changed from Tuesday evening to the third Wednesday of the month because of a conflict on schedules.

Correspondence: Thank you’s from Carol Masselli, Greg Weyer (post card from California), Ron and Janet Kuhlthau (scholarship), and Pride in Milltown (offering a table). Sponsorship will be done again this year. This will be on October 5th. Money to be taken from the Pastors discretionary fund ($400.00) for the moon walk. A motion by Duane Borwegen, second by Jim Erb, all in favor.
Correspondence from “Sri Sathya Ssai Baba Center of East Brunswick” to rent the social hall on September 29th for a meeting. This request was turned down by the consistory. Motion was made by Jim Voorhees, second by Rob Ramsen, all in favor.

Correspondence from Jerry Guthlein concerning the soldiers of the 3-505 Panther Battalion of the 82nd Airborne, who are in Afghanistan. The wives of the men deployed are making camouflaged stockings for the men at Christmas time, and are requesting donations of soap, gum, non perishable candy, and any other small stocking stuffers. Need to be collected by October 1st, so they can be sent to Fort Bragg to be made and shipped to the men in time for the holidays. A motion to announce to the congregation was made by Duane Borwegen, second by Norma Lowe, all in favor.

Church Office: Tiding deadline is Thursday. CAROL IS BACK!!!! Marge Conger did a wonderful job as a fill in for two and a half weeks for Carol. It was suggested that we purchase something for Marge for her volunteerism. Motion by Dot Klesitz, second by Norma Lowe, all in favor.

Restoration: All 300 tickets were sold. A profit of approximately $3000.00 was made. Sue to give report at next meeting.  Duane mentioned an idea that was brought to his attention to run the concession stand at Rutgers stadium. We would receive 12% of all sales for the day at the stand.

Old Business: None

New Business: Nominations are to take place. In need of three Deacons to replace Steve Kircher, Jim Voorhees, and Jack Perry. Two Elder replacements needed for Dr. Grace, and Angelo Lizardi. (because of conflict). Need four definite replacements.

Budget: After a lengthy discussion on all items in the 2003 Budget, a motion to accept as proposed by Duane Borwegen, second by Dr. Grace, all in favor.

Motion to adjourn the meeting at 11:55 P.M. by Duane Borwegen, second by Dot Klesitz, all in favor.

Norma Lowe
Acting Secretary