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.

Meeting was called to order by Pastor Rich at 7:39 p.m.  Meditation was Matthew 5 vs. 9. Prayer based on President Bush’s decision to declare war.  We lifted up our world leaders in prayer that peace would prevail.

The minutes were reviewed from the consistory meeting of September 12, 2002.

Corrections needed to be made to September minutes include: under new business Jim Erb not Jim Voorhees going off consistory and owned not owed in correspondence by Carol Mascelli.

Motion to accept September Minutes approved.

Financials were reviewed without questions.  It was noted that expenses year-to-date are the same as last year.

Motion to accept Financials approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Church and Family Life: Dot Klesitz brought us up to date on the CROP Walk on Sunday, October 20.

Education: Jack Perry reported that they had their best meeting ever!  Open discussion where people had mixed reaction to holding Sunday School before worship service.  We have been experiencing no shows in the Nursery.  Linda Jones attended teacher’s meeting where topic was again holding Sunday School before worship service.  Mixed reaction from teachers.  One suggestion was to add worship or chapel service to the last rotation.  Pastor Rich mentioned that Adult Education is going well, though Zodiac will be dropped due to lack of interest.

Emilia should be commended for her discussion with the Youth Group “Words Hurt”.

Financial: Jim Erb discussed Fall Stewardship - using same format as last year.  Asked for volunteers to read statements for the next few Sundays.  Committee recommends not making reminder phone calls to congregation.

Jim also discussed Good Day Lease. Motion to go with the 5 year lease approved.

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

Property and Grounds:  Jim Voorhees reported that Good Day had state inspector visit recently. In letter from Amy & Steve: Good Day plans to put in a playground but must complete it by March 2003 to comply with current state standards; plans to install security system; add new sign; the wish to have a long-term lease and ceiling in entrance needs repair. Motion to ok 4 ft. fence and playground mulch approved. Motion approved to renew Snowplowing contract.


Music Committee:  needs to be represented at Consistory. Discussion on how to purchase a keyboard for Contemporary Worship Service.  Dr. Grace will donate keyboard.

Restoration: Sue Hoiberg reported that George Long is now chairperson and Rob Ramsen co-chair of Holiday Raffle.  $3,000 was given to the Restoration fund as proceeds from the 300 Club Raffle.
 

Old Business: Reminder that Evangelism Convention is November 15 & 16 in Philadelphia with seven people attending from St. Paul’s.

Our Lady of Lourdes Food Bank (run by the St. Vincent DePaul Society) serves thirty-five Milltown people.  We will alternate communion Sundays between them and the Crisis Center in East Brunswick.

New Business: Elders/Deacons meeting on October 28 - two goals for this meeting:

. Communion for children
. pros/cons of moving Sunday School time

The next meeting is Thursday, November 7.

Carol Lagowski,
Church Secretary