Ownbey Weekly Reader
Thursday, January 9, 2003.
Planning Session Minutes
20030109.htm
(on web at http://donredding.com/20030109.htm
Lesson
schedule is at http://donredding.com/2003.html#current
Version:04/07/2004 6:16:58 PM
(Edit History moved to bottom on 3/14/03)
Ownbey SundaySchool Class
Leader Team Meeting
Thursday, January 09, 2003
(Minutes
may be found at http://www.donredding.com/20030109.htm)
1)
Mr.
Redding mentioned the purposes of the meetingwere to understand better each
leader's roles, provide feedback and ideas on areas in the class, make plans as
appropriate, build a base for communication, and fellowship.
2)
Class
members were asked on Sunday, January 05, and some by telephone before the
meeting, to provide feedback to the officers and chairs specifically for this
meeting. Feedbackfrom class members for the meeting included:
A)
A
suggestion by a class member that the“primary objectives of the class are
to expand our beliefs through learning and discussionand to provide Christian
fellowship.” Mr. Redding asked the Team to review these objectives for
later discussion.
* It was felt the word
“Christian” should be inserted toread“primary objectives of
the class are to expand our Christian
beliefs through learning and discussionand to provide Christian
fellowship.” in the event we want to adopt this statement as our official
objective or mission. He noted it said nothing about service.
B)
“Being
sure teachers have enough time for lesson,” was mentioned by a class
member. Mr. Reddingacknowledged he knowingly broke the 10:00 – 10:40 rule
Sunday in an attempt to set the stage for the year.
C)
Also
the same person said,as long as they“have been members of the class,
therehas been no indication that the class was highly structured. I do not
think it needs tobe … becausewithfew written rules or guidelines …
officers are free to create or revise as they feel appropriate … andbring
anything new or revised before class for discussion and approval…”
·
Mr. Redding agreed with most of the statement buthoped during
the yearthe class wouldfind or develop basic guidelines for each officer,
committee,and chair role as a method of providing guidance for futurenominees
and office holders without curbingany desire for creativity. Such information
could behoused ina Class Handbook for present and future classes.
D)
Other
class members expressed appreciation for the teachers and their contributions
of talent and time, acknowledgingOwnbey has an outstandinggroup of teachers.
E)
Another
class member noted the fine job done by various committees and suggested that
more people be named to the committees to reduce the work load on the chairs or
co chairs. During the meeting, Mr Reddingencouraged the chairs to solicit more
committee membersif the need is apparent.
3)
New
Business included:
A)
New
Ownbey Sunday School Facilities:
1)
First
Sunday will be February 2, 2003, and the Team designated it as “Official
Picture Day for Ownbey Sunday School Class.” All class members will be
encouraged to be present and bringcameras.
2)
New
room / location:(Note: Much of this paragraph not known at the time of meeting
but confirmed with Barbara Barden January 10, 2003. It modifies some
information given at the meeting): The Ownbey class room will be on the first
floor in the new building and may be reached from the front or the side near
the (handicapped) parking. Entering from the parking lot, theroom is down the
hall on the right. It is near the Chapel. It has windows. It is not a dividable
room. Heating and Air Conditioning units will be outside some windows. Blackboards
/ whiteboards will be installed several weeks after the move and will paid for
from the MPUMC Education budget. The piano will move with us. After the move we
should contact Tori Collins to have it tuned when other pianos will be tuned on
a visit by a professional. Although chairs are Church property (we paid for the
Ownbey Chairs several years ago) we hope to retain them or improve.. Many
chairs in the new classrooms will come from the present Church in the Round.
B)
Selection
ofCommittee Chairs: The procedure for selecting committees and chairs was
reviewed. The procedure is that the President selects committee chairs and,in
conjunction with the advice of the chair for the committee, the membership.
C)
Projects
Committee: It was decided we shouldhave a project committee. The procedure will
be to ask for volunteers several Sundays. After a group of 5 is selected, it
will select its chairman. It will be responsible for determining a name for
this committee and for developing procedures for determining and approving
requests for money of aproject type. The Class President will be an ex-officio
member. After the first year the President will select the Chairman and, in
conjunction with the advice of the chair for the committee, the membership. The
time frame for having the 2003 Project Committee in place is 60 to 90 days.
Vice President Bill Pearce has drafted some preliminary ideas on the subject
and they will be shared with the committee. They are attached to these minutes.
(eventually when dsr gets toit.)
D)
Nominating
Committee: Previously the President appointed the Nominating Committee in the
last quarter of the year. It was decided the President should select the
Nominating Committee at the same time as selecting other committees. No
officers willserve on the Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee will
make recommendations for the offices of President, Vice President, Secretary
and Treasurer. The President will select the Nominating Committee chair and, in
conjunction with the advice of the chair for the committee, the
membership.Reasons given for this change are to allow committee members to
observe potential candidates during the year, to provide aforum where class
members may recommend potential candidates or offer to servein advance of the
new year, and to havemany positions filled well before the year begins. The
time frame for selecting the 2003 Nominating Committee is 60 to 90 days..
E)
Membership:
Average class attendance dropped by 5 persons over the last couple of years and
the trend has been down more slowly for 6 years.
1)
Though
we added members over the last few years, othersleft for various reasons
offsetting the gains.
2)
Team
members were asked to encourage current class members to return and to be
looking for new members.
3)
Ideas
for increasing attendance will be considered at a later time.
F)
Future
Ownbey Leaders Team Meetings:Team members at a later time will consider whether
further meetingsshould be held.
4)
Old
Business: None as this is the first meeting of the Team.
5)
Committee
Reports:
A)
Curriculum:
(Chair William Webb)
1)
Mr.
Webbsaid that
The Curriculum Committee has
three primary objectives. First, we endeavor
to select books or church
school lessons which lend themselves to provoking
a lively discussion among intelligent
and mature men and women. Second, we
endeavor to provide books
which deal with a wide variety of points-of-view,
since our class has members
which reflect a wide range of beliefs. Third,
we are faithful to our
protocols developed over decades to have teachers who
will lead discussions, not
lecture, and will follow the rules, which are
written and familiar to the
teachers. We indoctrinate new teachers in the
Socratic style of teaching
and in the protocols. In addition, we believe in
starting at 10:00 AM and
concluding at 10:40 AM. The teachers are the
members of the Committee.
The President is an ex-officio member and
traditionally does not
teach, since he has enough on is hands to be
President. (Bill could we add
: The MPUMC Minister of Adult Education is an ex-officio member of the
committee. )They bring recommendations for the curriculum to our semi-annual
meetings and make the decisions about what will be taught. All members of
the class are invited to our
meetings, to bring recommendations, and to
participate in the
discussion. However, the teachers make the final
decisions about what will be
taught.
2)
Mr.
Webb noted also:
(a)
Although
the church provides money for purchasing some books, at times the allowance is
not enough and we do use our own treasury
(b)
We
have about 13 teachers andare continuing to search for female teachers
3)
The
class has a diversity of background and interest. Even with that diversity the
Team feltwe are meeting the needs of the group most of the time.
4)
Mr.
Hammer emphasized the importance of the teachers discovering possible books. He
emphasized the teachers should befamiliar with the books they recommend. At
times we have been burned whena book did not live up to its title.
5)
A
suggestion was made that a class day be designated a open class meeting once a
year. Some Team members felt best not to skip a lesson.A suggestion was that if
a teacher misses a date, the time be used for the meeting. No decision was made
and will be subject to further consideration.
6)
Ms.
Andrew suggested we need to be aware of what is happening in other parts of the
church as we plan our schedule. The Team acknowledged that some Church events
are planned in the short range whereas we plan six months in advance. Mrs.
Pearce noted that the Adult Ministry Team is encouraging Sunday School classes and groups to be more intentional in
informing Barbara Barden about significant events which would be of
interestchurch wide.
7)
Mrs.
Copeland emphasized the importance of allowing the teachers sufficient time for
the lesson
8)
Mr.
Hammer noted that occasionally members made suggestions to him during 2002 for
subject matter and that he encouraged them to attendCurriculum meetings to
express their opinions.
9)
Mr.
Webb emphasized he was very open to any suggestions for improving the
Committee. A comment was made thatEmail may be used as a suggestion box.
B)
Health
and Happiness: (Co Chairs Reatha Andrew and Don Hammer)
1)
Decision
on expenses confirmed. (See 6 A 3 below)
2)
Several
sets of guidelines haveemerged, some dated and some not, and Ms Andrews will
use as a basis for updating for later approval.
3)
It
was noted that the dollar guidelines need increasing
4)
The
Team confirmed the desire for cards to be sent to all regular and extended members
on birthdays and on other occasions as appropriate.
C)
Social
(Nancy and Jim Hatfield)
1)
The
number of socials were discussed, and it was decided we should have at least
four (and maybe more).
2)
Various
possibilities were discussed including previous trips to Nassau, Camp Tekoa,
and camping.
3)
Currentpossibilities.
(a)
The
Maxwells have offered a spring garden party (bring your covered dish).
(b)
The
Copelands offered to host a barbecue with the best month being September based
on previous experience. (Need to get with the vendor early)
(c)
Harriette
Thompson extended an invitation for a Christmas breakfast the second Sundayin December.
(d)
We
decided we do want a Christmas party
4)
Mr.
Redding asked the Team members to give suggestions for socials andrestaurant
menus to the Hatfields.Also, class members will be asked for their
recommendations.
5)
Several
other social possibilities were mentioned including the Myers Park Country
Club(feedback was that it is a great meal but attendance has dropped), Queens
College (menu might have changed with fewer choices now), Hotel Charlotte,
Skyland on South Boulevard where you get soup and banana pudding whether you
want it or not (is economical but in the news lately as the owner indicted for
gambling). Also Green’s Hot Dogs was mentioned(and I think it was
aserious suggestion).
6)
In
planningSocials, the schedule of Adults Plus will be considered as well.
7)
The
Hatfields will get with Cristina Halpern, previous co chair, for her guidelines
and suggestions.
D)
Meal
Coordinating Committee (Ann Copeland and Ginny Soule)
1)
The
Committee in case of a death the class will do a meal
(a)
whatever
the family wants – before the service or at night, etc
(b)
contacts
the family and asks what is wanted and for how many.
(c)
contacts
class members to volunteer meals. Some instead provide money which can cover
some expenses such as meat.
(d)
The
committee gets the meal tothe home
2)
Room
in the Inn
(a)
The
class historically has paid for
the food for the night meal.
(b)
Usually
the food is purchased at a restaurant such as Bojangles
(c)
The
first years the class prepared the night meals but changed the method because
it was hard to gauge the number of meals needed in advance
(d)
The
Committee picks up the night meal, delivers to the church,and later returns any
containers.
(e)
Breakfast
is prepared by class members. Connie Owen has been the coordinator for the
morning mealrecently, and a new coordinator is being named for 2003. Connie
will help as a contributor. Others mentioned as helping with meals in the past
include ReathaAndrew, Joyce Witherington, and Marilea and Bob Grogan.
(f)
After the meeting, several people recommended the class pay for the
night (already done) and breakfast ( a change) meal, and we willunless there is
opposition from other Team members.
(g)
Mrs.
Copeland encouraged members to offer any suggestions for the function of the
committee.
6)
Officer
Reports
A)
Treasurer: (Carol
Douglas)
1)
Ms.
Douglas reported
(a)
There
is over $400 in our regular fund.
(b)
We
presently have a “savings” account and pay $4 a month fees. There
would be no charge if balances are over a certain amount. Carol is
investigating the charges and if another account wouldbe more economical.
(c)
At
the December Christmas Party, it was announced that a member was giving $1,500
to the class. The giver wants to remain anonymous. There are no restrictions on
the gift. However, the giver hoped the gift would be used as a matching fund to
encourage other similar gifts. We have received $200 in addition to the $1,500
and Ms. Douglas said she expected more as details of the fund are developed.
Ms. Douglas suggested we appoint a Project Committee (See discussion above in 3
c.)
2)
Expenses
and reimbursements: Class members often spend money on behalf of the class and
are glad to do so as a form ofadditional contribution. To give a clearer
picture of the class expense level ,such contributions will continue to be
encouraged and accepted; thegiver will make an equivalent contribution in cash
/ check to the class and also turn ina request for reimbursement which will be
paid for by the class treasury. The net result of this procedure will be the
same as the giver pays for the expense, but the class has a record of the
expense. The procedure will be tested through March 31, 2003 before a final
decision is made.
3)
Health
and Happiness Committee Expenses: It was confirmed that the expenses for
cards and stamps of the committee are to be paid by the class treasury. The
Team confirmed the desire for cards to be sent to all regular and extended members
on birthdays and on other occasions as appropriate. Ms. Andrews, Co Chair, is
reviewing several guidelines from previous years and willprepare a new set of
guidelines for consideration.
4)
Room
in the Inn: Expenses of this project are discussed in 5 D 2 abovee.
B)
Secretary
(Durward and Connie Owen)
1)
Maintaining
attendance records is important in proving information
(a)
to
the church office for decision making
(b)
and
to help theclass followtrends in attendance
2)
Attendance
sheets for use for the year have been prepared and are done by the Quarter
3)
The
class has maintained statisticsfor seven years on attendance.
(a)
Attendance
has dropped by 5 persons over the last couple of years
(b)
and
the trend has been down more slowly for 6 years.
4)
Efforts
to encourage attendance were discussed and will be a focus of the year
5)
The
Education Team of the church still is developing a system for providing
feedback on members missing, say 4 classes, for follow up. In the meantime the
Ownbey system does reflect this information and the secretary duties include
providing such feedback to class officers as appropriate.
C)
Vice
President (Bill and Marie Pearce)
1)
The
Pearces are prepared to offer advice and guidance to the class and to fill in
the absence of the President
2)
Marie
will preside Sunday, January 19, as
dsr goes to baptism of grandson in Wilmington.
D)
President
(Don Redding)
1)
Mr.
Redding expressed his appreciation for the willingness of the officers and
chairs to serve.
2)
He
encouraged the members to communicate with him at any time
7)
Follow
up:
A)
Project
CommitteeSelection (Redding)
B)
Nominating
Committee Selection (Redding)
C)
Decide
on future meetings of Team (Team)
D)
Work
on finding or draftingbasic guidelines for each officer, committee,and chair
role (Team)
E)
Build
Membership / attendance(Team)
F)
Class
objective statement. (Team)
G)
Open
Class meeting (Team)
H)
Contact
previous Social chair (Hatfield)
I)
Social
suggestions (Team, Hatfield)
J)
Health
and Happiness Policyredraft (Andrew)
K)
Savings
/ Checking Account placement (Douglas)
L)
Picture
Day 2/2/3 notify all class members (Redding)
M)
Did
Don leave any out?
8)
The
meeting ended at 8:29 am with a rousing round of applause for the hostess, her
hospitality, and the meal. Thanks Carol.
Saturday, January 11, 2003
11 and Revisions 01/18/03, 01/24/03
704 527-3510
minutes may be found at
http://www.donredding.com/20030109.htm