SEPTEMBER 2017 THE MESSENGER Council Minutes Youth: A new Confirmation class will start in October. Fall Blast will be held on October 22. Finance: Joe reported that things look good. Securing our future gifts have slowed and we need givers to make the "mortgage" an ongoing priority. In July there was an increase in personnel cost that was not budgeted. Papers were signed to move funds from an EPA Conference fund to the Mid-Atlantic United Methodist Foundation. Trustees: Tree trimming needs to be done in the Memorial Garden. Trustees received three quotes for the work. Approximate cost will be $880. Wes Bischel is resigning from Trustees. Dave Weltner will finish the window frame wall project. Interior painting work for next year is being discussed, as well as addressing the stain on the steeple. Remembering Anne Missions: A new database has been put together making it easier to connect people. A new newsletter has been developed called "Mission Now." Nepal Service/Learning Trip will be February 13-24. The expectation for cost is lower than originally thought. Participants are asked to make a $200 deposit around Sept. 1. A Trivia Night fundraiser for Nepal trip is planned for November 11. Anchorage Breakfast did not generate a significant offering the first week, however giving exceeded expectations the second week. Staff Parish: New leave polices are being drafted. A 6-week paid/6-week unpaid parental leave policy was adopted. Liz started seminary. Thank You! *Emma Lou Kraft called to say she would like to thank the congregation for the wonderful Ruth and I would like to thank Grandview for all of birthday cards and well wishes she received. the thoughtful cards, gifts, and support as we grieve She said she is so blessed to be a part of this church family. the loss of our sister Anne Merriman-Maki. Anne and her twin sister Grace visited Lancaster on a *Dear Grandview UMC, number of occasions over the past years. They Thank you so much for making our first week in attended Grandview in July of 2014 for the first Nicholas so amazing! Your love in action time and fell in love with the congregation and displayed during the week brought us so much Anne said that if she lived here she would be joy. We really enjoyed having you all in attending Grandview as her church home. Later Nicholas, and we hope to cross paths with you that year, Anne was diagnosed with metastatic next summer! Peace, ASP Nicholas Staff esophageal cancer in November and we began to offer prayers for Anne. Anne relied on Grandview's prayers and would ask that I made sure people knew when she was having challenging concerns and with each success. We are so thankful that Anne made a Grandview connection and pray that you know how valued she held your care and concern. By Rev. Mary Merriman