Memorials and Gifts, as a subgroup of Stewardship team, keeps good records of individual receipts and disbursements, communicates with donor families, reviews the congregation’s needs, and recommends memorial expenditures to the Congregation Council. This subgroup does not handle money and has no direct authority over expenditures. Disbursements are handled by the church treasurer with the approval of council. Examples of this subgroup’s duties include:
- Recording gifts purchased with memorial funds in the Memorials Book
- Maintaining and communicating clear policies for their receipt and expenditure
- Assisting Communications Team with its church inventory responsibilities
2026 Memorials and Gifts Team
Team Leader: Sylvia Ford and Pastor Joanna Gragg
Recording Secretary: Ruth Nicholson
Members: Kay Black, Linda Griffith and Frank Yonce
2025 Report
The Memorials and Gifts Team oversees the process by which gifts to the church are accepted. Particular attention is given to proposed gifts of tangible items, either outright gifts or those to be purchased with monetary contributions made to the church in memory and/or honor of loved ones. The team endeavors to identify items that would benefit the congregation as well as to note which earlier gifts are no longer in use. This team works with the pastor and congregational council to see that agreed-upon guidelines governing
memorials and gifts and their dedication and presentation are followed.
Purchases made or being recommended for 2024-2026:
*Nine white vertical Levolor blinds have been purchased and installed in our Sunday School rooms and kitchen.
*A security system by Riley Consulting, including interior and exterior cameras and alarms, has been purchased and installed to improve safety measures for our church, staff, congregation and gatherings. Significant study and consideration were taken by members who agreed to monitor and oversee the service.
The system was purchased with donations, memorials and honorarium monies.
*Additional benches (2-4) for the playground will be proposed for 2026
*Additional landscaping projects will be proposed for 2026
*Additional blinds/shades for the Fellowship Hall and Chapel will be proposed for 2026
Submitted by Beth Cleland, 2025 Team Leader