APPENDIX D:

Tasks of Care and Counsel

 

          Care and Counsel [Handbook, page 6]

The Care and Counsel Committee offers pastoral care to the Meeting and has general oversight of the functioning of committees.It meets monthly; holds members and attenders in the Light with particular concern for elderly and children and for those whose names arise or who are known to be dealing with health, aging, conflict, possible leadings, or other life issues.It receives requests for clearness or support on personal/spiritual matters, for membership, and for marriage.Greets members, attenders, and visitors each First Day, initiates contact with visitors living in this area, and tends the guest book in the lobby. Lends one of the quilts in its care to Friends thought to appreciate a bit of extra nurturing in time of trouble or sorrow.  See also Quilts (page 38).

Care and Counsel also has the following duties:

        Act on requests for financial aid from the Assistance Fund and the Scholarship Fund.

        Assist family members in arranging a memorial service, oversee burial arrangements and the burial ground, write memorial minutes or see that they are written. Two members serve as Caretakers of the burial ground (12/81).

        With Ministry and worship, oversee meeting for business, the annual State of Society Report, and other mutual concerns.

        With Ministry and Worship, meet annually with Child Care, First Day School, and Young Friends committees or advisors.

        Oversee bulletin boards with the Clerk. See also Bulletin Boards (page 25).

        Oversee the hearing amplification system.

        Occasionally plan discussions of Friends� beliefs and practices for newcomers.

        Exchange minutes with Ministry and Worship; give copies to Clerks and History and Records Committee.

        Oversee work of E-mail Minder and Web servant (10/03).

Care and Counsel members are encouraged to attend meetings for worship and business regularly.Six members are appointed for staggered three-year terms.Membership in Mt. Toby Meeting is not a requirement (04/76).

(Based on duties assigned by meeting for business 1981-2003; reorganized and approved by Care and Counsel 1/06).)

See also Nominating And Appointing Procedures (page 23), Childcare (page Error: Reference source not found), Committee On Care Of The Meeting And Its Children (page 7), and Memorial Minutes (page 29).