FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

LEXNGTON, KENTUCKY

CHARGE CONFERENCE/ADMINSTRATIVE COUNCIL MINUTES

January 27, 2003

At 7:05 p.m. Dr. Al Gwinn called the assembled to order in the absence of Foster Ockerman, Jr., Administrative Council Chair.	CONVENING THE BODY
Dr. Gwinn provided a few minutes for review of the Charge Conference Minutes of December 9, 2002. Dr. Gwinn requested the assembled to affirm the minutes are accurate by saying Amen. Minutes Approved.	APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Dr. Gwinn shared that we are aware of “His” presence. There should be no difference whether we are in worship or in a business meeting we should be sensitive to “His” leading and be a prayerful people who try to have one mind. It is always important to pray before and during any meeting. At this time Dr. Gwinn led the assembled in prayer beginning with praying for the person on each right and left and to also remember those individuals who were not present at the meeting. Dr. Gwinn also led the group in a time of table introductions by the sharing of names and birthdays. Just dates, not years! Dr. Gwinn welcomed and introduced the new members of the Administrative Council: · Winston Dodson – United Methodist Men Chair · Bill Pabian – Trustees Chair · John Melvin – Member-at-Large	CENTERING MOMENT
Dr. Gwinn called to order the Charge Conference portion of the meeting for the purpose of setting the pastor’s salaries. Richard Dorton, Staff and Parish Relations Committee (SPR) chairperson reported that the SPRC recommended a 5% salary increase for Dr. Al Gwinn, Rev. Ken Klemme, and Rev. Chuck Griffin for the year 2003. Dr. Gwinn called for questions and if none to affirm by saying Amen. Approved, thus ending the Charge Conference portion of the meeting.	SETTING OF THE PASTOR’S SALARY
Worship Taskforce: · Dr. Gwinn reported that the Worship Taskforce have been meeting. Parking Taskforce: · Dr. Gwinn advised there is a meeting scheduled for February 2, 2003. Evangelism: · Rev. Ken Klemme reported the Evangelism Task Force is still organizing and plan to meet in the near future. Building Task Force: · Richard Dorton advised as stated in the December Minutes that he, Foster Ockerman, Jr. and Dr. Al Gwinn had been meeting with Partner & Associates. The Building Task Force feels they are in the home stretch of signing an engagement agreement. The Building Task Force believes that Partners & Associates will first do a comprehensive study of existing property followed by a study of intermediate and long term needs. Trustees: · Scooter Leonard reported the Trustees elected Bill Pabian, chairperson, Malcolm Meers, vice chairperson, and Vicki Kirn, secretary. Scooter further reported a list of accomplishments during the last year: o Server and computer upgrade o New sound system for sanctuary o Exterior of the church painted o New cabinets in Fellowship Hall o New carpet in the Youth Lounge Scooter Leonard acknowledged in the years he has been at FUMC the Church has never looked so good. Bill Pabian told the assembly that he appreciated the confidence he has been showed by the Trustees and acknowledged that they have a lot of work to do this year. Missions Committee: · David Bratcher, provided an important reminder about the leaders from the Estonia and Baltic Methodist Church will be present in Lexington February 7-9, 2003 and will worship with us on February 9, 2003. After worship, a lunch will be served in the Fellowship Hall. During their tour in this country they will be shadowing pastors in Alabama, Tennessee, and Illinois. While in Lexington the group will meet with Dr. Gwinn, Tiffany Hollums and DG Hollums as well as attending Pastors Conference at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore. David Bratcher also mentioned that February 16, 2003 is scheduled to be Faith Promise Sunday at FUMC. The Missions Committee is looking to put together a short-term mission trip to Estonia and St. Petersburg, Russia around June 16, 2003 for approximately 15 days. Finance Committee: · Ernie Stamper provided a review and recap of the December 2002 Budget Summary. The Finance Committee stepped up the plan to upgrade the Church office computer system and by doing so it was paid out of last years budget surplus. It was also noted that 97% of the actual pledges for 2003 totaled $954,940.75. Income marked parsonage is in the endowment and comes from the sale of parsonages. Ernie Stamper also mentioned that the budget is based upon actual spending amounts. Kathy Sullivan asked about last year’s surplus and whether it has been rolled over into this year’s amount. It was explained that the surplus of $87,599.00 minus the computer upgrade expense was rolled over leaving a surplus balance of $53,356.57. In looking at the 2003 Budget Detail Scooter Leonard offered a couple of highlights: o College Ministry has been increased to $16,000. Two years ago, there was no money budged for College Ministry. o The Trustees budget went up due to raising insurance rates. o Apportionments went up again this year. FUMC is one of a very few large churches to step up and respond positively. o $6,400 in Administration is a new item in the budget. The amount was built in for the purpose of keeping the Church office computers upgraded on a continuing basis rather than a mammoth upgrade every several years. o Debt service will remain at $50,000. o Staff Parish had an increase in their budget due to the Youth Ministry and College Ministry personnel search and the addition of an older adult position. Ernie Stamper commended the Stewardship Team for their work this year. He also commended the Sr. Pastor and Scooter Leonard’s advance work on the budget. At this point Ernie Stamper submitted this report for approval by the Administrative Council. Dr. Gwinn called for questions and if none to affirm the 2003 Budget by saying Amen. Approved. Endowment Foundation: · Bob Flemming, chair was present but had to leave early and Buck Buckley advised there was nothing new to report at this time. Current Foundation total is about $515,000+. Kathy Sullivan asked about the status of the “Farm” located in Winchester. Buck Buckley advised that he has been in contact with the owner and FUMC is still being considered. United Methodist Men: · Winston Dodson, chair reported the Methodist Men are hosting a Valentine Banquet at 6:30 p.m. on February 13. The new Lexington Mayor has been invited to speak. Methodist Men are planning to meet every two months. New officers are Vice Chair-Jim Pepperyl, Programs-Danny Siders, Treasurer-Burl Phillips. United Methodist Women: · Kathy Sullivan, chair reported the Lexington District held a Mini School of Christian Mission at FUMC, 43 ladies attended. Three studies for credit through the Kentucky Conference were offered: o Mexico o Restorative Justice o Book of James.	MINISTRY UPDATES MINISTRY UPDATES continued… MINISTRY UPDATES continued… MINISTRY UPDATES continued…
Dr. Gwinn took opportunity to celebrate with the Administrative Council that last year approximately 155 were taken into membership and 45 individuals joined by profession of faith.	CELEBRATION
The following are dates to remember: · 2/7-9 Estonia visitors · 2/13 United Methodist Men’s Valentine Banquet · 2/16 New Member Orientation for October new members · 2/23 Danville Children’s Choir · 3/16 New Member Orientation for November new members	IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER
· Dr. Gwinn admonished the Administrative Council to re-read The Essence of First Church. If you are a leader keep a worship/work mentality present in all meeting groups. · David Bratcher shared that he had observed from the choir loft each Sunday an increasing number of younger people sitting out in the congregation and he believes that it signifies that God is still in charge. Kathy Sullivan added that she met a mother and daughter walking through the church the Saturday of the District UMW Missions Mini School. They told her that they were looking for a church with “traditional” roots. They were so happy to find that FUMC was just that sort of church. It was also mentioned that one particular Sunday an older lady escorted a younger couple back to the parlor. · Rev. Billy Ray Jennings shared the new class he is teaching is averaging 15 to 20 in attendance. The class is still looking for a name. Kathy Sullivan added; we need to continue to look for other areas where we can begin another class. Dr. Gwinn mentioned that Rev. Chuck Griffin is starting another class, but looking for a space to meet. · Joyce Miller asked: why was the Wednesday evening service time is so early? Individuals who work outside of Lexington have a very difficult time of getting to the Church by the 6 p.m. service. Dr. Gwinn mentioned that the dinner serving time had been lengthened to 6:30. Rev. Chuck Griffin added that he is currently working on a plan to have various Wednesday night studies, possibly at staggered times. · Scooter Leonard shared that the Library is now under the leadership of the O’Malleys and they are currently working to obtain new “old” classics, some have already been ordered. It is also planned to acquire publications by authors who attend church here so that they may also be checked out. · Buck Buckley mentioned that he does a lot of visiting to other churches and many of them have a listing of Sunday School classes and other church groups listed in the bulletin. Dr. Gwinn added; FUMC needs to be “seeker sensitive” and look for ways to make FUMC program offerings more available.	WHAT INFORMATION DO YOU NEED TO KNOW? WHAT INFORMATION DO YOU NEED TO KNOW? continued…
The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m. with Dr. Gwinn commissioning all to go in God’s peace and God’s grace. Respectfully submitted, Joyce Miller Recording Secretary	CLOSING