FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY

ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL MINUTES

DECEMBER 10, 2001

I. CONVENING THE BODY: Mary Wis Haggin: The December 10, 2001, Administrative Council meeting was opened with a short devotion based on Romans 8:28 (all things work together for good).

II. INTRODUCTIONS AND WELCOME: Al Gwinn: New members of the 2002 Council Joyce Miller (Secretary) and Steve Osborne (United Methodist Men) were welcomed.

III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Mary Wis Haggin: The September 10, 2001, Administrative Council minutes were approved on motion from Foster Ockerman, Jr., and second from Paul Sullivan.

IV. CENTERING TIME: Al Gwinn

A. The core values discussed at the 2002 Council meetings were reviewed (Attachment I).

B. The Vision Team vision and focus statements for the church were shared (Attachment II).

1. The vision and focus statements incorporate the core values discussed in Council.

2. The Council affirmed the Vision Team’s work.

V. MINISTRY UPDATES AND DECISIONS

A. Missions Committee: Kevin Noland (Attachment III): The Missions Committee report was approved.

B. Finance Report: Scooter Leonard (Attachment IV)

1. Pledge income is under $65,000 for the year; non-pledge, loose, and Sunday School income are up; actual income to expenses are $71,000 to the good.

2. The $41,000 loan balance is on schedule to be paid off within the year.

C. Stewardship Campaign: Scooter Leonard

1. For 2002, 264 pledges have been received for $756,626; for 2001, 318 pledges were received for $905,000; 37 new pledge units have pledged $60,120.

2. Motion from Ernie Stamper, second from Randy Clay, approved: Pending review by the Finance Committee of 2001 activity, the apportionment amount of 15% is to be raised to 16%.

D. Vision Team: Scooter Leonard (Attachment II): The Vision Team report is to be presented to a January 7 Charge Conference.

E. Foundation: Bob Fleming

1. The October 8 dinner was a success.

2. The Foundation Board has recessed until January.

3. One gift has been received for $9,000.

4. Motion, approved: Memorial gifts are to be given to the Foundation unless otherwise specified.

5. The Council showed appreciation to the Foundation Board for its work.

VI. IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER: Staff

A. December 19: Christmas Music Program

B. December 31: New Year’s Eve service sponsored by youth at 11:00 PM

C. January 7: Charge Conference

D. January 9: Wednesday night dinner resumes

E. January 27: Lay Leadership Training for Council members from 3:30 to 5:00

F. Youth Ministry Update: Tiffany Hollums

1. Ten youth have been called to various forms of ministry; nine desire to be in ordained ministry.

2. Local United Methodist churches are sponsoring citywide youth fellowship events to promote the United Methodist family.

3. A family has been adopted by the youth for Christmas; a child of the family is a member of UMYF.

4. Servanthood (youth leadership) activities include making videos, prayer ministry, being a big brother/big sister to the younger youth.

VII. WHAT ADDITIONAL INFORMATION WOULD BE HELPFUL TO YOU AS YOU SEEK TO BE THE LEADER GOD NEEDS YOU TO BE?

A. Don Rankin from the United Methodist Homes for Children and Youth will be at the January 20 services to present an award for First Church donating the most funds of any Kentucky church (approximately $25,000).

B. Howard Reynolds (Conference Mission Secretary) has commended First Church for giving the most to local and global missions of any Kentucky church.

C. Kathy Sullivan recognized that the United Methodist Women had a successful year.

VIII. RECOGNITION OF OUTGOING OFFICERS: Al Gwinn

A. Prayers were offered for outgoing members.

B. Mary Wis Haggin and Phil Nally were given special recognition for their many years of service.

IX. CLOSING PRAYER: David Bratcher: The closing prayer was offered at 8:30 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,

Phillip E. Nally, Secretary