FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

LEXNGTON, KENTUCKY

CHARGE CONFERENCE MINUTES

February 4, 2002

I. CONVENING THE BODY: Dr. Thomas W. Eblen, District Superintendent opened the Charge Conference with prayer. He commented to the membership how much he and his wife were enjoying being in Lexington.

II. PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATES FOR ORDAINED MINISTRY: Dr. Eblen requested that the candidates be brought to the attention of the membership. Richard Dorton, Chairman, Staff Parish Relations Committee introduced Tammy Grimm and Jim Keegan stating that each candidate had been interviewed and approved for candidacy by the Staff Parish Relations Committee.

1. Tammy Grimm is from New Jersey and will graduate Asbury Theological Seminary in June to follow the deacon tract in ministry. Tammy expressed her gratitude to God for His goodness.

2. Jim Keegan is a graduate of Asbury Theological Seminary and served as a pastor in the Mennonite Church. Dr. Al Gwinn mentioned that Jim was being processed through Nashville due to the transfer of records of the Mennonite Church. Jim said that he echoed Tammy’s remarks and he also had gratitude to God for His goodness.

Dr. Eblen told the membership that the voting would to be taken by written ballot. While the ballots were being counted Dr. Eblen briefly explained the mentoring program of the Kentucky Conference. Candidates Tammy Grimm and Jim Keegan were approved by a unanimous vote of the membership. Before moving on to other business Dr. Eblen asked Dr. Gwinn to pray for Tammy and Jim.

III. REPORT OF PASTORS’ SALARIES: Dr. Eblen called for the report of pastors’ salaries. Richard Dorton presented the Staff Parish Relations Committee report and the committee’s recommendation for the salaries to be increased 4% for the year 2002. Dr. Gwinn to receive $68,170 and Rev. Ken Klemme to receive $29,120. Dr. Eblen asked for the report to be received. The salary report was approved.

IV. FUMC VISION TEAM REPORT: Dr Eblen announced the final item on the agenda was the presentation of the First United Methodist Church Vision Team Report. (Attached)

· Starr Clay began the report presentation by setting the church’s calendar ahead to the year 2012. Richard Dorton followed by describing the years of many meetings and the Vision Team’s desire to discern God’s will for FUMC. The church itself was surveyed and the results came back saying, “don’t leave downtown”. The Vision Team listened formally and informally to unmet needs and unmet dreams, all the while, determined to remain God focused.

Dr. Gwinn continued the report by talking about:

First Core Values

1. We are the body of Christ Romans 12

2. The Scriptures are God’s guide for us 11Tim. 3:16-17

3. Prayer is our lifeline to God Luke 18:1

4. Lost people matter to God – and to us Matthew 28:19-20

First DNA

§ A heart for those in need

§ A desire to birth new congregations

§ A spirit of friendliness and hospitality

§ A giftedness to re-franchise tradition

§ Connectional leadership

First Vision

§ Declaration of God’s future for us

First Focus Acts 2:42-47

§ Function as the body of Christ

§ Impact the city and the world for Christ

§ Respond to the needs and hurts of others

§ Strengthen believers through vital worship

§ Train persons to be disciples

Dina Melvin added to the report and emphasized the Children’s Program need for additional restrooms and play space as well as the need for an auditorium.

Tiffany Hollums, Director of Youth Ministries emphasized the needs of grades 6 through 12 growing out of their space. She suggested a building around the ministry, a place for 200+ youth to meet for play and worship.

D.G. Hollums spoke to the needs of College Ministries and their need for a gathering place as well as a place to house an outreach mission in the form of a coffee house.

Ken Klemme provided a look into Adult Ministries in the areas of:

§ 10:50 Service

§ Growth of other services

§ Enhanced Music Ministries

§ Foyer area

§ Greeting space

§ Restrooms

Make possible ministries such as:

§ Fellowship activities

§ Theatrical events

§ Alternative worship

§ Nurturing Ministries

§ Recreation space

David Bratcher described First In Outreach:

§ Goal of more people personally and physically involved

§ Reaching our community

§ Urban ministries

§ Hispanic worship

§ Suburban campus

1. Saturday night service

2. Meeting place for Bible study

3. Green space

4. Venue for outdoor worship

5. Another entry into new subdivisions

§ Mentoring of another UMC congregation

1. Habitat for Humanity

2. Aldersgate Camp

§ New church development

§ Continued support for foreign missions

1. Missionaries

2. Faith promise

§ Increased emphasis on volunteers in mission

1. Leadership in outreach ministries

2. High percentage of members in mission

Starr Clay then talked to the membership about First Stewardship:

§ The Endowment Foundation

§ First Response

Richard Dorton then brought us back to the present and resented the recommendations of the Vision Team. (Attached)

Dr. Eblen asked if there were any questions or needed clarification. He asked if there was any discussion of the report or any comments before action on the report. Dr. Eblen asked for the report to be received and called for the vote. The report was approved.

Bob McCray complimented the Vision Team for their long and hard work and the fine quality of the presentation.

Dr. Eblen closed the meeting; all were dismissed at 8:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Joyce E. Miller

Recording Secretary