FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY

ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL MINUTES/CHARGE CONFERENCE MINUTES

MARCH 5, 2001

 

I.        CONVENING THE BODY: Mary Wis Haggin: The March 5, 2001, Administrative Council meeting was opened with prayer by Mary Wis Haggin at 7:05 PM.

 

II.     CENTERING TIME: Al Gwinn

A.     Using the Romans 12 text from Peterson’s Bible paraphrase, The Message, Dr. Gwinn led a discussion of “We are the Body of Christ”.

  1. The following questions relating to the Body of Christ were discussed in small groups:

1.      How does this core value make us different from other organizations?

2.      If Christ is the Head of the Body, what part might this Council be?

3.      What gifts do you bring to the Body?

4.      What part of the physical body most represents you in the Body of Christ?

C.     Dr. Gwinn summarized the discussion by noting that the Council, as a group, should build up, inform, and inspire each other.

 

III.   DECISIONS FOR THE BODY

A.     Minutes from the January 22 meeting: Phil Nally: The minutes of the January 22 meeting were approved on a motion from Bob Fleming and second from Ray Balsom.

B.     Mission Proposals: David Bratcher (Attachment I)

1.      Faith Promise Funds were approved to be appropriated for the purposes listed in Attachment I as funds become available.

a.       Missionaries David and Lori Long in Hong Kong were recommended by Bill and Beth Ury as their replacements, as the Urys have retired.

b.      The Faith Community Housing Foundation assists low-income families purchase land and housing.

2.      Faith Promise Sunday is March 11.

C.     Endowment Committee Proposals:  Endowment Committee (Attachment II)

1.      The Endowment Committee was formed in August 1998 to develop a plan to encourage planned giving by potential donors, where the donors can specify how the funds are used.

2.      Currently, gifts are directed to the Board of Trustees per the Discipline unless an endowment committee is in place per the Charge Conference.

3.      Upon approval of the First United Methodist Church Foundation, Inc., an education process will begin to inform potential donors about the benefits of the Foundation.

4.      The Foundation received unanimous approval.

D.     Other Matters

1.      Downtown Management District: Foster Ockerman, Jr.

a.       The Downtown Management District has been formed to enhance the total downtown environment.

b.      The Church has been petitioned to voluntarily give $100 to the organization.

c.       A motion to give the $100 was seconded by Ray Balsom and approved.


2.   High Street Neighborhood Center Lunch: Kathy Sullivan: A luncheon will be held at First Church on Thursday, March 8, for the High Street Neighborhood Center at 11:00 AM.

 

IV.  WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW OR WOULD LIKE TO KNOW

A.     Property acquisition discussions are ongoing.

B.     Staff

1.      The search for a children’s minister and adult minister are continuing.

2.      The new associate minister position is being discussed with the Bishop and the Cabinet.

3.      Report from Scooter Leonard

a.       The new sanctuary carpet is being installed.

b.      First Church can be found online at www.1stumc.org.

c.       The Landscape Committee is sponsoring a church-wide cleanup on March 24 from 9:00- Noon.

 

CHARGE CONFERENCE: Al Gwinn

 

The resolution for the First United Methodist Endowment Foundation, Inc., was presented and approved unanimously.

 

 

V.  CLOSING PRAYER: Al Gwinn: The closing prayer was offered at 8:45 PM.

 

                                                                                    Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

                                                                                    Phillip E. Nally, Secretary