FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

LEXNGTON, KENTUCKY

ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL MINUTES

April 14, 2003

 


At 7:10 p.m. Foster Ockerman, Jr., chair called to order the First United Methodist Church Administrative Council.  Foster Ockerman, Jr. invited Dr. Al Gwinn to open the meeting with prayer.

 

CONVENING THE BODY

 

 

 

Dr. Al Gwinn introduced and welcomed David Blanchard and Rhonda Hartweg as special guests and observers of this evening’s meeting.  David is working on a Boy Scout project and is required to attend his church’s administrative council meeting, take notes, and write a report.  Rhonda is a seminary student and for a for a class is attending 1st UMC’s Administrative Council meeting to observe and write a critique.

 

INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL GUESTS

 

 

 

Foster Ockerman, Jr. asked that the Administrative Council Minutes of March 3, 2003 be reviewed for any additions or corrections.  Jackie Bondurant called attention to United Methodist Women section of page 3: Esther Mariano is not correct, the correct name is Esther Burnett.  Starr Clay mentioned that her name had been incorrectly spelled on page 1.  Motion was made by David Bondurant to accept the Minutes as corrected, seconded by Randy Clay.  Approved.

 

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES

 

 

 

Dr. Gwinn shared with the Council that today is the day we should focus on Jesus cleansing the temple.  Temple meaning each of us and each one wants to be cleansed.  The disciples thought Jesus came to conquer Caesar; Jesus came to conquer satan.  The disciples thought Jesus came to begin rebellion; Jesus came to surrender.  What will we be willing to let Jesus do for us?  Dr. Gwinn shared he and Ken Klemme both participate in accountability groups who seek L to the 3rd power: Loving, learning, and leading effectively.  At this time Dr. Gwinn asked the Council to break up into table groups to discuss: What will we be willing to let Jesus do for us?.

 

CENTERING TIME

 

 

 

Dr. Al Gwinn introduced a film clip featuring Dewitt Jones, photographer from the National Geographic entitled “Everyday Creativity”.  Mr. Jones gave many ways to define creativity and how he finds creativity, how we can find and experience creativity in our everyday life such as:

·        Creativity is just a moment.

·        Creativity is passion.

·        Find extraordinary solutions to everyday things.

·        Creativity is falling in love with the world.

·        The lens we choose to view is critical and we need to learn to change our lenses.

·        There is more than one right answer.

·        Embrace change rather than to fear it.

·        Don’t be afraid to make mistakes.

·        Look for the right answer.

·        Train our technique – that is critical.

·        Put ourselves in the place for most potential.

·        Life presents us with windows of opportunity.

·        Being patient/being ready.

·        Learning – we can learn together.

 

LEARNING TIME

 

 

 

 

 

LEARNING TIME continued…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foster Ockerman, Jr. reminded the Council that at the March 3, 2003 Administrative Council Meeting we broke out into teams for discussion in response to the following question: How adequate are our structures to get people through the flood of change?  Foster Ockerman, Jr. compiled a synopsis of the responses as part of the Council meeting handouts for reference only.

 

REPORT OF TABLE DISCUSSIONS FROM MARCH

 

 

 

Missions:

·        Scooter Leonard reported for Glenda Creech, chair.  The Missions Committee met recently and the Faith Promise cards for 2003 have been coming in, so far 115 have been received for $98,380.  The Missions Committee brings three things to the Administrative Council:

1.      David Rambo of Asbury Seminary, made a presentation to the Missions Committee on March 13.  He requested a gift of $10,000 a year for 4 years to support the International Beeson Program at Asbury Seminary in Wilmore.  We will be part of 10 churches committed to 10 students for four years.  They also have 5 students funded through a Foundation.

2.      On April 2, the Missions Committee approved $6,000 for Aldersgate Camp to be used for the greatest needs of the camp.  We provided $5,000 in 2002 and the camp director reported what a blessing it was and how badly it was needed.

3.      On April 2, the Missions Committee approved $4,000 for Young Life High School Ministries to support summer camps for inner city and underprivileged youth.  We provided $3,500 in 2002 and the leader of Young Life spoke during the worship services on Faith Promise Sunday.

Foster Ockerman, Jr. called for questions.  There being no questions, Ernie Stamper made a motion to approve the International Beeson Program for $10,000, $6,000 for Aldersgate Camp, $4,000 for Young Life making a grand total of $20,000, and approve the report as received.  Second to the motion by Mark Miller.  Approved.

Finance Committee:

·        Ernie Stamper, chair reported that from one perspective year-to- date pledges are under budget, non-pledges are ahead.  Ernie took an expression from the “Everyday Creativity” movie clip, “the lenses look pretty good”.  Foster Ockerman, Jr. asked if there were any questions.  There being no questions, the Finance Committee report was approved as reported.

Endowment Foundation:

·        Foster Ockerman, Jr. reported for Bob Fleming, chair that there has been no change since the March 2003 report.  Next Endowment Foundation meeting is scheduled for next month.

United Methodist Men:

·        Winston Dodson, chair reported that the recent Methodist Men’s event was attended by about 45 individuals and all enjoyed a good meal.  The next meeting will be in June.  The reported was approved as presented.

United Methodist Women:

·        Jackie Bondurant reported for Kathy Sullivan, chair that the UMW circles have experienced an increase in attendance due to the increase in church membership.  For example, the Connie Jennings Circle usually has about 12 people, the April meeting attendance was 20.  The District United Methodist Women met recently at the Bennett Center in London, Kentucky with approximately 35 in attendance.  Foster Ockerman, Jr. asked if there were any questions.  There being no questions, the reported was approved as received.

Lexington District:

·        Foster Ockerman, Jr. took opportunity to advise the Administrative Council the Lexington District will have a new District Superintendent appointed at Annual Conference in June.  The new District Superintendent will be Rev. Paige Williams.  Dr. Thomas W. Eblen will be leaving the Lexington District to become Special Assistant to the Bishop.  Foster Ockerman, Jr. also added the Lexington District’s financial plan is being used as a model by other districts.

Staff Parish Committee:

·        Richard Dorton, chair reported the SPC is still conducting the Youth and College Age Ministry personnel search.  He advised the Council there has been good interest and the search is on schedule with a plan for a new Youth Minister and College Age Minister to be on site a few Sundays before Tiffany and D.G.

 

Hollums last Sunday on May 18.  Richard also mentioned that Catherine Weaver has been working with several youth interested in music – there are about 17 – 20 to 30 in the group.  There is a possibility of a Youth Choir during the summer months and the SPC is seeking housing for Catherine Weaver during the summer months.

Kentucky Annual Conference:

·        Dr. Gwinn mentioned to the Council that Annual Conference this year will be June 10-14 and will not be on Sunday.  The Ordination time will be on Tuesday, June 10, 2003.

 

MINISTRY UPDATES & DECISIONS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MINISTRY UPDATES & DECISIONS continued…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MINISTRY UPDATES & DECISIONS continued…

 

 

 

Dr. Al Gwinn began a discussion of the future possibility for the Andover Community Church facility.  Dr. Gwinn related those possibilities to the essence of 1st Church; the vision, mission of the church, 1st focus and DNA.  Dr. Gwinn directed the Council’s attention to the handout entitled Current Financial Facts Regarding Andover dated April 14, 2003. 

 

Dr. Gwinn asked Chuck Griffin to review with the Council the green sheet entitled Possible Andover Building Uses (Draft – 4/14/003).   Chuck expressed the need for program volunteers to be involved in evangelism and community service.

 

Scooter Leonard addressed the third option as outlined in the Leadership Network (white sheet)  – there are lots of different models.  Foster Ockerman, Jr. mentioned the possibility of simulcast sermons, video sermons over the internet.  Insite Communications has a 12-noon, one hour segment available for $750 a week.  Multi-site congregations have been found to be efficient with one senior minister and one administrative office site.  Andover could be the East Campus of 1st UMC and we could eventually have more than one additional site.

 

Dr. Gwinn offered that we should consider affirming the take over of the Andover property, close the land deal and have a piece of money to begin the year out there.  The Kentucky Conference Trustees have agreed to the stipulation that should we decide to cease doing ministry at Andover, the property would be sold and from the proceeds of the sale all monies which we have put into the property through mortgage, utilities and upkeep payments would be returned to First Church. 

 

Time of questions about Andover:

·        Randy Clay asked:  Does this fall under our Board of Trustees?  Dr. Gwinn advised the Trustees have not met on this yet, but the Andover situation would fall under their authority.

·        What is the current status of Andover?  Currently, there are a couple of  groups meeting on a regular basis; the college age groups (20 to 30 individuals) also meet there and during the 1st UMC Sunday School time a small group meets at the Andover Community Church facility.

·        Financial burden:  Dr. David Kirn asked: Who is paying now?  Dr. Gwinn said the Andover people continue to be generous givers as well as the Lexington District provides financial assistance.  The sale of the land to the city, the giving of the Andover people, the proceeds of the cell tower and other monies will help things to come together.

·        Foster Ockerman, Jr. added that Andover could pay for the facility but could not afford to pay staff.

·        What is the long-term vision?

1.      Work for five years and let go?

2.      Satellite?

Foster Ockerman, Jr. said that this would a forever acquisition for green space.

·        Dr. Gwinn added that the east end of Lexington is rapidly growing and there is no Methodist Church out there at all.  He thinks the Andover property is a minimal piece of a much larger facility.  Another outpost to transplant our DNA – not to run anyone off but to build afresh.

 

Foster Ockerman, Jr. asked the Administrative Council for a motion to recommend the Andover Ministry Plan be sent to a Charge Conference.  Starr Clay so moved with six seconds.  Motion approved.

 

FUTURE POSSIBILITIES WITH ANDOVER CHURCH

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FUTURE POSSIBILITIES WITH ANDOVER CHURCH continued…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Building Task Force is scheduled to meet next Monday.  Other dates will be distributed at a later time.

 

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

 

 

 

The question was asked as to how long do we have to consider the Andover situation?  Dr. Gwinn responded:  The Andover window will close in June.

 

WHAT ADDITIONAL INFORMATION YOU LIKE TO HAVE?

 

 

 

Dr. Gwinn closed the Administrative Council meeting with prayer and at 9:15 the meeting was adjourned.

 

CLOSING PRAYER

 

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Joyce Miller

Recording Secretary