FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

LEXNGTON, KENTUCKY

NEW LIFE GATHERING / CHARGE CONFERENCE MINUTES

November 29, 2004

The New Life Gathering / Charge Conference of 1^st United Methodist Church was called to order by Mr. Foster Ockerman, Jr. at 7:05 p.m. in the sanctuary. Foster shared this was not a meeting but a celebration. He then welcomed the Lexington Area District Superintendent, Rev. Paige Williams. Foster advised the assembled the District Superintendent would conduct this meeting.	GREETINGS AND PURPOSE
“I know Whom I Have Believed” was sung by all.	HYMN
Rev. Paige Williams welcomed and greeted the assembled. Rev. Williams shared a devotional from Matthew 4:18-22 regarding the two brothers who were fishermen. They left the boat and followed “Him” to be disciples. Rev. Williams challenged the membership to consider, “what kind of disciple will I be”?	MESSAGE FROM THE DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT
Video presentation from 1^st United Methodist Church in celebration of 2004.	CELEBRATION OF 2004
A beautiful solo by Dr. John Borders, How Can I Say Thanks, accompanied by Dr. Albin Whitworth.	SOLO
CELEBRATING NEW MEMBERS Rev. Ken Klemme shared about God is blessing 1^st UMC with numbers and numbers are people. Ken reported the following increases for the past year: 108 taken in membership 19 reaffirmations 9 confirmands 21 babies were born 13 baptisms 67 joined from other United Methodist Churches 14 joined from other denominations 8 affiliates were taken in membership All in all, the church has grown by 76 people. Ken then reviewed the list of new members asking the question: How many on this list do you/I know? WITNESS Wayne Cravens spoke to the Charge Conference representing the folks who have recently joined 1^st UMC. Wayne shared that after 35 years at another United Methodist Church he and his wife found their church needs had changed. Through the music and the traditional worship style here at 1^st UMC, they saw a church with many visions and exciting things planned for the future.	Find unbelievers and bring them to Christ.
REMEMBERING THE SAINTS Rev. Chuck Griffin read the list of deceased members, as Chuck described them, people who lived by faith.	Ignite love and concern for one another through fellowship opportunities.
OUR MISSION COVENANT Scooter Leonard, administrator who works closely with the finance and mission teams. 1^st UMC has always been a leader in the conference in giving. It was proposed that 16% of the 1^st UMC’s operating income be pledged in covenant with the Kentucky Conference and 2% to the Lexington District. Rev. Paige Williams asked all in agreement to signify by saying Amen. Approved. Coral Heater shared 800 persons worship at two services each Sunday and at Offerings, our new informal evening service.	Reach out to people in need.
PIANO SOLO A piano solo was provided by Dr. Albin Whitworth and it was positively glorious! WITNESS OF A LIFE-LONG MEMBER Kathy Sullivan shared she had worshiped in this room and through out this facility and she never once wanted to be somewhere else.	Strengthen people through vital worship.
RECOMMENDATION OF LAY SPEAKERS Marsha Berry shared 1^st UMC is about equipping and enabling others to be in ministry and mission, thereby reaching the world for Christ. We embrace our disciple making in many ways: 350 persons of all ages are in Sunday school, with 3 new adult classes that have been added since September of this year. 56 persons are currently enrolled in Disciple 4 and 5, Youth Disciple Bible Study and Christian Believer classes. · 20 women meet each week in two daytime Bible studies.	Train disciples to be devoted followers of Christ.
4 Men’s study groups meet at various times throughout the week. A new Healthy Marriages Ministry Team has formed to celebrate, encourage and support healthy marriages. A small group ministry focused on prayer. Parenting By Grace, a parenting small group study. 12 individuals completed a Spiritual Gifts Discovery pilot study this summer. Multiple Wednesday night study groups. Wednesday night music ministries. Two series of Neighborhood Gatherings. A newly formed Discipleship Team that will birth satellite teams to focus on several areas. Marsha Berry recommended to the membership the list of lay Speakers for approval: David Bondurant Carolyn Purcell Randy Clay Starr Clay Rev. Paige Williams said that in recognition of the list of Lay Speakers all will be affirmed by signifying by saying Amen. Approved. CELEBRATION OF LEADERSHIP Rev. Paige Williams asked that 1^st UMC affirm 2 candidates for ministry in the United Methodist Church: Ken Klemme Teddy Ray All in favor were to signify by saying Amen. Approved. Rev. Williams requested all ordained ministers present to stand. Pastor Emeritus, T.O. Harrison requested permission to read a brief statement regarding his pastoral activities for the past year. Rev. Paul Brunstetter shared he is so proud to serve God with 1^st UMC in this place. He said he wants to get on board with what God is doing here with three questions: Is it God’s will? Is it what He really wants us to do? Where is He going? Rev. Brunstetter wants to see us restructure ourselves and our administrative system. We need to identify our five purposes and more clearly define our mission so a planning retreat is planned for February 4-5, 2005. Rev. Brunstetter added we do not have the facility to handle all the people worshiping here. How are we going to be able to grow God’s Kingdom if we don’t seriously address the issue of a building campaign? Also the Andover property presents opportunity for further ministry. Rev. Brunstetter also asked where are we going from here in order to be a downtown church? He believes we need to: Intentionally identify a discipleship plan Identify clear pathways Rev. Brunstetter closed by saying he is humbled and feels called by God to be here at 1^st UMC. Scooter Leonard requested the membership review the Lost Addresses of Members list for any names that might be identified. Foster Ockerman, Jr. advised the Charge Conference that its normal practice is to defer setting the pastor salaries until a January Charge Conference, after the Stewardship Campaign is completed. He noted this was with the approval of the District Superintendent. Motion was made by Foster to defer setting the pastor salaries until a January Charge Conference, and duly seconded. Motion approved. There being no further business the Charge Conference was adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Joyce Miller Recording Secretary	Train disciples to be devoted followers of Christ. Continued… QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ADJOURNMENT