FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

LEXNGTON, KENTUCKY

ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL MINUTES

2005 CHARGE CONFERENCE

December 5, 2005

 


Greeting and Purpose

At 7:00 p.m. Mary Lee Kerr, Administrative Council Chair called to order the 2005 Charge Conference of First United Methodist Church of Lexington, Kentucky. 

 

Dr. Albin Whitworth led the assembled a hymn of celebration: I Love Thy Kingdom Lord.

 

Rev. Paige Williams, Lexington District Superintendent was introduced.  Rev. Williams was very complimentary about the remodeling changes that have taken place over the summer to make room for the Gathering Room and the new West Chapel.  Rev. Williams went on to share her early memories of Sunday School, the squeeze of conviction, revelation, and God’s calling on her life.

 

Rev. Paul Brunstetter introduced a DVD entitled Celebrate: The Mission and Ministry of 2005.

 

ORDER OF CELEBRATION

 

 

 

The Purpose Areas are made up of the following:

Friendly Invitation: 

·        David Withers reported the team is in the process of putting together additional handout materials for first time visitors.

Inspiring Worship: 

·         Carolyn Purcell reported new chimes have been added to the Hand Bell Choir.  The Offerings Service has been averaging 40 in attendance on Sunday evenings.  1st UMC has been able to add new inspiring forms of worship while preserving the old.  However, many still believe “5th Sundays” are the best.

Relating Purposefully:

·         Mary Mowery reported that her area has gone from working with no staff people to 3 staff people.  They have developed a mission statement: “To create a Christ centered community where neighbors become friends and friends become neighbors.”  This purpose area plans to set up more new programs in 2006.

Strengthening Disciples: 

·         Randy Greenup reported the people in his area began the year by studying the book, “Power of Team Leadership”.  An information area has been set up for Sunday School recruitment which seems to be working well.  One recommendation coming out of this committee would to have a Sunday School Coordinator to work with.

Transforming Mission: 

 

 

·         David Bratcher reported exciting things are happening through missions here at 1st UMC.  Relationship with the homeless, with people in Estonia and elsewhere.  We have been strengthening relationships with the LaRoca Church as well as Calvary Baptist church.  David also reported there are plans to finish the kitchen project with the Lexington Rescue Mission.

 

 

 

 

PURPOSE AREAS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PURPOSE AREAS continued…

 

 

 

1.       Definition of Evangelism

·        Making available to everyone the Good News that brings information, inspiration, and transformation- proclaiming the Gospel.

2.       Evangelism at First UMC

·        One of the purposes of the church

·        One of our Core Values

 

EVANGELISM VISION

 

 

 

1.       Doorstep Visitation

·        Danny Siders

2.       Vital Connections Class

·        Ken Klemme

3.       Hospitality

·        Michelle Slayton & Dale Muse

4.       Our Neighborhood Evangelism

·        Phil Feigel

 

PRIORITY ACTIVITIES IN 2005

 

 

 

·         Continue existing programs

°       Door Step

°       Hospitality

°       Vital Connections

°       ONE

·         Add contacts with “Regular Guests”

·         Encourage newcomers to join small groups as early as possible

·         Develop/improve guest literature

·         Plan for ALPHA implementation

 

 

EVANGELISM PLANS FOR 2006

 

 

 

Children’s Ministries: 

·         Barry Prince wanted to say thank you for our mission and our commitment.  During this past year in the Children’s Ministries we have had transitions and increases in attendance and we have been blessed with children, parents, and grandparents.  And again – last word, thank you for all you do for the children.

Student Ministries: 

·         Jamie Svec reported the Student Ministries has worked on creating a community of love and forgiveness of growth and service to others.  To create a vital connection with parents, youth and congregation.

 

AGE LEVEL MINISTRIES

 

 

 

 

Lay Leadership Team:  

·         Marsha Berry – Marsha reported this has been a very busy year with:

°         Anniversary celebration dinners

°         Engagement retreat

°         Small groups for couples

°         1st desert time for leadership to place individuals in leadership positions and use gifts and strengths in ministry.

Leader Recognition: 

·         Paul Ferrell – Paul reported that it has been an exciting year and looking forward to another great year of ministry here at 1st U.M.C.

 

 

CELEBRATION OF LEADERSHIP

 

 

CELEBRATION OF LEADERSHIP continued…

 

 

 

Rev. Brunstetter led the 1st UMC 2005 Charge Conference in a Litany of Dedication.

 

LITANY OF DEDICATION

 

 

 

As a time of recommitment the members of the Charge Conference repeated, in unison:

·         Our Missional Covenant

We know that together, through our connected congregations, we United Methodists accomplish what no single church, district or annual conference ever could hope to do alone.  This is why as leaders of Lexington First United Methodist Church we affirm our commitment to full participation in Our Missional Covenant.  We pledge our prayers, presence, gifts, and service to make a significant difference in the lives of people…in every place we can…as often as we can.

 

OUR MISSIONAL COVENANT

 

 

 

Administrator:  Scooter Leonard

·         Scooter touched on several areas of interest through out the year:

°         Landscaping – great!

°         Colorado back-packing trip

°         Food Service and the great Wednesday night dinners

°         Library move and the new displays out in the Gathering Room

°         Endowment and several scholarships awarded

°         Transportation area with Mike Brown and the Sunday Sr. Shuttle headed up by Jeff Miller

°         Scooter explained that salaries are deferred until January when the Stewardship Campaign has been completed.

°         Budget increases in the last few years and to 5.1% this year and 1st UMC pays their apportionments, in full, and next year will be the same according to “Our Missional Covenant”.

 

Rev. Paige Williams ask the 1st UMC 2005 Charge Conference if it was in agreement to the financial support of the ministries and mission of the Kentucky Conference in the amount of 16% of our operating income then an additional 2% going to the Lexington District.  Rev. Paige Williams asked all in agreement to signify by saying Amen.  Approved

 

 

REPORTS AND ACTION ITEMS

 

 

Lay Speakers:

·         There are three recommendations for Lay Speakers:

1.     David Bondurant

2.     Dr. Carolyn Purcell

3.     Randy Clay

4.     Starr Clay

Rev. Paige Williams asked all in agreement to signify by saying Amen.  Approved

Lost Members:

·         Scooter Leonard briefly reviewed the list previously circulated and advised the Charge Conference this would be the 3rd reading.  By action of this 2005 Charge Conference this list of names will be removed from the membership roster of 1st UMC.  Rev. Paige Williams asked all in agreement to signify by saying Amen.  Approved

Child Abuse and Sexual Harassment Policies: 

·         Scooter Leonard reported to the Charge Conference that policies covering Child Abuse and Sexual Harassment are currently in place – no action required.

Finance Committee and Board of Trustees:

·         A recommendation came from the Committee on Finance and Board of Trustees to raise the line of credit to 1.2 million dollars and to offer as additional collateral for that line of credit the property at 323 S. Upper Street.  Rev. Paige Williams asked all in agreement to signify by saying Amen.  Approved

Candidate for Ministry: 

·         Doug Childress, a member of 1st UMC and student at Asbury Theological Seminary shared his personal call to ministry.  Rev. Paige Williams asked the 2005 Charge Conference for an affirmation of the candidate by saying Amen.  Approved

·         Other candidates in continued affirmation:

1.       Teddy Ray

2.       Ken Klemme

3.       Todd Nelson

Rev. Paige Williams asked all in agreement to signify by saying Amen.  Approved

Ministers Connected to First Church:

·         The following clergy filled their annual reports:

1.       Chaplain Ronald Berry

2.       Rev. Harold W. Dorsey

3.       Rev. James D. Foster

4.       Dr. T. O. Harrison

5.       Rev. William R. Jennings

6.       Dr. M. Robert Mulholland, Jr.

7.       Dr. J. Steven O’Malley

8.       Rev. Pamela J. Perrine

9.       Dr. James C. Stratton

10.   Dr. Ben Witherington, III

 

 

 

REPORTS AND ACTION ITEMS continued…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Senior Pastor: