April 1, 2002

Foster Ockerman, Jr. called the Administrative Council meeting to order. The meeting was opened with prayer by Dr. Al Gwinn.		CONVENING THE BODY

Dr. Al Gwinn introduced guests: · Dr. Thomas Eblen, District Superintendent · Rex Hart, Leadership Team, Andover Community Church · Christy Morgan, Leadership Team, Andover Community Church · Willard Nipp, Pastor, Andover Community Church · Christine Cline, supervised ministry student from Asbury Theological Seminary · Navil Samara (not present). Navil is from Nazareth and was unable to be present due to Middle-East concerns		WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS

Foster Ockerman, Jr. requested that the January 27, 2002 Administrative Council Minutes be reviewed. The Minutes were approved on motion by Randy Clay and second from Paul Ferrell.		APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Dr. Al Gwinn brought the Administrative Council into focus by reminding us that we are the Body of Christ. Reading from the “Message” by Eugene Peterson, Jesus reminded the disciples to listen and not get ahead of the Master. Dr. Gwinn then reflected back to First Vision – First Church is a community of Christian believers being transformed through intentional discipleship, spirit based worship and a calling from God to practice Christian hospitality and to build lay leadership teams as we reach out in service to those who are hurting and in witness to all persons about new possibilities in Christ. First Focus, First Core Values, and First DNA.		CENTERING TIME – The Body of Christ

Missions Committee: · Glenda Creech, chair - was not present. However, Scooter Leonard received a fax-copy of the Missions Committee Report. The committee met on March 21, 2002 and reported the “Total Faith Promise Funding Recommended $25,000.00”. Foster Ockerman, Jr. added there was a 40% increased in Faith Promise pledges this year. Motion for approval was made by Ray Balsam – Council approved.		MINISTRY UPDATES & DECISIONS
Finance Report: · Ernie Stamper, chair - reported actual and budgeted items were a little ahead for this time of the year. The Finance Committee plans to review the stewardship campaign. Scooter Leonard added that January giving was down probably due to the bad weather and March giving was at a good level, where we need to be. There had also been an increase in the non-pledged portion of the budget. Ernie Stamper moved for approval of the report. Approved. Parking Lot Task Force: · Ike Flemming, chair- sent his regrets about not being present. It was reported that the Task Force met and elected officers, more information will come later. Trustees: · Brenda Nally, chair - reported a great turn out for Cleanup Day. It was noted that Dorothy Oatts, chair of the Landscaping Committee was elected to the UK College of Human Environmental Sciences Hall of Fame on Tuesday, February 26, 2002. Christian Unity Committee: · David Bondurant, chair - was unable to be in attendance. Bob Booten reported some Christian Unity Committee highlights were: Ø A successful Crop Walk was held on September 11. Ø In February we hosted members of Good Shepard Episcopal Church and sent our members to Hunter Presbyterian Church as part of the Downtown Christian Unity Task Force’s annual Worship Exchange. Ø The Committee facilitated the Seder meal which was attended by a record number of members. Ann Snell of St. Luke UMC and founder of Tend My Sheep Ministries, led our Seder. Ø April/May men and women of the church will be gearing up for the September 22 Crop Walk. Bob Booton will be leading the citywide effort with a goal of raising $20,000. Ø As part of the Focus series on Women, we will hope to enlighten both male and female congregants of the active and increasingly responsible roles women are undertaking in our church. Rhonda Hartweg is assisting in the planning. Culminating our emphasis on Women in the Church, Rev. Betty Gamble, who entered the ministry from First United Methodist Church. Rev. Gamble is now serving the General Commission on Christian Unity and Inter-religious Concerns in New York City, will bring our message on Sunday, June 23. United Methodist Women: · Kathy Sullivan, chair - reported United Methodist Women are currently working on a Mother and Friend Dinner for May 9. Building Task Force: · Richard Dordt, chair - reported the Building Task Force has met to develop unmet needs and will be looking to hire a consultant.		MINISTRY UPDATES & DECISIONS CONTINUED… MINISTRY UPDATES & DECISIONS CONTINUED…

Dr. Gwinn introduced The Emerging Congregation Task Force. As part of First DNA “A DESIRE to birth new congregations”. Dr. Gwinn reported that Dr. Eblen, District Superintendent and Rev. Barry Carpenter of the Kentucky Conference entered into conversation with Richard Dorton, Foster Ockerman, Jr., Andover Community Church’s Leadership Team, and Andover Community Church Pastor, Willard Nipp to look at ways First United Methodist Church could be of service. Rev. Nipp began an Andover Community Church presentation: · Background Information Ø On the site of former Harvest UMC Ø Church launched Easter, 1998 Ø Intent to reach unchurched “Gen X’ er” · Andover Area Growth (40509 zip code) Ø 1980 population of 5,838 Ø 1990 population 9,038 (65% growth) Ø Initial 2000 estimate of 11,124 Ø 2000 census reports actual count of 21,152 (234% increase from 1990) · Andover Demographics Ø U.S. Lifestyles Group Ø Generations Ø Education completed by Adults Ø Primary U.S. Lifestyles Segments – 2000 Rex Hart, a member of Andover Community Church Leadership Team continued the presentation: · Andover’s Status – Our Current Reality Ø A congregation of about 100 Ø Located on 11 acres in rapidly-growing east Lexington Ø Facing financial challenges, but with some promise Ø A “young” congregation Ø Pending sale of 1.59 acres for building of Polo Club Blvd. that will tie Todds Road to Man O’ War Ø Construction of more than 100 houses adjacent to the church · Our goals tonight are… Ø To provide an overview of Andover Ø To discuss our current status Ø To ask you to participate in the ministry of Andover · Specific ministries that need assistance Ø Leadership Ø Children’s and Youth ministry Ø Prayer ministry Ø Addition of a “traditional” worship service · Our Proposal Ø Establishment of a symbiotic relationship over the course of the next year. Ø Teams from both churches working together to discern God’s preferred future. · The Great Commission Ø Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the son and of the Holy Spirit… Matthew 28: 19 Foster Ockerman, Jr. summarized: “A United Methodist congregation who can support property and mission up to the pulpit. The question is: Are we willing to help? What is the nature of the leadership we are being asked to provide.” Ernie Stamper added that it is a marvelous laboratory and a way First United Methodist can reach out in ministry. District Superintendent, Dr. Eblen said, “we are bringing this dialogue to you”. Foster Ockerman, Jr. asked for motion to the effect that First United Methodist Church be authorized to proceed in further discussion to form some sort of proposal for the next year. So moved by Ray Balson and second by Kathy Sullivan. Motion was approved with no dissent.		EMERGING CONGREGATION TASK FORCE – ANDOVER COMMUNITY CHURCH EMERGING CONGREGATION TASK FORCE – ANDOVER COMMUNITY CHURCH CONTINUED…

The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m. with prayer by Dr. Al Gwinn. Respectfully submitted, Joyce Miller Secretary		ADJOURNMENT