FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

LEXNGTON, KENTUCKY

CHARGE CONFERENCE MINUTES

December 9, 2002

 


At 7:00 p.m. Dr. Al Gwinn called the First United Methodist Church Charge Conference to order.  Dr. Gwinn reported to the membership a letter had been received from Dr. Thomas W. Eblen, District Superintendent expressing his regrets for not being present and authorizing Dr. Gwinn to proceed on with the scheduled Charge Conference.

 

CALL TO ORDER

 

 

 

Dr. Al Gwinn asked Esther Mariano to open the Charge Conference with prayer.

 

OPENING PRAYER

 

 

 

The Nominating Committee were recognized by Dr. Al Gwinn and thanked by the membership for their hard work.  Dr. Gwinn then introduced the 2003 Report of the Committee on Lay Leadership.  There being no discussion, motion and second were to accept the report.  All in attendance said Amen – motion approved.

 

REPORT OF THE LAY

LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE

 

 

 

Dr. Al Gwinn expressed appreciation for the hard work of the members rotating off the Administrative Council.

 

RECOGNITION OF LEADERS ROTATING FROM THEIR LEADERSHIP POSITION

 

 

 

Scooter Leonard reported that Hunt Ray and Firm had been selected to perform the annual audit which is still in process. 

 

REPORT OF THE AUDIT

 

 

 

The Finance Team reported that as of last year the new way of apportionment calculation FUMC began at 15% and increased to 16%.  2003 FUMC’s apportionments will be calculated at 16%.  Dr. Gwinn asked that all being part of the covenant community accept the report.  All signified by saying Amen.  Report approved.

 

ACCEPTANCE OF OUR MISSION COVENANT WITH THE KENTUCKY CONFERENCE

 

 

 

Ernie Stamper, Finance Committee chairperson reported that the Finance Committee will firm up the 2003 Budget before new salaries are recommended.  Formally for the record the 2002 salaries were as follows:

·        Dr. Al Gwinn                      $68,170

·        Rev. Ken Klemme              $29,120

·        Rev. Chuck Griffin  $20,400

 

RECOMMENDATION FOR PASTORS SALARIES FOR

2003

 

 

 

Richard Dorton reported the Building Task Force has been diligent in meeting and have been looking at short term, intermediate and long term goals.  Partner & Associates have been chosen.  Dr. Al Gwinn, Foster Ockerman, Jr. and Richard Dorton will work with Partner & Associates to develop a comprehensive approach to first evaluate our existing program before entering an intermediate stage, this way we can best use our space to the best way possible.  Marsha Berry asked about a timeline.  Richard Dorton advised that it would take approximate three months to complete the engagement letter with Partners & Associates.

 

REPORT OF THE BUILDING TASK TEAM

 

 

 

 

 

REPORT OF THE BUILDING TASK TEAM continued…

 

 

 

 

Bob Flemming, Foundation Steward chairperson, reported that the Foundation has met several times during the year.  The report of 10/31/02 will sent to the recording secretary.

 

REPORT OF THE FIRST CHURCH ENDOWMENT FOUNDATION

 

 

 

FUMC Lay Speakers:

·        Randy Clay

·        Star Clay

·        Carolyn Purcell

Randy Clay expressed appreciation for the Lay Speakers Program. 

Dr. Al Gwinn asked for any further discussion, there being no discussion Dr. Gwinn recommended the Lay Speakers be accepted by signifying Amen - approved.

 

RECOMMENDATION FOR LAY SPEAKERS

 

 

 

The following were recommended for certification:

·        Tammy Grimm – has not transferred credentials.  There being no questions from the body, recommendation to be signified by saying Amen – approved.

·        Jim Keegan – serving in the Madisonville District.  There being no questions from the body, recommendation to continue status, recommendation to be signified by saying Amen – approved.

 

Tiffany Hollums reported three (3) youth wanting to enter the candidacy process and three (3) youth are praying about it.

 

RECOMMEDATION FOR CERTIFIED CANDIDATES FOR ORDAINED MINISTRY

 

 

 

Scooter Leonard reported the new Sexual Abuse Policy is basically the same as the previous policy presented last year with difference being some better definitions.  Dr. Al Gwinn asked if there were any questions. There being no questions the body should signify by saying Amen – approved.  All staff persons will receive a copy of the Sexual Abuse Policy.

 

RECOMMENDATION FOR SEXUAL ABUSE POLICY UPDATE

 

 

 

Denny McCardle – teaches at Lexington Christian Academy and reports to First United Methodist Church. There being no questions the body should signify by saying Amen – approved.

 

REPORTS OF DIACONAL MINISTERS

 

 

 

Dr. Al Gwinn expressed appreciation for all the ordained clergy who make FUMC their church home.  The following shared verbal reports and written reports to the Charge Conference.

Elders:

·        Rev. Dr. Bill Arnold – teaches at Asbury Theological Seminary, teaches a Sunday School at FUMC, and is also a member of the Kentucky Conference Board of Ordained Ministry.

·        Dr. Jim Stratton – retired in 1998 and recently served at Sr. Minister at 1st UMC, Winchester.  Currently serves as the Chair of the Board of Directors of Wesley Village.

·        Rev. Norman Newman, retired many years ago.  Rev. Newman reported that due to health problems contributes to FUMC as a lay person.  Debbie Mason, District United Methodist Women President and daughter of Rev. Norman Newman was introduced to the assembly.

·        Rev. Dr. Bob Mulholland – currently a Professor of New Testament at Asbury Theological Seminary and on sabbatical until September 2003.  Previously was Chief Academic Officer of Asbury Theological Seminary.  Teaches a Sunday School class at FUMC and has assisted with funerals and weddings during the last year.

·        Rev. Dr. T. O. Harrison – retired Chaplain of Good Samaritan Hospital where he served for 35 years.   Presently, Dr. Harrison is on staff at FUMC as part-time Pastor of Visitation.  Dr. Harrison expressed that 1st Church has been wonderful and a joy.

·        Rev. Adrian Roberts – retired.  Rev. Roberts currently teaches the Bart Peak Sunday School Class and has conducted funerals along with hospital and home visits.

·        Rev. James Foster – retired from 40 years of full time pastoral ministry in the East Ohio Conference.  Rev. Foster continues to minister out in the community and supports his wife, Barbara in mission work.

·        Rev. Richard Kuhn – retired.  Rev. Kuhn expressed his appreciation for the fellowship at FUMC.  Rev. Kuhn has provided assistance at Nathaniel United Methodist Mission and also serves as Jim Keegan’s mentor.

·        Rev. Dr. Ben Witherington – Professor at Asbury Theological Seminary.  Dr. Witherington teaches a Sunday School class at FUMC and also led a group of 35 Methodist to Greece.  Dr. Witherington has also assisted in leadership of Andover Community Church and has been a consultant in the recovery of the James Oshurary.

·        Dr. Sheppard – retired.  Dr. Sheppard was Dr. Gwinn’s Supervisor in Ministry in Columbus Ohio.  Dr. Sheppard’s ministry began in a rural North Carolina parish.  He returned to school and then became a Chaplain in Ohio.  He and his wife returned to Lexington where his son lives.

·        Rev. Lewis Ricketts – retired.  Rev. Ricketts reported he has enjoyed researching the Shakers and Quakers.  He has enjoyed his grandchildren and has been active in the Prayer Ministry at FUMC.

·        Rev. Ron Berry serves as Chaplain at Samaritan Hospital.  Chaplain Berry shared that it has been a busy year at Samaritan Hospital.  Chaplain Berry has also served as pastor to a United Methodist Church in Owenton, Kentucky.  However, he will be

giving up the church in Owenton due to extended duties at Samaritan Hospital.

·        Rev. William R. Jennings – retired.  Rev. Jennings serves on staff at FUMC about 20 hours per week.  He currently teaches a Sunday School Class of 20’s-30’s married and single individuals.  The class presently has about 26 attendees.

·        Rev. Ted Nicholas – retired and serves as a volunteer Chaplain at the VA Hospital and has logged 1,948 hours.  Rev. Nicholas requested the assembled to pray for his son, a military officer stationed in Afghanistan.

·        Rev. Dr. Steve O’Malley – submitted his letter of regret prior to the meeting due to a previous conflict.

Commissioned Deacons:

·        Rev. Martina Ockerman – currently serves on staff at Nathaniel United Methodist Mission in Lexington and has requested that she be reassigned to the Mission for the next year.  Rev. Ockerman is involved in the children’s ministry and the Shalom School.  In the next year she hopes to move into a more developmental role at the mission to assist in buying additional property to expand the health and dental clinics.

Local Pastors:

·        Rev. Ken Klemme reported that he appreciates being able to serve at FUMC.

·        Rev. Chuck Griffiin reported that he enjoys FUMC and serves in the area of Adult Discipleship.

Associates:

·        Dr. Albin Whitworth serves in the area of Music Ministry.

·        Mr. Scooter Leonard serves FUMC as Business Administrator and has been on staff during 6 Charges Conferences.  Scooter shared his appreciation of FUMC.

·        Tiffany Hollums, Director of Youth Ministries and D.G. Hollums, Director of College Ministries will both be graduating from Asbury Theological Seminary in May and plan to return to Texas.  Tiffany expressed sorrow about leaving and expressed thanks to FUMC for opened arms and loving she and D.G.  Dr. Gwinn shared with the assembly an example of the depth of commitment of the youth in FUMC Youth Ministry.  Dr. Gwinn recently received a card from a youth saying that she had been encouraged by Dr. Gwinn’s sermon the previous week and on Sunday afternoon spent the afternoon with the homeless who spent time at the Lexington Public Library. 

 

REPORTS OF ORDAINED CLERGY CONNECTED TO THE FIRST CHURCH CHARGE CONFERENCE

 

 

 

 

 

REPORTS OF ORDAINED CLERGY CONNECTED TO THE FIRST CHURCH CHARGE CONFERENCE continued…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REPORTS OF ORDAINED CLERGY CONNECTED TO THE FIRST CHURCH CHARGE CONFERENCE continued…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Missions:

David Bratcher reported for Glenda Creech, chairperson, the Missions Committee began the last year with $13,800 and $56,896 has been received to date.  The Missions Committee supports 5 missionaries and a children’s street ministry in Astonia.

 

Additional amounts were reported:

Aldersgate Camp                                  $5,000

UK Wesley Foundation                        $5,000

Nathaniel United Methodist Mission      $5,000

Hunger Relief in Africa              $5,000

The Rock United Methodist Church      $5,000

Rev. Dr. T. O. Harrison made a motion to accept the report. There being no questions Dr. Gwinn requested the body should signify by saying Amen – approved.

 

OTHER BUSINESS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m. with the assembled singing the Doxology.

 

BENEDICTION

 

 

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Joyce Miller

Recording Secretary