BELMONT UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD MINUTES

January 25, 2009

Kristi Dunn led the gathering time and blessing. Kim Hawkins, chair of the Board, called the meeting to order. Minutes of the November Charge Conference were approved. New Board members were welcomed and the Book of Discipline’s description of a church board and its responsibilities was read.

GIFT POLICY:  Louis Jordan presented for approval the Belmont UMC Gift Policy which was developed by the trustees and finance committee after concerns were expressed in 2007 about how to handle gifts of vehicles and non-monetary gifts. “The purpose of this policy is to broadly outline how gifts made to or through BUMC may be designated, accepted, reported, and distributed/disbursed. Additionally, it outlines the types of gifts that will be accepted and how BUMC’s IRS tax exempt status may be used by donors to sustain charitable contribution deductions.” Jim Bradford moved that the Policy be accepted; Joe Boyd seconded the motion; the motion passed.  (Policy attached.)

PASTOR’S REPORT:  Ken Edwards, senior pastor, encouraged the Board members to support the five practices of fruitful congregations. He announced that Nancy Whitehouse, Dianne Gore and Arnell Willis are quietly working behind the scenes to revive the neighborhood groups.

FINANCE COMMITTEE:  Highlights of John Pearce’s report are:

-         Collections for 2008 were 4.06% ahead of 2007, but still under amount budgeted

-         Christmas Miracle offering was $54,143

-         100% of apportionments were paid for the fifth year in a row

-         Finance is looking at the budget in a ministry format as opposed to an accounting format

-         Hypothetical budget for 2009 was presented

-         Timeline for 2009 operating campaign was presented with pledge cards due by February 15

-         Trust Fund lost 26.4% in 2008 which impacts program ministry and debt pay off

-         BUMC owes SunTrust $4,344,059; $370,143 for Acklen property; $3,973,916 for construction debt

-         Acklen property lease has been extended through April 2014

-         Gross due on 2005 Capital Campaign is $538,468; projected collectible, $372,707

-         2009 Capital Campaign has $440,822 pledged in the silent phase

-         There is a capital budget cash shortfall of $273,216 due to a calculating error

Mr. Pearce presented a proposed Five-Year Financial Plan (see attached) and moved that it be adopted.  Hayne Hamilton seconded the motion and the motion passed.

MINISTRY COUNCIL:  Lisa Gwock, minister of discipleship, highlighted a report outlining the Ministry Council facilitators, staff liaisons, ministry teams and membership (report attached). The Ministry Council is trying to follow BUMC’s mission, “Belmont United Methodist Church is a community of Christ-followers growing in love of God and man,” through listening, learning, living and leading. A discipleship system for the church is being worked on and the organizational structure of the Ministry Council is being looked at.

MINISTRY MOMENT:  Anna Cramer reported that the church is still celebrating the success of the Christmas Miracle project which exceeded its $30,000 goal by $24,143 and will allow for 18 new

churches to be built in Malawi. Mission opportunities for 2009 were highlighted: Justice for our Neighbors; Crop Walk, Room in the Inn; Tutoring in the Brighter Days program at Edgehill; working with the Golden Triangle; mission trips to the Heifer Ranch, South Africa, and Mexico; and local mission projects.

MAIN POINTS:

-         Adoption of Five-Year Financial Plan

-         Have a big God and tight finances

-         Need to give generously

-         Participate in a mission project

Meeting was adjourned.

Betty Jane Taylor

Secretary