CHARGE CONFERENCE
November 2, 2008
Administrative Board chair, Kim Hawkins, introduced Rev. John Collett, District Superintendent, to preside over Charge Conference. He offered the opening prayer. The chair introduced guests and presented the minutes of the September meeting. The minutes were approved as read. She called attention to the available copies of the State of Mission and Ministry (see attached).
John Collett opened the Charge Conference and called for approval of consent items in written report form. This was given.
APPOINTED MINISTER REPORTS:
Golden Triangle: Sandy Sakarapanee reported that the GT ministry has grown tremendously in the past year. Groups for the women, men and youth have been organized. Volunteer E.S.L. teachers are working with the membership after worship. She thanked Belmont for its continued support and stated that their goal for 2009 is to have two worship services, with one in the Antioch area, and a 15-passenger van to help with transportation.
Minister of Discipleship: Lisa Gwock stated that the Ministry Council visioning session concluded the dimensions of vital congregations include Purpose, Presence, Practice, Pathway, Power and Pilgrimage and she elaborated on several of these. In the visioning session the participants drafted a distilled version of Belmont’s mission statement: Belmont United Methodist Church is a community of Christ-followers growing in love of God and neighbor.
Associate Pastor: Linda Johnson reported that all ministries she works with are vital, strong, and active. She highlighted two, the Green Team and the continued relationship with the Methodist church in Malawi.
Senior Pastor: Ken Edwards brought forth several points from his written report:
-Gratefulness for Belmont’s lay members, staff and new facility
-Continued church growth numerically
-Ways to expand the Golden Triangle Fellowship
-Groundwork laid by the visioning session
Reporting for the Committee on Lay Leadership, Rev. Edwards nominated Lynne Collier, Tillman Harris, and Danny Redding-Rhodes for membership on that committee, class of 2011. They were elected by acclamation. The entire nominations report for 2009 was presented and accepted. Rev. Collett entered the names of 6 lost members for first reading and 3 for second reading. Both lists were approved.
STAFF-PARISH RELATIONS: Chris Steele stated that through the Turner Fellowship Program at Vanderbilt Divinity School Bob Johnson has been assigned as a general ministry intern for a three-year period at Belmont. Ms. Steele announced the following new positions: Childcare Coordinator-Zerlinda Jessee; Golden Triangle Fellowship Childcare Coordinator-Vickie Bob. Recommended compensation for the three pastor positions will be postponed until after the first of the year when the 2009 pledges have been established and a special Charge Conference will be called. June Batsel was recertified as a lay speaker and Josh Tinley, Justin Collett and Keri Ehninger Schmidt were endorsed as continuing candidates for ordained ministry.
FINANCE AND TRUST FUND: John Pearce presented the financial big picture, where we are; what we are doing; and where are we going? Our financial plan needs to be tied to our program vision, be one we can afford, and meet our capital obligations. He then gave an overview of the Trust Fund as related to the current economic downturn and projections for future. Following that, an action plan with short term (12/31/2008), mid-term (6/1/2009) and long term (12/31/2013) goals was presented.
LEGACY CAMPAIGN AND BUILDING COMMITTEE: Jim Bradford stated that in order to do the things we need and complete what we have started the Building on the Legacy campaign will be extended for 5 years as approved last meeting.
UNITED METHODIST WOMEN: Pat Ziegler, unit president, reported that for the third consecutive year Belmont’s unit has received the Platinum award. The unit is growing in membership and number of circles and is involved in programs benefiting persons world wide.
MINISTRY MOMENT: Anna Cramer, chair of Outreach, presented the plan for this year’s Christmas Miracle Offering. With the ideas of buying a gift for Jesus for his birthday and being producers of God’s blessings instead of consumers of “stuff,” the goal is to fund the construction of 10 churches in Malawi. Each church will cost $3,000 and will stand as a witness to the credibility and stability of the Methodist church and serve as a community center for its village.
GIFT POLICY: A copy of the gift policy draft as prepared by the Finance committee and Trustees will be sent to Board members for their input at a November 16 meeting.
All reports were accepted; Rev. Collett closed the Charge Conference; Ken Edwards dismissed the Board with prayer.
Betty Jane Taylor
Secretary