CHARGE CONFERENCE MINUTES
November 4, 2007
District Superintendent John Collett opened the Charge Conference and offered a blessing and made some general comments about the purpose of Charge Conference.
Administrative Board Chair Bill Cooper presented the minutes from the September 9, 2007 Administrative Board meeting. The minutes were unanimously approved. Written reports from all pastors were provided through e-mail in advance of the Charge Conference. Bill then presented his State of the Missions and Ministries of Belmont UMC report which addressed our five areas of ministry along with a full page list of things to celebrate. A copy of this report was distributed at the meeting.
Senior Pastor Ken Edwards presented highlights from his Pastor’s Report. Ken expressed thanks to John and Rita Collett, the church staff and various members of leadership who made his arrival and his family’s transition to Belmont as smooth as possible. Ken shared that upon arrival he spent individual time with each staff member to get acquainted. Highlights of our Living the Legacy process, led by Kim Hawkins, is guiding the congregation in visioning new ministries that will take place once the new building is ompleted. The Golden Triangle Ministry was highlighted including opportunities for more fully integrating this ministry into the life of Belmont.
Associate Pastor Linda Johnson highlighted a Belmont Christmas opportunity for ministry called the Christmas Miracle. The Outreach Committee has suggested that individuals and families at Belmont determine how much they spent on Christmas last year and spend half that amount for the Golden Triangle Ministry this year.
Minister of Discipleship Lisa Gwock announced that she is hopeful the new Church Directory will be available before Christmas. A booklet that includes a comprehensive list of ministry opportunities is now available and will be mailed shortly.
Golden Triangle Ministry Pastor Sandy Sakarapanee gave a summary of this ministry. Sandy stated that this ministry began in February 2004 with five people. Today the members total 115. There are approximately 50 who attend worship regularly but have not joined.
John Collett led the Charge Conference to receive all of the Pastor’s Reports which were unanimously accepted by the Charge Conference. John then announced to the Charge Conference that a grant has been awarded by the Tennessee Annual Conference under the New Church Development Committee. This grant will pay Golden Triangle Ministry Pastor Sandy Sakarapanee $22,000 plus benefits for 2008. This is a one year grant which can be requested again.
The Membership Audit and Reading of Membership Lists were presented by Senior Pastor Ken Edwards. As of November 1, Belmont has a net gain of 48. Eight names were read in the First Reading. Three names were removed after the Second Reading.
Senior Pastor Ken Edwards and Lay Leader June Batsel presented the 2008 Administrative Board Nominations. The Lay LeadershipCommittee recommended Mark Kennady, Bryan Seely and Lynn Taylor for the Class of 2010. Neva Graves nominated Joanne Kitchens from the floor and explained that, if elected, Joanne is willing to serve. Dot Anderson seconded the motion. The Charge Conference members then voted for three of the four nominees. Elected to serve on Lay Leadership Committee in the Class of 2010
were Mark Kennady, Joanne Kitchens and Lynn Taylor.
Ken Edwards presented Administrative Board 101 on the topic of Lay Speakers and presented June Batsel, Lay Leader for endorsement as a Local Lay Speaker. The Charge Conference unanimously approved.
Mike O’Neal, Chair of Staff Parish Relations Committee presented the report of the SPRC. 2008 Salaries for appointed pastors were presented as follows:
Ken Edwards—total compensation $99,786
Linda Johnson—total compensation $59,157
Lisa Gwock—total compensation $49,342
Sandy Sakarapanee--$22,000 salary plus expenses
Reimbursable Expenses are budgeted at $15,500 and are shared among staff members. These salaries were unanimously approved by the Charge Conference.
Candidates for ordained ministry recommended by Belmont UMC are Justin Collett, Keri Ehninger Schmidt and Josh Tinley. These names were received and approved by the Charge Conference.
Jim Fitzpatrick raised a question regarding the correct number of Annual Conference lay delegates. With Sandy Sakarapanee appointed to Belmont as a Local Pastor, Belmont is entitled to one additional delegate to Annual Conference bringing the total to four in lieu of three. It was agreed that this additional delegate will be one of the current alternate delegates to the Annual Conference.
John Pearce, Chair of Finance Committee presented a report of the Committee and stated that there is currently a shortfall of $125,000. He asked committees to spend prudently for the remainder of the year and encouraged people to give an extra month’s pledge if they can. The Finance Committee is committed to pay one hundred percent of Apportionments if the money is available. This report was received and approved by the Charge Conference.
The written report of the Board of Trustees was received and approved by the Charge Conference.
Pat Ziegler, President of the United Methodist Women (UMW), presented highlights from the written report. Belmont UMW is currently a Five Star Unit and one of six units in the Nashville District to attain Platinum Level. This report was received and approved by the Charge Conference.
Hayne Hamilton, Chair of the Building Committee gave an update on the building project. The concrete slab has been poured for the new Community Center building. Despite water main issues, the walls are about to go up. The elevator is scheduled for installation in March. The targeted completion of the project is June, 2008.
Hayne then spoke on behalf of the Charge Conference to thank and commend Bill Cooper for his two years of excellent leadership as Chair of the Administrative Board.
Bill Cooper led the Charge Conference to summarize the main points from the meeting. Some of the highlights were:
Overall church membership increased
Grant to provide Pastor Sakarapanee salary
New Ministry Handbook
Christmas Miracle project
Building progressing nicely
June Batsel endorsed as Lay Speaker
After exactly 59 minutes, Bill asked for a motion to adjourn the Charge Conference and challenged incoming Board Chair, Kim Hawkins to top his record!
Respectfully submitted,
June Batsel, Lay Leader
(Substituting for Recording Secretary B. J. Taylor)