ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD MINUTES
February 24, 2008
Kara Oliver asked Board members to think about and list where God is seen at work at Belmont. She then shared the lists and followed with prayer. Kim Hawkins, chair of the Board, called the meeting to order. Minutes of the previous meeting were approved; new Board members and guests were recognized.
ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD 101: Jane DuBose presented an overview of Belmont’s Trust Fund which was established in 1981 with a $22,000 gift and has grown to the current $2.47 million. The Fund is governed by a nine-member board and follows the United Methodist socially responsible principles for investing. She explained how the Fund is used to help fund projects, programs, and missions of the church and can not be used for operation expenses.
OUTREACH COMMITTEE: Bob McCutchan described upcoming opportunities for outreach to Van Cleave, Mississippi; Mexico; and Malawi. Locally, Belmont will participate in the Crop Walk and One Great Day of Caring, both in April. The youth will be involved in a mission experience with the Golden Triangle Fellowship.
FINANCE COMMITTEE: John Pearce, chair of the Finance Committee, explained the budgeting process and presented the 2008 proposed budgets for the Weekday School, $592,656; Rental Property Fund, $93,469; and Current Operations, $1,436,007. The budgets (see attached) were approved as presented.
BUILDING COMMITTEE: Hayne Hamilton reported that the water pressure is adequate after all and a new waterline is not necessary. New heating/cooling units for older buildings have been installed in some areas and installation for Thomasson Hall will begin in the spring. Rest room renovation will begin in about two months; paint and carpet will be the last step of the renovation process. The projected date for completion of the new building is June 20.
MINISTRY MOMENT: Katherine Esquivel updated the Board on JFON (Justice for our Neighbors), a project of UMCOR. JFON provides church-based, legal advice for immigrants at clinics held on Saturday morning and run by volunteers with a paid immigration attorney. Belmont will serve as the repository for operating funds and provide office space. The first JFON clinic will be April 12 at Hillcrest UMC with an attorney provided by UMCOR.
MAIN POINTS: The main points from the meeting were: We need to give more; God is at work at Belmont; Faith factor at Belmont is going up; There are many mission opportunities; Building is on schedule.
The meeting was adjourned. Submitted by Betty Jane Taylor, Secretary.