BELMONT UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD MINUTES
JUNE 29, 2008
Mozelle Core offered the blessing and reminded us that the General Conference added a word to the pledge used in receiving new members into the congregation. We now pledge, “our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service and our witness. Kim Hawkins, board Chair called the meeting to order, welcomed all present and compared the Administrative Board members to the early Christians Paul addresses in 1 Corinthians 12:18-19. Just as Paul says the body has many parts which make up the whole, so also do all the members make up the Administrative Board. Together we are one body working together.
MINUTES of the April 27, 2008 Administrative Board Meeting were presented. With Bill Turner motioning that we approve and Charlie Warfield, Jr. seconding the motion the minutes were approved unanimously.
GUESTS were introduced and welcomed as follows: Pat Gannis introduced Jan Turintine, and new member and United Methodist Publishing House employee. Melissa Eckert introduced Terri Morgan, a new member. Chris Steele introduced Ben Whitehouse, another new member. Camilla Myers introduced Brian and Courtney Weiler, new members of Belmont.
GIFTS POLICY STATEMENT which was tabled at the April 27 meeting is under discussion and revision by the Trustees and Finance Committee. Additional time was needed to get the input from the Outreach Committee and others. The revised statement will be presented at the September meeting.
PASTOR’S REPORT: Associate Pastor, Linda Johnson gave the pastor’s report. In summary she said, “the state of the church is very healthy!” Linda said Belmont was well-represented at the Tennessee Annual Conference in Murfreesboro. Sr. Pastor, Ken Edwards presented the CF&A report to the Conference and Marie King presented the Health & Welfare report to the Conference. Golden Triangle Fellowship Pastor, Sandy Sakarapanee received the Denman Award for Evangelism. The Open Door Singers made a trip to Chicago; The Carillon Ringers have performed at River Bend Prison and Middle Tennessee State Hospital. Other major events coming up are Vacation Bible School, the Music and Ministry Camp and the VIM Malawi Trip.
Lanecia Rouse announced that Belmont youth helped provide a Day Camp for 45 Golden Triangle children at the Hillcrest United Methodist Church.
GOLDEN TRIANGLE VISIONING COMMITTEE REPORT: Eddie Gwock presented a very detailed report from this group which was charged to (1) “recommend actions that will relieve overcrowding and safety issues that are perceived currently and could potentially occur within the next year, and (2) begin the process of long-range planning that will accommodate the needs and desires of the GTF with sensitivity to the limitations of BUMC. The group focused on Long-Range Planning, Structure, Short-Term Actions and Feedback. The initial feedback yielded three
observations: (1) Belmont is referred to as the “Mother Church.” (2) More educational opportunities, especially ESL are desired and (3) There is a desire for a more convenient church/
location so GTF can be more involved in the life of the church. Five specific short-term actions were recommended. Five areas of long-range progress were highlighted. The structure of GTF
is visioned with a Christian Education Coordinator which would be a 10 hour per week, paid position. A Congregational Care Coordinator may include two volunteers. A Worship Committee would work with Pastor Sandy and a Treasurer would work with Marianne Schneider to coordinate the GTF Finances. Belmont Church Staff members will work with Pastor Sandy and
Roger Kung to implement the recommendations. The Visioning Committee will be dissolved.
BUILDING AND MINISTRY TRANSITION TASK FORCE: Bill Cooper reported the group consisted of 31 members who worked through 67 issues in two meetings. Input was solicited from all groups, boards and key stake holders including community users. Four theme area were
identified: Church Policies, Programming Policies & Procedures, Staffing & Operations and Existing Facilities. Very specific recommendations were made to the Trustees regarding Facility Use, Disaster Plan and Safe Sanctuaries. This Task Force will re-convene three months after the
new facility is opened.
BUILDING UPDATE: Hayne Hamilton reported that the Building Committee will be dissolved at the end of the year. The Properties Committee will be reinstated in January, 2009 and will operate as an arm of the Board of Trustees.
FINANCE: John Pearce reported that after detailed analysis of Building on the Legacy revenues and costs, it is expected Belmont will be approximately $650,000 short. John Pearce and Hayne Hamilton have met and are continuing to negotiate with Sun Trust Bank to determine Belmont’s
most prudent options. SunTrust will lend the money, but Finance Committee is still working with
SunTrust to identify Belmont’s best arrangement. The Administrative Board with Bill Turner motioning and Charlie Warfield, Jr. seconding voted unanimously to accept this report from Finance and authorized them to go forward with the additional loan transaction.
OPENING OUR DOORS: Phil and Mary Jane Duke gave us a preview of what to expect on July 13 when we celebrate the opening of the new facility. The Board was very moved to learn that Phil still has his little chair from the Children’s Department. Mary Jane “spilled” a few other Phil new items from his earlier days, but those are best not printed.
MAIN POINTS: Belmont has much to celebrate
109 of 378 Building the Legacy pledges are fully paid
34 of 378 Building the Legacy pledges are over-paid
Pastor Sandy received the Denman Award for Evangelism
Golden Triangle Fellowship Vision is clearer
REMAINING MEETINGS FOR 2008: September 14
November 2 (tentative) Charge Conference
The meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
June Batsel, Lay Leader
(substituting for Secretary, BJ Taylor)