BELMONT UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD MINUTES
September 9, 2007

Kim Hawkins led the members in a centering scripture followed by prayer. Bill Cooper, chair, opened the meeting; minutes of the June meeting were accepted; new church members, guests and interns were introduced. The United Methodist Women's sewing and filling of UMCOR school kits was recognized.

PASTOR'S REPORT: In addition to his pastoral and preaching responsibilities since coming to Belmont, Ken Edwards has spent his time connecting with committees and meetings; teaching Sunday school classes, meeting and working with the staff, participating in the staff retreat and learning names. His focus for ministry for the coming year involves ways we live into the new facility, building relationships with our community and becoming the most welcoming congregation.

ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD 101: Lisa Gwock shared a video presentation describing the varied ways that ordained elders in our conference live out their commitment to serving Christ.

STAFF PARISH COMMITTEE: Chris Steele recognized Arnell Willis for her 30 years as a very important member of the staff at Belmont and presented her with a beautiful clock.

FINANCE COMMITTEE: John Pearce urged the Board to help financially close the year strong, to control expenditures, and to be sure they are making a financial contribution.

BUILDING COMMITTEE: Hayne Hamilton reported that the foundation of the new building is being poured and that additional parking will be available following some grading on the former Homeplace site.

LIVING THE LEGACY: Kim Hawkins reported on some of the ideas shared in June for use of the new facility and said the committee is working with the question, "What are the needs the church needs to meet for members and for the community and how are we going about it?"

SAFE SANCTUARIES POLICY: A Children and Youth Protection Policy was presented to the Board by Lisa Gwock. It was moved and seconded that the policy be accepted. The motion passed. The policy should be fully effective January 1, 2008. (Document is attached.)

MINISTRY SPOTLIGHT: Katherine Esquivel brought to the Board a resolution stating "The Administrative Board of Belmont United Methodist Church hereby endorses the creation of the Justice for Our Neighbors (JfON) ministry for Middle Tennessee." JfON is a national organization with regional ministries and is under the auspices of UMCOR. The resolution was accepted with the following amendment, "A progress report will be given to the Board in spring 2008." (Resolution is attached.) This group will work with the Finance committee, the Trustees and the Lay Leadership of the church as they go forward.

The main points of the meeting were lifted up and are available on the Administrative Board website.

The meeting was adjourned.

Betty Jane Taylor
Secretary