United Methodist Church of Fayetteville
Church Conference
7:00 PM September 10, 2009

District Superintendent Darryl Barrows opened the meeting with devotions focusing on our connectivity, hope and acting as change agents as expressed in Gary Grunderson’s book, The Leading Causes of Life.

Judy Smith received unanimous approval to serve as Recording Secretary for this meeting, after Rick Pickert & Barbara Western made a motion for her appointment.

Pat Meltzer presented the 2010 Pastoral Support Package on behalf of the Finance Committee in John Blocker ’s absence. After Pat presented all the figures verbally, there was a unanimous vote to delay voting on the package until everyone present had a printed copy to review. After those copies were in hand, several questions were raised and comments were made. One suggestion was that the past year’s figures be available each year, and several questions about how this year’s figures compared with the previous year’s. The fact that the health insurance premium and the pension contribution were fixed percentages provided clarification, as did Rev. Barrows’ comments that the Conference sets a minimum salary schedule based both on years of service and part-time or full time service. The vote on the total Pastoral Support Package for 2010 for Rev. Swords-Horrell was passed with 4 NO votes, 3 abstentions and the balance YES.

All agreed to renew Lay Speakers Randy Cooke, Jeff Haines, Tina Haines and Bette Wood .

There were no bequests during the year and no ministerial candidates.

John Blocker and Barbara Western made a motion to give Ellie Wood authority to pay bills until the 2009 Spending Plan is adopted by the Church Council in January 2009 – approved.

After affirming that this congregation is a caring, welcoming community that encourages growth in each other and believes in the sustaining power of prayer, the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,
Judith B. Smith, Recording Secretary

Church Council
September 15, 2009
7:00 PM

The meeting was opened with a prayer by Rev. Swords-Horrell.

Randy Cooke made, and Bob O’Connor seconded, a motion to accept the Minutes from the May 5, 2009 Church Council meeting. The motion was approved unanimously.

John Blocker presented the Treasurer’s Report in Ellie Wood’s absence. He pointed out that the form used to present the financial information for the month had been revised to make it easier to understand. John highlighted several items in the report:

            1) There is $10,035 in the Reserve Account

            2) The amount from “giving units” is $9,916 under what was expected

            3) Non-pledges are somewhat ahead of projections  

            4) Expenses are presently under budget, but utilities charges are unpredictable.

A motion to accept the report was made by Bette Wood and seconded by Randy Cooke. Passed.

John Blocker, as chair of the Finance Committee, sparked a great deal of discussion by reporting that the predicted difference between income and expenses would leave the Reserve Fund depleted by the end of November. The Committee, therefore, was seeking to make a cut in the only discretionary part of the budget – Shared Ministry (a.k.a. Conference Apportionments). Payments for this are billed and paid monthly, usually at the beginning of the month. During the discussion the group was reminded that support of Shared Ministries is an essential part of being United Methodists. There were suggestions that income could be increased through a different type of stewardship campaign and mailing of third-quarter statements. After much discussion the following motion was made by Randy Cooke: The Finance Committee and the Treasurer are given flexibility in paying the Nov. and Dec. Shared Ministry payments based on our ability to meet our financial obligations in 2009. The motion was passed with 3 No votes and 3 abstentions and the understanding that the Church Council could revisit the issue at the November meeting.

Carolyn Doughty reported on the first meeting of the group planning the 50^th Anniversary Celebration. The “main event” would be a catered luncheon with finger foods followed by a program and would take place in mid-late May or June 2010. Former members would be contacted and former pastors would be invited to plan and participate in the one worship service. Carolyn requested that $1500 be included in the 2010 budget for costs related to this event. All are welcome to attend the next planning meeting at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, October 27^th.

Pat Meltzer (SPRC) expects the committee to be busy finding someone to fill the organist position. Hugh Jones tendered his resignation effective October 1, 2009.

Randy Cooke indicated that the Stewardship Study Group will be holding a multigenerational history night on October 17^th. This is part of their attempt to appeal to the different approaches the generations have in expressing stewardship. During the Fall stewardship campaign there will be presentations dealing with how stewardship relates to mission/service, faith development, shared ministries, and worship and hospitality.

There will be a Church-wide conversation on worship on Tuesday, September 29^th and Wednesday, September 30th at 7 pm. Members are strongly encouraged to attend one of these and make suggestions as to how we can improve our worship. These will be information gathering sessions – no decisions will be made on these evenings. 

Rev. Marti was asked what answers she received to the 3 questions she asked the leadership when she spoke with them over several months last winter/spring. Her answers were: What should she keep doing? Shake up worship and invite/encourage more members of the congregation to share their gifts.  What should she start doing? Explain things more when changes are made in worship. Speak louder and slower.  What should she stop doing?  Stop singing so many unfamiliar hymns.

The meeting was adjourned following Communion.

Respectfully submitted,
Judith B. Smith, Recording Secretary

Updated on 11/3/2009