Ministry Organization

Administrative Council Charge Conference Report - 2004

The Administrative Council of Indian Heights United Methodist Church meets on the fourth Monday of each month. The council consists of the chairpersons of the various ministry area committees, at-large members, treasurer, lay representatives to annual conference, the pastor, and administrative council officers. The council’s function is to coordinate the activities of the church through sharing and discussion of monthly committee activity summaries. The council also serves as the policy-making body of the Church.

An annual summary of each committee’s activities is included in this Church Conference Report. Following are selected highlights from 2004:
• The building addition and remodeling was completed on May 31, and the new worship facility was celebrated and consecrated on June 13. The finished project has improved the facility, was completed essentially on time and budget, and caused minimal disruption of the normal activities in the building. Chairman Chuck Reeves and the Building Committee are to be commended for their work on the project.
• A labyrinth was constructed using donations and substantial “sweat equity” on the grounds near the northeast corner of the church property. The labyrinth was dedicated September 26 and provides additional opportunities to the congregation and community for meditation, reflection and worship.
• Sunday School for 2nd - 6th grade began the fall season using a rotation workshop structure with the theme Holy Land Express.
• Vacation Bible School, Hero Quest - Powered by Faith, was attended by over 40 children.
• A new Youth Choir for 8th - 12th grade singers was started in September.
• A service for blessing of backpacks was held in August for students young and old prior to their return to classes.
• The committee charge conference reports for 2003 were published on the church website www.gbgm-umc.org/indianheightsumc.
• The Administrative Council is planning a Winter Retreat - Renewing Our Vision in early 2005.

Indian Heights United Methodist Church continued in the community as a source for spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ. The labyrinth that was added on the grounds this year is a fitting symbol for us as we approach the close of the church year. The labyrinth serves as a physical symbol of our Faith Journey as individuals and as a congregation. We begin our Faith Journey, the path turns unexpectedly many times, the goal remains in sight, and if we keep going, we draw ever closer to it. We know as a congregation that we are not at the beginning, nor are we at the end. As the congregation meets to Renew Our Vision early next year, we hope to assess where we are on our Faith Journey, and where we should turn next in our mission to spread the Good News. We ask God’s blessing as we strive to see the path ahead.

Ben Jackson
Administrative Council Chair