MESSIAH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH BUILDING COMMITTEE

MEETING NOTES: August 8, 2007

LOCATION – FELLOWSHIP HALL at 7:00 p.m.

OPENING & DEVOTION

Howard opened the meeting with prayer at 7:05. Attending: Rod Shaffer, Heather Deutsch, Joe Hockersmith, Kevin Hughes, DeAnn Pugh, and Howard Albrecht. Guests attending: Louise Holtry, and Carol Holtry

Excused: BJ Wyrick, Kevin Plasterer, Brenda Gabler

REVIEW OF PREVIOUS MEETING NOTES

July 9, 2007 & July 10, 2007 - Joe motioned to approve the notes from these meetings, Rod seconded the motion, all were in favor.

July 25, 2007 - Heather motioned to approve the notes as drafted by Brechbill and Helman, Joe seconded with the notation that he be identified as a member of the Building Committee and Kathe Hockersmith identified as a member of Council. With these corrections, all were in favor of accepting these notes together with the attendance sheet typed by Howard.

PUBLIC/CONGREGATION COMMENTS

No Oral Comments or Written Comments were presented or received.

OLD BUSINESS

Update – Capital Runway

Howard provided an update of the meetings and interviews he attended. He noted that the presentation given by Phyllis Bowers was for the Capital Runway Committee like the presentation by Blain Bargo for the Building Committee; an excellent overview of expectations and things to watch. Howard also noted that the Capital Runway Committee also had a presentation from RSI. He said that Phyllis noted this was the premier fundraiser organization.

After discussion, the key points Howard said the Building Committee needs to be aware of and sensitive to is the lead time that will be required for the Capital Runway Committee. Kevin Hughes pointed out that this is not due to anything other than learning and defining where we are and where we need to be.

Discussion ensued regarding raising sufficient funding to begin actual building and renovation per the plans drafted, and the presentation to the Church congregation. Kevin Hughes provided the following course of action alternatives:

Charge Conference – Decision by voting officers of the Church leadership

Church Conference – Decision by voting of all members of the congregation

Church Meeting – Information sharing session only – no motions can be made and no votes can be taken.

Kevin noted that whereas the Book of Discipline is very clear regarding announcements and advertising of a Church Conference; there are no such requirements for a Church Meeting. After careful consideration, Members of the Building Committee agreed that the meeting we identify in our timetable should in fact be a “Church Meeting” and not a Church Conference. The purpose of this meeting will be NOT to vote on the design and build project, but rather to share with the Congregation the “picture of the dream”. At this time we can highlight the numerous advantages and innovations as well as provide everyone time to think about and consider our undertaking.

Kevin indicated that at such a church meeting, we not only should be presenting the Building Committee “picture” but also the Capital Runway Committee’s raising campaign strategy. Kevin noted that at some future point, perhaps the regularly scheduled Church Conference in November, action could be taken on the Capital Runway campaign, and then at some future time (November or some time later as appropriate), a Church Conference would be held regarding the “picture” or the actual design plans.

Discussion regarding this approach was unanimously in favor; Howard will provide this strategy to Church Council meeting next week for their support and endorsement. Kevin reminded everyone keep foremost in mind that our goal is in the MINISTRY we are enabling and NOT the building. Kevin also cautioned the Building Committee that just as we have struck a close and collaborative relationship with both the Church Counsel and Trustees, so must we do the same for the Capital Runway Committee, keeping them informed of our progress.

Kevin will verify the logistics and Discipline requirements pertaining to a Capital Runway campaign “kick-off”, as well as the coordination of the presentations for the fall.

Update – Contract with B & H

Howard noted that he has received the final copies of the contracts with B&H, and that they are anxious for us to sign. He noted that he has been unsuccessful in securing the services of an attorney to review the contract on behalf of the Church. Howard said he will discuss the matter with Brenda and Marlin to resolve the matter of signature, as well as inform B&H of the decision reached this evening pertaining to presenting the picture of the dream, and needing to delay the immediacy of any construction per the plan as submitted.

Update – Engineer Study

Howard noted that due to his unavailability, Brenda was able to work with Marlin and schedule the engineering study of facilities this past week. As Brenda was not at this evening’s meeting, additional updates were not available.

Presentation Timetable

Howard will revise and modify the Building Committee work plan timetable, to include presentation as an information only session in September/October, as scheduling permits. Consideration was given to conducting the presentation meeting immediately following 9:00 service in the sanctuary. While there are distinct advantages to this, a decision was not reached. Committee Members were urged to think and consider this possibility.

NEW BUSINESS

Meeting with District Church Location and Building Committee - Howard indicated he first heard about this as an essential component of the process at the presentation given by Phyllis Bowers. Kevin noted he has served on these Committees both in a District capacity as well as a Church capacity. He assured everyone this is a good process, helpful to ensure that we have considered all contingencies, and providing their assistance wherever possible. Kevin noted the scheduling of this is not a critical factor; it just needs to take place sometime before the Church Conference where a decision is rendered.

OPEN DISCUSSION

Joe Hockersmith recommended the Committee review page 4 of the meeting minutes provided by B&H, and specifically work to answer the questions they are asking. In reviewing these points, the following Church leaders will be contacted to address the point of the question:

02-41 – Church to confirm Administration Office location (Kevin to consider with Fran, Danny, Amy and Finance Chair and decide)

02-42 Choir location, number of persons in choir, and special needs – Linda Snider (Worship) and Don Dickinson.

02-43 Youth Location(s) and Children’s Dept. – Kathy Halter Education) (and Scout Leader)

02-44 Classroom locations (children, youth, adults) – Heather Mitchell (Safe Sanctuary)

02-45 Confirm shared assembly room for 45 Children – Kathy Halter & Kim Pugh (Education & Children’s Church)

02-46 Contract & Agreements – Howard, Brenda & Marlin

Nothing else was brought up for discussion

REMINDERS

Council Meeting 8/14

Next Meeting (Follow-up with B&H) 8/22 (FH @ 7pm)

ADJOURN

There being no other business, Howard asked Kevin to close the meeting with prayer at 8:30.