Messiah United Methodist Church Building Committee
Meeting Notes November 8, 2006
Members Attending: Heather Deutsch, BJ Wyrick, Kevin Plasterer, Troy Howell, and Howard Albrecht
Guests/Attendees: Brenda Gabler, Frank Alexander, Joe Hockersmith, and Kathe Hockersmith
OPENING
Troy opened the meeting with prayer and devotional.
PLAN OF PROCESS - Review
Troy shared with the Committee an outline Howard had emailed to him applying the process presented by Blain Bargo to the Fellowship Hall/Kitchen/Stage Area project. Discussion ensued during the review regarding the scope and specific assignment of elements, issues, and concerns.
The Committee and attendees discussed in detail the specifics of the commission of the Building Committee. Concern was expressed whether there existed a pre-determined blue print the Committee would be following. The concern was that this might limit the ability of the Committee to address potentially uncovered or other serious issues not identified in the work of the Study Committee.
Based on the concerns raised, Brenda and Troy reviewed the Building Committee’s Commission as approved by the August Church Conference (reference Acts 29:2006:1 Proposal) which reads as follows:
1) Fellowship Hall/Kitchen/Stage Area:
Complete gutting/reconfiguration of Fellowship Hall and the Kitchen/Rest Room area there for maximum access to and space usage for congregational gatherings in an accessible and environmentally-safe area through asbestos abatement and air-quality controls.
2) Evangel Center:
Evangel Center space reconfiguration for maximum utilization for Sunday School classes, Bible studies, group usage, and various ministry needs. (This step also would allow for Trustees to proceed with appropriate and necessary HVAC, electrical, and related upgrades).
3) Enclosing the Courtyard & an Atrium Expansion:
Authorization of an architectural design to enclose the “courtyard” with an “atrium-style” structure between the 1920 and 1970 buildings, and plan for construction of a new main-entrance configuration to:
a) provide handicap accessibility and mobility of parishioners between the sanctuary proper and the Evangel Center:
b) establish congregational welcoming, gathering, hospitality, and communication space;
c) provide for sanctuary-entrance modifications from this area into to rear of the sanctuary, as well as related re-configuration of space to facilitate movement at the rear of the sanctuary.
In its meetings up until this evening, the Building Committee discerned the priority of its Commission and agreed that its first task for completion would be that outlined in Acts 29:2006:1 item 1 Fellowship Hall/Kitchen/Stage Area. This focus would in no way preclude the inclusion of, planning for, envisioning and coordinating of this activity with completion of Building Committee Commission items 2 and 3 (Evangel Center and Atrium respectively).
Troy and Brenda also pointed out this should not preclude the Building Committee in anyway to request expansion of its commission to explore such additional designs and recommendations as it may feel are necessary to provide a holistic approach to meet the needs of the congregation. Specifically, no one design option as presented by the Study Committee, or as evaluated and considered by Council would be used as any type of pre-determined or expected “blueprint” by the Building Committee; with the sole exception of the Conference decision that all work would be for Messiah United Methodist Church at its present location.
There was no additional discussion or questions on this clarification.
The Committee then continued its review of the draft Plan of Progress for Fellowship Hall as the primary focus of a planned - phased program of renovation and expansion. In the interest of time, Committee members were asked to complete their review of the Fellowship Hall area draft that Troy shared for the next meeting.
COMMITTEE EXPANSION
Discussion centered on expanding Committee membership. After considering and discerning the current size of 4 members, the Committee members expressed 2 main concerns leading them to agree to request expansion of membership: attrition and representation.
The concern with attrition is based on the long term of the task before the Building Committee. With only 4 members, even a single member leaving could conceivably pose problems of delay in identifying and orienting replacement members. This concerns includes possible delays in Committee progress and directional continuity.
The concern regarding representation is to seek to ensure that the Building Committee has a good general representational cross-section of the many different aspects of congregational growth and activity.
Brenda indicated that Council had brought forth the names of the current members after a very long discernment process. As Council meets only monthly, and not wanting to cause further delay in Building Committee activity, Brenda as Council Chair agreed that since the Committee had a relatively clear sense of its need for additional members, that the Committee consider and put forth to Council a request for expansion of its membership.
The Committee agreed and decided that each member would email to Howard Albrecht the names of 1 or 2 potential additional members along with a general reason the person was considered and recommended. Howard would compile a list of names received, and discuss them with each of the Committee members. When the Building Committee members were in concurrence, Howard would put this before Brenda and Troy. All agreed that any names brought forth by the Committee had to be agreed to by all members. Brenda and Troy would also need to be in agreement with the recommendation in order for the matter to be brought up to a Church Conference for action.
SELECTION OF A COMMITTEE CHAIR
Troy opened the floor for nominations for a Committee Chair person. Kevin Plasterer nominated Howard Albrecht. BJ Wyrick seconded the motion. Election was unanimous appointing Howard as Committee Chair.
NEXT MEETING
The next meeting of the Building Committee is scheduled for November 29, 2006 in Fellowship Hall from 6:00 to 7:30.