BULLETIN NOTES – DECEMBER 17, 2000

PASTOR’S REPORT 2000 CHARGE CONFERENCE

The past five months have been filled with a range of emotions and experiences. The transition did not flow as smoothly as we would have like for it to have gone. Upon my arrival, we were overwhelmed with the amount of work that needed to be done to the parsonage. It was a difficult time made more difficult by what I call the “great divorce”. Rev. Blue’s departure had divided and wounded the congregation. With approximately 75 persons leaving to either form a new congregation or choosing to worship elsewhere, a large hole was made in the membership of the church. It also caused a negative impact on the 2000 budget. These events left us reeling and feeling anxious about our ability to stay afloat for the remainder of the year. However, the Finance Committee has done an incredible job managing the church’s funds.

Not only are we having to adjust to this new situation we have found ourselves in, we have had to struggle with rewriting job descriptions, hiring a new musical director, secretary, replacing 2 air conditioning units, replacing carpet in the offices, repairing our electric piano that still croaked, etc. Some days we (the pastor and officers) have simply had to laugh rather than cry at all the things that seem to be happening to us. While we are sure that these things will pass, the meantime has been most trying at times.

Despite the growing pains of developing new relationships and looking at things from a new perspective, there have been great strides made toward unity and conflict resolution. Many members have gone above the call of duty in financial giving, in participation, in time, and other tangible and intangible ways. Many officers have given selflessly of themselves in ways too numerous to mention. I applaud their love and devotion to God and to M.L. Harris. Without their commitment to the work and ministry of M.L. Harris, I feel that we would not be where we are. While there is still much to do, much to overcome, I am confident that with the help of God, the guidance of our District Superintendent, Rev. Bill Powell, and the continued prayers of members, constituents and friends, we will not only overcome but become stronger and have a “story to tell to the nations.”

During the past five months, I have also focused on the spiritual aspects of the church. We have begun Wednesday night Bible Study, resumed Naomi and Ruth Ministry, instituted Moments with Children, proclaimed 4^th Sundays as Youth Sunday, reactivated the Altar Guild, Class Leaders, recognized Special Days for the UMC and secular special days. Emphasis on educational ministry has become a major focus for us. We are also proud to have four certified Lay Speakers: Minnie Carlisle, Renee Peters, Pat Burns, and Jimmy Habersham III. There are 4 others who have to complete the training to be certified.

We are in the process of auditing our membership role, with the assistance of our Class Leaders. Letters have been sent to all persons on the role who have not attended in the past 5 months. Upon receipt of their response cards, we will begin the purging of the roles.

I am especially proud of the missional focus of our church, despite our current financial crunch. During Thanksgiving M.L. Harris, along with a coalition of Korean pastors and businessmen, distributed 24 turkeys and $25 grocery gift certificates, participated in 3 Special Day offerings, assisted 4 families with utilities and 6 families with bags of groceries from the Food Bank. The United Methodist Women received special recognition for their support of the Brown Bag Lunch Program.

Stephens Chapel has had a relatively good year. We have had Revival with approximately 80 people in attendance each night and worshipped with Mill Bethel Baptist Church, a fellowship that has lasted for 75 years. We celebrated Senior Citizen Day and have had applied to the Second Harvest Food Bank to help the people of Lumpkin. We are awaiting response from the District Mission Society for help with our bathrooms, building repairs, and assistance with pastoral support.

I would like to thank the officers and members of M.L. Harris and Stephens Chapel for their love, support, words of encouragement, and patience with me during the past five months. As I have stated in our last Administrative Council meeting, I am committed to working through conflict and committed to building the kingdom of God in this place because I believe God has placed me here for such a time as this. We have been and will be “blessed to be a blessing ”.

~ Dr. Sharon Adams