Baldwin First United Methodist Church

Church Council Minutes

April 25, 2011

Attendees

Staff:  Pastor Connie Wilson, Eva Durand, Shelley Todd

Council Members:  Bill Clement (Council Chair), David Cook, Donna Curran, Mike Curran,

Carolyn Groves, Martha Harris, Adam Hazelwood, Chris Lawrenz, Darren Lawrenz,

Colin Thomas, Kathleen Thomas

Advisory Members:  Carol Butell, Barb Pressgrove, Michelle Swain, Becky Thomas

Church Members:  Sue Ann Kleist, Tom Kleist

The meeting was called to order at 7:04 p.m. with a devotional offered by Kathleen from Phillipians 2:1-3.  She shared a story from Aesop to help us deal with transition, and reminding us to stand united in the face of change.

Bill suggested an amendment to the previous minutes with the actual words that will be used in the new welcoming statement.  Martha moved and Kathleen seconded that we attach a copy of the media release to the previous minutes.  The motion carried.

The Endowment Report was presented by Carl Butell   He reported assets of $306,787.14 yielding accumulated income of $22,830.93, usable at the discretion of the endowment committee.

The Financial Report was presented by Martha, who offered documents showing budget versus actual expenses. Records show that for the first quarter, our income was $2,792.47 less than budgeted and expenses were $9,456.18 more than budgeted, resulting in a total deficit of income versus expenses of $12,249.30.   Mike explained that actual financing and historic trends indicate our position is actually better than it appears on paper.

Darren presented the Trustees Report. Architectural and space utilization studies are complete. The report offers confirmation about areas we have already recognized as concerns. The trustees will examine options and develop a prioritized list once they have received feedback from the congregation.  Darren suggested that the dialogue about future plans begin with a discussion of space utilization.

The trustees determined that a ‘talk’ format would be the best way to share the information with the church.   Mike proposed a special council meeting to preview the presentation by the trustees. The council agreed, and a meeting was scheduled for May 9 at 7:00 p.m.  The trustees will then share the Long Range Plan Presentation with the congregation on May 12 and 18 at 7:00 p.m.  Additionally, copies of information will be made available if members should want to check them out from the church office.

 Chris followed with the Pastor-Parish Report.  The district superintendent and bishops have discerned that Pastor Connie will best serve elsewhere beginning in July. Her new role will be as director of Transition into Ministry. The procedure for determining a new pastor for Baldwin First lies in the hands of the District Superintendent.  The Staff-Pastor-Parish Committee will meet with the superintendent who will introduce the committee to a candidate.

As director of youth ministries, Eva reported on a variety of activities: 56 people attended Silver Dollar City, a car detailing raised nearly $700 toward this year’s mission trip, support for the “To Save a Life” video brought additional adult help to the youth program, the Mildred and Richard Allen White scholarship recipient of $600 will be determined soon, and the Path to Purity Retreat will be held April 30-May 1.

Reporting for Children’s Ministries, Shelley shared her pride and joy for the children concerning their recent ministry to parents and friends.  40 children were present in Children’s Church for Easter Sunday.  In May, 4^th and 5^th graders will conduct a food drive.  The Sunday School staff will be testing a new curriculum over the summer.  VBS is scheduled for July 10-14; volunteers are needed as station leaders, walking leaders, and meal providers.  In October, Shelly and Becky will attend a conference in Chicago.

Pastor Connie shared her feelings about taking a new appointment and the future she envisions for our church.

Carolyn offered a closing prayer, and Bill closed the meeting at 8:39 a.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Katherine E. Cook