Baldwin First United Methodist Church

Church Council Minutes

January 23, 2012

Attendees

Staff:    Pastor Paul Babcock

Council Members:  Council Chair Bill Clement, Olivia Beins, Donna Curran, Mike

Curran, Carolyn Groves, Martha Harris, Adam Hazelwood, Christina Lawrenz, 

Dan Neuenswander, Clay Thomas, Kathleen Thomas

Advisory Members:  Katherine Cook, Wanda Samuels, Michelle Swain

Guests:  Sue Ann Kleist, Tom Kleist

Bill called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. by welcoming Dan Neuenswander back to the Council as the chair of the United Methodist Men, replacing Adam Hazelwood who has assumed the role of chair of the Trustees.  Bill offered his gratitude to Darren Lawrenz for the work he has done to lead the Trustees.

Bill offered a devotional inspired by the film Forest Gump: “Stupid is as stupid does” and Luke 9: 10-17, reminding us to use our available resources, and to rely on God to fill in the gaps.

Adam moved and Carolyn seconded the motion to approve the minutes of the meeting of November 28, 2011.  The motion carried.

Bill opened the floor for questions from the congregation.  There were no comments.

Reports

Finances

Martha submitted documentation including a statement of financial position for the month of December, 2011, budget vs. actual income and expenses for 2011, items related to released restricted contributions, and a financial income and expense summary report for the year.

Mike shared that giving was $2000 more than expected in 2011, and expenses were $1,700 more than expected, so there is an excess of $322.50 to be applied to the finances for 2012. 

Mike indicated that the finance committee has discovered several dormant accounts.  Funds from these accounts may be eligible to be moved to general budgetary needs.  The committee will pursue the possibilities of reallocating these funds.

Trustees

Adam reported on the status of the parsonage.  Repairs are being completed at this time, and a cleaning crew has helped to prepare the home for habitation.  The Babcocks may begin to move in this week; there will be a moving crew to help  organize efforts this coming Saturday at 8:00 a.m.

Trustees held elections:  Adam is chair, Darren is co-chair, and Barbara Bailey is the new secretary.

SPPRC

Chris shared that Kathy Dorsey has joined the committee.  Tasks have been assigned to members for the year.  Job descriptions for the two new positions are underway so the openings can be advertised.  The committee is working on policy, and is planning a Staff Appreciation Sunday.      

Staff

Pastor Paul acknowledged an uplifting Advent and Christmas season.  He offered appreciation to all those who shared their talents and put forth effort to enhance the celebration of the season.

He expressed pride that 46 people helped with the day of service organized by the Missions Team on Martin Luther King Day.

Confirmation class began with seven students for the 13-week program.  It is anticipated that confirmation will be near the end of April.

Long-Range Plan

Bill offered a review of the three-to-five year plan.  The council turned their attention to a summary of the progress made in the individual goals of spiritual growth, relationships/ intentional fellowship, finance, membership, communication/technology, and facilities.  Bill charged the committee to determine what remains to be accomplished in the next few years.  The various committees should be the ones to determine what needs to be done and how to proceed; their reports will be on the agenda for the next Council meeting.

Pastor Paul presented the draft of a proposal for an Adult Ministries Council to encourage adult growth and participation in the life of the church.  It was decided that Pastor Paul will proceed to develop such a council.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:33 p.m. with a prayer.  

Respectfully submitted,

Katherine Cook