Check-In & Registration New Member Orientation...4. Practicing the Principles of Holy Conferencing...6. Procedural Guidelines...

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3 Table of Contents General Information Check-In & Registration.... New Member Orientation... Practicing the Principles of Holy Conferencing....6 Procedural Guidelines...6 Voice and Vote...7 Business of the Annual Conference Annual Conference Proposed Agenda...8 Rules Committee Report....0 Proposed Constitutional Amendments Budget Narrative for Recommendation #:.... Recommendation # Council on Finance & Administration Recommendations Calendar Year Mission and Ministry Funding Plan Recommendation # 08 Recommendation Commission on Equitable Compensation Introduction to Board of Pension & Health Benefits... Recommendation # 08 Board of Pension & Health Benefits.... Recommendation # We are All God's Children Todos Somos Hijos de Dios Appendix Glossary of Candidacy Terms....5 Officers of the 8th Annual Conference Session Annual Conference Planning Team

4 GENERAL INFORMATION Check-In & Registration Lakeside Chautauqua South Auditorium (located on Sixth St between Walnut & Central Ave) Sunday, June : :00pm 7:00pm & Monday, June 5: 7:00am :00pm All members of the annual conference should check-in at South Auditorium. Guests, spouses and visitors should register at the appropriate table as well. The Disciplinary requirement ( 60.8) of clergy attendance at annual conference is noted for the journal records when members pick up their name tags. After :00pm Monday, registration will be located in Hoover Auditorium. New Member Orientation Before arriving to annual conference, please visit our webpage at This site contains information about preparing for Annual Conference, arriving and checking in and what to expect during annual conference. It also contains the proposed agenda, a list of events, workshops, Family Connect events, guest speakers' biographies, as well as information regarding Childcare and Vacation Bible School, and UMCOR Kit collection. There will not be an on-site orientation so it s very important to arrive prepared! pg 07 West Ohio Annual Conference Book of Reports

5 GENERAL INFORMATION * *Provides service to members with limited-mobility issues. To request service call Check-In & Registration pg 5

6 GENERAL INFORMATION Practicing the Principles of Holy Conferencing Every person is a child of God. Always speak respectfully. One can disagree without being disagreeable. As you patiently listen and observe the behavior of others, be open to the possibility that God can change the views of any or all parties in the discussion. Listen patiently before formulating responses. Strive to understand the experience out of which others have arrived at their views. Be careful in how you express personal offense at differing opinions, otherwise dialogue may be inhibited. Accurately reflect the views of others when speaking. This is especially important when you disagree with that position. Avoid using inflammatory words, derogatory names, or an excited and angry voice. Avoid making generalizations about individuals and groups. Make your point with specific evidence and examples. Make use of facilitators and mediators. Remember that people are defined, ultimately, by their relationship with God not by the flaws we discover, or think we discover, in their views and actions. Procedural Guidelines The following guidelines are in response to questions frequently asked during the annual conference. Understanding these procedures will enable you to be a more effective member of the conference. Please refer to Section IX, pages 6-9 in the 06 Journal, Structure, Procedure and Rules.. Conference and Parliamentary Procedures: The annual conference sessions are guided by Section E and F (pages -9) of the Structure, Procedure and Rules section of the Annual Conference 06 Journal; and by the Rules as they are adopted and accepted in the opening session of the annual conference session. Make a careful study of this material before coming to Lakeside Chautauqua.. New Legislation: The rules of the conference require that all proposed recommendations requiring action be received by the conference secretary by March 5th. New recommendations requiring action can be submitted to a plenary session only by suspension of the rules and agreement by a two-thirds vote of the conference to receive them. (Section E, pg 5 and E,, page 6 of the Annual Conference 06 Journal.). Being Recognized to Speak: Members who wish to address the conference should stand at their seats and wait to be recognized by the bishop, who will direct the speaker to a microphone. Going to the microphone before being recognized is out of order. You must identify yourself before you speak; please state whether you are clergy/lay and your district.. 6 pg 07 West Ohio Annual Conference Book of Reports

7 Voice and Vote Your name tag indicates your voice and vote status at plenary sessions. Please wear your name tag in a visible location during these sessions. Annual conference members with both voice (meaning they can speak in plenary sessions) and vote (meaning they can make and amend motions and vote on motions) are as follows: Recommendations & Conference Business Elections for clergy delegates to the General, Jurisdictional and Central Conference(s) Elections for lay delegates to the General, Jurisdictional and Central Conference(s) Constitutional Amendments Matters of ordination, character, and conference relations of clergy Voice without Vote GENERAL INFORMATION Clergy Members in full connection ( 60.a) Lay Members: Elected Members representing congregations, Members by Virtue of Office, At-large Members as designated by districts, Youth Members ( 60.) Provisional Clergy Members who have completed all of their educational requirements ( 60.b errata) Associate Clergy Members ( 60.c) Local Pastors who have completed Course of Study or an M.Div. degree and have served a minimum of two consecutive years under appointment before the election ( 60.d errata) Provisional Clergy Members ( 60.b) Affiliate Clergy Members ( 60.c errata) Full- and Part-time Local Pastors under appointment to a pastoral charge ( 60.d) Elders or Ordained Clergy from other denominations serving under appointment within the Annual Conference ( 6.) Official Representatives from other Denominations ( 60.9) Missionaries regularly assigned by the GBGM in nations other than the US & Certified Lay Missionaries from nations other than the US serving within the bounds of the Annual Conference ( 60.9) Conference Chancellor if not otherwise a voting member ( 60.0) Ordained Clergy or Provisional Members from Other Annual Conferences and Other Methodist Denominations ( 6.) Visitors, Spouses of Clergy & West Ohio Conference Staff If also a member of the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry, they may vote at Clergy Session If also a lay member of the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry and/or Committee on Investigation ( 60.6) Voice and Vote pg 7

8 GENERAL INFORMATION Annual Conference Proposed Agenda Sunday, June 5:0 pm Laity Session 7:9 Convene the 06 Annual Conference * 7:0 Opening Worship Memorial Celebration with Communion 9:00 Evening Break Monday, June 5 8:00 am Clergy Session (closed session for clergy only) 0:00 Break 0:0 Worship Service 0:55 Set the Bar of the Conference Secretarial Staff & Registrar Nominations Parliamentary Procedure-Speech Timer Agenda Report Rules Committee Report Preliminary Nominations Committee Report Extended Cabinet Introduction Missional Report Laity Address Light the Way Presentation Courtesies Lakeside Greeting :00 pm Lunch Break :0 Constitutional Amendment Voting :00 Order of the Day: Corporate Session :0 Update on Recommendation #6 :5 Break Council on Finance & Administration Report Chief Financial Officer's Report Recommendation #: Council on Finance & Administration Recommendations Calendar Year 08 :0 Credit Union Presentation Equitable Compensation Report Recommendation #: Commission on Equitable Compensation Board of Pension & Health Benefits Report Recommendation #: 07 Board of Pension & Health Benefits Safe Sanctuaries Report United Methodist Men's Report United Methodist Women's Report President's Greeting: United Theological Seminary 5:00 Dinner Break 8 pg 07 West Ohio Annual Conference Book of Reports

9 * The proposed agenda covers the business of the annual conference inside of Hoover Auditorium. For a list of daily events please refer to the Program and Events Guide. Proposed agenda is subject to change. 7:00 Episcopacy Committee Report Episcopal Address Courtesies 8:0 Evening break GENERAL INFORMATION Tuesday, June 6 9:00 am Light the Way Worship Service with Missional Offering 0:0 Break 0:55 Recommendation #: We Are All God's Children Courtesies President's Greeting: Methodist Theological School in Ohio :00 pm Lunch Break :0 Teaching Session, Dr. Elaine Heath: God Unbound: Wisdom from Galatians for the Anxious Church :5 East Ohio Conference Greeting :0 Order of the Day: Board of Ordained Ministry Report :0 Courtesies :5 Break :0 Celebration of Ministry Worship Service 6:0 Evening Break Wednesday, June 7 8:0 am Worship Service with Missionary Commissioning 9:00 Teaching Session, Dr. Elaine Heath: God Unbound: Wisdom from Galatians for the Anxious Church 0:0 Break 0:0 Mission Partnerships Report Wings of the Morning Report General Advance Giving Report Africa University Fund Banner Presentation Cokesbury Report Nominations Committee Report Light the Way Announcements Courtesies :0 Lunch Break :0 pm International Child Care Report Recognition & Awards Journal Report Attendance Report, Announce 08 AC Dates Fixing of Appointments, Apostolic Letters Closing Worship :0 Adjourn Annual Conference Annual Conference Proposed Agenda pg 9

10 Rules Committee Report Key: Additions are marked in large, bold type and highlighted Subtractions are indicated with a strikethrough and highlighted RULES COMMITTEE REPORT Wavy lines ( ) indicate a jump over unchanged content IX STRUCTURE, PROCEDURE, AND RULES ANNUAL CONFERENCE RULES AND POLICIES Values Statement: The United Methodist Church and the West Ohio Conference values diversity and inclusion. Teams, boards and committees shall strive to embody these values. Special attention shall be given to gender, race, ethnicity, youth, young adults, older adults, lay/clergy, people with disabilities, church membership size and type and district in accordance with The Book of Discipline. 8 9 B. NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS NOMINATION PROCESS The primary task of nominating persons to serve as officers and members of lead teams, boards and committees of the West Ohio Conference shall reside with the Conference Committee on Nominations as set forth below. a. The Nominations Committee shall oversee a process of creating a pool of persons to serve on the lead teams, boards and committees. The nominations committee can use Interest Forms, which are available on the conference website. b. The director of Connectional Ministries shall advise, monitor, and evaluate the process used by the committee for making nominations to the annual conference. c. Conference Lay Leaders i. The resident bishop in consultation with the Director of Connectional Ministries and the extended cabinet will make recommendations regarding the number of laity to deploy as conference lay leader(s) within a quadrennium. The strategic vision, mission and priorities of the annual conference will guide the process. 5 6 ii. The Director of Connectional Ministries will work with the conference nomination team and other leaders to identify potential laity to serve as conference lay leader(s) iii. An interview process will be developed by the Director of Connectional Ministries to identify the individual or individuals to place into nomination. The final candidate(s) will be interviewed by the bishop before a nomination slate is developed. 0 pg 07 West Ohio Annual Conference Book of Reports

11 5 iv. The Director of Connectional Ministries, along with the current lay leader(s) will develop a nomination slate for members of the laity session. The resident bishop will facilitate the election of the lay leader(s). Members of the laity session will elect the conference lay leader(s) for the quadrennium. d. Conference Director of Lay Speaking Ministries i. The Director of Connectional Ministries will work with the Conference Nomination Team and other leaders to identify potential laity to serve as the Conference Director of Lay Speaking Ministries. This position shall be filled by a certified lay servant, certified lay speaker, or certified lay minister. ii. The Conference Nomination Team, in cooperation with the Director of Connectional Ministries, will prepare the slate for members of the laity session. The Conference Lay Leader will facilitate the election of the Conference Director of Lay Speaking Ministries. Members of the laity session will elect the Conference Director of Lay Speaking Ministries for the quadrenninum. RULES COMMITTEE REPORT 5 6 iii. As per The Book of Discipline, the Conference Director of Lay Speaking Ministries will chair the Conference Committee on Lay Servant Ministries. Other officers will be elected by the committee as deemed necessary ELECTIONS TO GENERAL AND JURISDICTIONAL CONFERENCES a. The elections shall take place in the Annual Conference Session the year before the year when the Jurisdictional and General Conferences take place. b. Lay Election for General and Jurisdictional Delegates iii. At the Laity Session of the annual conference, nominees for election to general and jurisdictional conference shall be introduced and an opportunity shall be given for others to be nominated. The first lay ballot will be taken some time following the Laity Session. The first ballot and each succeeding ballot will report those receiving 5 votes or more. The members of the conference may direct the reporting of a higher minimum vote. When the general conference delegates have been elected, the process for the election of the jurisdictional delegates will follow the same process as that for general conference delegates. c. Clergy Election for General and Jurisdictional Delegates i. In the year of the election of delegates to general and jurisdictional conferences, a Clergy Voter Guide shall be assembled prepared and distributed to all clergy by the conference office. It shall include a listing of all clergy eligible for election. Prior to October in the year preceding the election, biographical information forms shall be distributed by the conference office to all clergy eligible for election. Each eligible clergy will be asked to indicate on the form whether he/she wants to be considered for election. For Clergy biographical information Rules Committee Report pg

12 forms must be returned to the Conference office no later than January 5 of the year of the election of delegates to general and jurisdictional conferences to be published in the Clergy Voter Guide., forms must be returned to the conference office no later than January 5 of the year of the election of delegates to general and jurisdictional conferences. RULES COMMITTEE REPORT ii. The Clergy Voter Guide shall be prepared by the conference office and distributed to all clergy through the conference offices by May of the year of the election of delegates to general and jurisdictional conferences. The Clergy Voter Guide shall include the names and assigned election numbers for all eligible clergy. Eligible clergy who return the biographical information form by the deadline shall have that information printed with their name and election number. The listings of eligible clergy shall be divided into three categories: ) those who want to be considered for election, ) those who do not want to be considered for election, and ) other eligible clergy. iii. The first ballot tally and each succeeding ballot tally will report those receiving 5 votes or more. The members of the conference may direct the reporting of a higher minimum vote. When the general conference delegates have been elected, the process for the election of the jurisdictional delegates will follow the same process as that for general conference delegates d. Additional Procedures Governing the Election of Lay and Clergy Delegates to general and jurisdictional conferences i. The West Ohio Annual Conference shall establish a Conference Elections Team to guide the elective process. The Conference Election Team shall be composed of a balanced and diverse group of eight persons who hold differing viewpoints and shall be appointed by the bishop and confirmed by the annual conference. (a) The bishop shall select the leadership of the Conference Election Team. (b) The Conference Election team shall be selected two years prior to the next election year for general and jurisdictional conference, and shall begin their work upon election. (c) Members of the Conference Election Team must agree not to offer themselves for or accept election as delegates to general and jurisdictional conference while serving on the team. (d) The Conference Election Team shall implement, oversee, monitor, report and provide for the processes outlined in this document. The Conference Election Team shall implement, oversee, monitor, report and provide for the methods outlined in this document, and may propose changes to the Annual Conference based on the communication available and perceived needs to best serve the process ii. The West Ohio Annual Conference shall contract with a mailing service which shall be made available to any person offering herself/himself for election or group seeking to present recommendations regarding election to mail materials (at the individual s or group s expense) to all lay and clergy members of the conference. The West Ohio Conference shall provide means for pg 07 West Ohio Annual Conference Book of Reports

13 any person offering herself/himself for election, or any group seeking to present recommendations regarding election, to distribute materials (at the individual s or group s expense) to all lay and clergy members of the conference. Any member of the annual conference or of the churches of the West Ohio Conference upon endorsement by their local church council or an official or unofficial group within the annual conference shall be eligible to access the services described in this paragraph. All individuals and groups participating in the elective election process will be asked to covenant to distribute materials only through this mailing service means provided by the West Ohio Conference. This material will also be made available electronically. Any person or group not abiding by this process will be noted at annual conference. iii. A printed tally of each ballot shall be completed and made available to members of the annual conference prior to taking the next ballot. The tally will be made available on screens throughout the conference area in ways that do not interfere with the voting. Fifty printed tally sheets will be available at designated spots in the area. The printed tally shall include: (a) The name and number of the candidate RULES COMMITTEE REPORT (b) The vote total of each person receiving votes (subject to rules established or amended from time to time by the body) (c) The gender, racial-ethnic identity, district and age category (Under 8; 8-0; -5; 6-60; Over 60) of each person receiving votes. (d) The order (elder or deacon) of each clergy candidate. (e) A report of the gender, racial-ethnic, age category, district and order composition of the delegation elected to that point in time. e. A Compilation of Recommended Candidate Lists shall be used as an equitable means of distributing one document The Election Team shall provide means to compile recommended candidate lists for equitable dissemination that contains the updated candidate recommendations ( slate updates ) of official and unofficial conference groups during the process of balloting at annual conference. i. Eligible official and unofficial groups working at the annual conference may submit their recommendations to the Conference Election Team to be included in the Compilation of Recommended Candidate Lists. The self-description of each group shall be included with each listing of recommendations. 0 ii. The Compilation of Recommended Candidate Lists shall be distributed by the ushers within the bar of the conference. All members of the annual conference shall be eligible to receive them iii. The Compilation of Recommended Candidate Lists shall be distributed at a minimum one time daily during the elective process, as well as prior to the first ballot for jurisdictional conference delegates. The Conference Election Team shall consult with participating official and or unofficial groups in determining the frequency and timing of other distributions. iv. At the conclusion of the elective election process the Conference Elections Team will calculate the cost of producing and distributing the Compilation of Recommended Election Rules Committee Report pg

14 5 Lists. Groups making use of this process shall may be required to underwrite the cost on an equitable basis as determined by the Conference Election Team. v. All official or unofficial groups participating in the election process will be asked to covenant to distribute updated recommendations to the body of the Annual Conference only through this process. Those who do not abide by this process will be noted at the annual conference. RULES COMMITTEE REPORT D. CLERGY PROCEDURES. VACATION The annual conference vacation policy is 0 days (not to exceed) four calendar weeks plus two days or an accumulation of no more than 0 days for all appointed clergy. Vacation is not cumulative and cannot be carried over into the succeeding year. It is expected that the pastor will clear arrangements in advance with the Committee on Staff/Pastor-Parish Relations and consult with them in obtaining vacation supply coverage. Vacation leave for appointment beyond the local church (deacons) or extension ministry (elders and local pastors) is determined by the employer a. Vacation Policy Time for vacation, continuing education and formational renewal are extremely important in the life of every person involved in professional ministry. There must be times for recreation, study, and recentering in each clergy person s life. The West Ohio Conference adopts these guidelines for clergy and churches as a way of encouraging clergy to live a balanced life in ministry. The guidelines that are listed below are the minimum for all clergy under appointment. A charge and the appointed clergy in consultation with the District Superintendent may negotiate mutually agreeable changes to fit unusual circumstances in line with the spirit of this section. Details and agreements regarding vacation, continuing education, days off, formational and spiritual growth leave, and connectional responsibilities shall be established at the time of an appointment and reviewed annually at the time of the charge conference. All clergy shall have at least, but not limited to, the equivalent of four calendar weeks plus two days. This shall include four Sundays. The standard proration is: Clergy under full time appointment shall receive 0 paid vacation days which includes four Sundays. Clergy under three-quarter time appointment shall receive paid vacation days which includes four Sundays. Clergy under half time appointment shall receive 6 paid vacation days which includes four Sundays. Clergy under quarter time appointment shall receive 0 paid vacation days which includes four Sundays. Vacation shall be granted in each annual conference year, July through June 0. Vacation is not cumulative and cannot be carried over into the succeeding year. It is expected that the pastor will make arrangements in advance with the Committee on Staff/Pastor-Parish Relations and consult with them in obtaining vacation supply coverage. Vacation leave for appointment beyond the local pg 07 West Ohio Annual Conference Book of Reports

15 church (deacons) or extension ministry (elders and local pastors) is determined by the employer. b. Continuing Education and Spiritual Growth In accordance with The Book of Discipline, clergy members shall have continuing education and spiritual growth leave. This shall not be considered as vacation time c. Weekly Days Off It is important for clergy to have a regular time away each week. Clergy members are encouraged to establish a schedule that includes at least one day of Sabbath, and ideally an additional day away from ministry responsibilities every week. Such days off should be communicated so that the congregation and staff will know when such days are to occur. These are not vacation days. d. Connectional and Community Responsibilities All clergy are expected to attend all sessions of the Annual Conference. In addition, clergy may have other connectional responsibilities. Time spent on these responsibilities shall not be counted as vacation or continuing education. Clergy will inform the Staff-Parish Relations Committee of time needed for these responsibilities. RULES COMMITTEE REPORT Clergy are often involved in various community groups. Such involvement provides an opportunity to build a bridge between the community and the church. These involvements shall not be considered as vacation or continuing education. Clergy are encouraged to use good judgment in the amount of commitment beyond the primary appointment. Consultation with the Staff Parish Relations Committee should take place before accepting such responsibilities. 0 E. CONFERENCE PROCEDURE 5 5. Ushers and pages for sessions of the annual conference shall be appointed by the district superintendent from each district. At least half shall be lay persons. Their names and addresses shall be reported by the superintendents to the chief usher, who shall be appointed by the Annual Conference Planning Team. The Annual Conference Planning Team shall appoint the Chief Usher. The Chief Usher will recruit, train and maintain a roster of ushers and pages for the Annual Conference session Lay Members to Annual Conference a. Each charge is entitled to elect a lay member of annual conference. Each charge with more than one clergy appointed shall elect additional lay members so that the number of clergy and lay members from the charge shall be equal. In order to achieve lay and clergy balance in the membership of the annual conference, in addition to those laity specified in The Book of Discipline, the formula for identifying additional lay members for the West Ohio Conference shall be: xii. Conference Director of Lay Speaking Ministries Rules Committee Report pg 5

16 Rationale for Proposed Constitutional Amendments The United Methodist Church Voted General Conference May I. (New 6) The Constitution contains a paragraph on racial justice but not one on gender justice. The language of this petition is parallel to the language of Article 5 on racial justice already in our Constitution. It is an affirmation that, as part of our core foundational beliefs, this church will forever stand against any actions, organizations or individuals that discriminate or dehumanize women and girls anywhere on this planet. II. ( ) Adding gender (meaning male and female) to the Constitution affirms and protects The United Methodist Church s commitment to gender equity throughout our worldwide connection. Gender is the disciplinary term for fair treatment of women and men (e.g., 6). The addition of the proposed final clause allows gender-specific groups like United Methodist Women and United Methodist Men. CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS III. ( ) The provision in. Article I., Delegates shall be elected in a fair and open process by the annual conferences, is unduly vague. The addition of this one sentence to paragraph of The Book of Discipline helps clarify that General Conference delegates shall be elected by the body of annual conference instead of simply being appointed by the bishop. Bishops appointing delegates without delegates being properly elected has been a practice in some central conferences. IV. ( 6) As is the case for the jurisdictions, episcopal elections in the central conferences should be held in the regular sessions of those conferences, except when unexpected vacancies occur because of the death or early retirement of one or more bishops. V. ( 50) Judicial Decision 75 ruled unconstitutional the Council of Bishops holding its individual members accountable for their work, referencing 50 of the Constitution. This legislation follows Judicial Decision 75 requirement of a legislative resolution from General Conference so the Council of Bishops may provide oversight of its members. Special Note: ONLY lay members and deacons/elders in full connection can vote on the constitutional amendments. 6 pg 07 West Ohio Annual Conference Book of Reports

17 Proposed Constitutional Amendments The United Methodist Church Voted General Conference May 06 5 Proposed Constitutional Amendment I On May 6, 06, at a session of the General Conference of The United Methodist Church held in Portland, Oregon, the following Constitutional Amendment was adopted by a recorded vote of 76 Yes, 56 No (Calendar Item, DCA p. 06). It is now presented to the Annual Conferences for vote. In The 0 Book of Discipline, Division One, add a new paragraph between current 5 and 6: As the Holy Scripture reveals, both men and women are made in the image of God and, therefore, men and women are of equal value in the eyes of God. The United Methodist Church recognizes it is contrary to Scripture and to logic to say that God is male or female, as maleness and femaleness are characteristics of human bodies and cultures, not characteristics of the divine. The United Methodist Church acknowledges the long history of discrimination against women and girls. The United Methodist Church shall confront and seek to eliminate discrimination against women and girls, whether in organizations or in individuals, in every facet of its life and in society at large. The United Methodist Church shall work collaboratively with others to address concerns that threaten the cause of women s and girl's equality and well-being. If voted and so declared by the Council of Bishops, this would become the new 6, and the current 6-6 would be renumbered as 7-6. AND CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS Proposed Constitutional Amendment II On May 0, 06, at a session of the General Conference of The United Methodist Church held in Portland, Oregon, the following Constitutional Amendment was adopted by a recorded vote of 509 Yes, No (Calendar Item 9, DCA p. ). It is now presented to the Annual Conferences for vote. In The 0 Book of Discipline, Division One,, Article IV, amend by deletion and addition as follows: After all persons delete without regard to race, color, national origin, status, or economic condition. After because of race, color, national origin, delete status, and add ability. At the end of the paragraph, add nor shall any member be denied access to an equal place in the life, worship, and governance of the Church because of race, color, gender, national origin, ability, age, marital status, or economic condition. If voted and so declared by the Council of Bishops, would read: The United Methodist Church is part of the church universal, which is one Body in Christ. The United Methodist Church acknowledges that all persons are of sacred worth. All persons shall be eligible to attend its worship services, participate in its programs, receive the sacraments, upon baptism be admitted as baptized members, and upon taking Proposed Constitutional Amendments The United Methodist Church Voted General Conference May 06 pg 7

18 5 6 vows declaring the Christian faith, become professing members in any local church in the connection. In the United Methodist church, no conference or other organizational unit of the Church shall be structured so as to exclude any member or any constituent body of the Church because of race, color, national origin, ability, or economic condition, nor shall any member be denied access to an equal place in the life, worship, and governance of the Church because of race, color, gender, national origin, ability, age, marital status, or economic condition. AND Proposed Constitutional Amendment III On May 6, 06, at a session of the General Conference of The United Methodist Church held in Portland, Oregon, the following Constitutional Amendment was adopted by a recorded vote of 767 Yes, No (Calendar Item, DCA pp. 05). It is now presented to the Annual Conferences for vote. In The 0 Book of Discipline, Division Two, Section VI,, Article III, (The 06 Book of Discipline, Division Two, Section VI,, Article III) amend by addition as follows: CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS After the first sentence, add, Such elections shall include open nominations from the floor by the annual conference, and delegates shall be elected by a minimum of a simple majority of the ballots cast. If voted and so declared by the Council of Bishops, would read: The annual conference shall elect clergy and lay delegates to the General Conference and to its jurisdictional or central conference in the manner provided in this section, Articles IV and V. Such elections shall include open nominations from the floor by the annual conference, and delegates shall be elected by a minimum of a simple majority of the ballots cast. The persons first elected up to the number determined by the ratio for representation in the General Conference shall be representatives in that body. Additional delegates shall be elected to complete the number determined by the ratio for representation in the jurisdictional or central conference, who, together with those first elected as above, shall be delegates in the jurisdictional or central conference. The additional delegates to the jurisdictional or central conference shall in the order of their election be the reserve delegates to the General Conference. The annual conference shall also elect reserve clergy and lay delegates to the jurisdictional or central conference as it may deem desirable. These reserve clergy and lay delegates to the jurisdictional or central conferences may act as reserve delegates to the General Conference when it is evident that not enough reserve delegates are in attendance at the General Conference. 8 AND 9 0 Proposed Constitutional Amendment IV On May 0, 06, at a session of the General Conference of The United Methodist Church held in Portland, Oregon, the following Constitutional Amendment was adopted by a recorded vote of 6 Yes, 5 No (Calendar Item 68, DCA p. 7). It is now presented to the Annual Conferences for vote. 8 pg 07 West Ohio Annual Conference Book of Reports

19 In The 0 Book of Discipline, Division Three, 6, Article I, amend by addition, as follows: To the end of the paragraph, add provided that episcopal elections in central conferences shall be held at a regular, not an extra, session of the central conference, except in the case where an unexpected vacancy must be filled. If voted and so declared by the Council of Bishops, 6 would read: The bishops shall be elected by the respective jurisdictional and central conferences and consecrated in the historic manner at such time and place as may be fixed by the General Conference for those elected by the jurisdictions and by each central conference for those elected by such central conference, provided that episcopal elections in central conferences shall be held at a regular, not an extra, session of the central conference, except in the case where an unexpected vacancy must be filled. AND Proposed Constitutional Amendment V On May 7, 06, at a session of the General Conference of The United Methodist Church held in Portland, Oregon, the following Constitutional Amendment was adopted by a recorded vote of 75 Yes, 79 No (Calendar Item 6, DCA p. ). It is now presented to the Annual Conferences for vote. In The 0 Book of Discipline, Division Three, 50, Article VI, amend by addition, as follows: After the last paragraph, add These provisions shall not preclude that adoption by the General Conference of provisions for the Council of Bishops to hold its individual members accountable for their work, both as general superintendents and as presidents and residents in episcopal areas. If voted and so declared by the Council of Bishops, 50 would read: CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS The bishops, both active and retired, of The Evangelical United Brethren Church and of The Methodist Church at the time union is consummated shall be bishops of The United Methodist Church. The bishops of The Methodist Church elected by the jurisdictions, the active bishops of The Evangelical United Brethren Church at the time of union, and bishops elected by the jurisdictions of The United Methodist Church shall have life tenure. Each bishop elected by a central conference of The Methodist Church shall have such tenure as the central conference electing him shall have determined.9 The jurisdictional conference shall elect a standing committee on episcopacy to consist of one clergy and one lay delegate from each annual conference, on nomination of the annual conference delegation. The committee shall review the work of the bishops, pass on their character and official administration, and report to the jurisdictional conference its findings for such action as the conference may deem appropriate within its constitutional warrant of power. The committee shall recommend the assignments of the bishops to their respective residences for final action by the jurisdictional conference. These provisions shall not preclude that adoption by the General Conference of provisions for the Council of Bishops to hold its individual members accountable for their work, both as general superintendents and as presidents and residents in episcopal areas. Proposed Constitutional AmendmentsThe United Methodist ChurchVoted General Conference May 06 pg 9

20 08 Budget Narrative for Recommendation # Each year the Annual Conference adopts a Mission and Ministry Funding Plan, also known as a budget. The approved plan sets the Connectional Giving (apportionments) for each of our major areas: General Church, Retiree Health and Other Benefits, Connectional Ministries, and Conference Operations. For 08, Connectional Ministries and Conference Operations are consolidated into a single fund: Conference Ministries. Following an assessment of ministry priorities and needs, balanced against those of local churches and the global church, your Conference Council on Finance and Administration unanimously approved the accompanying Recommendation #. What is included is based on dialogue and decisions of the Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits, the Cabinet (District Superintendents and Conference Senior Staff), the Transformative Discipleship Team and others. While this narrative explains how the budget supports mission, the Annual Missional Report provides a more comprehensive picture of West Ohio Conference and General Church mission and ministry achievements and priorities. The 06 Missional Report is distributed at Annual Conference and posted online. The 06 Missional Report can be found on the Conference website: As you review the 08 plan, please note the following: Total recommended apportioned Connectional Giving remains constant at $9.0 million. In addition, districts will cumulatively apportion $. million, the same as for 07. West Ohio intends to continue being among the ranks of Annual Conferences that participate at the 00% level of General Church support, as it has been since 0. The 07 budget and historical results continued our multi-year effort to fully reflect the financial activity of the Conference. Total 08 Conference Administration and Connectional and Missional Ministries expenses of $9.7 million are projected to be less than the 06 budget by a combined $0.9 million and $. million less than 06 actual results; the amount is in line with the 07 budget. (lines and ) The $. million clergy defined benefit pension fund expense (CRSP-DB) is included in in the 08 budget, making the cost of the plan more transparent. Until 06, surplus in the Pre-8 plan had been used to cover this annual expense. Staffing levels are consistent with the 06 and 07 budgets. The budget includes depreciation, including on the Conference Center, which we now own instead of renting from UMCH Family Services. Questions about this recommendation and Conference finances in general can be directed to Bill Brownson, Conference CFO, at bbrownson@wocumc.org or by calling pg 07 West Ohio Annual Conference Book of Reports

21 Funding Plan Discussion by Section General Church (lines 6-5 on page ) The General Church helps West Ohio Conference churches make a difference in our conference, our nation and around the world. The infrastructure of the General Church allows UMCOR to be among the most effective disaster relief organizations in the world. Through the Ministerial Education Fund (MEF), the United Methodist Seminaries, Annual Conferences and individuals receive support for undergraduate, seminary and continuing education opportunities. Episcopal leadership for the Ohio West Area and all over the world is paid with General Church Connectional Giving. These examples only begin to scratch the surface of all of the ministries that happen through, with and because of the General Church. Together, we are stronger. The 08 plan apportions nearly $7.0 million to generate $5.0 million needed to resource at 00% the seven General Church funds and agencies (lines -7), the North Central Jurisdiction and the Ohio Council of Churches. The assumed collection rate for this fund is 7.6%. If our goal of 00% participation is not met through receipts from local churches, in January 09 the Council on Finance and Administration will determine how much, if any, will be paid to the General Church to get to 00% participation level. Retiree Pension, Health & Other Benefits (lines 5-9 beginning on pg ) This section is the largest proportion of total resources more than the other three combined yet among the apportioned Connectional Giving funds, it utilizes the least amount of apportioned resources. With $.9 million apportioned and an assumed collection rate of 80.9%, Connectional Giving provides $.5 million toward total expenses of $7. million. The other sources of income are directly-billed pension and health insurance costs and individual donations through the Council on Development. As noted earlier, the Conference has been accumulating assets in the Retired Clergy Benefits Fund for many years. As of December, 05, $6.8 million was designated for clergy benefits, up from $5.0 million in 05. Although investment income has not historically been budgeted, $0.6 million is budgeted for 08 (line 56). At the end of 06, the retiree healthcare liability was $5. million, an increase of $.5 million over 05. The liability increase was largely driven by lower interest rates, offset somewhat by flat claims experience (that is, Humana premiums were flat for retirees) (line 65). Adopting a more conservative mortality table (for the second year in row) due to clergy living longer added several million to the liability. Although the liability is not fully backed by Retired Clergy Benefit Fund assets as of December, 06, ($5. million liability versus $6.7 million of assets in the Retired Clergy Benefits Fund), the Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits remains committed to ensuring we have sufficient funds to honor clergy benefit promises. The next section (lines 59-67) shows the income and expense associated with health care for retirees. Retirees contribute toward the cost of insurance based on years of service at retirement. In the aggregate, % of this expense is covered by retirees. Connectional Giving and Council on Development donors cover the remaining expense in this section. 08 Budget Narrative for Recommendation # pg

22 Active Healthcare and Related (lines 68-7) is intended to break even, excluding benefits administration. The Conference now self-funds its active health insurance plan. That means the Conference pays for claims as they are presented. In order to cover the cost of the plan for a full year, the Conference bills local churches a fixed amount on a monthly basis for the lay and clergy persons in the plan. Persons on disability contribute at the same rate as those enrolled in the active plan. The expenses are a projection and will change as the Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits goes through its annual review and adopts a plan for 08. Final local church premiums will be calculated to match estimated 08 expenses. In 06, claims expense exceeded directly-billed premium income by more than $0.5 million. Premiums were increased in 07 so that projected claims will be covered. The final sub-section of the Benefits budget (lines 75-87) addresses clergy pensions and other non-health care retiree activities. This is the second budget since the Clergy Retirement Security Program (CRSP) was adopted in 007 that reflects funding the annual pension expense with current resources. Until recently, current year pension expenses for the defined benefit portion of the plan (CRSP-DB) have been funded by Pre-8 plan surpluses. The 08 pension payment due will be $. million. In addition to covering the CRSP-DB liability payment, the amounts directly billed to local churches projected to be $5.7 million (line 76) cover the defined contribution portion of the plan (CRSP-DC) and the Comprehensive Protection Plan (CPP), which provides for death benefits and income during medical leave. NOTE: Wespath (formerly General Board of Pension and Health Benefit) has declared a CPP payment holiday for the years of 08 and 09. This was done in anticipation of conferences needing to make additional pension funding contributions as a result of expecting clergy to live longer (i.e., they adopted a more conservative mortality table). A similar practice was followed from The Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits has directed that we continue directly billing for the CPP expenses as if there were no payment holiday. This action should generate about $. million, all of which will be contributed to and invested in the Retired Clergy Benefit Fund. All together, clergy benefit costs are expected to be $7. million (line 9). This part of the overall Conference budget assumes investment income of $0.6 million from the Clergy Benefit Fund (line 56). At the current market value it would be about.% of the fund. This is the second consecutive year that investment income has been budgeted to cover various clergy benefit expenses. This fund is managed to provide reliable funding for clergy benefits in future years. Contact Mike Kremnitzer, Conference Benefits Officer and HR Director, at mkremnitzer@wocumc.org or at with questions about the clergy benefits or this budget area. Transformative Discipleship Team (Connectional Ministries and Missional Church Development) (lines 96-6, beginning on page ) This section of the budget includes $.6 million from Connectional Giving (line 98). In addition to Connectional Giving, nearly $. million in other resources is anticipated to provide for the offices and programs that fall under The Transformative Discipleship Team. The work of two key areas is included in this section of the budget: Core Connectional Ministries and Missional Church Development. Camps & Retreats is an integral part of Connectional Ministries, but is shown separately for financial purposes because of its financial significance. pg 07 West Ohio Annual Conference Book of Reports

23 Missional Church Development equips churches seeking revitalization through the Missional Church Consultation Initiative (MCCI), Traction Tracks, and revitalization grants. It also provides leadership on new church development, including identifying and equipping leaders for new churches and providing grant support. Find detail and historical information for this budget on lines - and its budget lines can be grouped together as: Summary Budget Connectional Giving $9,000 Donor-Designated Funds for New Churches $50,000 Total Support $,7,000 Administration ($8,000) MCCI ($90,000) New Church Start Grants ($500,000) Revitalization Grants ($00,000) Total Expense ($,7,000) Camps & Retreats Ministries provide ministry experiences during the summer and throughout the year. In 06,, children, youth and adults accessed life-changing ministry experiences at Camps Otterbein, Wesley and Widewater. Summary Budget Connectional Giving $80,000 Registration & Use Fees $570,000 Donor/Restricted Fund Support $00,000 Total Income/Support $,50,000 Direct Operating Expenses ($,50,000) Our Leadership Development, Just-Mission, and Diversity & Inclusion teams round out the resourcing of our congregations. The Leadership Development team will explore and identify best practices in leadership development. This includes continued resourcing for Certified Lay Speakers and training of Certified Lay Ministers, providing up to $0,000 in grants to campus ministry sites, and teaming with the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) to secure scholarships for West Ohio undergraduates and seminarians. To become more effective in our mission and justice efforts, Just-Mission will develop a traction track focused on Community Engagement, revise the Volunteers in Mission materials to align with new and emerging understandings of missional engagement, continue development of global partnerships, and assist congregations in welcoming those returning from prison as neighbors. The Diversity & Inclusion Lead Team will increase the capacity of lay and clergy members to navigate cultural differences to build congregations inclusive of our diverse neighbors. This is also the lead team that empowers Hispanic Ministry, which develops the discipleship and leadership of the new generation of Hispanic young people who were primarily born in the United States. 08 Budget Narrative for Recommendation # pg

24 Detailed expenses can be found on lines 5- and its budget lines can be grouped together as: Summary Budget Connectional Giving $,,000 Other Income $50,000 Total Support $,7,000 Connectional Administration ($666,000) Leadership Development ($0,000) Just-Mission ($7,000) Diversity & Inclusion ($,000) Total Expense ($,7,000) Questions about the Core Connectional Ministries budget and the mission it makes possible should be directed to Dee Stickley-Miner at Contact Ken Overholser, with questions about Camps & Retreat Ministries. Contact Sue Nilson-Kibbey, at for questions about Missional Church Development. All three can be reached by phone Conference Operations (lines 8-9) The final major section of the budget is Conference Operations. This includes: Episcopal Office Leadership (lines 6-9): Costs associated with district superintendents, Equitable Compensation, Annual Conference Session, staffing and administering the Episcopal Office and other Episcopal initiatives and Communications; Office of Ministry and Clergy Leadership (lines 9-0); Council on Development (lines 0-); Finance and Administration (lines -7); Board of Trustees (lines 8-). This section of the plan includes $5. million in Connectional Giving (line 50), which accounts for 90% of the $5.9 million (line 60) in total budgeted resources. Episcopal Office Leadership The Annual Conference budget (line 65) does not include electronic voting, thereby permitting a reduction from prior year expenses. All compensation and benefits for district superintendents, including housing and expense reimbursements, are in the Conference budget and not District budgets (lines 79-8). While Recommendation # authorizes an increase in superintendent salaries, that is not a certainty in 07 none of the extended cabinet received a pay increase. pg 07 West Ohio Annual Conference Book of Reports

25 Equitable Compensation (line 85) increases by $,000, which is less than 06 but more than the 07 budget. The policy of guaranteed appointment for elders makes managing this expense difficult. Episcopal Office expenses (lines 69-76) cover salary, benefits, housing and other administration expenses. General Church funds cover salary and benefits of our Bishop and about $00,000 in other support. Communications (lines 86-90) is the final area that falls under Episcopal Leadership. Expenses associated with Archives & History have been moved to the Board of Trustees to align with Conference rule changes adopted in 07. The 08 budget for these areas increases about 6% from the 07 budget but is below the 06 actual expenses. The reduction in budgeted expense for the Office of Ministry & Clergy Leadership (lines 9-0) is largely driven by a pause in the Residency Program (line 97). A majority of the expenses in this section of the budget are covered by program income, the Conference s share of Ministerial Education Fund receipts and Council on Development donors. Council on Development budget (lines 0-) reflects resources needed for Light the Way, a capital campaign for revitalization and new churches in West Ohio. A relatively small amount of unbudgeted expenses will be covered by COD-designated funds. Lines -7 reflect expenses associated with Finance and Conference Administration. This budget reflects the purchase of the Conference Center from UMCH Family Services. Depreciation and other expenses of ownership will be less than rent, giving rise to an overall reduction in Conference Center expenses. Efficiencies from technology projects are realized in 07 and 08. The budget for this area is less than both 06 actual expenses and 07 budget. The Board of Trustees has responsibility for Archives & History (line 9). Although the Trustees will incur other expenses, they are unpredictable and therefore not budgeted. For example, the 06 Annual Conference passed legislation to sell Camp Asbury for $. The net loss on undepreciated assets was more than $00,000 (line ). No revenue is anticipated from closed churches either (line 55). Further, there are no budgeted distributions to missions or districts from closed churches (line 0). It is very likely there will be some distributions as in most years. The amounts, however, are unpredictable and therefore not budgeted. Budget Area Staff Episcopal Office Leadership Barb Sholis bsholis@wocumc.org Communications Kay Panovec kpanovec@wocumc.org Office of Ministry and Clergy Leadership Kathy Brown kbrown@wocumc.org Council on Development George Cooper gcooper@wocumc.org Finance & Administration and Trustees Bill Brownson bbrownson@wocumc.org All Conference staff may be reached by calling Budget Narrative for Recommendation # pg 5

26 Recommendation Council on Finance & Administration Recommendations Calendar Year Special Sundays and/or Offerings General Church Special Sundays for 08 are: Human Relations Day (Offering) January (Sunday before MLK Day) UMCOR Sunday (Offering) March (th Sunday in Lent) Native American Awareness (Offering)* April 5 (rd Sunday of Easter) Peace with Justice (Offering)* May 7 (st Sunday after Pentecost) World Communion Sunday (Offering) October 7 (st Sunday in October) United Methodist Student Day (Offering)** November 5 (Last Sunday in Nov) Please review the ministries of these Special Sundays for the breadth of ministry each supports and incorporate that into your planning year. To the extent a local church wishes to emphasize other special days or calendar periods, the Conference encourages them to do so. * 50% of Peace with Justice and Native American Awareness offerings remain in and are applied to ministries of The West Ohio Conference. ** Through the General Board of Higher Education, 0% of United Methodist Student Day offerings are awarded to West Ohio Conference students who apply for and are selected to receive merit-based college scholarships. 6 Other approved offerings and appeals: Any Conference-wide appeal by affiliated United Methodist organizations must be approved in advance by the Council on Finance and Administration. All offerings taken at the sessions of the Annual Conference shall be used for missions. Deadlines: 0. Friday, January, 08: Last day on which the Conference Treasurer s office must receive 07 apportionment payments.. Friday, February 9, 08: 07 Annual Statistical Reports (Tables I, II and III) are to be completed online or otherwise sent to the Conference Statistician at the Conference Treasurer s office. 6 pg 07 West Ohio Annual Conference Book of Reports

27 Recommendation Apportionments:. The formula for computing the apportionments for the calendar year 08 shall be based / on membership and / on operational expenses subject to closed, merged, and new churches as reported by the District Superintendents at the time of the computation.. The Council on Finance and Administration, using the formula, shall mail apportionments for 08 to each local church by Friday, September 9, 07.. Each District Superintendent, or a committee appointed by him or her, shall apportion to each church its share of all District apportionments. 9 0 Receipts and Payments: All payments to the Annual Conference and General Church apportionment funds shall be made through and recorded by the Conference Treasurer s office. In addition to apportioned funds, non-apportioned benevolences paid directly by a local church should be reported on Table II of the church s annual statistical report Budgets and Reports:. The Council on Finance and Administration budget report to the Annual Conference shall include at least the proposed budget, the current budget, the previous year s budget, and actual expenses. The report published in the Journal shall also chart a four-year history of the Denominational Average Compensation (DAC), Conference Average Compensation (CAC), the Consumer s Price Index (CPI-U), the Grand Total Paid (GTP) by local churches, and the Conference budget Connectional Ministries and the Missional Church Development Team shall develop and authorize a plan to allocate all Conference Mission and Ministry grant funds prior to release of these funds. This plan shall be made available to the Annual Conference including being posted on the conference web site Salaries and Travel:. The District Superintendents shall be paid in an equitable manner. The base salary component shall not be less than the preceding year s actual salary or more than.6 times the preceding year s Conference Average Compensation (CAC). In 08 the maximum salary is $00,685 (.6 x 06 CAC of $6,57) and the minimum is $9,000. The recommended salary is $95, The IRS rate for volunteers shall be paid when an expense is vouchered by any board or committee for automobile travel on conference business.. The Conference shall reimburse two lay alternate and two clergy alternate delegates to the General Conference and Jurisdictional Conference on the basis of the per diem as set by each. Council on Finance & Administration Recommendations Calendar Year 08 pg 7

28 Recommendation Miscellaneous:. Lay and clergy directories shall be published annually in the Journal. Electronic database versions of these directories are for the exclusive use of the Conference councils, boards, and committees for their specific ministries. The directory database shall not be sold or loaned to individuals, groups, or commercial organizations or otherwise made available in a form that facilitates direct solicitation of clergy and lay members by such individuals or organizations.. The Conference Council on Finance and Administration through the Conference Treasurer s office shall send at least annually to each pastor and local church treasurer information that may be helpful to their financial operations. This may include tax, legal, stewardship, and fiduciary responsibility bulletins.. Effective July, 007, local church/charges, member, or constituents of a local church/charge shall not make a loan or a grant to a clergy person. When a local church, its members or constituents, acts as a banker to its pastor, the dynamics of the relationship between the pastor and the congregation are very likely to be changed and may adversely affect the ministry of both congregation and pastor Submitted by: Chris Clough, Council on Finance & Administration 8 pg 07 West Ohio Annual Conference Book of Reports

29 Recommendation 08 Mission and Ministry Funding Plan The West Ohio Annual Conference Budget will significantly rely on receipts from Connectional Giving apportioned to funds. This is a change from prior years when funds were apportioned. All General Church funds, the North Central Jurisdiction and the Ohio Council of Churches are combined into one fund. Clergy Benefits remains its own fund. Connectional Ministries and Conference Operations are combined into one fund named Conference Ministries. Although fewer funds will be apportioned, receipts on those funds will be allocated proportionally according to the detailed budget. General Church funds cannot be used by the Annual Conference for any purpose and will be forwarded pro rata to the General Church within 0 days of receipt. The Board of Pension and Health Benefits directs its funds toward clergy benefits and related missional needs. The Conference Ministries Fund resources Connectional Ministries and Conference Operations, both of which will be used at the direction of the West Ohio Annual Conference under the oversight of its various boards and committees. The detailed budget and past results format presented by the Conference Council on Finance and Administration show all resources in a unified format, including those expected from apportioned Connectional Giving. This budget continues our practice of full transparency and completeness of information. The total amount of apportioned Connectional Giving in 08 will be $9,000,000, which is allocated among the four major areas as summarized below. 5 Fund Category Total Apportioned Estimated Percent Received Net Receipts Other Sources Total Expected Sources Total Expected Expenses Net Planned 7 Retiree Health & Other Benefits,867, %,5, 6,650,000 8,6, 7,077,7,08, Conference Ministries General Church, NCJ, and OCC 0,68, % 7,880,800,785,000 9,665,800 9,665, ,96,00 7.6%,98,6 0,98,6,98,6 0 9 Total 9,000, %,75,8 8,5,000,80,8,76,786,08,597 0 Amounts apportioned by each district is found on page Mission and Ministry Funding Plan pg 9

30 Recommendation 08 Mission & Ministry Funding Plan Summary Support & Revenue '8 budget '7 budget '6 budget '6 actual % over/ (under) General Church (),98,6,758,9,77,99,76,50 0% Retiree Health & Other Benefits () 8,6, 7,9,0 8,9,000 0,59,78 % 5 Connectional Ministries (),797,000,65,500,90,500,7,977 8% 6 Conference Operations () 5,868,800 5,67,500 6,58,500 6,5,95 -% 7 Total Support & Revenue,80,8,9,955,70,99 5,996,790 8% 8 Expenses 9 General Church () (,98,6) (,758,9) (,77,99) (,76,50) 0% 0 Retiree Health & Other Benefits () (7,077,7) (7,9,0) (5,9,000) (9,77,669) 7% Connectional Ministries () (,797,000) (,787,000) (,90,500) (,708,50) -6% Conference Operations () (5,868,800) (5,90,000) (6,66,500) (7,8,86) 8% Total Expenses (,76,786) (,89,955) (0,570,99) (5,0,0) 5% Net Surplus (Deficit) 5 General Church () NM 6 Retiree Health & Other Benefits (),08,597 0,000,000,5,70-6% 7 Connectional Ministries () 0 (7,500) (0,000) 509,67-68% 8 Conference Operations () 0 (8,500) (80,000) (705,97) 78% 9 Total Net Surplus (Deficit),08,597 (00,000),900, ,90-67% 0 Connectional Giving Connectional Giving - General Church,98,6,758,9,77,99,76,50 0% Connectional Giving - Clergy Benefits,5,,57,000,7,000,609,0-8% Connectional Giving - Mission (recast),67,000,65,500,79,500,06,76 % Connectional Giving - Operations (recast) 5,5,800 5,7,500 5,76,500,98,5 -% 5 Total Apportionments,75,8,08,9,98,99,80,55 -% 0 pg 07 West Ohio Annual Conference Book of Reports

31 Recommendation '8 budget '7 budget '6 budget '6 actual % over/ (under) 6 General Church () - see note at bottom* 7 Support and Revenue 8 Connectional Giving - General Church,98,6,758,9,77,99,76,50 0% 9 Total General Church,98,6,758,9,77,99,76,50 0% 0 General Church & Regional 7.5% World Service (,55,) (,9,97) (,8,0) (,8,0) 0% MEF less WOC part for comparison (85,900) (6,907) (60,9) (60,9) 0% Black College Fund (0,) (,0) (5,9) (5,9) 0% Africa University (76,9) (76,0) (75,057) (75,057) 0% 5 Interdenominational Fund (66,70) (66,96) (65,767) (65,767) 0% 6 General Administration (99,89) (00,895) (95,585) (95,585) 0% 7 Episcopal Fund (77,89) (750,8) (789,) (789,) 0% 8 North Central Jurisdiction (7,) (,000) (,) (,) 0% 9 Ohio Council of Churches (7,000) (6,000) (6,5) (,67) -% 0 Total General Church & Regional (,98,6) (,758,9) (,77,99) (,76,50) 0% Subtotal Net Surplus (Deficit) Special Sundays (non budget) Human Relations (,5) One Great Hour of Sharing (7,90) 5 Peace with Justice - less WOC part (6,07) 6 Native Amer. Awareness - less WOC part (8,) 7 World Communion (,5) 8 UM Student Day (,08) 9 Total Special Sundays (6,765) 50 Advance Specials via WOC (non budget) 5 Imagine No Malaria (0,7) 5 All others (7,66) 5 Total Advance Specials (96,8) * General Church, Special Sundays and Advance Specials pass-through giving is not reported as revenue and expense for GAAP reporting. These figures have been compiled from Conference receipts records. 08 Mission & Ministry Funding Plan pg

32 Recommendation 5 Retiree Pension, Health & Other Benefits () 55 Retired Clergy Benefits Fund income (.) '8 budget '7 budget '6 budget '6 actual % over/ (under) 56 RCBF investment income 600,000 56,0 0,080, RCBF investment expenses (5,) 58 Total RCBF income 600,000 56,0 0,89,7 59 Retiree/Medical Leave healthcare & related (.) 60 Connectional Giving - Clergy Benefits,5,,57,000,7,000,609,0-8% 6 Health insurance billings,00,000,70,000,6,000,08,80-0% 6 Council on Development donors 00,000 00,000 00,000 7,5-9% 6 Total revenue,0,,987,000,78,000,989,766-9% 6 Health insurance premiums (,600,000) (,50,000) (,580,000) (,5,9) -% 65 Change in health care liability (,65,79) NM 66 Total Expense (,600,000) (,50,000) (,580,000) (,998,870) 0% 67 Net retiree & leaves healthcare (588,679) (6,000) (0,000) (,009,0) 565% 68 Active healthcare & related (.) 69 Health insurance billings 8,800,000 8,000,000 9,58,000 8,06,7 -% 70 Total revenue 8,800,000 8,000,000 9,58,000 8,06,7 -% 7 Cost of health insurance for actives (8,700,000) (8,80,000) (9,58,000) (8,6,9) -6% 7 Healthcare administrative costs (,000) (6,000) (7,000) (,78) 6% 7 Total Expense (8,8,000) (8,6,000) (9,75,000) (8,76,87) -6% 7 Net active healthcare & related (,000) (6,000) (7,000) (68,699) 585% 75 Pension & related (.) 76 Pension billings 5,700,000 5,900,000 5,76,000 5,60,76 -% 77 Gardner Housing Assistance (RR) 50,000 50,000 50,000,60-7% 78 Miscellaneous pension receipts 0 0 0,6 NM 79 Total revenue 5,750,000 5,950,000 5,8,000 5,68,0 -% 80 Pension-related (x-crsp-db) (,00,000) (,000,000) (,,000) (,060,97) -% 8 Pension CRSP-DB expense (,9,7) (,,0) (,96,908) NM 8 Pension administrative costs (5,000) (6,000) (8,000) (0,099) -7% 8 Transitional benefits (0,000) (50,000) (50,000) (7,77) -5% 8 Moving allowance (0,000) (0,000) (5,000) (,886) -9% 85 Housing assistance (50,000) (50,000) (50,000) (,60) -7% 86 Total expense (,66,7) (5,77,0) (,9,000) (5,6,97) 5% 87 Net pension & related,085,76,989,9,000 6,7-00% pg 07 West Ohio Annual Conference Book of Reports

33 Recommendation 88 Retiree Pension, Health & Other Benefits totals '8 budget '7 budget '6 budget '6 actual % over/ (under) 89 Support and Revenue 8,6, 7,9,0 8,9,000 0,59,78 % 90 Expense (7,077,7) (7,9,0) (5,9,000) (9,77,669) 7% 9 Net Surplus (Deficit),08,597 0,000,000,5,70-6% 9 = CRSP-DB payment to GBOP (infomational only),9,7,,0,96,908 9 Investment income,89,7 9 Net Surplus (Deficit) excluding Investment income 0, Connectional Ministries () 97 Support and Revenue 98 Connectional Giving - Mission (recast),67,000,65,500,79,500,06,76 % 99 Camps and retreats 570, , ,000 5,08-9% 00 Camps and retreats (RR) 00,000 58,000,000 0,55 80% 0 Other events fees and support 5,000 5,000 60,000,66-6% 0 VIM Teams income 50,000 75,000 00,000 6,0 -% 0 Light the Way/New Church Start Gifts (RR) 50, ,000 05,05 % 0 Restricted funds releases (RR) recast 50,000 00,000 5,000 8,085 5% 05 General Agency & other grants (RR) 5,000 5,000 65,000 57,5 -% 06 Total Connectional Ministries,797,000,65,500,90,500,7,977 8% 07 Expenses 08 Connectional Administration (.) 09 Salaries and benefits (recast) (60,000) (55,000) (58,00) (59,0) % 0 Travel & other (recast) (5,000) (0,000) (,000) (,78) -% Staff continuing education (5,000) (0,000) (0,000) (9) -9% General & meeting expense (5,000) (5,000) (7,000) (,56) -% Emerging ministries (0,000) (0,000) (50,000) (,65) -5% Total Connection Administration (666,000) (69,000) (67,00) (66,07) % 5 Leadership Development (.) 6 Leadership & ministry training (LSM) (0,000) (5,000) (7,500) (,7) -55% 7 Campus Ministries (0,000) (0,000) (65,000) (5,95) -7% 8 Scholarships (9,000) (,000) (,000) 0% 9 Total Leadership Development (0,000) (5,000) (0,500) (77,567) -% 0 Just-Mission (.) Conference partnerships & personnel (5,000) (5,000) (50,000) (8,0) -% Other events and programs costs (70,000) (70,000) (6,000) (6,90) 0% Mission & justice programming (,000) (,000) (0,000) (,8) % Global health (0,000) (5,000) (5,000) (9,9) 99% 5 GBGM-deployed missionaries (5,000) (5,000) (,000) (5,000) -9% 6 VIM Teams expense (50,000) (75,000) (00,000) (6,70) -% 7 Restorative justice ministries (5,000) (5,000) (8,500) (89,60) -5% 8 Total Just-Mission (7,000) (57,000) (5,500) (75,85) -0% 08 Mission & Ministry Funding Plan pg

34 Recommendation 9 Diversity & Inclusion (.) '8 budget '7 budget '6 budget '6 actual % over/ (under) 0 GBGM-deployed missionaries (8,000) (8,000) (8,000) (5,500) -6% Hispanic ministries (68,000) (68,000) (05,000) (7,87) % Diversity initiatives (5,000) (5,000) (50,000) (,895) -5% Total Diversity & Inclusion (,000) (,000) (0,000) (77,) -% Missional Church Development (.5) 5 Salaries and benefits (recast) (58,000) (8,000) (9,000) (,97) -% 6 Travel & other (recast) (0,000) (8,000) (,000) (,85) 7% 7 Starting New Congregations Grants (500,000) (500,000) (500,000) (57,666) % 8 Church Revitalization Grants (00,000) (00,000) (5,000) (59,000) -9% 9 Missional Church Consultation Initiative (90,000) (90,000) (7,500) (9,79) -% 0 New Church Starts Initiative (5,000) (5,000) (5,000) (,99) -% Total Missional Church Development (,7,000) (,6,000) (,07,500) (,80,97) -% Camps & Retreats Ministries (.6) Camps direct operations (,50,000) (,5,000) (,5,600) (,5,) 0% Total Camps & Retreats Ministries (,50,000) (,5,000) (,5,600) (,5,) 0% 5 Connectional & Missional Total Expenses (,797,000) (,787,000) (,90,500) (,708,50) -6% 6 Connectional & Missional Net Surplus (Deficit) 0 (7,500) (0,000) 509,67-68% 7 8 Conference Operations () 9 Support and Revenue 50 Connectional Giving - Operations (recast) 5,5,800 5,7,500 5,76,500,98,5 -% 5 Ministerial Education Fund (MEF) (RR) 00,000 00,000 00,000,8 6% 5 Council on Development donors recast (RR) 50,000 75,000 5,000 0,67-7% 5 Clergy leadership formation tuition 55,000 50,000 50,000 56,555 % 5 Trustee funds (RR) ,59 NM 55 Discontinued churches proceeds ,97 NM 56 Episcopal reimbursement from GCFA 00,000 00,000 00,000 9,900-7% 57 Trustee interest & investment income ,8 NM 58 Treasurer interest & investment income 75,000 50,000 66,000 8,77 6% 59 Program and other unrestricted income 5,000 50,000 50,000,9 0% 60 Total Conference Operations 5,868,800 5,67,500 6,58,500 6,5,95 -% 6 6 Expenses 6 Episcopal Leadership 6 Annual Conference Session (.) 65 Annual Conference (0,000) (0,000) (50,000) (79,9) % 66 Journal printing & mailing 0 0 (,000) (,6) -6% 67 Jurisdictional & Gen. conference delegation 0 0 (9,000) (5,50) -% 68 Total Annual Conference Session (0,000) (0,000) (8,000) (06,085) 9% pg 07 West Ohio Annual Conference Book of Reports

35 Recommendation 69 Episcopal Office (.) '8 budget '7 budget '6 budget '6 actual % over/ (under) 70 Salaries & benefits (89,000) (8,000) (5,000) (69,57) 7% 7 Continuing education (,000) (,000) (,000) 0-00% 7 Mileage & other travel (0,000) (5,000) (5,000) (9,870) -% 7 Office administration (0,000) (7,500) (5,000) (8,85) 9% 7 Discretionary & strategy implementation (0,000) (0,000) (70,000) (76,877) 0% 75 Episcopal residence (5,000) (5,000) (9,000) (5,87) -8% 76 Total Episcopal Office (86,000) (7,500) (66,000) (50,890) % 77 Leadership Team (.) 78 District equalization (5,000) (5,000) (50,000) (50,000) 0% 79 District Superintendents 80 Salaries & benefits (,9,000) (,5,000) (,,000) (,8,86) 0% 8 Mileage & other travel (00,000) (8,000) (0,000) (9,885) -9% 8 Emergency fund (5,000) (5,000) (5,000) (,076) -% 8 Cabinet meetings (0,000) (0,000) (0,000) (9,79) -% 8 Total Leadership Team (,89,000) (,0,000) (,6,000) (,05,569) -% 85 Equitable Compensation (.) (5,000) (8,000) (8,000) (65,70) -% 86 Communications (.5) 87 Salaries & benefits (recast) (9,000) (8,000) (65,500) (,860) -9% 88 Travel & other (recast) (,000) (,000) (,000) (80) -9% 89 Communications operations (5,000) (5,000) (5,000) (86,698) -7% 90 Total Communications (60,000) (56,000) (60,500) (5,60) -% 9 Total Episcopal Leadership (,050,000) (,887,500) (,77,500) (,9,6) -% 9 Office of Ministry & Clergy Leadership (.6) 9 Salaries & benefits (recast) (8,000) (,000) (0,000) (09,00) -9% 9 Travel & other (7,000) (7,000) (5,000) (8,9) -% 95 Administrative, meeting, clergy development (50,000) (50,000) (50,000) (50,98) % 96 Black Clergy Retreat (,000) 0 0 (,5) NM 97 Residency program 0 (75,000) (,000) (09,987) -6% 98 Seminary & 'Course of Study' tuition support (75,000) (00,000) (80,000) (7,989) -% 99 Internship Program (5,000) (5,000) (5,000) (,56) -55% 00 Crucible (60,000) (50,000) (50,000) (5,5) % 0 Local Pastor Licensing School (5,000) (5,000) (5,000) (0,695) 6% 0 Candidacy Summit (5,000) (5,000) (0,000) (0,0) 0% 0 Total Office of Ministry & Clergy Leadership (78,000) (800,000) (958,000) (9,56) -5% 08 Mission & Ministry Funding Plan pg 5

36 Recommendation 0 Council on Development (.7) '8 budget '7 budget '6 budget '6 actual % over/ (under) 05 Salaries & benefits (6,000) (9,000) (,000) (5,085) -% 06 Travel & other (0,000) (,000) (5,000) (,99) -5% 07 Mailings, meetings, etc. (0,000) (50,000) (50,000) (9,86) -% 08 Program expenses (50,000) (0,000) 0 (8,50) NM 09 Change in estimated pledges 0 0 (8,66) NM 0 CGA exhausted account expense (50,000) 0 (60,000) (50,) -6% COD gift receipts (RR) ,9 NM COD gift disbursements 0 0 (78,9) NM Total Council on Development (,000) (96,000) (58,000) (76,588) % Finance & Administration (.8) 5 Salaries & benefits (85,000) (889,500) (860,000) (876,05) % 6 Conference Center: utilities, upkeep, dep. (7,000) (5,000) (50,000) (55,0) % 7 IT hardware, software & support services (0,000) (0,000) (50,000) (6,77) 9% 8 Audit / banking / insurance & related (6,800) (67,500) (50,000) (6,0) -% 9 Postage, copying & supplies (85,000) (95,000) (00,000) (8,697) -5% 0 Conference administration/legal matters (65,000) (70,000) (55,000) (65,9) 0% Furniture & fixtures (,500) (,500) (5,000) (5,76) 5% Travel & other (,000) (5,000) (5,000) (,68) -% Contingency / miscellaneous (5,000) (5,000) (0,000) (5,55) -7% Meeting expenses (8,000) (9,000) (0,000) (6,0) -8% 5 Continuing education (5,000) (,500) (5,000) (,55) -0% 6 Depreciation (x- Wesley) (55,000) (60,000) (70,000) (5,098) -% 7 Total Finance & Administration (,69,00) (,789,000) (,790,000) (,778,9) -% 8 Board of Trustees (.9) 9 Archives & History (8,500) (8,500) (0,000) (8,5) -6% 0 Grants - discontinued church proceeds 0 0 (7,96) NM Sale of Camp Asbury 0 0 (,5) NM Building assessment/purchase NM Additional UMC, NCJ & OCC giving 0 (50,000) (6,055) 5% Total Board of Trustees (8,500) (8,500) (80,000) (90,686) % 5 6 Operations Total Expenses (5,868,800) (5,90,000) (6,66,500) (7,8,86) 8% 7 Operations Net Surplus (Deficit) 0 (8,500) (80,000) (705,97) 78% 8 Investment income 57,66 9 Operations Net Surplus (Deficit) excluding investment income (,5,608) 0 Grand Total Net Surplus (Deficit),08,597 (00,000),900, ,90-67% 6 pg 07 West Ohio Annual Conference Book of Reports

37 Recommendation West Ohio Conference 08 District Budget Capitol Area North Capitol Area South Capitol Area Ministries* Foothills Maumee Watershed Miami Valley Northwest Plains Ohio River Valley Shawnee Valley 08 Totals % 07 Totals 06 Totals % Revenue & Support Apportionments 6,088,668 97,0 5,00 0,99 68,000 70,586 68,50 7,000,,89 85%,0,,,85 8% Less not collected (,609) (,680) (9,70) (0,000) (0,99) (6,00) (,000) (07,9) -8% (,87) (55,9) -6% Invest earnings & draws,9 6,500 9,6, ,500 0, ,9 % 76,8 85,6 % 5 Program & other income,000 0,500 6,05 5, ,000 75,05 % 75,8 80,70 % 6 District Equalization 5,000 5,000 % 5,000 50,000 % 7 TOTAL 65,9 65,988 0,95 5,00 80,000 56,000 70,586,6,850 9,500,9,6 00%,85,75,0,897 00% 8 Personnel 9 Salaries and Housing 5,6,08 7,56 9,569 5,500 6,600 9,000,000 69,6,98,9 %,0,,6,80 % 0 Benefits 8,75 6,699,986 5,95 6, 59,55,6 8,950,780 8,605 0% 66,509,8 % Travel 7,000 7,000 7,000 9,000 7,000 9,000 6,000 % 5,500 8,900 % Continuing Education,000,500,000 6,500 0%,000 5,500 0% Pastoral Support & Care 5, ,000 0,000 5,500 05,000 5,000 50,800 6% Total 97,88,07, 78,8,8 5,5 70,76 5,50 89,9,98, 5%,89,,8,69 6% 5 Mission 6 Leadership Development 5,000 8,500 6,000,000 57,000 5,000 5,500 %,00 0,000 6% 7 Local Church Grants 8,700 5,000 80,000 5, ,700 7% 86,500 66,7 7% 8 Church Extension 0,000 0,000 50,000 % 5,500 0,000 0% 9 Youth 5,000 0,50 5,500 7,500 58,50 % 9,750 6,500 % 0 Diversity & Outreach 8,000 0,000 6,957 7,957 %,05 5,055 % Camping 5,000 5,000 0% 7,500,000 0% Other Mission & Ministry,05 0,000 76,000 5,000,000,89 9,500 0,89 7,500 6,79 9% 7,5 579,97 % Total,05 0,000,700 0,000 07,500 57,89 5,750 57,9 76,957,8,00 5%,577,07,695,99 % 5 Office 6 Office Rent & Upkeep 9, 9, 9, 5,50 8,600,60 6,600 6,800 0,000 0,579 5% 9,60 57,000 % 7 Office Operations 7,00,558,50 0,8 9,600,6,50 6,76,600 8,6 8%,97 6,06 8% 8 Total 6,5,88,77 5,578 8,00 5,99 8,0 6,56,600 5,9 % 6,907 8,06 % 9 Total Expenses 65,9 65,988 0,95 5,00 68,5 56,000 70,586,5,5 9,500,900,67 00%,8,57,0,5 00% 0 Surplus (Deficit) ,69 0 0,55 0,99 0.%,88,65 0 * Capitol Area Ministries is a shared mission organization of the Capital Area North and Capital Area South Districts.

38 Recommendation Commission on Equitable Compensation Ministry is traditionally supported by the body of Christ, especially in the local community where ministry happens. The United Methodist expression of the body of Christ is the connectional system. Through it, we share in the missional ministries of the West Ohio Conference. United Methodist clergy are called and sent by God to serve in a variety of ministry settings. Through the distribution of designated Conference funds, the Equitable Compensation Commission seeks to support the Annual Conference through the Cabinet s appointment of transformational leadership in strategic appointments to further the mission of Christ Guidelines and Recommendations The Commission presents the following guidelines and recommendations for calendar year 08 with consideration of the projected General Board of Pensions Conference Average Compensation (C.A.C.) of $6,57 (which includes salary plus 5% for housing where the minister lives in a parsonage, or the housing allowance where such is provided). A. Minimum Salary Recommended Minimum Salaries 08* 07 Elder in full-time appointment; Full-member deacon in full-time appointment in a local church $0,900 $0, Provisional on elder track in full-time appointment; Provisional on deacon track in full-time appointment in a local church; $7,075 $6,700 Associate member in full-time appointment Licensed local pastor in full-time appointment who has completed the Course of Study or equivalent $5,750 $5,00 Licensed local pastor in full-time appointment $,850 $,500 *The average increase for the 08 minimum salary recommendation is %, while in 07 the average increase was % Each elder in full connection who is in good standing and who is appointed by the bishop to less than fulltime service under the provisions of paragraph 8. of The 06 Book of Discipline shall have a claim upon the conference Equitable Compensation Fund in one-quarter increments (Paragraph.). 8 pg 07 West Ohio Annual Conference Book of Reports

39 Recommendation B. Definition of Eligibility. MINIMUM SALARY SUPPORT a. Elders, provisional members on the elder-track, deacons in full connection serving in local churches, provisional members on the deacon-track serving in local churches, associate members, and licensed local pastors serving full-time appointments in local churches are eligible for minimum salary support. b. Retired members, retired local pastors, full-member deacons appointed beyond the local church, provisional members on the deacon-track appointed beyond the local church, student pastors, and members in extension ministries have no claim to minimum salary support. c. Support from all church sources (District, Conference, and General Church) in addition to local sources will be used in computing claims. d. The commission will continue to work with the Cabinet in providing minimum compensation, sensitive to such variable factors as unique situations needing special skills, missional priorities, and ethnic/racial considerations. e. When a church withdraws from a charge to a station, its pastor shall not be eligible for minimum salary support for at least five years. f. A charge with more than 00 members shall have no claim to minimum salary support KEY LEADERSHIP SALARY SUPPORT Developing/redeveloping Ministries: Situations where new congregations should be developing or where existing congregations are facing circumstances that enhance the potential for unusual growth. These churches have the potential of becoming viable and self-supporting within five years KEY MISSIONAL SALARY SUPPORT Situations where churches/parishes have an unusually large or complex program of missional ministries and require pastoral leadership for expanded ministries. This also includes Ethnic Churches where support is necessary in getting the ministry established.. SPECIAL SALARY SUPPORT This category provides pastoral support on a short-term basis to meet a temporary situation. Funding under this category shall not continue beyond the appointive year in which it began. 9 0 C. The goal of the commission is to eliminate the need for long term minimum salary support by:. Agreeing that any new Equitable Compensation grants for Minimum Salary Support or Key Leadership Salary Support shall not exceed 5% of the total cash salary received by the pastor of the church or charge. The 5% rule shall not apply to Key Missional or Special Salary Support. Commission on Equitable Compensation pg 9

40 Recommendation Limiting the maximum number years of eligibility for all Equitable Compensation grants to five years per pastor or church. Grants will be decreased by 0% of the original amount each year.. Asking for greater accountability of the local churches in the process of applications for funds through the District Superintendents, providing information on budgeted receipts and expenditures, having a stewardship plan, detailing how they are living within the CORE process, and an apportionment plan.. Being aware that churches or charges which reach the total grant or grant term limitations described above, and which are unable to maintain support for a full-time appointment will be assisted by the District Superintendent to move to a part-time pastor, or to realign the charge. 5. Being open to knowing that there may be special circumstances that would warrant an exception to these guidelines which can be made with the approval of the cabinet and the Equitable Compensation Executive team. D. The commission reminds the members of the Conference, local church Pastor-Parish Relations Committees, and pastors, that total ministerial support includes items beyond cash salary, such as accountable reimbursements, housing, utilities, pension benefits and health insurance. E. It is the responsibility of the pastor of any church not receiving agreed upon compensation from the church during a calendar year to contact their District Superintendent by the earlier of March 5th of the next year; one year from the date of the initial arrearage; or at the time of an appointment change. Failure to submit such notice of arrearage will end the statute of limitation for filing a claim from the Annual Conference for such funds (under Discipline. once an appointment ends the Pastor no longer has claim on the local church for compensation funds) and/or may cause an administrative complaint to be filed against such pastor. F. The commission recognizes that clergy compensation contributes to pastoral morale and encourages openness in financial matters among all persons, boards, and agencies who share the concern for the well being of churches and pastors. Submitted by Mark S. Weatherman, Chair West Ohio Conference Equitable Compensation Commission 0 pg 07 West Ohio Annual Conference Book of Reports

41 Recommendation Introduction to Board of Pension and Health Benefits This year s recommendation from the Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits is largely consistent with those of past years. Specific items of note in this year s recommendation, which become effective in January 08 include: In addition to full-time appointments, West Ohio will continue to include clergy serving ½ and ¾ time in the Clergy Retirement Security Plan (CRSP), the denomination s pension plan for clergy. (see Clergy Pension and Disability Income Plans #) Clergy must contribute at least % of plan compensation to their United Methodist Personal Investment Plan (UMPIP) to receive the % match to the defined contribution portion of the CRSP. (see Clergy Pension and Disability Income Plans #5) For the Pre-8 clergy pension plan, the past service rate (PSR) will remain at $599. (see Clergy Pension and Disability Income Plans #7) Local churches will continue to be billed directly for clergy pension costs. The billing rate will remain at % of plan compensation (cash salary and housing) for the CRSP defined benefit portion of the plan, capped at DAC (Denominational Average Compensation). (see Clergy Pension and Disability Income Plans #5) Retiree housing allowance exclusion will remain unchanged. Questions about this recommendation can be directed to Mike Kremnitzer, Conference Benefits Officer at mkremnitzer@wocumc.org or at Introduction to Board of Pension and Health Benefits pg

42 Recommendation 08 Board of Pension and Health Benefits Clergy Pension and Disability Income Plans The General Conference of The United Methodist Church gives authority to the Wespath Benefits and Investments (Wespath) to establish and maintain a pension program for the benefit of the ordained ministers and their families, other church workers, and lay employees ( 50). As a part of those plans (as approved by the General Conference) participation by full-time ordained ministers is required. The Discipline does not give permission for a local church to deny payment of the pension benefits for any pastor appointed to that charge. Such payments are part of the total obligations of receiving the appointment of a pastor.. The 0 General Conference made Clergy Retirement Security Program (CRSP) eligibility optional for Annual Conferences for those clergy with less than full-time appointments. Upon a thorough review the Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits approved the continued CRSP eligibility of three-quarter and one-half time appointments effective January, 0. The Board affirms this recommendation for 08.. Licensed local pastors (not the local church) may waive participation in the pension program if the pastor is appointed less than full-time and is receiving, or is eligible to receive, a pension from other employment. Provisional elders and deacons and full elders and deacons (not the local church) may waive participation in the pension program if they are appointed half time or less and are receiving, or eligible to receive, a pension from other employment. To waive participation, the pastor must complete, have notarized, and return a Waiver of Participation, which is supplied by the Conference Benefits Office The Plan Compensation shall include salary plus 5% for housing where the minister lives in a parsonage or the amount of any cash housing allowance where provided. 5. The contribution rate for funding the Comprehensive Retirement Security Program (CRSP) will be billed in two parts; the Defined Benefit (DB) portion shall not exceed % of the participant s actual Plan Compensation up to the Denominational Average Compensation (DAC). The DAC for 08 is $70,0. The rate for funding of the Defined Contribution (DC) portion shall not exceed % of the participant s actual Plan Compensation. (The participant must be enrolled and making a minimum of % United Methodist Personal Investment Plan (UMPIP) contribution to have the full % credit to CRSP-DC.) Billing begins at the time of participant s eligibility for, not enrollment in, the program The contribution rate for the Comprehensive Protection Plan (CPP) shall not exceed % of the participant s actual Plan Compensation for all full-time or three-quarter time appointments for Full, Provisional, or Associate members and full-time local pastors. Contributions will be paid monthly by each charge for their pastor or pastors. The West Ohio Conference, acting as an agent of Wespath, shall be responsible for the 08 DAC (Denomination Average Compensation) is published by the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits annually based on actual reported compensation of 06. pg 07 West Ohio Annual Conference Book of Reports

43 Recommendation collection of these funds. Because each full-time or three-quarter time appointment for Full, Provisional, or Associate members and full-time local pastors must be part of the CPP, it is the obligation of each local church to pay this cost. Billing begins at the time of participant s eligibility for, not enrollment in, the program. 7. The base annuity rate for 08 on Pre-8 pensions will be increased based on the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) as reported on a yearly basis. Though set annually, it is expected the Past Service Rate (PSR) will increase with inflation. The PSR for 08 will remain at $599. The yearly PSR may not be decreased. 8. Annuity rates for surviving spouses shall be 70% of the base rate on Pre-8 pension. 9. Each eligible clergy member and local pastor is encouraged to contribute at least % of his or her plan compensation to the UMPIP. Personal contributions will be billed to the local church by Wespath and paid from payroll deduction by the local church Medical Leave and Death Benefits: Eligible clergy also have CPP as part of the pension package. CPP provides disability income, death, and other supplemental benefits. Complete policy information can be found on the Wespath website at Clergy whose health condition may indicate a need for medical leave should contact his or her District Superintendent A Death Benefit of $50,000 is part of the CPP death benefits. An additional death benefit of $50,000 is provided by the Conference for eligible active appointments. The cost is included in the Clergy Benefit billing for full-time or three-quarter time appointments of Full, Provisional or Associate Members and fulltime licensed local clergypersons. Health Care Benefits Active Pastors: Eligibility a. Each charge shall fund health insurance for its eligible pastors and families through the West Ohio Conference program. The following chart shows who shall be covered and who has responsibility for payment of premiums. Status Coverage Premium Payment Full Member Required Shared Cost Church/Participant Provisional Member Required Shared Cost Church/Participant Associate Member Required Shared Cost Church/Participant Full-time Local Pastor Required Shared Cost Church/Participant Part-time Local Pastor Optional Subject to District Superintendent and local church approval 08 Board of Pension and Health Benefits pg

44 Recommendation b. Pastors under full-time appointment to West Ohio Conference local churches, District Offices or Conference Office will participate in the Conference health insurance plan. If such pastors have duplicate coverage through a spouse s employment, have access to military coverage or prior employer insurance they may use those plans. A written waiver is required to use other insurance. i. Should a church provide compensation to pastors that opt out of the Conference plan, care should be taken not to violate employer payment plan rules, the violation of which could subject the church to financial penalties. Clergy opting out of the West Ohio Conference health insurance plan for any other reason must do so in writing and the decision is irrevocable: he or she will be prohibited from accessing a West Ohio Conference active or retiree health plan in the future. c. If a pastor is a participant in the West Ohio Conference health insurance program and receives medical leave through CPP, the health insurance will continue. A pastor who has opted out of the Conference health insurance plan may be approved for medical leave, but he or she will not have access to a West Ohio Conference health insurance plan. d. A pastor serving in active full-time ministry beyond his/her 65th birthday will remain on the Conference health insurance plan, which will be the primary carrier. e. If one in an active clergy couple dies, the appointment of the surviving spouse will be responsible for health insurance as an active participant and responsible for payment of premium. f. Surviving spouses and qualified dependents of deceased clergy previously serving in an active appointment will pay 5% of the premium cost of the policy in use for the months following the clergy s date of death. Thereafter, access will be based on years of service consistent with the premium sharing available to retirees. g. Annual premium levels will be set by the Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits Retired Pastors, Surviving Spouses, Medical Leave participants Eligibility: When a pastor retires under 58., 58.b or 58.c health insurance is available to the pastor, spouse, and eligible dependents. a. Upon retirement at age 65 or thereafter, the pastor and spouse (at age 65) are responsible for enrolling in Part A and B of Medicare. Those having opted out of Social Security will not have access to West Ohio Conference retiree (over 65 years) insurance. 0 5 b. Surviving spouses of pastors will pay a portion of their premiums based on the number of years of service for the deceased clergy member. Premiums will be applied to type of policy used. i. Retired clergy or surviving spouses who remarry will not have access to Conference insurance for a new dependent. c. The retiree s premium cost shall be applied to the health insurance policy that is in effect at the time of retirement. pg 07 West Ohio Annual Conference Book of Reports

45 Recommendation 5 d. Premium contributions shall be collected monthly by Automated Clearing House (ACH) transaction from a bank account designated by the retiree. e. Pastors who transfer from an Episcopal appointment in another United Methodist Conference to an Episcopal appointment in the West Ohio Conference where the Conference has pension responsibility will be granted years of service from previous conferences Other Health Care Provisions a. All full-time (at least 0 hours per week) lay employees of the West Ohio Conference and its District Offices will have access to health insurance under the same provisions as active and retired clergy. b. Any participant who terminates employment may continue their health insurance for up to months at his or her own expense. The participant s payment for insurance will continue through the former local church to the Conference until coverage is terminated or months pass, whichever occurs first. c. The Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits shall be empowered to select the carrier, set the premium rate, and adjust benefits and method of funding the total health insurance program in a manner that is deemed appropriate and equitable for both local churches and participants in the program. d. The Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits shall extend an invitation to the Board of Ministry to review and comment on material changes in the Board of Pension and Health Benefits recommendation to Annual Conference at least 0 days prior to Annual Conference. 0 General A moving reimbursement (receipt(s) of cost) of up to $,500 is paid to each full-time and three-quarter time clergy household of the retiring class and each member accepting medical leave and the families of active full-time members in the event of the death of the member, provided they have not previously had a move reimbursed and provided they have been a participating member in the Conference Pension Program for the last five years prior to retirement.. The total requested apportioned expense presented to CFA for 08 is $,866,000. Final apportioned expense is subject to the budget adopted by Annual Conference. This amount covers benefits administration, retiree moving reimbursements, health, dental and vision premiums, and costs associated with personal and medical leaves. 0. The church from which the pastor is moving will pay pension payments for pastors moving at conference time for the whole month of June. Payments for new pastors will begin on the first of the month following the appointment. 08 Board of Pension and Health Benefits pg 5

46 Recommendation 5. All churches shall be encouraged to include eligible full-time church lay employees in the Lay Pension Benefits program offered by Wespath. 58.g () 5. On (date to be supplied), the West Ohio Conference received a favorable opinion regarding its 08 Comprehensive Funding Plan from Wespath, located in Glenview, Illinois, which became an annual requirement because of 0 General Conference legislation Resolutions Relating to Rental/Housing Allowances for Retired or Disabled Clergypersons of the West Ohio Conference The West Ohio Conference (the Conference ) adopts the following resolutions relating to rental/housing allowances for retired or disabled clergypersons of the Conference: Whereas the religious denomination known as The United Methodist Church (the Church ), of which this Conference is a part, has in the past functioned and continues to function through ministers of the gospel (within the meaning of Internal Revenue Code section 07) who were or are duly ordained, commissioned, or licensed ministers of the Church ( Clergy ), and Whereas the practice of the Church and of this Conference was and is to provide active Clergy with a parsonage or a rental/housing allowance as part of their gross compensation, and Whereas pensions or other amounts paid to retired and disabled Clergy are considered to be deferred compensation and are paid to retired and disabled Clergy in consideration of previous active service, and Whereas the Internal Revenue Service has recognized the Conference (or its predecessors) as the appropriate organization to designate a rental/housing allowance for retired and disabled Clergy who are or were members of this Conference; Therefore, be it resolved that an amount equal to 00% of the pension or disability payments received from plans authorized under The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church (the Discipline ), which includes all such payments from Wespath Benefits and Investments (Wespath) during the year 08 by each retired or disabled Clergy who is or was a member of the Conference or its predecessors, be and is hereby designated as a rental/housing allowance for each such Clergy; and Therefore, be it resolved that pension or disability payments to which rental/housing allowance applies will be any pension or disability payments from plans and/or annuities from funds authorized under the Discipline. This may include payments from Wespath and from a commercial annuity company that provides an annuity arising from benefits accrued under a Wespath plan, annuity, or fund authorized under the Discipline. Those payments may result from any service a Clergy rendered to this Conference or that a retired or disabled Clergy of this Conference rendered to: any local church annual conference of the Church general agency of the Church other institution of the Church 6 pg 07 West Ohio Annual Conference Book of Reports

47 Recommendation former denomination that is now a part of the Church any other employer that employed the Clergy to perform services related to the ministry of the Church, or its predecessors, and that elected to make contributions to, or accrue a benefit under, such a plan, annuity, or fund for such retired or disabled Clergy s pension or disability as part of his or her gross compensation. Note: The rental/housing allowance that may be excluded from a Clergy s gross income in any year for federal income tax purposes is limited under Internal Revenue Code section 07() and regulations there under to the least of () the amount of the rental/housing allowance designated by the Clergy s employer or other appropriate body of the Church (such as this Conference in the foregoing resolutions) for such year; () the amount actually expended by the Clergy to rent or provide a home in such year; or () the fair rental value of the home, including furnishings and appurtenances (such as a garage), plus the cost of utilities in such year.. Inquiries: Inquiries regarding current funding of pensions, personal contribution accounts (UMPIP), tax-deferred programs, and pension annuity checks shall be directed to Wespath Benefits and Investments, 90 Chestnut Avenue, Glenview, Illinois 6005, or visit for more information. All other concerns shall be directed to the West Ohio Conference, Wesley Boulevard, Worthington, Ohio 085, to the attention of Mike Kremnitzer at ext. 6 or mkremnitzer@wocumc.org. Retirees, please notify both Wespath and the West Ohio Conference if you change your address. Submitted by: Board of Pensions and Health Benefits Barry DeShetler, Chair William H. Brownson, CFO & Director of Administration Michael A. Kremnitzer, Director of Benefits and Human Resources 08 Board of Pension and Health Benefits pg 7

48 Recommendation We Are All God s Children Whereas Jesus commends Christians who welcome the stranger, saying that in doing so we are welcoming him (Matthew 5:-6); Whereas the United Methodist Discipline urges United Methodists to () recognize the gifts, contributions, and struggles of those who are immigrants and to advocate for justice for all, and furthermore asserts () the right of all religions and their adherents to freedom from legal, economic, and social discrimination (UMC Book of Discipline, 06 The Social Principles Paragraph 6, Sections B & H); And whereas the President of the United Methodist Council of Bishops, Bruce R. Ough, made this statement on January 0th, 07: When we abandon strangers who are at risk of bigotry, xenophobia and violence we not only destroy their hope, we destroy our own souls. When we fail to assist the refugees fleeing danger, we not only place them in harm s way, we do harm to our own souls. When we build walls of concrete, or walls of divisive rhetoric, or walls of fear, or walls of immoral immigration policies, we build a wall around our own souls ; And whereas the 06 General Conference of the United Methodist Church has affirmed this statement: We call upon all United Methodist churches to welcome newly arriving migrants in their communities, to love them as we do ourselves, to treat them as one of our native-born, to see in them the presence of the incarnated Jesus, and to show hospitality to the migrants in our midst, believing that through their presence we are receiving the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and likewise asks that United Methodists provide wherever possible pastoral care and crisis intervention to refugees. (Welcoming the Migrant to the United States, UMC Book of Resolutions, 06, #8); And whereas the 06 General Conference has affirmed this statement on the use of local law enforcement as immigration agents: When local law enforcement officials engage in immigration enforcement, migrants are often unwilling to report crimes and are forced to live in situations where they are exploited, abused, and victimized (Welcoming the Migrant to the United States, UMC Book of Resolutions, 06, #8); And whereas the 06 General Conference of the United Methodist Church has affirmed that the intent in developing interreligious relationships is not to amalgamate all faiths into one religion but rather to overcome our fears and misapprehensions ; and with particular regard to Arabs and Muslims, calls on us to oppose demagoguery, manipulation, and image making that seeks to label Arabs and Muslims in a negative way ; and with regard to Jewish neighbors calls on us to oppose forcefully anti-jewish acts and rhetoric that persist in the present time in many places ( Guidelines for Interreligious Relationships, UMC Book Of Resolutions 06, #; United Methodist Guiding Principles for Christian-Jewish Relations, UMC Book Of Resolutions, 06 # 6b); 8 pg 07 West Ohio Annual Conference Book of Reports

49 Recommendation Therefore, be it resolved that the West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church affirms the human rights of all migrants, immigrants, refugees and foreign students and others on extended visas to the United States, and through its offices and congregations will seek to provide opportunities for such persons to attain legal status if they so desire; Be it further resolved that the West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church will make it a priority to actively oppose xenophobic, racist, anti-semitic, and anti-muslim threats against all persons within our communities, and will support efforts to build relationships among people of diverse ethnicities, religions and cultures; Be it further resolved that the West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church will as a body call on governmental leaders to cease all arrests, detainment, and deportations of persons in contravention of civil immigration laws who do not pose a threat to their community until a fair and comprehensive immigration reform is passed; Be it further resolved that the West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church will as a body call on the governmental leaders not to place restrictions on immigration based solely on a religious test, and likewise support all efforts to protect the lives and property of religious minorities within our borders. Be it further resolved that the West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church s convictions on the aforementioned matters be conveyed to our local congregations, as well as our local, state and federal government representatives, in a manner deemed appropriate by our bishop. Submitted by Rebekah Clapp Edinson De Arco Soraya De Arco Randy Coleman Darryl Fairchild Henry Folgoso Dani Ortega Nilsa Saliceti Harris Tay John Wagner David Watson We Are All God s Children pg 9

50 Recommendation Todos Somos Hijos de Dios Por cuanto Jesús nos encomendó a los cristianos a que recibieramos al extranjero, diciendo que al hacer esto, lo estamos recibiendo a El mismo (Mateo 5: -6); Por cuanto la Disciplina de la Iglesia Metodista Unida urge a los Metodistas Unidos a () "reconocer los dones, contribuciones, y luchas de aquellos que son migrantes y de apoyar y luchar por la justicia para todos", y más aún, afirma () "el derecho de todas las religiones y sus seguidores de ser libres de toda discriminación de tipo legal, económico y social. (Libro de la Disciplina, Iglesia Metodista Unida, 06 "Los Principios Sociales", párrafo 6, Secciones B y H). Y por cuanto el Presidente del Concilio de Obispos de la Iglesia Metodista Unida, Bruce R. Ough, hizo esta declaración el 0 de enero, 07: "Cuando abandonamos al extranjero que está en riesgo de intolerancia, xenofobia y violencia no solamente destruímos su esperanza, destruimos nuestras propias almas. Cuando fallamos en ayudar a los refugiados que escapan del peligro, no solamente los ponemos en situaciones de riesgo, le hacemos daño a nuestras propias almas. Cuado construimos muros de concreto, o muros de retórica que divide, o muros de temor, o muros de políticas migratorias inmorales, estamos construyendo un muro alrededor de nuestras propias almas." Y por cuanto la Conferencia General en 06 de la Iglesia Metodista Unida ha afirmado lo siguiente:" Nosotros llamamos a todas las Iglesias Metodistas Unidas a recibir a migrantes recién llegados en sus comunidades, a amarlos así como nos amamos a nosotros mismos, a tratarlos a ellos así como tratamos a los que nacen aquí, a ver en ellos la presencia del Jesús encarnado, y mostrar hospitalidad a los migrantes en nuestro medio, creyendo que por medio de su presencia estamos recibiendo las buenas nuevas del Evangelio de Jesucristo", y de igual manera pide a los Metodistas Unidos "proveer a los refugiados todo el cuidado pastoral e intervención en crisis posible." (Recibiendo al migrante a los Estados Unidos, Libro de Resoluciones de la IMU, 06, # 8) Y por cuanto la Conferencia General de 06 ha affirmado lo siguiente respecto al uso de las fuerzas locales del orden público como agentes de inmigración: "Cuando agentes del orden público locales se involucran en poner en vigor asuntos de inmigración, los migrantes por lo general no quieren informar crímenes o delitos y están forzados a vivir en situaciones donde son explotados, abusados y victimizados." (Recibiendo al migrante a los Estados Unidos, Libro de Resoluciones de la IMU, 06, # 8). Y por cuanto la Conferencia General de 06 de la Iglesia Metodista Unida ha afirmado que "la intención en desarrollar relaciones interreligiosas no es para amalgamar todos los credos de fe en una sola religión, sino de "superar nuestros temores y aprehensiones" y en particular respecto a los Arabes y Musulmanes, nos llama a "oponernos a la demagogia, manipulación, y la creación de imagen que busca ponerle una etiqueta negativa a los Arabes y Musulmanes"; y respecto a los vecinos judíos, nos llama a "oponernos enérgicamente a actos y retórica anti-judía que persiste en el presente en muchos lugares. (Guías para las Relaciones Interreligiosas", IMU Libro de Resoluciones 06, #; "Principios Metodistas Unidos que Guían las Relaciones Judeo-Cristianas" IMU Libro de Resoluciones 06 # 6b). 50 pg 07 West Ohio Annual Conference Book of Reports

51 Recommendation Por tanto, resuélvase que la Conferencia de Ohio del Oeste de la Iglesia Metodista Unida afirma los derechos humanos de todos los migrantes, inmigrantes, refugiados y estudiantes extranjeros con visas extendidas en los Estados Unidos de América, y a través de sus oficinas y congregaciones buscará proveer oportunidades para estas personas para obtener estatus legal si ellos así lo desean; Resuélvase también que la Conferencia de Ohio del Oeste de la Iglesia Metodista Unida hará una prioridad el oponerse activamente a las amenazas xenofóbicas, racistas, anti-semíticas y anti-musulmanas en contra de las personas en esas comunidades, y apoyará los esfuerzos para construir relaciones entre personas de diversas etnias, religiones y culturas; Resuélvase también que la Conferencia de Ohio del Oeste de la Iglesia Metodista Unida, como un cuerpo, llamará al gobierno de los Estados Unidos de América a cesar los arrestos, detenciones y deportaciones de de personas que no cumplen con las leyes civiles de inmigración que no presentan un riesgo a su comunidad, hasta tanto una reforma migratoria abarcadora y completa sea aprobada; Resuélvase también que la Conferencia de Ohio del Oeste de la Iglesia Metodista Unida, como un cuerpo, llamará al gobierno de los Estados Unidos de América a no poner restricciones en la migración basada únicamente en una prueba religiosa, y de igual forma, apoya todos los esfuerzos para proteger las vidas y la propiedad de las minorías religiosas dentro de nuestras fronteras. Resuélvase también que las convicciones de la Conferencia de Ohio del Oeste de la Iglesia Metodista Unida en los asuntos arriba expresados les sean comunicados a las congregaciones locales, así como a nuestros representantes Estatales y Federales, en la manera que nuestro Obispo estime apropiada. Sometida por: Rebekah Clapp Edinson De Arco Soraya De Arco Randy Coleman Darryl Fairchild Henry Folgoso Dani Ortega Nilsa Saliceti Harris Tay John Wagner David Watson Todos Somos Hijos de Dios pg 5

52 Glossary of Candidacy Terms Note: More details and in-depth information can be found in The Book of Discipline for many of the terms below. Where appropriate, paragraph numbers from The 0 Book of Discipline are noted. APPENDIX Annual Conference A geographical area and organizational term. Defines a region that includes all United Methodist churches and ministries in that area. Members meet annually to approve business, set budget, and promote ministry programs. The Annual Conference commissions provisional clergy members, ordains deacons and elders, and licenses local pastors for ministry. The bishop appointed to that conference presides over the annual meeting and all matters affecting that conference s ministry (, 60-57). Appointment Beyond the Local Church One category of service for provisional or ordained deacons. Deacons serve in a local church or in an appointment beyond a local church. Appointments may be to a United Methodist-related agency or other service area (i.e. social work, teaching, health ministries, etc.). Deacons serving an appointment beyond the local church also have a secondary appointment to a congregation ( ). Apportionments A portion of local church offerings that churches contribute to their district and conference to support the Annual Conference and General Church ministries. Associate Members Local pastors who have reached age 0, completed at least four years of full-time service as a local pastor, and the five year Course of Study, and have been approved by the board of ordained ministry and clergy session. They are not ordained, but are available for full-time service and are guaranteed an appointment within the Annual Conference. Associate members have voice and vote in every matter except constitutional amendments, ordination, and conference relations of clergy ( ). Bishop Bishops are elected by lay and clergy delegates of the jurisdictional conference. Bishops oversee one or more conferences and lead The United Methodist Church. They are authorized to guard the faith, order, liturgy, doctrine and discipline of the church and to lead all persons entrusted to their oversight in worship, in the celebration of the sacraments, and in their mission of witness and service in the world. ( 0-0). Board of Ordained Ministry Each annual conference has a board of ordained ministry. The board recruits, nurtures, and supports those preparing for licensed or ordained ministry, and evaluates whether or not candidates have the gifts for ministry and are ready to serve. The board is the credentialing body for clergy in an annual conference and is responsible for continuing formation programs for clergy and for matters relating to changing conference relationships and clergy conduct ( 65). Book of Discipline The United Methodist Church s book of law. It includes historical information, doctrinal standards, and policies that can only be changed by General Conference. It is updated and reprinted to reflect decisions made by the General Conference. Book of Resolutions Reflects The United Methodist Church s stance on current issues of faith. General Conference delegates decide what the resolutions will be, based on petitions received. Book of Worship Contains the order of weekly services, the liturgy for Holy Communion (or Word and Table), Baptism, marriage, funerals, healing, and other types of services for The United Methodist Church. Cabinet The bishop and district superintendents when meeting as a body. All conferences have a cabinet. Call, Call Story, or Calling An experience or set of decisions, circumstances, or encouragements that lead an individual to believe God has asked them to serve in a certain ministry. Many clergy refer to being called to preach or serve. During the candidacy process, candidates will be asked to write and talk about how they have discerned God s calling in their lives and how and where they believe God is calling them to serve. 5 pg 07 West Ohio Annual Conference Book of Reports

53 Campus Minister or University Chaplain Campus ministers and university chaplains serve on college campuses throughout the world. Some work in United Methodist campus ministries, while some work in ecumenical settings. Others are chaplains at United Methodist-related colleges and universities. Ministry with students is central, but these ministers are also concerned with faculty, staff, and administration in other words, they work with the whole campus. Some campus ministers and chaplains are ordained deacons and elders. Others are laypeople who have received training for ministry on campus. Candidacy A discerning and preparatory period of time and the process by which those wishing to serve as local pastors, deacons, or elders apply, and are evaluated, by their annual conference to serve on behalf of The United Methodist Church ( 0-). Candidacy Mentor An ordained deacon, elder, associate member, or local pastor who has completed the Course of Study, trained to provide guidance to candidates. They are assigned a candidate by the district committee on ordained ministry and assist the candidate in understanding the process and further discerning their call as they become certified and licensed or provisional members ( 9). Candidacy Process Another way of talking about candidacy ( 0-). Candidate A person enrolled in the candidacy process who wishes to serve as a local pastor, deacon, or elder. Central Conference Central Conferences are the conferences for areas outside the United States. The church has seven central conferences in Africa, Europe, and the Philippines ( 50ff.). Certified Candidate A candidate who has been approved by their local ministry setting and the district committee on ordained ministry to continue the process of moving toward licensing or ordination ( 0.). Charge Conference A local church meeting that includes members of the governing body (i.e. church council) and the clergy. It meets at least once a year to review goals, elect new leaders, set clergy salaries, and recommend persons for candidacy. It is typically facilitated by the district superintendent ( 6). Clergy Commissioned and ordained deacons and elders; associate members, and local pastors serving under the full or part-time appointment of a bishop ( ). Clergy Mentor An ordained deacon, elder, associate member, or full-time local pastor who has completed the Course of Study, trained to guide provisional deacons or elders as they prepare for ordination ( 9.b). Course of Study Prescribed ministry classes for local pastors. Part and full-time local pastors attend the Course of Study while serving churches. The course takes at least five years to complete. Deacon Deacons are called by God, authorized by the church, and ordained by a bishop to a lifetime ministry of Word, Service, Compassion, and Justice. They serve the community and congregation in a ministry that connects the two. Deacons are called to a lifetime of servant leadership, serving the congregation and the world. A deacon serves all people, particularly the poor, the sick, and the marginalized, and equips and leads the laity in ministries of compassion, justice, and service. The deacon s role connects the church s worship with its service in the world ( 8-). Deaconess and Home Missioner Deaconesses (laywomen) and home missioners (laymen) are professionally trained and devote their lives to service through the Church. They are approved by the General Board of Global Ministries and commissioned by a bishop. They may serve with any United Methodist agency or program or in agencies outside The United Methodist Church, provided that approval is given by the board in consultation with the bishop of the receiving area ( ). Chaplain Elders or deacons working in specialized ministry settings. Endorsed chaplains and pastoral counselors work in settings such as prisons, hospitals, the armed forces, and counseling centers (.5). Discern Synonymous with decide. Carries an underlying assumption that the decision is made with considerable thought, prayer, study, and attention to God s call in one s life. APPENDIX Glossary of Candidacy Terms pg 5

54 District One of several geographic areas in a conference. Each church is part of a district and an annual conference. Typically churches are in a district. Districts are supervised by a district superintendent. The number of districts in a conference varies depending on the conference's size. District Committee on Ordained Ministry (DCOM) Evaluates, certifies, and recommends to the board of ordained ministry all those applying for licensed or ordained ministry. The dcom oversees all candidates within that district and supervises all matters related to candidacy and licensing. The committee interviews candidates, recommends candidates for provisional membership, and approves all local pastors serving within the district ( 666). Elder Those called by God, authorized by the church, and ordained by a bishop to a lifetime ministry of Word, Sacrament, Order, and Service. Like all Christians, elders are committed to a lifetime of service, although this service manifests itself in different ways than deacons or the laity. The elder serves in ministry and servant leadership and gives pastoral leadership to order the life of the congregation. Elders devote themselves to the ministry of the Word, including primary responsibility for preaching and teaching the Word of God ( -5). Endorsement The process to ensure that pastoral counselors and prison, hospital, or military chaplains are qualified and prepared to appropriately represent the Church in their ministry settings (.5). Episcopal Refers to something relating to a bishop. For instance, an Episcopal area is the area under the supervision of a particular bishop. Extension Ministry Refers to elders who serve in ministry outside of a local church setting. It includes settings such as conference administration, chaplaincy, pastoral counseling, teaching, etc. The bishop appoints the elder to that position. This appointment may happen at the elder s request and through consultation with the bishop ( -). Fellowship of Local Pastors & Associate Members Provides mutual support for its members for the sake of the life and mission of the church. All local pastors and associate members shall be members of and participate in the Fellowship ( ). Full Connection An ordained deacon or elder serves as a member in full connection to an annual conference. Their life and work is amenable to the annual conference and they are supported by and accountable to that annual conference. Except for the election of lay delegates, members in full connection have voice and vote in all matters related to the annual conference, to the clergy of that conference, to the general conference, and constitutional amendments of The United Methodist Church. Full Member (similar to Full Connection) Refers to an ordained elder or deacon in good standing with an annual conference. General Agencies The United Methodist Church has thirteen general boards and agencies that work in different ways on behalf of local churches, annual conferences and the denomination. General Board of Church and Society (GBCS) Discipleship Ministries General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM) General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) General Board of Pension and Health Benefits General Commission on Archives and History General Commission on Communication (United Methodise Communications - UMCOM) General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR) General Commission on the Status and Role of Women (COSROW) General Commission on United Methodist Men APPENDIX General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) United Methodist Publishing House United Methodist Women 5 pg 07 West Ohio Annual Conference Book of Reports

55 General Conference The international gathering and business meeting of The United Methodist Church that occurs every four years with about,000 delegates who are clergy and laity from each annual and central conference. This body decides on petitions to change The Book of Discipline and Book of Resolutions and is the only body authorized to speak on behalf of The United Methodist Church ( 8, 50-5). Group Candidacy Mentoring The opportunity for candidates to meet with a candidacy mentor and a group of other candidates. Many conferences offer this structure to provide candidates opportunities to learn from mentors and each other. Home Missioner See deaconess ( ). Itinerant Indicates an elder, associate member, or local pastor agrees to serve where the bishop appoints. This system is called itinerancy. Often itinerancy, guaranteed appointment or security of appointment are discussed as parts of this system that is the basis of the commitment between the church and clergy who serve. Ordained Ministry The ministry of deacons and elders who have been ordained by a bishop to serve in The United Methodist Church ( 0-0). Order of Deacons/Order of Elders A covenant community within the church to mutually support, care for, and hold accountable members for the sake of the life and mission of the church. These orders seek to respond to the spiritual hunger among clergy for a fulfilling sense of vocation, for support among peers, and for a deepening relationship with God. All ordained persons upon election to full membership in the annual conference shall be members of and participate in an order appropriate to their election ( 06). Ordination Performed by laying on of hands by the bishop. Signifies that the church affirms and continues its ministry through these persons. Persons may be ordained as deacons or elders and commit to living and proclaiming the gospel. Deacons are ordained to the ministries of Word, Service, Compassion, and Justice. Elders are ordained to the ministries of Word, Sacrament, Order, and Service ( 0-0). Jurisdiction A group of annual conferences within a geographical region in the United States. There are five jurisdictions (North Central, Northeast, South Central, Southeast, and Western). The jurisdictional conference meets every four years after General Conference and consists of delegates from each annual conference in that region. The conference elects bishops for their jurisdiction ( 5-57). Layperson A member of a local church. Licensed Local Pastor Someone who is not ordained as an elder or deacon but is appointed to preach, conduct worship, and perform the duties of a pastor in a particular setting. That person must complete licensing school, Orientation to Ministry, and receive an appointment to serve. Local pastors attend Course of Study school each year and meet with the district committee on ministry annually for continual approval and eligibility. Local pastors are not required to earn a Master of Divinity, or to itinerate, are not guaranteed an appointment, and usually serve smaller congregations ( 5-0). Orientation to Ministry Sponsored by the board of ordained ministry and required for all ministry candidates. Helps to build collegiality and develop an understanding the ministry of deacons, elders, and local pastors ( ). Pastor A pastor is an elder, associate member, or local pastor appointed to serve in charge of a station, circuit, cooperative parish, extension ministry, ecumenical shared ministry, or church of another denomination, or on the staff of such. Deacons, who may serve similar roles as the pastor, should not be called pastors ( 9). Polity Refers to the rules and traditions of The United Methodist Church. It includes The Book of Discipline, history, practices, and beliefs of the denomination. Professional Certification Recognition that someone has met academic standards, experience, and continuing study to achieve and maintain professional excellence. Visit gbhem.org/certification for a listing of current certifications. APPENDIX Glossary of Candidacy Terms pg 55

56 Professional Ministry To make one s living by serving in full-time in ministry. Can apply to laity or clergy. Provisional Membership The step in the ordination process between candidacy and ordination when a commissioned deacon or elder serves as a provisional member. Those applying for ordination serve as a provisional member for a minimum of two years, depending on annual conference policy. Provisional membership ends with ordination, or when a decision is made not to proceed toward ordination ( -7). Seminary or Theological School Term for post-graduate school of theology that educates and prepares people for ministry. Candidates for ordination must graduate from a school approved by the University Senate of The United Methodist Church. Social Principles A prayerful and thoughtful effort of the General Conference to speak to contemporary issues from a sound biblical and theological foundation. The Social Principles are a call to all members of The United Methodist Church to a prayerful, studied dialogue of faith and practice ( 60-66). Superintendents (D.S.) Ordained elders who are assigned by the bishop to supervise the churches and clergy within a district of the annual conference. As members of the Bishop s Cabinet, superintendents serve as extensions of the bishop s authority throughout the annual conference ( 9 & ). University Senate A body of higher education professionals that determines schools, colleges, universities, and theological schools that meet criteria for United Methodist Church affiliation. Ordination candidates must complete educational requirements at a University Senate-approved institution ( -8). Vocation a particular occupation, business, or profession; calling. a strong impulse or inclination to follow a particular activity or career. a divine call to God s service or to the Christian life. a function or station in life to which one is called by God: the religious vocation; the vocation of marriage. Staff/Pastor-Parish Relations Committee (S/P-PRC) The committee in each church that assists clergy and staff in setting leadership and service priorities. Evaluates and approves those beginning candidacy for licensed or ordained ministry from that congregation. ( 58.). APPENDIX General Board of Higher Education & Ministry Division of Ordained Ministry A United Methodist Glossary of Candidacy Terms The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church 0. Nashville: The United Methodist Publishing House, 0. vocation definition Dictionary.com. Dictionary.com. (accessed March 5, 0). 56 pg 07 West Ohio Annual Conference Book of Reports

57 Officers of the 8 th Annual Conference Session Resident Bishop & President: Bishop Gregory V. Palmer Executive Assistant to the Bishop: Rev. Barbara Sholis Superintendents: Capitol Area North: Rev. Linda Middelberg Capitol Area South: Rev. Tim Bias Foothills: Rev. Dennis Miller Maumee Watershed: Rev. Scot Ocke Miami Valley: Rev. Jocelyn Roper Northwest Plains: Rev. Barry Burns Ohio River Valley: Rev. Todd Anderson Shawnee Valley: Rev. Brent Watson, Dean Board of Trustees Chairperson: Ms. Ann Baird Commission on Equitable Compensation Chairperson: Rev. Mark Weatherman Conference Chancellor: Mr. Chris Hogan Conference Communications Director: Mrs. Kay Panovec Conference Journal Editor: Mrs. Kathleen Pack Conference Lay Leaders: Mrs. Mary Shumard and Mr. Mitchell Harper Conference Secretary: Rev. Amy Aspey Conference Treasurer: Mr. Bill Brownson Connectional Ministries Director: Rev. Deanna Stickley-Miner Co-Registrar and Statistician: Mr. Jack Frost Council on Development Executive Director: Rev. George Cooper Council on Finance and Administration Chairperson: Ms. Chris Clough Transformative Discipleship Team Chairperson: Rev. Doug Damron APPENDIX Officers of the 8th Annual Conference Session pg 57

58 07 Annual Conference Planning Team Ex-Officio Members Bishop Gregory Palmer, Resident Bishop Rev. Barbara Sholis, Executive Assistant to the Bishop Rev. Amy Aspey, Conference Secretary Mr. Bill Brownson, Treasurer/Director of Administration Rev. Mark Chow, Worship Committee Chairperson Mr. Jack Frost, Co-Registrar Rev. Dennis Miller, Cabinet Representative Mrs. Kay Panovec, Conference Communications Director Mrs. Joy Perry, Co-Registrar Rev. Jocelyn Roper, Agenda Coach Rev. Deanna Stickley-Miner, Director of Connectional Ministries Members Appointed by the Bishop Rev. James Wilson II, Chairperson Rev. Jeffrey Allen, Member at Large Mrs. Alisha Artis, Member at Large Rev. Kathleen Brown, Director of Office of Ministry Rev. George Cooper, Executive Director of Council on Development Ms. Grace Gerber, Hospitality Mrs. Roxie Hutsell, Member at Large Mr. Tim McCoy, Event Producer Mr. Bill Parsons, Production Team Manager Rev. Stephen Rath, Member at Large Rev. Marie Smith, Member at Large Mrs. RaNae Street, Director of Discipleship Resources Rev. Kurt Tomlinson, Live Event Director 07 Annual Conference Worship Committee Rev. Mark Chow, Chairperson Rev. Barbara Sholis Rev. Barbara Cooper Ms. Cynthia Lockhart Rev. Wendy Lybarger Mr. Tim McCoy Ms. Belinda Paisley Mrs. Kay Panovec Rev. Stephen Rath Rev. Deborah Stevens Mrs. Mallory Tay Rev. Justin Williams APPENDIX Rev. Jon Morgan 58 pg 07 West Ohio Annual Conference Book of Reports

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