INDEX TO 2014 REPORTS & PETITIONS

Transcription

1 2014 New York Annual Conference INDEX TO 2014 REPORTS & PETITIONS A. Legislative Section Reports & Petitions Section 1: Ministries of Witness Committee on Accessibility, Hispanic American Council, Mission u, Mozambique/New York Sister Conferences Connection, United Methodist Men, United Methodist Women Section 2: Connectional Ministries and Ministries of Nurture Camping & Retreat Ministries, Camps Task Force, Children s Ministries, Connectional Ministries Vision Table, District Councils on Ministries, Fellowship of Local Pastors and Associate Members, Hispanic Consultant, Hurricane Sandy Recovery Mission, Learning Center, Mission and Outreach Ministries, Older Adult Ministries and related petition. Societies & Institutions: Africa University, Black College Fund, Boston University School of Theology, Candler School of Theology, The Long Island Council of Churches, New York State Council of Churches, United Methodist Frontier Foundation, United Theological Seminary, Wesley Theological Seminary. Note: Submissions from agencies which have no reporting responsibility to the Conference are included herein for information purposes. Section 3: Ministries of Advocacy Board of Church & Society, Task Force on Immigration, Justice for Our Neighbors (NYAC-JFON) Immigration Project, Korea Peace Vigil and March (Ecumenical Korea Peace Conference), Commission on Religion and Race, Study Committee for a More Inclusive Church and related petitions. Section 4: Leadership/Commissioning Board of Ordained Ministry, Committee on Episcopacy, Conference Lay Leader, Lay Servant Ministries, Parish Nurse/Faith Community Nursing and related petition. Section 5: Clergy Care & Conference Finance Commission on Equitable Compensation, Council on Finance and Administration, CFO & Director of Administrative Services, Board of Pensions and Health Benefits. Section 6: Administration Commission on Archives and History, Conference Archivist, Conference Secretary, Commission on Conference Sessions, Committee on Examination of the Conference Journal, Parish Development Missional Priorities (EMLC) Commission, Conference Personnel Committee, Conference Rules Committee, Strategic Economic Analysis Task Force, United Methodist City Society and related petition. B. Corporate Session Reports & Resolutions Board of Trustees and Corporate Resolution C. Legislative Section Reports...258

2 128 - Reports, Petitions & Resolutions VI REPORTS, PETITIONS & RESOLUTIONS A. LEGISLATIVE SECTION REPORTS & PETITIONS LEGISLATIVE SECTION 1 SECTION 1: MINISTRIES OF WITNESS All items were approved by the indicated votes and were included in the consent calendar affirmative vote. The votes shown are those from the legislative section for each item. There were no petitions in this section. Committee on Accessibility Stephanie Parsons, Chair Concur: 84, Non-Concur: 0, Abstain: 0; 100% concurrence, NYAC conference session: adopted 101. Grace and Peace to you There has been much excitement for the Accessibility Committee in the past year. During the elections of the 2013 Annual Conference, our committee doubled its ranks from four members to eight. We are still a young committee within this conference and are in many ways, still looking to establish ourselves. Over the last year, we have made efforts to discern how our committee can best execute the directives set forth in the Discipline within the New York Annual Conference. We have met several times throughout the year to discuss ideas, make plans, and define the scope of who we are and what we hope to become Some of our initiatives in the past year included: 104. Creating and conducting a workshop for the Connecticut District s Resource Day. This workshop is available for presentation at local church and/or district events. If you are interested in hosting the workshop, please contact Connectional Ministries at the NYAC Conference Center Offering a liaison between the Conference Sessions Committee and anyone with accessibility questions about annual conference Exploring possible areas of outreach within the local churches Exploring ways of promoting the committee, its ideals, and its resources There is always more work to be done, but with the help of God and the members of the New York Annual Conference we hope to continue to advocate for the right of those with disabilities to worship in accessible, safe, and welcoming churches. Our committee would be pleased to assist the local churches with questions, concerns, or ideas regarding issues of accessibility and in the upcoming year, looks forward to continuing its mission of promoting accessibility awareness within the New York Annual Conference.

3 2014 New York Annual Conference Hispanic American Council Rev. Dr. Milca C. Plaud, President Concur: 84, Non-Concur: 0, Abstain: 0; 100% concurrence, NYAC conference session: adopted 101. Thank you for the opportunity given to me to serve as president of the Hispanic Council of the NYAC. This is my first year of service and it has been a productive and blessed one. We have a great challenge ahead of us. At the same time, I visualize great possibilities for the Hispanic local church in our conference The following were the events and activities held during : 103. Pastor s Conversation: Saturday, May 11, We shared areas of need and general concerns from the pastoral point of view Laity Conversation: Sunday, June 2, We shared immediate needs, concerns, and challenges the local churches are dealing with Dinner Concert: Saturday, July 13, This is a fundraising dinner with the purpose of offering scholarships to the families with children and youth who will participate in the Annual Family Camp at Quinipet. The musical called A Love Story created and directed by Maestro Frank Colón was gladly received. This musical was presented at three additional Hispanic churches after this event Family Camp at Quinipet: August 30 - Sept 2, 2013: The much-awaited Family Camp had close to 200 participants. This Family Camp has been held for more than 40 years at Camp Quinipet. This year the theme was: Growing in Unity. The camp offers learning activities, spiritual growth opportunities as well as recreational time for all ages Prayer and Spiritual Strength Retreat: Saturday, September 28, This retreat was held at Broadway Temple UMC. The message was presented by Pastor Jackie Medina. A significant part of the retreat was devoted to prayer for our local churches. We were honored by the visit of the Metropolitan district superintendent Laity Sunday: October 20, 2013: Celebration at San Esteban UMC. We enjoyed the hospitality of the local church and a great time of worship and fellowship. The attendance was excellent and the service greatly edifying. Various churches shared music, liturgical dance, and drama presentations. The message was presented by a lay person, Brother Marco Vasquez, from New Jerusalem UMC, Brooklyn Memorial Service in Celebration of the Life of Rev. Dr. Hector Navas: Sunday, February 23, At the Broadway Temple UMC. A warm service of celebration with special music performed by Soprano Thelma Ithier, testimonies, and liturgical dance. The message presented by Rev. Arturo Maine, and the annual conference was represented by Rev. Dr. William Shillady The creation of a Memorial Educational Scholarship in Memory of Rev. Dr. Hector Navas - As a result of the memorial service, a scholarship was created to financially help the laity to be able to participate in educational workshops, classes, trainings, etc. The initial amount of the scholarship was the offering collected at the memorial service: $ Scholarships were given to all the Hispanics who participated this year in the 2014 Lay Servants Training in two districts.

4 130 - Reports, Petitions & Resolutions LEGISLATIVE SECTION Four Workshops on Strengthening the Local Church: For Pastors and Laity - (2014). The attendance at all the workshops was very good. The presenters and their presentations were excellent. Good motivation, positive attitude and enthusiastic participation were expressed by the participating laity. These workshops are in anticipation of the re-opening of the School of Theology for the Laity that has not been functioning in recent years but is a significant ministry of the Hispanic Council. These were the workshops: March 8: Pastoral Care - Rev. Hector Rivera March 15: Worship and Liturgy - Rev. Dr. Irving Cotto April 5: Spiritual Formation - Rev. Hector Rivera April 12: Finances - Rev. Oliverio Barrera 112. Re-Opening of The School of Theology for the Laity - We are in communication with the National Plan for Hispanic Latino Ministries on how this school can be in accord with the National Plan, and for financial support for this type of project. There is an offering of complete support from the plan. The projected date to open the school will be the 2014 fall semester Lenten Services - Good attendance and very edifying services. We express appreciation to the host churches: March 12: Grace UMC March 19: San Esteban UMC March 26: First 111 St. & Lexington Ave. April 2: Co-op City UMC April 9: Jackson Heights 114. We labor together for the strengthening and growth of the Hispanic United Methodist Church in New York City, for the glory of God and the transformation of our communities. Thanks for your support. We pray that the Lord will complete the work He has already started. Mission u Patricia Knebel, Dean Concur: 85, Non-Concur: 0, Abstain: 0; 100% concurrence, NYAC conference session: adopted 101. The first New York Conference Mission u took place August 1 through August 3, 2013 in Danbury, Connecticut. Mission u is the successor to the previous Cooperative School of Christian Mission. Over 200 participants from across the conference worshiped, sang, prayed, studied, participated in mission projects, and were encouraged to take it all home to share what was learned and to use it as a springboard for action Worship services throughout the weekend focused on the spiritual growth theme The Call: Living Sacramentally, Walking Justly. These services included biblical story telling, sacred dance, the youth class backing up our rapping bishop, a time of remembering our baptisms, and witness to the call of past and present United Methodist Women. Bishop McLee s message at the opening worship encouraged don t wait till the battle is over shout now! ; and during closing communion Bishop Jane Middleton compelled us to do it now, tomorrow is not promised During the weekend, each person participated in in-depth class sessions on one of this year s studies. Teachers leading these classes were:

5 2014 New York Annual Conference The Call: Living Sacramentally, Walking Justly Bishop Jane Allen Middleton Ann Craig Rev. Gye Ho Kim Rev. Sonia Jermin Rev. James Veatch The Roma of Europe Rev. Hector Rivera Lija Kim Jeniffer Rodriguez Michel Poverty Rev. Walter Barton Migration Youth: Gail Douglas-Boykin and Michelle Stanely Children: Diana Collier and Elise Boykin 104. Thursday evening an ice cream social introduced the mission fair. Interactive displays were available on mission projects and issues such as: immigration, Asian Bible women, the T-shirt project on healing from domestic violence, the 125 th anniversary of United Methodist Deaconesses and numerous hands-on projects GBGM missionaries Marilyn and Joseph Chan spent two days at Mission u. They were able to share their stories with several classes and were available at the mission fair and during lunches and dinners to share their experiences in small discussion groups Friday evening, in the space of a couple of hours, team work accomplished the packaging, weighing, sealing, and packing of 10,186 meals that were distributed by Stop Hunger Now to be utilized by Mission of Hope Haiti. Mission of Hope provides 50,000 meals daily to children in schools and orphanages On Saturday, an additional group of Saturday Sampler students joined us for the day to get a sample of Mission u. They participated in a one-day intensive study of either The Call: Living Sacramentally, Walking Justly or The Roma of Europe and joined the full school for closing communion New York Conference Mission u 2014 will take place July 24 through July 26, again at Western CT State University in Danbury CT studies will be: How Is It with Your Soul?, The Roma of Europe, and The Church and People with Disabilities. For more information, go to Mozambique/New York Sister Conferences Connection Annette Griffith, Co-chair Concur: 85, Non-Concur: 0, Abstain: 0; 100% concurrence, NYAC conference session: adopted 101. Four members of the New York Annual Conference traveled to Gondola, Mozambique, Africa in August 2013 to work on the Gondola Training Center project. For a more comprehensive description see: org/_articles/moz_vim_trip_2013.pdf While there we worked with the director of the center, Rev. Torres, to discuss ways we could help with the opening of the

6 132 - Reports, Petitions & Resolutions LEGISLATIVE SECTION 1 center. It seemed like it would be years until we could raise the funds needed, until a suggestion by Enid Watson, Volunteer in Mission co-team leader, put the possibility in place for a November opening with a small scale workshop on agricultural best practices. After much negotiation between Annette Griffith and Rev. Torres, and some help from the Missouri Mozambique Initiative, a plan was put in place that resulted in the November 11, 2013 opening of the Gondola Training Center. On March 6, 2014 the Missouri Conference funded the opening of the Gondola Training Center Theological Seminary a threemonth program for local pastors made possible through our efforts to open the center in November. We are proud and blessed to have a partnership between the United Methodist Church of Mozambique, New York, and Missouri that makes it possible to help make disciples of Jesus Christ on the other side of the world This year the Mozambique Connection supported five scholarship students in either a secular university program or the Cambine Bible School. Our longtime student, Rev. Julio Vilanculos, graduated this April with a doctoral degree, making him one of three professors with doctorates needed to open an accredited United Methodist University in Cambine, Mozambique The Mozambique Connection also sponsors the Beira English School which is a Saturday program that enhances the study of English taught in the public schools All are welcome to become a part of this important mission. Please contact Annette Griffith at annettegriffith@earthlink.net for information about meetings and how to become involved. United Methodist Men Royston Bailey, Conference President Concur: 85, Non-Concur: 0, Abstain: 0; 100% concurrence, NYAC conference session: adopted 101. The NYAC United Methodist Men began the year with an intentional focus of engaging men in ministry, missions and spiritual development. Our goal was to bring greater awareness of the importance of men s ministry to the local church and the conference Four one-hour training sessions on men s ministry were held during the Connecticut District Leader-to-Leader events: A total of 16 men attended Four Day Apart events were held throughout the conference: Metropolitan, Long Island East, Long Island West and New York/Connecticut districts. A total of 46 men attended Hurricane Sandy Disaster Relief: Three women from Rockville: St. Marks UMC joined three men from LIE on April 6 for five hours to remove mold, rubbish and a 500-gallon oil tank from a home in Oceanside, Long Island. Brooks Memorial men and women did a cleanup project in Sheepshead Bay GCUMM - Strength for Service to God and Community Devotional: Three first responders of the Newtown UMC were presented the devotional and an additional 75 devotionals were given to Rev. Melvyn Kawakami to present to the congregation and other first responders in the community. Fourteen devotionals were presented to the South Floral Park firefighters, their mayor and councilwoman, and 16 devotionals were given to the congregation. Celebrating Strength for Service to God and Community Month: Bellmore, Hanson Place

7 2014 New York Annual Conference and Hempstead UMCs presented over 100 copies of the devotionals to first responders, and all men and boys in their congregations Mission u: Three members of the Executive Committee Graham Greaves, Robert Miller and Royston Bailey attended the event. The men assisted in setup, clean-up, minor tasks, entertainment, transportation to and from the hotel and event site and packaging of over 10,000 packets of food for a mission project Social Events: Forty-seven adults and youth representing seven churches attended Methodist Night at the Nets. Sheepshead Bay and Vanderveer Park UMCs were first-time supporters of our ministry. Thirty-nine adults representing six churches attended Methodist Day at the Mets. Seaford UMC was a first-time supporter of our ministry Annual Bishop s Luncheon: Sixty-five men and women attended the event, including four pastors. Bishop Martin McLee delivered an inspiring and engaging talk on the theme, Inside Out. He encouraged the men to lean in to God and challenged them to bring more young men to the next luncheon Annual Retreat: Twenty-four men representing eleven churches and four conferences attended the event. Greg Arnold, GCUMM Deployed Staff, led us in ENGAGE a four-hour workshop focused on organizing and developing local men s units, no matter how small. Malcolm Hall presented a workshop on finance, and Rev. Ken Kieffer was our spiritual leader. The other conferences represented were Eastern PA, Western PA and New England The 11th National Gathering was the highlight of our ministry: Thirteen men and one woman representing churches of LIE: Huntington-Cold Spring Harbor, Port Jefferson, East Quogue and Hempstead; LIW: Brooklyn St. Marks, Brooks Memorial and Richmond Hill; and Metropolitan District: New Rochelle and Park Ave. Ernie Searle and Wayne Carty interviewed over 160 men and helped prepare a 1.5 minute video. The Rev. Tom Demby of Sierra Leone, hosted by Hempstead UMC, attended. The men helped package 17,000 Stop Hunger Now meals, 20 PET (personal energy transportation) for developing countries and 25,000 lbs. of potatoes for food pantries in the Nashville area. We were all inspired; Graham Greaves, LIW District president was so inspired by his first National Gathering that he promised to bring 100 men from the district to the 2017 National Gathering United Methodist Men s Magazine: Men s ministry in the New York Conference is getting healthier and the number of UM Men s Magazine subscriptions increased. New charters: Hartford North and Huntington-Cold Spring Harbor, and charter renewals increased. New officers: Robert Miller, New York/Connecticut District, president; Malcolm Hall, scouting/youth coordinator; Gregory Holder: secretary; Wayne Redman, representative to Mission u: Wayne Carty, conference vice president; and Henry Ortiz, Hispanic representative. The NYAC UMM now partner with the conference Mission Team. We attended their first annual meeting and were charged with the opportunity to support the Clean Water Project Scouting/Youth Ministry: Coordinator plans to engage young men in a farming ministry, where harvested produce will be delivered to the local food pantries Prayer Advocacy: Conference prayer advocate continued to minister through prayer during annual conference; over 30 callers received prayer during the three two-hour sessions.

8 134 - Reports, Petitions & Resolutions LEGISLATIVE SECTION We continue to witness improved health in the Metropolitan, Long Island West and Long Island East Districts. Metropolitan District Day of Worship, over 50 men attended; monthly meeting for Bible Study continued to be passionate and inspiring, and officers visited a different church twice per month. Long Island West District reconnected with the Far Rockaway Mission Center by providing funds raised during their monthly meetings. The Long Island East District provided protective equipment for the Sandy Relief work teams. The New York/Connecticut District president worked hard on recruiting officers for the committee. The Hispanic representative is planning the first Hispanic Day Apart. The Conference Executive Committee continued to work hard to organize the Catskill Hudson and Connecticut Districts and recruit representatives from the Korean and Chinese Councils We look forward to the new year with an even more determined focus on evangelism. We plan to take a deeper look at the current condition of our local units The NYAC UMM would like to thank all pastors and laity who helped in building spiritually fulfilled men: Bishop Martin McLee, Rev. Denise Pickett, DS Rev. Elizabeth Ott, DS Rev. Ken Kieffer, Rev. Melvyn Kawakami, Rev. Sarah Ford, Rev. Gabriel Akinbode, Pastor Marcia Smith, Renata Smith, Wayne Redman, Rev. Leo Curry, Rev. Glyger Beach, Rev. Constance Pak and Rev. Anne Daniel Thanks to officers Wayne Carty, John Lemon, Gregory Holder, Earlwyn Benjamin, Malcolm Hall, Ernie Searle, Wayne Redman, Benjamin Nelson, Graham Greaves, David Clark, Robert Miller, Henry Ortiz and Hebert Brown. United Methodist Women Susan S. Kim, President Concur: 88, Non-Concur: 0, Abstain: 0; 100% concurrence, NYAC conference session: adopted 101. The New York Conference United Methodist Women (UMW) team is busy attending district events and local unit celebrations to develop creative and supportive fellowship as stated in the Purpose of UMW in an effort to revitalize the organization and to carry on our legacy in mission. As a result, two local units were chartered Smithtown UMC in Long Island East and Plainville UMC in Connecticut District and a few local units were reactivated Our conference pledged $135,000 in 2013 which was fulfilled. Our support for local missions included Prudence Crandall Center, a domestic violence shelter in Connecticut, and Far Rockaway Mission. The unfortunate incident of our past conference treasurer mishandling our funds resulted in indictment of grand larceny felony, 2nd degree class C, by a New York City grand jury trial in September Our cooperative learning event with NYAC, Mission u, in July opened with Bishop McLee s message, Don t wait till the battle is over Shout now! and closed with Bishop Jane Middleton s, Do it now, tomorrow is not promised. The theme, New Beginnings lived through our 200 participants, almost a 100% increase from the previous year. To culminate our study of poverty, we raised $2,500 to feed 10,000 hungry people in Haiti. The Stop Hunger Now organization provided dried vegetables and grains to be packaged in individual servings. Participants from 5 to 85 labored for 2½ hours, smiling throughout the evening and thankful for this grateful hands-on mission opportunity. Other

9 2014 New York Annual Conference hands-on mission activities available during Mission u included sewing school bags for UMCOR kits, making piggy bank boxes for our Imagine No Malaria collection and making recycling bags with old t-shirts In conjunction with the annual conference s Connectional Ministry in Mission, an introduction to Mission u was given at the Metropolitan District s Mission Fusion Event in February. Mission u Dean Patricia Knebel and I presented our work at New Rochelle UMC in December and received positive feedback. Western Connecticut State University will again be the host from Thursday, July 24 th through Saturday, July 26 th this year. Full scholarships ($190 value, to be applied towards the registration fee) will be awarded to 20 first-time attendees and more detailed information can be found at the NYAC website CCYM invited me to Camp Lead in August providing an opportunity to get to know the youth leaders during the overnight visit at Camp Epworth while having fun. We will stay in touch for mutual support The conference UMW mission includes a representative to the Appalachian Mission, Children s Home, and City Society. During the City Society s 175 th Anniversary Gala in November, our foremothers legacy in founding the Five Points Mission was shared with almost 700 attendees. We were honored at its annual fundraising reception for Camp Olmsted on May 1 st this year. Our commitment to children and youth continues with our prayers and monetary gifts The 2013 Conference Annual Meeting/Celebration took place on October 26 th at Grace UMC in Valley Stream. Under the theme of Faithfully Resilient, about 300 resilient women gathered to enjoy the hospitality of the local unit, Rev. Matthew T. Curry, and their hand bell choir. Rev. Kenny Yi s welcome and Rev. Denise Smartt Sears brief visit were well appreciated One National Leadership Development Day took place at the United Methodist conference site in Lake Junaluska, NC in January. Participants included newly elected conference officers along with the current president, treasurer, and district treasurers. All treasurers were introduced to the new national online system for remittances. As always, it was uplifting and informational, and we enjoyed the supportive fellowship with women from over ten conferences A national and international gathering of UMW at its quadrennial meeting, Assembly, took place in Louisville, Kentucky from April 24 th 27 th with an Ubuntu Day of Service on the 24 th, opening service on the 25 th, a speech by former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and a march for economic justice on the 26 th, and a closing service on the 27 th. Almost 8,000 attendees celebrated the commissioning of deaconesses and the sisterhood of mission while participating in numerous workshops, discussions, trainings, prayers, meditations, mission markets and fun-filled activities We are looking forward to another fruitful and blessed year.

10 136 - Reports, Petitions & Resolutions SECTION 2: CONNECTIONAL MINISTRIES AND MINISTRIES OF NURTURE All items were approved by the indicated votes and were included in the consent calendar affirmative vote. The votes shown are those from the legislative section for each item. LEGISLATIVE SECTION 2 Camping & Retreat Ministries Beth Ann Graf Chair - Camps Governing Board Leslie Vashon Vice Chair - Camps Governing Board Greg Nissen Director - Camping & Retreat Ministries Concur: 107, Non-Concur: 0, Abstain: 0; 100% concurrence, NYAC conference session: adopted 101. Mission Statement and Context: We offer natural settings where all are welcome. Here the experience and respect for God s creation connects people in an oasis where Christian community and adventures invite spiritual growth The Camping and Retreat Ministries (CRM) Governing Board serves to guide and supervise the camping staff and director in carrying out the mission and ministry to approximately 15,000 persons annually. The board s representatives are constituents to the larger mission of the church and each member has a focused role or camp to which they have a connection The current Camps Task Force, comprising the president of the Conference Board of Trustees, CCF&A leaders, the conference CFO, a cabinet representative, key members of the CRM Governing Board and the CRM director, has been meeting regularly for the last year regarding the issues related to the CRM. The increased communication has allowed for quick turnaround on many important issues, in particular the impending sale of Epworth The CRM ended the year with additional indebtedness to NYAC of $18,000, significantly lower than prior years because of the sale of the small parcel of land at Epworth and minimal staffing at all locations. The indebtedness to NYAC as of 12/31/13 totals $775,777, which includes prior-year debt for Epworth held by CF&A until such time Epworth is sold. In addition to this, there is a $1,068,000 commercial mortgage on the Quinipet property. Please note all figures are estimates prior to annual audit. Minor adjustments may be made Quinipet, Shelter Island Heights, NY ( (25 acres - Year round) Quinipet s active Christian sleep-away and day camps host about 500 campers for each program over a six-week season. The community sailing program brings an additional 100 people to our shores. Offering day camp and a community sailing program helps offset the cost of the sleep away and keeps our pricing within reach of our community and church families. During the non-summer season, Quinipet hosts many church and non-profit retreats, of which approximately 35% are Methodist Quinipet had $1,419,000 in program revenue in 2013, up from $1,300,000 in There were $24,000 in cash contributions and $55,000 of applied conference subsidy. In addition to that revenue, a loan from Bridgehampton UMC for the Welcome Center in 2010 was forgiven in the amount of $58,900. Praise God for such a blessed gift.

11 2014 New York Annual Conference Operational expense was $1,384,000 without depreciation factored into the total. With $143,000 in capital expenditures and direct cash injections to Epworth of $78,000, Quinipet s surplus of operational funds were absorbed into capital To support our fiscal planning, minimal staffing kept costs down but is not a model that can be sustained. Greg Nissen is the facility manager of Quinipet as well as director of all three sites. Lauren Ruiz is the administrator and Bryan Knipfing is assistant director of Youth and School Programming. Chris Baer is our food service manager and does contract purchasing. Part-time kitchen and maintenance workers assist on occasion Hurricane Sandy in October, 2012, caused substantial damage to the bulkhead supporting 2,360 linear feet of our shoreline. As a result, it was necessary to repair the damaged and missing bulkhead with town-approved replacement material. Work began to secure a low-interest loan through the SBA in 2013 in the approximate amount of $702,000. The loan was closed and work began in Kingswood, Hancock, NY ( (766 Acres - Seasonal) Kingswood offers adult and family camping with 15 fully equipped campsites, ten tent and trailer sites and four RV sites. Woodsmoke s two oneweek programs are offered to youth entering grades Hathaway Farmhouse is available from October to May to accommodate 22 people Woodsmoke provides a wonderful opportunity for tent camping and participation in service projects. Volunteer programs include set-up, spring and fall and takedown weekends Kingswood continues to be a cash-flow-neutral property. Earned revenue was slightly lower than 2012 at $61,000, while the program operation/expense was $67,000. In addition, contributions of cash and equitable gifts totaled nearly $30,000. Capital improvements paid for by contributions and timber harvest proceeds are valued at about $30,000 for Kingswood s committed volunteer network accomplishes the majority of the work needed to meet this camp s mission Kingswood is run by longstanding Volunteer Director Cheryl Winship. Additional volunteer staff includes Julie Wityk, who oversees the Woodsmoke camp and Holly Moore, who is on site for the summer season and serves as primary contact for event organization and family camp reservations Improvements completed in 2013 include electric to the limited-mobility site, Oasis bathroom now graded from step entry and the road to the RV campsites completed. Plans for 2014 include improvements to bathrooms and many smaller projects Epworth, High Falls, NY Justin Savarese continues as the property manager and sole employee of the property. Occasional hourly employees support him in operations In 2013, Epworth continued to be a cash-flow-negative property. Earned revenue from retreat usage totaled $205,000 which, by Justin s efforts, was an increase in fees from 2012 in terms of retreat-related usage. The simple operation of the facility costs $360,000 leaving a programmatic loss of $120,000 after using $55,000 of the subsidy and without calculating depreciation.

12 138 - Reports, Petitions & Resolutions 117. With the sale of a small parcel of 3.1 acres, $112,000 of capital improvements were completed to prepare Epworth for real estate marketability. A full-scale painting and exterior rehabilitation program was completed to have the property show well. Remaining funds from the small parcel sale were applied toward operational deficits of years past. As voted upon and announced, Epworth is now on the market for sale. LEGISLATIVE SECTION 2 Camps Task Force Ross Williams, Chair Concur: 107, Non-Concur: 0, Abstain: 0; 100% concurrence, NYAC conference session: adopted 101. Our Camping and Retreat Ministries ( CRM ) are a vital component of our conference and a place where both youth and adults can experience Christianbased experiences in natural settings. Many clergy of our conference first felt the call to ministry as a result of a camp experience. Countless laity have also had deep, meaningful and spiritual experiences forming the underpinnings of their devotion to their faith The financial situation at our camps has been a challenging one dating back decades. This is not unique many UMC conferences throughout the U.S. struggle with the same questions of: what is the unified vision for our camping program, to what extent is the conference willing to fund such a ministry, what actions should be taken if the ministry is not able to operate within that level of funding and how do we operate and finance our camps in ways to achieve long-term sustainability Over the past decades, there have been more than a half-dozen committees or task forces established to address periodic financial crises associated with our camping program. A common theme from these groups and related studies was a lack of trust, confidence and communication between CRM and conference leadership. Each agency of the conference appeared to operate within its own sphere and would only cross boundaries when presented with a crisis. Additionally, there was no cohesive vision shared by both the CRM and conference leadership Fast-forward to today and you will find a much different and markedly improved situation. The small membership base of the current Camps Task Force combined with representation from key stakeholders has resulted in a well-coordinated and effective team that has re-built trust and confidence and that now communicates and executes critical tasks quickly and effectively The Camps Task Force was reconstituted during 2013, and now includes key leaders from the Cabinet, Camping & Retreat Ministries, Board of Trustees, Council on Finance and Administration ( CF&A ) and conference staff. The following positions are permanent members and those currently serving are in parenthesis: Director of CRM (Greg Nissen), Chair of CRM (Beth Ann Graf), Vice Chair of CRM (Leslie Vachon), Trustees President (Ginny Carle), District Superintendent (Jim Moore), CF&A President (Gillian Prince), CF&A Vice President (Eric Fjeldal) and the Conference CFO (myself) The task force meets monthly at the Conference Center with the exception of July and August. Due to the distances being traveled, we alternate meetings between in-person and conference-call formats.

13 2014 New York Annual Conference At each meeting, we generally review the following: Conference billings to the camps and the status of reimbursements Camp financials, forecasts and cash position Capital expenditure needs Minimum-use status of Camp Epworth Operations at Camp Quinipet Operations at Camp Kingswood Specific concerns 107. Controls: The control environment has been a topic discussed in many of our meetings as well as at CF&A. Effective financial controls ensure that financial statements are accurate, that costs are well-managed and that activities and decisions are undertaken with the appropriate level of authority. During 2013, the committee discussed and reviewed some of the controls at our camps and made recommendations for improvement, many of which have already been implemented. But there is more work to do in this area and we will continue to maintain it as a topic of discussion Marketing of Camp Epworth: In 2011, the conference approved a plan to lease or sell portions or all of Camp Epworth. This decision was reached after a long history of financial drain associated with a declining use of the camp. Unfortunately that history has continued and each year Epworth is operated it produces a deficit of at least $125,000 (above and beyond the budgeted funding from the conference). With no other untested options or alternatives available, CRM, this committee and the trustees went forward with a plan to sell the camp. During 2013, certain legal roadblocks standing in the way of selling the camp were dealt with and a concerted effort was made to make the property as attractive and appealing as possible. As of the date of this report, the property has been listed for sale at an asking price of $3.6M. Several potential buyers have expressed interest and it is our hope that the property can be sold before we incur expenses of the fall season. Until the property is sold, it continues to be operated on a minimum use basis. This means constraining expenditures to only those that maintain the value of the camp, are associated with revenues or are associated with a potential sale Insurance: During 2013 information was provided to our insurance agent for our 2014 renewal of coverage for both the conference and our camps. This information, some of which was misinterpreted, resulted in a 19% increase in insurance premiums for our camps. The large increase prompted us to re-bid the insurance to ensure that we were getting the best pricing coupled with the best coverage available. As a result, a decision was made and approved by the trustees to move camp insurance from Church Mutual to K&K effective 4/1/14. Not only is the new coverage less expensive (a 10% decrease over 2013) but it is also better suited to the unique risks of a camp environment (K&K specializes in providing such coverage to camps nationwide). Greg Nissen was the key driver behind this effort to constrain costs and obtain better coverage and spent countless hours working on this project. The ability to execute this change quickly was an example of the close collaboration of this committee Quinipet Seawall Repairs: The committee has been actively engaged in the discussion of needed repairs to the seawall at Camp Quinipet as a result of Hurricane Sandy. These repairs have required external financing, which has been secured from the Small Business Association at a rate of 3%. The project

14 140 - Reports, Petitions & Resolutions LEGISLATIVE SECTION 2 is being overseen by Greg Nissen, with administrative assistance from many on this committee. The estimates for repair came in higher than the originally announced $500,000 and accordingly, an increase in the amount of the loan, to approximately $702,000, was approved Sale of Parcel at Epworth: In September of 2013, the conference sold a 3.1 acre parcel of land containing a residence, which was subdivided from Camp Epworth. This parcel contained road frontage and was not essential to the operation of the camp. The net proceeds of this sale, which approximated $156,000, were used to repay CRM indebtedness to the conference Indebtedness: As of March 31, 2014, the CRM owed the conference $804,091 for past operational expenses and certain capital expenditures Appreciation: I would like to express deep gratitude to each member of this committee who have sacrificed many evenings and who have shaken off the preconceptions and sensitivities of the past to work collaboratively to strengthen this vital ministry. Children s Ministries Cassandra Negri, Consultant Concur: 107, Non-Concur: 0, Abstain: 0; 100% concurrence, NYAC conference session: adopted 101. In 2013, with the support of the Connectional Ministries Office and the Perkins Foundation, Children s Ministries delivered several VBS preview workshops throughout the conference. The churches that participated formed clusters to share resources and supplies. Decorating items and puppets were also available through the Learning Center for churches to borrow for their programs. The Learning Center also has previous year s VBS curriculum for churches to borrow. Connectional Ministries Vision Table Rev. Ann A. Pearson, Director of Connectional Ministries Concur: 106, Non-Concur: 0, Abstain: 0; 100% concurrence, NYAC conference session: adopted 101. Annual Conference, 2013, welcomed our new Resident Bishop Martin D. McLee. Our annual conference theme was Dismantling Walls: Building the Beloved Community. Celebrated our 17 th year at Hofstra University, June 5-8, Hofstra staff were excellent hosts thank you! 102. The mezzanine was crowded with interactive ministry displays. Thank you to all those who displayed For the third year, conference sessions were live on the Internet. We are pleased to hear that families and mission sites around the world were connected to our event The work of the Connectional Ministries Vision Table (CMVT) continues to prioritize its ministry in line with the Conference Vision Statement, adopted in To build up a healthy body of Christ The Office of Connectional Ministries has prioritized the 2011 Call of the Council of Bishops to Action. We continue to send Vital Team representatives from the conference to national strategy gatherings, planning to continue Vital Congregation growth into the future.

15 2014 New York Annual Conference No More Malaria funds collected at annual conference were $42,000 toward our $1.2 million goal. This year, Lynda Gomi assumed leadership as Field Coordinator, received training and has organized three events for Gift cards are available for donations at any time on the website We welcomed Rev. Tom Vencuss to our staff as coordinator of Disaster Recovery Ministries for the Hurricane Sandy Recovery Mission. The ongoing relief project employs staff for coordinating construction and volunteers; relating and reporting to agencies and funding sources; and family support and pastoral care. The Long Island Sandy Recovery enewsletter can be found at (click on News, then Newsletters) The Office of Connectional Ministries supported signage grants this year for churches that were willing to upgrade or install highway signs. Others received grants that contributed to the replacement of outdated church signs Cassandra Negri serves as the Children s Ministry consultant. She is the go to person for children s resources, workshops, VBS cluster training and Safe Sanctuary scheduling. In addition, we thank Elizabeth Christie, Deb Mecca and Arturo Maine as part of a creative team finding ways to inspire the best from a church teaching staff. The Learning Center continues to supply resources for teaching all ages The budget of Conference Vision Table continues to make adjustments to reflect the encouragement of new initiative ministries while supporting active committees We want to thank THE VISION editor, Joanne Utley, for her work. In conjunction with Barbara Eastman, our webmaster, the online communications of the New York Annual Conference has developed beyond all expectations. Won Tack Lee has joined our communications team for videotaping and editing work Rev. Jim Stinson continues to serve as consultant for Older Adult Ministries. Jim has written and published a new book, Just Because I Am Old. He continues to lead district, cluster, and local church seminars and is currently writing a very popular online column for Older Adult Ministries in THE VISION Arturo Maine continues as our Latino coordinator building ministry and cooperation. His work has been gratefully appreciated by the Hispanic community Neal Bowes continues to consult in the area of Youth Ministries. Our special thanks to the Conference Council on Youth Ministries (CCYM) under the leadership of 35 amazing youth and adult sponsors led by Dana Dudkewic. They continue to sponsor IGNITE annually. Check out the Youth website Lynda Gomi served her second year as assistant to the director of Connectional Ministries. She is the twice-a-week newsletter editor, has taken on the No More Malaria Campaign and has taken leadership in Vital Congregations. Most important, Lynda always has my back! Thank you! 116. This 2014 Annual Conference marks the last of my 13 years as director of Connectional Ministries. I would recommend this job to anyone who loves God and multitasking! It has been my role to listen for what God is doing around the conference, to respond to the educational needs raised by committees,

16 142 - Reports, Petitions & Resolutions boards, the bishop and Cabinet and to be ever aware of the sparks of a new idea that may be developed into amazing ministry. LEGISLATIVE SECTION 2 District Council on Ministries Catskill Hudson District Gene Knoth & Carol Merante, Co-Chairs Concur: 106, Non-Concur: 0, Abstain: 0; 100% concurrence, NYAC conference session: adopted 101. So much has been happening in our district this year! We are blessed with a supportive and affirming district superintendent, dedicated clergy, and enthusiastic laity. Thank you, one and all, for your participation in the ministries and programs of the Catskill Hudson District! 102. Some of the highlights of the past year include: A district website and Facebook page that are helping us all to feel more connected. If you haven t visited either site, check us out at www. catskillhudson.org 1 or friend us on FB at Catskill Hudson District NYAC of The United Methodist Church. We had a District Mission Team go to Ecuador in October! Pictures of this trip were shared at charge conferences. If you d like more information, or you d like some of the team members to speak to your congregation or organization about their experience, please contact Linda Mellor of the New Paltz UMC. Many from our district attended the conference ReVitaleyes Rural Church Renewal event in Kingston on October 26. This exciting and inspiring event was planned by folks from the Catskill Hudson District. (Did we mention how blessed we are to have great clergy and lay leadership here in the Catskills? ) Leadership training events in February offered enrichment opportunities in Finance & Stewardship, Staff-Parish Relations, Intergenerational Worship, and Using Social Media in Our Churches. These workshops were held at four different locations throughout the district. Also in February, the DCOM sponsored a Got Sabbath? District Day Apart at the Rondout Valley UMC. We worshiped, we were challenged to claim Sabbath time in our lives, we laughed, we played, we rested we left renewed. March began with Fat Sunday services at twelve churches throughout the district, and ended with the Festival of Praise at the Overlook UMC wonderful opportunities to praise and worship God with our brothers and sisters in the Hudson Valley and Catskill Mountains. In the last 12 months, the Lay Servant Ministry Committee has offered 13 classes in 9 locations throughout the district, with a total of 73 students participating! The district United Methodist Women have been very active, sponsoring summer and winter retreats, a Women s Day Apart, and numerous mission projects. Disaster response training and service opportunities are still available. Many from our district have participated in this vital ministry. 1 Editor s note: The Catskill Hudson District web site was moved to after annual conference.

17 2014 New York Annual Conference District Superintendent Jim Moore s vision for the Catskill Hudson District is that we might equip, collaborate, and celebrate. The highlights listed above confirm that we are realizing that vision in many creative and hope-filled ways. As we head into a new program year, we pray that God will once again guide us, inspire us, and energize us to do all that God is calling us to do. District Council on Ministries Connecticut District Maggie Carr, Chair Concur: 106, Non-Concur: 0, Abstain: 0; 100% concurrence, NYAC conference session: adopted 101. The Connecticut District gathered on April 28, 2013 for a district conference made unforgettable by the powerful talks given by the ministry team of Newtown, UMC, Rev. Mel Kawakami, Rev. Jane Sibley, and Rev. Sue Klein. It is impossible to thank them enough for their willingness to share so eloquently the stories of their ministries and lives in the days, weeks, and months following the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in December, Thanks go as well to the choirs from churches across our district who enriched the day with their beautiful musical offerings and to our District Superintendent Ken Kieffer who planned such a memorable event Our February, 2014 District Resource Days were our main focus in late 2013 and early The events were held on Saturday, February 1 at the Woodbury UMC and on Sunday, February 9 at the Yalesville UMC the total attendance was over 200, with approximately 85 people attending in Watertown and 120 in Yalesville. Our workshop topics and leaders included: SPR 101 with the Rev. Ken Kieffer Dissing the Dis in Disability with Stephanie Parsons and Deb Selden Church Finance with Ross Williams in Woodbury and Geoff Fowler in Yalesville Memorial Gifts, Wills, and Trusts with the Rev. Bob Knebel Grassroots Marketing with Pastor John Parille How to Start a Prayer Ministry in Your Church with Liz Yount Missions with Joseph Ewoodzie The Power of Intercessory Prayer with the Rev. Lemuel Blackett 105. The feedback on all workshops was enthusiastically positive, and the hospitality extended by both host churches was outstanding. Huge thanks go out to each of our workshop leaders and the staff and members of the Woodbury and Yalesville churches In the fall of 2013, the Rev. Craig Fitzsimmons, mission coordinator, made us aware of a need at Liberia s Gbarnga School of Theology where students had no textbooks and depended on what limited materials could be photocopied by their professors. This problem could be resolved with the purchase of e-readers, which would enable students to access adequate materials for a quality theological education. With the blessing of the District Council on Ministries, the Rev. Ken Kieffer announced the Connecticut District s E-Reader project at each church s annual church conference, and by April, a total of $9, had been donated by churches and individuals to purchase 107 e-readers with additional e-readers to be purchased through matching grants.

18 144 - Reports, Petitions & Resolutions LEGISLATIVE SECTION Among our additional projects were funding and then receiving conference reimbursement for materials for Vital Congregations Incubator Training and the Huntington Lecture Series We are now looking forward to the Connecticut District Conference on May 18, 2014 where we anticipate welcoming Bishop Martin McLee as our keynote speaker I would like to extend a personal word of thanks to each member of the District Council on Ministries, to our District Superintendent Ken Kieffer, to District Administrative Assistant Dorothy Chamberlain, and to former DCOM chair Heather Sinclair. Your support and encouragement have been a tremendous blessing to me as I have endeavored to learn the responsibilities of chairing the District Council on Ministries. District Council on Ministries Long Island West District Rev. Delroy Murdock Concur: 106, Non-Concur: 0, Abstain: 0; 100% concurrence, NYAC conference session: adopted 101. We are truly grateful to God for all that has been accomplished through God s grace this year. Our district continues to focus on the training of the laity The Annual Lay Leadership development training was held at St. Francis College on Saturday February 15th 2014 with over 300 persons in attendance. Again we had to limit registration due to limited space. We are therefore exploring the possibility of a different location which would allow greater accommodation Lay Servant Ministry training was held at three campuses, Brooklyn, Corona, and Queens/Nassau with an enrollment of 101 lay servants. Plans are in the works to have additional courses as part of this program The District Evangelism committee sponsored a seminar on prayer with the theme Pray Until Something Happens (PUSH). There were over 100 participants representing churches from across the district The Far Rockaway mission has become a well-known institution in the Far Rockaway community providing meals for the needy seven days per week, a worship experience on Sundays and Bible study on Thursdays. A growing number of churches on the district have become involved in this mission project The District Trustee Board is considering the sale of the existing district parsonage at 5 Post Avenue, East Williston, NY and finding a location for both the district parsonage and office within the boundaries of the Long Island West District We regret the fact that the district will be saying goodbye to Rev. Kenny Yi as our district superintendent as he ll be transitioning from the cabinet to serve an extension ministry in July We wish to express our profound gratitude for the devoted leadership, the generosity of spirit, the depth of spirituality and Christian character he has displayed. May his ministry be blessed Let me also express thanks to the district superintendent, members of the District Council on Ministries and the churches of the Long Island West District for the opportunity to serve as chairperson of this body over the past few years. I will be retiring in June and therefore will vacate this position as of the 24th of May.

19 2014 New York Annual Conference District Council on Ministries Metropolitan District Daryl Norman, Chair Concur: 106, Non-Concur: 0, Abstain: 0; 100% concurrence, NYAC conference session: adopted 101. Greetings and Blessings for This report is submitted on behalf of the Metropolitan District Council on Ministries Our goal is to Engage, Serve and Commit to the leadership development for the churches on our district. To work together to provide training venues available to all geographical areas of the district. To communicate an invitational culture between and among the local churches, leaders and members. To plan and implement mission opportunities for our churches. To collaborate, and involve local churches with conference-wide events and current information Our annual Leadership Development Seminar under the leadership of Rev. Sonia Jermin and team members did an excellent job. Our Lay Servant Training Seminar was under the leadership of Joy Rhodes and Kim Owens, and team members did an excellent job. The presenters and participants shared their joy at the refreshed and valuable learning experiences. Our other committees are still developing ministry opportunities while other committees need support and guidance to accomplish their described goals We welcomed our District Superintendent Rev. Dr. Denise Smartt Sears with a blessed Service of Celebration. We welcomed our Administrative Assistant Lisa Cunningham who provided support for our programming efforts At our upcoming annual meeting our new organizational structure will be presented and we are excited for this new direction. We are confident we will expand and nurture our churches in Christian discipleship as we seek to impact the world for Jesus Christ A heartfelt thank you to our District Superintendent Denise Smartt Sears for her enthusiastic leadership and to each member of the Metropolitan District Council on Ministries for prayers, participation and service We bid Lisa Cunningham farewell and offer our sincere gratitude for her most able assistance. We bid farewell to our retiring clergy members As I depart as chair of the Metropolitan DCOM please know it has been my honor and privilege to serve and be a part of the best district in the NY Annual Conference. May the favor of God continue to be with you. District Council on Ministries New York/Connecticut District Ross Topliff, Chair Concur: 106, Non-Concur: 0, Abstain: 0; 100% concurrence, NYAC conference session: adopted 101. My second and final year as chair comes to a close with a host of exciting programs continuing and under development. Under the fine guidance of our District Superintendent Rev. Betsy Ott, we have significantly enhanced our worship, leadership training, and youth programs Worship experiences included our second annual Advent service which was enjoyed by all who attended, despite a winter storm that kept some folks away. We are starting plans for district Worship Day Apart in October as a

20 146 - Reports, Petitions & Resolutions LEGISLATIVE SECTION 2 new addition. A Lenten Day Apart for clergy and laity is being planned for the spring of The Leader-to-Leader Training continues to get better with improved organization and wonderful trainers. Although the second session on Saturday has seen lower attendance than the first session, it provides the same wonderful opportunity for those in another part of the district or who cannot attend the initial session Since our youth are critical to the future success of our church, we are making a concerted effort to strengthen this subcommittee and have recruited a number of new members. The activities we held this past year were well and enthusiastically attended by young and young-at-heart alike. We are looking to build on this work as we continue along the path of making disciples of Jesus Christ The Lay Servant Committee is doing great things under the leadership of Frank Atkins, et. al. They have trained many new and old lay servants as they seek to bring the new programs to every local church desiring a fresh start or strengthening their resolve moving forward As I step aside as chair, I do not plan to step aside from this exciting group of dedicated Christians. I am regularly amazed at what Christ is accomplishing through these dedicated servants. Leaving aside earthly pleasures for the glory of God is truly rewarding beyond our imaginings! 107. Finally, a word of thanks to all who worked hard to make this year such a success for Christ and a word of encouragement for Rev. Wongee Joh as she assumes this important position. Fellowship of Local Pastors and Associate Members Rev. Eileen M Daunt, Chair Concur: 106, Non-Concur: 0, Abstain: 0; 100% concurrence, NYAC conference session: adopted 101. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! The local pastors and associate members are active and well in the New York Annual Conference In the early part of the conference year a survey was sent out by the fellowship to all local pastors and associate members. We had close to a 40% response rate. The inquiry was ed out to see how we might be a better fellowship in the NYAC. The responses are being used to plan an upcoming event to be held in 2014 and to help provide some educational pieces in either district or cluster district gatherings. A trial sampling was started in one of our districts last winter The fellowship did meet at annual conference in 2013 and about 24 attended the meeting. There was much enthusiasm for getting an event started for retreat time, a bit of education, a Bible study, worship and of course making connections and fellowship It is my hope to encourage our fellowship members to become more active in the conference. It will be with God s grace and help that the fellowship will become of great value for our members We had one of our members, Camille Regholec, complete the Basic Course of Study last July at Wesley Theological Seminary.

21 2014 New York Annual Conference As chair, I attended the National Gathering of Associate Members and Local Pastors last September in Branson, MO. I came home with ideas and resources to share. I am planning on attending the national gathering again this September at St. Simon s Island in Georgia. I continue to encourage others to attend this valuable event which is attended by local pastors and associate members from all over the states The purpose of the conference fellowship is to provide support, fellowship and education for its members. We hope to continue to improve as we find our places in ministry in the New York Annual Conference. Hispanic Consultant Rev. Arturo Maine, Consultant Concur: 106, Non-Concur: 0, Abstain: 0; 100% concurrence, NYAC conference session: adopted 101. The following are activities, meetings and consultations in which I engaged as part of my function during the year April : June 7: Coordinate Hispanic Morning Worship at Annual Conference Sept 1-3: Hispanic Family at Quinipet Sept 17: Meeting Rev Francisco Cañas of NHPLM Sept 18: Joint Meeting at NYAC Center/NHPLM Sept 25: Vision Bearers 475 Riverside Dr Sept 28: Hispanic Council Spiritual Retreat Nov 4: Meet with Vision Bearer Ridgewood UMC Nov 19: Conference Call SS Nov 21: Task Force & NHPLM Dec 10: Bishop and NHPLM Conference Center : Jan 7: Conference Relations Committee Jan 9: Plan National en NYAC Center Jan 11: Training Lay Servants in LIW District Jan 25: Training Lay Servants in LIW District Feb 1: Training Lay Servants in LIW District Feb 20: Conference Relations Committee Feb 22: Training Lay Servants in LIW District Mar 8: Resource for the UMM day apart Mar15: Training Lay Servants LIW District Mar 22: Training Lay Servants in Metropolitan District Mar 29: Training Lay Servants in Metropolitan District April 2: NYAC Conference Office with NHPLM April 12: Hispanic Council Annual Conference April 5-6: Coordinate overnight retreat with Hispanic/Latino Pastors and Lay with Consultants from NHPLN 104. These are the activities of major involvement. (Countless calls and visits to other Hispanic activities not included.)

22 148 - Reports, Petitions & Resolutions LEGISLATIVE SECTION 2 Hurricane Sandy Recovery Mission Tom Vencuss, NYAC Disaster Recovery Coordinator Concur: 106, Non-Concur: 0, Abstain: 0; 100% concurrence, NYAC conference session: adopted 101. Rebuilding Homes And Lives - One Day, One Home, One Person At A Time 102. Hurricane Sandy made landfall on the eastern seaboard on October 29, When it was over it not only became the deadliest and largest Atlantic hurricane of the season, but the second costliest in United States history. No matter how you view the statistics, they are overwhelming: over 500,000 applicants across NY and NJ registered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for assistance; 220,000 homes sustained damage not covered by insurance; 225,000 registrants have incomes less than $30,000 per year Now, more than a year out, the situation is still overwhelming. Tens of thousands of homes still require repair or rebuild. Thousands of persons remain in temporary housing, or were forced to move to new locations. Many have exhausted insurance and personal funds. While many will receive checks from the government for rebuild, many others will be receiving notices of ineligibility; and, as federal programs begin to close out or move on, a greater share of the recovery effort will fall to non-profits and volunteer organizations Right from the outset, the churches and people of the New York Annual Conference have been on the front lines of the relief and recovery effort. Thousands of volunteers have provided funds, time, and services, in the relief phase moving debris, tearing out water-soaked wallboard and carpets, ripping up damaged floors, and providing a comforting presence to homeowners We are now in the midst of the recovery phase. Teams and individuals from around the country and around the conference continue to provide support, offering their time and skills to put up wallboard, repair floors and walls, and do whatever is necessary to assist families toward recovery. In the first quarter of 2014, volunteers, working out of the NYAC Sandy Recovery ministry, provided nearly 6,000 volunteer hours to the rebuild effort. While that is good and we, along with the homeowners, are grateful, it, unfortunately, is not nearly enough. The rebuild and recovery process will go on for many years. It is believed by many that it will be efforts of the volunteer organizations that will make the difference in this recovery We are grateful to two of our major partners who provide significant support for our mission: UMCOR and the American Red Cross. UMCOR provided an emergency grant and then the foundational support for our NYAC Sandy Mission. We operate three recovery sites, on Staten Island, Long Island, and Brooklyn, and plan to be present in Queens and Connecticut shortly. It is through these sites that we coordinate our volunteer teams and work projects The American Red Cross has given us a grant which has allowed us to hire disaster recovery specialists for Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens and Connecticut. We have a volunteer serving that position on Long Island. Their role is to work with, and through, long-term recovery groups and unmet needs committees, to provide direct assistance to clients vetted through disaster case management. The unmet needs committees bridge the gap between what a family has, and what they need, to move toward their recovery.

23 2014 New York Annual Conference What can you do? We encourage you to challenge your church to be part of the recovery work. You can sign up a team for a few days, or a week, and we will assign you to a location and project site. Through our Done in a Day program, you can also send a small team down for a day. Start early. Finish late. Done in a day. Either way, you can be part of the on-going work A disaster of this sort offers the church a challenge and opportunity to be the church at its best. To be with, and stand with, people in the midst of their need. And, by our presence, gifts, talents, and prayers, be a living and tangible witness to the love of God in Jesus Christ. Learning Center Lynda Gomi, Coordinator Concur: 106, Non-Concur: 0, Abstain: 0; 100% concurrence, NYAC conference session: adopted 101. The Learning Center is run by the Connectional Ministries Office to offer support for churches and UM organizations through books, periodicals, curriculum samples, multi-media resources, puppets, and worship materials such as the labyrinth and elements for altar design The Learning Center continues to host workshops, and provide space for meetings and day retreats for groups across the Vision Table and beyond. An important focus of the Learning Center space is the altar design connected to the Christian year The Learning Center houses the Resource Library. Resources are continuously added to the Resource Library catalogue which is available online at Material can be ordered online and delivered by mail Due to changes in technology, a focus on new acquisitions (for the catalog) is updating relevant material formatted from video to DVD Due to changes in the nyac.com website, a search for a new online program to house the catalog began in December of Mission and Outreach Ministries Rev. Joseph Ewoodzie, Coordinator of Mission and Outreach Concur: 106, Non-Concur: 0, Abstain: 0; 100% concurrence, NYAC conference session: adopted 101. This year we have responded to the prophetic question in a manner that befits what the prophet Micah proclaimed: To do justice, to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God I hereby present a summary of mission and outreach activities and events: 103. Mission Fusion Event: This is a new mission event that focuses on leadership development through interaction and inspiration. With this event, we seek to strengthen our connectional system by bringing GBGM staff/resources directly to the local church. We held two Mission Fusion events; the first one was in October at Centerport and the second one in December at New Rochelle. One hundred and twenty-three people, representing thirty-two local churches attended the two events. The two important outcomes were a) participants reported that they learned a lot from what other local churches did in missions, and b) they also indicated this event helped them to know more about the work our missionaries do through the Board of Global Ministries. My sincere

24 150 - Reports, Petitions & Resolutions LEGISLATIVE SECTION 2 gratitude goes to the Long Island East District Mission Committee and the Metropolitan District Mission Committee for making these events successful Missionary Itineration and Covenant Relationship: For the first time in many years five GBGM missionaries itinerated through the conference. Three more are scheduled to arrive in May and July The eight missionaries are: Doug Min Seo (Mongolia), Hyeyun Hong Seo (Mongolia), Marilyn Chan (Cambodia), Joseph Chan (Cambodia), Diedonne Karihano (Mozambique), Helen Camarce (Cambodia), Eumin Kim (Kazakhstan) and Prumeh Kim (Kazakhstan). In addition to itinerating missionaries, we interviewed and recommended to GBGM two couples who have received the CALL to go to the missionary field. They are Rev. and Mrs. Sung Song, and Rev. and Mrs. Young Chuel Cho Youth Adult Mission Opportunities: A young adult (20-30yrs) can become a global mission fellow which is long-term missionary service, or a young adult (18-30) can explore the short-term summer mission program as a global justice volunteer, or become an individual volunteer which is a flexible mission service. Please encourage our young adults to join this new mission movement Volunteers in Mission: The anticipated NEW UMVIM handbook came out in January of I highly recommend this handbook to all those interested in short-term mission work. Two of the many important emphases in this handbook are: a) VIM trips as Mission Journeys this change reflects the fact that VIM trips have always been a spiritual journey for participants, and b) we no longer choose a project, we choose a partner because we do not work FOR our partners, we work WITH our partners in mission New Mission Partnerships: It was a historical moment at the Caribbean Methodist Conference in Antigua on March 27, 2014 when delegates from the New York Annual Conference held a mission initiative dialogue with the Methodist Church of the Caribbean and the Americas (MCCA). For the first time, a group of NYAC clergy of Caribbean descent formed a Caribbean Mission Partnership with an intentional focus on engaging in mission with the MCCA. The executive members of the Caribbean Mission Partnership are: Rev. Patrick Perrin (chair), Rev. Wesley Daniel (secretary), and Rev. Marjorie Nunes (treasurer). The connectional leaders of the MCCA, Rev. Otto Wade (president) and Rev. Patmore Henry (secretary) approved of a formal mission partnership with the Antigua District of the MCCA. It is important to note that Antigua is the birthplace of Methodism in the Caribbean (1760) therefore the first mission focus is to support the renovation of the Nathaniel Gilbert center where Methodism was born. Please give to the GBGM Advance Special the Nathaniel Gilbert Initiative Ghana Mission Summit: Bishop Martin McLee and a delegation of 12 people will attend the first Ghana Mission Summit in Accra in September This leadership team will meet with the presiding bishop of the Ghana Methodist Church and his Cabinet to focus on establishing a formal relationship with the Ghana Methodist Church on a connectional level The Mission Global Award: A new Mission Award will be initiated this year. This award is aimed at encouraging churches to engage in both local and global mission work. A covenant relationship with a GBGM missionary is one of the major requirements for the Mission Global Award.

25 2014 New York Annual Conference Older Adult Ministries Jim Stinson, Convener Concur: 106, Non-Concur: 0, Abstain: 0; 100% concurrence, NYAC conference session: adopted 101. Our committee continues to meet monthly and its members continue to be available to work with local congregations, districts or small groups. The goal is to enable more effective ministries in every local church in the NYAC The theme for our display at the 2014 Annual Conference is Forward through the Ages. The display participants will include all age-level ministries, Parish Nurses, and the Accessibility Committee. The hope is to be a vivid and visual reminder that the work of the church is not just about one or another age or interest group, but rather about speaking to the needs and spiritual growth to every part of a congregation The members of the committee recommend several books, which most of us have read, and which we have found useful for work in local congregations. They include: Aging and Ministry in the 21st Century, by Richard Gentzler; Joy Busters, 120 Ways to Encourage Older Adults, by Missy Buchanan; and Just Because I am Old, A Practical and Theological Guide to Caring, by James Stinson. A more extensive list of resources will be available at the display at the NYAC Goals for the coming year include getting someone to sit in on every DCOM to represent the older adults in their district; becoming more proactive in finding ways to be present throughout the conference; and continuing our efforts to find and publicize useful resources As we round out our second full conference year as a committee, we are finding our way and hopefully becoming a more effective presence in our conference. Many thanks to Ann Pearson for all the ways she has helped us along the way. We will miss her! Petition # Camping and Retreat Ministries Scholarship Program Concur: 106, Non-Concur: 0, Abstain: 0; 100% concurrence, NYAC conference session: adopted WHEREAS the annual conference membership has long stood in support of the spiritual growth of the youth of this conference, and WHEREAS efforts have been undertaken by the conference to build up the Methodist youth for many years via various resolutions, and WHEREAS the Camping and Retreat Ministry, in conjunction with the local churches, has a long standing history of offering scholarships to United Methodist youth who are not able to pay for camp, and WHEREAS there is a need to enhance the efforts of the individual churches in building camp scholarship funds. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the New York Annual Conference reinstate a Sunday for a Camping Ministry Offering in the churches of the conference for contributions to such fund. Submitted by:

26 152 - Reports, Petitions & Resolutions LEGISLATIVE SECTION 2 SOCIETIES, INSTITUTIONS & FOUNDATIONS Note: Submissions from agencies which have no reporting responsibility to the Conference are included herein for information purposes. Africa University James H. Salley, Associate Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement Concur: 106, Non-Concur: 0, Abstain: 0; 100% concurrence, NYAC conference session: adopted 101. The New York Conference is distinguished by its consistent and highly proactive support for Africa University. For more than a decade, the local congregations of the New York Conference have invested 100% of their asking or more, in the Africa University Fund (AUF) In 2013, this unwavering leadership in giving made the New York Conference one of 25 (annual conferences) to invest in the AUF at 100% or higher. Your generosity helped overall giving to the AUF to reach 91.77% the highest level of any of the general church funds in The Africa University community students, faculty, staff and trustees, thanks you and celebrates your ongoing investment in changing lives for the better. Thank you, New York Conference, for helping to shape Africa University as a ministry through which young people discern their call and gifts, and become effective global leaders! Highlights: Leadership and Service: In August, three 2013 graduates were commissioned as young adult missionaries by the General Board of Global Ministries, pushing the total number of Africa University alumni serving internationally as mission interns to seven in just two years. Student Enrollment: Demand for an Africa University education continues to grow. Sustained by the generosity of local congregations throughout the connection, Africa University s enrollment grew to 1480 full-time students from 25 African countries in Female students now account for 53% of that total enrollment. Scholarships and Financial Aid: Africa University distributed more than $1.8 million in scholarships and financial aid to its students. The university also launched the Girl Child Scholarship Fund to help more African women to gain access to higher education.

27 2014 New York Annual Conference Resource Generation: Through new initiatives that include a $50 million Campaign for Endowment and outreach to increase financial contributions from its alumni and others in Africa, the institution is working towards greater sustainability. Graduate Impact: More than 450 students were awarded degree certificates in June There are close to 5,000 Africa University graduates currently at work in communities across sub-saharan Africa and beyond. Every day, these graduates manifest the promise and power of the Gospel to bring light and hope to a troubled world. For example, in Mozambique, two Africa University graduates are in the forefront of caring for the victims and healing the rifts behind a recent upswing in political violence. Rev. Joao Sambo coordinates humanitarian relief in the Mozambique Conference and Rev. Anastacio Chembeze is mediating talks between the parties to the conflict to help them to resolve their differences peacefully This work of making disciples of Jesus Christ change agents for the realization of more stable, just, healthy, and prosperous African nations is being shaped and sustained by your generosity and prayers. As Africa University s life-changing ministry unfolds, we pray that the New York Conference will maintain its commitment to this visionary, connectional effort of The United Methodist Church. Please continue to invest in the AUF at 100% of the asking or higher. This allows for the university to meet its day-to-day and operational expenses without uncertainty. Encourage your local church to become an annual scholarship donor. Consider leading an effort to have your local church or district invest in an endowed scholarship which can support one student a year in perpetuity. Take advantage of our new Dream Insurance program ( which allows individuals to donate all or a portion of the proceeds of an affordable Term Life Insurance plan to Africa University. As you make your estate plans, remember to include Africa University in your will. Please pray without ceasing for the ongoing success of this important effort to equip disciples to contribute to a rich, impactful and vibrant future for their nations and for our global church Thank you and God bless you Together, we are changing Africa: Learning here. Living here. Leading here. Serving God. All the time. Everywhere. Black College Fund Veronica Fulmore-Darby, Chair Concur: 106, Non-Concur: 0, Abstain: 0; 100% concurrence, NYAC conference session: adopted 101. The Black College Fund (BCF) supports the 11 historical black colleges and universities related to The United Methodist Church. Since 1972, the BCF has been an apportioned fund of the church. The objective of BCF is to marshal financial support for the programs and ministries of the historical black colleges and universities (HBCUs) related to The United Methodist Church.

28 154 - Reports, Petitions & Resolutions LEGISLATIVE SECTION Regular and consistent funding support is essential in continuing the important work of these colleges Most of these member institutions are well into their second century of service. They still need the continuing institutional support of this church connection to continue their work of opening doors and extending opportunities to deserving students The HBCUs today have an increasing enrollment of Asian, Hispanic, white and international students. Several religious denominations support private HBCUs, however, The United Methodist Church supports the largest number of fully accredited HBCUs in the United States The eleven United Methodist Historical Black Colleges and Universities are: Bennett College for Women Greensboro, NC Claflin University Orangeburg, SC Dillard University New Orleans, LA Meharry Medical College Nashville, TN Philander-Smith College Little Rock, AR Wiley College Marshall, TX Bethune-Cookman College Daytona Beach, FL Clark Atlanta University Atlanta, GA Huston-Tillotson Austin, TX Paine College Augusta, GA Rust College Holly Springs, MS 105. We presented Lina McCord, intern/ambassador, to the 2013 Annual Conference and Mr. Sammy Mudede, a proud senior with a 4.0 GPA. He graduated from Huston-Tillotson in Austin, Texas where he majored in computer science and will be attending Carnegie Mellon University for a master s degree in software engineering this fall. We collected a total of $4,235 in contributions. The Black College Fund Committee continues to sponsor an annual luncheon. On March 8, 2014, the luncheon was held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, White Plains. The keynote speaker was Mr. Kevin C. Jones, Esq. of World Resorts International, New York, NY. However, the annual luncheon was not well attended. We collected $2,590 in contributions. Boston University School of Theology Mary Elizabeth Moore, Dean Concur: 106, Non-Concur: 0, Abstain: 0; 100% concurrence, NYAC conference session: adopted 101. Greetings in the Spirit of Jesus Christ! Thank you for your prayers and support for United Methodist theological education. This has been a bountiful year for Boston University School of Theology, beginning with the arrival of a passionate community of students from 35 states and 16 countries. The year has had many highlights. Breaking News: 102. Doctor of Ministry: The School has unfolded a new Doctor of Ministry program designed to enrich church leaders in traditional and non-traditional settings and to deepen their theological understanding and commitment to the practice of ministry. The DMin focuses on transformational leadership. It includes four

29 2014 New York Annual Conference intensive seminars on campus in August and January, a series of online courses, and opportunities for students to work closely with faculty as they research their own unique questions and visions Community Center: The School s renovated Community Center has become a favorite gathering space sustainable, hospitable, and accessible. It is the welcoming home for weekly community lunches, study, conversation, play, seminars, retreats, and parties Religion and Conflict Transformation (RCT) Clinic: The RCT Clinic sponsors projects to address conflict in congregations, interfaith peacebuilding, restorative justice, and mediation Expanded Scholarship Options: The School has expanded its scholarship options to include full tuition scholarships for UMC certified candidates for ordained ministry, African American Thurman scholars, Latino/a Raices scholars, and School of the Prophets scholars. Deepening Spiritual Life: The community enhances spiritual growth in many ways Building intentional living communities: The School sponsors and helps support Theology House, Green House, and Beane House of Study, where students live with intentional and communal practices Enhancing spiritual life through weekly worship, reading retreats, winter retreat, daily morning prayer, and small groups Offering spiritual journeys, including the Vocations Vacation to ministry and service sites and the Seminary Singers tour to local churches. Engaging The World: BU School of Theology students and faculty have traveled and served extensively in the world during the past year: 109. Giving hundreds of volunteer hours across the Boston region, U.S. and world in church camps, homeless shelters, peace organizations, global United Methodist programs, and other settings Traveling in study groups to Turkey (Ephesus), Israel & Palestine, Cuba, rural and urban ministry sites, and churches and service organizations across the US 111. Sponsoring conferences on global Christianity and the Dictionary of African Christian Biography 112. Serving in local churches and community agencies in contextual education placements, courses, and special internships Pondering Critical Issues: The School s annual theme was Free at Last, to honor Martin Luther King, Jr. and his immortal I Have a Dream speech. The community engaged in urgent questions regarding race, sexual orientation and gender identity, and poverty, creating open and respectful spaces to discuss themes that are important to, and controversial in, the church and larger society The ministry of the Boston University School of Theology is to partner with you in serving the church and in caring for the larger human family and God s precious creation.

30 156 - Reports, Petitions & Resolutions LEGISLATIVE SECTION 2 Candler School of Theology Jan Love, Dean and Professor of Christianity and World Politics Concur: 106, Non-Concur: 0, Abstain: 0; 100% concurrence, NYAC conference session: adopted 101. Candler School of Theology prepares real people to make a real difference in the real world. Our commitment to authentic discipleship and relevant ministry enables us to develop uniquely well-rounded leaders who are challenged academically, encouraged spiritually, and immersed in Christian service from the first day they arrive on campus As one of the 13 official seminaries of The United Methodist Church, Candler is grounded in the Christian faith and shaped by the Wesleyan tradition. As one of seven graduate professional schools of Emory University, Candler provides a rich context for learning and formation supported by the extensive resources of a top-tier research university. As a school located in the metropolitan area of Atlanta, Candler offers a learning environment that reflects the highly diverse communities of our 21st century world. There is no better place for ministry preparation that addresses our major denominational priorities: developing leaders, starting and growing churches, ministry with the poor, and improving global health Candler celebrates its Centennial in 2014, marking our 100th anniversary with commemorative events that reflect on our past and a conference on theology and the church that envisions the future. The yearlong celebration begins in August with the opening of the second phase of Candler s new 128,600-squarefoot, LEED-certified building, seven years in the making Not only is Candler expanding its physical space this year it is expanding degree offerings as well. In response to the changing needs of the church, Candler is introducing five new degrees to equip Christian leaders: the Doctor of Ministry, the Master of Religious Leadership, the Master of Religion and Public Life, and two dual degrees pairing divinity and social work and divinity and development practice. With these newest additions to our degree programs, Candler graduates truly will be ready to lead wherever God calls Candler s student body reflects the diversity and breadth of the Christian faithful. Our enrollment stands at 441, with 340 seeking the Master of Divinity, 47 the Master of Theological Studies, 21 the Master of Theology, 15 the Doctor of Theology, and 18 enrolled as Non-Degree students. The student population is 32 percent U.S. ethnic minority, 49 percent women, and the median age of the entering class is 27. Students represent 39 denominations, with half identifying as United Methodist We continue to emphasize preparing our students for leadership in an increasingly global context, and now offer 14 academic exchanges with theology schools in 12 countries across five continents. In addition, Candler has an ongoing summer internship program with the Methodist Church in the Bahamas, and participates each year in travel seminars to the Middle East and in World Methodist Evangelism Institute evangelism seminars, traveling in 2014 to Nigeria, Costa Rica, and Brazil Candler draws considerable strength and inspiration from its relationship with The United Methodist Church. Our ability to fulfill our mission of educating faithful and creative leaders for the church s ministries in the world depends upon

31 2014 New York Annual Conference your support, gifts, and prayers. Thank you for the countless ways you advance this vital ministry in the life of our denomination. Visit us in person in Atlanta or online at candler.emory.edu to see firsthand how Candler prepares real people to make a real difference in the real world. The Long Island Council of Churches Rev. Thomas W. Goodhue, Executive Director, Long Island Council of Churches Concur: 106, Non-Concur: 0, Abstain: 0; 100% concurrence, NYAC conference session: adopted 101. The mission of the Long Island Council of Churches is to help diverse Christians to work together in mission and to help Christians and non-christians to understand one another better The LICC provides resources that are beyond the capacity of individual congregations. In the past year, we fed hundreds of people each week in Nassau and Suffolk counties, sometimes more than 2300 people a month. In the wake of cuts in SNAP (food stamp) benefits and long-term unemployment insurance, it has been a challenge to keep up, but with the help of people like you, we have kept the shelves from going empty. In addition we distributed hundreds of Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets. We fed 500 people at our Thanksgiving Dinner in Riverhead, distributed 8500 household items just in Riverhead, and helped people with rent and mortgage assistance, prescription assistance, transportation, and other problems. We continue to need food donations and volunteer drivers to pick up these contributions Our Multi-Faith Forum recently presented its 300 th educational program, helping us understand, and reach out to neighbors of other faiths. This unparalleled project sends volunteers from eleven faith communities into schools, workplaces, and houses of worship to help Long Islanders understand their neighbors. Our volunteers represent the Bahais, Brahma Kumaris, Buddhism, Christianity, Hindus, Islam, Jainism, Judaism, Native American Spirituality, Sikhism, and Unitarian Universalism. If you are not familiar with all these traditions, you may need a Building Bridges program! And we need more volunteers for the forum, particularly Christians who are willing to tell how they practice their faith in their daily lives We continue to offer financial education workshops, tackling such topics as how to find affordable housing, how to reduce household expenses, and how to manage money in retirement. We have addressed audiences ranging from daylaborers to retirees, from residents of a domestic violence shelter to unemployed workers trying to save their homes. Perhaps you would like us to do a workshop in your congregation? Perhaps as part of your stewardship program? Through Ligero Energy, we also offer churches and individuals substantial discounts on natural gas We also have launched a project with the Partners for Sacred Spaces to help congregations use their facilities more effectively in ministry and find new partners to help maintain their buildings. A dozen local congregations will work together over the course of a year, the first time that a regional ecumenical organization has sponsored this work with the Partners Our new Dialogue Committee has taken road trips to visit the Jain Center of America, a Sikh gurdwara, the Brahma Kumaris Global Harmony House, a Hindu temple, a Mormon stake, a mosque, the Bahai Center, and a new

32 158 - Reports, Petitions & Resolutions congregation of the New Apostolic Church. This spring we received the New Apostolic Church as a new member denomination of the LICC. We do not imagine that we can unite the broken Body of Christ, but we can try to get out of the way of God s attempts to make us one None of this would be possible without the support of many people like you. Thanks! , tomgoodhue@optonline.net, LEGISLATIVE SECTION 2 New York State Council of Churches Rev. Dr. Paula J. Gravelle, Executive Director Concur: 106, Non-Concur: 0, Abstain: 0; 100% concurrence, NYAC conference session: adopted 101. The preamble to the NYSCC Constitution states the biblical mandate undergirding our mission: to declare God s just will among the powers and principalities. Since 1889 the New York State Council of Churches (NYSCC) has enabled Protestant denominations across the state to seek the unity Christ prayed for his church and to strive for mission goals that our churches can better accomplish by working together: social witness; certification and support of Protestant chaplains in state institutions; and ecumenical cooperation in worship, education and action The highlights of the year are below: 103. Social Witness Adopted issue statements on Gun Violence and Immigration Reform Attended lobbying rallies concerning such issues as minimum wage; fracking; gambling; solitary confinement; and gun safety Attended Ecumenical Advocacy Days in Washington, DC Endorsed and urged passage of the Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Act Collaborated with the Labor-Religion Coalition to sponsor Faith for a Fair NY, a two-day conference on advocacy and justice issues Sponsored a trip for youth to the United Nations to help them learn that as Christians they do have a role in public policy, advocacy, and justice issues both locally and globally Participated in the Saratoga Peace Fair and the Interfaith Walk for Peace Published op-ed pieces in newspapers across the state Appeared in advocacy videos on public policy issues 104. Institutional Chaplaincy Continued certifying chaplains for ministry in our state institutions Began work to revitalize and expand the New York State Association of Protestant Chaplains Worked in partnership with the Department of Corrections to assure chaplains are placed appropriately and have tools needed to support their ministry 105. Unity In Worship, Education And Action Prayed that our work together would inspire the worship and witness of each member denomination and congregation in NY State

33 2014 New York Annual Conference We have worked to increase effective communication through improved use of social media. Our website is: and we invite you to like us on Facebook Hired the Rev. Dr. Paula Gravelle as executive director and gave a warm send-off to the Rev. Dr. Robert White, interim executive director Prayerfully considered the direction of the New York State Council of Churches for the future and committed to continuing the work we do on behalf of Christians throughout the state 106. New realities and reduced financial resources require a broader membership base and more grassroots involvement of congregations and individual church members in our common mission. In the year ahead we will be reaching out to invite Christians throughout the state to join us in the work we are called to do as the body of Christ in this time and this place Thank you for your partnership with us. The United Methodist Frontier Foundation, Inc. Rev. Dr. Keith A. Muhleman, President, Executive Director Concur: 106, Non-Concur: 0, Abstain: 0; 100% concurrence, NYAC conference session: adopted rebounded nicely from the tumultuous ups and down of The financial markets responded with solid advances, as indicated below, with only the bond market remaining relatively flat throughout the year. The Foundation took advantage of the positive 2013 results and forged an aggressive Strategic Plan that will guide the Foundation over the next three years The UMFF currently manages funds for nearly 450 churches and institutions throughout New York and western Connecticut. In 2013 churches and conferences placed 26 new accounts totaling $1,085,485. We paid out nearly $2,358,550 to churches and conferences for their use in ministry and capital projects including roof repairs and boiler replacement. At year-end the foundation was managing over $35.3 million (15.8% over 2012) for ministries and individual trusts. Individual charitable gift annuities managed for UMFF at year end totaled over $808, marked a very positive return for our partner churches with the successful 2012 completion of the 30-year Integrity in Pensions Program. In 1982, more than 90 churches invested a collective $1.1 million Option IV to cover their 30- year obligation to the conference-wide campaign to cover the unfunded liability in ministerial pensions. Churches that chose this option were promised that at the end of the 30 year program their original investment would be returned; that promise has been fulfilled. These funds were returned to churches with the gratitude of the conference and the Board of Pensions. For many churches, the $1.1 million returned funds constituted new found monies We currently utilize the professional fund management services of John G. Ullman and Associates in Corning, New York. All our investments are socially screened to comply with the United Methodist Social Principles by following the guidelines set by the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits. We continue to support the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits in its advocacy with those corporations constructively involved in the Middle East and encourage the efforts of the General Board in seeking peace and justice in that region.

34 160 - Reports, Petitions & Resolutions LEGISLATIVE SECTION The UM Frontier Foundation continues to work with local churches to raise capital funds with long- and short-term programs for needed repairs, renovations and expansion of facilities. We assist them with stewardship planning for annual campaigns, planned-giving seminars and endowment development. This work is provided by our executive director and our very able and knowledgeable team of field consultants. These individuals are the first line of contact with local churches. We are indebted to the ministry they carry out for the Frontier Foundation. Our serving consultants include: Ms. Susan Ezrati, Rev. Fred Kelsey, Ms. Heather Brown, Rev. Vernon Lee, Ms. Margaret Howe, Mr. Lum Lee, Mr. Tom Nichols, Mr. Ed Ruppmann, Rev. Bob Knebel and Mr. Ronald Salyer. During 2013, Joe Andreana assumed the position of consultant coordinator, in a move designed to relieve our president/executive director of most of his administrative and supervisory responsibilities relating to the field consultant staff A major focus of our ministry is to develop stewardship leaders and create a stewardship culture in the local church. We encourage individual financial responsibility with our Stewardship in Action Program (now Sower: Seeds of Faith and Finance ) led by Ed Ruppmann and other consultants. This program helps local church members understand their current finances and their options for planning for the future while embracing Christian values. We participate also in the seminars offered in district settings and in local churches dealing with annual campaigns, memorial funds, endowment development and the promotion of planned giving. During 2013, the consultant staff presented over 60 local church-focused seminars addressing the topics above. We also participated with the Board of Ordained Ministry in the mandatory annual pastoral education program regarding local church stewardship and personal finance. This three-day event for new clergy has been joined by tax seminars for all clergy Our ministry to the church is important to us. Nearly all of the services we provide to local churches and individuals are provided at no charge. Although we cannot provide legal or accounting services, we help individuals get ready to speak with their own advisors and then work with those advisors to put in place the plans the individuals want to set up For local churches, we provide stewardship consultation when we evaluate what they are doing financially and make recommendations for changes, including creative and successful ways to conduct their annual campaign and developing alternative income streams. We offer an initial conversation about getting ready for a capital campaign and provide a fee-related proposal for services for the church to consider. We meet with the financial leadership of a church to help them set up an endowment program. We offer seminars on planned giving and preach in local churches in conjunction with the planned giving and stewardship issues Effective ministries cost money to establish and maintain, and that is true of the work of the United Methodist Frontier Foundation as well. We receive a small stewardship consulting payment from the conference. We charge our account partners only 1.25% per year for funds that we manage up to $250,000 and 1% for any amount over that cumulative total. There are no processing fees or transaction fees charged to our partners nor is there a delay in the payout of requested funds. We conduct annual and capital campaigns for a negotiated fee, not a percentage of the monies raised.

35 2014 New York Annual Conference Our office is staffed by Ms. Sally Evans, our office manager who performs data entry on our accounting system for funds we manage for two conferences, three districts, and five hundred churches. Mr. Charles Rhuda, our accountant, balances our books and ensures we operate in compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. In 2013, a part-time position was added to our office staff to assist both Ms. Evans and Mr. Rhuda Members of the Board of Directors continue to be the backbone of the United Methodist Frontier Foundation. Their enthusiastic participation and involvement guides our ministry and provides the stability and energy required to keep the UM Frontier Foundation moving forward It has been my privilege to serve as the president/executive director of the United Methodist Frontier Foundation. I look forward to the future of our ministry together that as Christians we use the gifts God has placed in our keeping to find new ways to serve and make disciples in the world. United Theological Seminary Wendy J. Deichmann, President Concur: 106, Non-Concur: 0, Abstain: 0; 100% concurrence, NYAC conference session: adopted 101. Is God calling you to the ministry of Jesus Christ? I invite you to explore how United can assist you in fulfilling God s purposes. Come and check out amazing opportunities for study and spiritual growth in person or online at Students at United receive an excellent theological education in a community of genuine faith and learning in both traditional and hybrid/online programs One of the fastest growing seminaries in the US, United specializes in preparing persons for ordination and pastoral ministry with long track records of successful service If church vitality is important to you, you may wish to explore United s focus upon church renewal. If you are already in ministry with a master s degree, the advanced, Doctor of Ministry degree may be what you need to take your learning and ministry to the next level One of thirteen United Methodist theological schools in North America, United was founded in 1871 and lives to serve the church of Jesus Christ and its mission. United is committed to teaching the Bible and the historic Christian faith, cultivating spiritual formation for personal and social holiness, and renewing the Church for the mission of Jesus Christ in the world. What could be more interesting, important or exciting? 106. In addition to expanding residential offerings in Dayton, United continues to extend its service across the Midwestern US. Using technology, United delivers theological education in underserved regions in North America and beyond. United s hybrid/online Master of Divinity degree is accessible anywhere with Internet service in conjunction with periodic intensive weeks of class in Dayton Please let us know if you have questions about how United can best assist you or, if you would like to help make it possible for an American or international student to study at United Enrollment at United continues to grow, and we invite you to call or visit soon!

36 162 - Reports, Petitions & Resolutions 109. For more information, please contact admissions@united.edu Thank you for your prayers, partnership, service and support in the ministry of Jesus Christ! LEGISLATIVE SECTION 2 Wesley Theological Seminary David McAllister-Wilson, President Concur: 106, Non-Concur: 0, Abstain: 0; 100% concurrence, NYAC conference session: adopted 101. The past year has brought many blessings, change and growth to Wesley Theological Seminary. We continue to focus our work on preparing our students for leading churches that go out into the world and moving people to live the Great Commandment and Great Commission. Here are a few of the newest developments at Wesley: The Rev. Dr. Robert K. Martin joined the seminary as Dean and Professor of Christian Formation and Leadership. The Rev. Dr. F. Douglas Powe joined Wesley as the James C. Logan Professor of Evangelism and Urban Ministry. He directs the Urban Ministry program and Course of Study. Paul Kang-Kul Cho is serving as assistant professor of Hebrew Bible. The Rev. Dr. Doug Tzan is now teaching Church History part-time and is mentor to United Methodist students. Mike McCurry (former press secretary in the Clinton presidency) has been named Distinguished Professor of Public Theology and co-director of the National Capital Semester for Seminarians. The Rev. Dr. H. Beecher Hicks, senior minister of Metropolitan Baptist Church in Largo, Maryland, will serve as Distinguished Visiting Professor of Homiletics. With support from Lilly Endowment Inc., the Rev. Dr. James P. Wind (former president of the Alban Institute) has joined the faculty as Visiting Distinguished Professor. He joins our faculty for three years to lead a research project studying large congregations and the leadership they and their pastors wield in church and society. Lilly Endowment Inc. awarded Wesley a grant to research and develop a program to strengthen United Methodist elders and future elders financial literacy and financial-management skills. The Lewis Center for Church Leadership celebrated ten years of offering resources to help congregations reach more people and fund their ministry. See Our Heal the Sick Initiative has graduated its inaugural classes for the Health Minister certificate and the Faith Community Nurse Certificate. The initiative is a unique program at Wesley to help congregations become involved in public health initiatives in their parish, part of our Center for the Missional Church. Lewis Center director the Rev. Dr. Lovett Weems and Wesley Board of Governors Chairman the Rev. Tom Berlin released the book Overflow: Increase Worship Attendance & Bear More Fruit. Completed construction of a new, LEED-certified residence hall.

37 2014 New York Annual Conference Now offers course auditing for $100 per credit hour and CEUs for $100 per unit. Five pastors from Beijing, China, joined us for the spring semester in a special program of study through the work of the Rev. Dr. Kyunglim Shin Lee, Vice President of International Relations. Wesley was named to Faith3.org s list, Seminaries that Change the World. This list was announced in the Huffington Post on November 12, One of the several reasons for the attribute was Wesley s Center for the Missional Church, which is headquartered at Wesley Downtown, in the heart of Washington, D.C Please be in prayer for Wesley Theological Seminary. We cannot do our ministry alone, and your participation with us in the greater mission of God enhances us mightily. We are striving to provide you with the kinds of educational opportunities that will take your ministry to the next level. In turn, we depend upon your participation in and contribution to our ministry as well. So, pray for us often, avail yourself of the school s offerings, give to Wesley, and identify and send us persons who are called and who have a high capacity for fruitful ministry Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington, DC SECTION 3: MINISTRIES OF ADVOCACY All items were approved by the indicated votes and were included in the consent calendar affirmative vote. The votes shown are those from the legislative section for each item. Board of Church & Society Mary Ellen Kris, Chair Concur: 161, Non-Concur: 1, Abstain: 0; 99.38% concurrence, NYAC conference session: adopted Organizational Structure And Practices Organizer/Coordinator for Social Concerns and Social Justice Advocacy and Education 101. We have been privileged to be able to create and fund a part-time staff position of organizer/coordinator for social concerns and social justice advocacy and education for the Conference Board of Church & Society (CBCS). This person is employed by the conference, funded by donations that church members make annually on Peace with Justice Sunday, and reports to the chair of CBCS Beginning on November 12, 2012 Rev. Paul Fleck, part-time pastor of New Milford UMC in the Connecticut District, has diligently served the CBCS as its first organizer/coordinator. However, he asked to be relieved of the responsibility some months ago after his church increased his hours from half time to three-quarter time. (And knowing Paul, I m pretty sure that ¾ time for him is probably time and a half). Paul truly has been a blessing to CBCS (and many other organizations and initiatives in this conference and his district). We wholeheartedly thank him for his service. He will be sorely missed.

38 164 - Reports, Petitions & Resolutions LEGISLATIVE SECTION We have posted the position on the conference website (under Classifieds) and publicized the opening in the March 20 issue The Vision (p. 9). We have one excellent candidate so far. Filling this position is a priority that is to be acted upon this summer. Inclusivity 104. Although the official membership of the CBCS is selected through the Conference Nominations Committee and vote of members at annual conference, CBCS continues the tradition of encouraging participation by any and all conference members who have a heart for justice. We refer to these dedicated volunteers as Friends of CBCS. We are fortunate to have several hundred Friends, many of whom have served as official board members in the past, but many others who are with churches that may not have been very engaged with CBCS in the past. Over the past year, some of those friends have been among our most active and faithful participants, some engaging in priority issues such as the Gun Violence Initiative, and some from the Catskill Hudson District who participated for the first time when we took our board meeting on the road on November 2 to New Paltz UMC (rather than meeting by phone or in the Conference Center in White Plains) Encouraging more diverse participation in the work of Church & Society is a priority commitment of CBCS and a trend that we hope and expect will lead more and more people and places from our conference to engage with CBCS regarding issues of concern to their churches and communities. Collaboration With Other Groups, Conferences, and the General Agency Relationships with Other Groups in Our Conference 106. Church & Society served on the planning committee with several local churches and other organizations in this conference (e.g. CCORR) and provided a portion of the funding for the five buses of people who traveled from various places in the conference to Washington D.C. last August to participate in the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington. Many pastors and other volunteers played a role in making this happen, but in particular we owe a debt of gratitude to Rev. Herman Darden, pastor of Vanderveer Park UMC in Brooklyn and board member of Church and Society, for initiating and propelling this social action. Relationships with Other Conferences 107. Paul and I participated in conference calls with board chairs from other conferences where we shared and received information about initiatives and challenges in other conferences. In particular we have been cultivating a relationship with the newly organized and relatively small Board of Church and Society in Upper New York (which calls itself the Social Holiness Committee). The chair of that committee, at his request, traveled to New Paltz, NY to attend our November 2 nd board meeting. We look forward to collaborating with Upper New York on issues of common concern including casinos, fracking, and prison ministry. Peace With Justice Coordinators Gathering Sponsored by the GBCS 108. In March 2014, GBCS held a two-day gathering in Washington for Peace with justice coordinators from conferences throughout the U.S. To encourage participation in a two-day annual event known as Ecumenical Advocacy Days,

39 2014 New York Annual Conference the Peace with Justice meeting was held immediately before Ecumenical Advocacy Days Our conference does not currently have a Peace with Justice coordinator (a volunteer position), but Steve Derby (a CBCS board member from the Connecticut District) offered to represent NYAC at the Peace with Justice Gathering in Washington. Steve is strongly encouraging us to identify someone in our conference willing to serve as our Peace with Justice volunteer coordinator. Steve is willing to work with that person. If you are interested in serving in that capacity or know of someone you think we should try to recruit to that position, please contact Mary Ellen Kris at mekris@nyc.rr.com Update On CBCS Priority Initiatives Swords into Ploughshares Gun Violence Initiative 110. Last year CBCS received a $5000 Peace with Justice Grant from GBCS to engage our local churches and communities in a dialogue regarding the causes of gun violence and community-specific actions that might be taken to address it. We kicked off that initiative at annual conference with a CBCS luncheon address by the Rev. Dr. James Forbes. His appearance attracted a record number of luncheon attendees (180), a large number of whom were not regular attendees. As we had hoped, the passion and wisdom Rev. Forbes brought to this issue catalyzed interest and participation in our Gun Violence Initiative Immediately following the luncheon, Richard Hayes, the pastor of Metropolitan Community UMC in Harlem and coordinator of the Harlem Cohort, expressed interest in organizing and hosting gun violence events and conversations at Metropolitan. Over the course of this past year Metropolitan has indeed hosted several discussion sessions and is planning some type of youth action. Fordham UMC and Butler UMC, both in the Bronx, as well as other houses of worship from the Harlem community, have participated in these meetings at Metropolitan UMC. In addition, soon after last year s annual conference, Butler UMC held a gun violence meeting of its own on a Saturday morning, attended by Rev. Paul Fleck on behalf of CBCS In addition to these local church gatherings in the Metropolitan District, Paul Fleck, Steve Derby and other United Methodists from the Connecticut District attended a Connecticut Against Gun Violence Conference. Through that same group, Paul Fleck also submitted testimony to the Connecticut legislature and participated in a press conference at the State Capital. Paul also has been engaged in advocacy on gun violence through the Interfaith Council of Southwest Connecticut Clergy Against Gun Violence. Paul is also involved with the Peace in Connecticut Coalition, a network of peace organizations that is collaborating on peaceful resolution of conflict Gun violence is a complex and seemingly intractable epidemic. Consequently, the Swords into Ploughshares Initiative is equally challenging and requires sustained commitment at the church and community level. We have only just begun. We need more committed volunteers to help us engage our communities in constructive dialogue and creative and intelligent responses. If you can help in any way, or have suggestions or ideas to share, please reach out to Mary Ellen Kris at mekris@nyc.rr.com.

40 166 - Reports, Petitions & Resolutions LEGISLATIVE SECTION 3 Prison Ministry 114. As reported in The Vision, At last year s gathering, the annual conference adopted legislation calling on our churches to join a conference-wide Prison Initiative, with each church developing its own covenant to engage in at least two types of prison ministry. The conference Board of Church and Society has been working to identify existing prison ministries, and connect those experienced practitioners with those who would like to begin or expand a prison ministry. (p.4 of March 20, 2014 issue of The Vision). Rev. John Collins, a CBCS board member who authored last year s Prison Initiative legislation, is passionately devoted to prison ministry. If you haven t seen it, I recommend that you read John s excellent article, Prison Ministry: How It Changed Me, which appeared on page 4 of the March 20 issue of The Vision I am pleased to report that with critical assistance from conference staff, especially Barbara Eastman, Lynda Gomi, Joanne Utley and Ann Pearson, a prison ministry experience and interest survey was broadly distributed to church leaders throughout the conference. We received 51 responses that we will analyze and put into a database to facilitate collaborations and sharing of expertise and best practices across the conference. If you did not have a chance to respond to the survey and would like to, you may access it at www. surveymonkey.com/yh37ry In addition, we plan to capitalize on prison ministry training that GBCS has made available to churches under the auspices of a partnership it has entered with Healing Communities, a Philadelphia-based ministry that provides a framework that our church members can use to engage with people returning from or at risk of incarceration, as well as their families and larger community. Doug Walker, of Healing Communities, works with GBCS s Office of Civil and Human Rights to promote Healing Communities and train church groups in specific types of church-based prison ministry. Doug stands ready to provide that training to our conference whenever we are ready. But first, we are going to introduce Doug to our conference as our featured speaker at the Church and Society dinner on June 6 at Hofstra University. Task Force on Immigration Rev. Paul Fleck & Natassia Velez, Co-Chairs Concur: 161, Non-Concur: 1, Abstain: 0; 99.38% concurrence, NYAC conference session: adopted 101. Unfortunately, the year in immigration reform has been a disappointing one on the national level, with legislation that passed the U.S. Senate being sidelined in the House. However, the New York Annual Conference Task Force on Immigration continues to work diligently to see that just and humane immigration reform is enacted at the federal level and that state legislation is passed within the New York Conference area that protects and enhances the rights of immigrants amongst us We continue to coordinate with the General Board of Church & Society s Rapid Response Team on Immigration, encouraging our team members to participate in regular calls and actions to advocate for reform efforts. In turn, GBCS has been coordinating with the National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON) to engage in civil disobedience around immigration reform efforts and to protest the President s harsh deportation policies.

41 2014 New York Annual Conference The immigration reform movement has radicalized to some extent, with advocates switching to a more active role in reaction to the increase in deportations. Instead, reform advocates are now urging the President to use his executive authority to halt further deportations until immigration reform is enacted. Three United Methodist bishops (Bishops Trimble, Carcaño, and Dyck) along with leaders throughout the denomination including our own New York Conference have been arrested in two different civil disobedience actions protesting the Obama administration s harsh enforcement policies We believe that the annual conference legislation passed last year provides a basis for similar action by leaders in the New York Conference and beyond, and urge them to protest the policy of deportation without reform in the strongest possible terms On the state level, we are proud to have supported the expansion of driver s licenses for undocumented individuals in Connecticut which was signed into law and continue to support the expansion of Connecticut state financial aid to undocumented students at state institutions of higher education. We are also supporting in Connecticut a Domestic Workers Bill of Rights; similar legislation has been enacted in New York. NYAC-Justice For Our Neighbors (NYAC-JFON) Immigration Project Mr. Robert Bobb, Chair; Dr. Ohiro Oni-Eseleh, Treasurer Concur: 161, Non-Concur: 1, Abstain: 0; 99.38% concurrence, NYAC conference session: adopted 101. History - Started in 1999 by the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), Justice For Our Neighbors (JFON) is a national network of churchbased, volunteer-supported immigration law clinics that provide free legal advice and representation to vulnerable, low-income immigrants. The New York regional branch of Justice For Our Neighbors (NYAC-JFON) currently serves clients in all five boroughs at three church-based clinics Chinese United Methodist Church (UMC) in Chinatown, Manhattan, founded in 1999; John Wesley UMC in Bedford-Stuyvesant/Clinton Hills, Brooklyn, founded in 1999; and La Promesa Presbyterian Church in Flushing, Queens, founded in The New York Annual Conference adopted the Justice For Our Neighbors project as a ministry of the conference several years ago. NYAC-JFON represents the response of The United Methodist Church and its local congregations to the needs of immigrants seeking to reunify their families, secure legal status, and enjoy the right to work as well as becoming citizens Theology - Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by doing so; some people have entertained angels without knowing it. (Hebrews 13: 2) When we welcome sojourners, it is as if we are receiving Christ, and our doing so becomes a sign of our faithfulness. The 1986 United Methodist Bishops Statement on Refugees and Immigration says, God comes to us in the form of the vulnerable person who lacks the benefit of status and protection in an alien land. In the flesh of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, God chose to sojourn in a particular way for the sake of all humankind and restored the possibility of authentic community in which love and justice reign and peace prevails.

42 168 - Reports, Petitions & Resolutions LEGISLATIVE SECTION NYAC-JFON embraces the model of biblical hospitality. Each NYAC-JFON legal clinic is an opportunity for local congregations to open their doors with a warm and hospitable welcome for newcomers in their midst. The program relies on United Methodist connectional relationships to bring together resources and commitment from local churches, districts, and annual conferences. Our Conference Mission Statement says, The New York Annual Conference, through the Grace of God embodies a beloved community of hope NYAC-JFON shows how to be that beloved community of hope to the sojourners in our midst Overview - NYAC-JFON s mission is to be a ministry of hospitality that welcomes immigrants by providing affordable, high-quality immigration legal services, engaging in advocacy for immigrants rights, and offering education to communities of faith and the public The core of NYAC-JFON s services includes offering monthly clinics at each of our three partner churches, where undocumented immigrants can receive one-to-one legal advice free of charge. Trained and dedicated volunteers staff each clinic, while our regional attorney, a highly qualified immigration lawyer, provides legal assistance. Our total open caseload at any time is between 350 to 400 cases. The types of cases we serve include, but are not exclusively, the following: naturalization, family reunification, waivers, VAWA, asylum, asyleerefugee adjustment, TPS, and religious worker petitions Past Year NYAC-JFON has reestablished our relationship with Brooklyn Law School through the Immigrant Visa Assistance Project (IVAP) program, which gives law students the opportunity to assist our attorneys by preparing affidavits on behalf of our clients. A Brooklyn law student started the IVAP program several years ago when she worked for NYAC-JFON under the auspices of the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society Young Leaders program, and our reestablished connection gives us a way to serve more clients and also to help train the next generation of immigration attorneys We have also recruited and trained three volunteer attorneys to help us more efficiently manage our caseload. The strategic use of volunteer attorneys has also enabled us to serve a larger number of the economically disadvantaged undocumented immigrants who need reliable, high-quality legal services Looking Forward In the coming year, we will open a fourth immigration clinic on Long Island, as we try to serve the growing need for our services outside the New York metropolitan area. Korea Peace Vigil and March (Ecumenical Korea Peace Conference) Rev. Kun Sam Cho, Planning Committee Member Concur: 161, Non-Concur: 1, Abstain: 0; 99.38% concurrence, NYAC conference session: adopted 101. Please participate in our cause to end the 61-year-long Korean War and wage peace! 102. Did you know that the Korean War has never ended? With the Korea War Armistice of 1953, the people of South and North Korea have been under the state of war for the last 61 years, causing persistent tension and conflict and leaving more than ten million separate families, many of whom have been passing away, without ever meeting their loved ones again.

43 2014 New York Annual Conference The 2012 General Conference of The UMC called all United Methodists to organize a March for Peace for the Korean Peninsula. The 2013 General Assembly of World Council of Churches adopted a statement on Peace and Reunification of the Korean Peninsula, calling all partner churches to embark on a movement to replace the armistice with a peace treaty. A call for peace for the Korean peninsula is indeed a call from our risen Christ who has broken and still breaks every wall of division and conflict Heeding such a call for peace, the Reunification Committee of the Korean United Methodist Church, together with the WCC, NCC Korea, many UM, and other ecumenical partners, invite you to join together for the Korea Peace Vigil and March in Washington, DC on Friday, July 25 and Saturday, July 26, 2014 in the 61 st anniversary of the Korean War Armistice. We will gather to witness to the human cost of the unended Korean War, walk and pray together to raise our voice to end the war and establish peace for the people of two Koreas and the world! Commission on Religion and Race Roena Littlejohn, Chair Concur: 161, Non-Concur: 1, Abstain: 0; 99.38% concurrence, NYAC conference session: adopted 101. The NYAC Commission on Religion and Race has taken on a few new challenges this year. Acting on a suggestion that the commission spends time together in prayer, fellowship, sharing and getting to know each other; Bishop McLee recommended a movie, Color of Fear. We planned a dinner and movie viewing, and invited the Reverend Brian Bodt and Mrs. Carol Galloway to facilitate a discussion with CORR members and guide us through the implications of the movie in today s world. Rev. Pearson served a delicious meal, the movie was engaging and the discussion reflected deep thought. This was a great experience, well received by all present and the first such event that I recall Thank God for the Judicial Council s work at General Conference GCORR continues to be the viable agency created over four decades ago. GCORR has always sought equity for all; the conversation is changing as we move forward with a new Ministry Model which focuses on Cultural Competency, Institutional Equity and Vital Congregations. It has been the custom of CORR to work closely with GCORR and to ensure that we continue to acquaint ourselves with the conversation. That said, we invited the Reverend Grace Cajivat, national GCORR officer to conduct a workshop for the NYAC-CORR. For a few years, we have been in discussion and planning mode to develop an anti-racism workshop for local church officers. The culmination of our planning occurred at a work day at First UMC of Mount Vernon as we finalized the materials to be used. CORR will announce these workshops and accept invitations from local churches to make it happen. Fliers will be available at our booth at annual conference, announcements and fliers will be distributed at all mandatory Unseating Racism from Pulpit and Pew anti-racism training events The mandatory anti-racism training requires all elders, deacons, district and conference committees on ministries members, BOOM, local pastors, nominations committee members, deaconesses, home missioners and the Cabinet to attend. Online registration is available on the NYAC website www. nyac.com/events, then click on Commission on Religion and Race.

44 170 - Reports, Petitions & Resolutions LEGISLATIVE SECTION We welcome the Reverend Dawn Yoon and Mr. Orlando Morales, new members of the CCORR. Our sincere thanks to the Reverend Ann Pearson for her service, guidance, support and delicious meal for our meetings; she has provided an invaluable service to CORR: we wish her much joy and relaxation in retirement; and to the Reverend Tom Theilmann, for his dedicated service, commitment and hands-on participation when and wherever needed, which has been greatly appreciated. He has been an indispensable member of the CCORR and we pray that he will find joy in retirement. We offer our sincere thanks to Bishop Martin D. McLee for his leadership, encouragement and support to the CORR. There is much work to be done and we are looking for ways to be pro-active and strive to reach the goals set for us. Our thanks to the Reverend Adrienne Brewington, Cabinet liaison, and members of the Cabinet for their support of the mandatory anti-racism training; and for encouraging the clergy to attend. We invite each district superintendent to submit names of two persons who would be willing to work with the CCORR to ensure conference-wide representation as we seek equity among membership. We must be intentional about the nomination and election of racial/ethnic persons to decision-making positions, which happens when based on recommendations that reflect total inclusiveness CORR s goal is to schedule three anti-racism training events per year, in 2013 there were 40 persons trained which brings our total to 311 persons. We are seeking inclusiveness as we collaborate with conference organizations, boards and committees to plan activities and events for clergy and laity. We believe that education and sharing of resources will move the NYAC toward the new Ministry Model Status of Events Awarded 40 certificates to clergy and lay members who completed antiracism training Submitted a reduced budget at the request of the conference treasurer. Due to this budget cut, we will no longer search for one to two persons to be trained and KI certified to serve the NYAC Co-sponsored a bus to the 50 th anniversary of the Commemorative March on Washington CCORR members are planning to attend district conferences, distribute fliers and announce the rollout of the Anti-Racism Workshop designed for local church officers The next mandatory anti-racism training events will be scheduled for October and November We invite you to stop at our display at annual conference for announcements, new GCORR updates and literature 107. My heartfelt thanks to the members of CCORR for your prayers, support, encouragement and assistance in accomplishing the goals set before as we work to become The Prophetic Church.

45 2014 New York Annual Conference Study Committee for a More Inclusive Church George C. Engelhardt, Chair Concur: 161, Non-Concur: 1, Abstain: 0; 99.38% concurrence, NYAC conference session: adopted 101. As indicated in our report to the conference last year, we have engaged in a thorough review of the Discipline as well as additional relevant material such as Wesley s sermons and the proceedings of recent General Conferences which speak to efforts for more inclusive reform There are, indeed, provisions outlined in the Discipline that would permit the structural change required to accomplish the objective of a UMC with fully inclusive ministry to LBGTQ persons, both as they seek full ministry as members and as they are moved to answer a call into ordained ministry Attempts to utilize these provisions are not untried as recent failed attempts at enacting inclusive reform as recently as the last General Conference show. The obvious and unavoidable conclusion is that without consent of the General Conference, adequate structural reform requiring substantive changes in the Discipline is unlikely This was the conclusion we reported to a gathering of interested parties in the conference who attended our symposium last November. At that time, and certainly now, in this present time, more productive energy turns to educating congregations to become welcoming congregations and to, along with individual clergy and lay members, sign the Covenant of Conscience We have not abandoned all efforts at crafting legislation for the pending General Conference that would provide the necessary changes in our polity that would make allowances for regional, cultural and theological diversity. We strongly affirm the work and recommendations of the NE Jurisdictional Committee which has produced a thorough plan for structural changes in our polity. Other Jurisdictions are also developing similar proposals. We strongly urge widespread study of these documents. They invite feedback that will strengthen final legislation submitted to the pending General Conference With widespread grass roots support, it will be incumbent upon the General Conference to act favorably on enacting the structural changes set forth if the unity of the denomination is to be assured We also are heartened by the prophetic leadership of our own Bishop Martin McLee in affecting a just resolution to the charges against Dr. Ogletree and his call for an end of trials related to charges brought against clergy for performing same-sex marriages as a function of their pastoral role. We eagerly await similar acts of leadership from other episcopal leaders in the UMC This is a kairos time for our denomination. It is no longer possible to maintain a status quo position which keeps in place the contradictory statements and restrictions in the Discipline on matters related to full inclusiveness of LGBTQ persons. We continue to favor and pray for necessary structural changes which allow more regional and cultural differences. Without them, we question the future of the UMC in its present configuration.

46 172 - Reports, Petitions & Resolutions Petition # In Celebration of the Resolution of the Case of Rev. Dr. Thomas Ogletree LEGISLATIVE SECTION 3 Concur: 145, Non-Concur: 12, Abstain: 3; 92.36% concurrence, NYAC conference session: adopted WHEREAS for over three decades the New York Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church has taken a stand 2 calling for the inclusion of God s gay and lesbian children in the full life of the church. It has affirmed that sexuality is God s good gift to all persons and that the diversity of that gift should bar no one from answering the call to ministry, from recognition of her or his covenantal relationships, or from membership in the church community. It has gone on record in support of equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in civil society, and WHEREAS the New York Annual Conference has declared (The Spiritual Crisis Caused by the Requirement to Discriminate, ) that leaders of the conference, including cabinet members, bishops and members of boards and agencies of the annual conference, while bound by the Book of Discipline, are also bound to exercise their consciences and are bound by Jesus s commandment to stand with the marginalized and the oppressed in our midst when called upon to enforce unjust laws, policies and procedures to the detriment of gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender individuals wishing to participate fully in the life of The United Methodist Church and those who minister faithfully to them, and WHEREAS the New York Annual Conference has further declared 4 that individuals who take punitive actions against others for offering the sacraments and rituals of the church on an equal basis do so contrary to the historic expression of the New York Annual Conference at the risk of causing grave harm to LGBT persons, their loved ones, their sisters and brothers in Christ, faithful clergy and the annual conference itself, and WHEREAS the just resolution of the matter of Rev. Dr. Thomas W. Ogletree includes the following statement by Bishop McLee: As the Bishop of the New York Annual Conference, in consideration of my responsibility to provide spiritual, pastoral and temporal oversight for those committed to my care, I call for and commit to a cessation of church trials for conducting ceremonies which celebrate homosexual unions or performing same-gender wedding ceremonies and instead offer a process of theological, spiritual and ecclesiastical conversation, 5 and WHEREAS Rev. Dr. Thomas W. Ogletree stated in response to this just resolution that, I am grateful that Bishop McLee has withdrawn this case and the church is no longer prosecuting me for an act of pastoral faithfulness and fatherly love. But I am even more grateful that he is vowing not to prosecute others who have been likewise faithful in ministry to LGBTQ people. May our bishop s commitment to cease such 2 NYAC s Stand for God s LGBT Children, 3 Petition # passed at the 2012 Session of the New York Annual Conference 4 Ibid 5 Statement by Bishop Martin McLee of the New York Annual Conference, part of the Terms of a Just Resolution in the Matter of The Rev. Dr. Thomas W. Ogletree, March 10,

47 2014 New York Annual Conference prosecutions be the beginning of the end of The United Methodist Church s misguided era of discriminating against LGBTQ people, 6 and WHEREAS Bishop Martin McLee s bold act of leadership in declaring this just resolution has provided a model for the wider church, and all those who were a part of this case and helped bring about this justice-seeking resolution. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the New York Annual Conference commend Bishop Martin McLee for prophetic and creative leadership in this critical moment in the history of the New York Annual Conference and of The United Methodist Church. BE IT FUTHER RESOLVED that the New York Annual Conference thank the counsel for the church, the presiding officer, the secretary for the court, counsel for Dr. Ogletree and, of course, Dr. Ogletree himself for their roles in making this resolution possible. Submitted by Methodists in New Directions, Methodist Federation for Social Action, and Susumu Ando, Yuri Ando, Steve Bauman, Sheila Beckford, Dorothee Benz, Fred Brewington, Gennifer Brooks, Ginny Carle, Tom Carney, Mark Chatterton, Kun Sam Cho, Michael Cobb, Doug Cunningham, Hermon Darden, Ximena Diaz-Varas, Jayson Dobney, Carolyn Hardin Engelhardt, George Engelhardt, Paul Fleck, Vicki Flippin, Rafael Garcia, Wongee Joh, Lucy Jones, Don Kirby, Bruce Lamb, Roena Littlejohn, Jorge Lockward, Nehemiah Luckett, Barbara Mungin, Charlotte Patton, Ken Prill, Althea Spencer-Miller, Scott Summerville, Sara Thompson Tweedy, Javier Viera, Traci West, and Dennis Winkleblack Petition # Support for Rev. Sara Thompson Tweedy and All LGBTQ Clergy and Candidates Concur: 139, Non-Concur: 13, Abstain: 6; 91.45% concurrence, NYAC conference session: adopted WHEREAS Rev. Sara Thompson Tweedy is a gifted and valued member of the New York Annual Conference; having been ordained in 2006; serving for seven years as the pastor of The Federated Church of Kerhonkson, in Kerhonkson, New York, as both a local pastor and an ordained elder; and currently serving in extension ministry as the dean of Student Development Services at SUNY Sullivan, and WHEREAS Rev. Tweedy is widely known as a gifted preacher and leader, who graduated from Yale Divinity School where her gifts were acknowledged when she received the Henry Hallam Tweedy Prize [no relation] for exceptional promise for pastoral leadership, and WHEREAS Rev. Tweedy is a part of the ministry team at Memorial United Methodist Church in White Plains, where she preaches once a month, and WHEREAS Rev. Tweedy shares her life with her spouse Kristin Marcell and their sons Max and Rowan, and they are all beloved family and an integral part of the Memorial United Methodist Church community, and WHEREAS Rev. Tweedy has lived a life of integrity, never denying her family or whom God created her to be; the New York Annual Conference ordained her, choosing to recognize her gifts and honor the Book of Discipline s inclusive and justice-affirming intents over its contradictory punitive, unjust, exclusionary rules, and WHEREAS in early 2013, Rev. Tweedy was notified that a complaint had been filed 6 Statement by the Rev. Dr. Thomas Ogletree, part of the Terms of a Just Resolution in the Matter of The Rev. Dr. Thomas W. Ogletree, March 10, newsdetail/96157

48 174 - Reports, Petitions & Resolutions LEGISLATIVE SECTION 3 against her for the chargeable offense of being a self-avowed practicing homosexual ; and after a just resolution process was declared a failure by Bishop Martin McLee, the complaint was referred to a counsel for the church; and in May 2014 the complaint was dismissed by Bishop McLee, and, WHEREAS the New York Annual Conference has long been on record in opposition to the UMC s prejudice and discrimination against LGBTQ people. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that we as members of the New York Annual Conference affirm the ministry of Rev. Sara Thompson Tweedy, give thanks to God for her gifts among us and her faithfulness, celebrate her family, and support her continued status as an ordained elder in the New York Annual Conference, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we also affirm the ministry of all gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender clergy in the New York Annual Conference and the entire United Methodist Church, celebrate their families, and work towards the day when they can all serve our church without fear of complaints, trials, persecution, and prejudice, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that it is our aspirational goal for the Board of Ordained Ministry to celebrate the marital status of all candidates for ministry and to not consider sexual orientation or gender identity in their decision-making process, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that it is our aspirational goal for the bishop, members of the cabinet, and all church leadership to celebrate the marital status of all candidates and not to consider the discriminatory and prejudicial prohibitions against gay, lesbian, and bisexual clergy in the ministry of our church. Submitted by Methodists in New Directions, Methodist Federation for Social Action, and Susumu Ando, Yuri Ando, Steve Bauman, Sheila Beckford, Dorothee Benz, Fred Brewington, Gennifer Brooks, Ginny Carle, Tom Carney, Mark Chatterton, Kun Sam Cho, Michael Cobb, Doug Cunningham, Hermon Darden, Ximena Diaz- Varas, Jayson Dobney, Carolyn Hardin Engelhardt, George Engelhardt, Paul Fleck, Vicki Flippin, Rafael Garcia, Wongee Joh, Lucy Jones, Don Kirby, Bruce Lamb, Roena Littlejohn, Jorge Lockward, Nehemiah Luckett, Barbara Mungin, Charlotte Patton, Ken Prill, Althea Spencer-Miller, Scott Summerville, Javier Viera, Traci West, and Dennis Winkleblack Petition # Our Vision of a Beloved and Just Community Concur: 144, Non-Concur: 7, Abstain: 5; 95.36% concurrence, NYAC conference session: adopted WHEREAS despite institutionalized discrimination in The United Methodist Church against LGBTQIQ persons and despite punitive actions and threats of further punitive actions by individuals and groups opposed to the full rights of LGBTQIQ persons in The United Methodist Church, LGBTQIQ people are finding welcoming places in The United Methodist Church and in the New York Annual Conference; they are finding clergy, laity and congregations embracing them joyfully as members of the body of Christ, as United Methodists in good standing, and as gifted children of God entitled equally to all the ministries, ceremonies and sacraments of the church, and WHEREAS this welcoming spirit represents the future of The United Methodist Church and brings to life our conference s decades-long commitment to inclusive ministry, and WHEREAS our ministry as an annual conference is set in a global context where, despite recent dramatic gains in LGBTQIQ rights in the United States, in many places

49 2014 New York Annual Conference LGBTQIQ persons face horrifying persecution, often encouraged by and sanctioned by Christian leaders from the U.S. Meanwhile, in our own country LGBTQIQ persons still face wide-ranging social and legal discrimination. LGBTQIQ youth are at great risk for bullying, violence, homelessness, family ostracism, sexual abuse, poverty, and even murder. These dimensions of oppression disproportionately affect LGBTQIQ people of color, who are at the intersection of racial prejudice and prejudice against LGBTQIQ people, and WHEREAS the grave and continuing harm done to LGBTQIQ persons is an injustice which the church whose mission is to stand with the least of these must actively and passionately oppose, and WHEREAS the gift of an inclusive community is a gift of God to be embraced and celebrated. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the New York Annual Conference declares itself to be the place where LGBTQIQ persons can find safe space, an arena for the expression of and celebration of their individual gifts in service and ministry, enjoy the blessings of family and marriage, and participate fully, openly, and equally in the full life of the church. Submitted by Methodists in New Directions, Methodist Federation for Social Action, and Susumu Ando, Yuri Ando, Steve Bauman, Sheila Beckford, Dorothee Benz, Fred Brewington, Gennifer Brooks, Ginny Carle, Tom Carney, Mark Chatterton, Kun Sam Cho, Michael Cobb, Doug Cunningham, Hermon Darden, Ximena Diaz-Varas, Jayson Dobney, Carolyn Hardin Engelhardt, George Engelhardt, Paul Fleck, Vicki Flippin, Rafael Garcia, Wongee Joh, Lucy Jones, Don Kirby, Bruce Lamb, Roena Littlejohn, Jorge Lockward, Nehemiah Luckett, Barbara Mungin, Charlotte Patton, Ken Prill, Althea Spencer-Miller, Scott Summerville, Sara Thompson Tweedy, Javier Viera, Traci West, and Dennis Winkleblack SECTION 4: LEADERSHIP/COMMISSIONING All items were approved by the indicated votes and were included in the consent calendar affirmative vote. The votes shown are those from the legislative section for each item. Board of Ordained Ministry Bill Pfohl, Chair; Lydia Lebron-Rivera, Vice Chair Concur: 58, Non-Concur: 0, Abstain: 1; 100% concurrence, NYAC conference session: adopted 101. Fall Plenary Retreat: Without the obstacle of a hurricane this year, a greater proportion of the board gathered at Camp Olmstead in order to clarify priorities for the coming year and finalize the New York Annual Conference Standards of Clergy Effectiveness (see below). The Board of Ordained Ministry (BOOM) task forces also continued their examination and planning around Clergy Health, Wellness and Education, Clergy Recruitment, and Residency in Ministry (see Compass Report below), in addition to Clergy Effectiveness BOOM Activities: Randy Nugent and Steve Allen coordinated three mentor training events. Across the six districts 27 persons were trained as candidacy mentors and 34 were trained as clergy mentors. There were two sessions at the Conference Center, and one located in the Catskill Hudson District.

50 176 - Reports, Petitions & Resolutions LEGISLATIVE SECTION Javier Viera prepared, coordinated, and facilitated our first training for the Districts Committee on Ministries in many years. About half of the persons serving on the various dcom s were in attendance Eileen Daunt was appointed dean of our new Local Pastor s Licensing School and with her team will inaugurate the school s four monthly, weekend sessions beginning in October. The faculty for the GBHEM prescribed course has been identified from within the NYAC The BOOM task forces are actively addressing our disciplinary obligations including a gradual implementation of the Ministry Project which we expect to be fully actualized in BOOM has many subgroups including the Executive Committee (which meets every month; the whole board does not), the Conference Relations Committee, Nominations Committee, Events Coordination Teams, as well as the dcom s, and educational connections with the Orders of Elders and Deacons, and the Fellowship of Local Pastors and Associate Members Several members of the board participate regularly in the Northeastern Jurisdictional Board of Ministry Committee in order to strategize across the broader church and share best practices Evaluation Events St. Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield, CT was the site for our interview events. In November the board considered 16 candidates for ordination, and in March considered 14 candidates for commissioning. 1. The board recommends approval of 12 candidates for ordination as elders and full membership in the New York Annual Conference: Delores Barrett, Sheila Beckford, Delois Davis, Paul Fleck, Wongee Joh, Bernadette Logan, Halley Low, Beverly Morris, Jennifer Pick, Jennifer Tiernan-Bindler, Gerald (Jay) Williams, Hwan Christopher Yi. 2. The board recommends approval of one candidate for commissioning as a provisional deacon: Kathryn Dickinson. The board recommends approval of eight candidates for commissioning as provisional elders in the New York Annual Conference: Michael Barry, Mendis Brown, Martha Epstein, Michelle Lewis, Mathew Querns, Milagros Solorzano, Michael Sparrow, Elisa Vicioso Compass Report Rev. Lynda J. Bates-Stepe, Dean 109. Compass is a non-evaluative program for residents in ministry that provides opportunities for clergy relationships and diverse ministry experiences to foster positive collaborative relationships and fruitfulness in ministry Compass includes everyone who has been commissioned (known as a residentin ministry) and provisional members from other conferences or denominations transferring into the New York Annual Conference In we had 41 residents-in-ministry; 17 were in their first two years of residency which are the most active Compass years. All 41 are followed by Compass and meet regularly with their clergy mentors until they are ordained. The newest members are involved in our orientations sessions and retreats We had a wonderful day-long ordination meeting in October of 2013 which included time with Bishop McLee and the Cabinet. This was the opportunity for

51 2014 New York Annual Conference residents to get to know each other, the conference staff, the bishop and district superintendents Every fall the Frontier Foundation sponsors a three-day Clergy Finance Training seminar giving the residents helpful information on church and personal finances Funeral Rituals and Practices was the theme for our Winter Immersion Retreat. Unfortunately one of our many snowstorms shortened our time together, yet it was still a very full and busy two days together. Our time included visits to two different funeral homes, conversations with a hospital chaplain and a police officer, and a discussion with experienced clergy from a variety of settings Every spring the residents have the wonderful opportunity to experience a three-day spirituality retreat led by Rev. Tilda Norberg. It is an anticipated and appreciated component of the Compass program 116. There is a Compass Planning Team that puts these events together, all with the goal of making a newly commissioned member of our annual conference feel more connected, supported and effective in their ministry. My thanks to all the members and their hard work. A Guideline for an Effective Pastoral Ministry within the New York Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church A. Preamble: 117. The calling to pastoral ministry is a high and holy calling from the body of disciples known as the church of Jesus Christ whereby some are set apart to take particular responsibility for making disciples for the transformation of the world Each person in pastoral ministry, whether beginning, continuing, or completing the journey of service as deacon, elder, or local pastor, embodies and is held to the high standards contained in Wesley s historic questions ( d) An effective clergy person knows God, has the necessary gifts, and perhaps most importantly, produces fruits The purpose of this document is to set forth a working definition of clergy effectiveness. It attempts to discern the skills, abilities, knowledge, attributes and practices that facilitate the transformation of lives in a particular place of ministry. In the future this document may identify appropriate metrics of clergy effectiveness and set forth evaluative processes to be used by local church Staff/Pastor Parish Relations Committees (SPRC), District Committees on Ordained Ministry (dcom), and the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry (BOOM), as well as the Bishop and the Cabinet at their discretion, to ascertain clergy effectiveness with the intent of helping all of our clergy continue to develop and grow toward excellence in ministry. Evaluation of clergy effectiveness needs to examine evidence of both performance and fruits as they relate to the ministry context. Clergy supervisors (DS) and (SPRC) will be vital participants in this process. Defining Clergy Effectiveness: 121. Scripture affirms many pastoral roles: shepherd, prophet, servant, teacher and caregiver among others. Effectiveness must be defined

52 178 - Reports, Petitions & Resolutions LEGISLATIVE SECTION 4 with mindfulness of all these roles and must be assessed in terms of the desired outcome of the mission of The United Methodist Church: To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Empowering Clergy Effectiveness: 122. Clergy persons at all stages of their vocation need resources and systemic support from all levels of our conference and denomination, in addition to personal support systems, to empower them to grow in effectiveness. Assessing Clergy Effectiveness: 123. Clergy effectiveness needs to be measured within the context of an individual s ministry and in light of the transformation that takes place in and around the faith community through her or his presence and work. Even though the question How well is this clergy person performing each task of ministry? is important, it must be weighed in terms of the ultimate question, which is: To what extent are disciples of Jesus Christ made and is transformation happening in and through the Christian community he/she serves? This question is explored with the understanding that clergy are not the sole contributors to transformation in their communities or in the world Defining, empowering, and assessing clergy effectiveness in terms of fruit is a paradigm shift: effective clergy produce transformational outcomes Clergy persons are disciples of Jesus Christ, who are called, set-apart and model discipleship. Through word and sacrament and other means of grace they foster, sustain, nurture and equip the community of disciples in their journey to live out their ministry as part of the body of Christ in the world In order to foster clarity around such performance outcomes we present the following working definition of disciples of Jesus Christ. A Working Definition of Disciples of Jesus Christ: 1. Disciples have an identity grounded in Jesus Christ and a sense of calling and vocation reflected in what they do in all aspects of their lives: a. Disciples are born out of personal experiences of God s redeeming and healing grace in Christ Jesus. b. Disciples respond to Jesus call to follow him in his ministries of healing, reconciliation, justice, compassion and love for all peoples and all God s creation. c. Disciples understand their life and work as part of God s unfolding work of salvation. 2. Disciples have a passion for their own continued spiritual growth through faithful practices of spiritual disciplines. Therefore, disciples: a. Deepen prayer life and spiritual discernment. b. Grow in scriptural knowledge and theological reflection. c. Identify and apply their spiritual gifts in places of ministry both within and outside their faith community. d. Move beyond comfort zones, cross boundaries and break down walls of separation.

53 2014 New York Annual Conference e. Attend to the means of grace ( 102) and allow them to inform their works of grace, mercy and justice. f. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, see themselves as agents of transformation in fostering healing, hope, justice, reconciliation and peace in the world. 3. Disciples, empowered by the Holy Spirit, make other disciples of Jesus Christ. Therefore disciples: a. Share their faith with others through witness and testimony of the works of Jesus Christ in their lives. b. Extend the invitation of discipleship to others. c. Model discipleship through service and practice of the means of grace. d. Continue to teach and nurture other disciples in their faith journey. e. Recruit and enlist people of all backgrounds for ministry, including ordained ministry. 4. Disciples recognize and celebrate the communal nature of our life and work of ministry, and work to strengthen our connection and the church universal. Therefore disciples: a. Have the ability to understand and enter into various cultural contexts to work with communities of faith to grow together in Christian discipleship. b. Recognize personal limitations to facilitating growth in discipleship in a global cultural context and creatively work to overcome them. c. Grow into being comfortable in diverse cultural settings, even those that are hostile or difficult, are self-assured in ministerial identity and vocation in such diverse settings, and are intentional about their growth in cross-cultural competencies. d. Learn about, and are sensitive to, the cultural nuances of their communities and seek to grow with them in appreciating diversity. B. Criteria for Clergy Effectiveness: 1. Preaching, teaching, leading in worship, and joyfully embodying a life of faith, hope and love in Jesus Christ An effective clergy person believes in God who is active always and affirms the redemptive power of God in every situation. Even when the present ministry fails to bear the desired fruits, spiritual leaders will enable their communities to seek new ways of embracing purposeful life, which may sometimes include purposeful death to yield new life, for the sake of God s transformative ministry. Therefore: An effective clergy person preaches, teaches and embodies hope with clarity and theological grounding in all situations. An effective clergy person engages people in transformative worship that recalls the story of God s saving acts in history and proclaims the presence of the reign of God in Christ Jesus to bring good news to the poor, freedom to the captives and God s favor for all.

54 180 - Reports, Petitions & Resolutions LEGISLATIVE SECTION 4 An effective clergy person deepens their own connection to God through spiritual practices and will encourage the congregation to do the same. An effective clergy person understands, believes in and celebrates the power of Jesus Christ to bring healing and wholeness, forgiveness and reconciliation, justice and peace, to the lives of individuals, congregations, communities and to the global context. 2. Casting a vision for the church and helping the church make the vision a lived reality An effective clergy person has an ability to discern, shape, articulate and proclaim God s vision for the community. As part of a team, they help discern what God calls the people to be and to do at this point of their journey. Therefore: An effective clergy person works with laity to develop a vision and strategies to reach that vision. An effective clergy person proclaims God s vision for personal transformation in the ministry context as well as the larger community. An effective clergy person takes reasonable risks and demonstrates an ability to be flexible through openness to the Holy Spirit in order to facilitate the needed changes. An effective clergy person demonstrates leadership skills for bringing the vision of the ministry context into fruition. 3. Identifying and equipping lay leaders and ministry partners for the mission of the church An effective clergy person has the ability to identify, inspire and maintain ministry partners. However, he or she cannot be held responsible for all aspects of ministry. A clergy person must be able to identify, recruit and nurture laity to partner with him or her in fulfilling God s purpose for the ministry context. Therefore: An effective clergy person always looks for potential ministry partners inside and outside of the ministry context. An effective clergy person knows her/his spiritual gifts and enables the laity to claim and develop theirs. An effective clergy person understands conflict management, ministry burnout, and other group dynamics and prepares lay leaders to manage these processes effectively. 4. Engaging in holistic pastoral care both to self and to the community An effective clergy person has an ability to model the life and work of transformation that we desire for the community. Especially in these times of change and anxiety, clergy need to be a non-anxious presence embodying peace, compassion, purpose and joy. Therefore: An effective clergy person cares for all people in times of joy and struggle and helps them grow. An effective clergy person knows her/his own limits in care, seeks qualified resources in the larger community, and makes referrals as appropriate.

55 2014 New York Annual Conference An effective clergy person matures in his/her Christian discipleship and is able to articulate purpose for his/her own life and encourage others to do the same. An effective clergy person keeps his/her own morale high through self-care, support systems and continued learning. 5. Demonstrating a commitment to the mission of The United Methodist Church and the church universal through accountability and integrity in all personal and professional relationships An effective clergy person recognizes that she/he does not work in isolation, but rather as a part of a larger network of partners in ministry. She or he understands the need to continue growing in her/his skills, gifts, and abilities. An effective clergy person recognizes that all ministry is inherently relational and connectional and thus seek to foster healthy relationships in all aspects of her/his life. Therefore: An effective clergy person maintains a sacred covenantal commitment, built in trust, in working with her/his peers for the mission of the gospel. An effective clergy person welcomes supervision and constructive feedback and maintains accountability with other ministry partners. An effective clergy person maintains high moral and ethical standards and is committed to working within the connectional and itinerant United Methodist structure. An effective clergy person demonstrates and continues to grow in cultural competency and flexibility, creatively overcoming barriers, and becoming more able to minister in increasingly diverse contexts and settings. An effective clergy person takes advantage of training and resources both inside and outside the conference to continue to grow toward excellence in effective ministry. Committee on the Episcopacy Rev. Constance Y. Pak, Chair, Report for May 2013 March 2014 Concur: 64, Non-Concur: 0, Abstain: 0; 100% concurrence, NYAC conference session: adopted 101. The Episcopacy Committee is presently scheduled to meet on May 20, 2014 at the Conference Center. Even though the committee hasn t physically met throughout the year, the members have communicated via numerous s, phone calls and texts in order to discuss and/or make the decisions over some urgent, important matters The present members of the Episcopacy Committee are as follows. Clergy (7): Ebenezer Aduku, John Carrington, Mel Kawakami, Herbert Miller, Constance Pak, John Simmons, Bette Sohm. Laity (8): Chan Gillham, Judy Hoffman, Kevin Smith, Renata Smith, Seymour Thomas, Ximena Varas, Rashid Warner, Warren Whitlock. Ex-officio (2): Rev. Bill Shillady and Mr. Frederick Brewington (members of the Episcopacy Committee of the Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference). There s no change in the membership of the Episcopacy Committee since last year, except the absence of Mr. Ernest Swiggett. Our co-chair and beloved colleague, Ernest Swiggett passed away on December 2, His memorial service was held at Salem United Methodist

56 182 - Reports, Petitions & Resolutions LEGISLATIVE SECTION 4 Church on Saturday, January 4, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. As a faithful disciple of Jesus, he has served in a variety of ministries in our denomination. Ernest has worked as business administrator and treasurer of the NYAC for 23 ½ years from March 1, 1987 September 1, His death left a huge hole in so many people s hearts in our faith community, especially in our committee As our committee went through the annual budget process early this year, we discovered that Ernest had been the primary person among us to work on the yearly budget proposals. We were thankful for all the work that he has done not only for our committee, but also for the NYAC. It was a bit difficult to gather ourselves at first for our committee s budget proposals this year, but we successfully accomplished our budget request with the kind guidance and help from the current CFO and director of administrative services of the NYAC, Ross Williams. We greatly appreciated his expertise and support for us. Additionally, with Bishop McLee s input and our secretary, Rev. Bette Sohm s efficiency, in consultation with committee members involved with various pieces of the ministry (including the episcopal residence), we created a budget request to support the important work being done by our bishop and his staff. In particular, we have asked that the position of assistant to the bishop (Rev. Bob Walker) be increased from ½ time to ¾ time. This is not an increase in hours that the current assistant is working, but an increase meant to compensate him more fairly for the hours already being worked This increase impacts other pieces of his compensation, as follows: Bishop s Assistant Description Increase % Salary BW 31,250 35,000 54,180 19, % Benefits - Pension CRSP / UMPIP 4,770 2,750 6,400 3, % Benefits HealthFlex 6,624-15,404 15, % Bishop s Assistant Employment Taxes Professional Expenses Office Equipment / Expense Description Increase % FICA, MCTMT, W/C, STD & LTD Travel, fees, etc ,136 3,000 4,000 1, % 33.3% - 0.0% 106. Our new episcopal leader, Bishop Martin D. McLee s inspiring leadership and upbeat personality were well received at the New York Annual Conference on June 5-8, It was his first time leading and conducting the annual conference since his election as bishop in Throughout this year, he has been extremely busy. Besides his responsibilities in the NYAC, as a member of the Council of Bishops and the NEJ College of Bishops, he has also been assigned to serve the following positions. Since last year to the present moment,

57 2014 New York Annual Conference he has been involved with the Multi-Ethnic Center for Ministry (president), the Strengthening the Black Church for the 21 st Century Initiative (vice president), Bishop s Task Force on Human Sexuality, Gender and Race, Bishop s Task Force on General Conference Worship and Council of Bishop s Urban Ministry Cohort. He is also on the boards of Drew Theological School, New York Theological Seminary, the New York Methodist Hospital and Linden Hill United Methodist Cemetery, Inc. As the guest preacher or speaker, Bishop McLee was invited to numerous churches, institutions, seminaries, and other annual conferences. For example, Bishop McLee participated in the United Methodist City Society s 175 th anniversary with Secretary Hillary Clinton in Nov He was invited as an honored guest at Princeton Seminary for the installation of its new president, Rev. Dr. M. Craig Barnes in Oct. 2013, and he was also invited and preached at the Greater NJ AC Bishop s Convocation in Jan Throughout the year, Bishop McLee has met and shared his visions with various ethnic caucuses (Black, Korean, Latino/Hispanic) and groups (children, youth, laity, clergy, deaconess and home missioners, MIND, etc.) in our conference. Especially, his intentional effort to be an inclusive body of Christ was worked through during the trial preparation time regarding Rev. Dr. Thomas Ogletree who officiated the same-sex wedding of his son. However, under Bishop Martin s leadership, a just resolution has been achieved and settled, and the NYAC could avoid a costly trial. He had a meaningful press conference regarding this matter on March 10 at 11:00 a.m. at the Conference Center. As the pastor of the pastors, Bishop McLee continues to emphasize and address the issue of self-care to the clergy members of our conference. In this coming September, he will be leading the delegates of the NYAC to Ghana for mission There will be some crucial changes in the evaluation process of bishops in the Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference of the UMC. First of all, the NEJ Committee on the Episcopacy is asking that each Episcopacy Committee in the NEJ meet quarterly. There is a suggested process for using a newly created evaluation tool at each of the meetings focusing on each category. Then, Rev. Bill Shillady and Mr. Fred Brewington, who serve the NEJ Committee on the Episcopacy and represent the NYAC Episcopacy Committee, shall supervise and lead the evaluation process. They are responsible for quarterly summaries of the areas to be covered in that meeting as well as annual summaries of the full evaluation. These quarterly summaries shall be accumulated over the quadrennium for a final review and evaluation of the resident bishop, which is shared with the chair of the NEJ Committee on the Episcopacy. In order to follow the new rules and regulations, our Episcopacy Committee has to meet regularly and work diligently and consistently throughout the year It is the responsibility of the NYAC Episcopacy Committee to establish and implement an evaluation process that provides, at least once each quadrennium, for each active bishop, a full and formal evaluation which will include selfevaluation, assessment by episcopal peers, and comment by persons affected by his/her superintendency (such as cabinets, clergy, lay leaders, directors of agencies served). The Annual Conference Committee on Episcopacy (2012 Book of Discipline 637) is the group charged with the responsibility of working closely with the resident bishop and providing feedback on the various responsibilities of the bishop, detailed here in eight distinct categories: 1) Ongoing Formation, 2) Administrative Responsibilities in Episcopal Area,

58 184 - Reports, Petitions & Resolutions LEGISLATIVE SECTION 4 3) Leadership, 4) Preaching and Teaching, 5) Appointment-making, 6) Builds healthy relationships with, 7) Articulates and supports the initiatives of The United Methodist Church, 8) Strengthens the Connection The process for this review and evaluation is the responsibility of our Episcopacy Committee and is to be conducted in consultation and cooperation with the jurisdiction s College of Bishops. The NEJ Committee on Episcopacy has created an evaluation instrument that we will use for this quadrennium. The NEJ College of Bishops has approved its use and it will provide a uniform process for the conferences to provide guidance and insight into effective episcopal leadership, and to enhance and support the ministry of the NEJ bishops With another successful year behind us, it has been our committee s goal to support our episcopal leader, Bishop McLee and his ministry not only for the NYAC, but also for the global community. It is our hope and prayer that by serving our leader, the members of the Episcopacy Committee will also grow together. A lot of tasks are in front of us this coming year, but, we step forward for the further development of our body (NYAC) and the expansion of God s realm. With that attitude and vision in mind, we pray and anticipate that the next year will be much fruitful in our growth. Conference Lay Leader Renata Smith Concur: 66, Non-Concur: 0, Abstain: 0; 100% concurrence, NYAC conference session: adopted 101. It continues to be a privilege to serve in a role that encourages laypersons in the general ministry of the church. In addition to serving on various conference committees the lay leader works with a dedicated team of laypersons on the Board of Laity. This report outlines some of the past year s activities: To foster awareness of the role of laity and to provide support and direction for the ministry of the laity on the local church level Associate Conference Lay Leader Mitch Underwood led the board in a review of our role as leaders at the September meeting of the Board of Laity District and associate district lay leaders did a marvelous job of leading gatherings of local church lay leaders. The theme was: Empowered Lay Leaders Called and Connected. At each meeting, local church lay leaders, the district superintendent and some pastors reviewed the lay leader role to identify its successes and areas that need improvement. Four districts have already had their meetings and two have set dates for May and September. The gatherings have been so successful that lay leaders would like to have more of them 104. Nine lay leaders from the local, district and conference levels attended the Northeastern Jurisdiction s Annual Meeting of Lay Leaders held in New Jersey, October 4 5, Joining with other lay leaders from across the jurisdiction, we reviewed our roles under the headings: Communication, Spiritual Development and Balance, Partnering with Clergy and Vital Congregations. I serve as secretary for the Northeastern Jurisdiction s Association of Conference Lay Leaders An intergenerational group of about one hundred and fifty lay persons attended the second NYAC Laity Convocation held on October 19, Bishop McLee

59 2014 New York Annual Conference opened the convocation which had as its theme Go Fish. Facilitators included Heather Lear, director of Evangelism Ministries at the General Board of Discipleship (GBOD); Sophia Agtarap, minister of online engagement, GBOD; and Melanie Gordon, director, Ministry with Children, at GBOD. Present from the NYAC were Neal Bowes, youth ministries consultant; Cassandra Negri, children s consultant; and Rev. Ann Pearson, director of Connectional Ministries. To relate to United Methodist youth and support their work Associate Conference Lay Leader Mitch Underwood, UMW President Susan Kim and I were invited to participate in Camp Lead with ten conference youth leaders and their adult facilitators in August Camp Lead aims at developing and fostering leadership skills among our youth. One of our 2014 goals is to encourage more local churches to send youth representatives to this innovative and inspiring program. The conference lay leader shall be a member of the Association of Annual Conference Lay Leaders I attended the Annual Meeting of Conference Lay Leaders held in Kansas City, Missouri, March 20 23, Speaker, Bishop Robert Schnase shared from his book: Seven Levers: Missional Strategies for Conferences. We visited the Church of the Resurrection, the largest UMC congregation in the USA, where Rev. Adam Hamilton is the senior pastor. The church has at least 18,000 adult members. One of its goals is to reach nonreligious people and to help them to become followers of Jesus Christ Robert Schoen and William Listwan, two members of the Board of Laity, passed away earlier this year. We thank God for the service they gave to the NYAC through the Board of Laity and their local churches. May their souls rest in peace On behalf of the board, I thank Director of Connectional Ministries Rev. Ann Pearson for her consistent, faithful and visionary leadership and support as an ex officio member of the board. We will miss her mouthwatering suppers she so graciously provided whenever we met at the Conference Center. She listened, encouraged and guided us, especially with new ventures such as the Laity Convocation. We wish for you, Ann, God s continuing guidance as you move on to the next new thing God has in store for you I am grateful for the support of laypersons and clergy from across the conference. My prayer is that we will work together to live out the motto of the laity: All God s people, at all times, and in all places, are called to love and serve. Lay Servant Ministries Peter O Neill, Conference Director Concur: 66, Non-Concur: 0, Abstain: 0; 100% concurrence, NYAC conference session: adopted 101. The Conference Committee on Lay Servant Ministries (LSM) held teleconferences in November 13, January 14 and February 14 and corresponded via several s during the past conference year. The discussions primarily focused on coordinating the various districts process to disseminate information and review applications for the new lay speaker position (see below). The conference and district directors also participated in the meetings of the Board of Laity.

60 186 - Reports, Petitions & Resolutions LEGISLATIVE SECTION The 2012 General Conference of The United Methodist Church approved a change in the name of this ministry to Lay Servant Ministries from the former Lay Speaking Ministries. Your conference committee agreed to institute this name change immediately for the fall of 2012, and our district programs have all operated under this new banner from the onset. The change in scope has been generally well received The 2012 General Conference also approved a new position under the LSM mantle for those individuals who strongly desire to serve as lay preachers of God s word. The position of lay speaker requires those individuals seeking this title to undertake a more strenuous training regimen than was required in the past. In addition to taking the basic course, candidates for this position must also complete six specific advanced courses, be approved by their district committees and accepted by the Conference Committee on LSM. Your conference committee developed a new application form for this process and established guidelines for screening and approval. The guidelines recommend that at least three of the required six advanced courses be completed either within the respective district or within the NYAC. Candidates must meet with their District Committee on LSM to assess their call to ministry and service, understanding of scripture and Wesleyan theology and personal commitment to discipleship. They should also prepare and present a sermon and related order of worship formally to the district committee. Their applications should include copies of their most recent (3 years) annual Lay Servant Reports and evaluations from their home and/ or other churches or groups where they were featured speakers. Each district does retain discretion in determining the acceptability of information submitted. The districts will then pass on the applications of accepted and recommended candidates to the Conference Committee on LSM for final approval Candidates for the position of lay speaker will serve in that capacity for three years, after which they must resubmit applications and be reapproved by their District Committee on LSM and the Conference Committee on LSM. During this term they must maintain their status as certified lay servants by taking required advanced courses and submitting annual reports to their local charge conference. The candidates approved for this year, to constitute the Class of 2017 are: Warren G. Whitlock (NYCT) Jerry Eyster (CT) 105. In January I had the pleasure of representing the NYAC at the annual ACDLSM meeting in San Diego, CA. We were greeted at our opening worship by Bishop Minerva G. Carcańo of the Cal Pac Conference. Training sessions that were led by Phil Maynard focused on Membership to Discipleship. On Friday evening we split into two groups to address the issues of immigration that included a visit to Freedom Park and the wall between the US and Mexico. Throughout the four days there were many opportunities to meet with our fellow conference and district directors from across the connection to learn and share how Lay Servanthood is being fostered in The United Methodist Church As conference director I had an opportunity to meet with the LIW District Committee on August 8, 2013 and with the CT District Committee on March 30, I also had the delightful experience of delivering the opening message for the LIW LSM School on Jan. 11, 2014 and the closing address for the MET LSM School on March 29. I was a presenter at two leader-to-leader training events held by LIE District on Feb. 1 st and 8 th, 2014.

61 2014 New York Annual Conference The Catskill Hudson District, under the co-leadership of Margaret Howe and Eugene Knoth, held three basic courses and advanced courses in Spiritual Gifts, Spiritual Disciplines, Go Preach and How They Hear the Word of God in the Fall of 2013 with a total of 67 attendees, and Lenten classes at four locations The Connecticut District, under District Director Mary Brevigleiri, reports that they held fall basic classes and offered advanced courses on Go Preach, Small Groups and Planning Worship The Long Island East District, under District Co-Directors Susan Johns Greenfield and Rev. Gertude Nation held basic classes at two location in Feb/ Mar 14 and offered Go Preach and Small Groups, as advanced courses. A basic course was also offered as a Lenten course at one church The Long Island West District, led by District Director Marie Davis, offered the basic course in English, Spanish and Ghanian and four advanced course options. The servant leader course was also offered in Spanish. Total attendance was 94, which included one youth The Metropolitan District, co-directed by Kim Owens and Joy Rhodes, also had multiple language offerings in English, Spanish and Korean, with six advanced course offerings and a youth basic course The New York/Connecticut District, led by District Director Frank Atkins, contains 62 local lay servants and 131 certified lay servants for a total of 193 active lay servants. They have conducted four Basic Lay Servant Courses throughout the district, and have offered seven advanced courses. These courses were held in five different locations, and involved approximately 100 people. They have endorsed one candidate, Warren Whitlock, for the new position of lay speaker A special word of thanks to the very many dedicated lay and clergy people who give of their time and talent to lead lay servant courses in all of our districts. An active laity is the cornerstone of The United Methodist Church and the NYAC is blessed to have so many lay people who have answered God s call to servant ministry. Parish Nurse/Faith Community Nursing Deaconess Claris Skerritt, RN, BSN, FCNC Concur: 63, Non-Concur: 0, Abstain: 2; 100% concurrence, NYAC conference session: adopted Jesus went around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom and curing every disease and illness. (Matthew 9:35) 101. I would be remiss if I held back my grateful thanks to the Reverend Ann Pearson, director of Connectional Ministries and to Bishop Martin D. McLee, resident bishop of the New York Annual Conference. Because of the opportunity I will continue to bring awareness to the need of treating our bodies as sacred temples of God so that his Holy Spirit can dwell within Healthier Bodies Minds and Spirits Parish/Faith Community Nurses (P/FCN) are licensed registered nurses who practice wholistic health for self, individuals, and the community, using their nursing experiences and combining spiritual care into this specialty practice.

62 188 - Reports, Petitions & Resolutions LEGISLATIVE SECTION 4 This valuable service is sometimes compensated while at other times it s uncompensated. As members of the pastoral team in various religious faiths, cultures, congregations, communities and countries the focus is on the intentional care of the spirit in assisting the members of faith communities to maintain, revisit, reenergize, or regain wholeness of body, mind and spirit The P/FCN practice is governed by the Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice, The Nurse Practice Act of their state, Faith Community Nursing: Scope and Standards, and the Code of Ethics with Interpretive Statements. And the assumption is every person will experience health and illness, but the faith community nurse functions on promoting wellness, preventing illness, providing comfort, and utilizing faith practices through assessments and interventions through education, advocacy, and support systems. The ultimate goal of a P/ FCN is to help persons achieve optimal health, well-being and harmony of self even in the presence of disease, and fellowship with God, others, or the Higher Power according to their faith FCN and health advocates continue to work together as a health and healing ministry through nutritional education, motion and movements, and spiritual growth and fellowship through Bible study and healthier eating habits to improve the quality of life for individuals and families in our congregations and the communities. We work in areas of clergy-pastoral care, nutrition, exercise, mentors, social work, or as ardent listeners In May, 2013 a five-day Foundation of Faith Getting Started program was held to bring awareness and an introduction of P/FCN practice so that the myriad of benefits practiced can be experienced by clergy, congregation and community. By implementing this program into the Health Ministries of the church and the community the older adults, homebound, women, children and youth will be engaged in ways to improve person s health I have attended the FCN coordinators course study and have presented on P/ FCN during the Metropolitan District training at Calvary UMC and First UMC. Members from the First UMC wanted to learn more about healthy eating and spirituality. During six weeks over Lent we met and had Bible Study on The Way: Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus and The Daniel Fast as an Older Adult Group. One attendee now says she reads the Bible in a different light and her eating habits have changed Today the mission of the parish nurse is to partner with the pastoral staff of the congregation and to integrate faith and health so that individuals can experience whole person health. The next Foundation of Faith training is May 22-26, Our long-range plans include: 109. The training of other registered nurses and health advocates in our parishes. There were nine health advocates who took the getting started program last year but there is a need for further training to obtain the certificate of completion Joining with other faiths and agencies in the New York area to establish parish nurse health ministry to work under one umbrella with the local hospital. This would publicize the practice of Parish Nurse/Faith Community Nursing so that the spiritual and the physical needs are met Obtaining grant funding for equipment and to offer a wider range of programs If you have any questions, please contact me by mail: Claris.Skerritt@nyac-umc.com

63 2014 New York Annual Conference Petition # Definition of Consultation and Rights of the Local Church in the Appointment Process Concur: 66, Non-Concur: 0, Abstain: 0; 100% concurrence, NYAC conference session: adopted WHEREAS 426 of the Book of Discipline 2012 requires a process of consultation with a local church when a pastoral appointment is to be made, and WHEREAS 426 specifically states that The process of consultation shall be mandatory in every annual conference, that Consultation is not merely notification, and that Consultation is both a continuing process and a more intense involvement during the period of change of appointment, and WHEREAS 428 requires that the bishop and the cabinet shall consider the family needs of the pastor in making pastoral appointments and that the district superintendent should meet together or separately with the pastor and the committee on pastor-parish relations where the pastor is serving, for the purpose of sharing the basis for the change and the process used in making the new appointment, and WHEREAS there have been instances reported in which this process of consultation has not been followed. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Bishop McLee state in writing to the New York Annual Conference by January 1, 2015, precisely what the Cabinet deems to be consultation with local churches concerning pastoral appointments, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the statement clearly specify what rights a local congregation has to be consulted, heard and respected in the process of making pastoral appointments. Submitted by Staff- Parish Relations Committee and Administrative Board of Valhalla United Methodist Church SECTION 5: CLERGY CARE & CONFERENCE FINANCE All items were approved by the indicated votes and were included in the consent calendar affirmative vote. The votes shown are those from the legislative section for each item. There were no petitions in this section. Commission on Equitable Compensation Rev. Gunshik Shim, Chair Concur: 92, Non-Concur: 0, Abstain: 0; 100% concurrence, NYAC conference session: adopted 101. The purpose of the Commission on Equitable Compensation as expressed in the 2012 Book of Discipline is to support full-time clergy serving as pastors in the charges of the annual conference ( 625.2). This includes recommending conference standards for pastoral support... administering funds to be used in base compensation supplementation... providing counsel and advisory material on pastoral support to district superintendents and committees on pastor-parish relations...and submitting an arrearage policy to be adopted by the annual conference. ( 625.2) 102. One of the major roles of the commission is to review carefully each year the application form for Equitable Compensation Grants. Each local church discerning a need for additional pastoral support may make an application to receive grant

64 190 - Reports, Petitions & Resolutions LEGISLATIVE SECTION 5 money from the annual conference to support their local church s pastor s salary and/or benefits. Once the application is signed by the district superintendent and all the necessary supporting documents (i.e., an audit from the previous year, and a budget for that year) are received, the application is reviewed by the commission The Commission on Equitable Compensation researched and compared the minimum salary schedules in effect in some annual conferences of The United Methodist Church The following tabulation presents an overview of the equitable compensation plans (or minimum salary) for the year 2014 in some selected annual conferences of The United Methodist Church. The information has been taken from reports printed in their 2013 conference journals or from direct inquires of the conferences. FT/Local Conference Full/Elder Provisional Associate Pastor New York $38,161 $37,141 $37,533 $35,024 Bal-Washington 39,728 39,728 New Jersey 41,122 37,010 37,010 34,954 W. Penn. 39,160 37,960 35,699 33,896 Upper NY* 38,500 37,800 37,100 35,000 New England* 38,760 38,760 38,760 35,060 (* indicates 2013 figures.) Conference Full/Elder N. Texas...$44,770 Susquehanna...42,221 North Carolina...41,770 Kansas & Nebraska...40,600 Detroit...40,299 W. Michigan...40,208 Central Texas...39,269 Louisiana... 39,112 New Mexico...38,967 New York...38,161 Illinois...38,084 Recommendations for the year 2015: Conference Full/Elder Wisconsin...37,978 Tennessee...37,496 Missouri...37,024 Oregon-Idaho...36,750 Texas...36,204 Oklahoma...35,081 Mississippi...34,186 NW Texas... 34,112 N. Georgia...34,000 Alabama/W. Florida...33,800 Memphis...33, Considering the higher cost of living in the New York area, the commission recommends to the annual conference to establish the following minimum equitable salary for pastors under full-time appointment in the local church effective January 1, 2015: a) Elder and Deacon in Full Connection $40,000 with $300 increment per year of service up to 24 years. b) Associate $39,250, with $275 increment per year of service up to 24 years. c) Provisional $38,750, with $250 increment per year of service up to 8 years. d) Full-Time Local Pastor $36,500, with $225 increment per year of service up to 24 years That the Equitable Compensation Fund be set at $170, That the Compensation Adjustment Fund be set at $80,000.

65 2014 New York Annual Conference That the minimum equitable salary for ¾-time pastoral appointments shall be ¾ of the required minimum; that the minimum equitable salary for ½-time pastoral appointments shall be ½ of the required minimum; that minimum salary for less than ½-time appointments shall be determined by the Cabinet in consultation with the pastor and the local church That the minimum professional reimbursement account remains at $5,550.00, and that pastors under part-time appointments receive a minimum of $1, for each ¼-time increment That pastors serving multi-church charges are to receive an additional $ professional reimbursement OR an additional $750 salary increase for each church after the first church on their circuit, whether serving in a part-time or full-time appointment That the 2015 minimum equitable salary for all pastors serving under full-time appointments is as follows: 2015 Minimum Salary Schedule Years of Service Local Pastor Provisional Associate Member Elder/ Permanent Deacon 0 $36, $38, $39, $40, $36, $39, $39, $40, $36, $39, $39, $40, $37, $39, $40, $40, $37, $39, $40, $41, $37, $40, $40, $41, $37, $40, $40, $41, $38, $40, $41, $42, $38, $40, $41, $42, $38, $ - $41, $42, $38, $ - $42, $43, $38, $ - $42, $43, $39, $ - $42, $43, $39, $ - $42, $43, $39, $ - $43, $44, $39, $ - $43, $44, $40, $ - $43, $44, $40, $ - $43, $45, $40, $ - $44, $45, $40, $ - $44, $45, $41, $ - $44, $46, $41, $ - $45, $46, $41, $ - $45, $46, $41, $ - $45, $46, $41, $ - $45, $47, Service year 0 covers the first twelve months of a pastor s first appointment (i.e. July 1 st June 30 th )

66 192 - Reports, Petitions & Resolutions LEGISLATIVE SECTION 5 Conference Council on Finance and Administration (CCF&A) Ms. Gillian Prince, President Concur: 73, Non-Concur: 0, Abstain: 0; 100% concurrence, NYAC conference session: adopted 101. To God Be the Glory, Great Things He Has Done! My second year as chair of the Conference Council on Finance and Administration has been a continuation of a great journey where I ve had the privilege to work with many wonderful people. My thanks and gratitude are to those who give so freely of their time and I pray that God s loving arms will surround them as they continue to serve our conference. The table below shows the commitment to our conference s ministry over the last three years: Shared Ministries HealthFlex for Actives CRSP % fulfilled 92% fulfilled 91% fulfilled % fulfilled 96% fulfilled 94% fulfilled % fulfilled 96% fulfilled 93% fulfilled 102. As the promise of economic recovery continues, our churches have given generously to the ministries of God under our stewardship. We recognize that not all people can fulfill pledges they have made, and not all churches can meet the expectations we have of them. We must be confident that blessings will rain down on all people when we have shared what we have From this perspective that the work we fund is in collaboration with God s mission, and that we will share what we have the Conference Council on Finance and Administration has worked with Bishop McLee to provide an example for local churches and other annual conferences. We strive energetically to fulfill the apportionments assigned to our conference by paying 100%. We do trust that God is at work when we send the dollars away It is important to remember that we have three apportionment formulas. We have previously explained that we had fallen into the habit of calling some of our apportionments direct billings to local churches, while in fact they are direct billings to the conference, and then divided out (apportioned) to the local churches by certain formulas. We have three apportionments, billed from the conference to local churches, which are allocated by your authority as voting members of the conference, representing what you have decided is a fair share of these costs for each church. The money we collect pays for expenses that are incurred on your behalf and by your permission. If any local church defaults on its payments to any of these apportionments, then either the costs cannot be fully paid, or they must be paid by the local churches that did not default on their payments. There are three different formulas for these three apportionments, which you approve when you accept the reports and recommendations of CCFA and the Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits HealthFlex for Active Clergy is apportioned by this formula: Take the estimated premium billed to the conference, add about 3% (this number can vary), and divide by the number of pastors and conference employees participating in the health care plan. (The extra 3% is to make sure we raise enough money to cover the bill, expecting that some churches will fail to pay their share.) This number is called the Uniform Rate. What is actually apportioned to the local church is the Uniform Rate for each participant employed by that church for example, if there are two full-time pastors in the plan, the church

67 2014 New York Annual Conference is apportioned two shares of the Uniform Rate. Optional features of our health plan, like a pastor s decision to set aside money for a Medical Savings Account, will increase the billing that goes to a particular church, but since this money is deducted from the participant s salary, there is no net effect on the local church s budget. (To be clear: Churches should be deducting from pastors salaries everything in the HealthFlex bill that is over the Uniform Rate. If these items are not deducted, they are considered to be taxable income to the recipient and must also be reported on Table II of the Statistical Tables.) 106. The local church does not pay the actual cost of a pastor s health insurance, but the church pays an amount apportioned to it by this formula. We have discovered that billing churches for the actual cost unduly complicates the appointment process, leading some churches to plead for pastors who will not bring family members into the plan. Therefore we have a Uniform Rate, and we clearly state that this is not the actual cost for health insurance for the pastoral staff of any church CRSP (pension) for those serving at 75% or greater is apportioned by a different formula: Take the salary and housing allowance (or just add 25% of salary for those pastors who have parsonages) for every appointed pastor on the charge, and bill the church 11.8% of that number. Unfortunately, this formula has not provided the income that is needed to pay the bill which the denomination presents us. We have generally used money in a fund that is held for pensions to pay the shortfall The local church does not pay the actual cost of its pastor s pension, but the church pays an amount apportioned to it by this formula. However, this amount is very close to the actual cost. The denomination bills the conference, leaving to the conference all decisions about how to pass the bill along to local churches. We have decided to apportion the bill to local churches based on the pastoral compensation package. For those churches who do not pay their apportionment for CRSP, the conference must find this money somewhere else. As with the structural shortfall mentioned in the paragraph above, we usually have paid for this from BOPHB reserve funds Shared Ministries are apportioned by this formula: Take the amount reported on Table II by a local church for the previous year s expenses for salaries, accountable reimbursements, office expense, and programming. Call that the local church s apportionment base. Add up all the local church apportionment bases. Call that the conference s apportionment base. Now for each local church, divide its apportionment base by the conference s apportionment base. This is expressed as a percentage. For example, a church reported expenses so that its apportionment base was $200,000. The conference apportionment base for the same period was $33,000,000. This particular local church s apportionment base was therefore % of the conference s base. We multiply that percentage by the major budget categories for Shared Ministries (which are Clergy Support, Administration, World Service and Conference Benevolences, Ministerial Education Fund, Black College Fund, Missional Priority Fund, and Africa University Fund), and bill those amounts to the local church for its fair share of Shared Ministries You will note that the number of members of a church is not included in any of these formulas. Local church membership has no effect on how the New York Annual Conference apportions these three funds. It does have

68 194 - Reports, Petitions & Resolutions LEGISLATIVE SECTION 5 a bearing on the apportionments the denomination assigns to the conference. Our apportionments for ministries beyond our borders are less than those of conferences that have similar economic strength, but larger membership The apportionment base of the New York Annual Conference has suffered decline over the past few years. Listed below are the numbers from the Journals for the past seven years: 2006 $38,268, $34,059, $33,866, $33,908, $34,081, $32,851, $34,696, Follow up on Camping and Retreat Ministries ( CRM ). CF&A has continued to support CRM through the current Camps Task Force where we have made recommendations and helped set up controls. After the sale of a small parcel at Camp Epworth that netted $156,000, CRM Trustees and the Camps Task Force went forward with plans to sell the rest of Camp Epworth at an asking price of $3.6M. At Camp Quinipet a seawall that was damaged by Hurricane Sandy required repairs that will cost $702,000. Camp Quinipet has secured a Small Business Association loan at 3% to finance this repair. The current indebtedness of CRM to CF&A is $804,091 for past operational expenses and capital expenditures We have been blessed by the many people who continue to work on CRM matters, especially our Director of CRM Greg Nissen, CRM Chair Beth Ann Graf, CRM Vice Chair Leslie Vachon, Trustees President Ginny Carle, District Superintendent Jim Moore, CF&A Vice President Eric Fjeldal, our CFO Ross Williams and myself. I want to thank everyone for their time and effort in helping CRM get healthy again Renewal and transition. The Church of God never lacks gifted people, and I want to thank Ross Williams for his dedication to the ministry of conference finances, our new Bishop Martin McLee for his encouragement, and every person on CF&A who showed up on a meeting night, for a budget hearing, or at annual conference. Blessings always. Recommendations: 115. Equitable Salaries: The council concurs with the report of the Commission on Equitable Compensation which recommends a budget of $170,000 for minimum salary support Salary Adjustment Fund: The council concurs with the report of the Commission on Equitable Compensation which recommends a budget of $80,000 for the Salary Adjustment Fund District Superintendent Salaries: The council recommends the 2015 salaries of the district superintendents, director of Connectional Ministries, and CFO & director of administrative services be set at $84, Calendar Year Budgets: The Council recommends three budgets with three different formulas for apportioning: 119. The Shared Ministries Apportionment (consisting of Clergy Support, Administration, World Service and Conference Benevolences, Missional Priority, Black College Fund, Africa University Fund, and Ministerial Education Fund) will be apportioned according to the apportionment base of

69 2014 New York Annual Conference local churches as calculated in Table II of the Statistical Reports. As we go to press, the number that will apportioned to local churches is $7,994,407 which is a decrease of 3.5% compared to The HealthFlex for Active Clergy Apportionment will be $14,640 for each local church employing one participating clergyperson (as defined in the report of the Board of Pension and Health Benefits), of which the clergyperson will pay $1,176 (approximately 8%) and the church will pay $13,464 (approximately 92%) The CRSP Apportionment for those serving 75% or greater will be 14.8%, including 3% for CPP, of appointed clergy compensation (salary plus housing, as defined in the report of the Board of Pension and Health Benefits). This is the same as the apportionment for last year, and a local church will see its bill rise or fall in direct proportion to the salary it pays. See the budget later in this document for more details about these items Pensions and Benefit Issues: The council concurs with the report and recommendations of the Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits and congratulates Rev. Bill Shillady and this committee on their ministry on the Board of Pension and Health Benefits Conference-wide Appeals: The Council recommends that appeals to all the local churches in the conference be limited to the following causes: a. Anchor House b. Bethel Homes, Inc. c. Brooklyn United Methodist Church Home d. Camping & Retreat Ministries e. The Children s Home, Binghamton, NY f. Far Rockaway Mission g. NYAC Justice for Our Neighbors h. Methodist Church Home for Nursing & Rehabilitation, Riverdale, NY i. Personal Energy Transportation project, East Jewett j. United Methodist City Society (including Five Points Mission) k. United Methodist Homes of Connecticut l. Volunteers-in-Mission projects, and m. Women s Advocate Ministry CFO & Director of Administrative Services Ross E. Williams, CFO & Director of Administrative Services Concur:73, Non-Concur: 0, Abstain: 0; 100% concurrence, NYAC conference session: adopted 101. Greetings! 2013 was my third full year working at the Conference Center and with each new year comes the promise of doing things better, faster and more economically. Each new year also provides further opportunities to be more transparent with our activities. Along those lines, this is my first report to the New York Annual Conference, which I hope will illuminate the work that we do, the challenges we face and some of the things we have accomplished Probably the most important thing I d like to say is that we are here for you the clergyperson, the church treasurer, the finance committee chair and anyone else in need of support when it comes to finance matters. We take this commitment very seriously. In fact, we have an internal policy that all inquiries, whether via phone, or in person, receive a same day or next day

70 196 - Reports, Petitions & Resolutions LEGISLATIVE SECTION 5 response unless they involve substantial research. I believe that we achieve this high mark in the vast majority of cases Listed below, in alphabetical order, are descriptions of the services and activities of the Finance Office Accounting: The Finance Office provides accounting services for the following organizations: Camps (payroll processing) Conference budget (all services) Disaster Recovery Ministries (all services) Episcopal Office (all services) Frontier Foundation (payroll processing) Justice for Our Neighbors (all services) Conference Trustees (accounting and disbursements related to legal matters & discontinued churches) Volunteers in Mission (accounting & processing of receipts and disbursements related to mission trips) Vision Bearers (accounting & processing of receipts & disbursements) 105. Audits: The Finance Office coordinates and supports audits of the following entities. CF&A (conference budget) Episcopal Office (Bishop s office) Conference Trustees Camping & Retreat Ministry 106. Copies of audit reports are included in Conference Journals - available at: Annual Conference: The Finance Office reviews and executes contracts, provides staffing and processes transactions for our annual conference gathering. We also handle the accounting of fees received via the conference s on-line registration system Benefits: The Finance Office administers the benefit programs offered to our active and retired clergy and lay employees. This involves serving as the single point of contact for questions, maintaining accurate participant data and issuing bills / depositing receipts. During 2013, the Finance Office serviced the following benefit areas: ExtendHealth for retired employees (approximately 430 retirees and spouses) HealthFlex for active employees (approximately 300) Pension for active clergy and lay employees Financial assistance grants for retirees Wellness programs (Virgin Health Miles, Blueprint for Wellness, HealthQuotient, etc.) Long-term disability Health Care reform education Retirement Seminars for retiring clergy Creation of funding plan for pension liabilities 109. Benefit Payment Delinquencies: (also see report of Board of Pensions and Health Benefits) A significant amount of time has been spent over the past several years dealing with benefit payment delinquencies of both churches and

71 2014 New York Annual Conference pastors. While the vast majority of churches and pastors faithfully pay for their healthcare and pension benefits, there are others that are chronically behind and even some that make no payments at all. When this occurs, the Finance Office is required to implement the termination policies set by the Board of Pensions and Health Benefits. These policies require us to send written communications to those behind in their payments and either attempt to collect such monies, reach repayment agreements or proceed with termination of coverage. During 2013, this process occurred for 32 churches and 33 pastors, many of which brought themselves current. But there remained a half dozen or so that signed agreements to forestall termination and then subsequently defaulted on those agreements. According to final numbers for 2013, there were 63 churches that owed a total of $192,505 for pension costs, 46 churches that owed $153,011 for healthcare costs and 40 pastors that owed $15,162 for healthcare costs. Dealing with such delinquencies stretches the personnel resources of this office and interferes with our ability to manage our cash flow effectively Budgets: The Finance Office coordinates the conference s annual budget process which includes: distributing budget templates to committee and department heads, consolidating budget submissions, preparing budget packets for the budget hearings, advising CF&A on budget and finance matters and participating in budget discussions at annual conference. Once approved, the Finance Office is responsible for allocating the budget based upon the submission of financial information from member churches. Such information is received via the Statistical Tables process, which typically runs from mid- February to mid-april. Monthly statements are mailed by the Finance Office to each church confirming the receipt of all monies forwarded to the conference. In addition, the Finance Office prepares and submits the annual budget for the Episcopal (Bishop s) Office Listed below is a five-year history of budgets for the conference. Assuming the proposed 2015 budget is approved, the cumulative decrease in the budget since 2011 will be 7.0%. A few significant factors driving budget decreases have been a) tighter internal financial controls, b) cost-saving actions across all areas but especially in the area of benefits administration, and c) increases in the annual contribution from the Board of Pensions to cover retiree healthcare costs $7,994,407 a decrease of $290,675 or 3.5% (proposed budget not approved) 2014 $8,285,082 a decrease of $54,132 or 0.6% 2013 $8,339,214 a decrease of $288,495 or 3.3% 2012 $8,627,709 an increase of $33,151 or 0.4% 2011 $8,594,558 an increase of $110,320 or 1.3% 112. Cash Flow: With the many sources and uses of funds that flow through the Finance Office, it can be daunting to make sense of it all. The good news is that the Conference is in a much stronger cash position than it had been. Our two biggest cash flow challenges have been: 1. To bring ourselves current on all financial obligations (pay within one month) 2. To build a reserve account that can be used for emergencies and unexpected needs 113. The chart below shows how payment lags have been reduced over the past four years. A payment lag is the difference between when an obligation is due and

72 198 - Reports, Petitions & Resolutions when it actually gets paid. We are now current on all obligations except for apportionments where we still have a two-month lag. Each year we have been reducing this lag by one month and expect it to be reduced to one month in Remittance Lag History in Months Paid to Description Prior LEGISLATIVE SECTION 5 CBOPHB Pension - Defined Benefit months GBOPHB Pension - Defined Contribution GBOPHB Disability - CPP GCFA Apportionments GCFA Special Sundays CBOPHB Integrity in Pensions The chart below depicts the history of our cash flow reserve account from 2010 through While it appears that we started with a healthy reserve balance in 2010, since bills were not being paid on time, this is deceiving. From August 2010 through January of 2012, we depleted our reserve account to bring ourselves current on our payables, resulting in a balance as low as $2,512. From February of 2012 through the current date we have been rebuilding the account by implementing tight monetary controls and in some cases through the recovery of money that should not have been disbursed in the first place. Many of these new controls and recoveries were prompted by or aided by our close working relationship with Bill Shillady, the chair of our Board of Pensions and Health Benefits. The General Council of Finance & Administration (GCFA) recommends that annual conferences maintain a reserve balance of half of their annual budget. For us, that would be about $4.0 million so we still have more work to do to build up our reserve! 115. Committee/Meeting Participation: I actively serve on the following committees: Audit Committee Board of Pensions and Health Benefits Camps Task Force (Chair) Council on Finance & Administration Equitable Compensation Extended Cabinet

73 2014 New York Annual Conference Parish Development Personnel Strategic Economic Analysis Task Force Board of Trustees National Association of Annual Conference Treasurers 116. Communications: We strive to provide timely and accurate information to make the jobs of those we serve a little easier. During 2013, the Finance Office issued many communications to pastors, treasurers and other church leaders. Standard communications that we will continue to issue each year are listed below: Church Audits (what is required and guidance on how to perform an audit) Statistical Tables (due dates, guidance, key contacts) Stewardship Webinars (publicizing free webinars offered by GBOD) Annual Conference Budget (guide to understanding the conference budget) Electronic Giving (tips and referrals) Apportionments (details by church, how are they calculated and what they are used for) Budgets (what church treasurers need to know to complete their church budgets) IRS Mileage Rate (updates to the per-mile reimbursement rate) Housing Allowances (explanation of requirements & answers to Frequently Asked Questions) Workers Compensation (due dates, answers to Frequently Asked Questions and instructions) Thank You for Paying Apportionments (one of our most important communications) Year-end Key Dates (guidance on year-end remittances and key contacts) Property & Casualty Insurance (requirements, tips and referrals) 117. If you or other church leaders are not receiving these communications, it is most likely because we do not have correct addresses on file. We receive these addresses when churches submit their Online Charge Conference Summary Report. For information on how to submit this report, please refer to our website ( or contact the office of your district superintendent Conference Center: The Finance Office administers the operation of our Conference Center office located in White Plains, NY. Such administration includes coordinating required building inspections, administering contracts, and coordinating maintenance associated with fire equipment, elevators, IT equipment, phone systems, HVAC equipment, mailroom equipment, grounds maintenance, cleaning, electrical, plumbing and security. In addition, we are currently working with the Trustees on an action plan for needed renovations at the Conference Center Disaster Relief & Recovery: In late 2012, we witnessed one of the most damaging hurricanes the Northeast has ever seen. Coordinating the relief phase for Hurricane Sandy victims was the job of our Mission and Outreach Office. In the summer of 2013, a new organization called Hurricane Sandy Disaster Recovery Ministries was formed to coordinate the recovery phase of our efforts (see paragraph 122). The Finance Office supported both of these phases by:

74 200 - Reports, Petitions & Resolutions LEGISLATIVE SECTION 5 Serving as the repository of grants & donations Processing disbursements Hiring personnel Processing payroll & administering benefits for new Disaster Recovery employees Providing financial models and guidance for grant applications Providing detailed accounting of inflows and outflows for grant reporting Coordinating audit preparation 120. The experience of responding to Hurricane Sandy highlighted the difficulties of the conference quickly ramping up relief and recovery efforts. Prior to 2013, the conference did not have the resources and expertise to provide a coordinated and effective response to such a large-scale disaster. We are hoping that the new organization now being led by Rev. Tom Vencuss can be leveraged in the future to minimize response times to such events, which appear to be occurring more frequently Fund Administration: Can you guess how many accounts or funds are involved in running the annual conference? Five, ten, fifteen? The actual number as of March 31, 2014 is 68! My understanding since arriving in 2010 is that the number of accounts and funds has expanded greatly over time as the Finance Office has endeavored to say yes to as many worthy causes as possible. The challenge for us is that the existence of, and the effort to administer these accounts is not widely understood and accordingly, not matched with appropriate resources. Over the past few years I have been working on understanding the origins of each account to ensure that it is appropriate that they be managed by us. In some cases, we have transferred fund balances to other organizations and have had them take over their own administration While the budget of the conference is currently about $8.0 million, the value of the funds that we transact business for is actually much larger. As of March 31, 2014, the funds listed below had a value of approximately $62.2 million. CONFERENCE Black College Luncheon Conference Center - Operating Conference Center - Payroll Conference Merit Scholarship Fund Commission for Inclusive Church Immigration Task Force Millenium Fund Ministerial Education Fund Native American Awareness New York Education Society Fund Norwalk Parsonage Clergy Day Apart - Order of Elders Peace with Justice - BC&S Quadrennial Mission Focus Fund Retired Pastors Fellowship Vision Bearers Fund CABINET Cabinet Church Fund East Pearl Fund Permanent Endowment German Church Fund (Metro & LIW) Maspeth UMC Greenpoint Polish CF&A Reserve Fund DISASTER RECOVERY Hurricane Irene - Local Relief Hurricane Sandy - Newsday Hurricane Sandy - UMCOR DISASTER RECOVERY (cont) Hurricane Sandy - American Red Cross Hurricane Sandy - Island Park UMC

75 2014 New York Annual Conference GRANTS Color Beyond the Lines New Brazilian Church Start EPISCOPACY Episcopal Office - Checking Episcopal Fund Bishop s Fund for Leadership Develop. Bishop s Discretionary Fund Bishop s Partners in Mission Young Clergy Debt Assistance Program MISSION & OUTREACH Bolivia Mission Cambodia Mission Clean Water Project Costa Rica Mission Ecuador Mission Emergency Response Teams Ghana Mission - Project Dorcas Ghana Mission - School Haiti Mission Imagine No Malaria Mozambique Mission Sierra Leone Mission Youth Service Fund Youth Ambassadors Ministry OTHER Justice for our Neighbors PARISH DEVELOPMENT Revolving Loans - Investment Revolving Loans - Checking New Church Growth & Development District Capital & Ministry Needs Missional Priority Fund PENSION & HEALTH Deposit Account Health Benefits Reserve Account Pre-82 Account PENSION & HEALTH (cont) Integrity in Pensions General Account Retiree HRA Funding Phinney Pension Fund TRUSTEES Trustees - Investment Trustees - General Conference Center Fund Proceeds of Church Property Perkins Learning Center Fund 123. Grants: When a conference agency or local church receives a grant, the grantor usually requires that the funds be administered by our office. This involves the establishment of segregated accounts and the receipt and disbursement of funds. During 2013, the following grants were administered by the Finance Office: General Board of Church & Society to NYAC Board of Church & Society - $5,000 General Board of Global Ministries to Woori Korean UMC - $12,000 General Board of Global Ministries to Brazilian New Church Start - $45,000 General Commission on Race & Religion to NYAC Metropolitan District - $13,650 Global Health Initiative/Imagine No Malaria to NYAC Imagine no Malaria - $40,000 National Justice for our Neighbors to NYAC Justice for our Neighbors - $5,000 UMCOR/Newsday/McCormick/American Red Cross/Other to NYAC Disaster Recovery - $5,102, Insurance: The Finance Office administers and bills the following insurance coverage: Workers Compensation All churches and church-controlled preschools (Church Mutual)

76 202 - Reports, Petitions & Resolutions LEGISLATIVE SECTION 5 Property & Casualty Conference Center and closed churches (Church Mutual) Umbrella & D&O Conference Center and Committees (Philadelphia) Auto Mission & Disaster vehicles / trailers (Church Mutual) 125. During 2013, we created an online collection system for obtaining Workers Compensation payroll data from our churches and church-controlled preschools. This system, which was implemented in February of 2014, has streamlined the process for both our churches and the conference. Additionally, we hope that it will ensure that all churches are adequately covered and not overcharged / undercharged Integrity in Pensions: The Integrity in Pensions program was a 30-year funding mechanism that was inaugurated in 1982 to address the underfunding of the Pre-82 Conference Pension Plan. Churches were allocated a fair share of the underfunding and asked to commit to one of four methods of payment. Although the plan concluded at the end of 2012, there are still 74 churches that have fallen behind on their payments to the plan. The Finance Office works in conjunction with our Board of Pensions and Health Benefits to encourage these churches to remain faithful to this obligation. All collections are directed to the account used to fund Pre-82 pension obligations Legal Matters: The Finance Office interacts with our Conference Chancellor, Lawrence McGaughey on a regular basis. Some typical areas of involvement are: Lawsuits or claims against the conference Referral of legal questions from member churches Work associated with real estate transactions Contracts General legal advice and counsel 128. Loans: The Finance Office administers loans and grants to member churches approved by the Parish Development Committee. This involves issuing promissory notes and amortization tables, disbursing monies and depositing/ applying payments from churches. During 2013 the Finance Office coordinated the administration of approximately 70 Parish Development loans Personnel Management: The Finance Office oversees the following personnel matters: Personnel manual updates and compliance Employee grievance administration Compensation administration Performance Evaluation administration 130. Training: We believe that regular finance training is of great value to clergy and other church leaders. During 2013, we presented the following training: Compass training for new clergy Train the Trainer training of volunteers to conduct finance workshops at local churches District Finance Workshops 15 training sessions held in January, February and March at District Resource days Trustee Properties: The Finance Office administers the payment of bills related to discontinued churches that are temporarily held by the Conference Trustees. During 2013, the Finance Office processed transactions (utility bills, maintenance, professional fees, insurance, etc.) for the following properties:

77 2014 New York Annual Conference Armonk UMC (sold 10/13) Portchester UMC Armonk UMC Parsonage (sold 2/14) Portchester UMC Parsonage Beaverkill UMC (sold 5/13) Rye UMC Embury UMC Rye UMC Parsonage Embury UMC Parsonage South Norwalk UMC Camp Epworth subdivision (sold 9/13) Tompkins Corners UMC Germantown UMC (sold 3/14) Woodmere-Lawrence UMC Germantown UMC Parsonage (sold 3/14) 132. Costs associated with properties temporarily held by the Trustees are processed and accumulated by the Finance Office and then recouped from the net sale proceeds. This requires the Finance Office outlay cash, usually for a minimum of 1-2 years, to maintain these properties until they are sold People: There are so many people and relationships that have been vital to the effective operation of our office. It would be impossible to list the many dedicated volunteers that have helped us to further the work of this conference. At a minimum I would like to thank the members of the committees below and especially the chairs who we have partnered with. Archives & History Marilyn Hatch, Chair Board of Pensions and Health Benefits - Rev. Dr. William Shillady, Chair Camps Governing Board Beth Ann Graf, Chair Conference Sessions Rev. Ann Pearson, Rev. James Moore and Renata Smith, Co-Chairs Council on Finance & Administration Gillian Prince, President Equitable Compensation Rev. Gunshik Shim, Chair Extended Cabinet Presided over by Bishop Martin McLee Parish Development Rev. David Mantz, Chair Personnel Margaret Howe, Chair Strategic Economic Analysis Task Force Rev. Timothy Riss, Chair Board of Trustees Rev. Virginia Carle, President 134. A special thanks also goes to Greg Nissen, our director of Camping & Retreat Ministries. Greg is a multi-talented individual that has been invaluable in managing the many complexities of keeping Camp Epworth well maintained while at the same time running a very active ministry at Camp Quinipet. Greg has also partnered with us at every step of the way in our journey to enact tighter financial controls and improve transparency Another special thanks goes to Barbara Eastman, our Information & Technology manager, who in addition to her information and technology responsibilities worked on a wide variety of finance projects helping to streamline and automate our operations I also want to acknowledge our Resident Bishop Martin D. McLee, and our six district superintendents who have each been especially helpful to and supportive of me (Rev. Adrienne Brewington, Rev. Kenneth Kieffer, Rev. Jim Moore, Rev. Betsy Ott, Rev. Denise Smartt Sears and Rev. Kenny Yi) One of my first contacts at the conference was the Director of Connectional Ministries Rev. Ann Pearson. Since my first day Ann has served as an invaluable resource to me and a sounding board for many of the difficult challenges that I faced in my transition to the not-for-profit world. Ann is retiring at this annual conference after many dedicated years of service to the conference. I will miss her dearly.

78 204 - Reports, Petitions & Resolutions LEGISLATIVE SECTION And last but most important of all, since 2010 we have implemented many changes to the mix of personnel within the Finance Office. During this fouryear period, five people have left our employment or moved into new positions and five people have joined the department. I believe we are now blessed to have the right mix of dedicated professionals that are committed to service excellence and the mission of the conference Those dedicated professionals are: (in alphabetical order) Fran Collins - Accounts Receivable Coordinator Gail Kamerman Accounts Payable Coordinator Heman Persaud Billing Coordinator Sam Rosenfeld Disaster Recovery Finance Manager MaryLynn Salerno Staff Accountant Jean Strong Receptionist and Facilities Coordinator Susan Tedesco Controller Sally Truglia HR & Benefits Manager 140. I continue to feel privileged to serve the clergy and laity of the New York Annual Conference in this role. With your feedback, prayers and support, I hope to do so for many more years into the future. Board of Pension and Health Benefits Bill Shillady, Chair Concur: 70, Non-Concur: 2, Abstain: 1; 97.22% concurrence, NYAC conference session: adopted Health and Pension Overview, 2013 Galatians 6:5-10 (The Message) Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life. Be very sure now, you who have been trained to a self-sufficient maturity, that you enter into a generous common life with those who have trained you, sharing all the good things that you have and experience. Don t be misled: No one makes a fool of God. What a person plants, he will harvest. The person who plants selfishness, ignoring the needs of others - ignoring God! - harvests a crop of weeds. All he ll have to show for his life is weeds! But the one who plants in response to God, letting God s Spirit do the growth work in him, harvests a crop of real life, eternal life. So let s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don t give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith Over the last few years, your Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits (the BOPHB ) has presented reports with the themes Change is coming! and Change is here! 102. Everyone knows that the Health Care Reform Act and changes to our UMC benefits have placed these issues in the forefront of our BOPHB. We have attempted as a board to be kept informed, remain flexible and creative and encourage our clergy in health and wellness. Even though change has been difficult, our active clergy and retirees have accepted the reality of the changing state of health care and retirement benefits.

79 2014 New York Annual Conference I have decided to keep last year s theme for the BOPHB report: Take Responsibility: It s your future your choices! So consider this report as, Back to the Future, Part 2. The message remains the same as we steady the course and move forward: Your future wellness, retirement, and spiritual and emotional health will not be determined by the conference but by you and your spouse s choices in lifestyle, savings, and planning Future benefit programs will be less generous than the past; our active clergy health insurance plan will be moving toward a consumer driven plan; where clergy and their families will need to make more decisions regarding their healthcare; and our retirees have adapted well to the new program called Extend Health (which has changed its name to OneExchange ) where our retirees choose which Medicare supplemental plans and Part D prescription plans best fit their medical needs in their geographic area; and where our choices of lifestyle, exercise, our health and wellness, our emotional wellness, our spiritual wellness, and our financial wellness are all related to our personal choices more so than those made by the conference or the denomination. It s your future your choices! 105. We are no longer in an era where we can count on the church to fully take care of us in retirement without planning to take care of ourselves through increased contributions to the United Methodist Personal Investment Plan UMPIP, financial planning through Ernst and Young, and health and wellness decisions through WebMD, Virgin Pulse HealthMiles and the Blueprint for Wellness (if you don t know what these programs are you need to read Sally Truglia s s) The good news is that under Sally Truglia s leadership, our UMPIP participation improved from 35% to 75% because of the changes to the Clergy Retirement Security Program CRSP. A voluntary contribution of 1% is matched by the conference and clergy serving appointments at less than 75% will now have their pension contributions directed to UMPIP Change has been difficult. As of January 1, 2014, we changed healthcare plans and prescription providers, and as of January 1st 2015, our active HealthFlex insurance program will be changing again. We are truly blessed to have Sally Truglia as our guide for a very dynamic and evolving healthcare environment As a covenantal community of United Methodists, lay and clergy together, we need to work together to enact strategies on benefit plans so that local churches pay less and we need to work together to keep active clergy health insurance costs to minimal increases despite our rather unhealthy population. This leads to increased health insurance costs as our claims ratio exceeds 100%. The good news is that in 2013, we did better on our claims and accordingly, the conference will see a decrease in the Uniform Rate for Another significant covenant issue is the reality that we have 37 churches served by 17 clergy who have not paid their share of the Uniform Rate or their pension costs since There are others who may not have paid in one year or two years, but these seventeen clergy account for over $1,000,000 in unpaid benefits costs. However, the conference and the BOPHB are required to fund their pensions regardless of the local church s or pastor s payments. You have funded these unpaid bills. Every year the Uniform Rate on the active HealthFlex program is marked up by approximately $125,000 to provide for these clergy. That is $425 per church s Uniform Rate to subsidize those who don t pay.

80 206 - Reports, Petitions & Resolutions LEGISLATIVE SECTION This year we will at the Annual Conference Session list the names of those churches and clergy who owe thousands of dollars in unpaid pension and health benefit bills Under the CRSP program, we may have to create a way to fund the unpaid balances. Currently this comes directly from the conference budget and from the reserves that our BOPHB has invested with Wespath, the investment agency of the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits (GBOPHB) On the really good news side, our data accuracy is greatly improved and thanks to Ross Williams and his staff, we have much more integrity in our billings, and we know which churches and pastors are paid in full or behind and are encouraged to use all of the benefits available to us Sally Truglia, serving as our Benefits Administrator helps educate and provide leadership with the following programs for our active clergy: HealthFlex Medical Insurance provided by BCBS Prescription Drug plan provided by Catamaran Behavioral Health benefits provided by United Behavioral Health Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provided by United Behavioral Health Annual Well-Vision exam ($20 co-pay) provided by VSP BluePrint for Wellness Screenings through Quest Labs Virgin Pulse HealthMiles and HealthCash rewards Evive Healthy Reminders Weight Watchers (special pricing and offers through HealthFlex) Flexible Spending Accounts & Dependant Care Accounts Clergy Security Retirement Program (CRSP) Clergy Protection Plan death and disability benefits (CPP) United Methodist Personal Investment Plan (UMPIP) Benefits Access website web access for members to view retirement & benefits 114. Additionally, Sally works closely with our retired clergy and their spouses to navigate the Medicare Supplement Market and the services and Health Reimbursement Accounts of OneExchange Sally Truglia will continue pursuing her goals for the future: Encourage and reward enrollment in UMPIP; Improve MRA and DCA enrollment Coordinate Retirement Planning webinars for clergy of all ages; Promote Wellness programs and rewards for healthy living; Continue outreach to retirees and continue to be a resource for their insurance and financial needs; Provide timely information about Health Insurance exchanges and government subsidies to all clergy who are not eligible to receive benefits through the conference; Provide efficient, professional and friendly assistance to all in need As you can see, a Benefits Administrator has been a welcome addition to assist our clergy and Sally works with our active and retired clergy as well as their widows and spouses to provide much needed information and assistance. 7 Editor s Note: The list of names was distributed to the legislative section; copies are available from Rev. Shillady.

81 2014 New York Annual Conference Our BOPHB is able to make decisions from a very informed perspective because we have such expertise on the benefits landscape with Sally Truglia as our Benefits Administrator and Ross Williams and his team providing us with financial reports that help us to understand our financial picture better than ever The other team that helps us make great decisions is led by Ron Coleman who is our conference relations liaison from the GBOPHB. Ron has helped us to move forward in many ways to implement positive change and to understand some of the complex issues that the clergy retirement and active benefits create However, as clergy we must begin to make choices and plan to provide for our own retirement and not simply rely totally on our United Methodist benefits in the future. There is a matching feature to the new CRSP plan Our current active HealthFlex Plan will continue even with the Affordable Care Act (the ACA ) and the possibility of moving to the Health Care exchanges. We have spent considerable time analyzing the economic models of how our clergy might qualify for the exchanges under the new federal and state plans. To even begin to think of this, we would need to increase our current clergy contribution toward the insurance from approximately $100 per month to approximately $375 per month. And this would be for a single participant. Clergy would have to buy up to a family plan The BOPHB did not feel that was feasible or doable to move to the exchanges without a great deal of difficulty. However, the GBOPHB keeps us informed and continues to explore ways to provide adequate health care for our conference at the best rate possible. As we look to the level of plans under the new federal law, we have to be mindful of taxes that can be imposed on the higher level plans, which ours has been. There are many discussions by other annual conferences and the GBOPHB as to the best approach to provide in the future. This could lead to a HealthFlex exchange on which the clergy would decide on the plan that they wish to purchase with funds through a Uniform Rate HRA or other vehicle. With all the moving parts in the ACA and in our denominational response, we are moving toward a consumer driven health plan We must utilize the pre-tax Medical reimbursement account contributions. We must all be a part of the wellness plans, coaching, walking, and make better lifestyle choices. We need to use the Ernst and Young free financial planning which is available through the GBOPHB We already know that churches can receive rebates from the Federal Government and we encourage you to gather more information about the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit by going to the GBOPHB web-site ( and entering tax credit in the search field We need to make better lifestyle choices! We are still an unhealthy group of clergy with an average age of 55 for our active clergy. We are the high risk, older participant insurance pool, because believe it or not, as we age, we require more intensive and expensive healthcare. We need to hold each other more accountable to the covenantal obligations of better health, wiser lifestyle choices, increased exercise and full payment of benefit costs. Funding Shortfalls on Healthflex 125. How can we change how much the conference health insurance costs? One of the ways to reduce the costs of our HealthFlex program is to have it fully funded by congregations and pastors. This currently does not happen.

82 208 - Reports, Petitions & Resolutions LEGISLATIVE SECTION At the close of fiscal year 2013 our shortfall in HealthFlex was $117,280, plus 18 pastors did not pay $10,310 of their share. The total shortfall was $127,590. This compares to the shortfall in 2012 of $144,376 (based on a report on March 31, $35,803 was paid in the first 3 months of this year. We now show remaining balances on all bills). This was a 97% payment rate. At the close of the fiscal year 2011, we had only a 92% payment rate which was a shortfall of $333,415. In 2010 HealthFlex had a shortage of $190,988 which was a 95% payment rate So things have improved, but we still were short of these funds Our BOPHB believes that we did not achieve 100% in payments, even with increased data integrity, because a small group of clergy consistently fails to pay their accounts. Of course, this practice places an unfair burden on the clergy and churches that pay their accounts in full. Thanks to all of you who pay in full, we are able to provide health coverage to these clergy. We have a termination policy and we did terminate one clergyperson this year. When a church or congregation is informed of the possibility of termination, they usually respond. A payment plan may be developed, but then they typically fall behind on that plan. The reality is that those congregations cannot provide for a full-time pastor. When they are behind in HealthFlex, they are usually behind in CRSP, which we are not able to negotiate in any way We cannot allow this practice to continue and Ross Williams has taken steps to ascertain which churches are deliberately abusing the system and notify them of our Termination Policy. However, even after being notified, agreeing to a payment plan, and making some payments, these same churches and clergy continue to fall behind Bishop McLee has indicated that the Cabinet is committed to encouraging and assisting congregations in meeting their apportionment and benefit responsibilities. We celebrate the gifts that come from our Connectional giving as we seek to make disciples for Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Our board believes that clergy who are delinquent in their benefit payments need to recognize their covenantal obligation to pay and have their churches pay for pension and health care benefits Congregations and clergy that intentionally fall behind on their benefit payments are making a unilateral decision that they are a mission program of the conference. We must have a strategy of the Cabinet deciding which churches should receive missional grants and not continue this self-election by churches and pastors to decide they are missional. Our BOPHB fully understands that some of these churches cannot afford to pay. However, should they be subsidized without any vetting process to determine their ability to pay? Unfortunately there are a few clergy whose practice is to encourage a church not to pay who then move to new churches who have previously been faithful and suddenly those churches start to not pay their benefits By our estimate, every church in the conference is billed an additional $425 in HealthFlex to cover those who do not pay their fair share. Is this fair? Our BOPHB is grateful that Bishop McLee and the Cabinet have raised this issue and begun to call pastors for payment. Our termination policy gets responses, but then the same churches fall behind on their payment agreements. We do not wish to terminate anyone.

83 2014 New York Annual Conference Funding Shortfalls on the Clergy Retirement Security Program 133. CRSP funding in 2013 will be the last year for the previous program. Now benefit payments for clergy serving 75% or greater are 11.8% instead of 14.4% of clergy compensation. Clergy serving less than 75% are now in the UMPIP program and must pay directly to the GBOPHB. CRSP payments in 2013 were underpaid by $162,192 for a collection rate of 94%. This was an improvement over 2012 ($182,129 or 94%), 2011 ($266,776 or 91%) and 2010 ($221,526 or 92%). So the good news is that we are moving on to perfection, but we are not there yet. This funding shortfall in CRSP now amounts to a pension benefits funding shortfall since 1/1/07 of $1,482,257. This shortfall has been taken from your BOPHB s benefits reserve account. And part of the shortfall has come from the Conference Council on Finance and Administration ( CF&A ). As we attempt to build up our reserve to cover the retiree medical costs, we have less money to do so. It means that the BOPHB is providing subsidies to local churches who cannot afford full-time, or even part-time pastors This 2013 funding shortfall resulted from underpayments by 44 churches. The seventeen pastors and eighteen churches referred to earlier in my report account for $83,000 of the shortfall, or more than 50% of the total We need churches that are missional and strategically placed for attracting new people and forming new communities. We need churches that serve their neighborhoods. Again I reiterate that the preferred methods of choosing mission stations should be based on a conference-wide strategy and support mechanism and not by self-election. The conference through Parish Development and the Cabinet should decide on where there is truly an opportunity for growth and vitality of ministry in communities. Now we are supporting small chapels that exist for the small group that is there. The number of churches in this category is growing and we believe that there needs to be some tough decisions made by the conference, our bishop and Cabinet We cannot continue to underwrite the debts for some churches without jeopardizing these reserves for the purposes intended. We are not able to mark up for full funding on the CRSP program. The other problem that will develop soon relates to the drastic reduction in the salary base of the conference with all the part-time appointments that are occurring Your BOPHB cannot continue to spend down reserves that we hope will eventually cover significant parts of our unfunded liability for retiree health costs and provide a buffer if we have another economic crash We recommend that the Cabinet and the conference, when reviewing and reporting apportionment payment charts, include the benefit payment charts as well. Based on the vote at last year s annual conference, we will provide a list at the 2014 Annual Conference with the churches and pastor s names, to show that there tends to be consistency from year to year among the same churches and pastors in their lack of payment. The reality is that these congregations cannot afford a full-time pastor Our hope is that there will be a criteria process by which the conference will decide what ministries should be funded through Parish Development or other salary support which must include benefit support as well.

84 210 - Reports, Petitions & Resolutions LEGISLATIVE SECTION When a church does not pay its pastor s CRSP and CPP, the conference still has to pay 3% for their Defined Contribution, 3% for their death and disability benefit under CPP, and 8.8% for their Defined Benefit payment In 2014, some of these funding issues will be addressed as the local church becomes the sponsor of the UMPIP plan for clergy serving less than 75%. The pastor and the church will need to covenant for this payment. Also, your BOPHB is much more aware of the shortfalls and the Cabinet is being made aware of the problem situations more frequently. Retiree Medicare Extend Health 142. Our move to Extend Health had its difficulties. Now that we are in our second year and moving toward the third, Extend Health has a new name OneExchange. Sally Truglia has been the patient, caring, compassionate voice on the phone and in s to many of the retirees. She has helped many of them deal with the complex bumps along the road of this new program. This year, Ross and Sally discovered some significant flaws in OneExchange s recordkeeping system and they are advocating with the GBOPHB staff to resolve these issues We are also very aware that in some situations we have placed financial burdens upon our retirees and we have a grant process to assist those in need. Friends, some of our retirees live so close to the poverty level that they could not buy groceries or pay for medications this past year. But there was Sally, arranging a grant/loan to help them do so. She has worked to help our retirees explain to the doctors that they are no longer on the very rich and generous prescription plan and the doctors have issued new generic prescriptions. So please, if you are aware of a retiree who is having financial issues because of their medical payments, please refer them to Sally since we do have a budget for grants Our retiree medical unfunded liability at the end of 2012 according to the Towers and Watson actuarial report that we commissioned after our move to OneExchange was reduced from $65,350,000 to $22,421,000 as indicated in the chart below: 145. Expected Post-retirement Benefit Obligation HealthFlex Plan One Exchange Actives (for the future) $44,858,000 $12,821,000 Retirees $20,492,000 $9,600,000 Total $65,350,000 $22,421, So as you can see our unfunded retiree medical liability for the future has been reduced by approximately $43,000,000 by our move to OneExchange. This is a significant achievement of both your BOPHB, who advocated for the move and Sally Truglia, who almost single handedly implemented the transition In 2013, each retiree (and their spouse if eligible) was given a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) of $2,644 that is used for premium and eligible expense reimbursements. OneExchange provides lifetime customer service and advocacy. Their benefit consultants help each individual retiree, spouse, widow and widower find the best plan in their geographic area. You will see that we are recommending an HRA increase of 2% to $2,700 for This will increase our unfunded liability. However, we decided to increase the HRA rather than the Past Service Rate because of the need to pre-fund the PSR.

85 2014 New York Annual Conference Your BOPHB has a goal to eliminate of the cost of the retiree health payments from the conference budget. This is getting closer to reality as our benefit reserve grows and we are able to use pre-82 surplus funding to pay for the defined benefit component of CRSP and as the market gains of WESPATH, the GBOPHB s Investment Team, continue to do well. In 2009, the BOPHB began to supplement the conference budget to help cover the cost of retiree medical insurance costs for the purpose of reducing apportionments to local churches. We have used a 5% drawdown from our benefit reserve account at Wespath to fund this contribution $380, $370, $550, $600, $594, $777,394 In 2015, our contribution to the conference budget will be $993, Your BOPHB is helping to reduce apportionments to local churches. Since the inception of this subsidy to the budget to fund retiree medical expenses we have contributed approximately $3.3 million and with 2015 included ($993,067) it will rise to approximately $4.3 million We hope in the somewhat near future to fully fund the Health Reimbursement Accounts for retirees through the Health Benefits reserve that your BOPHB has been growing at Wespath. If the market increases, we may be able to achieve this goal. Integrity in Pensions A key component in the funding of the pre-1982 plan has been our Integrity in Pensions program which concluded at the end of We still have a number of churches who continue to pay into the program based on agreements they have made with our BOPHB Unhappily, however, there remain 76 churches that have fallen behind or who made no payments to Integrity in Pensions in the last number of years. We would ask those congregations to remember the retired pastors who served them during the years before 1982 and for their sake to complete their commitment to Integrity in Pensions. We still need the funds to make payments to increase the past service rate. We now need to fund those increases before we can make them The total outstanding Integrity in Pensions Balance, of these 76 churches, as of March 31, 2014 was approximately $1,455,000. The original amount of any given church s fair share obligation cannot be forgiven. This is approximately $775,000 of the above figure. To do so would be unfair to those other churches, many in similarly difficult financial situations, who have met their commitments. However, the BOPHB is prepared to offer assistance to churches that are in arrears. This might include one or all of the following: suspension of current interest, forgiveness of past due interest, and extended time for payment. Several such special arrangements have already been negotiated with individual churches. Churches who are interested should contact the BOPHB either through me, Jim Van Schaick, or the Conference CFO Ross Williams When a church is discontinued and the property is sold, any Integrity in Pensions liability is recovered from the sales proceeds. So we hope this fund will keep growing. We are using it to pay for the increase in the PSR from last year since we are required to fund any increase upfront. Our annual amortized payment in 2014 for the % PSR increase is $417,495. We currently have $1.7

86 212 - Reports, Petitions & Resolutions LEGISLATIVE SECTION 5 million in the Integrity in Pension fund, but need to make an annual payment on this PSR from this year forward. Miscellaneous Items Pre-Retirement Seminar 155. For the past few years, the BOPHB has sponsored pre-retirement seminars for clergy and spouses who are approaching retirement age. Resource persons from the GBOPHB and the Social Security Administration have helped participants understand and plan for their retirement benefits. We recently held such a seminar at the White Plains Conference Center with over 50 participants. Ernst & Young Financial Planning 156. Also, free to every active clergy is a financial planning program through Ernst and Young. The GBOPHB has once again arranged to offer Ernst & Young Financial Planning Services at no charge to active participants, surviving spouses, and terminated and retired participants with an account balance of at least $10, Ernst & Young s financial planners provide confidential, objective guidance on making investment decisions, saving for retirement, managing debt, understanding tax issues, evaluating insurance needs and options, buying a home, and more! To take advantage of this valuable resource, just call Ernst & Young directly at between 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. Wellness Incentives through the Virgin Pulse Health Miles Program 158. For those enrolled in the Virgin Health Miles walking and exercise program, which is now called VirginPULSE, each participant can earn up to $400 per year for walking and exercising and participating in wellness coaching On a national level, the health risks identified by the Health Quotient in the past years show that we still have a long way to go. Weight, stress, high blood pressure and diet continue to be key health risk factors among our participants. Although many have stated that taking the HQ may have saved their life by giving them information that they would not otherwise have had The GBOPHB can show a direct, verifiable correlation nationally between lower medical costs for members who are engaged in VHM vs. those who are not. Highly engaged participants in VHM have slightly decreased their annual claim costs. Alternatively, members who are non-participants in VHM had higher claim costs. Health coaching also helped reduce more risks on average than those who did not participate in coaching. Therefore, we ask our lay members to actively encourage your pastor and their spouse to take the time to walk each day. You will get a healthier pastor whose energy and commitment increase. You will get a pastor who will have time to think and relax, away from their office. Many pastors have told me that walking has improved their prayer life and their preparation for sermons because they get to walk an hour or two each day. HealthFlex Changes 161. Our HealthFlex plan is mandatory for all clergy serving ¾ time and above Your BOPHB has voted to continue with HealthFlex in 2015; however, under the plans offered, we have to increase the deductible. This is the same PPO plan

87 2014 New York Annual Conference as this year, with no major changes to our coverage except for the increase in the deductible The deductible will be $750 for singles and $1,500 for families who complete the HEALTH QUOTIENT (HQ) survey. If you do not complete the HQ survey, the 2015 annual deductible will be $1,500 single and $1,750 family plan. Editor s Note: Paragraph 163 shows an annual 2015 deductible for singles who do not complete the HQ survey of $1,500. Post conference, the Journal editor received information that this amount should have read $1, Please take note that once again, there is a major incentive to take the HQ online between August 1 and September 30. Through the GBOPHB website (www. gbophb.org) and the portal for WebMD, you must take the HQ to avoid higher deductibles in the year Completing the HQ by September 30, 2014 is the only way to avoid an increased medical plan deductible in All participants and spouses covered by HealthFlex active plans are expected to complete the HQ Please note that your information is protected. Personal data entered through the HQ is processed by WebMD, an accredited health organization with high standards for security. Your information remains confidential and is never shared with your conference, employer or the GBOPHB If you are unable to complete the HQ, requests for accommodation should be addressed in writing to: General Board of Pension and Health Benefits, 1201 Davis Street, Evanston, Illinois, 60201; Attn: HQ Requests. Please send a copy of any communications to our BOPHB as well. Please understand that our BOPHB cannot make exceptions. Blueprint For Wellness 168. One of the key components to assist you in completing the HQ is a blood test through our wellness program. This Blueprint for Wellness screening is available through Quest Diagnostics. We are pleased to announce that Quest Diagnostics is here at this Annual Conference Session performing the screenings for you. The Blueprint for Wellness automatically transfers to your HQ survey Quest Diagnostics Blueprint for Wellness is a comprehensive and confidential biometric screening that is part of your HealthFlex wellness benefits and a perfect complement to your annual doctor s visit. Blueprint for Wellness provides useful information about your heart, liver, kidney function, diabetes risk and blood sugar control, calcium and iron plus PSA screening for men After the screening, you will receive a confidential report from Quest Diagnostics by mail or . You should discuss your results with your Doctor. Your screening data will be automatically and privately uploaded into your Health Quotient (HQ) which makes completing your HQ much easier this summer for your HealthFlex incentives and lower 2015 deductible. Walking Program 171. Active HealthFlex participants and spouses can participate in the Virgin Pulse HealthMiles program, which offers financial incentives for being physically active. You can earn up to $400 in Health Cash incentives In 2015, retired participants and spouses may continue to participate in the

88 214 - Reports, Petitions & Resolutions LEGISLATIVE SECTION 5 Virgin Pulse HealthMiles program HealthFlex believes there is a shared responsibility between the health plan, covered individuals and plan sponsors to be good stewards of health and health care resources. The HealthFlex incentives including the two levels of deductibles and Health Cash opportunities are designed to encourage participants and spouses to make choices that can improve their health. HealthFlex data shows that people who regularly complete the HQ typically have lower average health care costs than those who never take the HQ We will post all related documents on the conference website to answer any questions you may have. Additional information is also available on the GBOPHB website and the WebMd website: Remember too it makes cents to walk for good health! By enrolling in the Virgin Pulse Health Miles Program and taking part in the BluePrint for Wellness and the HQ, you can earn dollars this year and save dollars next year and be on the road to a longer, healthier lifestyle! HealthFlex Premium Projections For 2015: 176. Good News! The new Uniform Rate for HealthFlex PPO- Plan B for 2015 will be reduced by 4.1% to $14,640 from the current rate of $15,264. We always do our best to keep the Uniform Rate fair, equitable and reasonable. Our overall rates went down slightly because our medical loss ratio improved in Are we getting healthier? We are marking up the Uniform Rate by 3% for full payment with trust and hope that our Bishop and Cabinet will hold all clergy accountable to their covenantal obligation of paying this Uniform Rate and realizing the plan is mandatory Bad News! The out of pocket costs to clergy will increase because of the deductible and increased pharmaceutical costs which were apparent this year! Because of the increased costs associated with the pharmaceutical and the higher deductible we are recommending the following church/pastor share: Church s share $13,464 ($1,122/mo) 92% Pastor s share $ 1,176 ($ 98/mo) 8% Total Cost $14, Good News! Because of our concern for the increased out of pocket costs for our clergy, in this transitional environment in our health care program and what could possibly occur in 2016 based on our previous reporting, the BOPHB decided to once again offer Health Reimbursement Accounts for our HealthFlex participants. The amounts will be $250 for singles and $500 for families. How, you ask, can our board fund these? You may recall from two years ago, HealthFlex returned $191,780 to our board based on overpayments for a few years. Your BOPHB put this into reserve to fund future HRAs for our clergy. So we have the funds in reserve to pay for these HRA accounts equaling $123, In reality, the clergy of our conference have one of the lowest percentage and dollar amount payments toward their health insurance of all the annual conferences Please remember that in 2007, we had a Uniform Rate of $11,400, in 2008 it was reduced to $11,040, and in 2009 it was $11,400. In 2010, the rate was $12,664. In 2011, the rate was $13,440. In both 2012 and 2013, the rate was $14,448 and in 2014 the rate is $15,264. In 2015, the proposed rate is $14,640, so we are moving in the right direction. With this year s rate decrease we move

89 2014 New York Annual Conference to an average increase of 3.2% since 2007, well below the national average of increases in healthcare costs Since we are part of a much larger pool with HealthFlex, we are able to keep our increases within reason. And we are a mandatory plan, which saves us money because our pool includes healthy and not so healthy members Also, we have come to a formula for the Uniform Rate that is based on the historical trend of payment and a sharpening of our pencils to calculate the rate Please see the BOPHB budget in the draft CF&A budget. Recommendations from Your Board of Pensions and Health Benefits All Action Items. It is understood, that CF&A has the final decision on how to fund the benefits. Action items that are financial in nature will be referred to CF&A for their approval to fund in the manner suggested by the BOPHB. Participation in Costs - Actives: 184. Action Item One: It is our recommendation that every full-time and threequarter time active clergy be a mandatory participant in the HealthFlex plan in We will use HealthFlex PPO B $750/$1500 as our mandatory plan. The proposed Uniform Rate for HealthFlex is $14, The pastor s share of 8% of the proposed Uniform Rate will be $98 per month (currently $105 per month). The church will pay 92% or $1,122 (currently $1,167) per month. The health reimbursement account will be set at $500 per family, $250 per single family Pastors are encouraged to set up a pre-tax MRA account up to the $2,500 limit to be deducted from their salary and paid through the conference to the GBOPHB s administrator. This is a pre-tax way to help pay for their deductible and other medical related expenses Action Item Two: Retirees OneExchange Coverage: the conference will continue our agreement with OneExchange formerly Extend Health to provide a choice of Medicare Supplement, Part D prescription and/or Medicare Advantage health insurance plans for the conferences current and future eligible retirees, who are already enrolled or will be enrolled in Medicare. These plans will be combined with an individual Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) for each retiree and spouse, as applicable. (Retirees who are under age 65 and are not Medicare-eligible, may be maintained in the active plan at their own expense as prescribed by our policies.) 188. The conference will fund the HRA within the plan chosen by the retiree with a fixed amount (determined each year by the conference similar to the Past Service Pension Rate) with which the retiree may choose to pay health care premiums and other health-related expenses. This fixed amount for 2015 will be $2,700 per participant. All current retirees and those who retire at this Annual Conference Session will receive this benefit The BOPHB will continue to budget for grants to those retirees who may not have any other means during a financial or medical crisis that cannot be resolved in non-financial ways Action Item Three: Retiree Tiered HRA Funding Formula to begin in 2016: 191. The BOPHB recommends a new formula for funding the HRA tied into years of service which will begin in the year Please remember that this is similar

90 216 - Reports, Petitions & Resolutions LEGISLATIVE SECTION 5 to the policy that existed prior to our move to OneExchange. In the previous group Medicare Companion Plan retirees paid a higher percentage of the cost based on years of service. A funding scale will be presented in 2015 that will be implemented for all those retiring in 2016 and beyond The HRA funding for retirees beginning in 2016 will be as follows: 193. The conference will establish a tiered system providing for a HRA reduction based on a percentage payment of past benefits. For clergy serving less than 5 years in full-time work and having been in HealthFlex for those five years, they are entitled to enroll with and use the services of OneExchange without an HRA benefit. For clergy who have served in the following categories and they and their churches have paid their HealthFlex and pension invoices in full they will be entitled to the following: Less than 5 full years of service: clergy will not receive an HRA 5 through less than 10 years: 25% of the HRA* per participant for clergy and spouse, per year (based upon the previous formula of payment of 75% of premium cost) 10 through less than 15 years: 50% of the HRA* 15 through less than 20 years: 75% of the HRA* 20+ full years of service: 100% of the HRA* *Since HRA amounts are subject to change in future years, the HRA dollar amount is not listed above. The clergy and spouse would be eligible for a percentage of the HRA in effect at the time of their retirement Action Item Four: To manage the recovery of non-payments by pastors for their HealthFlex coverage, the Board recommends the following: 195. At the time of retirement, retroactively five years, a pastor who served and was eligible and enrolled in the pension plan and HealthFlex, and the pastor s share was not paid in full, the BOPHB will reduce their HRA amount by the lesser of the amount owed or by 50%, until such time as the conference recoups these losses. The BOPHB will establish an appeal process for clergy who feel that the policy of a reduced HRA unfairly penalizes them. Their spouses HRA will not be reduced but set at the amount to which they are entitled. This will begin with retirements following this Annual Conference Session. This will begin this conference year Action Item Five: That all future funding of HRAs for the current year, be held in an account at Wespath so that at the end of each calendar year, there is no unfunded liability for a current year HRA for any participant. Recommendations CRSP Restated for 75% and Above Appointments: 197. Action Item Six: CRSP Pension Benefits for active clergy serving 75% appointments and above. Clergy who make at least a 1% voluntary contribution to their own personal United Methodist Personal Investment Plan account will receive a matching 1% contribution through the program as prescribed in the plan agreement, in so far as their congregation pays their benefit obligation To fund this plan, all congregations that have 75% and above appointments will be billed a percentage based on total compensation. The amount will be 11.8% of clergy compensation.

91 2014 New York Annual Conference To be transparent, we are billing to cover the 1% contribution for all clergy Action Item Seven: In addition to the CRSP restated program for full-time clergy, the Comprehensive Protection Program for full-time clergy serving 100% will be billed at 3% of total compensation. For those who elect CPP Special Arrangement and are serving at least 50%, clergy will be billed at the prevailing premium rate determined by the General Board (currently 4.4% of Denominational Average Compensation). Receipts to Retiree Health Benefits Reserve Deposit Account 201. Action Item Eight: It is our recommendation that remittances from churches for CRSP be deposited during the subsequent month into our accounts at Wespath, and when the forwarding of this money falls behind by more than three months, that CF&A inform the GBOPHB. If the amounts fall behind by more than three months, it is our recommendation that CF&A use reserves to bring funding up to at least the three month payable timeframe and, it is also our recommendation that the BOPHB be allowed in consultation with the conference CFO and GBOPHB staff and by the use of financial tools and market information to help pay the required 2013 CRSP- DB of $2,198,644 payment from either the Deposit Account or our Pre-1982 account or a combination of these two funds. If we can use pre-82 surplus funding, our BOPHB is building the Benefits Reserve to help fund future retiree medical benefits Action Item Nine: It is our recommendation that all clergy in appointments less than 75% be enrolled in the United Methodist Personal Investment Plan with the local church as the sponsoring employer. The church will contribute 10.8% of planned compensation to the clergyperson s account and 1% more if that clergy contributes at least 1% to their own account, pre-tax or post-tax. Our Benefits Administrator will continue to work with churches to implement this plan to provide for retirement benefits for part-time clergy who wish to have those benefits in the future Action Item Ten: It is our recommendation that the health insurance costs for pastors on incapacity leave who are not yet on Medicare or Medicaid, be paid at the current rate. We ask for $95,060 to be included in the 2015 apportioned budget Action Item Eleven: Past Service Pension Rate: It is our recommendation that the PSR in the Pre-1982 Plan remain at $580 for This is the recommendation for retirees with credit in the Pre-82 Plan. We will pay the amortization of the 2014 increase of 2.1% from the integrity in pension funds on account at Wespath The History of our PSR: 2009 Past Service Rate of $ Past Service Rate of $ Past Service Rate of $ Past Service Rate of $ Past Service Rate of $ Past Service Rate of $ Action Item Twelve: Special Grants: It is our recommendation that the payment of special monthly grants, as established in previous years and as provided for in The Book of Discipline, be continued to the following persons: Jean Arthur $ Elsa Myers $198.65

92 218 - Reports, Petitions & Resolutions LEGISLATIVE SECTION The BOPHB is requesting that retired Rev. Lois Congdon, be granted a $100 monthly special grant. There may be additional names added at our Annual Conference Session Special grants will also be decided by BOPHB for the payment of grants to our retirees based on the financial situation of retiree. A compassionate and caring process has been established to help fund our retiree medical coverage Action Item Thirteen: (Same policies as last year) The following policies from previous years are recommended to be continued with slight process change: 211. Termination for Non-Payment New York Annual Conference Health Flex Termination Policy Effective July 1, If the health insurance payment for a participant is not received within 60 days of the due date, notice will be sent by regular mail to the Finance Committee Chairperson, Church Treasurer, Pastor/ Staff Parish Relations Chairperson, District Superintendent and by certified mail with return receipt to the Pastor, declaring that if past due payments from the pastor or the church are not received within the next 30 days, steps will be initiated to cancel the participant s coverage It is understood that the church is responsible for payment toward the Uniform Rate as well as any section 125 plan amounts that have been withheld from the pastor s salary due to a salary reduction agreement for that purpose After the notice has been sent on a 60 day default, and there is no response from the church or the pastor after the subsequent 30 days in the form of payment in full or written response, then the District Superintendent and the Conference CFO, in consultation with the BOPHB, will make a decision to move toward termination. A certified letter will be mailed, return receipt requested, warning of the termination to take place in 15 days Insurance will not be terminated until at least 45 days have passed after the initial notice that payment was due Any Medical Reimbursement Account or family care account will be frozen until future payments are made. Also, any PPO buy-up will be terminated. Once a pastor and her/his dependents, if any, are dropped from the plan, they can only re-enter during the open enrollment period in November for the following year By the time of open enrollment for the following year, a payment schedule must be provided by the pastor and the local church with commitment for monthly payments for that new year Action Item Fourteen: We recommend the continuation of the following Administrative Policies for Health Benefits Program: The guidelines by which our health benefits program is administered are presented here for the sake of clarity and understanding by all: Uniform Rate Since our health benefits plan covers all full-time and threequarter time clergy, our connectional responsibility requires that every church served by a full-time or three-quarter time pastor pay the Uniform Rate. The Uniform Rate is NOT an insurance premium for the individual currently serving as the church s pastor. It is each full-time or three-quarter time church s equal

93 2014 New York Annual Conference share of the total Conference premium that provides health benefits for active clergy, Conference staff and their families throughout our diverse conference The Uniform Rate is determined by taking the total annual cost for active pastors in full-time or three-quarter time appointment and conference staff, and dividing it by the number of clergy under full-time and three-quarter appointment and Conference staff. The local church will pay a percentage of the Uniform Rate and covered clergy pay a percentage as well. The same formula will apply to Conference staff; the Conference will pay a percentage of the Uniform Rate and staff members pay the same as clergy Clergy Couple Under Appointment - Clergy couples, in which both ordained spouses serve under appointment in separate full-time churches, are treated in the HealthFlex census as separate units. Each church, per section 1 above, is responsible for paying its 92% share of the Uniform Rate. The clergy couple is responsible for paying a single 8% share of the Uniform Rate. Note: Each partner is given his or her own health benefits card. If there are dependent children, the couple must determine on which one s card to list the dependent children Retired Clergy - Retired clergy, age 65 or above, must be enrolled with the Social Security Administration for coverage under Medicare, Part A and Part B, before they can be enrolled in the OneExchange network Surviving Spouse of Clergy: The covered surviving spouse of a clergy member enrolled in HealthFlex may continue in the plan at his or her personal expense. A surviving spouse who is not yet age 65 will pay the premium cost for a single individual and any applicable dependents. A surviving spouse age 65 or over whose primary coverage is Medicare will be offered the services of OneExchange Retiree Eligibility: A Retired participant eligible for the OneExchange program is defined as a former active participant in the Conference s Health Benefit Plan with at least five years of continuous coverage at the time of retirement, and whose primary coverage at retirement is through Medicare Part A and Part B. A formula based on years of service will be implemented in 2016 to fund the HRA at a percentage of full funding for those who have less than 20 years of service. To receive any funding of the HRA one must have served and been enrolled in HealthFlex for at least 5 years Clergy Who Retire Before the Age of 65: Clergy who retire before the age of 65 must continue, at their own expense, their coverage in HealthFlex as if active until their 65th birthday. If such early-retired clergy choose not to continue in the Conference HealthFlex program they will not qualify for OneExchange when they are Medicare eligible Retired Clergy with Spouse Younger than Age 65: A retired clergy member with a spouse younger than age 65 may have the spouse covered in the active HealthFlex plan at his or her expense. Eligibility for coverage in OneExchange when the spouse reaches age 65 requires at least five years of continuous coverage in the conference actives plan before age Action Item Fifteen: Resolutions Relating to Rental/Housing Allowances for Retired, Disabled, or Former Clergypersons of the New York Annual Conference

94 220 - Reports, Petitions & Resolutions LEGISLATIVE SECTION The New York Annual Conference (the Conference ) adopts the following resolutions relating to rental/housing allowances for active, retired, terminated, or disabled clergypersons of the Conference: 229. 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 107) who were or are duly ordained, commissioned, or licensed ministers of the Church ( Clergypersons ); 230. WHEREAS, the practice of the Church and of this Conference was and is to provide active Clergypersons with a parsonage or a rental/housing allowance as part of their gross compensation; 231. WHEREAS, pensions or other amounts paid to active, retired, terminated, and disabled Clergypersons are considered to be deferred compensation and are paid to active, retired, terminated, and disabled Clergypersons in consideration of previous active service; and 232. WHEREAS, the Internal Revenue Service has recognized the Conference (or its predecessors) as an appropriate organization to designate a rental/housing allowance for Clergypersons who are or were members of this Conference and are eligible to receive such deferred compensation; 233. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: 234. THAT an amount equal to 100% of the pension, severance, 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 the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits ( GBOPHB ), during the period July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015, by each active, retired, terminated, or disabled Clergyperson who is or was a member of the Conference, or its predecessors, be and hereby is designated as a rental/housing allowance for each such Clergyperson; and 235. THAT the pension, severance, or disability payments to which this rental/ housing allowance designation applies will be any pension, severance, or disability payments from plans, annuities, or funds authorized under the Discipline, including such payments from the GBOPHB and from a commercial annuity company that provides an annuity arising from benefits accrued under a GBOPHB plan, annuity, or fund authorized under the Discipline, that result from any service a Clergyperson rendered to this Conference or that an active, a retired, a terminated, or a disabled Clergyperson of this Conference rendered to any local church, annual conference of the Church, general agency of the Church, other institution of the Church, former denomination that is now a part of the Church, or any other employer that employed the Clergyperson 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 an active, a retired, a terminated, or a disabled Clergyperson s pension, severance, or disability plan benefit as part of his or her gross compensation NOTE: The rental/housing allowance that may be excluded from a Clergyperson s gross income in any year for federal (and, in most cases, state) income tax purposes is limited under Internal Revenue Code section 107(2), and regulations there under, to the least of: (a) the amount of the rental/housing

95 2014 New York Annual Conference Conclusion allowance designated by the Clergyperson s employer or other appropriate body of the church (such as this conference in the foregoing resolutions) for such year; (b) the amount actually expended by the clergyperson to rent or provide a home in such year; or (c) the fair rental value of the home, including furnishings and appurtenances (such as a garage), plus the cost of utilities in such year. Each clergyperson or former clergyperson is urged to consult with his or her own tax advisor to determine what deferred compensation is eligible to be claimed as a housing allowance exclusion Change. A great deal of change has happened in the last few years regarding our clergy benefits. Harold Wilson, the former prime minister of England said: He who rejects change is the architect of decay. The only human institution which rejects progress is the cemetery. The future holds a great deal of promise, but with the changes many choices are now in the hands of our individual clergy. We can t complain anymore, but we must be responsible and move forward or else we will decay. Benefits in the future will continue to change, more choices will need to be made and our clergy and their families must take an active role in their decision making We have much better control and understanding of our data and our benefit programs. The New York Annual Conference complies with paragraph of the Book of Discipline and S3.1.4b of the Clergy Retirement Security Plan regarding the development, adoption and implementation of a formal Comprehensive Funding Plan for funding of all benefit obligations. A copy of the complete funding plan is available in the conference office The OneExchange program for our retirees has proven to be fiscally responsible for the future. We are grateful that all of our retirees managed well through the difficult transition. We hope that you will journey with us as we maneuver our way through the maze and complexity of the Affordable Care Act and the challenges and opportunities that it presents Who knows what the future will bring? We know that more change is coming and we hope to help you make the best decisions you can with all the information our BPOHB provides. We will continue to advocate for benefits that are adequate, affordable, and sustainable. We recognize the fine balance between the costs of benefits to local churches and the use of those benefits by our active and retired clergy Your BOPHB has made some important decisions. You now need to follow suit. It is critical that we help manage the change rather than let it manage us. Your BOPHB would like to continue to advocate for change that is fair, just, and focuses on the future effectiveness of our United Methodist Church. We plan to work with the GBOPHB to keep informed, be nimble and respond quickly to the change that is taking place all around us To all our clergy colleagues, please live up to your connectional and covenantal responsibilities especially to have your congregations pay their fair share of the benefits that you do and will enjoy We have seen our new bishop pay attention to lack of payment of both apportionments and benefits this past year. However, we recommend to the Cabinet that when apportionment reports are made public in newsletters,

96 222 - Reports, Petitions & Resolutions LEGISLATIVE SECTION 5 s, or other communications from the superintendents offices that we also include reports on benefit payments (perhaps percentages paid) This year we begin a process at the Annual Conference Session where the churches and names will be provided as a supplement to our report. We must be more transparent of those who do complete their benefit payments and those who do not fulfill their collegial financial obligations And we have been in more partnership with CF&A and the Cabinet on these issues. Appreciation 246. During this past year, we are grateful for the conversations and collaboration that exist with the Cabinet and CF&A and for their shared concern and support We are grateful to our Conference CFO Ross Williams, for his dedication, new financial reporting formats and skills as he brings a fresh approach to the conference s administrative and financial services. We are also grateful for all of his staff as well: Susan Tedesco, Sam Rosenfeld, MaryLynn Salerno, Heman Persaud, Gail Kamerman and Fran Collins. We are especially grateful for Sally Truglia, our Benefits Administrator who has brought professionalism, consistency, and fairness to our clergy and churches. And we are also very grateful to our Billing Coordinator Heman Persaud, who keeps our records incredibly accurate We thank: all the conference administrative staff for their support services; Cabinet Liaison Adrienne Brewington; Gillian Prince, from CF&A; and BOPHB members, Carol Bloom, Wayne Carty, Jae Chun, Sara Goold, Roy Hassel, Doug Hathaway, Kent Jackson, Roy Jacobsen, Carol Long, Arturo Maine, David Mantz, Christine McCabe, Patrick Perrin, Richard Rice, Jim Van Schaick, Polly Wheat and Robert Woodcock for their faithful attendance, keen insight and numerous contributions to our work. I am grateful to CF&A for their gracious hospitality when I attend their meetings We also are grateful to Ron Coleman and all the GBOPHB staff who advise us at our meetings, by phone, and . Christians are supposed not merely to endure change, nor even to profit by it, but to cause it. Harry Emerson Fosdick 2015 New York Annual Conference Budget Concur: 92, Non-Concur: 0, Abstain: 0; 100% concurrence, NYAC conference session: adopted The total, as adopted at the session is $8,527,715; apportionment income, as adopted at the session is $7,994,407. See full budget on page 264. AMENDMENT: Resolution developed by Legislative Section 5 as an addendum to the 2015 Budget: Concur: 92, Non-Concur: 0, Abstain: 0; 100% concurrence, Legislative Session: adopted; NYAC conference session: Ruled out of order. Bishop Johnson declared the motion out of order, saying We do not have the authority to unfund a trial which is a Disciplinary right. WHEREAS Petition # of the New York Annual Conference passed at session June 2013, and

97 2014 New York Annual Conference WHEREAS time, energy, and finances are being wasted on trials of those pastors accused of violating the Book of Discipline solely in regards to homosexuality and the provision of performing marriage ceremonies, and WHEREAS there are other matters of ministry and mission that deserve the Annual Conference s attention such as Vital Congregations, the leadership of our local churches, and our witness and outreach to our own communities and the world, and WHEREAS the Annual Conference budget does include a line item for church trials in the Trustees budget. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the New York Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church votes to accept our conference budget for 2015 with the understanding that none of those funds will go toward paying for church trials for those charged with violating the Book of Discipline in terms of performing same sex marriages or for being self avowed, practicing homosexuals. SECTION 6: ADMINISTRATION All items were approved by the indicated votes and were included in the consent calendar affirmative vote. The votes shown are those from the legislative section for each item. Commission on Archives and History Marilyn Hatch, Chair Concur: 35, Non-Concur: 0, Abstain: 0; 100% concurrence, NYAC conference session: adopted 101. The Commission on Archives and History acts as a catalyst to learn from our past and to inspire our future This vision developed from the CAH s Strategic Planning Session, held January 11, The commission met with consultant Anne Ackerson of Leading by Design, who helped us look at our mission statement and goals to determine whether they were meeting our needs, and to initiate goals for the future. Bishop McLee joined this session and encouraged us to be more proactive, acting as a catalyst to assist NYAC churches in telling their stories and developing programs to celebrate our diversity. By the end of the day we had set out new ideas for our Vision and Mission Statements, and set out a Strategic Plan for the next five years, with a new mantra of United in Our Diversity Each year approximately 50 archive boxes are added to the CAH collection, and storage space is very tight. CAH has received approval from the Board of Trustees for compact shelving, which would give us, at the rate of 50 boxes per year, an additional years of storage in the archives storage area. Installation will be done as part of whatever work is done on the Conference Center building. Our long-term goal is to create a new space that would include not only the state-of-the-art storage area but also a museum space for exhibiting artifacts Over the past year the CAH also worked to: 105. Initiate a grant program for local churches began the first annual matching grant program for conference churches to organize/catalog their

98 224 - Reports, Petitions & Resolutions LEGISLATIVE SECTION 6 archives. The grant guidelines were developed and circulated via , newsletters, and The Vision in late 2013, with a grant deadline of February 28, For this first go-around there were nine applications with awards totaling $1000 to be presented Update the Conference Historic Sites: A simplified form has been designed to update and add to the list of conference historic sites. Once each church is identified, it is hoped that a Travel Guide to Historic Sacred Methodist Sites will be placed on a downloadable app Tell our Story. Our archivist is developing an advanced training workshop for individuals/historians from our conference churches in techniques for researching and creating exhibits, and conducting oral history interviews to help Tell our Stories. This advanced workshop will be presented at the Conference Center in September Materials from this workshop will be used as a focus of Telling Our Story at the May 2015 Northeastern Jurisdiction Commission on Archives and History Conference, which the NYAC CAH will be hosting Celebrate our Diversity. At the 2014 Annual Conference the two longestserving Hispanic congregations in the conference were honored: Immanuel and First Spanish UMC in Brooklyn, and First Spanish UMC in Manhattan. Archivist Beth Patkus has acted as the catalyst for this effort by contacting the churches to be recognized, assisting them in telling their story, and preparing the conference program. This type of proactive programming will continue in the future while we celebrate our diversity as United Methodists in the New York Annual Conference Immanuel-First Spanish in Brooklyn grew out of Spanish mission work that began at Old Sands Street Methodist Episcopal Church. Rev. Alberto Baez and his wife came to the U.S. from Mexico in 1915 and to New York in 1917, where he was soon invited to preach to a small group of Latin Americans at Sands Street Church. The Spanish work continued to grow, and in 1928 First Spanish church became independent of Sands Street. In 1966 First Spanish merged with Immanuel Church, founded by Swedish immigrants, to form Immanuel-First Spanish Spanish work was beginning in Manhattan at about the same time. Spanish work seems to have started at Metropolitan Temple Methodist Episcopal Church and expanded during the 1920s to include work at Park Street and St. James churches, under the supervision of Rev. Ferdinand Aparicio. In 1935 the lay leader Diego Flores was placed in charge, continuing the ministry to the Puerto Rican community. In 1944 the congregation became a church rather than a mission. In 1947 Diego Flores was admitted into full connection and served as pastor of First Spanish until his death in The commission requests that the 2014 Session of Annual Conference vote to add to the authorized list of Registered Methodist Historic Sites the following: Vail s Gate UMC in New Windsor, NY, built in 1807.

99 2014 New York Annual Conference Conference Archivist Beth Patkus, Archivist Concur: 35, Non-Concur: 0, Abstain: 0; 100% concurrence, NYAC conference session: adopted 101. Since January 2014 I have worked with the Commission on Archives and History to update the vision, mission, and goals of the CAH and the Archives, and to begin implementing the new ideas that were developed. I also continued the day-to-day activities of managing the Archives collections, answering reference inquiries, and providing services to local churches. Specifically, I worked to: 102. Answer inquiries. From January to December 2013 the Archives responded to more than 190 requests for information, covering genealogy, church history and records management, pastoral records and conference activities. Thus far in 2014 we have received almost 40 inquiries. The Archives recently acquired a handheld scanner which makes scanning materials for information requests much easier. Donations totaling $274 were made to the CAH in 2013, and beginning in 2014 donations can now be made via PayPal. The C. Wesley Christman Archives is housed at the Conference Center in White Plains, NY, and is open Mondays and Thursdays with assistance from volunteer Ron Schultzel. The Archivist works three days per week and can be reached at any time via to archives@nyac.com Manage the Archives collections. The Archives took in approximately 37 linear feet of local church and conference records over the past year. Trips were made to recover records from various closed churches, including Germantown UMC and a number of closed German churches from the old East German Annual Conference (the latter records had been in storage at the Church of the Village in Manhattan). In 2013 a catablog was started to provide an online catalog of the CAH collections (at Collections are first cataloged in the Archivists Toolkit computer program and then entered into the catablog. This continues to be a work in progress Establish an archives internship. I wrote guidelines and circulated a proposal for a student internship to assist in processing and cataloging archives collections. After a promising recent archives graduate received a job offer out of state, I am in the process of searching for another intern Develop and present workshops. Records management workshops for local churches were presented in March of 2013 and 2014, on Long Island and in Westport CT, respectively. These were well received by those attending and sparked the interest of some participants to serve on the commission. A workshop on Telling our Story to help churches create exhibits and conduct oral histories, is being developed for September Workshops, manuals, and on-site help are always available for local congregations Administer the local church grant program. I wrote guidelines and an application for the program (see for more information), gave advice to churches interested in applying, and helped the CAH evaluate the applications. Grant recipients are to be announced at annual conference in June Engage in outreach to publicize the Archives. When the new website was launched in December 2013, I redesigned the Archives web pages found at

100 226 - Reports, Petitions & Resolutions LEGISLATIVE SECTION 6 The Archives also produces a newsletter three to four times per year and maintains a Facebook page (search C. Wesley Christman Archives). I also maintain a table at annual conference, and this year will organize the recognition of the conference s longest-serving Hispanic churches Administer the request of Vail s Gate UMC to become a Registered Methodist Historic Site. This application was evaluated by the CAH at its April meeting, and the CAH will recommend that the annual conference vote to accept it as a Registered Methodist Historic Site within the conference Commission Chair Marilyn Hatch and I represented the New York Annual Conference at the May 2014 Annual NEJCAH Meeting hosted by the New Jersey Conference in Madison, NJ. I have also been involved in the planning of the May 2015 NEJ Conference to be held in the NYAC area. Conference Secretary Rev. Fredric O. Jackson Concur: 34, Non-Concur: 0, Abstain: 0; 100% concurrence, NYAC conference session: adopted 101. Homiletics the art of preaching includes required courses for all seminarians preparing for pastoral ministry. One of the professors at Wesley Theological Seminary, Dr. Earl Ferguson, insisted that every sermon must have an outline with three points and end with a poem. He was demanding, consequently his courses were known as, Fergatory. This report has an outline, not the kind this faculty member would accept for a sermon, but then this isn t a sermon: Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue 102. What s old in the work of the conference secretary? Petition To refresh your memory, you will find the petition online at the conference website on page 253 of the 2010 Journal. The objective of the petition is to review and make important corrections to the Journals of 2007, 2008 and Kudos to Dennis Winkleblack and Barbara Eastman for resurrecting the petition, when they began the task none of the seven resolutions were initiated (e.g. deadlines, expenditures, Journals to be recalled from the appropriate General Agencies, etc.). The extensive editorial work is basically accomplished by Barbara with the assistance of others including Beth Patkus, archivist, and myself. As the work for each is completed, the appropriate sections are, and will be, posted online. Printed erratas will be sent to the appropriate agencies What s new in the work of the conference secretary? Journals, again! Several years ago, the NYAC moved forward from printing the annual Journal and Directory by joining the digital movement. For the past two years each church received a CD containing both documents, including a wonderful search feature. Last year s issue of the Journal was available in print; 250 copies were ordered, 158 were sold, sent to General Agencies, or handed to conference staff 92 copies remain unsold! Our small order resulted in pricing the Journal at $36 per copy; we have to do better for those who cherish this book! Plans are underway to consider Amazon s CreateSpace to produce the 2014 Journal on demand. Purchasers will visit an Amazon web page, place their order, make payment, and it will ship the Journal. Amazon produced the text for Vital Congregations Incubator Training which remains available at $6 per copy. Many persons indicated their preference for the print version of the Directory.

101 2014 New York Annual Conference A secure method of ordering this book is under consideration, one that will not allow anyone to order our Directory with its hundreds of names, addresses, etc Presently, laity addresses are not included in the Directory. Increasingly, I receive requests for a lay address, but feel constrained by maintaining confidentiality. The possibility of adding lay addresses can be fixed through an individual consent form. I welcome responses to this possible action Recently, a retired pastor and his wife contacted me seeking direction for writing his memoir and submitting a photo in advance of his death. Their rationale includes completing the task before the demands of grief make it difficult. I noted the preparation of one s own memoir is not left to someone who may not emphasize one s life and ministry as they would have them do. After our conversation I proceeded to prepare a cover letter for the mailing that included Guidelines for Writing a Memoir and several sample memoirs What s borrowed in the work of the conference secretary? A tremendous burden is placed on the webmaster and me every year because so many persons wait until the last minute or even days after the deadline to submit their report. This year, for example, 15 of 67 reports were received on or before the deadline! One month prior to annual conference I have three petitions and no resolutions! Rule 27 was created to deal with this issue, but has not been enacted, until 2014! 107. Another fix : Each year the New England Conference produces a schedule of deadlines for major events related to the Secretary s work. I revised and expanded their schedule, submitted it to it the Commission on Conference Sessions; although I did not ask for their approval. It passed unanimously and follows this report What s blue in the work of the conference secretary? Besides struggling to receive reports prior to the deadline, there is an occasional attitude of some clergy resisting use of their newly instituted conference address. When I and other conference staff write to a clergyperson in the NYAC we do not have to look up their address because we know it! For example, John.Wesley@nyac-umc.com, but you can expect this one to bounce back. In addition, when pastors move to their next appointment their address remains the same. Too often people change their personal address without notifying the conference secretary, thus we lose contact with them. If you are a clergyperson serving an NYAC church and haven t logged in to your yet, please Barbara Eastman at website@nyac.com to receive instructions on how to set it up It is a privilege to serve as your conference secretary! I wonder if today s brides continue the custom of wearing something new, something old, something borrowed and something blue, but I am certain that through this office I am serving the Bride of the Church, Jesus the Christ!

102 228 - Reports, Petitions & Resolutions 110. Dates and Events Between Annual Conferences LEGISLATIVE SECTION Late Spring 2014 June Districts elect district-at-large members for 2015 annual conference 215 th Session of New York Annual Conference Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York June 17 Any material including appointment lists & salary schedules due from superintendents (Rule 33) Sept 1 Sept 1 Sept 1 Oct 1 Oct Feb 1 Feb 1 March 1 Resolutions/Secretary s Certificates due from Chancellor Directory/Journal CD Orders Due (One CD Directory & Journal will be mailed to each church, retiree and clergy member on AIEM free of charge) List of number of lay members per church/charge to district superintendents Superintendents send to clergy w/number of lay members for each church/charge and request update via online charge conference summary form Directory/Journal (CD & Printed) final materials to production vendors Online ordering of printed Journal begins Equalization lay member names to conference secretary (elected late spring 2014 for 2015 conference) (Rule 48) Online input of all lay members due (via the online charge conference summary form) Number of equalization lay members to district superintendents (for 2016 conference) District Superintendents ALL Clergy & Lay Members Conference Secretary Conference Secretary Conference Secretary Superintendents Barbara Eastman Those requiring a printed copy of the Journal Superintendents Pastors Conference Secretary March 1 March 1 Call to Conference mailed Early-bird registration for annual Barbara Eastman Barbara Eastman conference opens

103 2014 New York Annual Conference April 8 April 22 April 30 May 1 May 20 May 22 June 1 June Petitions to the General Conference desiring approval from the annual conference due (Rule 29) All annual conference reports (not more than 700 words exceptions may be granted), resolutions & petitions to appear in pre-conference booklet due (Rule 27) Early-bird registration for annual conference closes Regular registration for annual conference opens Registration for annual conference closes Note: NO ON-SITE REGISTRATION AT HOFSTRA U Cancellation of registration and request to be excused due in order to receive refund (sent to website@nyac.com and confsecy@nyac.com) All requests to be excused from attending part or all of 2015 Annual Conference session due ( preferred: confsecy@ nyac.com) 216 th Session of New York Annual Conference Conference Secretary Conference Secretary Barbara Eastman Barbara Eastman Conference Secretary Barbara Eastman Conference Secretary ALL Clergy & Lay Members Commission on Conference Sessions Rev. James Moore, Chair Concur: 33, Non-Concur: 0, Abstain: 0; 100% concurrence, NYAC conference session: adopted 101. The Commission on Conference Sessions is responsible for organizing each session of the New York Annual Conference. Bringing more than 1000 persons together for several days of inspiration, reporting, decision-making and Christian fellowship is quite a challenge and we owe a great debt of gratitude to the staff members and volunteers whose labors make our gatherings possible. Such challenges as feeding and housing a thousand people, organizing a schedule that effectively balances work and decision-making with worship and inspiration, making wise use of our financial resources and attending to the safety and health of the attendees are among the varied tasks that are part of this group s task As noted in report in the 2013 Journal, the commission in had done some investigation of other sites for annual conference. The sub-committee visited several campuses and hotel/convention sites and found itself sharply divided between those who preferred the convenience and comfort of a hotel and those who were concerned by the significantly higher cost of using such a facility. The search committee halted its work at the request of Bishop McLee,

104 230 - Reports, Petitions & Resolutions LEGISLATIVE SECTION 6 who asked that our 2013 session be held at Hofstra. No further exploration of alternate venues has taken place, and the commission has instead focused on improving our relationship and our experience with Hofstra (i.e. using only the more modern dorms instead of the high rises.) We also feel that providing access to hotel accommodations for those who want to stay off campus gives an appropriate option for those who want and need greater comfort In 2012, Barbara Eastman, a long-time consultant to the NYAC, was brought on as a staff member, and one of her key responsibilities has been serving as the business manager for the annual conference sessions. Having such a capable staff person handling many of the tasks that had previously been cared for by volunteers production of materials, negotiating contracts with Hofstra, registration management, and all the business and logistical arrangements has been a great blessing. Thanks to Barbara s great work, and the help of persons in the conference Finance Office, we have been able to significantly lower the cost of holding annual conference, while avoiding or minimizing many of the frustrating experiences that are inevitable in such a complex undertaking. Our great thanks to Barbara! 104. Rev. Fred Jackson, in his role as conference secretary, has been very helpful in creating a schedule of communication tasks and in many other ways is helping us to communicate and plan in an orderly way that our methodical ancestor John Wesley would surely approve of Most significantly, as we acknowledge people s contributions, we should especially give thanks for the many years of wonderful service offered by Rev. Ann Pearson, director of Connectional Ministries, who serves as the program director for our conference sessions. As Ann retires this year, after thirteen years as the DCM, we want to acknowledge her great creativity, her attention to innumerable necessary details, and the spirit-led way in which she has helped to shape and fashion our annual conference gatherings over the years. She has been a true blessing to the NYAC The theme for the 2014 annual conference is The Prophetic Church: Pray about it. Talk about it. Be about it. We are thrilled to welcome Rev. Dr. Zan Holmes as our guest preacher, and also are pleased to have the inaugural Bill Perkins Lecture which will be given by Rev. Dr. Pamela Lightsey, the associate dean of the Boston University School of Theology. In a change from previous custom, we will be electing our delegates to General Conference and Jurisdictional Conference at this session two years prior to these events, rather than one year prior as had been our practice. Hand-held voting devices, used by us for the first time in 2011, will again be used Leadership for the 2014 session is as follows: Program director: Rev. Ann Pearson Event Manager: Ms. Barbara Eastman Legislative Sections: Rev. Ian Straker Worship Chairs: Rev. Charles Ryu and Rev. Heather Sinclair Hospitality: Rev. Barbara Mungin Ushers: Pastor John Fritz and Mr. Steve Allen Conference Secretary/Journal: Rev. Fred Jackson, assisted by Ms. Barbara Eastman

105 2014 New York Annual Conference We trust that our 2014 session of the New York Annual Conference will be a blessing for all who attend. We pray that our work may contribute to the furthering of God s kingdom, that our worship may be inspired and renewing, and that all who participate may return to their homes and places of work with a new passion for serving our Lord. Committee on Examination of the Conference Journal Rev. Dennis Winkleblack, Chair Concur: 33, Non-Concur: 0, Abstain: 0; 100% concurrence, NYAC conference session: adopted 101. The Committee on the Examination of the Journal works year round both to ensure the accuracy of the most recent conference proceedings for journal publication, but also to search for and correct errors made in journals of previous years We are aided in this task by our outstanding Information and Technology Manager Ms. Barbara Eastman, and our dedicated Conference Secretary Rev. Fredric Jackson. We are also appreciative of the efforts of those who serve as assistant conference secretaries: Rev. Kent Jackson, Rev. Elizabeth Mortlock, Rev. Sung Moy and Mr. Michael Zukowski I am profoundly grateful to committee members Rev. Vicky Fleming and Rev. Bette Sohm for their stellar work As always, should you find an error in either the Directory or Journal, please contact the conference secretary. Parish Development- Missional Priorities (EMLC) Commission Rev. David W. Mantz, Chair Concur: 32, Non-Concur: 0, Abstain: 0; 100% concurrence, NYAC conference session: adopted 105. Introduction: We serve the churches of the New York Annual Conference by making loans and grants throughout the year to help churches with facility improvements and new ministries to enhance their ability to make disciples. I need to thank the members of our committee who faithfully come out to meetings at the Conference Center in order to make this happen. I especially want to thank our district chairs and their committees who give us the information we need to make these decisions Our Guidelines: The Commission, which usually meets four times a year, has 10 at-large members elected to 2-year terms with a 6-year maximum. It also includes chairs of all the district Parish Development Committees, all district superintendents, the director of Connectional Ministries, the conference treasurer, representatives from the Council on Finance & Administration, the United Methodist City Society, the Commission on Equitable Compensation, and ethnic caucuses. In the committee, a quorum consists of those who are present and voting. The Commission has the following functions: (1) Making the final determination annually for ministry and mission grants (including those requests for Missional Priorities), (2) Making loans and grants for capital projects out of the conference revolving loan fund; (3)Taking on other responsibilities as defined by the conference and the committee Revolving Loan Fund: As of December 31, 2013, our Revolving Loan Fund balance was $595,013. During 2013 we issued 12 loans for a total of $633,342

106 232 - Reports, Petitions & Resolutions LEGISLATIVE SECTION 6 and issued 12 grants for a total of $41,000. We had a total of 73 loans receivable with a total due of $2,093,862 (principal $1,805,023; interest $288,839). We had 20 delinquent loans amounting to $543,699 for which no payment had been received within the last 12 months. This continues to worry the committee and we hope the churches in question will pay or offer some plan for settlement before these loans are written off. Our interest now at 6% allows us to maintain the fund and to provide small capital grants along with the loans. Invested funds under the stewardship of the Commission remain in the custody and management of the Frontier Foundation and include monies for New Church Development when they are available New Church Growth & Development Fund: During the year the committee continued to support the Vision Bearers Project. The fund started the year with $298,689, we disbursed $200,000 for Vision Bearers, received $559,353 from the proceeds of discontinued churches, and received $38,288 in appreciation, interest and dividends net of fees. We ended the year with a balance of $696, Mission Funds: Looking at requests from each district and reviewing information from the Cabinet and the NY City Society about Equitable Salary and Salary Supplements, the Commission tries to fairly distribute the available Parish Development Missional Priority funds at our November meeting. The conference budget provided $160,000 for mission grants, and there was about $130,000 available in the Missional Priority Fund each year churches give to this special apportionment and there is generally a small balance carried over for emergencies. During 2013 Mission Grants and Missional Priority/ EMLC Grants totaling $302,366 were made to 38 ministries in all six districts for disbursement on a quarterly basis in Details can be seen in the following spreadsheet. Mission Grant Missional Priority District Church Connecticut Bridgeport: Summerfield Wethersfield $4,000 $4,000 Haitian $3,000 Mission Grant: $4,000 Subtotals Catskill Hudson Clinton Avenue Greenville & $15,000 Norton Hill Ashland $2,500 Community $2,650 Shandaken $1,516 Kerhonkson $6,000 Lloyd $10,000 Subtotals Mission Grant: $22,666 Missional Priority: $7,000 Missional Priority: $15,000

107 2014 New York Annual Conference Metropolitan Asbury $3,000 Butler $3,800 Epworth $8,000 Metropolitan $12,000 New Day Special Ministry $10,000 Japanese $4,000 St. Stephen s $5,700 Trinity $5,000 Union Japanese $6,000 Woodycrest $8,750 Chinese JFON St. Paul & St. $11,000 Andrew $8,000 Salem $7,000 Madison Ave $1,250 Anchor House $40,000 Mission Grant: $74,250 Subtotals Long Island East Hicksville $5,000 Wading River $7,000 Lindenhurst Huntington $5,000 Station $4,000 Hamptons UMC $4,000 Patchogue $4,000 Bay Shore $9,000 Mission Grant: $20,000 Subtotals Long Island West Kings Highway John Wesley $6,000 Youth John Wesley $4,000 JFON Far Rockaway $10,000 Mission $38,000 Bethel $1,200 Elmont $5,000 NY Namsan $3,000 Subtotals Mission Grant: $57,200 New York/CT Warwick $15,000 Subtotals Mission Grant: $0 Missional Priority: $59,250 Missional Priority: $18,000 Missional Priority: $10,000 Missional Priority: $15,000

108 234 - Reports, Petitions & Resolutions Grand Totals: Mission Grants: $178,116 Missional Priority: $124,250 $302,366 Transfer of Funds Grand Totals Approved Fall ($18,116) $18, for 2014 $160,000 $142,366 $302,366 LEGISLATIVE SECTION 6 Conference Personnel Committee Margaret Howe, Chair Concur: 32, Non-Concur: 0, Abstain: 0; 100% concurrence, NYAC conference session: adopted 101. The Personnel Committee is the human resource (HR) committee for the NYAC, especially the Conference Center. We are called to assure a framework of consistency and standards among those employed in service to the ministry of the annual conference This last year we continued and completed many of the tasks that were outlined in the 2013 report. Completed tasks include: 103. Revised and updated job descriptions for those employed at the Conference Center executive staff and conference employees. These job descriptions were reviewed with input from both supervisor and employee Revised the employee Evaluation/Performance Review forms and process. A training session was held with the supervisory staff. All employees have been evaluated and the results were appropriately reviewed with them All existing positions were reviewed to ensure they were classified properly according to the Fair Labor Standards Act We supported the writing of the job description for the new position - Director of Church Development and Revitalization and the revised job description for the Director of Connectional Ministries. A member of the Personnel Committee served on the Search Committee for these two positions Personnel Committee was included in the creation of job description for the coordinator of Disaster Recovery Ministries as well as reviewing the job descriptions of those reporting to this individual for correct job classification The committee has been consulted on issues relating to HR and personnel issues within the annual conference Ongoing tasks include: 110. The revision of the job description of the district superintendent administrative assistant, assuring that this description and qualifications are consistent with the current needs of the district superintendents Continue the review of the Personnel Policy Manual to update, revise and add policies that are consistent with the conference mission and that keep the conference legally compliant Assess and evaluate the unique human resource policy issues related to the Camping and Retreat Ministries Consult with the webmaster to create a place for current and relevant personnel information In addition to the specific tasks, the Personnel Committee serves to assure that all employees are nurtured, supported and encouraged to meet their potential.

109 2014 New York Annual Conference Many thanks to the individuals who serve on this committee: Melissa Hinnen, Rev. Ed Horne, Rev. Gertude Nation, Parker Prout, Rev. Eric Fjeldal (CF&A rep), Rev Betsy Ott (ex-officio), Rev Ann Pearson (ex-officio), Sally Truglia (conference HR and benefits manager), Ross Williams (ex-officio). Conference Rules Committee Rev. Dr. Gennifer Brooks, Chair The report of the Conference Rules Committee inadvertently was not reviewed during the legislative section, therefore it was brought to the plenary. A vote was taken; the body approved the report The committee communicated by and met by conference call Since we had done a total overhaul of the Conference Rules in 2013, there was no need to re-visit the revised rules this year. However, there were several requests for changes made to the chair. In addition a small number of rules that directly impact the Cabinet were forwarded to them for their discussion and decision Several requests for consideration were made on behalf on the Committee on Nominations The committee reviewed all requests and is recommending changes to Rules 58, 63, 79, 88, and 92 as follows: 105. Rule 58: Change by deletion and addition 106. The Conference Committee on Nominations shall consist of the District Superintendents, the Conference Secretary, the Director of Connectional Ministries, a member of the Cabinet; one youth and one young adult under the age of twenty-five (25) from each district, nominated by the District Superintendent in consultation with the district youth and young adult organizations, and twenty-four members elected for terms of four years in two equal classes. Each class shall be composed of one clergyperson and one layperson from each District, elected by each District Conference in even numbered years. In addition, there shall be two clergy or lay persons representing minority groups as at-large members in each class, nominated by the Conference Committee on Nominations. In addition, there shall be one representative from each of the official ethnic caucuses as well as from COSROW. These representatives shall be ex-officio members of the committee. No elected member of the Nominating Committee shall be eligible to succeed him/herself. Districts are also urged to rotate their representatives in accordance with this rule regarding elected members of the committee. When a vacancy occurs on the Conference Committee on Nominations, the District Superintendent of the district in which the vacancy occurs, shall fill the vacancy until the next regular election Rule 63: Change by replacement 108. All boards, committees, and commissions shall elect their officers as part of their organizational process, at the first meeting of the body following the election of new members by the Annual Conference. This may be done at the site of Annual Conference, but should shall be done within thirty days after the conclusion of Annual Conference Rule 79: Change by replacement

110 236 - Reports, Petitions & Resolutions LEGISLATIVE SECTION Clergy and lay reserve delegates to the Jurisdictional Conference shall be elected in accordance with the direction provided by the Secretary of General Conference to the Conference Secretary 111. The number of clergy and lay reserve delegates to be elected to the Jurisdictional Conference shall be determined by the Conference Secretary in consultation with the previous chair and vice chair of the General Conference delegation and recommended for adoption by the annual conference. Once the number is finalized, these reserve delegates shall be elected in accordance with the procedures specified in Section K of the Conference Rules and Rulings of Law Rule 88 a): Change by deletion and addition 113. An eligible lay person shall declare her/his candidacy to be a delegate by submitting a nomination statement of intent that specifies the conference(s) of their candidacy and a brief biographical sketch upon which s/he has affixed her/his signature. The nomination statement of intent is to be on one side of an 8 ½ x 11 sheet of paper, and submitted to the Conference Secretary via by April 1 of the year elections are to be held. Each nomination statement of intent shall be accompanied by a biographical sketch not to exceed one side of an 8 ½ x 11 sheet of paper. A photograph may be included Rule 92: Change by deletion 115. A ballot shall be considered invalid if it contains more or less names than places to be filled on that ballot. To be considered valid, a ballot shall contain markings for only the number of delegates to be elected Three members whose terms were completed in 2013 agreed to be re-nominated to the committee. They are: Gennifer Brooks, Timothy Riss, and Flora Vernon The members of the committee are: Gennifer Brooks, Beth Capen, Veronica Darby, Vicky Fleming, Darlene Kelly, Beverly Peck Risi, Timothy Riss, Flora Vernon, Conference Secretary Fred Jackson, and Cabinet representative Adrienne Brewington Requests for changes to the Conference Rules of Order should be directed to Gennifer Brooks by at Gennifer.Brooks@Garrett.edu or by mail to 325 Beau Drive, Des Plaines, IL Strategic Economic Analysis Task Force Timothy J. Riss, Chair Concur: 34, Non-Concur: 0, Abstain: 0; 100% concurrence, NYAC conference session: adopted 101. The annual conference established this Task Force in The 2012 Annual Conference adopted the following statement of our preferred future: 102. Within 5 years the NYAC is flourishing: We are increasing discipleship, ensuring financial stability, and demonstrating Christian leadership across our mission field while empowering and expecting our congregations to do the same Twice as many people are received by profession or reaffirmation of faith as have been lost through death or have moved away In a region marked by diversity of every kind, it is our goal that our churches and their leadership reflect the fullness of that diversity Income is 10% more than expenses in our operating budgets so that an adequate reserve is maintained for emergencies and unforeseen expenses.

111 2014 New York Annual Conference Cabinet and BOM recruit five new clergy candidates every year (from within or without NYAC) who hold promise for excellence in multicultural and transformational ministries % of local church laity on average are lay servants, certified lay ministers or similarly trained or utilized in the church s ministry NYAC requires all expenditures to be investments in increasing discipleship, achieving financial stability or forming and strengthening Christian leadership The task force was granted another year to complete its work. We intended to recommend how agencies of the annual conference could work together to realize this preferred future, and we intended to recommend the form a Long Range Planning Commission could take. Unfortunately, the task force was unable to maintain its momentum, as several members dropped out, while the chairperson found himself unable to set aside much time for this work among the challenges of a new pastoral appointment. He offers his humble apology to the annual conference, most especially to the task force members who were still working faithfully into the winter It is hoped that a proposal for establishing a new Long Range Planning Commission will be available for discussion at the 2014 Session of the Annual Conference. If such an agency is commissioned and populated, we will deposit with its members the fruits of our labors thus far. United Methodist City Society Rev. William S. Shillady, Executive Director & CEO Concur: 34, Non-Concur: 0, Abstain: 0; 100% concurrence, NYAC conference session: adopted Please visit for a comprehensive report for the year Deuteronomy 4: 9 Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them I Corinthians 9:24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run... Run in such a way that you may obtain the prize Jeremiah 29:11 For surely I know the plans I have for you, says The Lord, plans for our peace and prosperity and not for harm, to give you a future with hope Continuing the Journey Forward after Celebrating the Past 105. Our faith is born and nurtured in a historical experience, in what God has done for us in the past, but that faith, with God as the companion on the journey, always leads us into the future. The scriptures remind us of the history of God s involvement with our world and God s children Over this 175th anniversary year, our gaze has looked back on our history and the ministry accomplished by the thousands of disciples who worked and labored in the mission fields of care and compassion for Christ s children of all ages in this metropolitan area in the United Methodist City Society s previous institutions Now that history propels us forward into the future. God is not late with God s promise to provide a future with hope. Scripture tells us to move toward the prize of God s kingdom as in a race and to care for those who are least, last

112 238 - Reports, Petitions & Resolutions LEGISLATIVE SECTION 6 and lost. We must help to bring God s kingdom to fruition where all are cared for and loved In the letter to the Hebrews, chapter 13:18, we are told do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Our history molds us to do good in the love and grace of Jesus Christ, to go out into our city in our 176th year and beyond We have a responsibility to our young people, to prepare them for what they will face in life. We have a responsibility to our older people, to help meet their needs in a changing world. We have a responsibility to the community around us, to proclaim the good news of Jesus and to be examples of his love. We are to feed the hungry, care for the sick, minister to those in prison, clothe those who are naked, and we are to care for all of Christ s children The stories of faith, commitment, and service that we told during our anniversary year have strengthened, prepared, and propelled us into the next phase of our city ministry We want to thank all those who joined in our celebration this year. We had nearly 675 United Methodists attend the gala on November 3rd, 2013 at Terrace on the Park in Queens. The support of many congregations, corporations, and individuals helped us to raise $120,000 for the programs of the City Society. We cannot thank Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton enough for her generous participation in our event. There is a list of contributors on our website We want to acknowledge and thank all the individuals, the local churches, the foundations, the board of directors, and the staff that support the work of the UMCS, and all the programs under our umbrella. We received $304,675 in donations from all sources, including the anniversary gala in We will continue to work for excellence with our Early Learning program, Anchor House, the United Methodist Center of Far Rockaway and Five Points Mission Olmsted Center and summer camp. We will continue to fund the Urban Ministry Scholarship Program, our Mission Grants, the UMCS Children s Program and After-School Initiative, Summer Day Camp Programs, and other related ministries such as Justice for Our Neighbors (JFON) and the Vision Bearers. We are thrilled that our grants and direct support amounted to over $640,577 in Here are highlights of City Society mission and ministry in 2013: Grand Gala 175th Anniversary. Annual meeting at St. Stephens UM with Bishop Woodie White as our speaker. Touched the lives of 1,400 students in afterschool programs and summer day camps. Our UMCS Early Learning Center in Sunset Park, Brooklyn served 72 children, their families and the community. Funded by a discretionary grant of $1 Million from the NY City Council. The summer programs at Olmsted served 286 children. 1,217 persons participated in retreat programs at Olmsted Center. Anchor House, our faith-based drug rehabilitation program, transformed the lives of 100 men and women through the love of Jesus Christ.

113 2014 New York Annual Conference The United Methodist Center of Far Rockaway served meals and pantry bags to 52,000 people. A weekly worship service - under the direction of the Long Island West lay servants. We provided scholarships to seven seminarians that plan to be in urban ministry. Grace Church apartments provided affordable housing and clergy housing. $640,577 was granted to local churches, programs, and NYAC. $270,000 was loaned to churches and $350,000 to programs. We granted ecclesiastical mortgages: $9,500 - First Spanish; $100,000 - Butler. Property title returned - Wakefield Grace UMC. Continue to review and prioritize its properties and utilize its assets for the furtherance of urban ministry. Provided support and expertise to churches on their tax-exempt status with the City of New York. Received $50,000 each from the Clark and Pinkerton Foundations for our children s program. Balanced the budget fifth year in a row The United Methodist City Society continues to act as an agent of transformation as we seek new ways of mission and ministry in our metropolitan region. We thank the churches of LIE, LIW, Metro, and NY-Conn Districts. As the urban mission partner of the New York Annual Conference, it is our commitment to wrestle with and discern what changes we need to encourage in churches, and what fresh approaches are required to keep us faithful and open to the Spirit The United Methodist City Society continues to provide transforming creativity, funding, and leadership for New York City urban ministry work, looking to the past for guidance and celebrating the future with hope More details and links to our programs can be found on our website, www. umcitysociety.org 118. Attached to this report are the financial documents related to the work of the Society United Methodist City Society Ecclesiastical Mortgages 120. This list of Ecclesiastical Mortgages is presented to the New York Annual Conference and to the Conference Board of Trustees as a claim for future reimbursement should a congregation cease to exist and the property is sold An ecclesiastical mortgage was a grant given to a church for capital projects or the property purchase. An ecclesiastical mortgage can be given by other church agencies like the General Board of Global Ministries. Ecclesiastical mortgages have actually existed for centuries within the Roman Catholic Church. You will find references to them in other denominations as well. It does not have to be repaid unless the church ceases to exist We thank the United Methodist Church of Pound Ridge for paying their ecclesiastical mortgage in full. This provides the opportunity for the UM City Society to pay it forward to other churches in the future.

114 240 - Reports, Petitions & Resolutions LEGISLATIVE SECTION 6 United Methodist City Society Ecclesiastical Mortgages April 30, 2014 Balance 04/30/14 Date of Loan District Brooklyn, Christ UMC 8/84 LIW $ 5, Brooklyn, Janes UMC 05/09/72 LIW 13, Brooklyn, Janes UMC 12/31/86 LIW 18, Brooklyn, Janes UMC 12/31/86 LIW 48, Brooklyn, St. Mark s UMC 12/31/90 LIW 10, Brooklyn, St. Mark s UMC 12/31/80 LIW 15, East Meadow, Community UMC 04/27/56 LIE 10, First UMC of Roosevelt 02/16/12 LIE 5, Franklin Square, Wesley UMC 05/31/50 LIE 16, Greenpoint, Polish/Am.UMC 01/31/81 LIW 6, Butler Memorial UMC Pending M 100, Hartsdale, St. Paul s UMC 05/12/55 M 5, Hicksville, UMC 03/13/59 LIE 4, Manhattan, First Spanish UMC (Ch.of the Saviour) Manhattan, First Spanish 12/30/67 M 86, UMC (Ch.of the Saviour) 12/28/13 M 9, Manhattan, Korean UMC 12/30/50 M 8, Manhattan, Metropolitan Community UMC Manhattan, Metropolitan 11/20/46 M 10, Community UMC 10/31/54 M 10, Manhattan, Metropolitan Community UMC Manhattan, Metropolitan 04/14/80 M 7, Community UMC Manhattan, Mt. Calvary 07/10/98 M 50, UMC 01/28/73 M 129, Manhattan, St. Mark s UMC 12/31/57 M 42, Manhattan, St. Mark s UMC 02/25/02 M 15, Massapequa, Community UMC 01/11/50 LIE 5, Merrick UMC 10/28/63 LIE 32, Mt. Vernon, Asbury UMC 11/19/92 M 15, Ozone Park, Community UMC 06/18/87 LIW 5, Richmond Hill, Trinity UMC 12/20/50 LIW 1, Salem UMC Pending M 407, St. Albans, Grace UMC 03/05/01 LIW 40, The Bronx, Elton Ave. UMC 10/31/72 M 16, The Bronx, Elton Ave. UMC 06/30/70 M 170, The Bronx, Epworth UMC 03/20/08 M 97, The Bronx, Fordham UMC 09/11/31 M 20, The Bronx, Ghana UMC 09/01/10 M 50, The Bronx, Tremont UMC 05/16/28 M 17, The Bronx, Tremont UMC 12/08/98 M 7, The Bronx, Woodycrest UMC 02/27/13 M 5,000.00

115 2014 New York Annual Conference Balance Date of Loan District 04/30/14 Wakefield Grace 12/18/13 M 375, West Hempstead, Church of the Good Shepherd 06/28/00 LIE 24, Woodhaven Parish UMC 01/30/27 LIW 15, Total $ 1,929, United Methodist City Society Mission & Outreach Grants Insurance Grants approved Anchor House, Inc. LIW *note $ 25,000 $ 50,000 Contingency Grants 1,749 13,000 Conn. Dist. Mission Soc. Council of Churches of the CT City of NY Harlem Cong. For Com. 5,000 2,000 Improvement (Dues) Head Start Program Scholarships for Urban - 1,000 Students 13,225 30,000 Summer Programs United Methodist Center in 24,500 30,000 Far Rockaway LIW 25,000 28,000 Subtotal $ 95,274 $ 155,200 Churches: Parish Development Church of St. Paul & St. Andrew - Campus Min. M $ 6,000 $ 6,000 John Wesley UMC - JFON LIW 10,000 10,000 Epworth UMC, After School M 10,000 10,000 New Day UMC Salem UMC Youth M 5,325 Programs M Metropolitan Jobs Training Madison Ave Prison/ M 4,000 4,000 Feeding Min. M 2,500 Asbury Mt Vernon Woodycrest Feeding only M - in 2011 St. John s Elmont M Afterschool Kings Highway Brooklyn LIW 4,000 Afterschool LIW 2,000 2,000 Subtotal $ 37,325 $ 38,500 Churches with insurance: Cuyler Warren Street LIW $ 6,850 $ 7,261 Grace UMC M 12,555 13, match End of commitment

116 242 - Reports, Petitions & Resolutions LEGISLATIVE SECTION Insurance Grants approved Knickerbocker Ave. UMC LIW 4,060 4,304 San Pablo UMC LIW 9,250 9,805 St. Stephens M 8,015 8,496 Trinity UMC M 16,300 17,278 Wakefield Grace UMC M 3,622 - Willis Ave. UMC M 17,525 18,577 Madison Avenue Insurance M 9,600 10,176 Head Start Insurance Costs $ 88,177 $ 89,628 Total $220,776 $283,328 Designated Funds: Designated funds received $100,689 $50,000 Five Points Mission Regular Five Points Mission 75,000 75,000 Emergency New Jerusalem. for 125, ,000 Parsonage San Pablo UMC REEL LIW 30,000 30,000 Approved LIW 10,000 10,000 Vision Bearers Peoples UMC REEL NYAC 50,000 10,000 approved LIW 26,000 26,000 $ 416,689 $ 326,000 *Challenge Grants $ 637,465 $ 609,328 Other expenses (legal, notices, fines $ 3,112 $ 5,000 $ 640,577 $ 614,328 * Challenge Grant of $25,000

117 2014 New York Annual Conference United Methodist City Society Approved budget with Actuals as of 12/31/10, 12/31/11, 12/31/12 and 12/31/13 Income Actual Actual Actual Actual /31/ /31/ /31/ /31/2013 Budget Total Total Total Total Total Contributions Designated Various - other 2,753 1,148 - Churches and Individuals 6,329 9,765 10,293 56,784 7,000 Trudy Grove Scholarship Fund - 5,170 14,700-3,000 Board Members 3,000 1,770 5,100 2,550 5,000 Designated Mailings - Individuals 5,310 5,570 } } - Churches } 28,467 } 41,355 7,000 - Board Members 850 1,025 } - } Other subtotal designated contributions 18,737 24,893 58, ,689 22,000 Unrestricted - Churches 35,639 29,389 39,845 20,068 40,000 Individuals 36,417 77,310 24,933 32,516 36,000 Board Members 34,685 31,624 30,030 19,945 36, th Anniversary fundraiser-net ,731 10,000 Other 5,209 2,378 3,955 7,725 3,000 City Society Presentations 2,125 2,306 2,675 4,001 2,500 subtotal unrestricted contributions 114, , , , ,500 subtotal all contributions 132, , , , ,500 Rental Income - Grace Apartments 104, , , , , Fifth Ave. 21,333 18,750 34, Cell Tower / Other - 27,900 43,672 37,942 39,375 Budgeted Portfolio Income - 5% return policy 688, , , , ,936 Draw down from sale of Peoples/San Pablo 42,500 42,500 42,500 36,000 36,000 Draw down for Ghana UMC Ecc.Mtge 50, Draw Down from sale of So.3rd St. - 30,000 30,000 30,000 30,000 Draw Down for Vision Bearers - 50,000 50,000 50,000 - Draw Down Brown Fd for distribution - 17, Draw Down for Audit -Year Changes ,000 Other Income Net Balance on Sale of Ch of Our Saviour 27, Mortgage/Loans Interest 11,599 16,075 12,813 7,330 15,000 CD/Savings Cert/Sav.Accts 6,878 7,189 6,738 6,266 7,000 Laundry Machine Income 7,725 6,000 6,150 7,925 7,000 Development Fee ,659 32, ,000 Repayment Ecc.Mtg. Uniondale UMC - 2, Repayment Ecc.Mtg.St. Luke's UMC, NR - 45, Repayment Eccl.Mortgage Grace, Lindenhurst 6, Funds to Be held for NEJ 8, Reimbursement of Expenses So.3rd St. UMC 65, , NYC reimb.real.estate Taxes - AHI - 15, Insurance settlement for FPM - 4, A J Gallagher refund on insurance - 38, Church reimb.of insurance premiums - 1, NYS Unclaimed funds - UMCS Insurance 8, Reimbursement Adm/Acct/Rent Linden Hill Cemetery 75,000 80,000 80,000 84,650 85,000 Linden Hill Cemetery - previous years 54,997 55,000 55,000 55,000 55,000 Metropolitan District Office reimb. Rent 3,591 6,120 6,257 6,471 6,400 Transfer of Temporarialy Rest. Funds Misc.Reserve for Scholarships 6, HUMM reimbursements 5, Nordis Trust Funding 9, Educational Opportunity Scholarships 7, Total Revenue 1,385,940 1,608,745 1,560,322 1,636,205 1,581,211

118 244 - Reports, Petitions & Resolutions United Methodist City Society Approved budget with Actuals as of 12/31/10, 12/31/11, 12/31/12 and 12/31/13 Expenses: Actual Actual Actual Actual /31/ /31/ /31/ /31/2013 Budget Total Total Total Total Total Personnel Costs Salaries 387, , , , ,200 Related Payroll Charges 180, , , , ,292 Total Personnel Costs 568, , , , ,492 LEGISLATIVE SECTION 6 Professional Fees 59,857 72,676 80,326 77, ,000 OTPS Rent 109, , , , ,500 Telephone/Internet services 11,229 11,345 11,700 12,083 13,450 Equipment rep & Maint., rental 15,802 9,988 14,103 9,985 15,500 Insurance 7,667 7,684 6,769 5,954 5,923 Supplies & Postage 11,262 14,902 11,516 11,921 10,300 Travel 17,105 13,149 11,751 12,743 12,500 Annual Report/Publications/etc. 3,864 4,064 4,707 4,259 4,500 Development 6,257 10,790 12,343 17,431 15,000 Annual Dinner/Meetings & Conferences 12,341 16,280 15,683 10,715 13,500 T. Grove Retirement Expenses - 6, Misc. Adv., Corp. Taxes, Dues/Memberships 10,573 19,150 13,810 13,219 13,050 Total OPTS 205, , , , ,223 Progam Expenses Pastoral Support 2, Direct Payments 244, , , , ,525 Restricted funds received 16,629 17,594 58, ,689 22,000 Peoples UMC and San Pablo UMC 42,500 34,250 42,500 36,000 36,000 Five Points Mission grant - Reg - 75, , , ,000 Five Points Mission -- emergency grant - 60, Vision Bearers - 100,000 50,000 50,000 10,000 Ghana UMC Eccl. Mrtg. 50, Hanson Pl.-Balance of Nordis Trust 9, Transfer of Temp.Res.Fds. NEJ Urban Network 6, HUMM Churches 7,441 1, Reserve for Trudy Grove Scholarship Fund - 5, New Jerusalem for parsonage - 30,000 30,000 30,000 30,000 Distribution of Brown Fund to beneficiaries - 17, Distribution to Beneficiaries - 1, Insurance 104,142 69,665 84,412 94,197 88,177 Other Program Expenses, i.e. rent, violations 7,911 5,611 3,517 3,112 5,000 Total Program Expenses 491, , , , ,702 Total Expenses 1,325,476 1,462,392 1,557,801 1,623,575 1,618,417 Net Operating Result $ 60,464 $ 146,354 $ 2,521 $ 12,630 $ (37,206)

119 2014 New York Annual Conference The United Methodist City Society and Subsidiaries Consolidating Schedule of Activities Year Ended December 31, 2013 General Fund United Methodist City Society 2085 Fifth Ave Grace Church and Apartments Child Care UM 104th Street, LLC Anchor House, Inc. United Methodist Center of Far Rockaway Five Points Mission Eliminations Consolidated Total OPERATING ACTIVITIES REVENUE AND SUPPORT Program Fees $ - $ - $ - $ 664,014 $ - $ 2,511,314 $ - $ - $ - $ 3,175,328 Fees for services , , ,535 Rental income 164, , , ,167 Investment earnings appropriated for operations 966, , ,009 Contributions -UMCS ,000 30, ,000 (555,623) - Contributions and grants 445, ,766 84, , ,439 In-kind contributions , , ,003 Other income 41,048-5,760-1, ,800-57,834 Total revenue and support 1,618, , , ,934 2,665, , ,306 (555,623) 6,419,315 EXPENSES Program 1,285, , , ,941 2,215, , ,021 (555,623) 5,135,221 Administrative 769,758-20,981-63, ,966 14,924 42,685-1,250,966 Fund raising , ,797 Total expenses 2,055, , , ,593 2,603, , ,706 (555,623) 6,434,984 Excess (deficiency) of revenue and support over expenses (437,482) - 21,537-15,341 62,782 13, ,600 - (15,669) NON-OPERATING ACTIVITIES Ecclesiastical mortgage advanced Ecclesiastical mortgage received Unappropriated investment return 1,040,642-57, ,098,392 Change in beneficial interest in perpetual trust 13, ,316 Other Non-Operating Income-Prior Year Adj Gain on sale of property Change in net assets 616,476-79,287-15,341 62,782 13, ,600-1,096,039 NET ASSETS Beginning of year 19,195,094-3,792,179-28,071 (712,207) 306,082 1,218,652-23,827,871 End of year $ 19,811,570 $ - $ 3,871,466 $ - $ 43,412 $ (649,425) $ 319,634 $ 1,527,252 $ - $ 24,923,910 -

120 246 - Reports, Petitions & Resolutions LEGISLATIVE SECTION 6 The United Methodist City Society and Subsidiaries Consolidating Schedule of Financial Position December 31, 2013 General Fund 2085 Fifth Ave United Methodist City Society Grace Church and Apartments Child Care UM 104thStreet, LLC Anchor House, Inc. United Methodist Center of Far Rockaway Five Points Mission Eliminations Consolidated Total ASSETS Cash $ 288,624 $ - $ 152,573 $ 218,291 $ 106,722 $ 4,290 $ 22,986 $ 67,682 $ - $ 861,168 Cash restricted for food stamps Resident's fund cash , ,372 Cash restricted for tenant's security - 2,500-43, ,810 Loans receivable 603, (193,754) 409,734 Other receivables and prepayments 389, , ,589 39,231 63,381 9, ,000 (391,424) 968,786 Investments 17,754, , , ,476,133 Deferred financing costs , ,336 Property and equipment, net 2,514,123-2,651, ,371 3,153,531 66,241 1,194,283-10,151,202 Beneficial interest in perpetual trust 142, ,365 Restricted investments 203, ,315 Intercompany 28, ,886 - (161,741) - - (385) - 0 Total Assets $ 21,924,132 $ - $ 3,889,177 $ 327,880 $ 598,893 $ 3,303,450 $ 320,826 $ 1,561,580 $ (585,178) $ 31,340,761 LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS Liabilities Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 62,944 $ - $ 15,211 $ 252,880 $ 512,171 $ 358,118 $ 1,192 $ 5,281 $ (91,424) $ 1,116,373 Borrowings under lines of credit 440, , ,941 Deferred revenue ,047-29,047 Tenant's security deposits - - 2,500-43, ,810 Funds held for others 1,127, (300,000) 827,465 Notes payable , , (193,754) 37,205 Mortgage loans payable -men's residence , ,300 Mortgage payable -women's residence ,744, ,744,109 Ecclesiastical mortgages payable 481, ,601 Total Liabilities 2,112,562-17, , ,481 3,952,875 1,192 34,328 (585,178) 6,416,851 Net Assets Unrestricted Undesignated 5,353,920-1,219,814 - (527,959) (636,883) 253, ,969-5,995,255 Board designated 12,010, ,010,000 Net investment in property 2,032,522-2,651, ,371 (12,542) 66,241 1,194,283-6,503,527 19,396,442-3,871,466-43,412 (649,425) 319,634 1,527,252-24,508,782 Temporarily restricted 69, ,448 Permanently restricted 345, ,680 Total Net Assets 19,811,570-3,871,466-43,412 (649,425) 319,634 1,527,252-24,923,910 Total Liabilities and Net Assets $ 21,924,132 $ - $ 3,889,177 $ 327,880 $ 598,893 $ 3,303,450 $ 320,826 $ 1,561,580 $ (585,178) $ 31,340,761

121 2014 New York Annual Conference Petition # Establishing A Long-Range Planning Commission 1 Concur: 34; Non-Concur: 0, Abstain: 0; 100% concurrence, NYAC conference session: adopted WHEREAS the New York Annual Conference created the Strategic Economic Analysis Task Force (SEATF) in 2010 to consider long-term issues of financial support and strategic planning for our annual conference, and WHEREAS the SEATF proposed a statement about our preferred future to the 2012 Annual Conference which was approved, and WHEREAS it would be wise to designate an agency that would implement the preferred future statement and hold us accountable to taking the steps necessary to realize God s plan for us, and WHEREAS the SEATF feels that the best agency to do this would be a high-level agency composed of annual conference leaders, and WHEREAS no such agency currently exists. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the New York Annual Conference establishes a Long-Range Planning Commission composed of the following annual conference leaders: 1. The Resident Bishop or a person chosen by the same, 2. A district superintendent elected by the Cabinet, 3. The Conference Coordinator of Congregational Development, Director of Connectional Ministries, and Chief Financial Officer, 4. The chairperson of the Committee on Parish Development or a person chosen by the same, 5. The Lay Leader or a person chosen by the same, 6. The Chairperson of the Connectional Ministries Vision Table or a person chosen by the same, 7. The president of the Council on Finance and Administration or a person chosen by the same, 8. The chairperson of Board of Ordained Ministry or a person chosen by the same, 9. The chairperson of the Board of Pensions and Health Benefits or a person chosen by the same, 10. The chairperson of the Personnel Committee or a person chosen by the same, 11. The chairperson of the Commission on Religion and Race or a person chosen by the same, 12. The chairperson of the Commission on the Status and Role of Women or a person chosen by the same, 13. The president of the Trustees or a person chosen by the same, 1 Editor s Note: The legislative section authorized the Reverends Tim Riss and Fred Jackson to reformat and perfect the wording of the petition following annual conference; that version is presented here.

122 248 - Reports, Petitions & Resolutions CORPORATE SESSION 14. The chairperson of any committee on ethnic ministry or a person chosen by the same (currently Hispanic Plan Implementation Committee and Committee on Native American Ministries), 15. Two youth chosen by the Council on Youth Ministries, and 16. Up to three additional people selected by the Committee on Nominations for balance. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Commission be constituted annually after Annual Conference but before September 1, except for at-large members, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that after August 31 in any conference year, if some people or agencies have not chosen their representative, the first-named person shall serve, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Committee on Nominations determine the number of at-large members needed, if any, and the deficits they would be filling, electing them before September 15, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Resident Bishop, or someone selected by the Bishop, convene the Commission in October, and BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the commission elect its own chairperson, and shall elect an executive committee of not more than ten persons. Submitted by Wongee Joh, James W. Moore, Bill Pfohl, Gillian Prince, Timothy J. Riss, Ximena S. Varas B. CORPORATE SESSION REPORTS & RESOLUTIONS Board of Trustees Virginia G. Carle, President In the election of trustees for the term ending in 2016, with 482 votes Deborah Bass was elected. In the election of trustees for the term ending in 2018, with 476 votes for David Rim and 477 votes for Alfida Figueroa each were elected This has been a very busy year for the Board of Trustees, and most members are carrying at least one portfolio. John Carrington continues to be a huge blessing to the board, as he has negotiated sales and treacherous legal waters on three properties, and assisted with a fourth Susan Bynum, as our treasurer, with the help of Kevin Mulqueen, has been of tremendous value to the board, seeing us through the muddy waters of a change in our investment manager, and helping to bring to the annual conference monies that were left in various accounts from the closing of some of the churches Jorge Lockward, secretary of the board for five years, finishes his term this year; it is with regret that we let him go, as our minutes are incredibly accurate, and his insights into other aspects of an issue are always clear and fruitful. Arnold Jones also leaves us this year, as he completes his eight-year term. Arnold has only missed four meetings in eight years, including one for quintuple by-

123 2014 New York Annual Conference pass surgery. His vigor and dedication to the board, and his voice for the rural communities and their concerns will be greatly missed We welcomed two new members to the board this year: Deborah Bass and Grace Bryant. Their ability to quickly grasp the intricate workings and needs of the board are a blessing to us all I am indebted to the members of the board who have committed long hours, both at meetings and in work beyond meetings, to ensuring that the work entrusted to this board is accomplished with grace and integrity. We have grown together as a working body, and have become sacred space for each other through the personal losses experienced by some of our board members. Our devotions are led by the members at the beginning of each meeting to ensure that our work is firmly grounded by our faith in God and the tasks that are set before us for such a time as this I would like to acknowledge and thank Larry McGaughey for his work, guidance, and discernment on legal issues. Larry truly is a gift to the New York Annual Conference I also wish to thank Ross Williams, whose wisdom and guidance in things financial is bedrock for a good portion of the work of the board The Board of Trustees is charged with representing the New York Annual Conference in matters of property, insurance, investment, and legal issues, under the authority of the annual conference (Discipline para. 2512). This board understands that its role is not solely fiduciary, but in large part also ministerial. Thus, our decisions are governed not only by dollars, but by the very real question, What is the best thing we can do for Christ and for the annual conference in this decision? We also have used the Internet more readily for some of our work, realizing that the Internet provides a more rapid response, and allows a quicker decision on time-sensitive issues which we have already discussed in our face-to-face meetings. Yes, the 21 st century has enveloped us! 109. Investments. Effective the beginning of 2014, the investment management of the funds for which the Board of Trustees has fiduciary responsibility was transferred from the Frontier Foundation to Wespath, the investment management division of the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits of The United Methodist Church. In so doing, we simplified our access to investment performance information and streamlined providing benefits to fund beneficiaries. At the same time, we are assured that investments meet United Methodist guidelines for socially responsible investing including environmental, social and governance factors. Wespath has a steady track record of strong investment performance which continues to benefit the funds that are the responsibility of the NYAC Board of Trustees and thus the beneficiaries. The funds are managed for accounts of the NY Annual Conference as well as trust accounts for local churches and other organizations within the conference Trust Funds. Local churches and other organizations within the annual conference may deposit their funds, within the constraints of the original bequest, with Wespath through the Board of Trustees. Opening balance for the trust portfolio in 2013: $1,205,564; year-end balance: $ 1,371, Trustees Conference Center Fund. This fund contains money received from the sale of the former Conference Center at Rye, NY, as well as additional money from the Conference Center fundraising program. At the 2011 Annual

124 250 - Reports, Petitions & Resolutions CORPORATE SESSION Conference Session, a resolution was passed to re-direct the funds from the Bryant Avenue property to the current Soundview Avenue property for capital use. At the bishop s request, the trustees have begun the task of procuring an architect for the purpose of ascertaining the priority list for current and future repairs/upgrades. Additionally through Ross guidance, we refinanced our current mortgage to gain a lower overall cost. Opening balance of the fund: $415,470; year-end balance: $482, At the moment, the trustees are in the process of planning for major renovations at the Conference Center. We hired an architectural firm (Peter Gisolfi Associates) to draw up a dream sheet of what shape these renovations might take. With the help of an engineering consultant from one of our Connecticut churches (Peter Seirup), we reviewed those plans, and sent our requests back to the architectural firm for revision. It is clear that the process will take longer than some had envisioned. However, our goal is not to band-aid, but to provide a solid, attractive, energy-efficient, and user-friendly environment for the work and staff at Conference Center for years to come NY Conference Perkins Learning Center Fund. This fund provides monies for upgrading resources in the Learning Center. Opening balance: $42,034; year-end balance: $58, Conference Permanent Endowment Fund. At the 2002 Annual Conference, this fund was established to attract and receive gifts and bequests to the annual conference. Funds are to be used for operating needs of the conference. Opening balance: $13,822; year-end balance: $16,660, 115. Sessions Woods and Darling Funds. The income from this fund supports camping and retreat programs. This fund has been jointly managed with the Camping & Retreat Ministry Board since Opening balance: $35,491; year-end balance: $0.00. This fund was liquidated to pay for ongoing needs of the camps program Dorothea H. Dier and Raymond Dier Trust Fund. Rev. Raymond Dier, a former elder of the conference now deceased, left a trust fund for the benefit of his widow, Dorothea, with the conference as the residuary beneficiary of a donor restricted trust fund. The conference was notified of Dorothea s death in 2013, and arrangements were begun for the court approval of the settlement of the trust s accounts and transfer of the remainder to the conference. This was completed in 2014 with the receipt of funds totaling approximately $3.8 Million. The trust provides that the income will be divided one-quarter to Methodist-affiliated colleges with primarily black students for student aid, one-quarter to UMC missions with Native American children and youth for assistance with their education, and one-half to the conference to support new churches and church growth Proceeds of Church Property Fund. This fund was established in 2011 and holds the Board of Trustees portion of proceeds from the sale of unused, abandoned or discontinued church property for which the NY Annual Conference owns or has taken title. Opening balance: $127,829; year-end balance: $433, Insurance. The Insurance Committee consists of four persons: the conference CFO, the chancellor, and two others, one of whom must be a trustee. During the

125 2014 New York Annual Conference year 2013, insurance for conference-owned properties was provided by Church Mutual and The Hartford Sale of Property. The Beaverkill Church was sold for a gross price of $17,000, with Trustee President Carle attending the July dedication of the new church located in that facility, the Beaverkill Community Church. The Germantown church and parsonage was sold in March for a gross price of $160,000, less $10,000 as a seller s concession to cover costs of repair and a dispute with a current renter. The Armonk church sold for a gross price of $1,300,000 and the Armonk parsonage for $575,000. A small parcel known as 5 Epworth Lane within the towns of Marbletown and Rochester, NY in Ulster County was sold in September for a gross price of $187,000, with a seller s concession of $10,000 toward the cost of roof replacement. Agreements have been reached and transfers for no consideration are pending on the former Church of All Nations at 48 St. Marks Place in Manhattan to the BrokenBuilders UMC, and the former Embury UMC of Queens Village to the Flushing Chinese UMC Legal Matters Closed cases: 1. The matter of a breach of contract alleged by Green Phoenix vs. NYAC (Camp Epworth) was settled in late June for $100,000. They have vacated the property. 2. Garcia v. NYAC a/k/a United Methodist City Society A sidewalk slip and fall case that occurred outside Trinity Morrisania church in the Bronx, title to which is held by the United Methodist City Society. The case also names the conference as a defendant. The conference has no ownership interest in the property, and the case is being reported disposed. The following civil litigation is active for the annual conference: 1. Lyons v. Grace UMC (Queens) In this case the plaintiff alleges defamation, intentional emotional distress and conversion arising out of a report of suspected physical abuse of a child. The church defendants include the Grace UMC, the former pastor, several lay church members and the Long Island West District. The insurance company is providing a defense to the district and pastor, and it is expected that in the unlikely event a judgment is entered against church defendants, it will be within the insurance limits. The court has dismissed all the allegations except the defamation claim. The case is presently listed as stayed. 2. Norwalk First UMC - The history of the attempts to sell this church is long and protracted. After being labeled a Historic Preservation Site in 2012, we were unable to find a quick and certain legal way to block further unwanted designations. Accordingly, Rev. Piccirillo and Rev. Carle met with representatives of the Macedonia Church in Norwalk to discuss a possible sale. After several months of negotiations, a contract is in place, and we hope to report the closing on the sale of this church at Annual Conference Session. The gross sales price is $1,215,000; with an agreement on additional funds to the annual conference should there

126 252 - Reports, Petitions & Resolutions CORPORATE SESSION be a re-sale of the property within seven years. The Jesse Lee Memorial window may be removed to another site within five years of closing. 3. Tyndale v. Brooks Memorial A slip and fall case has been brought against a local church, improperly naming the annual conference as a defendant. A stipulation has been entered into discontinuing the case against the conference with prejudice. 4. Askin v. City of New York (NYAC) A sidewalk slip and fall case against Calvary UMC, the Bronx also names the conference as a defendant. The conference is being represented by insurance counsel, and it is expected that in the unlikely event a judgment is entered against church defendants, it will be within the insurance limits. 5. NYAC (Camps Governing Board) v. JHM & Associates Suit brought by Camps Governing Board for breach of contract and related causes arising out of a contract for consulting on a fundraising program. The defendant proved to be judgment proof, and a symbolic settlement was entered into in the amount of $15, Hershbein v. NYAC This is a personal injury case arising out of an alleged non-work related vehicle accident driven by a family member at Camp Epworth. While it is too early in the case to know the extent of any damages, the conference is being represented by insurance counsel, and it is expected that in the event a judgment is entered against church defendants, it will be within the insurance limits Conference Properties List. The following is a list of known properties in which title is in NYAC, or abandoned or discontinued properties in which NYAC may have a real property interest: Properties with title in NYAC: Conference Center, 20 Soundview Ave, White Plains, NY Episcopal Residence, New Rochelle, NY Camp Epworth, High Falls, Towns of Marbletown & Rochester, NY Camp Quinipet, Shelter Island, NY Camp Kingswood, Hancock, NY Properties which have been declared abandoned and in which NYAC has a trust interest but not covered by NYAC insurance policy (there are active local churches that carry their own insurance): Church of All Nations, Manhattan (1/01) (Greenpoint) Polish UMC, Brooklyn, NY (1/01) Abandoned/discontinued and vacant properties with title not in NYAC name, in which NYAC has a trust clause/ real property interest: Smithtown Landing UMC, Smithtown, NY Cemetery, Germantown, NY First Norwalk UMC, S. Norwalk, CT Tompkins Corners UMC, Putnam Valley, NY Rye UMC, Rye, NY Summerfield/Portchester UMC, Portchester, NY Woodmere/Lawrence UMC, Woodmere, NY

127 2014 New York Annual Conference We are in contract on the Rye UMC and parsonage; on the Norwalk First UMC; on Summerfield (Port Chester) UMC, and on the Port Chester parsonage. The Board of Trustees affirmed the paid ¼-time position of properties manager, and in January 2014 hired Justin Savarese, already an employee of the conference at the camps, to oversee the maintenance and repair of the many properties now under the board s supervision. District properties (Title held by district trustees, not necessarily in current district name) Connecticut Parsonage, Hamden, CT New York/Connecticut Parsonage, Stamford, CT Catskill Hudson Parsonage, Woodstock, NY Long Island East Parsonage, Hauppauge, NY Long Island West Parsonage, East Williston, NY Metropolitan Parsonage, Scarsdale, NY At the request of the Cabinet, the district parsonages in NY/CT and LIW are in process of being sold and new locations sought. In the case of NY/CT, the reason is to locate the district parsonage and offices nearer to the center of the district; in the case of LIW, the purpose is to locate the district parsonage within the bounds of the district. District trustee chairs are working with the conference trustees to accomplish these sales and purchases. Properties in which NYAC holds a legal reverter (renewal/end date) Cochecton Center, NY (October 28, ) West Settlement/Ashland, Ashland, NY ( ) Property in which NYAC may hold mineral rights: Morehouse Parish, LA Properties owned by separate legal entities in which NYAC has a controlling interest: Asbury Cemetery, Saugerties, NY; title held by NYAC Asbury Cemetery, Inc. Insurance provided by NYAC Camp Properties Review. We continued to work with the Camps Governing Board and the Conference Camping and Retreat Ministry Task Force to develop and implement a long-range plan for the development of our camps. To this end, the position of the Camps Governing Board president was added as a regular liaison to the Board of Trustees. The Conference Camping and Retreat Ministry Task Force s recommendation to sell Camp Epworth was affirmed by all necessary bodies in October/November After the settlement of a legal action (see legal report at paragraph above) and the release of lien by the Church of St. Paul and St. Andrew, the Epworth property was listed with Coldwell Banker Village Green in Woodstock for an asking price of $3,600,000. We are in hopes of closing on this property before the end of The Camps Task Force was recreated in 2013 to address ongoing needs of the camps programs through the leaders of particular bodies within the annual conference. Under the leadership of Ross Williams, Camps Governing Board Chair Beth Ann Graf, Camps Executive Director Greg Nissen, Camps Governing Board Vice-Chair Leslie Vachon, CF&A President Gillian Prince,

128 254 - Reports, Petitions & Resolutions CORPORATE SESSION CF&A Member Eric Fjeldal, Trustees President Virginia Carle, and DS Jim Moore have met monthly throughout the last year. After review of documents from 1998 and 1978, it is imperative that this group continue, as communication was the primary source of confusion and conflict over the past 40 years Quinipet Mortgage(s). Pursuant to the resolution adopted by the 2012 Annual Conference, and with the consent of the Suffolk County Supreme Court, the trustees took a $1,100,000 line of credit secured by the Quinipet camp property from the Bridgehampton National Bank, N.A. This loan was primarily used to reimburse the conference for funds previously advanced for camps capital needs and to create a capital improvement fund Small Business Administration Loan. Additionally, following the vote of the annual conference in 2013, the trustees cooperated with the Camps Governing Board in securing a loan from SBA for the repair of the bulkhead at Camp Quinipet, which was destroyed by Superstorm Sandy. The estimates for repair came in higher than the originally announced $500,000. The trustees authorized an increase, now totaling $702,300 at 3% interest over 30 years Young Clergy Debt Assistance Program. Under the guidance of Bishop McLee, the trustees helped establish the Young Clergy Debt Assistance Program. This is a fund established for the purpose of providing a gift of up to $5,000 to individual young clergy to help repay their often massive college and seminary debt. It is a one-time gift, to qualified applicants which allows for our younger (newer) clergy to accept appointments without regard to ability to make loan payments in the first years of their deployment. Editor s note: The following was provided after annual conference to provide additional information about this program and its finances: Since the fund was established, there have been a total of $236, in contributions through September 30, Donations include a contribution of $100,000 by Christ Church in Manhattan, a contribution of $50,000 by the Conference Trustees and a contribution of $50,000 from the Ministerial Education Fund of the Board of Ordained Ministry. There was also a donation of stock from an individual member of the Conference of $25, The remaining donations, none of which exceeded $2,500, totaled $10, Many small donations were received in September as a result of the passing of Bishop McLee. Since inception and through September 30, 2014, investment income of the fund totaled $4, There were twelve grants issued in May varying between $2,500 and $5,000 for a total of $53,500. The grant process is administered by a Committee of three individuals selected by the Bishop. Currently serving are: Tiffany French, Ximena Varas and Jorge Lockward. The balance in the fund as of 9/30/14 was $187, For more information, see the Young Clergy Debt Assistance Program Fund description at the end of this document Other. As the trustees looked seriously at the amount of legal work needed during this time, we voted to engage an attorney to work through Chancellor Larry McGaughey on issues of conference contracts and other needs. This attorney, Randy Beranek, is proving to be a real asset to the conference center

129 2014 New York Annual Conference and the trustees Chancellor Task Force. Additionally, this year we formed a Chancellor Task Force, to examine the role of chancellor across the denomination, and to assess and prescribe how that role might best be defined for the NY Annual Conference. Through Ross office, we have sent three letters to local churches and trustees, asking for qualified attorneys in both CT and NY to list with us in order to do contracted work on specific legal issues, and if possible, to provide pro bono or reduced-cost assistance. The work continues, as we look to the next quadrennium and how the legal work of the annual conference might best be completed in the future Board of Trustees Members: President Rev. Virginia G. Carle; Vice President James W. Perkins, Esq.; Secretary Jorge Lockward; Treasurer Susan Bynum; Assistant Treasurer Rev. Dr. John E. Carrington; Deborah Bass, Grace Bryant, Arnold Jones, Rev. Koonae Lee, M. Myers Mermel, Pastor Kevin Mulqueen, Rev. Joseph Piccirillo. Legal Counsel: Conference Chancellor Lawrence McGaughey Financial Consultant: Conference CFO Ross Williams Liaisons: Rev. Kenneth Kieffer, Cabinet, Wendy Fowlkes, CF&A; Beth Ann Graf, Camping & Retreat Ministries. Shepherd, Supporter, and Prayer-partner: Resident Bishop Martin D. McLee New York Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church, Young Clergy Debt Assistance Program Fund Purpose: The Young Clergy Debt Assistance Program ( YCDAP ) Fund of the New York Annual Conference (the Fund ), is established for the purpose of providing individuals, churches and other organizations the opportunity to make charitable gifts to the New York Annual Conference (the Conference ), to assist young clergy in paying off tuition-based debt. The Fund is established as a board-designated, temporarily restricted, quasi-endowment fund. The income and principal of the Fund, as defined in Investment of Funds, shall be used to make grants to individuals of up to $5,000 for such purposes. Administration: The Fund will be administered by the YCDAP Committee of the Conference (the Committee ), under authority of the Resident Bishop. The Committee shall report annually to the Annual Conference and quarterly to the Resident Bishop regarding its actions. The Committee shall consist of a minimum of three members from the New York Annual Conference selected by the Bishop, whose service will be limited to two consecutive terms of three years. After a break in service of one year, an individual member may be re-appointed. Each year at its first meeting, the Committee shall elect two officers: Chair and Secretary. The Committee shall elect additional officers from its members as the Committee deems necessary. All vacancies shall be filled by appointment of the Resident Bishop.

130 256 - Reports, Petitions & Resolutions CORPORATE SESSION The Conference CFO shall serve as a non-voting fiscal advisor to the Committee. Gifts to The Fund: The Committee shall have the authority and responsibility to reject any gifts to the Fund deemed not to be in the best interests of the Fund or the Conference and in keeping with the authority granted by the Resident Bishop. Gifts to the Fund shall be classified as temporarily restricted and shall only be used in accordance with the terms, restrictions and provisions of this program description. Investment of Funds: The investment of the Fund shall be administered by the Board of Trustees of the Conference. The Fund s investment objectives are to: 1. Conserve principal for the effective maintenance of purchasing power; 2. Generate regular income at a reasonable rate; 3. Grow income and principal to offset increases in the cost of living; and 4. Invest assets according to the Social Principles of The United Methodist Church. The Trustees shall have the authority to sell or otherwise convert to cash any gifts, devises or bequests of real or personal property, and to invest such assets in the Fund, subject to any applicable requirements of law. Provided, however, that in its discretion, the Trustees may retain real or personal property in the form in which it was received by the Fund, but in no event shall any such action be taken by the Trustees which would result in the Conference engaging in any business or other activity which would endanger its tax-exempt status. Liability of Directors and Members of the Committee: In the absence of gross negligence or fraud, no member of the Committee shall be personally liable for any action made or omission with respect to the Fund. Duties and Powers: The Fund is created and exists solely for charitable purposes with its primary objective being the distribution of grants to clergy to assist them in paying off tuition-based debt. The duties and powers of the Committee with respect to the Fund shall be to: 1. Meet a minimum of four times per year to conduct business; 2. Publicize the Fund and its purposes, and inform individuals, churches and other organizations of the methods and means of giving to the Fund; 3. Counsel, upon request, with prospective donors to the Fund, and assist them in carrying out their wishes and desires; 4. Acknowledge all gifts to the Fund in an appropriate and timely manner; 5. Develop a mechanism to identify highly effective clergy who would benefit from debt assistance grants; 6. Develop an application form to be used to assess various criteria of potential grantees; and a process for the review thereof; 7. Develop a process to ensure that grants are used solely for tuition-based debt reduction; 8. Instruct the Treasurer of the Board of Trustees of grants to be issued; Such instructions must include the amount and name and address of the recipient; 9. Provide to the Conference CFO, or his designee, throughout the year but no later

131 2014 New York Annual Conference than January 15 th of the subsequent year, the name, address and TIN of all grant recipients; 10. Hold and possess such other powers and duties as shall be incident to or inherent in the aforesaid powers and duties, and not inconsistent therewith. Fund Appropriation: The Committee shall determine the dollar amount available for grants from the Fund based on a spending rate adopted by the Committee. In the first year of the Fund, the spending rate will be limited to 25% of the value of the Fund. It is the intention of the Conference that grants from the Fund during the first year be made to many individuals that are eligible in accordance with guidelines established by the Committee. It is recognized this may necessitate making a significant number of grants and that distributions must be made from principal and income of the Fund to meet those objectives. It is envisioned that the number of new eligible grant recipients in subsequent years may be significantly fewer. After the first year, the spending rate shall be reviewed by the Committee annually and adjusted as needed with consideration given to the purposes of the Fund and the objectives described in Investment of Funds above. The Committee shall set the spending rate based upon a percentage of a rolling average year-end value of the Fund. The Committee will have final authority to authorize distributions up to the amount of the spending rate and may do so at any time throughout the year. Audit: The Fund shall be included in the annual audit of the Board of Trustees of the Conference. Merger, Consolidation, or Dissolution: If, at any time, the Conference is lawfully merged or consolidated with any other Conference, all the provisions hereof in respect to the Fund shall be deemed to have been made in behalf of the merged or consolidated organization which shall be obligated to administer the same in all respects and in accordance with the terms thereto. Amendments: Notwithstanding the foregoing, any of the procedures, requirements or responsibilities set forth herein may be modified to assure compliance with any applicable laws, rules and regulations. Technical corrections and amendments to this document must not alter the stated purpose of the Fund and require at least a majority affirmative vote of Committee membership.