LATHAM UNITED METHODIST CHURCH BOARD OF STEWARDS MAY 22, 2012 M I N U T E S

Transcription

1 LATHAM UNITED METHODIST CHURCH BOARD OF STEWARDS MAY 22, 2012 M I N U T E S The regular bi-monthly meeting of the Board of Stewards of Latham United Methodist Church was held on Tuesday evening, May 22, 2012, in the Choir Room of Latham United Methodist Church. MEMBERS PRESENT: Amma Barnes, Bill Barnes, Don Beaver, Catherine Beck, Ben Bentley, Ginny Bentley, Buddy Bishop, Cal Blevins, Marti Bryan, Faye Cook, Jim Gatherer, John Glaese, David Gore, Tim Hastings, Jackie Langhout, Jeff Langhout, Cairenn Martin, Marty Martin, Carolyn Peters, Dale Peters, Charles Rowden, Freddia Scott, Gerald Smith, Ken Stephens, Paul Stutts, Bernice Sutton, Howard Trowbridge, Roy Willis, Jennifer Wood, Liz Hall-Zeman STAFF PRESENT:The Reverend Dr. Hughey Reynolds, The Reverend Dr. David Thompson, William McRae, Susan Terry The meeting was called to order by the Chairman of the Board of Stewards, Marty Martin, at 6:30 p.m. Dr. Hughey Reynolds opened the meeting by lighting a candle and reminding Board members that God's light is present at all Board meetings. Marty Martin read a scripture from Nehemiah. MINUTES: Copies of the minutes of the meeting held on March 27, 2012 had been sent to Board members prior to this meeting. ACTION: Roy Willis moved that the minutes of the meeting held on March 27, 2012 be approved as presented. Bill Barnes seconded the motion and it was approved. Lay Leadership - Dr. Reynolds advised that Charles Rowden and Don Beaver are

2 the leaders of the Missions Ministry Team. Staff Parish- Tim Hastings announced that since the last Board meeting, David Thompson has resigned his position as Associate Minister to move to Florida. Dr. Thompson's last Sunday will be June 10th. There will be a reception for David and Karen Thompson on that date between 10 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Scott Smyth has been appointed to be Associate Minister, effective June 24th. Staff Parish will have a reception for the Smyth family at a later date. Finance - Buddy Bishop distributed copies of the financial report which consisted of: Budgeted Financial Report/General Operating Fund, April 2012; Balance Sheet General Operating Fund, April 2012; Balance Sheet for Latham UMC Foundation, April 2012, Balance Sheet, Capital Fund, April 2012; Balance Sheet/Latham Youth Special Events, April Copies of these reports are attached to the record copy of these minutes. Mr. Bishop reported that the Finance Committee has met and discussed the anticipated decrease in income during the June-August time period. A letter will go to members of the congregation from the Finance Committee emphasizing this historical drop-off in income and urging members to keep contributions coming in during the summer months. The Finance Committee will assess where the church finances are in September 2012 and will recommend any last quarter financial adjustments to the Board of Stewards at its September meeting. Mr. Bishop reported that the Finance Committee has completed its final update regarding the Financial Procedural Manual. The purpose of this Manual is to have written procedures in order to assure that appropriate financial controls are in place as well as written approval for all financial transactions, and who is authorized to "touch" the Church's money and how this money is handled. The Finance Committee is in the process of getting this updated Manual reviewed by the Board of Trustees and the Usher Coordinator. Based on input from these two groups, the Finance Committee plans to have the Manual finalized during the month of June. It will then be made available on the Church website; there will be a hardcopy in the Church Office.

3 Marty Martin recommended that after the Manual is finalized, all Board of Stewards members have an opportunity to review it before it is posted on the website and hard copies made. Faith Sharing Ministry Team (Life Tree Cafe') - Since the March meeting, some members of the Latham Congregation have expressed some concerns about the direction of the Life Tree Cafe'. Jane Smith had been asked to address these concerns but due to a prior commitment, Mrs. Smith could not attend this meeting. Gerald Smith reported for Mrs. Smith. Mr. Smith advised that Life Tree Cafe' is a conversational place which offers an alternative to traditional/contemporary services. It is a place where individuals come to talk. Attendance is from people each week. Some of these people are starting to contribute financially. Up to the present time, advertising has been financially prohibitive.however, Marty Bryan advised that one individual has contributed a year's advertising. The Faith Sharing Ministry Team is now looking at getting materials and supplies to support Life-Tree Cafe'. Gerald Smith invited all members who are interested in learning what is going on at Life- Tree Cafe' to visit a session. The individuals attending have become involved in church activities. Each program begins with a prayer and a scripture that ties to subject matter. Life-Tree Cafe' is THE CHURCH for some of the people who do not attend regular services. Howard Trowbridge asked if there is a "buy-out clause" in case the project does not work. Dr. Thompson replied that Latham has met all financial requirements. Susan Terry advised that there is a core of people who come every week; in addition, there are new people in attendance at each session.the people attending are included in the weekly attendance. Gerald Smith and Jane Smith were encouraged to contact the Faith Editor of the HUNTSVILLE TIMES to make certain she is aware of this project. Long-Range Planning - Susan Terry reported that the Long-Range Planning Committee is looking Latham's new mission statement: CONNECTING GENERATIONS TO GROW RELATIONSHIPS WITH GOD, OTHERS AND CREATION. This plan grew out of a meeting with the staff, District Superintendent and a consultant, Dr. Ron Martoia. Mrs. Terry encouraged all BOS members to read the handout regarding this new vision, a copy of which is attached to the

4 record copy of these minutes. Mr. Martin advised that members of the Long-Range Planning Committee will continue working on this plan as it relates to planning for next year's budget. Grow Facilitator - No report Reach Facilitator - No report Empower Facilitator - No report Stewardship Ministry Team - No report Lay Leader - no report Elderberries - Bill Barnes reported that the attendance for the Elderberries increased to 75 for the April 19th meeting. The group continues to enjoy monthly trips. Mayor Tommy Battle will be the speaker at the June 21st meeting. Mr. Barnes thanked the church staff for its support. A copy of this report is attached to the record copy of these minutes. LUMC Child Development Center - a written report is attached to the record copy of these minutes. Office - No report Director Adult & Children's Ministries - Susan Terry reminded BOS members that Vacation Bible School will be held in June. Volunteers are still needed. Prayers are needed for VBS and for the Sunday night service for children. Director Youth Ministry - William McRae reported that the youth sponsored a community yard sale on May 5th and raised $927 toward mission trips. Senior High Recognition Sunday was held on May 20th. The youth, coordinators and other leaders have begun work on the task of becoming a church that connects generations. A complete copy of Mr. McRae's report is attached to the record copy of these minutes. Director Music Ministry - no report

5 Worship (Traditional) - No report Worship(SpiritLink) David Gore emphasized to the Board that he is behind the new vision statement. He and his team will work with the new Associate Minister to assure a smooth transition. Missions - No report. Charles Rowden advised that the prison ministry has been suspended at this time. Biblical Studies - Liz Hall-Zeman reported that this team is in the process of collecting information on Bible study activities for the summer term (June - August). Plans are being made for the possibility of holding an adult VBS in July. Committee/team notebooks are being distributed with guidelines and data for action items. The team is looking for a group to oversee emergency meals for members of the congregation in crises. The Healing Service held in May is being evaluated for effectiveness. Care-Givers Luncheons are now being held. Fellowship - no report Church History - no report Music Ministry - Jim Gatherer reported that the Wesley Singers and the Chancel Choir will be filling in for each other during the summer months. Communications - Susan Terry is meeting with Alan Tomilson to talk about communications for the church - website, logos,etc. and how we can improve communications both within the church and in the community. Caring Comunity - Faye Cook reported that the first caregivers luncheon has been held.she read a thank-you note from one of the families who have received help from this group. Ms. Cook encouraged BOS members to let members of the Caring Community Team know of people needing transportation. There is a card box in the library for congregation members to report when a card is sent to someone. A complete copy of Ms. Cook's report is attached to the record copy of these minutes. Advocacy - No report

6 Library - No report UMW - Ginny Bentley reported that the UMW BIRTHDAY PARTY will be held on July 27th. Families are encouaraged to come this year and participate in games, etc. A complete copy of Mrs. Bentley's report is attached to the record copy of these minutes. UMM - No report Latham Scholarship - Ken Stephens reported that a meeting has been held and a recepient has been selected. Buchanan Scholarship - These scholarships were awarded last Sunday. Reception - No report Latham Foundation - No report President UMYF - No report Youth Coordinator - No report OTHER BUSINESS: Mr. Martin announced that the next meeting will be held on July 24th at 6:30 p.m. PASTOR'S REPORT: Dr. Reynolds advised that one of the struggles with vision and goals has been financial. Since , the Methodist Church has lost membership but gained income ended this period of gaining income. The Methodist Church is finding it harder to fund ministries that have been funded in the past. We need to reach a new generation for Jesus Christ. The Long Range Planning Committee is working on ways to accomplish this. ANNOUNCEMENTS: 1. Matthew Emerson will preach on June 3rd at the 9:00 a.m. and 11:05 a.m. services. There being no further business, Dr. Thompson closed the meeting with a prayer at 8:15 p.m.

7 Respectfully submitted, Amma Barnes, Secretary