The Administrative Council of FUMC-Orange met on Tuesday, February 16, 2010 at 6:00 P. M. in the Praise Center. The following members were in attendance:
Christy Day,Ron Hopperton,Barbara McLellan, Beverly Millsap,Vernon Murray,Jerry Pennington, Doug Rogers,Alice Rothrock,Tom Stephenson,Davie Thompson
Handouts Available Tonight: Agenda for tonight -Minutes for last meeting –January 19, 2010,Financial Budget Statement and Balance Sheet for period ending January 31, 2010 – Retreat Letter from Mary Tumulty. The Minutes for last meeting were approved as written.
INTRODUCTION: Jerry Pennington, Adm. Council Chairperson, called on Tom Stephenson to open the meeting with prayer. Jerry then welcomed everyone and referred to the Agenda saying that if any one has something to add to it they could e-mail him prior to the meeting.
WE ARE A FRUITFUL CONGREGATION BECAUSE WE PRACTICE:
EXTRAVAGANT GENERORSITY —
FINANCIAL REPORT – Jerry said that Finance Chairperson Walter Riedel could not be here tonight and ask everyone to read over the Financial Statements. The Finance Committee is working on changing the way the Financial Statements are set up by the Shelby System. They will have some one with Shelby come in for Training so they can consolidate all reports together including the Trustees accounts. They are also working on the Budget for Year 2010. The Stewardship Committee still has Pledges out and currently is in a follow up program. The Budgeted Financial Statement presented tonight shows an Income of $73,484.03 with Expenditures of $58,017.82 with earnings of $15,466.21 for period ending January 31, 2010.
ENDOWMENT FUNDS – It was suggested that we set up an Endowment Committee to work on promoting this. We need to bring in someone to talk to the congregation.
PASSIONATE WORSHIP — The Worship Committee has set up the following services for Holy Week. Ash Wednesday will be celebrated tomorrow February 17 in the Chapel with Beth preaching. Palm Sunday, March 28 will have 3 services but the Third Movement of the Messiah will be performed at the 11:00 AM service only. Maundy Thursday and Good Friday will both be in the Chapel at 6:00 PM. We will have all 3 regular services on Easter Sunday, April 4.
FAITH –FORMING RELATIONSHIPS —The Family Life Committee has changed its name to Fellowship Life. Angela Abshire is Chairperson and it was felt that the new name would allow for a broader base of activities.
SMALL GROUP FORMATION—Jerry, Christy and Tom have been discussing Small Groups based on those they observed at the Ginghamsburg Ohio Church. These Small Groups are different from what we have here at our Church. The groups should have only 10 to 12 members, meet weekly, semi-monthly or monthly for about 1 to 1-1/2 hours. The Groups may be based on many subjects such as Bible Study, Spiritual Study, Mission Service Projects, Prayer, Dine In and Dine Out. There could be other types such as Age, Lifestyle, Hobbies, Common Interest, but not completely social type groups. Jerry shared about a group he and Susan have started. They are meeting every other week and are discussing and planning some service projects. They are planning to attend Ash Wednesday Services together.Groups based on Sunday Sermons with study and/or discussion questions can be set up. We need to work on ways to introduce the Small Groups to the congregation.
RADICAL HOSPITALITY:
EVANGELISM — Davie Thompson said they are planning to have a booth at Orange’s Art in the Park on Saturday March 27. They will distribute Lent/Easter Flyers as they did last year along with prayer request cards and other items. They just held a “Coffee with the Pastor” meeting with 14 new members attending. They are making plans to hold the Open House/Block Party in the Spring.
BUILDING COMMITTEE —This group met with the Architects last night and went over plans for the Education Building. Some changes and revisions will be made in this area. Plans for Fellowship Hall and Staff Office are moving forward – but will require more funds. The Insurance claims are still being resolved.
CHURCH OFFICE —Beverly Millsap suggested that the Church Office be kept open during the lunch hour allowing access to this area and the Praise Center. Doug is usually here in his office in the Education Building and answers the phone at that time. We need to work this out with the Staff and Staff Parish Committee.
RISK-TAKING MISSION AND SERVICE:
MISSIONS COMMITTEE — Plans are being made by the Missions Area to do small work projects on seven homes damaged by IKE. Work dates are being set for March 20/April 10 depending on the weather. Sign up sheets will be available at all church services for anyone that can help. There will be both heavy and light duty work to do.
COUNCIL PLANNING RETREAT LETTER: Mary Tumulty sent her letter on the Retreat held on January 8 and 9, 2010 – Hearing God’s Call to First United Methodist Church, Orange. This letter was passed out tonight and Jerry ask everyone to look over it. A brief discussion was held and some ideas were put forward. We may want to set up a Task Force to work on what is suggested in this letter. We will discuss this further at our next meeting after everyone on the Council has time to read over and study it.
Jerry closed the meeting with prayer.
Respectfully Submitted – Barbara McLellan, Secretary.