Administrative Board Meeting
February 18, 2008

Melinda Huisenga, Chairperson, called the meeting to order and welcomed those present.  She shared a devotion, noting the importance of keeping our focus on God and not circumstances and noting that there is evidence of God working in our midst.  She followed the devotion with prayer.

Jim Johnston, Chairperson of the Finance Committee, presented the financial update, reporting that we came within two per cent of our budget and there is a reserve.  January contributions were a little behind.  He extended special thanks to Charles Bush, Mike Illuzzi, Maury Leman and Denise Goodman.

Rev. Beth McLaughlin reported on Shepherding inactive members, quoting from the 2004 Book of Discipline, page 143, which directs us to help our members to remain faithful to their vows of membership.  She explained the process of 4-week phoning, 8-week phoning and 12- week phoning by the Shepherding Team.  Then, the members of the Administrative Board are asked to make contact with the delinquent members.  Each member will be given a tracking sheet to record their information, and she urged those who receive names to be faithful and complete the feedback.

Rev. McLaughlin also reported on the Discipleship Process, noting that we need 50% of our membership involved.  The primary task involves inviting, welcoming, nurturing and sending, all of which we are supposed to be doing as per our Discipline.

Ronn Marshall presented an update on the Strategic Plan Implementation, noting that the focus of their reports will be shifting away from numbers and measurements.  This is because they change very slowly, distract us from focusing on ministries and when they show no improvement, it is confusing and discouraging.  They want the Plan to be positive and encourage ministry leaders.  An example which demonstrates the confusion and discouragement is that while the membership is still trending slowly downward, we know 31 new members were added from Alpha training, 12 new confirmands and there has been a flow of people transferring both into and out of the church.  In addition, there are several members who are homebound.  The Committee will continue monitoring the numbers, but reports on the numbers will diminish.  Tara Gebbink has done a point-in-time look at members involved in service, spiritual growth and worship attendance.  Objective No. 2 is by December 31, 2008, we will have a systematic disciple-making process that involved 50% of the congregation.  The Strategic Plan addresses growth in both internal terms and gaining new members through evangelism.  There are reasons to celebrate both.  In terms of gaining new members, the college ministry is organized and moving forward, and the Twenties and Thirties ministry just held their first event.  In terms of ministering to current members, the Children’s Ministry signed four new helpers, UMW had a successful “Call to Prayer”, Insight Ministry has had great successes, more people are involved in the growth group ministry, Caring Hearts Ministers and Hospitality have increased, and exciting things are taking place with our Youth.  A new Communications Team has been organized to spread the word.  Please encourage one another to be creative, to be bold in your service and to pray for the ministries of FUMC.

David Bullock enthusiastically shared good news of the exciting things happening with the Youth.  His is a relational ministry, working on a one-on-one relationship to share the love of Christ.  He feels God is doing a huge thing, as there are over forty youth going to summer camp in Orange Beach, Alabama.  He described his challenge to the youth to memorize the book of Philippians; for each chapter memorized, a fourth of their expense for the camp will be paid, and if they memorize the whole book, the camp will be free.  He is asking people to sponsor one or more chapters at $75.00 each.  Call him if you are interested in sponsoring a youth for one or more chapters.

Patrick Jenkins reported that the college ministry is starting to grow.  The Sunday school class numbers 3-15 people; he is having supper and worship at his home on Thursday nights; there is a community worship on two Tuesday evenings; eight people are going on a Spring Break trip to San Francisco; he is working with other campus ministries in the area; and this summer he is doing a book study.  He added that a monthly letter is sent to college students to keep in touch, and he asked for any volunteers who would be willing to write a monthly letter to a student.  Call him if you are interested in helping.

Jim Bateman gave a detailed Footprint Committee Report.  This Committee was formed by a Resolution of the Administrative Board to support the Strategic Plan Objectives.  They were authorized to work with an architect to develop a Master Plan.  The goal was for a multi-functional facility to include a gathering space, more classrooms for all ages, reduce the feeling of two churches and more safety for young children in a controlled area.  Other goals include a dedicated youth area, a more welcoming feel inside and out, improved parking and improved handicapped/senior access.  The options to build across Perry were inefficient and not aligned with the goals.  The Plan is for a new multi-functional facility located next to the Shaw Building.  He described the general layout of the proposed building.  700 Main would become the Youth Center, and Neutral Ground would move to the present Arts Place.  They are still having discussions with the Library for the strip of ground next to 700 Main.  The projected cost of this facility is $12,000,000.00, depending on the details of the plan.  This is just the “concept” now and is a long way to the beginning.  A group from the Committee will be attending the Cornerstone Conference, March 3 and 4, in Indianapolis to meet with experts to go over all the ideas.  They are planning a congregational meeting, March 18, to report on the Cornerstone Conference and brainstorm on how to proceed .  It was suggested to reconsider the date of the meeting, as many people might be out-of-town on Spring Break.

Tara Gebbink reported on the FUMC Communications by distributing a card, entitled
“the Message”, which read:
                       
                        Media (Website, Herald, Flyers and Brochures)
                        Equipping Team and Staff
                        Sound and Technology
                        Service Desk (Receptionist Binder)
                        Area (Ministry group or team)
                        Greeters & Grushers (Hospitality Team)
                        Event Resource Forms

Communication and promotion are vital in planning a successful event.  She distributed instructions and a checklist designed for people to use in scheduling events.  It included a Resource Request Form for both on-campus and off-campus events, a Childcare Request Form, or if you need church vehicles.  She urged everyone to spread “the Message” and use these tools.

Ms. Huisenga reported on the 175th Anniversary Update.  It will be the first weekend in October, 2008. On Wednesday, October l, there will be a luncheon; on Friday, October 3, there will be a family dinner at the Civic Center; on Saturday, October 4, there will be a reunion potluck picnic, and the weather will be beautiful; on Sunday, there will be church with the former pastors and an Open House.  She urged everyone to save the dates and attend all the functions.  It will be a great time of celebration.

Dr. Tim Bias announced that the Large Church Initiative will be held in April, 2009, at our church.  It is an honor to be “host”. Our church was asked to host because of our unique ministries to the inner city.  Many will be coming to share ideas.  Everyone’s help will be needed.  He mentioned the invitations sent to members, inviting them to a special meeting, which will be a discussion time for various topics.  He noted that three people under the age of 30 made presentations tonight.  These are critical decision-making times.  If we are going to be the church to make a difference and if we want to be in business for the next generation, we need to make a place for young people.  The largest unreached group is between the ages of 18 and 29, and we need to step out and reach this group.  It is not an option; we need to do it!

Samantha Schurter reported on the Coffee House.  A not-for-profit corporation is being set up, and there will be two different boards.  They are looking for a space and want just the right location.  Names are being considered; two at this time are “Main Connection” and “The Fix”.

Chairperson Huisenga thanked the members for their attention and asked each one to share with others and communicate all the activities being carried on by our church.

Dr. Bias gave the benediction, and the meeting was adjourned.

                                      Marjorie Neff, Secretary