Administrative Board Meeting
May 5, 2008

Melinda Huisenga, Chairperson, called the meeting to order, welcomed those present and opened with devotions, based on the inspirational book, “The Heavenly Man”.  She noted that we are in constant need of revival to keep going.  She followed her devotions with prayer.

Jack Gove, Chairperson of the Trustees, presented a request from the Methodist Medical Center, asking if our church would be willing to lease the hospital 200 to 300 parking spaces during the building and renovation of their facility, probably beginning in 2010 and continuing for two plus years.  Usage would be for their contractors from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.  A committee of Dan Phillips, Carolyn Griffith, Jack Gove, George Curry and Tony Johnson was formed.  They met with Mr. Terry Waters, Vice President of Planning and Decision Support of MMC, to discuss the possibilities.  In order to accommodate funerals and other activities, it was suggested there only would be 101 spaces from the Hamilton Boulevard alley north to Glendale.  The city rate for uncovered parking spaces in the downtown area is $50 per month, which could come to $60,600 gross per year.  A number of things were discussed, like insurance, maintenance, vehicle registration and how to collect the payment and still maintain the church’s tax exempt status.  Mr. Waters would like to have both parties sign a memorandum of agreement (even though it would not be legally binding) as soon as possible.  The Committee, working with the Trustees and a knowledgeable attorney, will plan to sign a non-binding memorandum of agreement with MMC, providing all the concerns and details are worked out to our satisfaction.  Because of the concern of maintaining tax exempt status, the Trustees would, when the time comes, ask for Administrative Board approval before signing a binding document.

Rev. Beth McLaughlin presented a Communications Team Update, reporting that this team, which was formed the first of the year, has done a great amount of work.  She thanked all those on the team with Michael Illuzzi serving as the staff representative.  As they communicate, they want to invite all to their web site, and they are forming a new AV/Tech Team.  That team is composed of Pam Mormann, Team Leader, with Mike Proksch, Jay Foster and Bob Applegate.  The motion to appoint that team carried unanimously.

Melanie Crawford presented the Coffee House Ministry update.  The name is “The Fix”, and the Not-For-Profit Board is composed of Samantha Schurter,  Tara Gebbink, Jim Bateman and Patti Bash. They are looking at a possible space behind 700 Main.  It is a long process with lots of work.

Dr. Tim Bias, in the absence of Don Rager, presented the Madison Avenue Update. The mission and vision is that it will become a campus of the First United Methodist Church with a person assigned for pastoral care.  Their budget is less than $100,000, and they do have an endowment and will pay their own bills.  They will begin to have some people serve on some of our ministry teams. They need our support, and it is an ideal mission field and a great place to share Christ.

Ronn Marshall updated the Strategic Plan Implementation, commenting that there is not much change in the numbers.  The reasons for celebrating are that new things are happening and new ministries standing on their own.  The Strategic Plan endorses the Architect Committee report.

Jim Bateman presented a very detailed report on the Architect Committee’s next steps, reporting on the Cornerstone Facilities Planning Conference on March 2-3, attended by Dan Phillips, Bob Reedy, Cheryl Hendrix, Tony Johnson, Dick Wiley, Jim Bateman and Jim Johnston from the Finance Committee.  The Facilities Planning process involves visioning, feasibility, architecture and construction.  The most important part stressed was step one, visioning, where relationships are the key.  The good news is that we don’t have to start from scratch, we can build on the work of the past 2 ½ years in strategic planning, some things have been accomplished and some things are already underway; the bad news is that planning is a never-ending process.  Jim Bateman moved, seconded by Bill Wuthrich, the following recommendation for action:  engage The Armstrong Group (TAG) to help us develop a strategic plan for the next three to five years, assign the TAG process to the Strategic Planning Implementation team, which will be expanded to include those who went to the Cornerstone Conference and perhaps others to have representative demographics, at a cost of approximately a $12,000 fee plus $2,000 expenses.
Much discussion followed.  A suggestion was made that twelve people contribute $1,000 to cover the fee.  It was questioned if this was the right time to do this with the possible change in leadership, and it was noted that there is always a possible change in leadership and perhaps there never is a “good” time.  The Trustees have $110,000 “on hold” for pending projects, depending on this, although some of those projects could be done.  Is summer a good time?  Madison Avenue will be included in the assessments.  Being healthy and responsive to the needs of the community depends on our relationship with one another.  Vote was carried with all favorable except for one vote in opposition.

Dr. Bias shared some thoughts regarding the General Conference which was just held.  He presented some startling statistics from a recent poll:  96% of the people in the United States believe in God; 53% of the 96% said it makes no difference in their living; 60% have no Christian relationship; 80% in the 18-30 year age group had no relationship with the church whatsoever.  We have a wonderful opportunity to reach out; we don’t know if a building helps, but relationships do.  The divestment from Caterpillar was pulled off the table, with  overwhelming opposition.  Hopefully, it will be done responsibly with any other investment.  How we deal with the Middle East conflict will be brought up in 2010.  The United Methodist Church has become a partner with the Gates Foundation to eliminate malaria in the world.  They are changing the structure of the churches in Europe, Asia and South America. United States will be a regional conference; it will not be completed before 2012 or 2016.  President Sirleaf addressed the Conference and was most welcomed.  She even referred to the First United Methodist Church in Peoria and the Illinois Great Rivers Conference.  Galesburg and Canton joined our church, and over $500,000 has been given from this Conference.  We have made a significant difference in the transformation of Liberia and the world.  Being in mission, you will change the work and be recognized.  It is indeed important to be faithful to God.

Dr. Bias called attention to the Large Church Initiative Conference, which will be held in Peoria in April, 2009, and we will be the host.

Mr. Illuzzi invited everyone to join the Peoria Public School staff and Peoria community leaders to hear Lou Tice, founder of Pacific Institute and one of the most highly respected educators in the world speak at the Peoria Civic Center on May 15, 2008, from 1:00 P.M. to 2:30 P.M.  All churches who participated in 40 Days of Prayer are invited. Mr. Tice works to motivate staff and student to set and achieve meaningful goals. 

Patti Bash announced plans that are underway to coincide with the Bradley University Senior Walk on Thursday, May 15, 2008.  This is a traditional event where seniors spend the day walking and drinking at all the bars.  In our parking lot, we will be serving brats, chips and cookies starting at 1:00 P.M., hopeful of making some sort of statement as an alternative action for these students.  There will also be a basketball hoop set up.  If anyone can help, please contact Patti.

Dave Bullock reminded those present of the meeting at 6:00 P.M. this Wednesday, May 7,  for all persons who are interested in an upcoming trip to Israel, which he and Beth McLaughlin are organizing.

The next Administrative Board Meeting will be held on Monday, August 18, 2008.  Please plan to attend.

The Chairperson adjourned the meeting, and Dr. Bias closed it with a benediction.

                                                                           Marjorie Neff, Secretary