First United Methodist Church of Baldwin City

Church Council Minutes

November 22, 2010

Attendees:  Pastor Connie Wilson, Dan Neuenswander, Judy Anderson, Walt Bailey, Doug Cheek, Bill Clement, David Cook, Katherine Cook, Donna Curran, Christi Darnell, Hank Darnell, Laura Dickinson, Russ Durand, Martha Harris, Adam Hazelwood, Sue Ann Kleist, Tom Kleist, Bill Neuenswander, Matthew Potterton, Barbara Pressgrove, David Simmons, Michelle Swain, Colin Thomas, John Thomas, Shelly Todd, Janet Venable, and Stan Vickers

Dan called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.   Doug offered a devotional.

Dan reminded those present of the various positions of the council.

Walt made a motion to approve the minutes of the previous meeting.  Martha seconded the motion.  It passed unanimously.

Doug moved that we borrow $40,000 from the Baldwin State Bank for the previously approved emergency projects.  Adam seconded the motion.  The motion passed unanimously.

Hank presented an overview of the ‘safe church’ request by the Gay/Straight Alliance of Baker University. Dan opened the floor for discussion from visitors.  Adam made a motion that the council present the following welcoming statement to the congregation:  “Believing that we are all God’s children, Baldwin First United Methodist Church affirms that persons of all ages, races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientation or identity, economic or marital status, and physical and mental condition are welcome to participate fully in the life of our congregation.”  Colin seconded the motion.  The motion carried.

Doug moved that Pastor Connie, the Lay Leader, and the Council Chairman establish a team to present this discussion to the congregation.  Donna seconded the motion which passed.

Doug further moved that the welcoming statement be presented to the congregation via a talk-team format on December 5^th beginning at 8:30 a.m.  Colin seconded the motion; it passed.

Pastor Connie provided an update on projects approved for emergency expenditures on behalf of Darren Lawrenz.  Funds should be released within a week so that work on the roof  may begin.  Repairs are needed on the boiler tank; parts are on order and payment will be deferred until January.

Walt reported that upon receipt of payment, stained glass repairs will be scheduled for February.

Dan listed the names of the fund-raising team for emergency expenditures.  They are:  Roger and Nancy Arnold, Carl and Susan Butell, John and Becky Thomas, Stan Vickers, Walt and Barbara Bailey, and John Beins.

Bill reported on the stewardship campaign.  62 pledges are in.  The $193,000 in pledges is an increase of $20,000 over last year.

Representing the finance committee, Martha reported that we are about $8,300 ahead in the operating area through October.

Doug presented the proposed restricted and unrestricted budget for 2011 and explained how the $310,656 figure reflects changes from the previous year.

Donna made a motion that we postpone approval of the 2011 budget until the December council meeting. Adam seconded the motion; it passed.

Judy suggested that minutes, agendas, and budgetary items be made more available to all members of the congregation.  Dan replied that there are plans to place minutes and agendas in The Vine and on the website.

Shelly confirmed that room changes are working out for children’s ministries.  Hank Darnell and Cora Martin will be joining the list of Sunday school teachers.  Jennifer Rowland will be starting a class for ‘Toddlers and Twos’ in January.   The children’s Christmas program will be on December 19^th during worship service.

On behalf of the membership committee, Barbara shared a list of membership changes during the year including baptisms, transfers, professions of faith, and deaths.

Pastor Connie shared her gratitude and excitement for growth, change, and a faithful response to God’s callings.  She asked that all visitors to the church be met with friendliness and hospitality.

The final council meeting of the year will be held at the home of Dan and Connie Neuenswander on December 13^th at 6:30 p.m.

Pastor Connie led the group to the Narthex where she offered a closing prayer.  The council filed into the sanctuary with prayers for those who don’t yet know Christ, and for those who might join us for the holidays that they would feel welcomed and feel the love of God.

The meeting was closed at 8:58 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Katherine Cook