FUMC Administrative Board
First United Methodist Church of Lawrence, KansasWednesday, July 30, 2008
Minutes, July 13, 2008
FUMC Administrative Board
First United Methodist Church of Lawrence, Kansas
Minutes – Sunday, July 13, 2008, 12:00 p.m.
Present: François Henriquez, Laura Stephenson, Adam Inman, Tony Martin, Dana Goble, Deanell Tacha, John Tacha, LaReta Kallenbach, Sarah Merriman, Duane Becker, Neva Merriman, Carolyn Phillips, Tom Brady, Greg Hildenbrand, Kristine Schnebly-Lawhorn.
Guests: Carol Abrahamson, Dan Abrahamson, Mike Murfin, and Wayne Deaver
François Henriquez introduced himself as the new Administrative Board chair, and thanked Jerry Niebaum for his service as the previous Administrative Board chair.
Tom Brady opened the meeting with a prayer.
Approval of Minutes of February 24, 2008 Meeting – Upon review of the minutes, Deanell Tacha moved and Tony Martin seconded the approval of the minutes as presented.
Reports:
Staff Parish – Duane Becker filled in for Phil Godwin to report for the Staff Parish Relations Committee. (See attached report). Kara Eidson will be introduced as new associate pastor. Heather Clinger will replace Kyle O’Neal as band leader at the West Campus. Her duties will be expanded as the Director of Contemporary Worship. Staff Parish has spent much time working on an evaluation procedure to evaluate the Senior Pastor’s leadership. Evaluation will take place every two months. There were no questions for Duane. The report was accepted as submitted.
Stewardship – John Tacha reported on the status of the capital campaign. John mentioned that, during the first capital campaign, $1,420,000 was pledged. There is still $120,000 outstanding from first campaign. The current campaign leaders met to discuss collecting. Tony will write a letter to follow-up with people still owing from the first campaign. The goal for the second campaign was $1,500,000. To date, $1,050,000 has been pledged.
A subcommittee of the Finance Committee will meet with two banks on refinancing the West Campus property. This subcommittee will report to Finance with a recommendation for a financial institution. The Admin Board will then need to meet to approve the financing going forward. This will need to take place in August. We owe $3.4 million on West Campus, from an original $4.8 million. John mentioned that, as expected, it is tougher to build excitement about an existing property than a new building. The follow-up team will continue to pursue people to hopefully increase the $1,050,000 pledge. Two banks would not give us refinance proposals, based on the finances of our church. LaReta Kallenbach asked if these were new proposals. John said that Intrust was the original financier. They will present a new proposal. Douglas County Bank will be the other bank competing for our business. Duane asked how the proposals looked. John said that he is encouraged by the proposals. The Sweep account has worked well for us. All our funds are swept against the loan balance. The report was accepted as presented.
Council on Ministries - LaReta Kallenbach presented a report from Council on Ministries. (See attached report.) The report presented a proposed new worship schedule. West Campus worship start time would change from 9:00 to 9:30 a.m. All Sunday school classes would take place from 9:30 to 10:30. At the Downtown location, the 8:30 and 11:00 worship services would stay the same. The mid- morning service would be shifted to 10:45, and take place in Brady hall. All Downtown Sunday school classes would meet from 9:30 to 10:30. Fellowship would be from 10:30 to 10:45. Children’s church would be from 11:00 to 12:00. Children’s church would be a different format from Sunday school. Jane Rock was consulted and is very supportive of the idea. Class meeting places may need to be reconfigured for sizes and locations.
Tom addressed the issue of his preaching at all four services. He said that the 8:30 service is typically shorter than most. It should be finished by 9:20. Tom would stay for most of that service. Then he would drive to West Campus. He would have an opportunity to visit with people after the 9:30 service. He then would drive back downtown, where he would join the 10:45 service in progress. He would join the 11:00 service after his 10:45 sermon. Tom hopes to have more time with people than he presently has. This will allow for choir warm-up time at 10:30. Also, it will be good for bell choir warm-up in the sanctuary. The Fellowship committee is hoping that this schedule will increase the fellowship time for people.
This idea was discussed in length with various groups, particularly the mid-morning worship people. Christine asked about moving the kids out of the service at 11:00. Kids would have Children’s worship time and then they would move to their worship service. The atmosphere would be movement friendly. Carolyn mentioned that she is disappointed that we will have 4 services on Sunday. She thinks that adding an evening service would be better. She mentioned that parking would be a problem, with two services occurring at the same time. And Tom would be dropping in and leaving.
Dana asked if the revised Sunday schedule was based on numbers of attendees at the various worship services. Tom said “no”. The schedule was revised to accommodate, as best as possible, the wishes to the attendees at the various services. Very few regular attendees at any service seemed willing to accept much adjustment to the schedule. Tom stated his perception that Downtown Mid-Morning service attendees were particularly vocal about not losing their service. Greg disagreed with Tom’s statement. Greg said that he had talked with Downtown Mid-Morning worshipers about merging the two contemporary services. Greg doesn’t want those worshipers to be blamed for the new schedule. He stressed that it was important to the Downtown Mid-Morning worshipers that their service have a sermon, and that their opposition was really about having a service without Tom preaching. Mike Murfin said that Tom will be the one working hard to do this and that parking hasn’t been a problem this summer. François mentioned that mid-July parking will not be like parking during the school year.
François said that we will never find a perfect schedule. There still seems to be a desire for all four services. He applauded the committee on their effort to accommodate all the services. John Tacha asked whether all services should be put on notice on making their services more viable. François said that the schedule will undoubtedly be addressed again in the future. Adam mentioned the option for simulcasting the sermon in the future. LaReta mentioned that this schedule will not be set in concrete. It will be evaluated for its effectiveness. Dana asked about the location for the children’s service. It was suggested that it take place in the room in which the Peacemakers meet.
Because of the impact on the congregation and the financial ramifications of making Brady Hall service-ready, the issue needs to be approved by the Admin Board. Tom proposed a budget increase for changes to Brady hall. New sound and AV equipment will be needed. New chairs will be needed. There are no contemporary hymnals for downstairs. The classroom logistics will also be an issue. The biggest classes will get the best space. A new piano will be needed. Dana asked whether more of the church should be involved to decide this. Tom said that it is the role of the Admin Board’s job to resolve this. Greg said that his Sunday School class – comprised largely of Downtown Mid-Morning worshippers – has discussed this in length. Neva said that it would be good to know the costs for the Brady Hall updates. Dana asked about the time schedule for making the upgrades. Greg said that there is some sound equipment to start with. Dan said that he thought we should approve the plan, knowing that not everyone will like it.
Deanell moved that we approve the plan with evaluation to be no sooner than one year, appoint a task force to make financially responsible decisions, spending up to $15,000 and that we all make a new dedication toward discipleship. Greg seconded.
Discussion: Tony said that he thinks the new schedule makes sense, but that he is concerned about the related financial issues. He said that he thought that there should be no blank check. Tom said that the plan would need to be approved by Finance and Trustees. LaReta said that the schedule change did not originally include the financial changes. Sarah mentioned her concern that $15,000 is too much to be allocated. Carolyn said that preaching four times is unreasonable. John said that he agrees, but that it is an exciting venture and a challenge.
The motion carried with one "no" vote.
Trustees – Susan Sloop could not attend the meeting and there is no written report. The trustees will not meet in August. Dan Abrahamson, a member of the Trustees, stated that no report on the turn lane is available. François asked Dan to contact Susan to ask her to send her report electronically to the Admin Board.
Finance – Dana Goble reported. Halfway through the year, revenue for the general fund is 46%. Expenses for general fund are at 44% of budget. Since expenses are behind, the revenue is keeping up. Net income at end of June was $10,000. Year-to-date, income is $15,000. Apportionments are paid at 1/24 per month. They total $112,173.00, and we are on track with $28,193 having been paid to-date. Finance meets next Sunday. They will look hard at the Brady Hall improvement proposal, mentioned above. Finance will have a committee member on the task force.
Reconciling Hearts – Carol Abrahamson reported on a proposal from Reconciling Hearts. (See attached report.) Carol recapped the February Admin. Board meeting for those who were not in attendance. The statement: “Believing that we are all God’s children, Lawrence First United Methodist Church affirms that persons of all ages, races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientation or identity, economic or marital status, and physical or mental condition are welcome to participate fully in the life of our congregation.” was approved and is being printed on all church publications. Reconciling Hearts suggests that we affiliate with Reconciling Ministries Network. It would be symbolic for what our church has decided to be. People looking for a church would know that our church is a safe place for lesbians and gay men. Reconciling Ministries Network can provide resources and encouragement for the works of Reconciling Hearts.
Since 2006, Reconciling Hearts has been providing educational opportunities to our church. It will also help lead our denomination in a more positive direction. If approved, Reconciling Hearts will make the initial donation of $500 to affiliate with Reconciling Ministries. There will need to be an annual donation of $250 from the Mission and Justice to continue this affiliation.
Carol suggested that Reconciling Hearts remain a part of the Mission and Justice Committee and that the $250 be budgeted in the future to continue our affiliation. FUMC Lawrence would be the first United Methodist church in Kansas to join Reconciling Ministries Network. (There are other denominations that are already welcoming.)
Deanell moved and John seconded the motion in the report. Carolyn commended Carol and group for their work. Approved unanimously.
Congregational Growth and Development – No report.
Our next meeting will be Sunday, August 3rd at 12:15. Francois will be absent, and will find a substitute. It should be a short meeting. No lunch, and only two action items.
Wayne Deaver attended as a guest for informational purposes. He represents the Boy Scouts as a liaison between the scouts and the church.
Meeting was adjourned at 1:55 p.m. Tom thanked François for stepping in and closed the meeting with prayer.
Report of Staff/Parish Committee 7-13-2008
I apologize for not being in attendance at this administrative Board meeting, but I am cruising off the Northeastern coast of the US.
Quite a lot has happened with Staffing of the church so far this year.
Currently we have an excellent hard working Janitor who has been very busy caring for our two locations. He asked for a modest raise, else he would have to look for other employment and we agreed to a $1.00 and hour increase, feeling he was truly worth it. It is a very challenging job to do right.
As you all know, at Barb Clinger’s request, the Bishop appointed her to another church. She will be serving Trinity Church in Ottawa. It will be a new, challenging environment for her. That congregation is more conservative than ours and the church attendance is about 75. We will miss her skills at preaching, visitation, officiating at weddings and funerals and comforting the grieving as well as supporting the morale of the rest of the staff. We know she will be a blessing to her new parish.
The position of Associate Pastor will be filled by Kara Eidson (pronounced Edson) who is younger and less experienced but is in the same state of progress in the hierarchy of the church appointment system. She graduated from Duke in their seminary program a year and a half ago and is a Probationary Elder. Most recently she has been appointed to the St. Luke’s Chaplaincy program and as such has done a lot or grief counseling in their oncology service.
Losing Barb was a lot like loosing Rowena whom many of you older members experienced. We ask your patience and support for Reverend Eidson as she makes the transition. We have the opportunity to be a great help to her. She enjoys small group ministry, something we are trying to stress.
Lee Hedrick has resigned and we are working on replacing her role as Parish Nurse. In addition to her strictly nursing work, she has been doing a lot of visitation to our elderly.
Kyle O’Neal, the head of the West Campus music group has resigned and we replacing him with Heather Clinger as “Director of Contemporary Worship”, a broader job description,
We have developed a goal oriented evaluation tool to pursue a bi-monthly evaluation of our minister. We expect him to be the chief administrator of the church and we wish to avoid micro-management of the rest of the staff, but we will continue to hold him responsible for the very large and challenging job of administering our church.
So I think you can appreciate how busy your Staff/Parish Committee has been and will continue to be over the evolving year.
Phillip Godwin, Chair of the Staff/Parish Committee
Proposed Worship and Education Schedule
Downtown
8:30-9:20 Traditional Worship
9:30-10:30 All S.S. Classes
10:30-10:45 Fellowship
10:45-11:30 Mid-Morning Worship (Brady Hall)
11:00-12:00 Children’s Church (for children 2nd grade and under)
11:00-12:00 Traditional Worship
West Campus
9:30-10:30 Contemporary Worship
9:50-10:30 Children’s S.S.
10:30-11:30 Adult S.S.
Implications
Nothing changes for 8:30 worship, 9:30 SS, chancel choir, bell choirs, or 11:00 worship.
West campus activities all get shifted 30 minutes later.
Mid-morning has an opportunity to get creative by changing time and location. It’s an opportunity to promote a family friendly, casual, inviting atmosphere.
There is still the option for families with younger children to have their children in SS while they worship.
New schedule to begin on August 17. Some costs involved in transitioning Brady Hall into a suitable worship environment.
Proposal from Reconciling Hearts to Administrative Board, July 13, 2008
Lawrence First United Methodist Church
Background information:
In March of 2008, Administrative Board approved the following statement for our church which is now appearing in church publications: “Believing that we are all God’s children, Lawrence 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.” Reconciling Hearts, which is part of our Mission and Justice work area, was given the task of publishing the statement and encouraging individuals and groups in the church to examine their attitudes with respect to becoming more fully inclusive.
At the July 13 Administrative Board meeting, Reconciling Hearts is offering a proposal to Administrative Board that our church become a Reconciling Congregation and a part of Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN). The mission statement of RMN states, “We are United Methodists of all sexual orientations and gender identities making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” RMN is a coalition of United Methodist Church members: allies, parents, clergy, students, and minority groups who believe that a welcome to ALL is necessary to the health of the church. Since 1982 the membership of RMN has swelled to 249 Reconciling Congregations, 34 Campus Ministries, and 66 Reconciling Communities and 80,000 individuals.
RMN provides communication and resources for churches and groups that are working towards truly “open doors”. Our local Reconciling Hearts group has already benefited from RMN publications and advice in an informal way. In order for our congregation to become a formal part of the RMN coalition and support its efforts, we would submit to RMN our statement of inclusion, a short history of our efforts, and a small financial donation.
Proposal:
Reconciling Hearts, a subgroup of the Mission and Justice Work Area, proposes that the Lawrence FUMC Administrative Board agree to our church becoming a Reconciling Congregation by adding its name to Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) as follows:
1. Submit our statement of inclusion to RMN with a short history of our efforts;
2. Authorize a check to RMN in the amount of $500 to come from the Reconciling Hearts’
Fund for the 2008 budget year. (It is housed in the church account.)
3. In subsequent years, budget an amount not less than $250 annually to be sent to RMN to
support the efforts of the coalition.
4. Retain Reconciling Hearts within Mission and Justice as the responsible committee for
pursuing inclusion efforts.
Submitted by Carol Abrahamson, current convener for Reconciling Hearts
First United Methodist Church of Lawrence, Kansas
Minutes – Sunday, July 13, 2008, 12:00 p.m.
Present: François Henriquez, Laura Stephenson, Adam Inman, Tony Martin, Dana Goble, Deanell Tacha, John Tacha, LaReta Kallenbach, Sarah Merriman, Duane Becker, Neva Merriman, Carolyn Phillips, Tom Brady, Greg Hildenbrand, Kristine Schnebly-Lawhorn.
Guests: Carol Abrahamson, Dan Abrahamson, Mike Murfin, and Wayne Deaver
François Henriquez introduced himself as the new Administrative Board chair, and thanked Jerry Niebaum for his service as the previous Administrative Board chair.
Tom Brady opened the meeting with a prayer.
Approval of Minutes of February 24, 2008 Meeting – Upon review of the minutes, Deanell Tacha moved and Tony Martin seconded the approval of the minutes as presented.
Reports:
Staff Parish – Duane Becker filled in for Phil Godwin to report for the Staff Parish Relations Committee. (See attached report). Kara Eidson will be introduced as new associate pastor. Heather Clinger will replace Kyle O’Neal as band leader at the West Campus. Her duties will be expanded as the Director of Contemporary Worship. Staff Parish has spent much time working on an evaluation procedure to evaluate the Senior Pastor’s leadership. Evaluation will take place every two months. There were no questions for Duane. The report was accepted as submitted.
Stewardship – John Tacha reported on the status of the capital campaign. John mentioned that, during the first capital campaign, $1,420,000 was pledged. There is still $120,000 outstanding from first campaign. The current campaign leaders met to discuss collecting. Tony will write a letter to follow-up with people still owing from the first campaign. The goal for the second campaign was $1,500,000. To date, $1,050,000 has been pledged.
A subcommittee of the Finance Committee will meet with two banks on refinancing the West Campus property. This subcommittee will report to Finance with a recommendation for a financial institution. The Admin Board will then need to meet to approve the financing going forward. This will need to take place in August. We owe $3.4 million on West Campus, from an original $4.8 million. John mentioned that, as expected, it is tougher to build excitement about an existing property than a new building. The follow-up team will continue to pursue people to hopefully increase the $1,050,000 pledge. Two banks would not give us refinance proposals, based on the finances of our church. LaReta Kallenbach asked if these were new proposals. John said that Intrust was the original financier. They will present a new proposal. Douglas County Bank will be the other bank competing for our business. Duane asked how the proposals looked. John said that he is encouraged by the proposals. The Sweep account has worked well for us. All our funds are swept against the loan balance. The report was accepted as presented.
Council on Ministries - LaReta Kallenbach presented a report from Council on Ministries. (See attached report.) The report presented a proposed new worship schedule. West Campus worship start time would change from 9:00 to 9:30 a.m. All Sunday school classes would take place from 9:30 to 10:30. At the Downtown location, the 8:30 and 11:00 worship services would stay the same. The mid- morning service would be shifted to 10:45, and take place in Brady hall. All Downtown Sunday school classes would meet from 9:30 to 10:30. Fellowship would be from 10:30 to 10:45. Children’s church would be from 11:00 to 12:00. Children’s church would be a different format from Sunday school. Jane Rock was consulted and is very supportive of the idea. Class meeting places may need to be reconfigured for sizes and locations.
Tom addressed the issue of his preaching at all four services. He said that the 8:30 service is typically shorter than most. It should be finished by 9:20. Tom would stay for most of that service. Then he would drive to West Campus. He would have an opportunity to visit with people after the 9:30 service. He then would drive back downtown, where he would join the 10:45 service in progress. He would join the 11:00 service after his 10:45 sermon. Tom hopes to have more time with people than he presently has. This will allow for choir warm-up time at 10:30. Also, it will be good for bell choir warm-up in the sanctuary. The Fellowship committee is hoping that this schedule will increase the fellowship time for people.
This idea was discussed in length with various groups, particularly the mid-morning worship people. Christine asked about moving the kids out of the service at 11:00. Kids would have Children’s worship time and then they would move to their worship service. The atmosphere would be movement friendly. Carolyn mentioned that she is disappointed that we will have 4 services on Sunday. She thinks that adding an evening service would be better. She mentioned that parking would be a problem, with two services occurring at the same time. And Tom would be dropping in and leaving.
Dana asked if the revised Sunday schedule was based on numbers of attendees at the various worship services. Tom said “no”. The schedule was revised to accommodate, as best as possible, the wishes to the attendees at the various services. Very few regular attendees at any service seemed willing to accept much adjustment to the schedule. Tom stated his perception that Downtown Mid-Morning service attendees were particularly vocal about not losing their service. Greg disagreed with Tom’s statement. Greg said that he had talked with Downtown Mid-Morning worshipers about merging the two contemporary services. Greg doesn’t want those worshipers to be blamed for the new schedule. He stressed that it was important to the Downtown Mid-Morning worshipers that their service have a sermon, and that their opposition was really about having a service without Tom preaching. Mike Murfin said that Tom will be the one working hard to do this and that parking hasn’t been a problem this summer. François mentioned that mid-July parking will not be like parking during the school year.
François said that we will never find a perfect schedule. There still seems to be a desire for all four services. He applauded the committee on their effort to accommodate all the services. John Tacha asked whether all services should be put on notice on making their services more viable. François said that the schedule will undoubtedly be addressed again in the future. Adam mentioned the option for simulcasting the sermon in the future. LaReta mentioned that this schedule will not be set in concrete. It will be evaluated for its effectiveness. Dana asked about the location for the children’s service. It was suggested that it take place in the room in which the Peacemakers meet.
Because of the impact on the congregation and the financial ramifications of making Brady Hall service-ready, the issue needs to be approved by the Admin Board. Tom proposed a budget increase for changes to Brady hall. New sound and AV equipment will be needed. New chairs will be needed. There are no contemporary hymnals for downstairs. The classroom logistics will also be an issue. The biggest classes will get the best space. A new piano will be needed. Dana asked whether more of the church should be involved to decide this. Tom said that it is the role of the Admin Board’s job to resolve this. Greg said that his Sunday School class – comprised largely of Downtown Mid-Morning worshippers – has discussed this in length. Neva said that it would be good to know the costs for the Brady Hall updates. Dana asked about the time schedule for making the upgrades. Greg said that there is some sound equipment to start with. Dan said that he thought we should approve the plan, knowing that not everyone will like it.
Deanell moved that we approve the plan with evaluation to be no sooner than one year, appoint a task force to make financially responsible decisions, spending up to $15,000 and that we all make a new dedication toward discipleship. Greg seconded.
Discussion: Tony said that he thinks the new schedule makes sense, but that he is concerned about the related financial issues. He said that he thought that there should be no blank check. Tom said that the plan would need to be approved by Finance and Trustees. LaReta said that the schedule change did not originally include the financial changes. Sarah mentioned her concern that $15,000 is too much to be allocated. Carolyn said that preaching four times is unreasonable. John said that he agrees, but that it is an exciting venture and a challenge.
The motion carried with one "no" vote.
Trustees – Susan Sloop could not attend the meeting and there is no written report. The trustees will not meet in August. Dan Abrahamson, a member of the Trustees, stated that no report on the turn lane is available. François asked Dan to contact Susan to ask her to send her report electronically to the Admin Board.
Finance – Dana Goble reported. Halfway through the year, revenue for the general fund is 46%. Expenses for general fund are at 44% of budget. Since expenses are behind, the revenue is keeping up. Net income at end of June was $10,000. Year-to-date, income is $15,000. Apportionments are paid at 1/24 per month. They total $112,173.00, and we are on track with $28,193 having been paid to-date. Finance meets next Sunday. They will look hard at the Brady Hall improvement proposal, mentioned above. Finance will have a committee member on the task force.
Reconciling Hearts – Carol Abrahamson reported on a proposal from Reconciling Hearts. (See attached report.) Carol recapped the February Admin. Board meeting for those who were not in attendance. The statement: “Believing that we are all God’s children, Lawrence First United Methodist Church affirms that persons of all ages, races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientation or identity, economic or marital status, and physical or mental condition are welcome to participate fully in the life of our congregation.” was approved and is being printed on all church publications. Reconciling Hearts suggests that we affiliate with Reconciling Ministries Network. It would be symbolic for what our church has decided to be. People looking for a church would know that our church is a safe place for lesbians and gay men. Reconciling Ministries Network can provide resources and encouragement for the works of Reconciling Hearts.
Since 2006, Reconciling Hearts has been providing educational opportunities to our church. It will also help lead our denomination in a more positive direction. If approved, Reconciling Hearts will make the initial donation of $500 to affiliate with Reconciling Ministries. There will need to be an annual donation of $250 from the Mission and Justice to continue this affiliation.
Carol suggested that Reconciling Hearts remain a part of the Mission and Justice Committee and that the $250 be budgeted in the future to continue our affiliation. FUMC Lawrence would be the first United Methodist church in Kansas to join Reconciling Ministries Network. (There are other denominations that are already welcoming.)
Deanell moved and John seconded the motion in the report. Carolyn commended Carol and group for their work. Approved unanimously.
Congregational Growth and Development – No report.
Our next meeting will be Sunday, August 3rd at 12:15. Francois will be absent, and will find a substitute. It should be a short meeting. No lunch, and only two action items.
Wayne Deaver attended as a guest for informational purposes. He represents the Boy Scouts as a liaison between the scouts and the church.
Meeting was adjourned at 1:55 p.m. Tom thanked François for stepping in and closed the meeting with prayer.
Report of Staff/Parish Committee 7-13-2008
I apologize for not being in attendance at this administrative Board meeting, but I am cruising off the Northeastern coast of the US.
Quite a lot has happened with Staffing of the church so far this year.
Currently we have an excellent hard working Janitor who has been very busy caring for our two locations. He asked for a modest raise, else he would have to look for other employment and we agreed to a $1.00 and hour increase, feeling he was truly worth it. It is a very challenging job to do right.
As you all know, at Barb Clinger’s request, the Bishop appointed her to another church. She will be serving Trinity Church in Ottawa. It will be a new, challenging environment for her. That congregation is more conservative than ours and the church attendance is about 75. We will miss her skills at preaching, visitation, officiating at weddings and funerals and comforting the grieving as well as supporting the morale of the rest of the staff. We know she will be a blessing to her new parish.
The position of Associate Pastor will be filled by Kara Eidson (pronounced Edson) who is younger and less experienced but is in the same state of progress in the hierarchy of the church appointment system. She graduated from Duke in their seminary program a year and a half ago and is a Probationary Elder. Most recently she has been appointed to the St. Luke’s Chaplaincy program and as such has done a lot or grief counseling in their oncology service.
Losing Barb was a lot like loosing Rowena whom many of you older members experienced. We ask your patience and support for Reverend Eidson as she makes the transition. We have the opportunity to be a great help to her. She enjoys small group ministry, something we are trying to stress.
Lee Hedrick has resigned and we are working on replacing her role as Parish Nurse. In addition to her strictly nursing work, she has been doing a lot of visitation to our elderly.
Kyle O’Neal, the head of the West Campus music group has resigned and we replacing him with Heather Clinger as “Director of Contemporary Worship”, a broader job description,
We have developed a goal oriented evaluation tool to pursue a bi-monthly evaluation of our minister. We expect him to be the chief administrator of the church and we wish to avoid micro-management of the rest of the staff, but we will continue to hold him responsible for the very large and challenging job of administering our church.
So I think you can appreciate how busy your Staff/Parish Committee has been and will continue to be over the evolving year.
Phillip Godwin, Chair of the Staff/Parish Committee
Proposed Worship and Education Schedule
Downtown
8:30-9:20 Traditional Worship
9:30-10:30 All S.S. Classes
10:30-10:45 Fellowship
10:45-11:30 Mid-Morning Worship (Brady Hall)
11:00-12:00 Children’s Church (for children 2nd grade and under)
11:00-12:00 Traditional Worship
West Campus
9:30-10:30 Contemporary Worship
9:50-10:30 Children’s S.S.
10:30-11:30 Adult S.S.
Implications
Nothing changes for 8:30 worship, 9:30 SS, chancel choir, bell choirs, or 11:00 worship.
West campus activities all get shifted 30 minutes later.
Mid-morning has an opportunity to get creative by changing time and location. It’s an opportunity to promote a family friendly, casual, inviting atmosphere.
There is still the option for families with younger children to have their children in SS while they worship.
New schedule to begin on August 17. Some costs involved in transitioning Brady Hall into a suitable worship environment.
Proposal from Reconciling Hearts to Administrative Board, July 13, 2008
Lawrence First United Methodist Church
Background information:
In March of 2008, Administrative Board approved the following statement for our church which is now appearing in church publications: “Believing that we are all God’s children, Lawrence 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.” Reconciling Hearts, which is part of our Mission and Justice work area, was given the task of publishing the statement and encouraging individuals and groups in the church to examine their attitudes with respect to becoming more fully inclusive.
At the July 13 Administrative Board meeting, Reconciling Hearts is offering a proposal to Administrative Board that our church become a Reconciling Congregation and a part of Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN). The mission statement of RMN states, “We are United Methodists of all sexual orientations and gender identities making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” RMN is a coalition of United Methodist Church members: allies, parents, clergy, students, and minority groups who believe that a welcome to ALL is necessary to the health of the church. Since 1982 the membership of RMN has swelled to 249 Reconciling Congregations, 34 Campus Ministries, and 66 Reconciling Communities and 80,000 individuals.
RMN provides communication and resources for churches and groups that are working towards truly “open doors”. Our local Reconciling Hearts group has already benefited from RMN publications and advice in an informal way. In order for our congregation to become a formal part of the RMN coalition and support its efforts, we would submit to RMN our statement of inclusion, a short history of our efforts, and a small financial donation.
Proposal:
Reconciling Hearts, a subgroup of the Mission and Justice Work Area, proposes that the Lawrence FUMC Administrative Board agree to our church becoming a Reconciling Congregation by adding its name to Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) as follows:
1. Submit our statement of inclusion to RMN with a short history of our efforts;
2. Authorize a check to RMN in the amount of $500 to come from the Reconciling Hearts’
Fund for the 2008 budget year. (It is housed in the church account.)
3. In subsequent years, budget an amount not less than $250 annually to be sent to RMN to
support the efforts of the coalition.
4. Retain Reconciling Hearts within Mission and Justice as the responsible committee for
pursuing inclusion efforts.
Submitted by Carol Abrahamson, current convener for Reconciling Hearts
posted by jn # 12:59 PM 
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