FUMC Administrative Board
First United Methodist Church of Lawrence, KansasFriday, February 29, 2008
Minutes - Feb. 24, 2008
Present: Jerry Niebaum, Tony Martin, LaReta Kallenbach, Kristine Schnebly Lawhorn, Dana Goble, Neva Merriman, Phil Godwin, Susan Sloop, Jamie Liakos, Deanell Tacha, Laura Stephenson, Francois Henriquez, Adam Inman, Carolyn Phillips, Chloe Mercer, Phyllis Giffin, Tom Brady, Barb Clinger, Ann Johnson (for Sarah Merriman)
Guests: Carol Abrahamson (Reconciling Hearts), Stephanie Stubble and Lisa Marsden (Kids First Preschool)
Jerry Niebaum introduced all that were present (new and returning members) and role they represent on the Board.
Reconciling Hearts
Carol Abrahamson moved that the Administrative Board adopt the following 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 identify, economic or marital status, and physical or mental condition are welcome to participate fully in the list of our congregation."
Motion was seconded by Deanell Tacha.
Discussion clarified that adoption of this statement is a step toward being a more inclusive congregation. However, to be recognized as part of the Reconciling Ministries Network, a formal statement to this intent and an annual fee of $250 (minimum) need to be submitted.
Motion carried unanimously.
Francois Hernandez moved that Reconciling Hearts move forward with all deliberate speed with information to the congregation in order to consider being part of the Reconciling Ministries Network.
Motion was seconded by Tony Martin.
Discussion: Suggestion that as Reconciling Hearts moves forward, describe how this mission differs from the current Methodist Church statement on homosexuality.
Motion carried unanimously.
Revised 2008 Budget
Dana Goble presented the 2008 budget compared to the spending plan which was revised according to pledges received. There was a reduction of expenses from $911,841 to $882,750. Larger reductions were calculated in the categories that did not have fixed expenses (program and staff). Smaller reductions were calculated in administrative, building & grounds, and office expenses. Conference expenses (apportionments) were not reduced. LeReta Kallenbach (Council on Ministries) expressed concern that program areas made the most drastic cuts in proposed budgets. Phil Godwin commented that the expense budget can be increased as giving exceeds budgeted expectations.
Dana explained that the current construction loan is being renegotiated. A subcommittee is working on finalizing the terms of the loan. The subcommittee members are Donna Geisler, Galen Van Blaricum, and John Tacha.
Capital Campaign
Tom Brady listed upcoming dates related to the Capital Campaign.
March 8 – Saturday morning workshop to set vision for the church
April 20 – One worship service Downtown 10:00 – Ministry Awareness Sunday
May 4 – 3 year commitment to “Growing Our Dream”
May 18 – Celebration Sunday
Capital Campaign will focus on debt reduction, deferred maintenance, and Kansas East Conference pledge.
Discussion on pledge to Kansas East Conference Capital Campaign: Camps, Campus Ministry, and growing new churches. There is a five year period to pay conference pledge. The commitment from our congregation is due by the end of April. Clarification was made that pledge will be designated to support all three of the identified needs. Our church cannot designate pledge to go to one of the needs to the exclusion of another.
Motion was made by Deanell to pledge $100,000 to Conference Campaign. Seconded by Francois. Motion carried (two objections noted)
Early Childhood Programs
Jamie Liakos introduced two teachers from Kids First Preschool, Stephanie Stubble and Lisa Marsden. They discussed proposing a summer children’s camp to be held at the West Campus in the summer of 2008. The camp would be designed to be flexible to the expressed needs of the families and also include Discovery Days. The camp would be sensitive to not compete with Vacation Bible School plans.
Motion to proceed with formation of Summer Children’s Camp was offered by Jamie Liakos. Seconded by Susan Sloop. Motion carried.
There is a need to have the playground at the West Campus to have a shade shelter. Kids First Preschool has raised funds to help offset the cost of the shade structure. Funds are available to assist with the purchase and installation from the Children’s Fund. These funds were originally intended to upgrade the roof playground at the downtown location. This playground has been ruled as unfit from the fire marshall. Therefore, these funds can be re-allocated to the West Campus. Phil Godwin made a motion for up to $5,000 be used for the shade shelter at the West Campus. Seconded by Deanell. Motion carried.
Board of Trustees
Susan Sloop reported on the sale of 5 acres of land to LLC. In order to proceed with this, a land survey needs to be completed.
Organ renovations were discussed with identified needs to be completed in July amounting to $18,000. Over the next 15 years, major restoration and renovations need to be considered for the organ.
Major stone renovations and restoration to downtown building in the amount of $60,000 are to start after Easter.
Evening use of the West Campus has been a challenge. There has been more demand than space available. The need for groups to have adults who have completed Safe and Sacred Spaces training is also an issue. Board of Trustees has asked Administrative Board to help develop prioritization of use policies. Based on vision developed at March 8 meeting, Trustees will draft a policy for Administrative Board input and approval.
Council on Ministries
LaReta reported on the success of Super Sunday (2nd Sunday evening each month) meetings. All teams from Council on Ministries meet at the same time. This enables and facilitates coordination among program areas. Each ministry area has found stability in leadership.
Respectfully submitted by Ann Johnson
Guests: Carol Abrahamson (Reconciling Hearts), Stephanie Stubble and Lisa Marsden (Kids First Preschool)
Jerry Niebaum introduced all that were present (new and returning members) and role they represent on the Board.
Reconciling Hearts
Carol Abrahamson moved that the Administrative Board adopt the following 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 identify, economic or marital status, and physical or mental condition are welcome to participate fully in the list of our congregation."
Motion was seconded by Deanell Tacha.
Discussion clarified that adoption of this statement is a step toward being a more inclusive congregation. However, to be recognized as part of the Reconciling Ministries Network, a formal statement to this intent and an annual fee of $250 (minimum) need to be submitted.
Motion carried unanimously.
Francois Hernandez moved that Reconciling Hearts move forward with all deliberate speed with information to the congregation in order to consider being part of the Reconciling Ministries Network.
Motion was seconded by Tony Martin.
Discussion: Suggestion that as Reconciling Hearts moves forward, describe how this mission differs from the current Methodist Church statement on homosexuality.
Motion carried unanimously.
Revised 2008 Budget
Dana Goble presented the 2008 budget compared to the spending plan which was revised according to pledges received. There was a reduction of expenses from $911,841 to $882,750. Larger reductions were calculated in the categories that did not have fixed expenses (program and staff). Smaller reductions were calculated in administrative, building & grounds, and office expenses. Conference expenses (apportionments) were not reduced. LeReta Kallenbach (Council on Ministries) expressed concern that program areas made the most drastic cuts in proposed budgets. Phil Godwin commented that the expense budget can be increased as giving exceeds budgeted expectations.
Dana explained that the current construction loan is being renegotiated. A subcommittee is working on finalizing the terms of the loan. The subcommittee members are Donna Geisler, Galen Van Blaricum, and John Tacha.
Capital Campaign
Tom Brady listed upcoming dates related to the Capital Campaign.
March 8 – Saturday morning workshop to set vision for the church
April 20 – One worship service Downtown 10:00 – Ministry Awareness Sunday
May 4 – 3 year commitment to “Growing Our Dream”
May 18 – Celebration Sunday
Capital Campaign will focus on debt reduction, deferred maintenance, and Kansas East Conference pledge.
Discussion on pledge to Kansas East Conference Capital Campaign: Camps, Campus Ministry, and growing new churches. There is a five year period to pay conference pledge. The commitment from our congregation is due by the end of April. Clarification was made that pledge will be designated to support all three of the identified needs. Our church cannot designate pledge to go to one of the needs to the exclusion of another.
Motion was made by Deanell to pledge $100,000 to Conference Campaign. Seconded by Francois. Motion carried (two objections noted)
Early Childhood Programs
Jamie Liakos introduced two teachers from Kids First Preschool, Stephanie Stubble and Lisa Marsden. They discussed proposing a summer children’s camp to be held at the West Campus in the summer of 2008. The camp would be designed to be flexible to the expressed needs of the families and also include Discovery Days. The camp would be sensitive to not compete with Vacation Bible School plans.
Motion to proceed with formation of Summer Children’s Camp was offered by Jamie Liakos. Seconded by Susan Sloop. Motion carried.
There is a need to have the playground at the West Campus to have a shade shelter. Kids First Preschool has raised funds to help offset the cost of the shade structure. Funds are available to assist with the purchase and installation from the Children’s Fund. These funds were originally intended to upgrade the roof playground at the downtown location. This playground has been ruled as unfit from the fire marshall. Therefore, these funds can be re-allocated to the West Campus. Phil Godwin made a motion for up to $5,000 be used for the shade shelter at the West Campus. Seconded by Deanell. Motion carried.
Board of Trustees
Susan Sloop reported on the sale of 5 acres of land to LLC. In order to proceed with this, a land survey needs to be completed.
Organ renovations were discussed with identified needs to be completed in July amounting to $18,000. Over the next 15 years, major restoration and renovations need to be considered for the organ.
Major stone renovations and restoration to downtown building in the amount of $60,000 are to start after Easter.
Evening use of the West Campus has been a challenge. There has been more demand than space available. The need for groups to have adults who have completed Safe and Sacred Spaces training is also an issue. Board of Trustees has asked Administrative Board to help develop prioritization of use policies. Based on vision developed at March 8 meeting, Trustees will draft a policy for Administrative Board input and approval.
Council on Ministries
LaReta reported on the success of Super Sunday (2nd Sunday evening each month) meetings. All teams from Council on Ministries meet at the same time. This enables and facilitates coordination among program areas. Each ministry area has found stability in leadership.
Respectfully submitted by Ann Johnson
FUMC Administrative Board - 2008
The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church prescribes the creation of a church council, which we are now calling the Administrative Board. The following describes the functions of the council.
3. Meetings—
a) The council shall meet at least quarterly. The chairperson or the pastor may call special meetings.
b) In order for the council to give adequate consideration to the missional purpose of the local church, it is recommended that the first agenda item at each meeting be related to its ministries of nurture, outreach, and witness. The administrative and supportive responsibilities of the church will then be given attention. It is recommended that the council use a consensus/discernment model of decision-making.
4. Other Responsibilities— It will also be the responsibility of the church council to:
a) review the membership of the local church;
b) fill interim vacancies occurring among the lay officers of the church between sessions of the annual charge conference;
c) establish the budget on recommendation of the committee on finance and ensure adequate provision for the financial needs of the church;
d) recommend to the charge conference the salary and other remuneration of the pastor(s) and staff members after receiving recommendations from the committee on pastor-parish relations (staff-parish relations);
e) review the recommendation of the committee on pastor-parish relations regarding provision of adequate housing for the pastor(s), and report the same to the charge conference for approval. Housing provisions shall comply with the annual conference housing policy and parsonage standards. Housing shall not be considered as part of compensation or remuneration.
5. Membership— The charge conference will determine the size of the church council. Members of the church council shall be involved in the mission and ministry of the congregation as defined in ¶ 252.2. The membership of the council may consist of as few as eleven persons or as many as the charge conference deems appropriate. The council shall include persons who represent the program ministries of the church as outlined in ¶ 243. The membership shall include but not be limited to the following:
a) the chairperson of the church council; Francois Henriquez
b) the lay leader; Greg Hildenbrand
c) the chairperson and/or a representative of the pastor-parish relations committee; Phil Godwin
d) the chairperson and/or a representative of the committee on finance; Dana Goble
e) the chairperson and/or a representative of the board of trustees; Susan Sloop, acting (to be selected
f) the church treasurer; Laura Stephenson
g) a lay member to annual conference; Neva Merriman & Tony Martin
h) the president and/or a representative of the United Methodist Men; Jeff Bandle
i) the president and/or a representative of the United Methodist Women; Kristine Schnebly Lawhorn
j) a representative of the United Methodist Youth; to be selected
k) the pastor(s) Tom Brady & Barb Clinger
Others added for our Lawrence church:
l) vice chairperson of the Council: to be appointed
m) a representative from the Stewardship Team; John Tacha
n) a representative from the Communications Team: Jerry Niebaum, acting
o) church secretary; Sarah Merriman
p) chair, Council on Ministries; LaReta Kallenbach
q) Four members at-large; Adam Inman, Carolyn Phillips, Jamie Liakos, Deanell Tacha
Other church lay leaders (not part of the administrative board)
Capital campaign 2008 co-leaders: Joni Hernly & Kent Ely
6. Quorum— The members present and voting at any duly announced meeting shall constitute a quorum.
Above from The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church — 2004. Copyright © 2004 by The United Methodist Publishing House.
For 2008 for First United Methodist - Lawrence, KS our Board includes these divisions:
Stewardship Team: John Tacha, Chair
Finance Committee: Dana Goble, Chair
Communications Team: Jerry Niebaum, acting Chair
Board of Trustees: Susan Sloop, acting Chair
Staff Parish Relations: Phil Godwin, Chair
Lay Leadership Team: to be selected
3. Meetings—
a) The council shall meet at least quarterly. The chairperson or the pastor may call special meetings.
b) In order for the council to give adequate consideration to the missional purpose of the local church, it is recommended that the first agenda item at each meeting be related to its ministries of nurture, outreach, and witness. The administrative and supportive responsibilities of the church will then be given attention. It is recommended that the council use a consensus/discernment model of decision-making.
4. Other Responsibilities— It will also be the responsibility of the church council to:
a) review the membership of the local church;
b) fill interim vacancies occurring among the lay officers of the church between sessions of the annual charge conference;
c) establish the budget on recommendation of the committee on finance and ensure adequate provision for the financial needs of the church;
d) recommend to the charge conference the salary and other remuneration of the pastor(s) and staff members after receiving recommendations from the committee on pastor-parish relations (staff-parish relations);
e) review the recommendation of the committee on pastor-parish relations regarding provision of adequate housing for the pastor(s), and report the same to the charge conference for approval. Housing provisions shall comply with the annual conference housing policy and parsonage standards. Housing shall not be considered as part of compensation or remuneration.
5. Membership— The charge conference will determine the size of the church council. Members of the church council shall be involved in the mission and ministry of the congregation as defined in ¶ 252.2. The membership of the council may consist of as few as eleven persons or as many as the charge conference deems appropriate. The council shall include persons who represent the program ministries of the church as outlined in ¶ 243. The membership shall include but not be limited to the following:
a) the chairperson of the church council; Francois Henriquez
b) the lay leader; Greg Hildenbrand
c) the chairperson and/or a representative of the pastor-parish relations committee; Phil Godwin
d) the chairperson and/or a representative of the committee on finance; Dana Goble
e) the chairperson and/or a representative of the board of trustees; Susan Sloop, acting (to be selected
f) the church treasurer; Laura Stephenson
g) a lay member to annual conference; Neva Merriman & Tony Martin
h) the president and/or a representative of the United Methodist Men; Jeff Bandle
i) the president and/or a representative of the United Methodist Women; Kristine Schnebly Lawhorn
j) a representative of the United Methodist Youth; to be selected
k) the pastor(s) Tom Brady & Barb Clinger
Others added for our Lawrence church:
l) vice chairperson of the Council: to be appointed
m) a representative from the Stewardship Team; John Tacha
n) a representative from the Communications Team: Jerry Niebaum, acting
o) church secretary; Sarah Merriman
p) chair, Council on Ministries; LaReta Kallenbach
q) Four members at-large; Adam Inman, Carolyn Phillips, Jamie Liakos, Deanell Tacha
Other church lay leaders (not part of the administrative board)
Capital campaign 2008 co-leaders: Joni Hernly & Kent Ely
6. Quorum— The members present and voting at any duly announced meeting shall constitute a quorum.
Above from The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church — 2004. Copyright © 2004 by The United Methodist Publishing House.
For 2008 for First United Methodist - Lawrence, KS our Board includes these divisions:
Stewardship Team: John Tacha, Chair
Finance Committee: Dana Goble, Chair
Communications Team: Jerry Niebaum, acting Chair
Board of Trustees: Susan Sloop, acting Chair
Staff Parish Relations: Phil Godwin, Chair
Lay Leadership Team: to be selected
FUMC Lawrence 2007 Administration
a) the chairperson of the church council; Jerry Niebaum
b) the lay leader; Ann Johnson
c) the chairperson and/or a representative of the pastor-parish relations committee; Donna Geisler
d) the chairperson and/or a representative of the committee on finance; Dana Goble
e) the chairperson and/or a representative of the board of trustees; Susan Sloop
f) the church treasurer; Laura Stephenson
g) a lay member to annual conference; David Lord & Tony Martin
h) the president and/or a representative of the United Methodist Men; Jeff Bandle
i) the president and/or a representative of the United Methodist Women; Kristine Schnebly Lawhorn
j) a representative of the United Methodist Youth; to be selected
k) the pastor(s) Tom Brady & Barb Clinger
Others added for our Lawrence church:
l) vice chairperson of the Council: Francois Henriquez
m) a representative from the Stewardship Team; Tony Martin
n) a representative from the Communications Team: Jerry Niebaum
o) church secretary; Peggy Williams
p) chair, Council on Ministries; LaReta Kallenbach
q) Four members at-large; Adam Inman, Carolyn Phillips, Jamie Liakos, Deanell Tacha
For 2007 for First United Methodist - Lawrence, KS our Board includes these divisions
Stewardship Team: Tony Martin, Chair
Finance Committee: Dana Goble, Chair
Communications Team: Jerry Niebaum, acting Chair
Board of Trustees: Susan Sloop, Chair
Staff Parish Relations: Donna Geisler, Chair
Lay Leadership Team: Ann Johnson, Chair
b) the lay leader; Ann Johnson
c) the chairperson and/or a representative of the pastor-parish relations committee; Donna Geisler
d) the chairperson and/or a representative of the committee on finance; Dana Goble
e) the chairperson and/or a representative of the board of trustees; Susan Sloop
f) the church treasurer; Laura Stephenson
g) a lay member to annual conference; David Lord & Tony Martin
h) the president and/or a representative of the United Methodist Men; Jeff Bandle
i) the president and/or a representative of the United Methodist Women; Kristine Schnebly Lawhorn
j) a representative of the United Methodist Youth; to be selected
k) the pastor(s) Tom Brady & Barb Clinger
Others added for our Lawrence church:
l) vice chairperson of the Council: Francois Henriquez
m) a representative from the Stewardship Team; Tony Martin
n) a representative from the Communications Team: Jerry Niebaum
o) church secretary; Peggy Williams
p) chair, Council on Ministries; LaReta Kallenbach
q) Four members at-large; Adam Inman, Carolyn Phillips, Jamie Liakos, Deanell Tacha
For 2007 for First United Methodist - Lawrence, KS our Board includes these divisions
Stewardship Team: Tony Martin, Chair
Finance Committee: Dana Goble, Chair
Communications Team: Jerry Niebaum, acting Chair
Board of Trustees: Susan Sloop, Chair
Staff Parish Relations: Donna Geisler, Chair
Lay Leadership Team: Ann Johnson, Chair
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