Jamieson Memorial United Methodist Church Joint Administrative and Program Council Minutes
December 1, 2011
Present: Joe Senz, Elaine Senz, Greg Carkhuff, Joanne Gilmore, John Gilmore, Carol Dalton, Terry Kirkpatrick, Linda Pulliam, Richard Pulliam, Rev. Dale Gillis, Steve Roberts, Charlie Simmons, Jean Smart, Eddie Baker, Larry Chapman, Mike Cowley, Leigh Felton, Marilyn Mink, Bev Chestnutt.
Pastor Dale opened with the “Contentment Prayer” by Adam Hamilton and suggested that our congregation might want to memorize it. Joe Senz, Chairman, announced that the only item of business was the budget and turned meeting over to Eddie Baker, Finance Chair. Eddie distributed the proposed budget and a document, “JMUMC 2012 Budget Adoption” which is the proposal of the Finance Committee to address the shortfall of $27,000 in the previously proposed budget.
Recommendation of the Finance Committee:
• Reduction of $4,150 from Church Programs and Missions
• Stewardship – less $500 to Scouts – less $400 (UMM to assume this)
• Evangelism – less $250
• Missions – less $3000
• Use of $9,000 in parsonage equity savings to offset half of the housing allowance
• Adopt the 2012 local budget (all items except the apportionments) as presented or amended at this meeting
• Total Conference Apportionments are $39,753 – apply $25,000 from budget
• Application of available funds to line item apportionments would be determined by the Treasurers, Finance Committee, and Administrative Board Chair during 2012
• Inform the Conference of the potential shortfall
• Our apportionment requirement this year is $7500 more than last year.
Discussion: John and Joanne Gilmore, Treasurers, questioned why we would not have a balanced budget with a shortfall in the apportionments area and then pay apportionments if income is higher than projected.
Elaine reminded us that we agreed that we would not go into 2012 with a deficit budget. There was discussion about how the budgeted income figure was projected. Joanne explained the formula that she and Jean used based on pledges, past history of those who did not pledge, and estimation of loose offerings based on the previous year. Eddie reminded us that there were some unexpected expenses this year including lowered interest income and an audit payment.
Dale suggested that we cannot reduce the operating expenses any further and that we could strike the apportionment portions of the budget and have a second “benevolence budget” of $34,000 where apportionments could be applied as we are able. The Finance Committee would be charged with the distribution each quarter. Joanne suggested that the budget reflect only about 50% of what was assessed and pay additional if we have extra money.
Consensus is that we are committed to paying the full amount of the apportionments if at all possible. Mike asked whether such a high percentage of 85% for salaries and apportionments was typical for UMC churches, and no one had that answer. Consensus was also that we will not use cash reserves to meet a shortfall.
Mike Cowley moved that we adopt a balanced budget of $184,089 with $13,108 allocated for Conference Apportionments and apply extra funds, as available, based on the decision of the administrative council. Seconded by Leigh Felton. Motion carried.
In further discussion, it was agreed that “prior claims” apportionments should be paid first (salaries and benefits). The decision of how and when to pay the apportionments is to be made by the Administrative Council, not the Finance Committee. It was agreed that the JMUMC congregation should be informed of the budget. Several suggestions were made for methods of doing this, and it was agreed that a verbal announcement be made on December 11 with distribution of the budget in a simplified format of section totals. Joe, Eddie, and Dale will determine the exact format.
Pastor Dale expressed his appreciation for the service of those who will not be continuing on the Program and Administrative Councils in 2012. He also suggested that the congregation plan some fund-raising efforts and asked any of those interested to convene in his office after the meeting.
Greg Carkhuff announced that the UMM blood drive on November 28 was successful with donation of 58 pints, surpassing their goal of 45 pints.
The meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda Pulliam,
Council Secretary 1
November 3, 2011
Present: Joanne Gilmore, Marilyn Mink, Eddie Baker, Larry Chapman, Mike Cowley, Dale Gillis, John Gilmore, Elaine Senz and Joe Senz
The meeting was called to order and opened with a prayer offered by Rev. Dale Gillis.
Elaine Senz volunteered to fill in as Secretary.
Eddie Baker provided information on the results of the Stewardship Campaign. The result of the campaign is an estimate of giving for 2012 of $182,389. Budgets as submitted total $209,730 leaving a shortfall of $27,341. The Finance Committee has met several times and put in a great deal of effort and energy to put together a recommendation of how to balance the 2012 budget. Their ideas and recommendations were presented.
There was extensive discussion about possible options and it was determined that further discussion would be required before final decisions on the budget could be made.
Larry Chapman moved that we adopt the pastor's salary and accountable reimbursements (as required by Book of Discipline). The motion was seconded by Eddie Baker and approved by the Council. The next meeting to discuss the final budget will be held on Wednesday, Nov 9th, at 10 am in the Fellowship Hall.
After a brief discussion, it was approved for the Trustees to move forward with the implementation of a regular mailbox instead of using a post office box. Larry Chapman moved that the meeting be adjourned; seconded by Eddie Baker.
Respectfully submitted, Elaine Senz (Acting Secretary)
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Jamieson Memorial United Methodist Church
Administrative Council Minutes
October 13, 2011
Present: Joe Senz, John Gilmore, Terry Kirkpatrick, Richard Pulliam, Rev. Dale Gillis, Steve Roberts, Eddie Baker, Jerry Ramsey, Bev Chestnutt, Jean Smart, Dale Gillis.
Staff Personnel Relations Committee: (Steve) The Committee has scheduled an exit interview with Carol Henderson on October 24, at 10:00 am. Debbie Garcia-Luftig began the position of Administrative Assistant on September 26. There are currently no applicants for the positions of Music Director/Accompanist. The ad will be reposted and also run in the Henderson, NC, paper.
A meeting to discuss the budget is scheduled on October 25. The office needs a new secretary’s chair and a paper shredder. Those who participated in the First Aid/CPR course agreed that the church needs an AED. Jamieson should be represented at some events of the Chamber of Commerce since we are a member. This should be discussed with the Communication Committee.
Trustees (Jerry Ramsey for Mike Cowley): The Trustees will work on some renovations to one of the downstairs Sunday School rooms for use by the youth class. There is a need for long range planning, and there was discussion of reviving the long range facilities committee. Areas to be considered are the office, bathrooms, basement usage, and downstairs classrooms. The question was asked about the process for getting information to the Trustees, and Jerry indicated that inquiries could go to any member. Two items were suggested: The peeling paint on the concrete slabs at the front door and the light on the side of the church over the newly constructed area. Copies of exterior keys have been made and distributed to key leaders. The Trustees have decided that the doors from the hall to the sanctuary do not need to be locked. They are still considering where to place the long pew at the back of the church.
Nominations and Leader Development Committee will meet on October 23.
Finance (Eddie and John) The Income/Expense report and the September bank statements were reviewed. Projections are that we will end the year about $10,000 short. Jean will do the 3rd quarter individual statements after Consecration Sunday.
Stewardship (Dale for Ken Morgan) Reservations for Sunday’s Consecration Brunch have exceeded 100. Everything is in order. There was no old business or new business.
Eddie moved adjournment and Terry seconded. Meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda Pulliam, Council Secretary
Jamieson Memorial United Methodist Church
Joint Administrative and Program Council Minutes
October 13, 2011
Present: Joe Senz, Elaine Senz, John Gilmore, Terry Kirkpatrick, Linda Pulliam, Richard Pulliam, Rev. Dale Gillis, Steve Roberts, Nancy Barden, Larry Chapman, Irene Chapman, Win Baker, Eddie Baker, Jerry Ramsey, Bev Chestnutt, Leigh Felton, Jean Smart, Marilyn Mink.
Budget: Eddie Baker said that they will wait for the results of Consecration Sunday before issuing further instructions to team leaders. Joe, Dale, John, and Eddie will meet on Oct. 18 at 9:30am to discuss the results. They will then make recommendations to the Administrative Council, and teams will then make their 2012 budget requests.
Report of the Worship Task Force: Bev Chestnutt presented two documents which are attached: Report of the Worship Task Force and Notes from Listening Session. The recommendations of the task force are: After listening in the sessions and to individual feedback, the committee met on 9/13 to discuss the feedback and to develop a recommendation. While there remain mixed feelings, it is our recommendation that at this time that we:
1. Continue to offer two services, while we diligently pursue a strategic plan to provide opportunities for improving fellowship connections between the attendees at the two services
2. Develop, plan, and pursue avenues to increase awareness of our congregation in our community in order to increase attendance at bother services, but especially second service.3. Continue to evaluate the needs, views, and priorities of worship and develop strategies to enhance the services.
4. Encourage the joint council to evaluate the efficacy of continuing two services at designated times There was no strong impetus to change the actual times of services, but it was agreed that the issue should be examined again in the future.
The greatest need is for more joint fellowship opportunities. Joe emphasized that we must continue in our efforts to tell people what a wonderful church this is.
Charge Conference – The Charge Conference will be held on Sunday, Nov. 13, 7:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall. The District Superintendent has asked for a brief written report from each team, the UMM, and the UMW by October 30, and team leaders should plan to speak for about two minutes about their accomplishments for the year.
The Administrative Council will meet on Nov. 3, 7:00 pm, in preparation for the Charge Conference. Worship Team – There will be one combined service at 11:00 am on Christmas day and New Years Day, with a 5:30pm service on Christmas Eve.
Nominating and Leadership Development Committee will meet on Oct. 17 and Oct. 23 at 7:00 pm. The joint meeting was adjourned for the two councils to reconvene separately.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda Pulliam,
Council Secretary