Annual Church Conference 12-09-07

Epworth United Methodist Church

Annual Church Conference, December 9, 2007

Pastor David Newhouse opened the Conference with a Call to Worship. Lay Leader, Debbie E, followed with Prayer and Scripture. Pastor David introduced Elgin District Superin- tendent, Rev. Oscar Carrasco, who welcomed all attending and presented Bishop Hee-Soo Jung’s “Harvesting 20/20” video and story. Rev. Carrasco called the meeting to order and indicated the business of the evening would follow the printed agenda.

Pastor Parish Chair, Craig L, presented three items: 1. A six per-cent Pastor salary increase to $60,000 annually. He further explained the compensation package. IRS considers $10K as a housing exclusion for personal use. Audit requirements require receipts for those expenditures. Coming from the Committee, no further motion was necessary. Rev. Carrasco called for questions and, hearing none, asked for a vote: all ayes, no nays or abstentions. 2.The Pastoral Profile was acknowledged. 3. Recommendations and reports to the Charge Conference, no candidates for ordained ministry.

Dave Kellenberger, Finance/Stewardship Chair, reported the 2007 Apportionment and Rainbow

Covenant amounts will be paid in full. The 2008 Budget will be presented to the Church Council in December. We are current on all expenses and anticipate ending the year on a positive note. Rev. Carrasco stated paying our apportionments “tells” we are helping people all over the world.

Carole B presented the Membership Supplemental Report. Rev. Carrasco specifically commented on the number of baptisms and new members. Names were read of those persons who were contacted twice with no response (details in the printed agenda). Rev. Carrasco requested a vote to remove those four families: Vote – majority ayes, no nays, and one abstention. In addition, the audit report shows 115 fewer members than the Conference. The actual membership number is 549. Trustees’ details are in the agenda; it should be especially noted the accessibility audit includes the new handicapped-accessibility door and upgraded lift. Ron stated no parsonage audit is available/necessary as we have we have no parsonage at the present time. New-parsonage details: closing is scheduled for December 21^st, partial moving, December 22^nd; move-in date, January 3^rd. Dedication/House-warming/Open House will be January 13^th from

2-6 PM. Dave K stated $22,000 has been received for the Endowment Fund and an Endowment Committee should be elected to oversee the Fund as the amount now exceeds $25K. Discussion followed. Rev. Carrasco commented the responsibility to elect an Endowment Committee) should be transferred to the Church Council. Carole B made a motion to authorize the Church Council to elect the Committee (will ask Lay Leadership to suggest prospective members); the motion was seconded by Kara B; vote followed; all present voted aye.

Pastor David presented the Lay Leadership (formerly Nominations) Committee Report listing all Church committee members. Following review, a vote was called to approve those listed for each committee. All present voted aye. Pastor David called the congregation to continue working towards the goals of Natural Church Development/Vision Team and Harvest 20/20. In closing,

Rev. Carrasco expressed his appreciation for Epworth’s faithfulness and requested his apology be included in these minutes for a previous misunderstanding.

Respectfully submitted, Ginny J, Recording Secretary