334 SE Tecumseh Road P.O. Box 5 Tecumseh, Kansas 66542 (785) 379-5005 Fax - (785) 379-5061
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2006 Annual Church Conference
Tecumseh United Methodist Church
October 12, 2006Those in attendance at Church Conference were District Superintendent Evelyn Fisher, Pastor Dottie Forinash Knetsch, Ernestine Adams, David Barkley, Clyde and Mona Booth, Carolyn Edwards, Betty Fergola, Rita Halderman, Nelta and Steve Hennessey, Jeanette Johnson, Donna Johnston, Neva Martin, Virginia Martinson, Willa Norwood, Darlene Peck, Nancy Rush, Colleen Scott, Carole Stone, Linda Taylor-Morgan, Marge and Leland Townley, Barbara and Herb Whitlow, Christine Whitlow.
District Superintendent Evelyn Fisher opened the meeting and thanked those present for attending. She conducted a devotional time with a reading from the twentieth chapter of the book of John. These verses tell of the appearance of the risen Christ. The disciples were behind locked doors in fear of the Jews when Jesus entered. He said to them, “As the Father sent me, I send you” and breathed on them. We all must learn to breathe in (nurture our faith) and breathe out (reach out to others). If all we do is breathe in we become faint and if all we do is breathe out we become exhausted. Rev. Fisher posed two challenges to us. The first that every United Methodist church in Kansas would be encouraged to send at least one member on a volunteer mission trip. The second challenge is for each congregation to receive at least one new member by profession of faith before next annual conference. She closed the devotional time with prayer.
Superintendent Fisher shared a video presentation prepared by Bishop Scott Jones. In it he reviewed the four questions he asked at last year’s Kansas East Annual Conference; How can ministry be strengthened in every church in Kansas, How more new congregations can be started, How can we strengthen our ministry with people of all ethnic backgrounds, and How can we strengthen student ministries to youth. Bishop Jones said there were perhaps changes that need to be made in fund raising with a capital funds campaign implemented. This will begin with a feasibility study. In November a questionnaire will go to clergy and lay leaders with hopes of gaining valuable input. Rev. Fisher said that Tecumseh church is well aware of the reaching out to other ethnic backgrounds through our participation with Fellowship, Inc. and Puente De Fe in east Topeka. The board of these two entities will be combined and its new name will be Fellowship & Faith Ministry, Inc. They continue to be in need of volunteers, food, and financial aid.
District Superintendent Fisher called the conference to order.
Nancy Rush was recognized as recording secretary.
Reports:
Church Council – Chairman Herb Whitlow reviewed the points of the council’s written report.
Health Ministry – Neva Martin referred to the written report and pointed out the photo display.
Staff/Parish Relations Committee – Chairman David Barkley reported that the committee had had a good year and challenged all to aid in obtaining a nursery attendant. United Methodist Women – President Virginia Martinson referred to the written report and added that UMW had also worked with the prison ministry and added information to the church’s web page. Volunteers are now in the last stages of preparation for the annual Fall Festival. Over 4,000 apple dumplings have been made and many are working on other projects for this fund raiser.
Pastor Dottie Forinash Knetsch reviewed her written report, adding that Tecumseh Church is typical of the best. The membership is a vibrant group who like to have fun together and to work together. There are many witnesses to their faith. The church building is a hub of activity, being used most every day of the week by many groups such as Boy Scouts, FCE, Golden Age, Kiwanis, and others. The Tecumseh Church membership also reaches out in many ways such as serving at Let’s Help, sponsoring Discovery Club, and other programs.
Superintendent Fisher mentioned that Tecumseh Church has always had a reputation in the district for being very caring and loving toward our pastor.
Pastor Dottie reviewed the Membership Report. She pointed out that our membership has several new young families but is basically a healthy retired congregation.
The Lay Speaker’s Annual Report was reviewed.
ACTION: Ernestine Adams moved that Neva Martin be recognized as a certified lay speaker. The motion was seconded by David Barkley. The motion was unanimously approved.
Steve Hennessey addressed the Trustees Report. All actions of this
committee are included in the written report. He added that the outside work on
the church building would soon be complete.
Finance Committee was represented by Jeanette Johnson, chairperson, who reported that the audit had been completed. The Stewardship Campaign will begin on Sunday, October 15. She also reported that we are currently caught up on apportionments and askings are paid to date. Jeanette added that Tecumseh Church is blessed with a giving membership.
David Barkley, speaking for the Staff/Parish Committee, discussed the support for Pastor Dottie.
ACTION: Unanimously approved by voice vote.
Lay Leadership Committee Report – we need yet to fill the position of chairperson of the Worship Committee but all other committee and chairperson positions have been filled. Rev. Fisher said that Church Council can approve the nomination of a person for the empty slot at any time.
ACTION: Approved by voice vote.
Neva Martin, chairperson of the Health Ministry Committee, reported that plans are being executed to obtain the services of a parish nurse. Grants applications have been submitted and plans are underway to provide a space in the church building.
As the conference closed, those attending sang “Blest Be The Tie That Binds”. Pastor Dottie closed with prayer.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Rush, Recording Secretary
