334 SE Tecumseh Road  P.O. Box 5  Tecumseh, Kansas 66542  (785) 379-5005  Fax - (785) 379-5061

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2007 Annual Church Conference Tecumseh United Methodist Church November 4, 2007              Those in attendance at Church Conference were District Superintendent Evelyn Fisher, Pastor Dottie Forinash Knetsch, Ernestine Adams, Mona Booth, Carolyn Edwards, Betty Fergola, Rita Halderman, Diana Halstead, Nelta and Steve Hennessey, Jan Kieffer, Jeanette Johnson, Donna Johnston, Neva Martin, Virginia Martinson, Larry McCammon, Willa Norwood, Darlene Peck, Ella Reinheimer, Nancy Rush, Colleen Scott, Carole Stone, Linda Taylor-Morgan, Betty Waller, Barbara and Herb Whitlow, Christine Whitlow.             District Superintendent Evelyn Fisher conducted a devotional time with a reading from the fifteenth chapter of John. This scripture tells of Jesus’ teaching his disciples in his last hours. He tells them that they should abide in Him as He abides in them. Jesus’ example to the disciples in the context of God being the Gardener that sometimes pruning or pinching back produces a more abundant harvest. We can take His teaching to heart in doing some pruning in our own lives – doing something that isn’t completely comfortable - for our well-being. Superintendent Fisher encouraged those present at conference tonight that as we vote and make decisions about our church, we need to be thankful for the harvest but be vigilant to know where pruning is needed. She closed the devotional time with prayer.             Superintendent Fisher asked for collection plates to be passed for a special offering to be given to the Faith and Fellowship Ministry at East Topeka United Methodist Church.             District Superintendent Fisher called the 2007 Church Conference to order.             Nancy Rush was recognized as recording secretary.             REPORTS:             Church Council – Chairman Herb Whitlow referred to his written report and said that council was looking to a good future.             Lay Leader – Diana Halstead emphasized our church having an open door policy.             Congregational Care – Carole Stone had no additions to the printed report.             Missions – Darlene Peck said that in addition to their printed report that monies were given to sponsor missionaries in Haiti.             Christian Education – Neva Martin mentioned that our Discovery Club is having another successful year.             Health Ministry – Neva Martin reports that we have a good program going that is good for us.             United Methodist Women – President Virginia Martinson reported that we have many projects accomplished this past year including a successful Fall Festival with part of the profits going to our church.             District Superintendent Evelyn Fisher addressed the results of The Church Transformation Survey which went to clergy and lay leaders. It is a survey of actual performance of churches and is used in over 3,000 United Methodist Churches across and United States. Kansas East will use it for three years to be able to track the performance of each church over time. There are thirteen areas for scoring. With 5 being the highest score, Kansas East scored 4.6 in small group (bible study, prayer groups), 4.3 in apportionments, and 4.1 in mission ministry. The three areas where improvement is needed scored 1.3 in leadership training, 1.5 in advertising and 1.6 in guest follow-up. Total scores of 13-26 indicate a declining church, 27-51 a maintaining church, and 52-65 a transforming church. Tecumseh UMC scored a total of 29. Our strengths are in the areas of mission, apportionments and small groups. Our areas of crucial opportunities are worship attendance and professions of faith. A printed graph was passed to all attending showing Tecumseh’s status for the years 1995 to present. We were also given a Toolbox packet which gives suggestions and guidance for improvement in the thirteen areas of the survey.             Pastor Dottie Forinash Knetsch read her pastor’s report.             Membership report – Ernestine Adams referred to the printed report.             Lay Speaker – Neva Martin had no additions to her written report. ACTION: By voice vote, Neva Martin was recognized as a certified lay speaker.             Trustees – Steve Hennessey had no additions to his committee’s written report and completed forms.             Staff/Parish Relations – Chairperson Virginia Martinson reported for her committee that TUMC now has secured the services of a choir director. She referred to the printed report in the conference packet showing the pastor’s salary breakdown and recommendations. ACTION: Unanimously approved by voice vote.             Finance – Superintendent Fisher asked if a budget for the coming year was approved by Church Council. Our answer was no. It was explained that TUMC doesn’t function on a rigid budget. Recommendations for purchases out of the ordinary are made to the finance committee and referred back to Church Council for final approval.  Superintendent Fisher commends TUMC for filing financial  and audit reports on the timely basis.             Lay Leadership Report was reviewed as printed in the packet. It was asked if there were any nominations from the floor. There were none. We need to fill the Evangelism Chairperson slot and Church Council can approve a person for that position at any time. ACTION: Approved by a unanimous “Amen”.             District Superintendent Evelyn Fisher asked if there were any other concerns to come before the conference. There were not. She thanked everyone for attending.             Pastor Dottie dismissed 2007 Annual Church Conference with prayer. Respectfully submitted, Nancy Rush, Recording Secretary