334 SE Tecumseh Road  P.O. Box 5  Tecumseh, Kansas 66542  (785) 379-5005  Fax - (785) 379-5061                                                                                                               Josh Gooding, Pastor                                                                                               Contact Us: | E-mail | Map & Directions

2008 Annual Church Conference Tecumseh United Methodist Church December 7, 2008              Church Conference was held during the worship time with District Superintendent Evelyn Fisher conducting conference items.             Pastor Josh Gooding greeted those in attendance and reviewed announcements listed in the bulletin. He discussed the Advent Conspiracy and urged anyone interested to look at the brochure available for our use. The intent of the Conspiracy is to offer an opportunity to be less self-focused and more Christ-focused during the advent season. Pastor Josh also mentioned the Christmas card folders available to exchange greetings among the congregation to avoid postage expense.             District Superintendent Evelyn Fisher began the review of the work of the church which is all worshipful work as we go forth in the world and make disciples of Jesus Christ. Nancy Rush was recognized as recording secretary to take minutes of the conference. Superintendent Fisher was aware that our Administrative Council had approved the minutes of the 2007 Church Conference.             Pastor Josh conducted the lighting of the Advent Candle portion of the worship service.                                                 Our Mission Is To Invite             Pastor Josh reviewed the printed membership report showing average attendance being 71 during the last twelve months and current membership of 186. There will be a reception of new members on December 21.             Nelta Hennessey’s printed report from Administrative Council was reviewed. TUMC now has a glossy brochure available for use by members to share information about our church and other community services with people in or outside our immediate area. An insert lists specific times and events of the church, and is printed-on-site in order to accommodate changes easily. A visitor to a service at our church will receive a brochure and a  doorstep call to encourage them to return.             Evelyn encouraged us to celebrate our new members.                                              Our Missions Is To Nurture             Pastor Josh asked for joys and concerns from the congregation and offered prayer to address those mentioned.                  Pastor Josh pointed to the caring ministries of TUMC listed in the printed report of Administrative Council. Church members regularly take part in visits to hospitals and home visits to those ill or homebound.                                                            Our Mission Is To Equip             Pastor Josh shared the Good News with the children. His focus was on Christmas lights and that Jesus is the Light of the World.             Pastor Josh reported on the state of the church. He stated that he and his family have been blessed by the hospitality of TUMC. “To  Share God’s Love With All” as stated in the church’s mission statement has truly been proven to be the focus of this congregation. He expressed an interest in pursuing with Administrative Council, beginning with the January meeting, the goal the “dreaming together” – what are we hoping to accomplish in the next eleven years – where do we want to be in the year 2020. He would like the formulate plans in the coming year for an additional worship service, a youth ministry, and the strengthening of the congregation.             Evelyn gave her thanks to the TUMC congregation for supporting Pastor Josh as our new minister.             Pastor Josh presented the Lay Leadership report listing the names of those willing to serve on committees during 2009. He thanked everyone for sharing their talents and gifts to the work of the church. Evelyn asked if there were any further nominations. There were none. Approved by a unanimous “Amen”.             Virginia Martinson, chairperson, reported for the SPRC committee. She referred to the pastoral compensation report as printed. Evelyn thanked this committee for their work this past year in our transition to a new pastor. She asked if the congregation was willing to adopt the pastoral compensation package as printed. It was unanimously approved.             Pat Krug, chairperson, reported for the Finance Committee that the “Bridges to the Future” campaign was a huge success and that we recently completed a pledge drive for the coming year. Evelyn commended TUMC for their response to the “Bridges” fund raising effort and told that the Washburn University Campus Ministry has been blessed through this funding to be able to purchase a new property close to the campus.             Jan Kieffer, chairperson, reported for the Trustees Committee in pointing to the printed report. Much has been accomplished and goals are in place for work to be done.                                                     Our Mission Is To Send             Evelyn wanted to bring a Good Samaritan presentation before the congregation. It is a ministry outside our local church. She showed a video of the ministry and services at Aldersgate Village. As part of our mission to Aldersgate Village and its ministry we can keep them in our prayers, promote the care facility, and make a financial contribution if possible.             In sending forth, Neva Martin was commended for serving as a Lay Speaker. The congregation was asked if they agreed for Neva to continue to serve in this capacity. Her appointment was approved by a unanimous “Amen”.             Evelyn expressed her appreciation for the privilege to serve as district superintendent and was looking forward to great happenings at Tecumseh United Methodist Church.             The congregation was dismissed with blessing.  Respectfully submitted, Nancy Rush, Recording Secretary