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

Contact Us: | E-mail | Map & Directions

THE TECUMSEH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH COUNCIL           The Administrative Council of Tecumseh United Methodist Church met Sunday, February 3, 2008 at 7:15 pm. Those present were Nelta Hennessey, Chairperson, Pastor Dottie Forinash Knetsch, Rev. Sandy Vogel, Ernestine Adams, Betty Fergola, Rita Halderman, Diana Halstead, Steve Hennessey, Jan Kieffer, Pat Krug, Donna Johnston, Neva Martin, Nancy Rush, Betty Waller, Herb Whitlow.           Nelta led the devotional time with a reading from the Upper Room. Its theme was “Let your light shine”. Can we be a church if we don’t let our light shine into the world?           Rev. Sandy Vogel, pastor at Shawnee Heights UMC and also the chairperson of the steering committee for the Topeka District Capital Campaign-Bridges to the Future, gave a presentation.            The campaign consists of three parts. In the area of camping ministries, 1 million dollars will go to Camp Chippewa to improve buildings and grounds. $900,000 will go to campus ministries at state colleges to build new meeting facilities and improve existing facilities. In the area of church growth, 3.2 million will go to establishing new churches and the revitalization of existing churches. The Bishop refers to the capital campaign as a “Big Holy Audacious Goal” but knows that the goal can be reached.           In order to reach the goal, churches are asked to tithe 10% of their 2006 payout  less capital expenditures and less any debt service. The Tecumseh UMC tithe amount is $11,210 over a five-year span – or $2242 per year.           Rev. Vogel said that to participate is to make disciples of Christ and to take Methodism a step into the future. She closed her presentation with a reading from Jeremiah 29 and prayer.           The minutes from the January administrative council meeting were approved as printed.           Betty Fergola (Missions) referred to the printed report in the agenda packet which listed donations made in 2007. She said that dates for mission dinners during the coming year have been set. She reminded us of the Community Ham and Bean Dinner on February 16 with the proceeds going to the Edgertons, missionaries in Haiti.           Diana (UMW) reported that UMW Sunday will be February 17.           Jan (Trustees) said that in addition to their written report, an arborist has examined the tree north of the playground and it will be removed. Two new cordless mikes have been priced at $650 each. The sound system has been deemed not repairable and other options are being considered.           Rita (Education) reported that $406 was donated at the Souper  Bowl meal after worship and proceeds will go to Faith and Fellowship and Discovery Club. Plans are being made to hold Vacation Bible School the week of June 15.           Neva (Health Ministry) reports that it is now closing in on the end of the current term and many reports are being completed to be turned in.           During Old Business, Betty Waller shared information about creating a TUMC church brochure. She and Pat have composed a rough draft of the brochure, taken photos to be included, and are ready to go forward. At this point, the information and photos need to be put on a CD in order to get price quotes for the printing. It was moved by Betty Fergola and seconded by Ernestine and approved by council to have the CD made and get bids for the printing.           Under New Business, Herb reported for the Tecumseh Area Emergency Preparedness Committee that the area has been divided into 21 sections with a warden or representative person for each. CERT training will be held April 18, 19 and 25, 26.           Diana requested that Tecumseh Kiwanis be given permission to use the church and grounds on September 27 for Kiwanis Heritage Day. Pat made a motion to approve the request and Rita seconded. The request was approved by council.           During the Pastor’s time, Pastor Dottie mentioned the mission trip to McCurdy School, June 22-28. The approximate cost is $308. She has information available for anyone interested. Pastor Dottie told of a series of workshops being held February 11, March 9, May 17, September 20, and October 26 at area churches. She will be attending and would like to take two interested church members to each. The workshops will focus on the Five Practices for Fruitful Congregations.           Pastor Dottie asked for suggestions regarding TUMC’s participation in the Bridges to the Future capital campaign. Our local committee will be meeting during the coming month and will be making proposals at the next administrative council meeting at which time she would like council to be ready to make a commitment.           Donna volunteered to conduct the devotional time at the March council meeting.           Council meeting was adjourned. Pastor Dottie dismissed with prayer. Respectfully submitted, Nancy Rush, Recording Secretary