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

THE TECUMSEH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH COUNCIL           The Church Council of Tecumseh United Methodist Church met Sunday, November 2, 2008 at 7:15pm. Those present were Nelta Hennessey, chairperson, Pastor Josh Gooding, Ernestine Adams, Carolyn Edwards, Betty Fergola, Sarah, Timmy and Miri Gooding, Rita Halderman, Diana Halstead, Steve Hennessey, Jan Kieffer, Pat Krug, Donna Johnston, Neva Martin, Virginia Martinson, Larry McCammon, Willa Norwood, Darlene Peck, Nancy Rush, Colleen Scott, Carole Stone, Betty Waller, Barbara Whitlow, Christine Whitlow, Herb Whitlow.                Virginia led the devotional time with a reading about compassion, tenderness, sympathy for others. We need to learn to take one day at a time.           The minutes of the October meeting were discussed. A clarification was made that Community Action has ongoing needs some of which will be used next year. The minutes were approved as printed.           Neva (Health Ministry) referred to her written report. A scale has been received and needing assembly. The committee will be meeting soon.           Herb (CERT) also referred to his written report. The committee would like to have two local people able to train participants in order that training sessions could be held here. The generator has been purchased and will be placed and hooked up very soon. According to the contract, Tecumseh Township owns the generator for 18 months at which time it becomes our property.           Larry (Finance) reviewed the printed financial statement. He reported that 37 pledges have been received so far.           Ernestine thanked everyone for their support of Discovery Club.           Jan (Trustees) reported completion of several projects. New stair treads have been installed. Two portable microphones will be purchased. The speaker in the nursery has been repaired. Herb and Larry had the septic tank cleaned. Work is still underway to replace the sign in front of the church. An inventory will be taken of broken windows and replacement will be made.           Carolyn (Congregational Care) reported that October’s visitation was a success and the next visitation will be in January.           Darlene (Missions) said that mission projects had taken in $2544 thus far. Those funds have gone to Faith and Fellowship, UMCOR, Heifer Project, Chapman tornado fund, Sullivan Chapel, Discovery Club.          Nancy read the report from Worship Committee. They met on October 23. Plans have been made to decorate for Christmas on November 30. There will be a Christmas Eve service at 7:00pm.           Virginia (S/PRC) reported to council that Hannah Desch has agreed to fill our need for a nursery worker on Sunday mornings. She is not yet 16 years of age and her mother will accompany her until that time. Pastor Josh has asked for vacation time November 10-23. Pulpit substitutes have been arranged. Her committee has asked for raises for staff and cleared with Finance Committee in the following amounts: Ernestine $11.00 per hour, Ralph $10.00 per hour, Fran $125.00 per week. Virginia moved to accept these salary changes, Carole seconded, council approved.           Diana (UMW) said that sign up for working at Fall Festival was going well but there were time slots still available.           Pat (Finance) discussed the pledge campaign and passed the sign up sheet to sell grocery certificates after worship.           Ernestine asked about using illuminaries on Christmas Eve. She also mentioned the Watch Night Service on December 31 and it was decided to leave the planning to Pastor Josh and the Worship Committee.           During Pastor Josh’s time he mentioned the Advent Conspiracy and that more information will be coming to us. This plan’s goal is to take the emphasis off commercialism during the holidays and turn to compassion with monetary gifts going to missions. He is in the process of arranging new member discussion groups. He will also be working with Boy Scouts to earn their religious awards. He is also preparing for Church Conference.           Nelta thanked council for their good attendance at meetings.           Pastor Josh closed with prayer. Respectfully submitted, Nancy Rush, Recording Secretary