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   January 3, 2010                The Church Council of Tecumseh United Methodist Church met Sunday, January 3, 2010 at 4:00pm. Those present were Pastor Josh Gooding, Ernestine Adams, Chairperson, David and Linda Brink, Carolyn Edwards, Sarah Gooding, Rita Halderman, Nelta Hennessey, Olga Hennessey, Steve Hennessey, Jan Kieffer, Pat Krug, Jeanette and Steve Johnson, Neva Martin, Virginia Martinson, Jan Mason, Larry and Sharrai McCammon, Nancy Rush, Herb Whitlow.          Plans made for Super, Super Sunday included an hour with Becky Stebbins from the Kansas East Conference Office. Due to inclement weather conditions, Becky was unable to attend and therefore the Church Council Meeting was partially conducted beginning at 4:00pm.           Ernestine led the devotional time based on the book of Jeremiah. The message was that God has plans for each of us and promises us hope for the future.           Ernestine shared with council the three guidelines for successful collaboration. They are: 1. Establish a mission. 2. Set ground rules. 3. Identify team members’ strengths.           Council conducted a discussion time regarding the purpose of the Church Council. The sharing of reports was stressed. The discussion included the types of items needing council approval, and the initiation of new projects.           The council then referred to the printout in agenda packet titled “What Kind of Council?” The printout gave examples of three types of congregations. Those are nurturing, outreaching and witnessing congregations. During this discussion time it was suggested that TUMC make better use of our web page. It was suggested that a technology task force be formed to implement this plan. We were encouraged to move ahead with work in this area for often times ideas brought before council die there. Neva moved to appoint a Technology Task Force to update our web site and initiate e-mail communication with any expenditure of more than $100 be brought before council for approval. Rita seconded the motion, Council approved.            Council was then asked to consider scheduling. After discussion, Carolyn moved to adopt the following policy: Church Council will meet every other month and the alternating Sunday evenings will be kept open for committee meetings. If committees chose to meet at another time they may do so. Committee  written reports will be due in the office a week before each Church Council meeting. Steve seconded the motion. Council approved. The next Church Council meeting will be held March 7 at 7:00pm. Committee reports are due in the office February 28.           At this time, council temporarily adjourned for soup supper prepared by Neva and Ernestine.           Church Council came back together and welcomed Evelyn Fisher, Topeka District Superintendent.           Evelyn shared with council the plan to have a mystery guest attend a worship service at every UMC in NE Kansas. The guest will observe the facility and hospitality of the congregation. The guest will then complete a questionnaire. The results of which will be shared with the church’s pastor and congregation.           Evelyn discussed the Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations from the book by Bishop Schnase. The five practices are: 1. Radical hospitality. 2. Passionate worship. 3. Intentional faith development. 4. Risk-taking mission and service. 5. Extravagant generosity. There are many resources available on this topic from the district office. It has been shown that regular practice of these five principles will bring changes. Those changes may be in individuals in the church, in the community, in the world. Changes can also be seen in group revitalization and strategic planning.           District Superintendent Evelyn closed her presentation with a reading from the fifteenth chapter of John. Jesus said, “I am the true vine and you are my branches. The Father’s glory is shown by your bearing much fruit; and in this way you become my disciples.”           Evelyn closed her portion of the evening with prayer.           Church Council then reconvened to finish council business.           Steve moved to approve the minutes of the December council meeting and minutes of the 2009 Annual Church Conference. Pat seconded. Council approved minutes as printed.           Neva (Health Ministry) told of a follow-up survey needing to be completed by members of TUMC congregation. She will have those available and asked for support.           Carolyn (Congregational Care) said that visitation to those less able to get out will be held Sunday, January 10 at 2:00pm.           Ernestine will be leading a Lenten study beginning February 17.           Pastor Josh thanked Ernestine for the planning of Super, Super Sunday agenda. He also thanked the ladies for the delicious soup. He shared that he is very much looking forward to the coming year, the incubator program, and he valued the discussion and input of this evening.           Pastor Josh closed council meeting with prayer.  Respectfully submitted, Nancy Rush, Recording Secretary