Ministry Council Summary of Actions (30-31 October 2010)

  1. The Ministry Council met Saturday-Sunday, October 30-31, 2010, at the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and the Holiday Inn Express in Germantown, TN. The Ministry Teams met concurrently during this time.
  2. Nineteen of the twenty-two Ministry Council members were present. Members: Karen Breeding, Jill Carr, Mandy Clark, Michele Gentry de Correal, Troy Green, Carlton Harper, Elizabeth Horsley, Rickey Page, Toni Prosser, Sam Romines, Iwao Satoh, Lisa Scott, Roy Shanks, (Excused: Gwen Roddye, John Shoulta); Youth Advisory Members: Ricky Kirby, Madison Rush (Excused: Emma Shoaf); Advisory Members: Michael Sharpe, Sam Suddarth, Boyce Wallace; Director of Ministries: Edith Gholson. Also present: Abbay Milner.
  3. The Ministry Council and the Ministry Teams met jointly at Cumberland Presbyterian Church of Germantown for worship followed by a brief Joint Meeting to hear (a) introductions of Center Staff in new positions Mike Sharpe, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly, and George Estes, Missions Ministry Team Leader; (b) a presentation by Ron Gardner, Our United Outreach Committee Chairperson, who reported that 134 churches did not give to Our United Outreach last year, and (c) a presentation and demonstration of the upcoming new Cumberland Presbyterian Website by Mark J. Davis, Communications Team Leader.
  4. Edith Gholson and Bob Watkins will leave November 1, 2010, for the three-week trip to visit our churches in Cambodia, Hong Kong, Japan, and Laos.
  5. Unanimously adopted a Corporate Resolution to keep on file in the Ministry Council Office authorizing signatory by the Director of Ministries.
  6. Heard a report from Toni Prosser the Clergy Crisis Fund Meeting held Friday, October 29, as a brainstorm session. In 2011, they will raise money and send a mailing with information and request for support.
  7. The free IKON Document Efficiency Workflow Analysis Project is complete. Following their review of our processes, the consultants said we are “incredible stewards.” Global Ministries Leadership Team will meet to discuss making suggested changes in the future.
  8. The Center Interagency Team (CIT) continues to meet monthly and spends 1-3 days per month regarding Property Management issues. Executives and Team Leaders carry out what has to be done to manage/maintain the Denominational Center property.
  9. Implementation of new software at the Center is winding down. Temporary employees who are CP have been hired to enter and update database (combining databases) in Raiser’s Edge. December 31, 2010, is the deadline for data cleanup and then be ready for merge of 30,000 records. Manuals will be written for Raiser’s Edge and Financial Edge.
  10. Approved the recommendations related to the Ministry Council clergy staff housing allowances as required by the IRS.
  11. Tabled the Ministry Council decision related to dependent health benefits premiums until January.
  12. Approved the revisions to the Ministry Council Personnel Manual including those recommended by legal counsel Jaime Jordan.
  13. Heard financial updates. Dan Scherf, Accountant, received a standing ovation for providing such current reporting. Dan reviewed financial handouts and stated OUO distributions continue to be made every 6 to 7 business days (when $50,000 has been received). Elinor Brown also reported on Our United Outreach and available stewardship resources.
  14. The Council began brainstorming and visioning regarding Missions (New Church Development and Evangelism position vacated by George Estes) and Discipleship (Team Leader vacancy following Frank Ward’s retirement).
  15. Adopted the following statement: The Ministry Council will leave the positions of Discipleship Ministry Team Leader and New Church Development and Evangelism unfilled to allow time to evaluate and structure current and future positions and the ministry needs of the Ministry Council.
  16. Offered prayers for mission groups in Haiti and Dyersburg, for special needs of Council members and family members, and for guidance for Ministry Council and Staff.
  17. Accepted Pat Owen’s resignation from the Pastoral Development Ministry Team.
  18. Thanked Abbay Milnor for her service to the Ministry Council as Executive Assistant. Applications are still being accepted for Abbay’s replacement.
  19. Accepted the resignation/retirement letter of Frank Ward, Team Leader of the Discipleship Ministry Team, effective December 31, 2010.
  20. Adopted a policy regarding the disposal of property when an employee leaves the employ of the Ministry Council. The policy will become a part of the Ministry Council Personnel Manual.
  21. After adjourning early Sunday morning meetings, the Ministry Council and Ministry Teams joined the congregation of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church of Germantown in worship before traveling home.
  22. Ministry Council and Teams will meet January 28-29, 2011 (Friday morning through Saturday afternoon) in joint sessions at the Center in Cordova.