Church Council Ministries at First United Methodist Church
The 2000 Methodist Book of Discipline requires that every local United Methodist congregation utilize a specific set of committees to support the administrative functions of the church.
Church Council: John and Rhonda Marshall, Co-Chair Church Council Committee Chair
The Council serves as the basic decision-making body in the life of the local church, adopting ministry goals, establishing policy, setting the annual budget, and receiving reports from the Ministry Action Groups and Ministry Action Teams. In 2003 the Council named a Strategic Plan Team to discern God’s will for the future of FUMC and to formulate the congregational goals for 2004 and beyond. The Council meets on a quarterly basis.
Finance Committee: Kelly Hayworth, Finance Committee Chair
The Finance Committee designs the annual Financial Stewardship Campaign in support of the mission and ministries of FUMC, presents the Ministry Budget to the Administrative Council for adoption, and monitors the financial life of the church on a monthly basis. They are assisted in their work by staff member Hillary Biancuzzo, FUMC’s Finance Officer.
Board of Trustees: Phil Leff, Trustee Committe Chair
The Trustees of FUMC oversee the maintenance and development of the physical campus of FUMC, as well as two parsonages. At more than 40,000 square feet and valued at more than 12 Million dollars, this is a major undertaking. The beautiful Sanctuary of FUMC was remodeled in the mid-1980's, including the addition of ranks of pipes to the Holtcamp organ. Recent improvements include the installation of a state-of-the-art Fire Alarm System and a new digital Sound and Video Projection system. Facilities Manager Charles Thiede works with the Trustees to maintain and improve the property.
Staff / Parish Relations Committee: Kirk Perreau, Chairperson
The FUMC S/PRC is dedicated to providing the appropriate professional staff to carry out the ministry goals and objectives of the church. The committee supports and evaluates the ministries of the 12 program and support staff members, interpreting to them the needs of the congregation as well as providing a sounding board for the staff. The committee also presents the recommended salary support of the staff to the Finance Committee and to the Administrative Council.
First United Methodist Foundation: Kent Swaim, President
In 1992 the First United Methodist Foundation was formed to receive specially designated gifts and bequests to an Endowment Fund. Interest from the Endowment Fund is used to support newly-developing ministries or ministries that are not funded by the church’s Ministry Budget. Interest from a separate fund, the Dane Scholarship Fund, is used to provide support to seminary students, with first priority given to FUMC members. More than 10 students have benefitted from this support.