First United Methodist Church

The Church Conference for the First United Methodist Church of the city of Baxter Springs and Melrose United Methodist Church was held on November 19, 2008.

The meeting was called to order by Rev. Janet M., Parsons District Superintendent.

Anna Lee C. was elected recording secretary.

Rev. Maxwell gave devotions using Luke 10, emphasizing, “Who are we and what is our mission?” We should remember these four words, invite nurture, equip, and send. Her Jesus Jar offering will go to Wesley House.

Minutes of the October, 2007 meeting were read, Doris S. moved they be accepted as read. Pam S. seconded. Minutes approved.

Anna Lee C., lay leader of the Baxter Springs church gave a brief report of the events of the year: lightening strike and fire, the storm damage to the church. She told of the good things that had taken place; Bible School, new Sunday school classes, prayer groups and participation in community affairs. It has been a good year.

Jim D. Melrose said they had several community activities. An ice cream social and a good Songfest Sunday. They have also put out flyers in the community about the church services. He said the church was trying to be an active presence in the community.

Rev. Handle presented the slate of officers for the Baxter Springs church. He stated he appreciated the co-operation of everyone in accepting when asked. They have reduced the number of people on some committees, with smaller committees people will attend and things will go better.

With the recommendation from Rev. Handle and the Lay leadership committee all officers were elected for Baxter Springs.

Officers from Melrose were elected as recommended by Rev. Handle.

Stacy E. thanked everyone for the opportunity he has had to study to be a Certified Lay Speaker. Dorothy E. thanked all for doors being opened for her to become a lay speaker.

Lynn H. moved we approve Stacy E. as a Certified Lay Speaker. Lillian H. seconded the motion. Motion carried and Stacy E. has been approved as a Certified Lay Speaker.

Ray H. moved we approve Dorothy E. as a church Lay speaker. Pam S. seconded. Motion carried. Dorothy E. has been approved as a church lay speaker.

Ray H. moved we approve Rev. Handle’s package as recommended by the SPPR committee for the Baxter Springs and the Melrose churches be approved as presented. Stacy E. seconded the motion. The motion carried and the salary package is approved.

A committee will be appointed to do an audit on the membership roll. This has not been done for sometime. The membership report for Baxter Springs was given. Pam S. moved it be accepted as given. Doris S. seconded. Motion carried Membership report accepted.

Melrose membership was accepted as presented.

No reports from retired pastors.

Rev. Handle presented his report. The report will be printed in the Newsletter for the congregation to read. He has been involved in the Incubator program all year. He will be starting this program in January for our church. He stated this group will be the key to keeping the congregation informed on the leadership program and how we will go about making changes in leadership. He thanked the congregation for the support they have given him and Gloria during the year. He has seen some good growth in the church this year. He felt we have had a good year.

Doris Si. thanked Rev. Handle for his leadership an for always being there for the congregation.

Rev. Maxwell, District Superintendent expressed her thank you to Rev. Handle for his leadership. She expressed the value of the Incubator class and said it was good to have the ministers taking this class. She appreciated the participation in the “Bridges of the Future” program. She feels we are an active church. She thanked us for a good church conference.

Rev. Handle closed the meeting with prayer.

Meeting adjourned

Anna Lee Campbell

Recording Secretary

Members Present: Baxter Springs

Fred and Luci S., Lynn H., Shirley E., Stacy and Dorothy E., Ruth H., Denny and Janet L., John and Shirley L., Keaton M., Doris S., Belva S., Jim and Lillian H., Ray and Nance H., and Anna Lee C.

Melrose: Jim and Martha D.

Rev. Wayne and Gloria H.