334 SE Tecumseh Road  P.O. Box 5  Tecumseh, Kansas 66542  (785) 379-5005                                                                                                              Reverend Sarah Marsh                                                                                               Contact Us: | E-mail | Map & Directions

THE TECUMSEH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH COUNCIL           The Administrative Council of Tecumseh United Methodist Church met Sunday, September 7, 2008 at 7:15pm.Those present were Nelta Hennessey, chairperson, Pastor Josh Gooding, Ernestine Adams, Sarah, Timothy, Miri Gooding, Kathy Griffith, Rita Halderman, Steve Hennessey, Pat Krug, Neva Martin, Virginia Martinson, Willa Norwood, Darlene Peck, Nancy Rush, Colleen Scott, Carole Stone, Betty Waller.           Pat led the devotional time, sharing the reflections of a retiring minister who was hesitant to leave all things familiar but realized that our God is a God of new beginnings.           Minutes of the August 3 meeting were approved as printed. Committee Reports:           Pat (Finance) passed the sign-up sheet for selling gift cards at the end of worship each Sunday. She also talked about the dinner to be held October 19 – plans are being made. Her committee in meeting discussed ways to find new members and ways to build and strengthen our church.           Virginia (SPPR) said that in committee meeting it was discussed and decided to collect donations from the entire congregation to be given as Christmas gifts to the church staff. Envelopes will be placed in a bulletin and a box will be made available to drop-off donations.           Carole (Congregational Care) reported the next date for visitation will be October 12. Plans are finalized for the Ice Cream Social to be held September 14. Gloryland Quartet will provide entertainment.           Betty reported that 780 apple dumplings had been made on Saturday, September 6 and thanked everyone for their help.           Rita (Education) pointed out that Sunday School had begun with a large adult class participating.           Information was shared regarding our latest Mission Experience. The congregation was asked to contribute food and health items to be given to Faith and Fellowship during the month of August. Three full grocery carts were delivered to their food bank early in September.           Kathy (Worship) referred to her written report stating that their next meeting will be October 23. Pastor Josh presented a Bible to our only third grade student, Elizabeth Hennessey, at worship this morning. Old Business:           Ernestine discussed her written report on the scattering or burial of ashes on our church grounds. Council agreed to appoint a task force to establish guidelines and policy for doing so. Those volunteering to be part of this task force were Ernestine, Willa, Neva.           Ernestine referred to her written report regarding the office copier. The team which explored possible changes and received bids for a new copier, recommended that we keep our current copier and as it becomes non-functioning we should then consider a lease on a new one. Virginia moved to accept this proposal, Pat seconded, council approved. New Business:           It was reported that Jeannette Johnson received a request from Forest Park to use our church bulk mailing permit for some future mailings. There will be no cost to TUMC but will state that the mailing was sponsored by TUMC. Ernestine moved to allow this use of our permit, Virginia seconded, council approved.           Ernestine reminded council of the Journey of Hope workshop on October 11 at Countryside UMC.           The finance report was reviewed and reminded all who had made a pledge to Bridges to the Future that payments would be coming due. Pastor’s Time:           Pastor Josh announced that our Church Conference would be held the first Sunday in December.           He expressed how much he and Sarah had enjoyed the cookouts at the parsonage and are thinking of possibly doing some dessert and discussion sessions at the parsonage on Sunday evenings.           One of the ideas that had been brought up at a cookout  was to do a Halloween activity at the church for Tecumseh neighborhood children. Ideas were discussed and further planning may be done.           He also suggested setting a time when an interested group might meet to learn more about the Methodist Church. This could include new members and old members as well.           He had been contacted by Lifetouch to consider doing a new directory. Council recommended that he tell them we are not interested at the present time.           Nelta closed the council meeting with prayer.  Respectfully submitted, Nancy Rush, Recording Secretary