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

TECUMSEH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 15, 2012  The Church Council of Tecumseh United Methodist Church met January 15, 2012. The meeting was called to order at 7:00pm.  The minutes of the November 13, 2011 were approved as printed The minutes of the November 16, 2011 Annual Church Conference were approved as printed.             BUSINESS REQUIRING ACTION Ernestine, chairperson, proposed forming a task force to discuss Diana’s update regarding Community Dinners. Some questions and concerns have been brought to Diana and there is a need to make clarification. The task force is to be made up of a representative from each committee, Trustees, Finance, Missions, UMW. Each committee will select a representative to serve. Ernestine has volunteered to chair the task force. Anyone having a concern should contact a person serving on the task force. Information will go out to all that work is underway. Proposals from the task force will be brought back to council. It was moved, seconded and voted unanimously for the work of a task force to go forward. Diana announced that the playground equipment is to be installed at Tecumseh Park on March 24, with a rain date of March 31. Thirty volunteer workers are needed and a project manager will direct. If there are enough workers, the installation can be completed in one day.             OTHER REPORTS Ernestine mentioned two items from her written report. More information is available on America’s Sunday Supper and Walk to Jerusalem if anyone is interested. Memorial funds will not need to be used for communion linens Ernestine pointed to the “24 Hours that Changed the World” series beginning February 12. Carolyn announced visitation on January 22.    VITAL CONGREGATIONS PROCESS Ernestine began the process with a reading from Ephesians. Reverend Marsh read a quote from Kansas Leadership Center Framework. It leads us to ask, “Where are we?”, “Where to we want to go?”,  We need input to set goals. She asked - What observations would you make about “The Talk of Tecumseh?” Responses from council were:           Impressed by the large number of people who stayed after the dinner to join the discussion           An additional, more informal worship service appealing to youth and young families           Is there a need in the community for the Harvester backpack program to provide food for children without enough           Make everyone aware of the availability of the Dillon’s coupon sale each Sunday and the purpose of the penny jar collection   Reverend Marsh also was most impressed by the number of participants in the “Talk of Tecumseh” discussion groups. She was interested to hear what people wanted to talk about and care about.   She reviewed the compilation of data from the Setting Vital Church Goals  Survey she asked council members to complete and return after the November council meeting. A copy is included in the agenda packet. Council was asked to discuss and set some goal numbers on this form beginning with the year 2012 through 2015. Council agreed to the following:           Disciples Worship – 75, 80, 85, 90           Disciples Make New Disciples – 3, 3, 4, 5           Disciples Engage in Growing Their Faith – 10, 11, 12, 13           Disciples Engage in Mission – not sure how to measure – will need  some thought Disciples Give to Mission –this item was discussed. The amounts listed include monies from various committees which go to Mission   Reverend Marsh referred to the Smart Action Worksheet. She asked council to divide into groups, perhaps those they met with Sunday, and to fill out three actions. Time was taken to do this and then each was asked to briefly share their proposed goals.           Building relationships                    Food backpacks for school children                    Garden space for community members                    Saturday morning coffee Spiritual formation                    Companion in Christ small group                    Fellowship time between Sunday School and worship           History                    Interested member to aid Mona                    Expand Heritage Day to focus on church presence in community                    Share or sell remaining History Books           Youth and young families                    Contemporary worship service                    Youth meeting and dinner after that service                    Youth taking part in mission project   Reverend Marsh asked council to thoughtfully consider these actions mentioned to discuss at next month’s meeting.   Reverend Marsh closed council meeting with prayer.   Respectfully submitted, Nancy Rush, Recording Secretary (Transcribed from recording)