Report of Church Conference

2013 Church Conference:

Stevensville United Methodist Church

Attendees:   1. Rev. Dr. Charles J. Alkula 2. Belinda Alkula 3. Mary Costello  4. Rev. John Daniels, DS 5. Phyllis Daniels 6. Dean Diers 7. joey diers 8. Cale Fisher 9. John Fisher 10. Bill Gragg 11. Sheila Hammitt 12. Carole Koval 13. Ben  Longbottom 14. Don Nelson 15. Marcia Prather 16. Hazel Smith 17. Ed Sperry 18. John Waldmann-Bohn 19. Bonita Ziegler

Time:  7:00-9:00 p.m. Location: Church Fellowship Hall   Our district superintendent (DS), the Rev. John Daniels, served as the presiding elder.    He began by leading a brief meditation based on John 10:10:  “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”    Later, the DS gave us all a written quiz, which challenged us with the over-arching question of how well do we know our neighbors and understand their circumstances, needs, dreams, wishes.  This supported his statement that society, as a whole, suffers from a “plague of anonymity” – which is toxic to human creatures.  Fifty years ago, we connected to our neighbors.  Today, we don’t take the time to do it.  And when times get tough, folks don’t have the established support systems, as they did years ago, to help them get through those difficult times.  The DS referred to Montana’s very high suicide rate.

It was highlighted that since 1996, our church has paid 100% of its mission shares, i.e., financial support to the United Methodist Church for its mission work beyond the local parish.  Next year’s mission shares/apportionments will be $21,664, a decrease of $1,315.    Various reports were presented, reviewed, voted upon.  Achievements were celebrated.  Challenges were highlighted. Reference was made to our church’s upcoming church-wide retreat January 24-25, 2014.  The DS has agreed to serve as our retreat facilitator.   In the pastor's report, it was noted that SUMC currently has 192 members (those who have joined this congregation) and 69 constituent members (those who support/attend but have not formally joined).  Also, the names of 53 members were listed for the first time, due to inactivity.  Attempts have already been made to connect with these persons and will continue to be made over the next year.  If they have not recommitted themselves to a life of active discipleship prior to the 2014 Church Conference, then consideration will be given to removing them from the church membership roll.   The DS provided a written report of his activities this last year.  He concluded with his thanks to our church for its faithful witness and support of mission and ministry at the local, regional, state, national and international levels.