Addendum to the Interim Executive Director, December 13, 2008
United Methodist Union of Greater Detroit Report of the Interim Executive Director to the Board of Trustees, December 13, 2008
Addendum to the Report to the Executive Committee
December 4, 2008
Increase in Daily Comfort
Day to day, I expand my “comfort zone” as concerns my duties and responsibilities. The work is most interesting and the learning curve is not particularly daunting. As of this writing (Thursday, December 11, 2008) I have had face-to-face meetings with everyone on the 15th floor, multiple trustees who have graciously dropped by to chat, several members of the Finance Committee, Scott McCarrick, Mike Schulte and Larry Larmee who provide specific services to the United Methodist Union and a handful of pastors. Phone conversations have brought additional information while reinforcing prior friendships.
A New Lending Proposal for Bloomfield Hills: St. Paul United Methodist Church- I have gone over the proposal with Chuck Veenstra, Dick Johns and Rev. Robert Schoenhals. It certainly represents an improvement over their present terms and addresses some of the challenges this congregation faces. I will speak in favor of this when it comes to the floor. And I will recommend modifications in the criteria concerning “membership”.
Additional Funds for Inkster: Christ United Methodist Church- We continue to receive bills related to the church building and/or the two additional houses owned by the church… the most recent of which totaled $384.09. These can be added to the loan they already have with us for $15,000.00. The problem comes when we realize we have previously added invoices to the loan, bringing the most recent balance to $18,075.43. The only way payments are made are from rental fees on one of the houses.
Of greater concern is the long-term viability of this church. Currently served by a retired pastor, the average Sunday morning attendance has slipped below 10 persons. There are no programs. Questions abound concerning internal fiscal accountability. And the pastor says he has “never seen more than five members at any one place at any one time.” I will amplify these remarks at our meeting, but they do pose some rather pressing questions.
Update: former Exousia United Methodist Church building Rental Agreement – As of yesterday afternoon, no deal has been closed with Rev. Dowdell. He promises action daily, but there is always some reason for the delay. The congregation has accepted the terms and has made overtures toward putting the utilities in their name. But, as of this writing, there is no money, nor are there signatures. Our realtor, Bill Skubik, stays very close to the situation and I stay close to Bill.
The Proposal to Reduce the 2009 Apportionments – This draws much discussion everywhere it is mentioned. It has the “feel” of an idea whose time has come. It has also gained approval from our Finance Committee. An additional action item from that committee would increase our budget line item for “Pastoral Salary Support” by $10,000.00 for 2009. I heartily concur and will speak to both proposals when we gather.
Respectfully submitted,
Rev. Dr. William A. Ritter, Interim Executive Director