Report of the Executive Director, February 14, 2009
United Methodist Union of Greater Detroit Report of the Executive Director
To the Executive Committee February 14, 2009
Introduction
While I haven’t gone “over the river and through the woods” to visit either of the grandmothers I no longer have, I have been out and about in the Districts, doing the work of the United Methodist Union and, hopefully, the work of our Lord. Every day it feels necessary. Many days it feels good. Which is a prosaic way of saying that I am enjoying myself.
So what do I do when I leave the 15th floor? Occasionally, I preach. Since last we met, I have filled the pulpit at Nardin Park UMC and Flint: Court Street UMC. Before we meet again, I will have done the same at Orchard UMC and Metropolitan UMC, along with a United Methodist Church in Savannah, Georgia. On a snowy Saturday, Kris joined me in leading a workshop at Holly: Calvary UMC. Two weekends later, I led an overnight men’s retreat for Kirk in the Hills Presbyterian Church. On an even worse Wednesday (weather-wise), I drove to Lake Huron Camp to meet with the Bishop and Cabinet. I have also lunched with a few pastors, supped with a few others (including Don Scavella…a most memorable and instructive evening at Beverly Hills Grill) and talked with others at their place or mine. Phone calls and emails (while not excessive) never number less than 15-20 a day. Recent committee meetings have included Board Development and Investment. Considerable time has been allocated to Board restructuring (the results of which you have before you). A Project Nehemiah linkage has been made between Troy: Big Beaver UMC and Cass UMC. And, in an effort to keep my clergy robe from mildew, I have officiated at three funerals and a wedding (not exactly a movie title, but a satisfying way to express my calling). Can it all be accomplished as a less-than-full-time employee? For the moment, yes. Long term, who knows? Even property management victories, while few and far between, warm the heart and lead to better sleeping. In that vein, I list Henderson Memorial UMC and the former Exousia church building at 12819 E. 7 Mile Road.
As information goes this is probably overkill for some, yet helpful for others. And, to whatever degree you might wish for a different allocation of time and energy, it gives you a starting point for discussion. Now, on to more immediate items.
Pontiac: First United Methodist Church
On Sunday, January 18, 2009, this congregation went out of existence, at which time the church and parsonage were turned over to the United Methodist Union. A second congregation, Power House Christian Center Church, occupied (rented) the building during the last months of Pontiac First’s tenure. We have allowed them to remain at the same rent ($1,000.00 per month). They have some interest in purchasing the site (and, perhaps, the parsonage) on a Land Contract. Whether they have the ability is another matter. Utilities for the church are being placed in their name. Emergency repairs have been completed at the parsonage. Our realtor, Bill Skubik, will determine the market values for each property. Carolyn Nichols and I will itemize the contents for future distribution. Whereupon we will attempt to “move” the contents in the most timely and efficient manner possible.
Exousia building (former) 12819 E. 7 Mile Road
A victory of sorts was achieved on January 21-22, 2009 when a rental agreement was hammered out and executed with Pastor Anthony Dowdell of Glorious Grace Covenant Ministries. I cannot recount the number of phone calls and emails that preceded this “deal.” Joining me in this closure were Bill Skubik and Scott McCarrick. Connie Perrine’s “homework” was also instrumental in this effort. We agreed to a number of repairs (customarily handled by the owner). They agreed to appear with a check for $3,000.00, two-thirds of which served as a security deposit with the remaining one-third covering the first month’s rent. Utilities are now in their name. An opening worship service was held on January 25th. Cross your fingers. Better yet, pray for their success.
Justice for Our Neighbors (JFON) Southeast Michigan
This matter came before our entire Board in December of 2008. At that time, we promised further consideration by our Community Development Committee. Since that time, I have met with Deacon Paul Perez and had a pair of phone conversations with Rev. Melanie Carey. This group is now ready to formalize a request for funds and (potentially) a request for vacant space in our 15th floor office complex. This matter needs committee consideration pursuant to any action our Board might take.
Metropolitan United Methodist Church
Each of you has received a packet of materials relating to this project. Following that mailing I met with Rev. Tonya Arnesen, Rev. Al Bamsey, District Superintendent Rev. Duane Miller and Associate Council Director Rev. Eugene Blair. We discussed every aspect of this issue, including a detailed consideration of funds required to launch a new church start.
Can this happen? Yes, to the degree that we “pony up” as a partner?
Should this happen? To answer that I have invited Rev. Tonya Arnesen to help respond to your questions.
What might our part look like (financially speaking)? Somewhere in the neighborhood of $60,000.00 for each of three years.
Will this include moving our office to 8000 Woodward Avenue? Not at this time. The only issue we will need to address this spring is support for a new church launch.
Do we need to decide this today? No, but a “feel” or “lean” from us could be crucial in appointment decisions under consideration by the Cabinet.
Will we have budget scenarios to guide our discussions? Yes, to the best of my ability to design them in a short time frame.
Will this discussion consume a considerable portion of our meeting? If it doesn’t, we’ve probably got our priorities backwards.
As you can see, there is much on our plate. But who among us signed on for a United Methodist Union Diet Plan? Bring your fork as well as your faith, as we “dig in” together.
Respectfully submitted,
Rev. Dr. William A. Ritter, Executive Director