00 final info book 2015

FINAL INFORMATION

2015 OFFICIAL RECORD 47TH SESSION OF THE WEST MICHIGAN ANNUAL CONFERENCE THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Calvin College • Grand Rapids, MI • June 4 - 7, 2015 Deborah Lieder Kiesey, Presiding Bishop Gregory L. Buchner, Annual Conference Secretary

300

2015

COMPLETE LEGISLATIVE ITEMS INDEX WEST MICHIGAN ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2015 LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEES

#1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6 #7

Legislative Committee #1 Legislative Committee #2 Legislative Committee #3 Legislative Committee #4 Legislative Committee #5 Legislative Committee #6 Legislative Committee #7

ITEMS

LOCATIONS

3, 3R, 4, 5, 6 DeVos 015 (Across the E. Beltline) 7, 10, 10R, 11, 11R Meeter Center Lecture Hall, Hekman Library 8 Recital Hall, Covenant Fine Arts Center 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 Auditorium, Covenant Fine Arts Center 18, 19 Hoogenboom 280 20, 21, 22 Chapel 23, 24, 24R Common Annex Lecture Hall All Legislative Committees discuss Item #9

NOTE: An explanation of the legislative committee process is in the Program book. <><><> <><><> <><><> <><><> <><><> <><><> <><><> CMTE/ITEM

SUBJECT

<><><> PAGE

RULES OF ORDER ITEMS 1 “Rules of Order,” Amendments to Various Rules.............................................. ........ ........ 202 1-R Response to Item #1, p. 202, Book B, “Rules of Order,” Amendments to Various Rules .. 305 2 “Rules of Order,” Rule 27 – Limit for Speeches: Amendment .......................... ........ ........ 203 <><><> <><><> <><><> <><><> <><><> <><><> <><><> <><><> PLAN OF ORGANIZATION ITEMS #1 3 Establish a Michigan Area Communications Commission ................................ ........ ........ 203 #1 3-R Response to Item #3, p. 203, Book B, Establish a Michigan Area Communications Commission: AMENDMENT ........................................................................ ........ ........ 306 #1 4 “Plan of Organization”: Add Christian Unity Liaison to Board of Church and Society – Amendment ............................................. ........ ........ 204 <><><> <><><> <><><> <><><> <><><> <><><> <><><> <><><> CONFERENCE BUSINESS ITEMS #1 5 Ministry of the District Superintendent .............................................................. ........ ........ 205 #1 6 Pastor Retention/Income .................................................................................... ........ ........ 205 #2 7 Conference Maternity/Paternity/Adoptive Leave Policy Change ...................... ........ ........ 205 #3 8 Create a New Area Corporation to Administer Michigan Area Camps, Campgrounds and Retreat Ministries.............................................................. ........ ........ 206 9 Creation of a New Michigan Area Conference of The UMC ............................ ........ ........ 207 #2 10 Revised Clergy Sexual Ethics Policy for the Michigan Area ............................. ........ ........ 208 #2 10-R Response to Item #10, p. 208, Book B, Revised Clergy Sexual Ethics Policy for the Michigan Area; SUBSTITUTION ...................................................... ........ ........ 307 #2 11 Replacement Conference Abuse Prevention Policy ........................................... ........ ........ 211 #2 11-R Response to Item #11, p. 211, Book B, Replacement Conference Abuse Prevention Policy: AMENDMENT .................................................................................. ........ ........ 313 <><><> <><><> <><><> <><><> <><><> <><><> <><><> <><><> [Please see pages 225-278 in the 2014 Conference Journal for the “Plan of Organization” and “Rules of Order.”]

2015 CMTE/ITEM #4 #4 #4 #4 #4 #4 #5 #5 #6 #6 #6 #7 #7 #7

301 SUBJECT

PAGE

12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 24-R

Finance and Accounting ..................................................................................... ........ ........ 221 Annual Policy Recommendations for 2016 ........................................................ ........ ........ 221 West Michigan Budget Recommendation for 2016 – UPDATED .................. ........ ........ 302 Cost of Health Insurance .................................................................................... ........ ........ 222 Fix Ministry Shares at 10% beginning 2016 ...................................................... ........ ........ 222 Ministers’ Reserve Pension Fund (MRPF) – Pre-82 Past Service Rate ............. ........ ........ 223 Reduction of Alcohol Abuse .............................................................................. ........ ........ 223 Terror in the name of Religion in Nigeria .......................................................... ........ ........ 224 Stewardship of Earth’s Resources ...................................................................... ........ ........ 224 Church and Society Representatives from Local Churches ............................... ........ ........ 224 Global Maternal Health ...................................................................................... ........ ........ 225 Minimum Salary Support for 2016..................................................................... ........ ........ 225 Guidelines for Equitable Compensation Support ............................................... ........ ........ 227 Response to Item #24, p. 227, Book B, Guidelines for Equitable Compensation Support: AMENDMENT ................................................................................ ........ ........ 313 <><><> <><><> <><><> <><><> <><><> <><><> <><><> <><><> GENERAL CONFERENCE PETITIONS GC101 Discipline ¶32 and ¶602.4 – Equalization of the Annual Conference Membership ................................................................................................... ........ ........ 228 GC101 AMENDMENT .................................................................................................. ........ ........ 317 GC102 Discipline ¶161 & Others Related To Homosexuality ...................................... ........ ........ 228 GC102 AMENDMENT .................................................................................................. ........ ........ 318 GC103 Discipline ¶161B – Marriage ............................................................................. ........ ........ 230 GC104 Discipline ¶161F – Human Sexuality ................................................................ ........ ........ 231 GC105 Discipline ¶304.2 – Qualifications for Ordination ............................................. ........ ........ 231 GC106 Discipline ¶304.3 – Qualifications for Ordination ............................................ ........ ........ 232 GC107 Discipline ¶341.6 – Unauthorized Conduct ....................................................... ........ ........ 232 GC108 Resolution Regarding Divestment ..................................................................... ........ ........ 232 <><><> <><><> <><><> <><><> <><><> <><><> <><><> <><><> The following items have been referred by the Reference Committee to the corporate session.

CS-I Discontinuation of North Evart United Methodist Church … ........................... ........ ........ 314 CS-II Discontinuation of North Star United Methodist Church … .............................. ........ ........ 314 CS-III Discontinuation of Sonoma United Methodist Church … ................................. ........ ........ 315 CS-IV Discontinuation of Trinity United Methodist Church … ................................... ........ ........ 315 CS-V Discontinuation of Sebewa Center United Methodist Church … ...................... ........ ........ 316 <><><> <><><> <><><> <><><> <><><> <><><> <><><> <><><> REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON RULES OF ORDER......................................... ........ ........ 317 REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON GENERAL CONFERENCE PETITIONS .... ........ ........ 317 REPORT OF THE BOARD OF PENSION AND HEALTH BENEFITS ..................... ........ ........ 319 REPORT OF THE COUNCIL ON FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION ................. ........ ........ 320 PETITIONS PROCESS FOR THE FOUR MICHIGAN AREA PETITIONS ............. ........ ........ 321 WHO CAN VOTE? ............................................................................................................. ........ ........ 321 RESPECTFUL COMMUNICATION GUIDELINES ..................................................... ........ ........ 322 GUIDING QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION OF ITEM #9 ........................................... ........ ........ 323 <><><> <><><> <><><> <><><> <><><> <><><> <><><> <><><> [Please see pages 225-278 in the 2014 Conference Journal for the “Plan of Organization” and “Rules of Order.”]

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FINAL INFORMATION

ITEM #14

2 SUBJECT: 3 MOTION: 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

West Michigan Budget Recommendation for 2016 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; UPDATED. The Council on Finance and Administration recommends the following: 1. The amount of $5,967,264 shall be the Conference budget for 2016 and the Ministry Shares Rate shall be 13.0%, which is a decrease from 13.25% in 2015.

2. The World Service and Conference Benevolence budget will be distributed as follows: 33% to World Service and 67% to Conference Benevolence.

3. Cost of living adjustment (COLA) for all conference staff shall be capped at 1%. The same shall apply to salary of district superintendents, conference director of connectional ministries and conference treasurer, which shall be $79,194, and their housing allowance shall remain at $20,000.

4. There shall be support for five district superintendents and the existing six district offices.

5. For greater transparency and accountability, the Commission on Equitable Compensation budget shall be restructured by moving amounts to other budget categories: to Racial Ethnic Local Church (RELC) for Ethnic congregations; to the Board of Global Ministries for Mission Churches; to Indian Workers Conference for Native American congregations.

6. Includes the proposed amendment by CLT and Conference Reserve of $25,000 (highlighted under the 2016 Proposed column).

Revenue Assumptions: Table 3 Income of All Churches X Percntage Rate X Projected Pay-in Rate = Ministry Shares Revenue $54,321,926 x 13% x 84.5% = $5,967,264 MINISTRY SHARES REVENUE = $5,967,264

23 NOTE: There are 24 since the budget 25 highlighted gray.

26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55

2015

changes in the recommended 2016 budget based on the actual Table III report, was originally posted online in early April. These changes are shown here West Michigan 2016 Budget Recommendation â&#x20AC;&#x201C; UPDATED

Base Income from Table 3 Percentage Rate Pay-in Rate Anticipated Ministry Shares Revenue

2014 Actual $55,018,09 6 12.80% 84.1% $5,922,040

2014 Approved $55,018,09 6 12.80% 87.0% $6,126,815 $47,866 $6,174,681

2015 Approved $55,498,61 1 13.10% 86.0% $6,252,474 $71,593 $6,324,067

2016 Proposed $54,321,926 13.00% 84.5% $5,967,264 $0 $5,967,264

$77,688

$77,688

$78,410

$79,194

$466,128 516 6,267 78,976 2,477 87,616 85,324 0 0 0

$466,128 500 9,000 101,009 1,400 87,399 70,000 1,500 2,000 2,000

$470,463 500 9,000 117,322 2,100 88,212 70,000 1,500 2,000 2,000

$395,971 500 5,000 67,590 2,500 74,245 75,000 1,000 0 0

Plus: Young People and Camping Staff (0.15% in 2015)

Total Anticipated Revenue Expenditures Budget A. Connectional Ministry DS Salary 1. District Superintendents Fund Salaries New Pastor Orientation Continuing Education Health Care Plan Workers Comp Insurance Pension Support Travel Expense & Intro Meetings BOM and Fall Retreat New Superintendent Transition Fund Renewal Leave Contingency

-

$727,304

-

$740,936

-

$763,097

-

$621,806

2015 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63

FINAL INFORMATION 2014 Actual District Office Expense Albion Heartland Grand Rapids Grand Traverse Kalamazoo Lansing District Office Rentals Misc. Exp/Office Equipment Total District Office Expense Total District Superintendents Fund

303 2014 Approved

2015 Approved

2016 Proposed

$69,283 68,517 69,347 69,917 69,337 58,377 53,640

$70,780 71,030 70,560 72,630 71,250 56,890 55,542

Included

Included

$450,346 $1,177,650

$67,038 66,638 67,468 68,038 67,458 56,498 59,186 16,228 $468,552 $1,209,488

above $458,418 $1,221,515

above $468,682 $1,090,488

$251,363 225,734 47,506 4,657 57,101 0 234,591

$251,363 200,000 50,000 5,000 57,500 2,500 180,000

$252,666 185,000 30,000 5,000 57,500 2,500 190,000

$270,479 76,500 0 0 47,000 2,000 197,800

2.

2. Episcopal Fund 3. Equitable Compensation Fund 4. Health Care Program 5. Ministerial Pension & Insurance Reserve 6. Bd. Of Ordained Min/Min Enhancement 7. Clergy Advocacy 8. Moving Expense Fund 9. Clergy Transition Fund 10. Abuse Prevention Team 11. Contingency Fund Total Connectional Ministry Funds B. Administrative Funds 1. General Church Apportionments Interdenominational Cooperation General Administration Total General Apportionments 2. Jurisdictional Conference 3. Michigan Area Administration Area Expense Fund Area Assistant To Bishop’s Office Area Episcopal Committee Area Ministry Center Area Communications Area Parsonage Committee Total Area Administration 4. Conference Administration Commission on Archives and History Conference Properties Program Committee Secretary Expenses Statistician Expenses Victim’s Fund Legal Contingencies-Conf Chancellor At Large Lay Members Expense Council on Finance & Administration Treasurer’s Office Auditing Expense CFA Meeting Expenses Administrative Services Total CF&A Conference Committees Nomination & Leadership Development Total Conference Administration

$68,423 65,943 64,356 67,790 67,421 56,648 59,765 Included above

-

-

-

-

1,145 0 $1,999,747

500 5,000 $1,961,351

500

500

-

-

$1,944,677

$1,684,767

$23,102 103,887 $126,989 15,738

$23,102 103,887 $126,989 16,000

$22,630 101,687 $124,317 16,000

$22,540 101,303 $123,843 16,000

$38,266 95,850 800

$37,751 110,833 800

$42,787 98,402 800

3,341 $138,257

3,500 $152,884

123,514 3,500 $269,003

$15,120 96,216 800 51,629 140,981 3,500 $308,246

$12,975 161,412 4,785 11,179 0

$15,000 170,000 5,000 16,200 500

$17,500 170,000 5,000 25,000 500

$18,000 155,000 28,000 15,000 500

-

-

-

-

22,611 38,322

7,000 43,000

12,000 50,000

15,000 40,000

$261,000 20,535 1,080 42,474 $325,089 777 4,199 $581,349

$261,000 22,000 1,200 42,000 $326,200 500 4,000 $587,400

$266,000 22,000 1,500 42,000 $331,500 500 2,500 $614,500

$254,616 22,000 1,200 40,850 $318,666 500 3,000 $593,666

304 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64

FINAL INFORMATION 2014 Actual 5. Administration Conting./Delegation Exp 6. Conference Budget Reserve 7. Camps Deficit Reduction Total Administrative Funds C.

D. E. F. G.

2015 2014 Approved

2015 Approved

2016 Proposed

$948,906

$5,000 $40,000 $20,000 $948,273

$11,500 $20,000 $1,055,320

$15,000 $25,000 $1,081,755

$860,836

$860,836

$842,439

$839,057

500 500 500 298,500 500

250 250 250 253,725 500

-

-

5,000 255,000 85,000 360,000 43,000 543,000 3,000 1,000 500 500 500 500 500 500 35,000 55,000 25,000 500

20,000 105,000 179,550 324,000 36,000 515,000 3,000 1,500 500 500 500 500 123,633 500 55,000 45,000 10,000 500

-

-

$1,714,000

$1,675,658

-

$86,573 -

-

World Service & Conference Benevolences 1. World Service 2. Conference Benevolences Programs Commission on Christian Unity Commission on Religion & Race COSROW Board of Christian Camping Board of Church & Society Board of Discipleship District Youth Ministry Grants (CCYM) Board of Global Ministries Racial/Ethnic Local Church Higher Education & Campus Ministry Communications Commission Connectional Ministries Office Board of Lay Ministries Conference Personnel Committee Board of Evangelism United Methodist Men Hunger Committee Prison Ministry Indian Workers Conference Disability Concerns Committee Congre Transformation (Vital Church Initiative) Hispanic/Latino Committee CLT Pooled Ministry Fund Cooperative Ministry Fund CLT Contingency Total Conference Benevolences

6,161 $1,565,922

500 500 500 175,000 500 500 5,000 260,000 90,000 308,000 100,000 618,000 3,000 1,000 500 500 500 500 500 500 35,000 12,000 25,000 1,000 6,500 $1,645,000

WORLD SVC & CONF BENEVOLENCE

$2,426,758

$2,505,836

$2,556,439

$2,514,715

$315,500 292,743 117,882 26,380

$330,400 295,538 117,882 26,380

$335,000 289,219 115,372 25,816

$257,326 288,065 114,912 25,724

$6,127,916 ($205,876)

$6,185,660 ($10,979) $57,744 0.94%

$6,321,843 $2,223 $136,183 2.20%

$5,967,263 $0 ($354,580) -5.61%

New Church Development Ministerial Education Fund Black Colleges Fund Africa University Fund TOTAL CONFERENCE BUDGET Excess Revenue Over Expenditure Budget Increase/(Decrease) vs. Last Year Percent Increase/(Decrease) vs. Last Year

-

164,348 -

141 4,739 260,822 84,090 308,000 99,360 571,187 2,894 345 -

1,089 474 474 33,174 11,374 17,250 -

West Michigan Conference Council on Finance and Administration, Susan Cobb, President / Pros Tumonong, Treasurer

2015

FINAL INFORMATION

1

RESPONSE PETITIONS [added text is bolded; deleted text is strikethrough]

2

ITEM #1-R

3 SUBJECT:

Response to Item #1, p. 202, Book B, “Rules of Order,” Amendments to Various Rules.

4 MOTION:

We move to amend Item #1 (page 202) by addition of the following:

5

9. Delete Rule 1, C, 3c.

6

10. Amend the last sentence of Rule 8, B by addition as follows:

7 8 9 10 11 12

305

[The clergy membership of an annual conference (¶370) shall consist of deacons and elders in full connection (¶327), associate members, affiliate members (¶¶344.4, 586.4), and local pastors under full-time and part-time appointment to a pastoral charge (¶317 (see also ¶32) as reported in the disciplinary questions in the previous year’s Conference Journal.

11. Amend Rule 8, C, 3 as follows: a. Amend Rule 8, C, 3c, 1 by addition as follows:

13 14 15 16

Members of general and jurisdictional boards, councils, and standing commissions or their divisions, departments, committees, units, and other sub-groups, and jurisdictional United Methodist Women and United Methodist Men organizations, who reside within the bounds of the West Michigan Conference.

17 18

b. Amend Rule 8, C, 3c, 7 by deleting the words “Conference Missionary Secretary” and adding instead the words “Conference Secretary of Global Ministries”.

19

c. Amend Rule 8, C, 3c, 8 by deleting the words “and all lay assistant secretaries”

20 21

d. If the Conference adopts Item #4 (page 204) then amend Rule 8, C, 3c, 13 by deleting the words “Christian Unity and Inter-Religious Concerns.”

22 23 24 25 26

12. Amend Rule 9, A, 2p by addition as follows: Six (6) members at-large, one of whom shall be less than 30 years of age at the time of election and one of whom will be the Memorial Service Family Coordinator. Three of the six shall be lay persons nominated by the Conference Committee on Nominations and elected by the Conference.

27

13. If No. 12 above is approved, then Delete Rule 31.

28 RATIONALE: 29 30 31 32 33

This Response Petition offers several changes necessary to improve the Conference Rules of Order and make them consist with current practice. It was not possible to include these as part of the original Item #1 Petition from the Committee on Rules of Orders. The reasons for these changes are as follows: No. 9 – This change is necessary to remove conflict with Rule 36 adopted by the 2014 Annual Conference.

34 35 36

No.10 – This change confirms the source of the number of clergy used to calculate the lay equalization members of the annual conference. For 2015 this number is from disciplinary question #57 on page 80, 2014 Journal.

37 38

No. 11a – To be consistent with the lay equalization philosophy it is necessary to add lay persons who serve on UMW and UMM jurisdictional organizations.

39 40

No. 11b – This change is necessary to reflect a name change by the 2012 General Conference to “Conference Secretary of Global Ministries” replacing “Conference Missionary Secretary”.

41 42 43 44

No. 11c – This change, recommended by the Conference Secretary, removes lay assistance secretaries from the lay equalization formula. These positions are not normally determined until close to annual conference and thus are not known in time to include in the lay equalization process.

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1 2 3 4

No. 11d – This change anticipates adoption of Item 4 (page 204) which would eliminate the Commission on Christian Unity and Inter-Religious Concerns as a conference agency and move its responsibilities to the Board of Church and Society. That would no longer require this category in the lay equalization process.

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

Nos. 12 & 13 – Over the years it has become unclear how the role of the Program Committee differs from the role of the Committee on Memoirs. Caring for the Memorial Service Families is an area the Program Committee currently oversees and so it makes sense to have a Coordinator included on the Program Committee. The Connectional Ministries Support Staff has been compiling the necessary information throughout the year and works with the Program Committee on details. Including the Committee on Memoirs has meant an extra step that seems unnecessary.

Streamlining this will release persons on the Committee on Memoirs to have other responsibilities in the conference.

West Michigan Conference Committee on Rules of Order, Judy Coffey, Chair

ITEM #3-R

16 SUBJECT: 17

Response to Item #3, p. 203, Book B, Establish a Michigan Area Communications Commission: AMENDMENT.

18 MOTION: 19

I move to amend Item #3 on Pages 203-204 by the additions in bold and deletions with strikethroughs below as follows:

ITEM #3 MOTION: The West Michigan Conference Leadership Team (CLT), in consultation with the Detroit Conference CLT, moves to amend the “Plan of Organization” on page 250 of the 2014 Conference Journal by replacing the current Communications Commission, effective at the close of the 2015 annual conference session, with the following: 25 Michigan Area Communications Commission 20 21 22 23 24

26 1. Accountability: The Michigan Area Communications Commission shall be amenable to the Detroit and West 27 Michigan Conference respective Conference Leadership Teams and shall submit an annual written report to 28 the two respective annual conferences.

29 2. Purpose (as per ¶646 of the 2012 BOOK OF DISCIPLINE: 30 a. To set the communication policies and editorial policy calendar for the Michigan Area and the Detroit and 31 West Michigan conferences 32 b. To identify the strategic content/messaging focus for the Michigan Area and the Detroit and West 33 Michigan conferences 34 c. To advise the dDirector of cCommunications in regard to the communications needs of the Michigan Area 35 and the Detroit and West Michigan conferences 36 d. To be a service agency to meet the communication, publication, multimedia, public and media relations, 37 interpretation and promotional needs of the Michigan Area and the Detroit and West Michigan conferences 38 3. Membership: The Michigan Area Communications Commission shall be composed of eight (8) voting 39 members, four (4) each from the two conferences nominated by respective the Committees on 40 Nominations and elected by each conference. As required in ¶646 the membership recommendations in 41 ¶610.5 shall be part of the nomination and election process. In addition the following persons shall be ex 42 officio members of the Commission with voice but not vote: 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50

a. b. c. d. e.

Bishop or representative 2 Directors of Connectional Ministries 2 Conference Leadership Team Chairs (or their designee) 2 Cabinet Deans (or their designee) 2 Lay members – one from each of the two conferences selected by the Committee on Nominations of each conference f. Director of Communication g. Senior Writer/Editor

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1 4. Organization: 2 a. The position of Chairperson and other officers of the Area Communications Commission shall be elected 3 by the voting members of the Commission and shall rotate bi-annually between the two annual 4 conferences 5 b. Additional task forces or sub-committees may be determined by the Commission the Director of 6 Communication in consultation with the Director of Communication Commission.

7 5. Meetings: There shall be three meetings annually or as otherwise called by the Director of Communication or 8 Commission chair in consultation with the Director of Communication.

9 6. Responsibilities: 10 a. Setting communications policy 11 b. Setting editorial policy direction 12 Further, The Rules of Order Committee in consultation with the Conference Secretary is hereby authorized to 13 make any necessary editorial corrections to this document and is further authorized to make any necessary 14 changes to the Plan of Organization of the Annual Conference that the adoption of this motion may require.

15 RATIONALE: 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23

As we move toward the possibility of becoming one annual conference it is important that there be a vital Commission on Communication that is broadly representative of lay and clergy from across the Michigan Area. Members of the Commission need to come from a variety of places and represent the diversity of our church, including persons from local churches. The membership categories proposed in Item #3 does not achieve this goal. Item #3 includes some who have important expertise in communications and others with knowledge about the ministries of the annual conferences. Those voices need to be at the table. The changes proposed in this Response Petition allow for that to continue and also places decisions about the communication policies and direction in the hands of lay and clergy who are elected by each annual conference.

David Lundquist, lay member, Kalamazoo First UMC Dale Hotelling, retired local pastor Bill Johnson, retired clergy David Wiltse, lay member, Aldersgate United Methodist Church Mark Thompson, clergy member / pastor, Faith United Methodist Church John Ross Thompson, retired clergy

24 25 26 27 28 29

30

ITEM #10-R

31 SUBJECT: 32

Response to Item #10, p. 208, Book B, Revised Clergy Sexual Ethics Policy for the Michigan Area: SUBSTITUTION.

33 MOTION: 34

The West Michigan and Detroit conferences shall approve this revised Clergy Sexual Ethics Policy and Guidelines for Our Life Together document.

36

Covenant of Clergy Sexual Ethics A Policy of the Detroit and West Michigan Annual Conferences

37

Preamble

38 39 40 41 42 43

This policy states expected standards of behavior and defines inappropriate sexual conduct by clergy so that we maintain healthy relationships of integrity and safety for the sake of our common ministry to the people of God in the name of Jesus Christ. It also provides guidance so that when incidents of sexual misconduct, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment are alleged, the complainant and the respondent may experience grace, justice, and reconciliation. Grace extends unconditional love while holding us accountable to the consequences of inappropriate behavior.

44

Statement of Covenant

45 46 47 48

God has called us, through the grace of Jesus Christ, into covenant with God and one another. This covenant is intended by God to be a means of reconciliation, justice, faith, hope, and love. We live out this covenant in the Church. This covenant implies that there are standards to which clergy are expected to adhere and assumes that each clergy person seeks to live according to these high standards. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ordination and membership in an Annual

35

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1 2 3 4 5

Conference in The United Methodist Church is a sacred trust.” (THE BOOK OF DISCIPLINE OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2012 ¶363) Sexual misconduct, sexual abuse, and sexual harassment of any kind is sinful behavior against God and one another. Not only does such behavior violate a person’s humanity, but also constitutes an unjust use of status and power which breaks this sacred trust. Therefore, all clergy are expected to live out the highest ethical standards regarding the role of human sexuality in all interpersonal relationships.

6

Theological & Pastoral Reflections

7 We recognize that sexuality is God’s good gift given as a birthright to all persons as a part of their fundamental 8 humanity, and we call all persons to the disciplined, responsible fulfillment of themselves, others, and society in 9 the stewardship of this gift.

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

As clergy called and set apart for leadership in the church, we have agreed “for the sake of the mission of Jesus Christ in the world” to dedicate ourselves to “exercise responsible self-control by personal habits conducive to bodily health, mental and emotional maturity, fidelity in marriage and celibacy in singleness, social responsibility, and growth in the knowledge and love of God.” (THE BOOK OF DISCIPLINE OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2012 ¶310.2d) Like any of our behaviors, our sexual behavior and relationships must comply with the highest standards of a Christ-like life. We in the church are expected to live in covenant with each other and hold each other to those standards.

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

Clergy sexual misconduct involves both a misuse of the gift of sexuality and an abuse of the power inherent in any pastoral relationship. When sexually intimate acts take place within the pastoral relationship they become tainted with ambivalence, confusion, guilt, and sometimes fear. Secrecy, which often accompanies such acts, only reinforces these feelings and further signals that there is something wrong with the relationship. Sexual relationships where one or both persons are exploitive, abusive, or promiscuous are beyond the parameters of acceptable Christian behavior and are ultimately destructive to individuals, families, churches, clergy colleagues, and the social order.

24 25 26 27 28 29

An inherent imbalance of power exists in any clergy relationship simply through the clergy role. A similar imbalance of power can also exist when one clergy supervises another clergy. The sacred trust inherent in ordination, consecration and licensing that makes effective ministry possible leaves persons in clergy relationships open, vulnerable, and predisposed to believe that clergy shall act only in ways that will contribute to those persons’ well-being. Therefore, the only appropriate and acceptable clergy response to the trust and power given them through their roles is to minister within healthy boundaries to all persons as beloved children of God.

30

Definitions

31 32 33 34 35 36

Clergy: The term “clergy” as used in this policy includes all ordained, commissioned, licensed, and consecrated persons serving in both the Detroit and West Michigan annual conferences, including those serving in extension ministries, appointments beyond the local church, on leave, honorable location, retired, and those lay persons assigned to pastoral ministry in a local church by a District Superintendent. All clergy are accountable to Christ, to THE BOOK OF DISCIPLINE OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, to the Annual Conference, to one another, and to those whom they serve.

37 Clergy Relationships: A clergy relationship exists between a clergy person and any other person 38 1. when the other person is a parishioner of a congregation to which that clergy person is currently, or was 39 previously appointed; 40 2. when the other person is mentored or supervised by, is a colleague with, or receives ministry from a clergy 41 person serving in any function for which he or she was ordained, licensed, hired or approved by the Annual 42 Conference or its representatives; 43 3. when a clergy person uses the authority of the clergy office or role in establishing a relationship with the 44 other person, including pastoral care / counseling relationships, and; 45 4. when the other person is a member of a community which recognizes the clergy person as a person in 46 ministry.

47 48 49 50 51 52

Healthy Boundaries: “Healthy boundaries provide a nurturing and safe physical, emotional, sexual and spiritual environment for individuals.” (L. Sperry, Sex, Priestly Ministry, and the Church, 2003, p.10) Clergy who practice healthy boundaries recognize that they have personal, professional, and ethical limits, understand clearly where those limitations are, and live out their ministry accordingly. Healthy boundaries are a clear reflection of our Wesleyan commitment to do no harm, to do all the good we can, and to stay in love with God. (R. Job, Three Simple Rules: A Wesleyan Way of Living, 2007)

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1 2 3 4

Clergy Sexual Misconduct: Clergy sexual misconduct occurs whenever a clergy person initiates or allows any sexual contact or behavior with a person with whom he or she has a clergy relationship and includes, but is not limited to the chargeable offenses listed in ¶2702 of the 2012 Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church.

This is further defined in Resolution #2044:

5 6 7 8 9 10

Sexual misconduct within a ministerial relationship is a betrayal of a sacred trust. It can include child abuse, adult sexual abuse, harassment, rape or sexual assault, sexualized verbal comments or visuals, unwelcome touching and advances, use of sexualized materials including pornography, stalking, sexual abuse of youth or those without capacity to consent, or misuse of the pastoral or ministerial position using sexualized conduct to take advantage of the vulnerability of another. (The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church 2012, p. 136)

11 12 13 14 15

Sexual Harassment/Impropriety: “[Is] any unwanted sexual comment, advance, or demand, either verbal or physical that is reasonably perceived by the recipient as demeaning, intimidating, or coercive…Sexual harassment includes, but is not limited to, the creation of a hostile or abusive working environment resulting from discrimination on the basis of gender.” (THE BOOK OF DISCIPLINE OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2012, ¶161.I)

16 17 18 19 20 21

“[Sexual harassment] is unwanted sexual or gender-directed behavior within a pastoral, employment, ministerial (including volunteers), mentor, or colleague relationship that is so severe or pervasive that it alters the conditions of employment or volunteer work or unreasonably interferes with the employee or volunteer’s performance by creating a hostile environment that can include unwanted sexual jokes, repeated advances, touching, displays, or comments that insult, degrade, or sexually exploit women, men, elders, children, or youth.” (The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church 2012, p. 136)

22 Sexual harassment can consist of a single intense or severe act, or of multiple persistent or pervasive acts. There 23 are many possible scenarios which could constitute sexual harassment. Each situation must be evaluated on a 24 case-by-case basis.

25 26 27 28 29 30

Sexual Abuse: Sexual abuse [in ministry] is a form of sexual misconduct and occurs when a person within a ministerial role of leadership (lay or clergy, pastor, educator, counselor, youth leader, or other position of leadership) engages in sexual contact or sexualized behavior with a congregant, client, employee, student, staff member, coworker, or volunteer.” (The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church 2012, p. 136) Sexual abuse within the ministerial relationship involves a betrayal of sacred trust, a violation of the ministerial role and exploitation of those who are vulnerable.

31 32 33 34 35 36 37

Pornography: Pornography is sexually explicit material that objectifies and dehumanizes other persons for the purposes of sexual excitement and erotic satisfaction. This includes but is not limited to material that portrays violence, abuse, coercion, domination, humiliation, or degradation for the purpose of arousal. In addition, any sexually explicit material that depicts children is pornographic and is a criminal act to access, possess, or distribute. “[T]he use of pornography in church programs, on church premises [including a parsonage] or with church property by persons in ministerial roles (lay and clergy) is a form of sexual misconduct.” (The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church 2012, p. 162)

38

Standards for Clergy Conduct

39 40 41 42 43 44

A. Clergy members of the Annual Conference are accountable for their integrity and conduct in their personal lives and professional ministries. Thus, it is inappropriate for any clergy person to use pornography, or to commit sexual misconduct of any kind, either with someone with whom they have a clergy relationship or not. A violation of our covenant with God, of clergy relationship, of clergy responsibility, and of clergy authority is abusive and unethical, which could result in the discontinuance of the clergy person’s ordained, commissioned, licensed, or consecrated status, and/or assignment.

45 46 47 48 49

B. Clergy have the responsibility for developing healthy and ethical relationships with all other persons. Married clergy have made a vow to nurture and maintain fidelity and faithfulness in their marital relationship. Single clergy must maintain appropriate conduct in dating relationships as understood in our Christian teaching, and honor their vow to maintain celibacy in singleness. (See THE BOOK OF DISCIPLINE OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2012, ¶310.2d)

50 C. A single clergy person engaging in a romantic relationship with a single person with whom he or she has a 51 clergy relationship does not necessarily commit sexual misconduct. However, the clergy person must be aware of 52 the inherent imbalance of power that he or she has in this type of clergy relationship and take full responsibility

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1 2 3 4 5

for the related potential for harm. A single clergy person entering into this type of relationship bears the burden of demonstrating that there has been no abuse of power or exploitation in the relationship, in light of all relevant factors, including the personal history and mental status of the other person and the likelihood of an adverse impact on the person or on others. If a relationship develops, the clergyperson shall consult with the Michigan Area Boundary Trainers.

6

Expectations

7 A. Clergy frequently relate to persons who are fragile and vulnerable and therefore must exercise special care: 8 1. to maintain their own psychological, emotional, and spiritual health; 9 2. to be properly and adequately prepared and educated, including continuing education, in order that they 10 may provide appropriate help for those in their care; 11 3. to seek counsel, advice, and support from Michigan Area Boundary Trainers, one’s spiritual director, 12 counselor/therapist, accountability partner/group, mentor, or D.S; 13 4. to know their own abilities and set appropriate limits beyond which they will refer those for whom they 14 provide pastoral care to other professional care givers.

15 B. Clergy shall participate in educational training programs of the Annual Conference related to Healthy 16 Boundaries and Clergy Sexual Ethics and will sign and abide by the related covenant document.

17 C. Clergy of the Annual Conference are bound to one another in a covenantal relationship of mutual 18 accountability, care, and support. Those within the clergy covenant are encouraged to prayerfully discern when it 19 is appropriate to offer caring support to colleagues who may be in need of assistance.

20

Reporting

21 22 23 24 25 26 27

A. The Church is a place for healing and justice; therefore, it must recognize, prevent, and stop sexual misconduct. As leaders in the Church, clergy in particular bear responsibility for confronting one another with knowledge of sexual misconduct since it places an unfair and unavoidable burden on the victim(s). Truth-telling may be risky and painful, and may stir up strong feelings of fear and anger for all involved. Even so, truth-telling has the power to release both offenders and victims from the secrecy, denial, and guilt that result from sexual misconduct. The Church is called to bring about reconciliation, and restoration of all parties as identified in THE BOOK OF DISCIPLINE OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2012, ¶363.1.

28 29 30 31

B. When an allegation of clergy sexual misconduct is made, all care will be taken by those involved in any investigation to determine the nature of the complaint and the appropriate response. Every complaint will be taken seriously and treated with integrity and confidentiality. THE BOOK OF DISCIPLINE OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2012 will be followed in response to all complaints.

32 C. Retaliation – It is important to protect persons who disclose clergy sexual misconduct. Retaliation against those 33 persons by anyone will not be tolerated.

34 35 36 37 38 39 40

D. Reporting – If you have experienced, become aware of, or are accused of any incidence of clergy sexual misconduct you should immediately contact the office of a District Superintendent or the Office of the Bishop.

Clergy who have experienced sexual harassment or another form of sexual misconduct by a clergy or lay person should immediately contact the office of a District Superintendent or the Office of the Bishop. These addresses and phone numbers are available in any local United Methodist Church. In addition, if an incident involves minors, the elderly, or the disabled, reporting to the Michigan Department of Human Services (855-444-3911) is also mandatory.

41 42 43 44 45 46

NOTE: This document is provided solely for the purpose of this Covenant of Clergy Sexual Ethics. The statements, reflections, definitions, standards, and expectations named herein do not create any additional chargeable offenses, nor sanction any conduct which may constitute a chargeable offense, pursuant to The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church 2012. If any provision of this policy is in conflict with The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church, The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church shall prevail. Such conflict shall not be grounds for invalidating the entire policy.

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1

Guidelines for Our Life Together

2

Michigan Area of The United Methodist Church

3 4 5 6

The Detroit and West Michigan annual conferences seek to be both proactive and preventive in responding to issues that impact the church and its mission. In response to current concerns in both the Church and the world, we have adopted the following Guidelines. Everyone in our community, both active and retired, Elders and Deacons, Licensed and Supply Pastors, are asked to uphold these Guidelines.

7 8 9 10

The West Michigan and Detroit conferences will use these Guidelines as a complement to THE BOOK OF DISCIPLINE. They address timely concerns that are not addressed in other resources. They will be utilized as an educational tool of the Board of Ordained Ministry, license certification school, for further dialogue, and at other conference trainings.

11 12 13 14

While no policies or other documents can anticipate all of the challenges and situations that may arise, the Guidelines for Our Life Together delineate key areas of personal and professional relationships, integrity, power, and conflicts of interest. These guidelines are designed to assist our community to have a common understanding of difficult issues, which may arise.

15

As clergy within the Michigan Area, we will be guided by the following:

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44

A. IN OUR PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIPS WE WILL 1. Be above reproach in all that we do; 2. Serve the members and constituents in our current appointment and not provide ministerial services elsewhere unless a consultation between the former pastor/retired pastor and the pastor under appointment determine that it is for the health and in the best interest of the congregation; 3. Keep appropriate confidences and privileged information; 4. Avoid communicating (verbal, written, and electronic) negatively about a colleague, especially our predecessor or our successor; 5. Avoid the appearance of impropriety in visitation and counseling sessions; 6. Maintain a healthy emotional and social balance and maintain boundaries between pastoral identity and self-identity, private and community life, self and others; 7. Separate our ministerial role from our personal lives in relation to those directly served by our ministry (see Standards for Clergy Conduct [C.] in the Covenant for Clergy Sexual Ethics); 8. Encourage the congregation in the care and upkeep of the parsonage, leave the church and parsonage clean and in good condition, and accept financial responsibility for damage to the parsonage beyond normal wear and tear (see Conference Parsonage policy); 9. Practice habits that encourage and promote the physical, emotional, and spiritual health of our families and ourselves.

B. IN ISSUES OF INTEGRITY WE WILL 1. Be fiscally responsible; 2. Be honest; 3. Properly represent the policy, mission, and program of the annual conference and The United Methodist Church; 4. Acknowledge sources for preaching and in written material; we will not plagiarize anotherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work; 5. As full time clergy, accept employment outside of the appointed charge only with the consent of the S/PPRC and conference cabinet (paragraph #338.1); 6. Maintain the highest ethical standards regarding the use of modern technology, avoiding even the perception of inappropriate use of the internet and understanding that email and text messaging are not a private domain and should not be treated as such;

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7. Provide pastoral services for weddings, baptisms, and funerals to church members without charge; the receipt of honoraria is acceptable.

8. Abstain from pornography and gambling in any form; 9. Abstain from misuse or abuse of alcohol and drugs, prescription or other.

C. IN REGARD TO POWER ISSUES WE WILL

6 7 8 9 10 11 12

1. Be aware of the power that is inherent in our various roles and use that power to maximize ministry opportunities that communicate worth, mutuality, and collegiality; 2. Provide ministerial services in order to build up the body of Christ; 3. Establish clear, appropriate boundaries with anyone with whom we have a ministerial, business, professional, or social relationship; 4. Not use our ministerial status, position, relationship, or authority to abuse, misguide, negatively influence, manipulate, or take advantage of anyone.

13 14

D. IN AREAS WHERE THERE MIGHT BE A CONFLICT OF INTEREST WE WILL

15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

1. Advise and refer persons to other clergy or other professionals such as lawyers, doctors, counselors, etc. when appropriate; be aware that our judgment can be impaired by prior dealings, by becoming personally involved, or by becoming an advocate for one party against another; 2. Absent ourselves at an appropriate time from discussion and decision when there is an actual or potential conflict of interest in matters affecting ourselves, our family, or our financial interests; 3. Never take advantage of anyone to whom we are providing services in order to further our personal, religious, political, financial, or business interests or those of our family; 4. Use discretion concerning the acceptance of or return of gifts for ourselves or our family; 5. Avoid using the congregation as a captive audience for products or services created or provided in a non-clergy role; 6. Not accept or confer an office, position, assignment, or receive compensation, which may present the appearance of favoritism or a conflict of interest.

27 With thanks to the West Ohio Conference of the UMC for their work in developing this document.

28 Spring 2015 29 RATIONALE: 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43

As we continue to live into the concept of clergy excellence and what that entails, it was determined that our current Clergy Sexual Ethics Policy for the Michigan Area was outdated and needing revision. A Task Force was appointed by the Bishop’s Office to complete that work. It is presented here without the possibility of amendment, as it has to be approved by both annual conferences. Also attached is an additional document entitled, “Guidelines for Our Life Together,” which is being submitted for approval for the first time. The Guidelines give ethical direction for the clergy of the Michigan Area in a more general way and provides a written document for rules that have previously been unwritten.

The Michigan Area Clergy Sexual Ethics Task Force: Rev. Laura Speiran, Co-Facilitator and Boundary Trainer for Detroit Conference Rev. David Hills, Co-Facilitator and Boundary Trainer for West Michigan Conference Rev. Scott Harmon, Detroit Conference Board of Ordained Ministry Rev. Jean Snyder, Detroit Conference Personnel Committee Rev. Eric Beck, West Michigan Board of Ordained Ministry Rev. Ellen Zienert, West Michigan Conference Personnel Committee

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ITEM #11-R

2 SUBJECT: 3

Response to Item #11, p. 211, Book B, Replacement Conference Abuse Prevention Policy: AMENDMENT.

4 MOTION: 5

The Abuse Prevention Policy be amended as submitted to the Annual Conference with these additions and changes: Page 212, Line 52 - Section I-C- 4 to read: “The applicant shall be a member of and/or participate in a ministry setting for a period of at least six months “immediately” prior to application.

Page 214, Line 36 - Section 1-F-4 be added to read: Within 7 days of the completion of the event, copies of the application, references, verification of Abuse Training will be submitted to the Conference Center for Confidential purposes and shall remain at the Conference for a period of three years.

Page 219, Line 8 - Section VI-B to read: The Abuse Prevention Team may temporarily adjust this Policy between sessions of Annual Conference as needed in consultation with the “Director of Connectional Ministries” or designated Conference staff person. Annual conference approval is necessary to make these revisions permanent.

Page 219, Line 17 - Section VII to read: This policy shall be effective September 1, 2015, for all Conference-related functions, events or activities.

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

19 RATIONALE: These changes to the Replacement Conference Abuse Prevention Policy will modify specific areas 20 that need further clarification.

West Michigan Conference Abuse Prevention Team: Nona L. Spackman, Chair Paula Damkoehler, James Paparella, Margaret Goerke

21 22 23

24

ITEM #24-R

25 SUBJECT: 26

Response to Item #24, p. 227, Book B, Guidelines for Equitable Compensation Support: AMENDMENT.

27 MOTION: 28 29

Item #24 in the Decision Items book, labelled, “Guidelines for Equitable Compensation Support” shall be amended by the insertion of a new paragraph prior to the existing point “4. Multi-church charges…” The new paragraph will read:

30 31 32 33 34 35

“4. When a charge appointment has an average combined attendance of less than 134 and the churches in that appointment are not paying their ministry shares, the cabinet will provide a written statement to the Commission on Equitable Compensation concerning the rational for the alignment. Some examples of reasons for an alignment with less than 134 may be missional in nature or temporary transitional needs of churches and communities.”

36

Following the insertion of this paragraph the remaining paragraphs shall be renumbered.

37 RATIONALE: 38 39 40

While the specific minimum numbers have changed over the years, we have had a similar policy for a long time. This amendment will provide accountability for the policy. It should not be surprising when a charge is not able to pay their ministry shares if they do not have the resources provided by the recommended minimum average attendance.

41 42 43

“Support without accountability promotes moral weakness; accountability without support is a form of cruelty.” – General Rules & Social Principles, BOOK OF DISCIPLINE OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

44 45 46

Don Buege, clergy member / pastor Fife Lake/East Boardman/South Boardman UMCs West Michigan Annual Conference

47

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CORPORATE SESSION

2

ITEM #CS-I

2015

3 SUBJECT:

Discontinuation of North Evart United Methodist Church.

4 MOTION: 5 6

Whereas, the remaining members of North Evart United Methodist Church held a final service of worship on January 5th, 2014, to enter into a time of prayer and discernment regarding the future of their congregation, and;

7 8 9

Whereas, the District Committee on Church Location & Building, having previously inspected the church building and given multiple factors approved of a potential decision to discontinue;

10 11

Whereas, the remaining members of North Evart United Methodist Church, at a Special Church Conference called on April 29th, 2014, voted unanimously to discontinue, and;

12 13 14 15

Whereas, the Special Church Conference approved a motion empowering the remaining Trustee(s) to liquidate and distribute the remaining assets of the congregation to other United Methodist ministries, including remaining cash assets and proceeds from the sale of the real property located at 8985 90th Ave, Evart, MI;

16 17 18

Now therefore, in accordance with ¶2549.2 of THE BOOK OF DISCIPLINE OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, I move the discontinuance of North Evart United Methodist Church, located at 8985 90th Ave, Evart, MI, effective May 1st, 2014.

19 20

David F. Hills, Heartland District Superintendent of the West Michigan Annual Conference

21

ITEM #CS-II

22 SUBJECT:

Discontinuation of North Star United Methodist Church.

23 MOTION: 24 25

Whereas, the District Committee on Church Location & Building, having previously inspected the church building, and given multiple factors approved of a potential future decision to discontinue, and;

26 27

Whereas, the remaining members of North Star United Methodist Church, at a Special Church Conference called on March 29th, 2015, voted unanimously to discontinue, and;

28 29 30 31

Whereas, the Special Church Conference approved a motion empowering the remaining Trustee to liquidate and distribute the remaining assets of the congregation to other United Methodist ministries, including remaining cash assets and proceeds from the sale of the real property located in North Star, MI, and;

32 33

Whereas, the remaining members of North Star United Methodist Church held a final “Legacy Service” of worship on May 31st, 2015;

34 35 36

Now therefore, in accordance with ¶2549.2 of THE BOOK OF DISCIPLINE OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, I move the discontinuance of North Star United Methodist Church, located in North Star, MI, effective June 1st, 2015.

37 38

David F. Hills, Heartland District Superintendent of the West Michigan Annual Conference

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ITEM #CS-III

2 SUBJECT:

Discontinuation of Sonoma United Methodist Church.

3 MOTION: 4 5 6

In accordance with ¶2549.2a, THE BOOK OF DISCIPLINE OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2012, the West Michigan Annual Conference declares the Sonoma United Methodist Church located at 4790 Capital Ave. SW, Battle Creek, MI, 49015, discontinued effective June 5, 2015.

7 RATIONALE: 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

Sonoma United Methodist Church had a long history of worshipping God and serving Christ in the area southwest of Battle Creek, MI. After many years of slow decline, the congregation determined they no longer had the leadership necessary to be a viable local church. They held their final worship service on June 29, 2014. By affirmation of Bishop Deborah Lieder Kiesey, the WMC Appointive Cabinet, and the Albion District Board of Church Location and Building, the church was declared abandoned per THE BOOK OF DISCIPLINE. The congregation approved the following: their share of the parsonage was freely given to their sister church, Newton UMC; the church building and contents were sold to Grace Fellowship Baptist Church; proceeds from the sale of the church were divided among Wesley Woods Camp, The Methodist Children’s Home in Detroit, and several Battle Creek ministries that feed the hungry and house homeless women.

Tamara Williams, Albion District Superintendent of the West Michigan Annual Conference

17 18

19

ITEM #CS-IV

20 SUBJECT:

Discontinuation of Trinity United Methodist Church.

21 MOTION: 22 23 24

In accordance with ¶2549.2a of THE BOOK OF DISCIPLINE, the West Michigan Annual Conference Cabinet moves that the West Michigan Annual Conference declare Trinity United Methodist Church (located at 7533 West St. Joe Hwy., Lansing, MI 48917) discontinued effective June 15, 2015.

25 RATIONALE: 26 27 28 29 30 31

Trinity UMC was created in 1962 from the merger of three churches, Millet, Bethel, and Delta Center. The church, over the years, engaged in fruitful ministry that positively impacted the communities in and around Lansing and touched and transformed numerous lives. In its heyday, Trinity UMC had an average worship attendance of more than 750 people and was the fasting growing church in the annual conference. On Christmas and Easter, worship attendance would often surpass a thousand. In addition, the numbers of people who have entered ministry from this church are numerous. Trinity indeed has planted many seeds for the kingdom of God.

32 33 34 35 36

However, decisions made in 2009-2010 led to significant conflict which resulted in a dramatic loss in worship attendance and the loss of some 60% of Trinity’s giving base. As a result, Trinity began to default on a $2.75 million loan, which had been taken out for a building expansion.

Trinity eventually reached a state of chronic default. In 2012, their bank asked that the church enter into agreements related to the default on the debt.

37 38 39 40 41 42

A subordination agreement subordinated the UMC trust clause to the loan. A forbearance agreement allowed that the bank would forego foreclosure in exchange for Trinity meeting certain benchmarks (which Trinity consistently missed). Trinity also signed a quitclaim deed and an agreement regarding the deed in lieu of foreclosure, which allowed the bank to place Trinity’s deed in escrow. Many of these agreements, which were not reviewed by legal counsel, named the annual conference as a party.

43 44 45 46 47 48

Because of Trinity’s dire financial situation, Rev. Dr. Steven J. Buck, Trinity’s interim pastor (appointed July 1, 2014), requested a study of the viability of the church based on ¶213 in THE BOOK OF DISCIPLINE. That process began on September 16, 2014 and uncovered numerous issues, including financial malfeasance and mismanagement, a lack of accountability by staff, a tolerance of unethical behavior on the part of some staff, and a widespread failure to follow disciplinary procedures which resulted in the disempowerment of the laity. In addition, the process made clear

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1 2 3

that the congregation was not financially viable. Trinity’s leadership reviewed the findings of the study and consulted with the Director of New Church Start and Congregational Development to determine the possibility of a restart. That was determined to be unfeasible.

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

On April 28, 2015, Trinity UMC voted at a church conference to sell its building to Riverview Church and to discontinue as a congregation. The Lansing District Board of Church Location and Building voted to affirm the discontinuance, as did Bishop Deborah Lieder Kiesey and the West Michigan Annual Conference Cabinet. Riverview Church will take possession of the building after closing on June 15, 2015, and Trinity’s last worship service will be June 7. Other Lansing District churches have extended a welcome to members of Trinity, and all members of the church will be contacted to have their membership either transferred or withdrawn.

11 12

Kennetha J. Bigham-Tsai, Lansing District Superintendent West Michigan Annual Conference Cabinet

13

ITEM #CS-V

14 SUBJECT:

Discontinuation of Sebewa Center United Methodist Church.

15 MOTION: 16 17 18

In accordance with ¶2549.3 of THE BOOK OF DISCIPLINE, the West Michigan Annual Conference Cabinet moves that the West Michigan Annual Conference acknowledge Sebewa Center United Methodist Church (located at 12018 Shilton Rd., Portland, MI 48875) abandoned effective December 31, 2014.

19 RATIONALE: 20 21 22 23 24

Over the years, Sebewa Center has provided a variety of ministries to its community. However, after completing a study of its viability according to paragraph 213 of the DISCIPLINE, Sebewa Center’s leadership decided to end worship on December 31, 2014. By affirmation of Bishop Deborah Lieder Kiesey, the WMAC Cabinet and the Lansing District Board of Church Location and Building, the church was declared abandoned, its property sold, and its assets distributed to local missions.

25 26 27

Kennetha J. Bigham-Tsai, Lansing District Superintendent West Michigan Annual Conference Cabinet

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Report and Recommendations of the Rules of Order Committee Under Rules 1.C.3(a) & (b) and 1.D.1(a) regarding 2015 Petitions for Changes in the Rules of Order and Plan of Organization Rules Committee Recommendation Rule 1.C.3(b) and .D.1(a)

Proposed Rules of Order Changes: Item 1 Item 1R Item 2

Page 202 Page 305 Page 203 Rule 27

Rules of Order: Amendments to Various Rules Rules of Order: Addition of Numbers 9-13 to Item 1 Limit for Speeches: Amendment

Concur Concur Concur

Proposed Plan of Organization Changes: Under Rule 1.C.3(a) the Rules of Order Committee is “… responsible for seeing that the Plan of Organization is in conformity with the Discipline.” The Committee has reviewed the proposed changes to the Plan of Organization listed below and finds that they each conform to the requirements of THE BOOK OF DISCIPLINE. Item 3 Item 3R Item 4 Item 8

Page 203 Page 306 Page 204 Page 206

Establish a Michigan Area Communications Commission Amendments to Item 3 Add Christian Unity Liaison to Board of Church & Society Create a New Corporation to Administer Michigan Area Camp, Campgrounds, and Retreat Ministries Judy Coffey, Chair, Rules of Order Committee

Report and Recommendations of the Committee on General Conference Petitions Under Rule 36(C)(2) The Conference Committee on General Conference Petitions reviewed each of the eight proposed General Conference petitions found on pages 228-233 of the Decisions Items Book and make the following recommendations for concurrence, concurrence with amendment or non-concurrence on each petition as indicated below: Item GC101

Page 228 Concurrence with Amendment as follows: Amend paragraphs 32 and 602.4: “If the lay membership of the annual conference should number less than the clergy members of the annual conference, the average number of clergy members in attendance at the three previous annual conference sessions, the annual conference shall, by its own formula, provide for the election of additional lay members to equalize lay membership and with the three year average clergy attendance at membership of the annual conference. “ As amended it would then read as follows: Amend paragraphs 32 and 602.4: “If the lay membership of the annual conference should number less than the average number of clergy members in attendance at the three previous annual conference sessions, the annual conference shall, by its own formula, provide for the election of additional lay members to equalize lay membership with the three year average clergy attendance at the annual conference. “

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Page 228 Concurrence with Amendment as follows: I move that the Conference Secretary forward move the following petition to the 2016 General Conference on behalf of the West Michigan Annual Conference.

There is no longer a common Christian teaching with regards to sexual orientation. Therefore, it would be improper for The United Methodist Church to continue to consider it “incompatible with Christian teaching.” As such, Bbe it resolved that the General Conference shall remove all such language “that homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching”, and all language which is derived from this concept, is to be removed from the 2016 Book of Discipline. This shall include, but is not limited to, the areas of compatibility with Christian teaching, marriage, ordination and chargeable offenses. These changes include: (The rest of #102 remains unchanged) As amended it would then read as follows: “I move that the Conference Secretary forward the following petition to the 2016 General Conference on behalf of the West Michigan Annual Conference.

Be it resolved that the General Conference shall remove all language “that homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching”, and all language which is derived from this concept, from the 2016 Book of Discipline. This shall include, but is not limited to, the areas of compatibility with Christian teaching, marriage, ordination and chargeable offenses. These changes include: (The rest of #102 remains unchanged)

GC103 GC104 GC105 GC106 GC107 GC108

230 231 231 232 232 232

Non-Concurrence (In favor of GC#102) Non-Concurrence (In favor of GC#102) Non-Concurrence Non-Concurrence (In favor of GC#102) Non-Concurrence (In favor of GC#102) Concurrence ________________________________________

Further Comments Regarding GC #102-106: The Conference Committee on General Conference Petitions acknowledges that our Annual Conference, other conferences and indeed the whole United Methodist family has struggled with and debated for over 40 years how to officially express its beliefs regarding human sexuality and full inclusion for all within the life and ministry of the church. United Methodists have not been of one mind about this. We are mindful that as the 2016 General Conference occurs less than a year from now several new proposals are currently being developed across the connection that will seek to address this continuing issue by offering a new way. Regrettably none of these proposals had reached the point where specific legislation was available by the deadlines of our General Conference Petition process. If they had been our Committee would likely have proposed one of them as an alternative in order to engage our conference in discussion about the possibilities of a new approach to this critical issue affecting the life and in some ways the future of The United Methodist Church. It is possible that some of these proposals will be available by the time we arrive at Conference.

If so our Committee will review these new proposals and consider offering an alternative recommendation for the Annual Conference to consider.

General Conference Petitions Committee David Lundquist, Chair Laurie Dahlman Deb Fennell Laurie Haller Benton Heisler Mary Ivanov Ryan Minier Kennetha Bigham-Tsai

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Report of the Board of Pension and Health Benefits RE: Item #15, p. 222, Book B, Cost of Health Insurance.

The Board of Pension and Health Benefits understands the serious nature of the cost issues of the Conference Health Insurance Program for our clergy and conference staff and the motivation for this petition. However, there are numerous related issues and adverse consequences which could result from a mandated cost reduction amount which must be considered by the Board before it can make a determination to support the action proposed under petition Item #15.

The Board has worked diligently to control the cost of the WMC Self-funded Medical Benefit Plan while maintaining competitive health benefits for active clergy, staff and their families.

The following changes have been made to the WMC Self-funded Medical Benefit Plan by the Board for cost containment purposes during the past 5 years:       

revised the plan funding method from a fully insured group plan to an experienced based self-funded group plan (with maximum claims insurance coverage for both Aggregate and Specific Loss); implemented changes in benefit coverages and participant premium contribution schedule in 2011; implemented a complete restructure of the prescription drug benefit coverage in 2012 and 2013; implemented a Wellness incentive program for the long term goal of improving the health of participants and thereby reducing medical expenses as well; implemented the Medtipster Generic Drug Benefit Plan under the prescription drug benefit coverage to provide cost free generic medications to participants and also to achieve long-term cost savings to the Medical Plan; changed the pharmacy benefit manager from Express Scripts to 4D Pharmacy Management in 2014 to improve customer service and to reduce cost.

Other fine tuning changes have also been made from year to year to contain the WMC Self-funded Plan cost and minimize the annual premium cost increases to the churches and participants. Despite the increased costs to the Plan associated with the Affordable Care Act required changes, in the last couple of years we have been able to contain coverage costs to approximately 5% increases, while maintaining competitive benefits. In the health care market, it is not uncommon to have upwardly spiraling medical costs between 10% to 20% year over year. Furthermore, because of the older average age and the health of our clergy the health care costs to our Plan are greater than those of the average health care plan.

Significant Cost Savings Realized Through Self-funding Plan Benefits The Board has realized significant cost savings under the WMC Medical Benefit Plan for active clergy by selffunding the benefit coverages provided under this plan over the past five years.

The Conference and churches are currently saving at least $500,000 to $750,000 in the annual premium costs for the same medical and prescription drug benefit coverage levels under a conventional fully insured group medical insurance plan.

The annual premium savings under the self-funding approach are achieved through:  lower administrative costs;  avoidance of premium risk and profit margin charges which would be applied by the insurance company under a fully insured plan; and  the ability to independently select and engage the pharmacy benefit manager to provide cost efficiencies under the prescription drug benefit coverage.

Adverse Impact on Clergy Recruitment and Retention A mandated reduction amount in the cost structure of the WMC Medical Benefit Plan would result in unintended consequence that could adversely impact the Conference’s and Church’s ability to attract/recruit and retain qualified clergy to fill the pulpits in local churches.

The inability to recruit qualified clergy or the loss of our more qualified clergy to other conferences and/or other denominations will contribute to the further decline in membership and financial giving levels of the local churches. This results in a catch-22 situation for the Conference and the churches.

Potential Cost Reduction Measures to Achieve 15% Premium Reduction Target It is important to understand what a 15% premium reduction would mean. We would need to carve out approximately $798,000 in 2015, $837,000 in 2016 and $876,400 in 2017 in order to translate to that level of

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savings. Since 98% of the Plan costs come from benefit payments, and since we can’t meaningfully negotiate with medical care providers in the state for lower charges, the main alternative for reducing costs is to re-design the benefit coverage – i.e., to lower the level of benefit coverage for clergy and staff. Some areas of coverage are mandated by the government, but there are other areas we would have to pursue. These would include some combination of implementation of the following:          

Elimination of Dental and Vision Benefit Programs Substantial increase in participant premium contribution particularly for dependent coverage Eliminate dependent coverage Increase of deductible and co-insurance payment Potential elimination of out-of-network medical benefit coverages.

Increase of the out-of-pocket copayment costs for physician office visits.

Substantial increase in maximum annual out-of-pocket medical expense limits for individual and families.

Increase in drug copayment under the Prescription Drug Benefit Coverage.

Modification of Medtipster Generic Drug Program.

Higher surcharge payments by churches with nonparticipating clergy

Conclusion There is no magic approach or solution that will reduce the cost structure of the WMC Medical Plan and make the medical costs diminish or disappear. The proposed mandated 15% premium reduction can only be achieved by fundamental plan design changes that could result in undetermined or unintended negative consequences.

The restructuring of the WMC Medical Plan to accomplish the mandated cost savings of 15% would be a comprehensive project which would require a minimum of six to eight months to complete. This project would have to become the top priority for the Board and its consultants over the next 12 months.

This project development work would undoubtedly divert the focus and attention of the Board from other objectives, including our ongoing conversations to possibly align the benefit programs of the two conferences to the same level.

The Board does not recommend approval of Petition Item #15 without further study and determination by the Board.

Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits Louis Grettenberger, Chair-Board of Pension and Health Benefits Deborah Fennell, Chair-Health Care Committee Pros Tumonong, Treasurer and Benefits Officer

Report of the Council on Finance and Administration RE: Item #16, p. 222, Book B, Fix Ministry Shares at 10% beginning 2016.

The Council on Finance and Administration (CFA) believes in financially healthy congregations and understands the serious nature of this Petition. The CFA is charged with the primary responsibility under ¶613 of the 2012 BOOK OF DISCIPLINE, “To recommend to the annual conference for its action and determination budgets of anticipated income and proposed expenditures for all funds that provide for annual conference clergy support, annual conference administrative expenses, and annual conference benevolence and program causes.”

In compliance with this responsibility, the CFA has submitted the 2016 proposed conference budget (see Item #14). The proposed budget includes a reduction in the effective Ministry Shares Rate from 13.25% to 13.00% which is 6% or $370,000 lower than the 2015 budget. CFA intends to pursue a judicious path of further reducing the Ministry Shares Rate to 10% over a 3 to 4 year period. Reducing the Ministry Shares Rate to 10% immediately in 2016 would result in total expenditures budget cut of at least $800,000.

The unintended consequences of the drastic action proposed under Item 16 would have a serious negative impact on the ability of the annual conference to function effectively as it is called to do in The United Methodist Church.

The CFA does not recommend approval of this petition.

Council on Finance and Administration Susan Cobb, President Pros Tumonong, Conference Treasurer & Benefits Officer

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Petitions Process for the Four Michigan Area Petitions This year there are some petitions that are unique to our ‘usual’ process. Your Rules of Order Committee and AC Program Committee leadership wants you to be aware of the process they have outlined to help the Conference address these items:  Item # 3 MI Area Communications Commission will travel the usual process.  Item #8 Create an Area Corporation to Administer MI Area Camping and Retreat Ministries: o It will be assigned to one Legislative Committee for amendment, debate and voting. o If it passes with no amendments and 90% or more in favor, it would land on the Consent Calendar. If that occurs there will be a request to remove it from the Consent Calendar in order to take a written, sealed vote. (If Item #1 passes, there will need to be 15 signatures to remove it from the Consent Calendar.) o If it doesn’t land on the Consent Calendar or once it is removed as stated above, there will be a motion to suspend the rules to take a written, sealed ballot, to be counted on June 10.  Item #9 Creation of one new Annual Conference: o During the Thursday evening opening plenary, there will be a motion to “suspend the rules” so that the Conference will:  Consider Item #9 in all Legislative Committees for discussion, using the questions provided with no voting.  Allow no amendments or substitute motions to the resolution as printed.  In full plenary take a written, sealed ballot to be opened and counted on June 10.  Item #10 Clergy Sexual Ethics Policy and its replacement Response Petition #10R will travel the usual process.

We trust that this information in advance will help you understand the process as we move through it, or as we take whatever process the Conference and our Rules of Order dictate.

Who can vote?

Who can vote for Annual Conference business?

Annual Conference business is best defined as items in the Decision Items or Final Information Books, any Response Petitions, as well as any items that may come up during our conference business.

Lay persons If you are a lay person elected by your congregation, as a district member-at-large or you have a position under our Rules of Order or Plan of Organization as Lay Equalization, you are a member of this conference and you have the right to voice and vote. (Diaconal ministers and deaconesses also vote as lay persons.)

Clergy If you are clergy, defined as local pastors under appointment, deacons, provisional members, associate members, affiliate members and full elders, you have the right to voice and vote.

Student pastors, retired local pastors and elder members from another conference have voice, but no vote.

Questions at AC? You can find: • Greg Buchner, West Michigan Annual Conference Secretary • Judy Coffey, Chairperson of Committee on Rules of Order • Laura Witkowski, Conference Facilitator • Your District Superintendent

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Guiding Questions for Discussion in Legislative Committees Related to Item #9 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Creation of a New Michigan Area Conference of The UMCâ&#x20AC;?

What needs clarification for you related to this motion?

What benefits and new possibilities do you believe this might bring?

What losses or concerns does this potential change raise for you?

What key points do you hope are lifted up during the discussion and debate on the plenary floor at annual conference before the vote is taken?