I am old enough and Methodist enough to remember the days of the Quarterly Conference, although as I recall we only held 2 quarterly conferences per year in our church. There was a time when the majority of the business of the local church was conducted at four meetings each year. Gradually over time this structure was changed and at the present time there is one business meeting held annually called a Charge Conference. This meeting allows the church to have meaningful contact with the District Superintendent (called a Presiding Elder in the olden days), is a time elect church officers,set the Pastor's salary, recommend candidates for the ministry and lay speaking, and to present various reports related to the work of the church. Some folks dread these meetings and feel they are outdated and not necessary.
Here's what the Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church says about the the matter,the Charge Conference “shall be the connecting link between the local church and the general Church and shall have general oversight of the church [in our case, Administrative] council.” The voting membership in a Charge Conference includes all attending people who are Administrative Council members, and any retired ordained ministers and diaconal ministers who hold their membership with a church. The Discipline encourages us to have the make-up of the council as inclusive as possible, to represent all segments of our congregation, including youth. A Charge Conference is required to be held annually. The district superintendent presides or may designate an elder to preside.
At our charge conference this year, the District Superintendent challenged the participants to answer two questions. There was a wonderful time of sharing and expressing joy about the ministry of the Norton United Methodist Church during the previous year.
QUESTION 1 Who are some of the "somewhere out there" people you and your church are reaching?
Each week 30 or more persons attend an NA group which meets at the Norton Church. The church provides this space but more importantly welcome and validation. From time to time the group is provided with snacks and they are always invited to church functions such as picnics and dinners. Members from the NA present a program and share with the congregation at least two times a year. We held a "Recovery Church" event this year and cooperate with "Celebrate Recovery" and other community outreach activities. On the night of the charge conference a "Recovery Walk" originated from the Norton Cinema and concluded with an evening meal at the Norton Church. Over 40 persons participated in the walk to show support for substance abuse recovery efforts.
The Norton NAMI was organized by two members of our congregation to meet the unique needs of friends and family members of persons who have experienced mental illness. The support group meets monthly an provides vital support, guidance and assistance but most of all understanding and acceptance. The Norton NAMI has plans to sponsor a clergy training event in the region to assist clergy and religious leaders in learning how to provie ministry to persons impacted by mental illness.
The weekly morning worship service at Mt. View Regional Medical Center attracts 20 or more residents each week. It is a unique blessing that some residents have family and friends who attend so that they can experience worship together. We lead a monthly singing event and this has created partnerships with other churches to expand the Christian influence and provide stronger and more effective outreach to the residents of the Center.
For the past to summers we have been in partnership with the First Baptist Church and the Norton Church of God to provide a city wide Vacation Bible School event. The Bible School attracts nearly 100 children and youth each summer.
We have been able to assist 15 families in need by providing tangible support, comfort and assistance. When the church receives a call for help from a community person, we always respond by providing supportive assistance, referral to other sources of help and tangible help if need is demonstrated.
We held a Gospel Singing "Bluegrass Gospel Winterfest" in February to raise fnds for the Wise County/Norton Food Bank. This event provided opportunities for fellowship, networking and worship in addition to money and canned for which was given to the food bank for distribution.
We are learning how to invite other people to attend and participate in the activities of the church. Last year 11 persons became new members of the church and all of these folks are continuing to be very active and involved. Recently a family brought a young man who was living in the domestic violence shelter, he came for 2 Sundays, seemed to really enjoy the fellowship and activity of the church. We are thankful for all opportunities to invite persons into the Kingdom of God.
Over 15 years ago the Norton Church started a community Thanksgiving meal outreach and this continues. Last year over 400 meals were provided. The project now has active involvement from many other churches and the project provides outreach and opportunities for fellowship and networking.
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