• The Rev. Tom Robinson, District Superintendent, called Conference to order
• Jean Stevens, Vice President of Executive Committee of Board of Missions and Church Extension, sketched the work of the Board and introduced members of the Executive Committee. She presented a proposed amendment to the Board's by-laws which will designate the District Conference Nominating Committee as the nominating committee for the Board. The amendment will be voted on at the Fall Annual Meeting on October 4, 1999 at First United Methodist Church in Midland.
• Dr. Kenneth Christler, outgoing Chair of the Council on Ministries, and Beth Pelkey, incoming Chair, received approval of a proposal to restructure the Council. Highlights of the restructuring:
  • The work of the DCOM will be cordinated by a Leadership Team.
  • The work of the DCOM will be divided into three ministry teams:
    • Discipleship
    • Faith Resourcing (nuture)
    • Outreach.
  • The Leadership Team will consist of the
    • Chairperson
    • Secretary
    • District Superintendent
    • Lay Leader
    • Project Director
    • the 3 Ministry Team Leaders
  • Each ministry team will have 5-7 members.
  • The Discipleship Team will have responsibilities for
    • Lay Speaking
    • United Methodist Men
    • Communication
    • Evangelism
    • Stewardship
    • Worship
  • The Faith Resourcing Team will have responsibilities for
    • Christian Education
    • Outdoor Education
    • Youth Ministry
    • Family Ministry
    • Adult Ministry
  • The Outreach Team will have responsibilities for
    • United Methodist Women
    • Town and Country
    • Urban Work
    • Missions
    • UMCOR/Hunger/Disaster Relief
    • Peace & Justice Ministries
    • Emerging Ministries
• Tom Robinson received approval to finish the work of the Nominating Committee based on the new structure.
• Ken Christler received approval of a budget of $20,375 for the year 2000. The budget will be apportioned to the churches of the District.
• Tom Robinson gave his reflections on his first year as District Superintendent. He was impressed with the expressions of faith which he experienced and was proud that we led the Detroit Annual Conference in percentage of churches meeting apportionments. The biggest needs are in doing more with youth, finding better ways of conflict resolution, and sponsoring a mission gathering celebration.

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