ANNUAL MEETING MINUTES OCTOBER 7, 2023

Resurrection UMC

Hastings, Minnesota

 

After Gathering songs led by Elizabeth Everitt, President Cindy Saufferer welcomed the members, and gave a Land Acknowledgement. Resurrection UMC’s United Women in Faith co-presidents Nancy Hoffman and Joann Vaughan and Pastor Mark Miller welcomed us to the church. Christie Brown led a worship service. Special music was provided by Craig Wasner, Pastor Mark, and Tami Miller.

 

Business Meeting

 

President Cindy called the meeting to order at 9:43. Linda Brinster, Conference secretary asked for the roll to be called. Big Waters (14), North Star (2), River Valley (29), Southern Prairie (3), Twin Cities (13), Total: 61

 

Secretary Linda Brinster reviewed the highlights of the meeting minutes of the 2022 Annual Meeting, printed in the program. The minutes were accepted as printed.

 

Treasurer’s Report: Linda Oberg shared the 2022 Financial report, as printed in today’s program, it comes as a recommendation from the Executive Committee and needs no motion or second, we asked for approval of the body. Approval given. The report will be filed for audit. Linda gladly reported the Minnesota Conference exceeded its pledge.

 

Linda reviewed the proposed 2024 A&MD budget of $44,595.00, the proposed 2024 Pledge to Mission of $101,000 and the proposed 2024 ENS goal of $ 43,300. The 2024 AM&D budget, Pledge to Mission and Emma Norton Services Goal come as recommendations from the Conference Executive Committee and do not need a motion or second, Cindy asked voice vote to approve all three. The membership in attendance voted yes unanimously.

 

Standing Rules: Shirley Durr, chair of the Committee on Standing Rules walked us through the changes as printed in the last Fresh Connection and in today’s program. All changes are recommendations from the Executive Committee and do not need a motion or second. Approval was given by voice vote.

 

Chair of the Committee on Nomination, Mary Reetz presented their report. Marion Hansen, as Conference President Year 1, Term 1, and Sophia Mahowald as Conference Secretary Year 1, Term 1 Seeing no other nominations from the floor. Cindy asks for a motion to cast a unanimous ballot. Kim Harris so moved. Shirley Durr seconded the motion. Cindy called for the slate to be approved by voice vote. Motion carried. Elected Officers remaining in office are Linda Oberg, Treasurer Term 2, Year 2 and Mary Reetz, Chair of Nominations Year 3. Approval given from the floor. Affirmation for appointed officers was given from the floor. Minnesota will send 4 voting delegates to North Central Jurisdiction, the Executive Committee recommended Myrna Kuehl, Melinda Kohrt, Linda Kotschevar and Cindy Saufferer to serve as delegates. Cindy asked for and received approval from the floor.

 

President Cindy Saufferer adjourned the meeting at 10:24.

 

Program: “A Legacy of Bold Giving” 

 

Deaconess Christi Compos, who serves as the Executive for Development and Donor Relations for the National office of UWFaith, shared news about and purpose of The Legacy Endowment Fund and 1869 Society. And how to put the “Fun” into Fundraising. 

 

Emma Norton Scholarship Fund: Myrna Kuehl explained that Emma Norton’s original intent for the scholarship was to help women seeking training for full time Christian vocation, not just women attending seminary. 

 

Elizabeth Evert, Chair of Committee on Nominations for the North Central Jurisdiction UWFaith invited all our members to attend the Jurisdiction Event in Indianapolis Indiana, May 30-June 2. There are scholarships available from Minnesota UWFaith Conference and North Central Jurisdiction UWFaith. 

 

Financial Interpretation: Linda Kotschevar

 

Offering & Prayer: Linda Oberg

 

Grace: Elizabeth Everitt.

 

Break for Lunch.

 

Pledge Service: Linda Oberg

 

Campaign for Restoring Waters: Shawna Nelson-Wills gave us the latest news regarding Emma Norton Services and Restoring Waters. The building should be complete by April 2024 and the capital campaign is at about 75% of reaching its goal.

 

Officer Recognition: Mary Reetz

 

Officer Installation: Christi Campos

 

Thank you & Announcements: Linda Kotschevar

 

Closing Worship: Pastor Mark Miller

 

Your Sister in Christ, Linda Brinster, Secretary Minnesota United Women in Faith