Sunday, November 18, 2007
Tinney Chapel Charge Conference 11-18-07
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Tinney Chapel United Methodist Church
Annual Charge Conference
I Love to Tell the Story
November 18, 2007 By Elaine Knoop, Recording Secretary
The annual charge conference of Tinney Chapel was called to order at 10:00 a.m. by Dr. Keith Boone, District Superintendent of the Paris-Sulphur Springs District. There were 28 members in attendance. Dr. Boone brought greetings from Bishop Alfred Norris.
Our opening hymn was the first two verses of I Love to Tell the Story. Dr. Boone explained to the congregation the meaning and purpose of “Holy Conferencing." He went on to explain that we all have stories to tell: We tell about Tinney Chapel and how God has worked in our lives; we tell how the Good News changes our lives forever; and we have a method to go out and make disciples of all people.
The congregation then had an opportunity to share the telling of our stories. Joe Dan Boyd, speaking for Carolyn Beavers, told the story of O.A.S.I.S. (Older Adults Still in Service) and how back in 2005 this group was formed and became a part of Tinney Chapel. They meet monthly and have guest speakers or play games. Because it is important fellowship for those who live alone, they always share in a meal.
Ronny Ellison spoke about our Native American Fellowship. This is another organization that came about from a need within the church. Many of our members are of Native American descent and they needed a way to share their stories with one another and with the community. They meet in the Family Life Center on the third Thursday of each month.
Elaine Knoop spoke for the Missions Committee, and for the month of November the church is participating in a blanket drive. We ended up collecting 45 blankets and these were taken to the "Blessing Box" in Winnsboro where they will be handed out to those needing a warm blanket this winter. In December the church has been asked by the Blessing Box to collect canned hams, bags of rice, and bags of beans. These three items will be packaged together to be handed out by the Blessing Box to those in need.
Peggy Boyd told the congregation about the two Bible Studies that were held for the ladies this past year. The first was "The Life Changing Power in the Name of Jesus", and the second was, "The Life Changing Power in the Blood". Peggy also told of the many blessing received by working as a team member for "Residents Encounter Christ" at the Johnston Unit here in Winnsboro. Tinney Chapel has had seven members work on the teams this past year.
We shared our stories and then the congregation joined in singing the third verse of I Love to Tell the Story.
Our 2008 budget was presented by Zonnie Griffin, Chair of the Finance Committee. We have a projected income for 2008 of $80,000 and a projected budget of $83,662. We have no doubt that we will meet our budget.
Rev. Duncan Graham then gave a report on the Leadership for 2008 (see the related posting on our church’s lay leadership) and told Tinney Chapel's story of how we paid off the mortgage of our new Family Life Center this year as well as building new offices in the old fellowship hall for the Pastor and the Church Secretary. Tinney Chapel is truly blessed and will have many more stories to tell in the future.
Dr. Boone gave closing comments and apologized for scheduling our Charge Conference during our regular Sunday School time. We want him to come next time when he can stay for lunch with us. Dr. Boone reminded us of a quote by Billy Graham, who said, "Methodist was the greatest denomination that had fallen asleep, and we need to wake up". Dr. Boone also spoke about retirement and reminded us that we can retire from our professions, but we "can not retire from God's service, we are to be disciples 24/7/365".
In closing, we sang the fourth verse of I Love to Tell the Story, and were dismissed at 10:50 a.m.
Respectfully submitted, Elaine Knoop, Recording Secretary.
