Committees and Boards 2024
Chairman, Church Council - Craig Jentsch
Lay Leader - – Meets regularly with the pastor to discuss the state of the church and needs of the ministry. Advises committees on how to better engage the laity. Serves as the primary representative at the Annual Conference and reports back to the Church Council - Dan Fischer -- Lay Leader Detailed Responsibilities
Conference Lay Delegate - TBD
Staff Parish Relations Chair - Martha Hann
Finance Chair -Dan Fischer
Worship Chair -NA
Board of Trustees Chair - Mike Niklasch
Mission & Benevolence Chair - Matt Stroh
Events & Activities Chair - Jeanne Niklasch
Financial Secretary -handles day-to-day receipt of bills and income. Maintains the accounting of all funds. Writes, but does not sign checks. Provides annual statement of giving to those who give to the church.- Sharon Lefler
Church Secretary - handles daily administrative duties for Pastor and serves as Church Council recording secretary - Reba Fischer
Treasurer - disburses all funds in accordance with Church Council guidance, the approved budget, and through consultation with the Finance Committee Chair - Martha Hann - Treasurer Detailed Responsibilities
Sunshine Ministry - procures and sends birthday cards to church members - Sherry Whitley
Lead Musician & Pianist - Judy Marks
Organist - None
Song Leader - Martha Hann
Children's Ministries Coordinator - Jeanne Niklasch
Church Message Sign - Dan Fischer
Care Team Leader - Tee Joe Marks
Christian Education Leader - Mary Neely
Audio Visual Team Leader - Angelle Wagnon
Common Committee & Leadership Duties - We have an entire page dedicated to the duties and responsibilities of committee chairmen. Many in the past have said that they do not know what to do or how to operate their committees. So, Committee Chairmen Responsibilities is offered as a means of education and resource for committee chairpersons.
Classes - In accordance with the Methodist Discipline, some committee membership is composed of "classes" of members. Each class would have the same ending date for their term of service. Members assume their duties at the beginning of the calendar year and serve for three years when they roll off the committee at the end of December of the 3rd year.
If at any time a position becomes vacant, a new person is nominated who will serve out the remaining term of the original person. In other words, the new person takes the position in the class of the one who departed.
Quorums - For any committee in the Methodist Church to transact business, there must be a quorum. For all committees except the Board of Trustees, the quorum consists of those present at the meeting. For the Board of Trustees, the quorum is 50% plus one of its members.
Committee Relationships and Governing Structure - The Methodist Church has precise and carefully thought out committee structures for implementation in the various churches. The Church Council is the overarching primary governing body of the church. It oversees all church activities and plans and is composed of various officers of the church and all committee chairpersons. This is where the bulk of the coordination and "checks and balances" occur with regard to operating and managing a church.
All committees and all operations must be budgeted, so the Finance Committee is critical to the overall success. Yes, we are a small church, but we still need to plan for and budget for our activities to ensure all facets of the operation are fair and ethical. All chairpersons must submit a budget request each year and the Finance Committee will prepare the next year's budget which is approved by the Church Council and presented to the Charge Conference.
Committee chairs, by working with one another and by attending Church Council meetings, are able to ensure everything that is happening at GUMC is coordinated and properly funded. By doing this, chairpersons will always be aware of coming events and can support the lead committee as needed. They can also ensure that all activities further God's work and meet the ministry requirements of GUMC.
Church Council (Governing Body - formerly known as Administrative Board in most churches)
Purpose: Purpose: To plan and implement a program of nurture, outreach, witness, and resources in the local church. It shall also provide for the administration of the church. It shall envision, plan, implement, and annually evaluate the mission and ministries of the church. The board functions as the administrative agency for the Charge Conference. In other words, it oversees the general operation of the church through its board members and their related committees. Approves the church budget (prepared by the Finance Committee) and any changes to the budget during the year. Provides consistent overall governance for the church. All church committees report to and are governed by this council.
Chair should request updates on committee activities and plans from each committee member at each Council meeting. Chair calls Council meetings as needed based on church activities and upcoming events. Chair should plan out an entire year at a time on a calendar so sufficient lead time can be provided to plan for and execute church activities.
Chair is nominated by the Nominations and Lay Leadership and elected annually by the charge conference. Membership, except for chair, is based on other positions held in the church.
Members are:
Church Council Detailed Responsibilities
Board Of Trustees
Purpose: The board has authority, supervision, and oversight over/of the real, investment, personal property, and equipment of the church, including all that is acquired or owned by societies, committees, or church related groups. The board is in charge of maintenance, insurance coverage, use of facilities by outside groups, yard and flower bed care. Pastor is not a voting member. The board shall meet at least annually at the call of the Chair or the Pastor.
For the Board of Trustees to take action on anything, there must be a quorum present at the meeting. A quorum is a majority of members which is 50% plus one.
Due to the nature of the responsibilities of the Trustees, budgeting is critical. Coordinate closely with the Chair, Finance and the Chair, Church Council to ensure proper plans are in place for funding operations. While a project may be most beneficial, if it was not budgeted, then it may need to be delayed a year until funds can be budgeted or the budget will need to be amended. Otherwise, spending by the Trustees could leave other committees or activities short of funds.
Optimal number of GUMC members is 3 per class serving 3 years, plus Pastor and including Chair recommended by Nominations and Lay Leadership and appointed by charge conference.
Trustees Detailed Responsibilities
Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPR)
Purpose: Assists the Pastor in carrying out his leadership responsibilities. Monitors the Pastor's work-life balance, sets priorities for leadership and service. Encourages, strengthens, nurtures, supports, and respects the Pastor and his family. Promotes unity in the church and confers with and counsels the Pastor regarding the effectiveness of the ministry, relationships with the congregation, Pastor health and self-care, and conditions that may impede effective ministry. Evaluates the Pastor annually and recommends the Pastor salary to Chair, Finance Committee. Oversees, supervises, and evaluates all staff whether employees or contractors.
MEETINGS NORMALLY SHALL BE CLOSED DOOR WITH NO COMMUNICATION OR DISCUSSION OF PROCEEDINGS OUTSIDE THE MEETING. HOWEVER, DEPENDING ON TOPICS TO BE DISCUSSED, CHAIR HAS THE OPTION OF ALLOWING MEETING TO BE OPEN.
Optimal number of members for GUMC is 5 in 3 classes, plus Lay Leader and Conference Delegate. Chair is nominated by Nominations and Lay Leadership and elected by Charge Conference annually.
Marth Hann Chair
Dan Fischer Lay Leader
Craig Jentsch
Allison Moore
Staff Parish Relations Detailed Responsibilities
Worship Committee
Purpose: Plans and organizes a complete program for the church's worship services, special services, and related worship programs in accordance with guidance from Pastor. Coordinates closely with the Pastor and provides input to the Pastor on church members desires and concerns relative to the worship services. Manages worship accoutrements such as music, banners, displays, communion services, special observances, and provides for congregational input and participation in services. Consults with and coordinates with the Pastor on all committee activities.
Optimal number of members for GUMC is 7 in 3 classes plus the Pastor. Chair is nominated by Nominations and Lay Leadership and elected by Charge Conference annually. Members may serve two consecutive 3 year terms if renominated.
Worship Committee Detailed Responsibilities
Finance Committee
Purpose: Provides stewardship of the financial resources of the church. Develops and implements plans to raise sufficient funds to meet the approved budget. Administers funds received and disburses in accordance with the budget as directed by the Administrative Board. Develops written policies for internal controls to be used by the church with regard to handling, recording, and tracking incoming and outgoing funds. Requests budget requests from all committees, non-committee positions, and Pastor NLT 1 Jul each year. Prepares the annual budget based on input and income projections. Annually prior to Charge Conference submits recommended budget to the Church Council for approval. Reports the status of the budget and all church funds to the Charge Conference and Annual Conference. Makes provisions for and ensures an independent annual audit of the church financial operation is conducted.
Optimal membership for GUMC is just one chair nominated by Nominations and Lay Leadership and elected by Charge Conference annually. All other positions are based on people appointed to other commmittees. Membership is described in the Methodist Discipline. Members serve for one year based on committee chair elections at Charge Conference each year. The Trustees member is voted on by the Board of Trustees annually.
Chair - Dan Fischer
Pastor - Rev. Kyle McNeely
Mike Niklasch
Craig Jentsch
Martha Hann
Finance Committee Detailed Responsibilities
Mission and Benevolence Committee
Purpose: Identifies, develops, deploys, evaluates, and monitors the development of church mission outreach to both church members and the community at large. Shall have the general oversight of promoting and coordinating all mission activities within the local congregation. Provide missions education, inspiration and motivation. It shall lead the congregation in recognizing the biblical responsibility of every believer to be a participant in fulfilling the mission responsibilities.
Coordinates the program with the Pastor and Chair of the Church Council. Determines, in consultation with the above, amount of assistance or support to be provided to individuals seeking or needing support from the church. Plans, budgets, and coordinates the Church giving to outside organizations and causes by developing an annual program of such giving in coordination with the Pastor and Chair, Finance Committee.
Chair is elected by the Charge Conference annually. Membership shall consist of 4 members as recommended by the Committee on Nominations & Lay Leadership, in consultation with the Pastor and Chair, Administrative Board. Members serve in classes of 1 member each plus the Chair elected by the charge conference plus the Pastor who is not a voting member.
Optimal number for GUMC is 3 members in 3 classes plus Pastor. Chair nominated by Nominations and Lay Leadership and elected by Charge Conference annually.
Matt Stroh Chair
Pastor - Rev. Kyle McNeely
Dan Fischer, Lay Leader
Mission & Benevolence Committee Detailed Responsibilities
Events and Activities Committee
Purpose: To organize workers and work flow of the kitchen and fellowship hall. Coordinates food, decorations, supplies, donations, or other items needed for events. Coordinates set-up and decorating of the fellowship hall (or other venue if not at the church) as necessary to accommodate the event. Oversees kitchen use and ensures fellowship hall and kitchen (or other venue used) are cleaned following all events and activities including Sunday services. Provides for bereavement and or funeral meals. Seeks volunteers as needed for staffing or supporting the various events.
Optimal GUMC membership is 6 members in two classes including the chair. The chair is nominated by Nominations and Lay Leadership and elected by the Charge Conference annually.
Jeanne Niklasch, Chair
Britnaie Stroh
Events & Activities Committee Detailed Responsibilities
Lay Leader - – Meets regularly with the pastor to discuss the state of the church and needs of the ministry. Advises committees on how to better engage the laity. Serves as the primary representative at the Annual Conference and reports back to the Church Council - Dan Fischer -- Lay Leader Detailed Responsibilities
Conference Lay Delegate - TBD
Staff Parish Relations Chair - Martha Hann
Finance Chair -Dan Fischer
Worship Chair -NA
Board of Trustees Chair - Mike Niklasch
Mission & Benevolence Chair - Matt Stroh
Events & Activities Chair - Jeanne Niklasch
Financial Secretary -handles day-to-day receipt of bills and income. Maintains the accounting of all funds. Writes, but does not sign checks. Provides annual statement of giving to those who give to the church.- Sharon Lefler
Church Secretary - handles daily administrative duties for Pastor and serves as Church Council recording secretary - Reba Fischer
Treasurer - disburses all funds in accordance with Church Council guidance, the approved budget, and through consultation with the Finance Committee Chair - Martha Hann - Treasurer Detailed Responsibilities
Sunshine Ministry - procures and sends birthday cards to church members - Sherry Whitley
Lead Musician & Pianist - Judy Marks
Organist - None
Song Leader - Martha Hann
Children's Ministries Coordinator - Jeanne Niklasch
Church Message Sign - Dan Fischer
Care Team Leader - Tee Joe Marks
Christian Education Leader - Mary Neely
Audio Visual Team Leader - Angelle Wagnon
Common Committee & Leadership Duties - We have an entire page dedicated to the duties and responsibilities of committee chairmen. Many in the past have said that they do not know what to do or how to operate their committees. So, Committee Chairmen Responsibilities is offered as a means of education and resource for committee chairpersons.
Classes - In accordance with the Methodist Discipline, some committee membership is composed of "classes" of members. Each class would have the same ending date for their term of service. Members assume their duties at the beginning of the calendar year and serve for three years when they roll off the committee at the end of December of the 3rd year.
If at any time a position becomes vacant, a new person is nominated who will serve out the remaining term of the original person. In other words, the new person takes the position in the class of the one who departed.
Quorums - For any committee in the Methodist Church to transact business, there must be a quorum. For all committees except the Board of Trustees, the quorum consists of those present at the meeting. For the Board of Trustees, the quorum is 50% plus one of its members.
Committee Relationships and Governing Structure - The Methodist Church has precise and carefully thought out committee structures for implementation in the various churches. The Church Council is the overarching primary governing body of the church. It oversees all church activities and plans and is composed of various officers of the church and all committee chairpersons. This is where the bulk of the coordination and "checks and balances" occur with regard to operating and managing a church.
All committees and all operations must be budgeted, so the Finance Committee is critical to the overall success. Yes, we are a small church, but we still need to plan for and budget for our activities to ensure all facets of the operation are fair and ethical. All chairpersons must submit a budget request each year and the Finance Committee will prepare the next year's budget which is approved by the Church Council and presented to the Charge Conference.
Committee chairs, by working with one another and by attending Church Council meetings, are able to ensure everything that is happening at GUMC is coordinated and properly funded. By doing this, chairpersons will always be aware of coming events and can support the lead committee as needed. They can also ensure that all activities further God's work and meet the ministry requirements of GUMC.
Church Council (Governing Body - formerly known as Administrative Board in most churches)
Purpose: Purpose: To plan and implement a program of nurture, outreach, witness, and resources in the local church. It shall also provide for the administration of the church. It shall envision, plan, implement, and annually evaluate the mission and ministries of the church. The board functions as the administrative agency for the Charge Conference. In other words, it oversees the general operation of the church through its board members and their related committees. Approves the church budget (prepared by the Finance Committee) and any changes to the budget during the year. Provides consistent overall governance for the church. All church committees report to and are governed by this council.
Chair should request updates on committee activities and plans from each committee member at each Council meeting. Chair calls Council meetings as needed based on church activities and upcoming events. Chair should plan out an entire year at a time on a calendar so sufficient lead time can be provided to plan for and execute church activities.
Chair is nominated by the Nominations and Lay Leadership and elected annually by the charge conference. Membership, except for chair, is based on other positions held in the church.
Members are:
Church Council Detailed Responsibilities
Board Of Trustees
Purpose: The board has authority, supervision, and oversight over/of the real, investment, personal property, and equipment of the church, including all that is acquired or owned by societies, committees, or church related groups. The board is in charge of maintenance, insurance coverage, use of facilities by outside groups, yard and flower bed care. Pastor is not a voting member. The board shall meet at least annually at the call of the Chair or the Pastor.
For the Board of Trustees to take action on anything, there must be a quorum present at the meeting. A quorum is a majority of members which is 50% plus one.
Due to the nature of the responsibilities of the Trustees, budgeting is critical. Coordinate closely with the Chair, Finance and the Chair, Church Council to ensure proper plans are in place for funding operations. While a project may be most beneficial, if it was not budgeted, then it may need to be delayed a year until funds can be budgeted or the budget will need to be amended. Otherwise, spending by the Trustees could leave other committees or activities short of funds.
Optimal number of GUMC members is 3 per class serving 3 years, plus Pastor and including Chair recommended by Nominations and Lay Leadership and appointed by charge conference.
Trustees Detailed Responsibilities
Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPR)
Purpose: Assists the Pastor in carrying out his leadership responsibilities. Monitors the Pastor's work-life balance, sets priorities for leadership and service. Encourages, strengthens, nurtures, supports, and respects the Pastor and his family. Promotes unity in the church and confers with and counsels the Pastor regarding the effectiveness of the ministry, relationships with the congregation, Pastor health and self-care, and conditions that may impede effective ministry. Evaluates the Pastor annually and recommends the Pastor salary to Chair, Finance Committee. Oversees, supervises, and evaluates all staff whether employees or contractors.
MEETINGS NORMALLY SHALL BE CLOSED DOOR WITH NO COMMUNICATION OR DISCUSSION OF PROCEEDINGS OUTSIDE THE MEETING. HOWEVER, DEPENDING ON TOPICS TO BE DISCUSSED, CHAIR HAS THE OPTION OF ALLOWING MEETING TO BE OPEN.
Optimal number of members for GUMC is 5 in 3 classes, plus Lay Leader and Conference Delegate. Chair is nominated by Nominations and Lay Leadership and elected by Charge Conference annually.
Marth Hann Chair
Dan Fischer Lay Leader
Craig Jentsch
Allison Moore
Staff Parish Relations Detailed Responsibilities
Worship Committee
Purpose: Plans and organizes a complete program for the church's worship services, special services, and related worship programs in accordance with guidance from Pastor. Coordinates closely with the Pastor and provides input to the Pastor on church members desires and concerns relative to the worship services. Manages worship accoutrements such as music, banners, displays, communion services, special observances, and provides for congregational input and participation in services. Consults with and coordinates with the Pastor on all committee activities.
Optimal number of members for GUMC is 7 in 3 classes plus the Pastor. Chair is nominated by Nominations and Lay Leadership and elected by Charge Conference annually. Members may serve two consecutive 3 year terms if renominated.
Worship Committee Detailed Responsibilities
Finance Committee
Purpose: Provides stewardship of the financial resources of the church. Develops and implements plans to raise sufficient funds to meet the approved budget. Administers funds received and disburses in accordance with the budget as directed by the Administrative Board. Develops written policies for internal controls to be used by the church with regard to handling, recording, and tracking incoming and outgoing funds. Requests budget requests from all committees, non-committee positions, and Pastor NLT 1 Jul each year. Prepares the annual budget based on input and income projections. Annually prior to Charge Conference submits recommended budget to the Church Council for approval. Reports the status of the budget and all church funds to the Charge Conference and Annual Conference. Makes provisions for and ensures an independent annual audit of the church financial operation is conducted.
Optimal membership for GUMC is just one chair nominated by Nominations and Lay Leadership and elected by Charge Conference annually. All other positions are based on people appointed to other commmittees. Membership is described in the Methodist Discipline. Members serve for one year based on committee chair elections at Charge Conference each year. The Trustees member is voted on by the Board of Trustees annually.
Chair - Dan Fischer
Pastor - Rev. Kyle McNeely
Mike Niklasch
Craig Jentsch
Martha Hann
Finance Committee Detailed Responsibilities
Mission and Benevolence Committee
Purpose: Identifies, develops, deploys, evaluates, and monitors the development of church mission outreach to both church members and the community at large. Shall have the general oversight of promoting and coordinating all mission activities within the local congregation. Provide missions education, inspiration and motivation. It shall lead the congregation in recognizing the biblical responsibility of every believer to be a participant in fulfilling the mission responsibilities.
Coordinates the program with the Pastor and Chair of the Church Council. Determines, in consultation with the above, amount of assistance or support to be provided to individuals seeking or needing support from the church. Plans, budgets, and coordinates the Church giving to outside organizations and causes by developing an annual program of such giving in coordination with the Pastor and Chair, Finance Committee.
Chair is elected by the Charge Conference annually. Membership shall consist of 4 members as recommended by the Committee on Nominations & Lay Leadership, in consultation with the Pastor and Chair, Administrative Board. Members serve in classes of 1 member each plus the Chair elected by the charge conference plus the Pastor who is not a voting member.
Optimal number for GUMC is 3 members in 3 classes plus Pastor. Chair nominated by Nominations and Lay Leadership and elected by Charge Conference annually.
Matt Stroh Chair
Pastor - Rev. Kyle McNeely
Dan Fischer, Lay Leader
Mission & Benevolence Committee Detailed Responsibilities
Events and Activities Committee
Purpose: To organize workers and work flow of the kitchen and fellowship hall. Coordinates food, decorations, supplies, donations, or other items needed for events. Coordinates set-up and decorating of the fellowship hall (or other venue if not at the church) as necessary to accommodate the event. Oversees kitchen use and ensures fellowship hall and kitchen (or other venue used) are cleaned following all events and activities including Sunday services. Provides for bereavement and or funeral meals. Seeks volunteers as needed for staffing or supporting the various events.
Optimal GUMC membership is 6 members in two classes including the chair. The chair is nominated by Nominations and Lay Leadership and elected by the Charge Conference annually.
Jeanne Niklasch, Chair
Britnaie Stroh
Events & Activities Committee Detailed Responsibilities