Based upon the decline in the UMC, some members have speculated that selling off some property would help the UMC if things got worse. It takes a super majority of members to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church and it will be up to the Administrative Board to make the decision as to whether to enter the Discernment process. As you may recall from the Information Session held on March 20, 2023, it was shared that the decision-making in the United Methodist Church is spelled out in the Book of Discipline. Entrance located on Mulberry side of the church, Lets Connect!201 S. Locust StreetDenton, TX 76201940-382-5478, 7:30 am First Meal 9 am Mosaic Worship11 am SanctuaryWorship11 am Open Worship1 pm Jesus Fuente de Vida, First-Time Visitor Watch Live Church Map Staff Groups Events Stories Jobs. However, if you want to disaffiliate for another reason, the vote would be outside the Book of Discipline and not appropriate. The new church would make decisions on whether to reconstruct those relationships. There will be a new UMC church planted in our area starting May 14, 2023 and Grace United Methodist Church is planning to stay a United Methodist Church. CDO is a Christian Children's Day Out program/preschool that endeavors to give your child enriching experiences that will help him/her to grow spiritually, emotionally, physically, socially and cognitively. Racial fears drove the decision in 1939. Thank you for your prayers as we seek to continue in our mission to Love God, Love Neighbors, and make Passionate followers of Jesus.. This structure of trust enables us to quickly respond to disasters and support other UMC mission agencies such as the Wesley Foundation, Huntingdon College, and Blue Lake Camp. 14. You can read more about Jurisdictions by following this link: https://www.umc.org/en/content/jurisdictions To read more about the racial history behind Jurisdictions which impacts some of the decisions made today, follow this link: http://gcah.org/history/central-jurisdiction We give thanks that Bishop Graves is enforcing the Book of Discipline in our area. Do no harm. We are staffed with loving caregivers that not only care for the children, but teach them how to treat each other with love and respect. The Wesley Foundation is owned by the conference, not the local church, therefore, nothing will happen to the Wesley Foundation. What source of money does the conference have other than apportionments? What is the anticipated effect on the budget to compensate for the offerings of members who might leave to join another UMC congregation? (Growing In God's Love Children's Ministry), Argyle Youth, or Adult Life. How will this affect REACH and other outreach programs? The Bishop however, has proposed a plan to allow churches to use a different paragraph of the Discipline (2549) if a church chooses to disaffiliate after the deadline. Children's Day Out provides Monday-Friday childcare for children, ages 6 weeks to 5 years old. There are currently 547 churches in the AWFC, so over half of the churches will have disaffiliated. https://www.umc.org/en/who-we-are/what-we-believe/our-christian-roots3. Did you know that way back then, apportionment dollars helped pay for 25% of the building cost? He continues to serve as pastor emeritus of Auburn UMC (https://www.aumc.net/our-staff/). I still wonder why movements need to be done by 12/30/23 (to stay umc or not). Argyle United Methodist Church Would we become a congregational or independent church if we left? We give thanks that over 50 people have joined Auburn UMC already this year and that our Easter attendance was higher than it has been in years. (Note: our current disaffiliation figure is $1,208,339.19) Step 2 Pastor contacts their district superintendent (DS) to schedule a Town Hall meeting. To fully understand the separation of powers in our United Methodist structure and to understand the way decisions are made in our UMC church please read through the 100, 200 and 400 paragraphs found in the UMC Book of Discipline found on this link: https://www.ctcumc.org/files/fileshare/2016-book-of-discipline.pdf, It is currently a violation of the Book of Discipline for a UMC pastor to perform a same sex wedding. 9. The current arrangement enables the church to be in a relationship of trust with congregations around the world. Any option that we would take as a Church would leave our property in our name. If the church joins another Methodist denomination, they have a process in place for choosing a pastor. Please do not base the answer on assumptions about what a future Book of Discipline might include. If AUMC disaffiliates, all of the programs will continue until the Administrative Board, Pastors, and Staff decide they are no longer effective. This probationary process is long and assures us that our clergy are trained theologically and equipped to lead our congregation. Is Paragraph 2549 an alternate path that people wishing to disaffiliate are hoping to use? Ashland MDO is a license-exempt organization. Changes have No write-in ballots are allowed. 6. Best Hikes and Trails in Wassertrdingen | AllTrails Those wishing to disaffiliate are basing their opinion based upon speculation and fear as to what might happen in the future. How would the church manage issues that are currently supported (in part or in total) by the UMC umbrellacamps, retreats, educational materials, staffing, UMCOR, programming (for example, REACH, food pantry), and so on? Could the church not find a way to heal without discernment and possible disaffiliation? If Do No Harm is truly embraced by AUMC, why has this church treated our most precious former pastor, Bro. This amount is $1,208,339. UMVIM is the United Methodist Volunteers in Mission and it is one of the UMCs greatest gifts of ministry. For information given from our Bishop about this process you may be interested to follow this link: https://www.awfumc.org/files/websites/www/BDG+Why+I+Love+Being+a+UM.pdf. It is this kind of partnership and connection that make us strong as a denomination. If we are Methodists, we will always uphold the orthodox, traditional beliefs espoused by John Wesley. The next step is for the Administrative Board to approve for our church to enter into the Formal Discernment process and take a vote for Disaffiliation. 2. At this point there has been no willingness from those seeking to disaffiliate to find a compromise. Children's Day Out First United Methodist Church of Denton REACH is the Respite ministry which helps so many in our community living with dementia. Our program is licensed by DHS and has a teacher and assistant for each classroom. In our UMC connection, a portion of every dollar helps support mission and ministry locally and around the world. If we disaffiliate, will that be the case? We give great thanks that over 50 people have joined our church already this Spring and our Easter Holy Week and worship attendance was higher than it has been in years. This is where the difference of opinion comes in If an individual does not agree with the Book of Disciplines wording regarding human sexuality, a vote to disaffiliate is appropriate. Some UMC congregations, specifically First UMC Birmingham, use the language, Our Father/Mother Who Art in Heaven, to begin the Lords Prayer. Hopefully, we will be able to invite outside speakers from many different places to speak at our discernment meetings. If AUMC disaffiliates from the United Methodists Church, are we current members of AUMC no longer a United Methodist Church member? Acts 2 Childrens Day Out will begin open enrollment for Summer 2023 and the 2023-2024 school year on Wednesday, March 1, 2023. The Discovery Class has a very light structure and works to ready children for preschool. The Church council for AUMC is the Administrative Board (AB). Grace United Methodist Church, located on Glenn Avenue, is going to stay a United Methodist Church in Auburn. Other than issues surrounding LGBTQ+, are there any other biblical injunctions that would impact members of the disaffiliated church (divorce, soothsaying, disciplining violators, women in ministry, greed, bearing false witness, and so on)? Do any of these plans involve selling parcels of church property? No. Is the Listening and Learning task force part of the AWFC guideline for disaffiliation? Yes, these are challenging days for all churches and we pray that the 70% of unchurched people in our area will soon discover our vision to serve them as A church community helping people follow Jesus, and love one another. Knowing that there are so many unchurched and disconnected people in our area gives us great hope in our future to build connections and grow as a church. As we live in Auburn and move throughout the world we see diversity everywhere we go. The real work starts afterwards by restarting the growth engine of our Church. Our Discipline as a church since 1784 has allowed space for churches to leave the denomination and it will continue to do so after Paragraph 2553 ends. In cases where words of a hymn may be clarified a change was made years ago so that people would feel included and part of the church rather than excluded. You can learn more about our annual conference and our shared ministry at www.awfumc.org. The Listening and Learning Task Force is not listed in the AWFC guidelines for Disaffiliation. Our exit fee is $1,208,339.19. Information can be found on their websites. There are many unknowns concerning this suggested path, including its provisions and its viability. A sign-up is available online and closes on September 25. We are currently structured to see property as a form of sacred stewardship through our United Methodist heritage. There are many churches who are not entering into discernment and will not vote. There is no evidence of this thinking in the UMC. We have real concerns about how and where our church money is spent. https://www.umc.org/en/who-we-are/what-we-believe/reflections-on-our-faith. Is it the Admin Boards responsibility to make the decision? The only difference will be that if we disaffiliate, we will preserve the traditional beliefs that our church has held for 200 years, as opposed to going in a more progressive direction with the UMC. 30. 10. As stated in the above answer, REACH helps so many in our community living with dementia. 10. Unfortunately in these divisive times combined with a long term process of disaffiliation everyone feels challenged. Without the 67% the issue is buried. Where was the Covid relief money spent? The Lay Leadership/Nominations Committee also nominates and recruits members-at-large to the Admin Board and lay deletes to Annual Conference. 1. Perhaps those attempts could be considered when the Administrative Board considers how AUMC should move forward. Is it just for the property and money? 1. The good news is that as part of the United Methodist Church we have resources through our connection as United Methodist that may not exist in other denominations. 2549 is not guaranteed and has not been approved by the conference Board of Trustees. Physical Address. Because this committee has been appointed, I would like to ask how many members of the Listening and Learning Committee prefer to stay UMC and how many members prefer to move into Discernment and/or disaffiliation? If so, why? 2022 First United Methodist Church of Denton. Jesus even gave his followers the command in John 13 to love one another. This means that we have a limited right (for reasons of conscience due to the current deep conflict in the UMC) to disaffiliate because the 12 members of our Annual Conference Board of Trustees and our Bishop have approved what the Judicial Council has ruled. If a disaffiliation occurred then sadly, a newly formed church would decide whether or not to offer this ministry. If AUMC disaffiliates, there is no reason for the Childrens Day Out Program and the AUMC Preschool to change at all. 09/21/2022 . We are excited to welcome back families we have served this past year and welcome new families into our Acts 2 CDO family! 12. Can you please outline what changes have already been made (over the past 10 years) and what changes are being proposed? Any local church that votes to disaffiliate using Paragraph 2553 will gain complete ownership of its church property after paying the designated exit fee. 11. Regional Conference, also passed. We give thanks that Bishop Graves has pointed out the importance of individuals having integrity concerning ones conscience in this recent article: https://www.awfumc.org/newsdetail/a-word-from-bishop-graves-this-is-not-a-business-deal-17261468. 9. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one bodywhether Jews or Gentiles, slave or freeand we were all given the one Spirit to drink. In order for the church to get to a vote our Pastor (Cory) or the Administrative Board has to request a town hall meeting with the district superintendent. https://www.umc.org/en/content/an-open-table-how-united-methodists-understand-communion4. In 2022, the Judicial Council of the UMC ruled that a church has ONLY to state that it wishes to disaffiliate for REASONS OF CONSCIENCE. ( 244). Categories: Children; REACH and other outreach programs should not be affected whether we stay a United Methodist Church, become an independent Methodist Church, or join another Methodist denomination. Speculation of a change in the Book of Discipline is not an allowable reason for disaffiliation and fear should never drive a decision of this magnitude. Did you know that way back then, apportionment dollars help pay for 25% of the building cost? 6. Clergy are assigned to churches after much consultation. For example, Auburn Community Church had over 5,000 in attendance for the first Sunday in their new location on Hamilton Road. A formal Discernment period gives all members the opportunity to be fully educated and informed of all issues so that they can then be equipped to make a decision based on truth and accuracy on the day of the vote. Pastors are held to a higher standard and are expected to be celibate in singleness or in a monogamous marriage to someone of the opposite gender. Children's Day Out provides a safe place for children, ages 6 weeks to 4 years old, to learn age app AUMC's Children's Day Out Please note the answer to #2 in Question #25. While property and money are openly talked about as reasons for disaffiliation the only approved reason for disaffiliation under the Book of Discipline is reasons of conscience regarding human sexuality. We who remain part of the UMC will continue to be part of a large connectional church that includes diversity of thinking from Africa, Asia, Europe, and the U.S. For those who might choose for the Book of Discipline to remain the same, comfort is taken that within the United Methodist Church, diversity of thought is not only allowed it is cherished. A thorough explanation of the wait and see option and paragraph 2549 can be found here: www.awfumc.org/newsdetail/17224481. They are the one of the recipients of the connectional giving of Auburn UMC. Currently, Paragraph 2553 is the only approved path for disaffiliation under the current Book of Discipline. If our clergy and staff want to remain true to the Methodist Church and left, what could our church look like within the walls in a year's time? Those who wish to disaffiliate are not depending on its unknown future. It is true that AUMC members have paid for the Church property and buildings over many generations. 15. Per the Book of Discipline, members are only removed from the roll if they move/transfer their membership OR after being listed on the Inactive Membership list at Charge Conference for 3 years. As of 5/7/2023, 193 of those will disaffiliate. To read more about our sure foundation as United Methodists, please follow these links:1. https://www.umc.org/en/how-we-serve/we-are-disciples2. Please label everything you bring to MDO. AUMC's Children's Day Out - Facebook It is committed to be in ministry with all people. It is obvious that the church is already split, but with so much misinformation out there, discernment should only help with moving things along? There is no justification. If we Disaffiliate, the ownership of all of the Church property and buildings become the property of the local Church. It has been repeated that paragraph 2549 of the Book of Discipline provides a pathway for disafliation irrespective of the deadline imposed in paragraph 2553. That is an individual members decision. Thanks be to God! In October 2022, Brother George was asked to meet with our District Superintendent Jeff Wilson and our pastor Cory Smith. This church and what happens to it in relation to these issues should be, in my view, in the hands of its congregants; however, the ability for AUMC congregants to hear both sides of the issues surrounding the split in the Methodist Church has been blocked. It is currently being suggested by some annual conferences as an alternate path to be used after Paragraph 2553 expires on 12/31/23. Unfortunately in these divisive times combined with a long term process of disaffiliation everyone feels challenged. There is an old chart here that helps one understand the legacy of Connectional Giving that helped support Auburn UMC when we built our Sanctuary so many years ago. Once this divisive season is behind us it will be important to evaluate and heal as we refocus on the important mission we have to Love God, love neighbor, and make passionate disciples of Jesus Christ.. A UMC membership does not necessarily have to be diverse. The classes are . Diversity is Gods gift and the very strength of the church. Are we leaving so that we can own our buildings? The classes are almost full for the fall registration. Yes. The last hymnal update occurred in 1989 and there are no plans for a new UMC hymnal. Who would make all these decisions? In February of 2023 the AB asked the Listening and Learning Task Force to hold a church-wide information meeting within one month and report back to the AB within seven days. Resolutions are statement and have no bearing upon the Book of Discipline and have no binding upon the local church or the Annual Conference. This was Wesleys way of controlling rogue churches. Several United Methodist Churches in our area have chosen to disaffiliate, so there is no lack of options for those who want to leave the United Methodist Church. 1. The Alabama West Florida Conference is not investigating the reasons a church is seeking disaffiliation. Charges and violations of the BOD are handled by the individual jurisdictions. One would also wonder what values would guide such a congregation. If we vote to disaffiliate, the pastors and staff would choose whether to stay or not and the church would have to choose to retain them. 5. If a minister decides to remain in the UMC, but the church where he is appointed chooses to disaffiliate from the UMC, the Annual Conference cabinet will seek a new appointment for them; they can retire; or they can seek an administrative post in the UMC. How will pastors be chosen? 10. After the theologically conservative views prevailed over the progressive One Church Plan at the 2019 General Conference, a majority of U.S. United Methodist annual conferences have ignored the Book of Discipline and adopted their own One Church resolutions. The good news is that at Auburn United Methodist 94 cents of every dollar remains in our local church supporting our Food Pantry, our Choir, our Mission outreach, and the daily operation of our church. This kind of organizing also gives power to a limited few who then get to choose what issue is most important making other potential splits much more likely. It would be beneficial to hear from local churches who have been through the discernment process. The Finance committee does not foresee doom and despair.. Are there those who want to sell some of the church property? We have a strong and positive staff who love one another and who work very well together. Local churches have been able to leave the denomination since the time of John Wesley. 3 years? The arrows point in the direction in which the wind is blowing. entirety to avoid confusion as we begin our program year. What better source of income for the UMC than for our church to have to pay the fair market value of our church that is located on one of the most valuable plots of land in Auburn? If/When the Administrative Board votes to enter Formal Discernment then our Senior Pastor, Cory Smith, will inform our District Superintendent, Dr. Jeff Wilson, and the process of Formal Discernment will be scheduled. The grant money was specifically given to our church for the REACH program. I can easily imagine that having a church that no longer has a pastor will surely cost the church members. This amount is $1,208,339. While those schisms were very serious, they do not happen often. This is our prayer! 1. You can read more about the United Methodist position on marriage by following this link: https://www.umc.org/en/content/i-do-how-united-methodists-understand-christian-marriage, No. To be clear about the tried and true beliefs and special purpose of the United Methodist Church is vital in this season of discernment and a place to begin is this link: https://www.resourceumc.org/en/content/teaching-the-who-what-and-why-of-the-umc. From there, a plan could be formed. However, a proposal will be presented at Alabama West Florida Annual Conference in June 2023, to allow the financial terms of disaffiliation of Paragraph 2553 (which states that a church that votes to disaffiliate may exit with its property) to be applied to Paragraph 2549 for disaffiliation of a church after General Conference in May of 2024. To understand our current stance on this matter and many others please read the Social Principles found in the first section of the 2016 Book of Discipline found here: https://www.ctcumc.org/files/fileshare/2016-book-of-discipline.pdfYou can also find the UMC stance by following this link: https://www.umc.org/en/content/ask-the-umc-what-is-the-churchs-position-on-homosexuality. At this point there has been no willingness or conversation from those seeking to disaffiliate to find a compromise. A prudent assessment of future prospects would include all the relevant facts, such as current financial information. Missions, UMCOR, Emmaus, the Upper Room among many others. Why is the UMC not taking action when the Book of Discipline rules are broken? If the church joins another Methodist denomination, they have a process in place for choosing a pastor, along with education requirements. There is an old chart here that helps one understand the legacy of Connectional Giving that helped support Auburn UMC when we built our Sanctuary so many years ago. CDO Parental Notice of Policies and Procedure circledownarrow, Annual Medication Authorization Form circledownarrow, Tadpole Daily Attendance Form circledownarrow, Pollywog-Frogling Daily Attendance Form circledownarrow, Frog Daily Attendance Form circledownarrow, 201 W Adams | Kirkwood MO 63122314.966.8167, circlemappin circleemail circlefacebookcircletwittercircleinstagram, Please use Adobe Acrobat to fill out these forms and save a copy for your records and email copies to, Program Year 2023 - 2024 Remote Registration Instructions, Covid-19 Quarantine and Isolation Procedures (1-15-22). There is an old chart here that helps one understand the legacy of Connectional Giving that helped support Auburn UMC when we built our Sanctuary so many years ago. Why is it so difficult for our church to qualify for discernment when its been an easy process for other churches? How will that impact our finances for the near future? Where is Bro. We cannot mandate that in a member. Join us for G.I.G.L. Our connection is truly about mission and relationships. We currently celebrate through our Social Principles the beautiful truth that all people are of sacred worth and that they are created in the image of God. 2. Owning our buildings and property is part of the process of disaffiliation. I think information needs to be presented on how the church will function and what it would look like if it were to disaffiliate from the denomination. Locations. Wants more info about the proposed new UMC in the area? 4. Predictions are available in time steps of 3 hours for up to 10 days into the future. We also do not have refrigerators available (except in the nursery) so ice packs or non-refrigerated food items are good ideas. Giving. In addition, an Opelika New Church Start will start in the Opelika area on 5/14/2023. In addition to our CDO program, a Discovery Class is offered for children who turn two by August 1. Whether you're getting ready to hike, bike, trail run, or explore other outdoor activities, AllTrails has 3 scenic trails in the Wassertrdingen area. No vote is taken at a Town Hall meeting. A vote to disaffiliate can only be approved under the stipulations set forth in paragraph 2553 and the resolution must be passed by a 2/3 vote of the membership present at the conference. 13. We give thanks that over 50 people have joined Auburn UMC already this year and that our Easter attendance was higher than it has been in years. Auburn UMC is structured in the manner defined by the UMC Book of Discipline. Probably most, if not all, of the members of AUMC want this to go away or be finished! The good news is that in the United Methodist Church we celebrate an Open communion table. Will members of the LGBTQ+ be welcomed and/or allowed a role in a church that has voted to disaffiliate?