2009 West Ohio Annual Conference (June 7-11) - Recommendation #7

Our West Ohio Annual Conference consisting of lay and clergy representing 1,150 United Methodist churches meets June 7 to 11 at the historic and scenic Lakeside grounds, in Lakeside, Ohio, along Lake Erie.

In addition to inspiring worship services, the ordination of Deacons and Elders, the approval of the conference budget, and times for learning and growth, Bishop Bruce Ough will preside over our legislative meetings. This year, we have nine recommendations to consider as an Annual Conference.

Please keep Faith Community's representatives, Joyce Smith, Mary Carol Short, John Sherer, and me in your prayers as we prepare to participate in this year's Annual Conference.

Each day leading up to the beginning of Annual Conference, I am providing a recommendation so we can all begin praying and think about these issues that are before us. You are welcome to make comments on this blog regarding these issues.

RECOMMENDATION #7
2 Episcopal Residence Committee Report
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4 Report
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6 Upon the reappointment of Bishop Ough, the committee, which is comprised of the chairs of the
7 Episcopacy Committee, Board of Trustees and Council on Finance Administration, reviewed its
8 responsibilities under the approved 2008 Resolution 3.
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10 The reappointment presented an opportunity to review anew the immediate need to make a
11 change in our Episcopal Residence. The committee weighed the current needs with the
12 conference’s finances and the economic downturn and met with Bishop and Mrs. Ough. The
13 committee concluded that a new residence is needed, but should be acquired such that our next
14 bishop will move directly into it in 2012. The committee will bring forth a plan in 2010 that will
15 result in a new residence for our next bishop.
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17 Recommendation
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19 WHEREAS, the Episcopal Residence Committee (ERC) is required to provide suitable housing
20 for the Area Bishop, and
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22 WHEREAS the 2008 Annual Conference voted to invest up to $450,000 as appropriate for a new
23 residence, and
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25 WHEREAS Bishop Ough was reassigned to the Ohio West Area, and
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27 WHEREAS the ERC reviewed the immediate needs of the bishop and consulted with Bishop and
28 Mrs. Ough, and
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30 WHEREAS the ERC considered acquiring immediately a new residence or delaying it until 2012
31 and the appointment of the next bishop, and
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33 WHEREAS the ERC concluded that deferring the purchase of a different Episcopal Residence is
34 in the best interest of the West Ohio Conference,
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36 THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the 2008 resolution on the Episcopal Residence be
37 rescinded, and
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39 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the ERC continue to develop a new timeline and plan for a
40 new residence, and present it to the 2010 Annual Conference.