The Administrative Board met on Monday, March 9, for their regular meeting. I am lifting up one of the items on their agenda. It actually goes back to an earlier Board of Trustees meeting. Craig Singleton, Chair of the Trustees, appointed a small group of Trustees and Staff to draft a Building Use Policy. The group met and reviewed some of First UMC's earlier documents and the Building Use Policy which was in process when we moved to this location. They also looked at some policies from other congregations. A draft was presented to the Board of Trustees in February and some revisions were made. The Staff reviewed and affirmed the document after the Trustees revisions were included. The Board of Trustee's asked our Administrative Board to review the document and consider whether to endorse it. The Administrative Board did affirm the policy adopted by the Board of Trustees. So, we now have an approved Building Use Policy.

            I want to comment on this Building Use Policy. Administrative matters of this sort are not the most exciting aspects of ministry, but they are very important! This policy will mean that every group in the congregation is subject to the same policies. It means the office staff will have clear guidelines in scheduling various activities. It means that we will fill this new space with our programs and open our doors to the community. The priority for the use of the new space is clear. This space is intended to enhance the ministries of the congregation and strengthen our outreach to the community. As our space expands, particularly with the multipurpose room, it will be important to have such a document. There will be lots of activity in the new areas! The Building Use Policy is available in the church office. It will be posted on our web site, and copies will be available at the Information Table.

            The Board of Trustees will review this document from time to time and make necessary adjustments as we begin to use the new Family Life Center. In six months they will review the fee schedule for those events which are subject to a fee. I am grateful to all the individuals who had a part in the development of this policy. I am grateful to the Board of Trustees, the Staff, and the Administrative Board for their good work in this process. And, I am grateful we have a policy as we prepare to make use of this great new addition to the building!

            On the weekend of March 21/22 the new offering envelopes will be available for you to pick up when you come to worship. These new-style envelopes are being produced here in the office at a great cost saving. They will have your name and envelope number printed on them, just as they did before. The church will not be mailing an envelope for every week of the year as we have done in the past. When you have used your first batch of envelopes, more will be printed for you. Thus, it will save hundreds of them being discarded. Your packet of new envelopes will have a card in it which you can drop in the offering, and more envelopes will be printed for you! Or, you can call the office and they will be printed. This will be convenient and efficient! And, they are prettier.

            Our four worship services are each in the process of becoming more distinct. Last Saturday ran just a little long. I miscalculated a little, and we had too much fun singing out of the Cokesbury Hymnal! We will get this worked out! The traditional service at 10:45 was a beautiful service. Our musicians and Chancel Choir did a great job. This week we will serve Holy Communion at 8:00. If you missed Communion last weekend, this is a good opportunity for you. The theme this week for all our worship services is "Gifts," from our United Methodist membership vows. Don't be too sure you know what the preacher is going to say! I hope to greet you in one of the services!

            Grace and Peace,

            Steve Campbell