Annual Conference Marriott Madison West Middleton, Wisconsin June 15-18, 2018

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1 Annual Conference Marriott Madison West Middleton, Wisconsin June 15-18, 2018 Items Requiring Action or Consideration by the 2018 Annual Conference Session

2 RESOLUTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS REQUIRING ACTION OR CONSIDERATION BY THE 2018 WISCONSIN ANNUAL CONFERENCE SESSION TABLE OF CONTENTS Action Item 1: Camp Promotion (C.A.*) Page 1 Action Item 2: United Methodist Youth Sunday (C.A.*) Page 1 Action Item 3: United Methodist Women s Sunday (C.A.*) Page 1 Action Item 4: Ministry Celebration Sunday Page 1 Action Item 5: Conference Policy Regarding Clergy Time Away Page 2 Action Item 6: Conference Policy Regarding Guidelines for Continuing Theological Education Page 2 Action Item 7: Resolution Relating to Rental/Housing Allowances for Retired or Disabled Clergypersons of the Wisconsin Conference (C.A.*) Page 5 Action Item 8: Resolution on Past Service Annuity Rate Page 6 Action Item 9: Resolution on Minimum Compensation Page 6 Action Item 10: 2019 Comprehensive Benefit Funding Plan Summary (C.A. *) Page 6 Action Item 11: Conference Policy Church Contributions Page 8 Action Item 12: Conference Policy Surviving Spouse of an Active Clergy Person Page 8 Action Item 13: A Call to Action on Gun Violence Page 9 Action Item 14: 2019 Year of Indigenous Languages Page 10 Action Item 15: Native American Ministry Seminars in New York Page 10 Action Item 16: Covenant of Affiliation with Harbor House Crisis Shelters Page 11 Action Item 17: Covenant of Affiliation with Northcott Neighborhood House, Inc. Page 13 Action Item 18: Resolution to authorize the Launch Out! Fund-raising campaign Page 15 Action Item Proposed Conference Budget Narrative Budget Budget Summary Detail Budget Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Additional Information in this Workbook: 2017 Apportionment Payment Recognitions Page 30 Abbreviation Index Page 32 Glossary of United Methodist Terms Page 33 Outside General Conference Parliamentary Procedure Chart Back Cover (C.A.*) Action Items 1 through 3, 7 and 10 are on the Proposed Consent Agenda per Conference Rule 2.3.3

3 RESOLUTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS REQUIRING ACTION OR CONSIDERATION BY THE 2018 ANNUAL CONFERENCE SESSION Action Item 1: Submitted by: Camp Promotion Board of Camp and Retreat Ministries WHEREAS camp research done in Wisconsin in 2017 shows that lasting impact of camp include increased devotional practices, greater engagement in church, and connecting with and reaching out to others, and WHEREAS WIUM Camps seek to partner with local churches in making new disciples and deepening the faith commitment of current disciples, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that every church will conduct a one-month church camp promotion campaign utilizing appropriate materials from the Board of Camp and Retreat Ministries, with a recommendation that a campaign be conducted in the month of February, or another month that fits the church s calendar. Action Item 2: Submitted by: United Methodist Youth Sunday Conference Youth Council WHEREAS youth in our local congregations are engaged in mission, evangelism, spiritual growth and leadership development, and WHEREAS when youth are given significant leadership in the church they are likely to carry their faith practices into adulthood, and WHEREAS when youth are given significant leadership in the church they provide inspiration and enthusiasm to all in the congregation THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that there shall be a United Methodist Youth Sunday in every local church to recognize the role and commitment of United Methodist Youth. Action Item 3: Submitted by: United Methodist Women s Sunday United Methodist Women WHEREAS Being mindful that our Discipline declares that there shall be a unit of United Methodist Women in every local church, in keeping with tradition, and in order to celebrate the Purpose of United Methodist Women, which is shown by our activities that encourage taking social action (Mission Action Day, Charter For Racial Justice, Seminar Mission Experience), continuing mission education (Mission u, UMW Reading Program), support of women, children, and youth (Mabel Heil scholarships, Yo-Mi-Ca (Youth Mission Camp), Limitless (Young Women), Northcott Neighborhood House) and many other forms of outreach, we propose this resolution for affirmation by Annual Conference: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that on the third Sunday of September, (September 16, 2018) or any other Sunday or in any other format that is agreeable with the local congregation, United Methodist Women s Sunday shall be celebrated in every local church in Wisconsin Conference. Action Item 4: Submitted by: Ministry Celebration Sunday Rev. Kevin Dembinski on behalf of the Board of Ordained Ministry WHEREAS October is designated as Pastor/Clergy Appreciation Month and WHEREAS, without doubt The United Methodist Church particularly in Wisconsin is encountering a shortage of candidates entering Ordained/Licensed ministry, and 1

4 WHEREAS, we are living in times of being encouraged to dream dreams of new ministry possibilities and opportunities, and WHEREAS, many congregations do not know their pastor s or clergy leadership call story and might find this sharing opportunity as inspiration to consider church leadership themselves; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that all Wisconsin United Methodist Churches be highly encouraged to hold a Ministry Celebration Sunday in October as a way to invite, recruit, and empower their church members and community to consider ministry in The United Methodist Church. Resources will be provided as needed by the Wisconsin Board of Ordained Ministry. Action Item 5: Submitted by: Conference Policy Regarding Clergy Time Away Board of Ordained Ministry WHEREAS scripture lifts up the importance of observing Sabbath WHEREAS reminds us that, the covenant of ordained ministry is a lifetime commitment, and those who enter into it dedicate their whole lives to the personal and spiritual disciplines it requires, WHEREAS the observance of Sabbath is a spiritual discipline critical to the covenant life of clergy, WHEREAS in appointment letters the Cabinet states, all pastors are encouraged to take at least one full day off per week (Sabbath), WHEREAS 326 states, during the provisional period, arrangements shall be offered by the Board of Ordained Ministry for all provisional members to be involved in a residency curriculum that extends theological education by using covenant groups and mentoring to support the practice and work of their ministry as servant leaders, to contemplate the grounding of ordained ministry, and to understand covenant ministry in the life of the conference, WHEREAS states those eligible to be appointed full-time local pastors shall complete four courses per year in a Course of Study school, WHEREAS states those eligible to be appointed part-time local pastors shall complete two courses per year in a Course of Study school, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the following changes be made to our Conference Policy : Policy for Clergy Time Away [ 258.2(16)] All persons under appointment to local churches and agencies of the Conference are to have a minimum of one-month (4 Sundays) vacation, including those in part-time appointments All persons under appointment to local churches and agencies of the Conference are to have a minimum of one-month (4 Sundays) vacation, including those in part-time appointments All clergy are to have at least one full day (24 hours) a week for time off in addition to one full day for Sabbath The time which the clergyperson spends in continuing education, Course of Study, Provisional Residency Program, the conference camping program, mission s projects or youth/young adult ministry programs shall not be counted against vacation time. Action Item 6: Submitted by: Conference Policy Regarding Guidelines for Continuing Theological Education Board of Ordained Ministry WHEREAS the 2016 Book of Discipline recognizes the desire of clergy to thrive in their ministry even as our culture continually evolves by stating, These orders [Elder, Deacon, and Fellowship of Licensed Local Pastors and Associate Members], separately or together, seek to respond to the spiritual hunger among clergy for a fulfilling sense of vocation, for support among peers during this stressful time of change in the Church, and for a deepening relationship with God, ( 306), 2

5 WHEREAS we seek to develop a culture of ongoing professional learning and development among our clergy in the conference, WHEREAS we recognize many secular professions require more continuing education hours than is currently required of Wisconsin Annual Conference clergy, WHEREAS The Board of Ordained Ministry no longer has a person in the role of Chair of the Nurture and Formation of Clergy Team, WHEREAS the 2016 Book of Discipline requires each clergy member to receive one week of professional formation each year, which is equivalent to 40 hours per week, ( 350.2), WHEREAS 1 CEU is equivalent to 10 contact hours, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the following changes be made to our Conference Policy : Guidelines for Continuing Theological Education Statement of Purpose The Board of Ordained Ministry is committed to providing support services to the clergy of The Wisconsin Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church in continuing education and formation for ministry Interpreting the Spirit of The Discipline The 2016 Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church states, Throughout their careers, clergy shall engage in continuing education for ministry, personal development, and spiritual formation and growth in order to lead the church in fulfilling the mission of making disciples for Jesus Christ. This shall include carefully developed personal programs of study augmented periodically by involvement in organized education and spiritual growth activities. ( 350.1) The spirit of this policy is to motivate clergy to participate in educational opportunities and events throughout their time in professional ministry and the intent is to enable life-long learning leading to growth in competence and effectiveness throughout a clergy person s career Minimum Standard for Continuing Education The basic unit of measurement for continuing education shall be called a CEU (Continuing Education Unit) A CEU is defined as ten contact hours (instructional session or its equivalent) under qualified leadership. a. The session is designed with specific educational objectives for equipping the clergy person to do ministry. Distinction is made between continuing education versus spiritual growth that is a component of our covenant of clergy orders and fellowship for continued growth in the Spirit. For example, learning techniques of spiritual discipline can earn CEU s; practice of spiritual disciplines as in a house of prayer or in a retreat does not earn CEU s it is part of the practice of ministry. b. The session is designed to train a member of the clergy to lead/teach/preach, for example, Bible Study, Stephen Ministries, leadership training events, preaching classes, etc. When the clergy is preparing material in order to be the leader/teacher/preacher with the expertise and qualifications for leading/teaching/preaching a class, this time does not earn CEU s; the students who are being equipped to lead/teach/preach through participation in the event earn CEU s. c. If the mission trip or continuing education event does not offer a CEU, the person asking for CE credit will report the content, leader, and number of contact hours of participation to the Chair of the Nurture and Formation of Clergy Team of the Board of Ordained Ministry for approval of one possible CEU. 3

6 It is assumed that programs sponsored by an agency of the General Conference, Jurisdiction, Annual Conference, or District-sponsored events as well as programs offered through accredited ecumenical or community service institutions will have qualified leadership and thus qualify for CEU credit Requirements The following persons are required to receive a minimum of one four CEU s per year and at least four additional CEU s per quadrennium: Local pastors who have completed the Course of Study Elders in full connection under appointment Deacons in full connection under appointment Diaconal ministers under appointment Associate Members under appointment For persons serving less than full time under appointment, the number of CEU s will be determined on a prorated basis. For example, a person serving half time under appointment would be required to receive a minimum of.5 CEU per year and at least two CEU s per quadrennium Minimum Continuing Education Allowance The minimum continuing education allowance for every clergy person under appointment to a local church or the Conference staff shall be 2% of the minimum salary for ordained clergy persons in full connection in any given year, rounded up to the next $ Exemptions from Continuing Education Requirements Persons under appointment who are involved in academic study such as D. Min. and Ph. D. programs, Course of Study School, college degree and seminary degree programs Clergy enrolled in an accredited Clinical Pastoral Education program, Clergy on Leave of Absence Clergy serving as chaplains in a war zone Earning the Required Number of CEUs Seminar/Conference/Workshop Participation. Attending programs that list the total CEU credits available in their registration material Study Travel. Traveling, with the number of contact hours of lecture and discussion under qualified leadership counting. NOTE: Repeat trips to the same place will not qualify. Ten contact hours of lecture and discussion equals one CEU Distance Learning, including online classes. Participating electronically or by telephone under qualified leadership. Ten contact hours of instruction or its equivalent equals one CEU. No more than one CEU per year may be earned in this manner Professional Reading. Reading related to the knowledge and competency areas of scripture, theology, church history, church polity, pastoral care, or other skill areas essential to the practice of ministry are acceptable. NOTE: Daily Bible reading, devotional materials, normal reading for sermon preparation and leisure reading are encouraged but are NOT considered continuing education. Twenty hours of reading and reflection is equivalent to one CEU. No more than one CEU per year may be earned in this manner. The books read shall be reported on the Continuing Education Report Form Mission Trips. Experiencing a mission trip under qualified leadership and appropriate accountability. The nature of the trip, the number of contact hours, and a listing of the qualified leadership shall be included on the Continuing Education Report Form. No more than one CEU per year may be earned in this manner Clinical Pastoral Education. Clergy enrolled in an accredited Clinical Pastoral Education program, during the year of participation 4

7 Accountability The Clergy Continuing Education Report is the instrument of accountability and shall be submitted annually with the charge conference reports each year. The Regional Offices will then forward the report of each clergy person to the Chairperson of the Nurture and Formation of Clergy Team of the Board of Ordained Ministry Chair of the Order of Elders, Chair of the Order of Deacons, and Chair of the Fellowship of Licensed Local Pastors and Associate Members, respectively. Reports by Licensed Local Pastors will also be shared with District Committees of Ministry The report form shall be made available on the Conference website The Clergy Continuing Education Report or Extension Ministry Report will be reviewed by the Chairperson of the Nurture and Formation of Clergy Team Chairs of the Order of Elders and Fellowship of Licensed Local Pastors and Associate Members, respectively. The Deacon Annual Report will be shared with the Chair of the Order of Deacons. A report will be given to the Bishop and Cabinet for those clergy who do not meet the established guidelines for Continuing Education. The Bishop, Cabinet, and/or Conference Board of Ordained Ministry may take appropriate action for persistent failure to comply with these Continuing Education Guidelines. Action Item 7: Submitted by: Resolution Relating to Rental/Housing Allowances for Retired or Disabled Clergypersons of the Wisconsin Conference Joint Board of Pensions, Insurance & Equitable Compensation WHEREAS the religious denomination known as The United Methodist Church (the Church ), of which the Conference is a part, has and in the past functioned and continues to function through ministers of the gospel (within the meaning of Internal Revenue Code section 107) who were or are duly ordained, commissioned, or licensed ministers of the Church ( Clergypersons ); WHEREAS, the practice of the Church and of this Conference was and is to provide active Clergypersons with a parsonage or a rental/housing allowance as part of their gross compensation; WHEREAS, pensions or other amounts paid to active, retired, terminated and disabled Clergypersons are considered to be deferred compensation and are paid to active, retired, and disabled Clergypersons in consideration of previous active service; and WHEREAS the Internal Revenue Service has recognized the Conference (or its predecessors) as the appropriate organization to designate a rental/housing allowance for Clergypersons who are or were members of this Conference and are eligible to receive such deferred compensation; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: That an amount equal to 100% of the pension, severance or disability payments received from plans authorized under The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church (the Discipline ), which includes all such payments from Wespath (formerly the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits), during the year 2018 by each active, retired, terminated or disabled Clergyperson who is or was a member of the Conference, or its predecessors, be and hereby is designated as a rental/housing allowance for each such Clergyperson; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the pension, severance, or disability payments to which this rental/housing allowance applies will be any pension, severance, or disability payments from plans, annuities, or funds authorized under the Discipline, including such payments from Wespath and from a commercial annuity company that provides an annuity arising from benefits accrued under a Wespath plan, annuity, or fund authorized under the Discipline, that result from any service a Clergyperson rendered to this Conference or that an active, a retired, a terminated, or a disabled Clergyperson of this Conference rendered to any local church, annual conference of the Church, general agency of the Church, other institution of the Church, former denomination that is now a part of the Church, or any other employer that employed the Clergyperson to perform services related to the ministry of the Church, or its predecessors, and that elected to make contributions to, or accrue a benefit under, such a plan, annuity, or fund for such active, retired, terminated, or disabled Clergyperson s pension or disability as part of his or her gross compensation. 5

8 5 10 NOTE: The rental/housing allowance that may be excluded from a Clergyperson s gross income in any year for federal income tax purposes is limited under Internal Revenue Code Section 107(2) and regulations there under to the least of: (1) the amount of the rental/housing allowance designated by the Clergyperson s employer or other appropriate body of, the Church (such as this Conference in the foregoing resolutions) for such year; (2) the amount actually expended by the Clergyperson to rent or provide a home in such year; or (3) the fair rental value of the home, including furnishings and appurtenances (such as a garage), plus the cost of utilities in such year. Each clergyperson or former clergyperson is urged to consult with his or her own tax advisor to determine what deferred compensation is eligible to be claimed as a housing allowance exclusion. Action Item 8: Submitted by: Resolution on Past Service Annuity Rate Joint Board of Pensions, Insurance & Equitable Compensation BE IT RESOLVED the Past Service Annuity Rate (PSR) for 2019 shall be $ Action Item 9: Submitted by: Resolution on Minimum Compensation Joint Board of Pensions, Insurance & Equitable Compensation WHEREAS the formula for establishing the minimum compensation for ordained clergy, local pastors, and student local pastors appointed to charges in the Wisconsin Annual Conference may be based on one of the following two factors, or combination of the two: 1) the minimum salary for the previous year for each category, plus the cost of living factor established by the U.S. Government for Social Security purposes, plus up to 1%; or, 2) the percentage change in the Conference Average Compensation for the previous year; and WHEREAS this formula was approved by the 2012 session of the Wisconsin Annual Conference for implementation starting in January 2014 and is Conference Rule ; and WHEREAS the most recent cost of living increase established by U.S. government was 2.0% and the Conference Average Compensation increased by 4.1%, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the Minimum Compensation for Elders, Provisional Members, and Associate Members serving full time for 2019 shall be $41,715. The Minimum Compensation for Local Pastors serving full time shall be $37,739. This is a 3.0% increase Action Item 10: Submitted by: 2019 Comprehensive Benefit Funding Plan Summary Joint Board of Pensions, Insurance & Equitable Compensation INTRODUCTION The 2016 Book of Discipline requires that each annual conference develop, adopt and implement a formal comprehensive funding plan for funding all of its benefit obligations. The funding plan shall be submitted annually to Wespath Benefits and Investments (Wespath) for review and be approved annually by the annual conference, following the receipt and inclusion of a favorable written opinion from Wespath. This document is only a summary of the information contained in the actual signed funding plan and does not contain all the information required for a comprehensive view of the conference s benefit obligations. You may request the full contents of the 2019 comprehensive benefit funding plan from your conference benefit office. 6

9 CLERGY RETIREMENT SECURITY PROGRAM (CRSP) Defined Benefit (DB) and Defined Contribution (DC) Program overview: The Clergy Retirement Security Program (CRSP) is an Internal Revenue Code section 403(b) retirement program providing lifetime income and account flexibility designed for those who serve as clergy of The United Methodist Church. The program is designed to provide participants with one portion of their overall retirement benefits. CRSP replaced the Ministerial Pension Plan (MPP) effective January 1, 2007, which had previously replaced the Pre-82 Plan for service rendered prior to January 1, CRSP consists of both a defined benefit (DB) plan, which provides a monthly benefit at retirement based upon years of credited service to The United Methodist Church, and a defined contribution (DC) plan, which provides a retirement account balance established and funded by the annual conferences. Current funding plan information: Effective January 1, 2014, the CRSP DC plan was reduced from a 3% to a 2% of plan compensation non-matching contribution. Clergy can earn up to an additional 1% CRSP DC contribution by contributing at least 1% of their plan compensation to UMPIP; therefore, if a participant contributes at least 1% of plan compensation to UMPIP, the individual will receive a contribution of 3% to CRSP DC. The 2019 CRSP DC contribution is anticipated to be $496,568 and will be funded by Direct Billing. The Clergy Retirement Security Program (CRSP DB) annuities total liability as of January 1, 2018 is $(1,588,243,217), while total plan assets are $1,700,835,563, resulting in a current plan funded ratio of 107%. The Wisconsin Conference portion of the liability is % and the 2019 contribution is $1,414,998. The conference anticipates that the amount will be funded by Direct Billing. Additionally, General Conference 2012 approved a change to CRSP that provides each annual conference the discretion to determine whether to cover three-quarter and/or half-time clergy. The Wisconsin Conference has elected to cover clergy serving 75%+ under CRSP effective January 1, MINISTERIAL PENSION PLAN (MPP) Plan overview: Supplement Three to the Clergy Retirement Security Program (CRSP), also known as the Ministerial Pension Plan (MPP), provides clergy with a pension benefit for their years of ministry with The United Methodist Church from 1982 through MPP is an Internal Revenue Code section 403(b) retirement plan. MPP requires that exactly 65% of the account balance must be annuitized when the funds are to be distributed. The remainder may be rolled over to UMPIP, another qualified plan or an IRA, or it may be paid in a lump sum. Current funding plan information: The Ministerial Pension Plan (MPP) annuities total liability as of January 1, 2017 is $(3,532,916,942), while total plan assets are $3,701,460,997, resulting in a current plan funded ratio of 105%. The required contribution for 2019 is $0. The Wisconsin Conference's percentage of the total liability is 1.49%. Future MPP annuitants have a total account balance of $3,689,292,322 and the Wisconsin Conference's portion of that balance is $44,100,449 or 1.19% of the total. PRE-82 PLAN Plan overview: Supplement One to the Clergy Retirement Security Program (CRSP), also known as the Pre-82 Plan, provides clergy with a pension benefit for their years of ministry with The United Methodist Church prior to The Pre-82 Plan was replaced by MPP effective January 1, If a clergyperson retires within the Conference (and does not terminate), the minimum benefit payable is based on two factors: 1) Years of service with pension credit-approved by each conference on the recommendation of the Conference Board of Pensions (CBOP) in accordance with plan provisions and The Book of Discipline. 7

10 ) The conference pension rate (past service rate) - the dollar amount chosen by the conference as the amount payable for each approved year of service with pension credit (may change from year to year). The number of years of service with pension credit is multiplied by the pension rate, and the product is the minimum annual benefit payable to those clergy eligible for Pre-82 Plan benefits. In certain situations, the benefit received from the Pre-82 plan may vary based on the applicability of what is referred to as Defined Benefit Service Money (DBSM), which is the defined contribution feature of the Pre-82 Plan. At the time that a participant retires, the DBSM account is converted to a life based benefit and, at that point, the clergy s benefit is the greater of the PSR or DBSM benefit. If the conference increases the PSR, the clergy s benefit is recalculated; but the DBSM-based benefit does not change. Current funding plan information: The 2019 PSR recommended to the Wisconsin Conference will be $740, representing a 2.0% increase from the 2017 rate. The conference expects future annual increases to be approximately 2.00%. The contingent annuitant percentage is recommended to remain at the 100% level. The rationale for these changes is $740 is PSR to be proposed to Annual Conference. Increase based on Social Security cost of living change. Action Item 11: Conference Policy Church Contributions Submitted by: Joint Board of Pensions, Insurance and Equitable Compensation WHEREAS the Conference Health Insurance Plan now offers six different plan options, this policy was updated to reflect the current reality. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Policy be amended to as follows: Church Contributions. Churches shall contribute at least 72% of a monthly universal premium as set by the Joint Board for every person under appointment that is serving at least three-quarter time in the local church. All participating pastoral charges will apply the same premium for every pastor, regardless of single or married status, or number of dependents, Action Item 12: Conference Policy Surviving Spouse of an Active Clergy Person Submitted by: Joint Board of Pensions, Insurance and Equitable Compensation WHEREAS the Conference Health Insurance Plan now offers six different plan options, this policy was updated to reflect the current reality. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Conference Policy be amended as follows: Surviving spouse of an Active Clergy Person. In the event of the death of a fulltime or three-quarter time, active (not retired), clergy member under appointment serving a local charge in the Wisconsin Conference and enrolled in the Conference Health Insurance Plan at the time of death, at the request of the District Superintendent the Joint Board will pay from the Emergency Hardship Account the total health insurance premiums in full of the current plan for three months and will pay 50% of the premiums for nine fifteen additional months for surviving spouse and dependent children. Survivors may remain in the plan after the 18 months at the full lay rate, if elected and paid by the survivors. Following this twelve-month period, the surviving spouse is eligible to participate in the Conference Health Insurance Plan, and shall receive a subsidy equal to the amount that a surviving spouse would receive if the clergy had died during retirement after age 65 provided that the clergy was a member of the Annual Conference prior to December 31, Such payment shall come from the Emergency Hardship Account. 8

11 Action Item 13: A Call to Action on Gun Violence Submitted by: Conference Board of Church and Society Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. (Matthew 5:9) WHEREAS we, United Methodists, are called to prayerfully address gun violence in our local context. (2016 Book of Resolutions, #3428, Our Call to End Gun Violence ) WHEREAS every day in the United States, approximately 300 people including 65 children and teens are injured or killed with guns in murders, assaults, suicides, and accidents. In Wisconsin, approximately 500 men, women, and children are killed with guns each year, including the 75% who die as a result of suicide. Gun deaths devastate families in both urban and rural areas; while Wisconsin s urban areas are disproportionately impacted by homicides, the state s less populated areas experience greater rates of gun suicide. (Source: Get The Facts. (April 1, 2017) Waveedfund.org. Retrieved March 23, 2018, from WHEREAS mass shootings, often in schools, have become routine news, and all innocent citizens, including children/youth are at risk, and in response to recent incidents, youth across the country are seeking answers and calling for action. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Wisconsin United Methodist individuals and congregations educate themselves about gun violence and make preventing gun violence a regular part of their conversations and prayer times. Available resources include 2016 Book of Resolutions, #3428, Our Call to End Gun Violence ; Kingdom Dreams, Violent Realities: Reflections on Gun Violence from Micah 4:1-4 ; and Gun Violence 101 Cheat Sheet. All are available on the website of the General Board of Church and Society, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that while law-abiding citizens should be able to buy and keep firearms, we call upon all our congregations and individuals to advocate at the local, state, and national level for prevention of gun violence through actions such as writing letters to political leaders, encouraging their church leaders to address this issue, and using social media to communicate their concerns to others. Some measures to prevent gun violence could include, as suggested by the Resolution #3428, (1) universal background checks on all gun purchases; (2) ensuring all guns are sold through licensed gun retailers; (3) prohibiting all individuals convicted of violent crimes from purchasing a gun for a fixed time period; (4) prohibiting all individuals under restraining order due to threat of violence from purchasing a gun; (5) prohibiting persons with serious mental illness, who pose a danger to themselves and their communities, from purchasing a gun; (6) ensuring greater access to services for those suffering from mental illness; (7) establishing a minimum age of 21 years for a gun purchase or possession; (8) banning large-capacity ammunition magazines and weapons designed to fire multiple rounds each time the trigger is pulled; (9) promoting new technologies to aid law-enforcement agencies to trace crime guns and promote public safety; and (10) ratification of the Arms Trade Treaty. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that individuals and congregations research community needs and partner with other communities of faith, community groups, and law-enforcement agencies to provide support to those who have experienced or are at risk of gun violence, including those who are most vulnerable, such as children/youth, those suffering from mental illness, and people in inner-city environments. Local/national organizations include: WAVE (Wisconsin Anti-Violence Effort), Brady Campaign, and Heeding God s Call. 9

12 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Conference District Superintendents, in conjunction with the Conference Board of Church and Society, offer a session or workshop on gun violence during one of their district events Action Item 14: Submitted By: 2019 Year of Indigenous Languages Native American Ministry WI Plan WHEREAS On 21 October 2016, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Resolution A/c.3/71/L.17 on Rights of Indigenous peoples proclaiming 2019 the Year of Indigenous Languages. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Native American Ministry WI Plan will provide education to support local indigenous languages in our churches, by hosting seminars, guest speakers, and multi-cultural events. Action Item 15: Submitted By: Native American Ministry Seminars in New York Native American Ministry WI Plan WHEREAS there will be a three-day trip to New York City to attend a seminar on Native American Ministry and to learn more about issues that Native Americans face in the United States to be hosted at the: United Nations Office Church Center for the United Nations 777 United Nations Plaza, Suite 8G New York, NY THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that funds be provided from the Native American Ministries Sunday collections to the Native American Ministry WI Plan to encourage better understanding of Native American Ministry and Culture. 10

13 5 INTRODUCTION TO ALL COVENANTS OF AFFILIATION (Action Items #16-17): The primary objective of the Covenant of Affiliation (Covenant) between the Wisconsin Conference of The United Methodist Church (Conference) and related Health and Welfare Ministries is to identify mutually agreeable expectations for each party. The Conference Health and Welfare Ministries Committee (Committee) will function as the point of contact between the Health and Welfare Ministry and the Conference. Action Item 16: Submitted By: Conference Expectations Covenant of Affiliation Between Harbor House Crisis Shelters and the Wisconsin Conference of the United Methodist Church Board of Global Ministries-Health and Welfare Agencies 1. Communicate to HHCS the requirements and changes in the Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church (current edition), the rules of the Conference and the actions of the Conference and the General Conference of the United Methodist Church which may affect the Ministry. 2. Communicate to HHCS the rules and regulations established by the General Council on Finance and Administration of the United Methodist Church regarding the use of the name The United Methodist Church and the Cross and Flame insignia of The United Methodist Church. 3. Maintain membership and active participation in the Conference Health and Welfare Ministries Committee. 4. The Resident Bishop will designate a member of the Ministry Board of Directors to serve as members of the HHCS Board of Directors. These individuals or their designee will serve as liaisons to work with Ministry to facilitate information sharing and mutual accountability for the expectations agreed to by both parties. 5. Encourage HHCS to have strong policies in governance and a compliance plan that helps to assure reasonable compliance with industry standards. 6. Every four years, review the relationship of the Conference and HHCS and reaffirm the relationship as long as both parties are in compliance with the expectations of the Covenant. 7. Advocate and promote HHCS mission and programs through the communication channels of the Conference, including the Conference Journal, the Conference proceedings, the Golden Cross appeal, the 11 Ministry Expectations Be guided in decision making by the United Methodist Social Principles (current edition), The Book of Discipline (current edition), and the investment policies of the United Methodist Church. Abide by rules and regulations established by the General Council on Finance and Administration of The United Methodist Church regarding use of the name The United Methodist Church and the Cross and Flame insignia of the United Methodist Church. Maintain membership and active participation in the Conference Health and Welfare Ministries Committee. Nominate a member of the Ministry Board of Directors to be a designed a liaison person to between HHCS and the Conference facilitate information sharing and mutual accountability for the expectations agreed to by both parties. Maintain a strong board governance and compliance committee with appropriate policies and procedure and an active compliance plan to assure observance of industry standards. Every four years, review the relationship of the HHCS and the Conference and reaffirm the relationship as long as both parties are in compliance with the expectations of the Covenant. Inform the Conference whenever HHCS begins a new program of service in response to emerging trends and community needs.

14 Conference magazine/newsletter, and by other means. 8. Encourage collaboration among health and welfare ministries, Conference entities, and local churches to respond to health and welfare needs within the Conference. 9. Celebrate annually at the Annual Conference session the contribution of HHCS to the mission of the church. 10. Assist HHCS, when requested in making high quality spiritual life resources available to its guests. 11. Make available to HHCS: Information regarding the availability of grants; Information regarding relevant resources available through Conference staff and General Boards or agencies. 12. Give consideration to the financial needs of all Conference related health and welfare ministries in the Conference s annual budget setting process. 13. Make training resources available to the HHCS staff and board of directors in mutually identified areas of interest. 14. Instruct pastors appointed to the HHCS service community that one of the missional reasons for the appointment involves an active, continuous relationship between congregations and HHCS. 15. Congregations in HHCS ministry area report annually at the Church/Charge Conference their support of HHCS. 16. Indemnify and hold HHCS, its board, volunteers and employees harmless from and against any claims, causes of action and costs (including reasonable attorneys fees) which may arise from any Conference operations. 17. Carry general liability insurance in coverage amounts sufficient to insure the Conference, its officers, employees, volunteers, and constituent boards and agencies from and against any claims by third parties for activities undertaken by the Conference. Cooperate with the Committee, the Conference Board of Global Ministries and congregations in the HHCS service area in creating new and expanded health and welfare ministries within the Conference. Identify in promotional materials that HHCS is affiliated with the Wisconsin Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. Provide high quality spiritual life resources to HHCS guests. Seek written approval of the Conference Council on Finance and Administration prior to engaging in conference-wide fund raising efforts. Provide to the Conference HHCs mission statement, articles of incorporation and by-laws and other foundational statements and amendments made as needed. Consider utilizing training available through the Conference. In accordance with the HHCS by-laws, all board seats will be filled by members of United Methodist Church congregation members. Encourage local United Methodist pastors and congregations to participate in HHCS mission work opportunities. Indemnify and hold the Conference, its boards and agencies, volunteers, employees and members harmless from and against any claims, causes of action and costs (including reasonable attorneys fees) which may arise from any HHCS operations. Carry professional and general liability insurance in coverage amounts sufficient to insure the HHCS, its officers, employees, volunteers, and constituent boards and agencies from and against any claims by third parties for activities undertaken by the Conference. 12

15 Action Item 17: Submitted By: Conference Expectations Covenant of Affiliation Between Northcott Neighborhood House, Inc. and the Wisconsin Conference of the United Methodist Church Board of Global Ministries-Health and Welfare Agencies 1. Communicate to Ministry the requirements and changes in the Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church (current edition), the rules of the Conference and the actions of the Conference and the General Conference of the United Methodist Church which may affect the Ministry. 2. Communicate to Ministry the rules and regulations established by the General Council on Finance and Administration of the United Methodist Church regarding the use of the name The United Methodist Church and the Cross and Flame insignia of The United Methodist Church. 3. Maintain membership and active participation in the Conference Health and Welfare Ministries Committee. 4. The Resident Bishop will designate a member of the Ministry Board of Directors to serve the liaison between the Conference and the Ministry Board to facilitate information sharing and mutual accountability for the expectations agreed to by both parties. 5. Encourage Ministry efforts to obtain Accreditation through Educational Assessment Guidelines Leading toward Excellence (EAGLE) Accreditation Program of the UMA. 6. Every four years, review the relationship of the Conference and Ministry and reaffirm the relationship as long as both parties are in compliance with the expectations of the Covenant. 7. Advocate and promote Ministry mission and programs through the communication channels of the Conference, including the Conference Journal, the Conference proceedings, the Golden Cross appeal, the Conference magazine/newsletter, and other means. 13 Ministry Expectations Be guided in decision making by the United Methodist Social Principles (current edition), The Book of Discipline (current edition), and the investment policies of the United Methodist Church. Abide by rules and regulations established by the General Council on Finance and Administration of The United Methodist Church regarding use of the name The United Methodist Church and the Cross and Flame insignia of the United Methodist Church. Maintaining a relationship with the Ministry and active participation in the Conference Health and Welfare Ministries Committee. Nominate a member of the Ministry Board of Directors to be a designed a liaison person to between Ministry and the Conference facilitate information sharing and mutual accountability for the expectations agreed to by both parties. Evaluate membership in EAGLE as related to Ministry current goals. Every four years, review the relationship of the Ministry and the Conference and reaffirm the relationship as long as both parties are in compliance with the expectations of the Covenant. Provide for publication in the Conference Journal: 1) The Ministry mission statement and other foundational statements as amended from time to time. 2) An annual summary of operations included the financial amount of benevolent care provided 3) A list of names, addresses and church affiliations (if known) of the Ministry Board of Directors 4) Descriptions of program and services in response to emerging trends and community needs, particularly noting initiatives related

16 8. Encourage collaboration among health and welfare ministries, Conference entities, and local churches to respond to health and welfare needs within the Conference. 9. Celebrate annually at the Annual Conference session the contribution of Ministry to the mission of the church. 10. Assist Ministry, when requested, in identifying persons to service in spiritual leadership roles. 11. Make available to HHCS: Information regarding the availability of grants; Information regarding relevant resources available through Conference staff and General Boards or agencies. Assistance through Wisconsin UM Foundation with fund raising through grants, wills, trusts, and other methods of giving Training resources for Ministry staff and Board of Directors in mutually identified areas of interest, for example governance and planning. Fair consideration of requests for Conference wide fundraising appeals 12. Give consideration to the financial needs of all Conference related health and welfare ministries in the Conference s annual budget setting process. 13. Instruct the District Superintendent to engage in a face to face conversation with the CEO of Ministry at least once per year in order to be familiar with, and supportive of the Ministry mission and ministry. 14. Instruct pastors appointed to the Ministry service community that one of the missional reasons for the appointment involves an active, continuous relationship between congregations and Ministry. 15. Have Churches in Ministry service area report annually at the Church/Charge Conference their support (financial, promotion, volunteer, leadership, etc.) of Ministry. to racial ethnic groups, people with disabilities, the disenfranchised and undocumented immigrants. Cooperate with the Committee, the Conference Board of Global Ministries and congregations in the Ministry service area in creating new and expanded health and welfare ministries within the Conference. Identify in promotional materials that Ministry is affiliated with the Wisconsin Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. Provide high quality spiritual life resources to Ministry clients. Seek written approval of the Conference Council on Finance and Administration prior to engaging in conference-wide fund raising efforts. Providing support and participation of various conferences related to health and welfare ministries. Supportive of the Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church. Arrange an annual on-site visit with the District Superintendent. Link Ministry to the Annual Conference session by electing to the Ministry Board one or more lay or clergy members of the Annual Conference. Encourage local United Methodist pastors and congregations to participate in Ministry programs. 14

17 16. Indemnify and hold Ministry, its board, volunteers and employees harmless from and against any claims, causes of action and costs (including reasonable attorneys fees) which may arise from any Conference operations. 17. Carry general liability insurance in coverage amounts sufficient to insure the Conference, its officers, employees, volunteers, and constituent boards and agencies from and against any claims by third parties for activities undertaken by the Conference. Indemnify and hold the Conference, its boards and agencies, volunteers, employees and members harmless from and against any claims, causes of action and costs (including reasonable attorneys fees) which may arise from any Ministry operations. Carry professional and general liability insurance in coverage amounts sufficient to insure the Ministry, its officers, employees, volunteers, and constituent boards and agencies from and against any claims by third parties for activities undertaken by the Ministry. Action Item 18: Submitted By: Resolution to authorize the Launch Out! fund-raising campaign The Launch Out! Leadership team WHEREAS the Wisconsin Conference dreams of reaching new people in new places in new ways with the timeless messages of God s love, Christ s sacrifice and new life in the Holy Spirit; and, WHEREAS the vision for a flourishing Wisconsin Conference calls for developing new ministries, turning around existing ministries, and doing radical ministry with the poor through works of mercy and justice; and, WHEREAS the key driver in each of those three areas is high-functioning, gifted, and skilled clergy and laity leadership; and, WHEREAS the above dream and vision requires exceptional effort in order to become reality; and, WHEREAS we cannot maintain the status quo to achieve the grand vision of investing in mission and ministry for our children, our grandchildren and their children; and, WHEREAS our Biblical inspiration is Jesus encounter with exhausted fishermen who are ready to give up as he instead encourages them to launch out beyond the shore to deeper waters, cast their nets again and do things differently; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Wisconsin Conference initiates, upon completion of this Annual Conference, the Launch Out! fund-raising campaign to raise $6.8 million over three years; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THATa professional consulting agency with a proven track record for excellence be hired to develop a comprehensive fund-raising plan and lead us in executing the funding campaign; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Conference establish campaign goals of raising $2.92 million for developing new ministries, $2.48 million for mercy and justice ministries; $1.15 million for revitalization of current ministries; and $250,000 to pay for the campaign. Action Item 19: Proposed 2019 Conference Budget Submitted by Council on Finance and Administration Narrative Proposed Budget: Page 16 Summary Proposed Budget: Page 17 Detailed Proposed Budget: Page

18 2017 FINANCIAL RESULTS Overview of the Wisconsin Conference Budget Apportionment receipts totaled $6,629,625, an increase of $103,367 over the 2016 apportionment receipts. Although we had this increase in the dollar amount received, the percentage paid by local churches on their apportioned amount was 80.1%, a 0.3% decrease from the 80.4% paid in Total expenses were $6,838,539, an increase of $373,170 over the prior year. The majority of this increase is due to the payment of our general church apportionments. Proudly, our conference paid 100% of our general church apportionments and even paid 105% of the Africa University apportionment! In 2017, we resumed paying our apportionments in full in compliance with Conference Policy General Conference Apportionments. From this policy was suspended by action of the 2012 Annual Conference. 80,000 60,000 40,000 Our 2017 expenses exceeded our revenue by $208,914. This deficit was covered by our conference reserves which at 12/31/17 had a remaining balance of $298,155. According to Conference Policy Cash Reserve, we have a goal of 10% of the Conference budget as the cash reserve. STATISTICAL DATA 2016 $55,000,000 $50,000,000 $45,000, PROPOSED BUDGET Professing Members Local Expenses Besides reviewing the 2017 financial results, the Council on Finance and Administration (CFA) reviewed statistical data from 2016 and the five years prior (2016 was the latest complete data available at the time). According to Conference Policy Conference Budget, the budget that CFA presents to the Conference shall not increase over the previous year s budget in any given year more than the percentage increase in the Conference total of local church expenses for the previous year. Local expenses decreased by 2.5% from 2015 to The statistical data used to calculate the apportionment for each church include professing membership and total local expenses (see Conference Policy Apportionment Formula). During the 2019 budget process, CFA carefully reviewed the 2017 financial results, the Conference statistical data, and the policies governing their work. The 2019 proposed budget is $6,783,839, a decrease from the prior year of $248,189. This lower budget amount brings us closer to the actual apportionment receipts received from local churches. The budget includes a $200,000 planned addition back to the cash reserves, which should help us to cover our operating expenses in times of low apportionment receipts. 16