If you missed it, please go back and watch last week’s services from May 2nd on our Facebook page or YouTube channel (links below). Our youth group did a fabulous job leading Youth Sunday. It was also a blessing to recognize our seniors as they complete a chapter in their lives and prepare for the next chapter. I want to highlight Gracie and Ellie’s message because they spoke truth to us, calling us as God’s people to use our gifts to serve and to be engaged in God’s work. Two of our youth, both seniors preparing to graduate, shared this word from God to us- how inspiring!

I hope we take this message to heart. We’re in a time where reconnection is needed. We need each other. We need to experience healing together and to grow together in faith. Additionally, the world needs the good news that we know to be true, the good news we are called to share and embody, the good news of Jesus Christ and God’s love for the world through Him.  

I recognize we are still at a time when people have different comfort levels and opinions about how we should do things as church, but I want to challenge everyone to seek the LORD above all and put our differences aside to focus on Him. I believe God is calling us to put LOVE first, loving the Lord with all we are and loving one another as we love self. May our coming together as the Body of Christ for worship, for faith formation, and for mission in the world therefore take priority over what we think should happen.  We are better together. Find ways to connect and be engaged that fits with your comfort level related to in person or virtual opportunities!

Let me close with words from Hebrews 10:23-25 stressing the need for connection, encouragement, and meeting together related to our holding to our faith (please know this can now happen both in person or virtually):

23 Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

God Bless,
Pastor Josh

On April 25, Church Council held a meeting. Here is a summary of that meeting:

Penny Selman, Staff Parish Relations Committee Chair, reported that Allan's position, Director of Music ministry has been posted in several locations and has been shared with those Allan and Michael know as well. As of right now, we are planning Allan's retirement celebration for June with more information to come.

Rev. Josh Kilbourne, on behalf of the Endowment Committee reported that we have sent money to Mustard Tree and have placed the orders for the door to be installed in the Children's area and fire system in the Sanctuary. We plan to distribute approximately $6600 in this first distribution out of the Endowment ($3,110 for Mustard Tree and $3,115 for our unbudgeted facility needs). Watch for a communication in May that will explain more and celebrate these distributions.

Jeff Norwood, Treasurer, reported on the new graphic with contributions and expenses that is now in the newsletter each week and can be seen below. First quarter the church almost broke even, with an estimated $2,000 of gifts in excess of expenses. The bank balance is $616,197, with $99,436 being designated. This leaves cash available for operations of $516,761. We continue to pay Holston Conference and District tithes and pay our loan monthly. Our principal loan balance for our mortgage is currently $1,124,710.

Jeff reported that all budget categories are spending appropriately but based on our budget, we are running $20,000 behind each month in giving. Currently, staff and program owners are not being asked to scale back expenses as long as they are within budget. Our budget expenses are reported based on annual total divided by 12 and this is not always how the money is spent.

Marti Wayland, Chair of the Finance Committee, reported our audit started April 12th and all requests from the auditors have been met and the audit is going smoothly. Marti shared how grateful she is to the Finance Team and currently, in particular, Allison Evans for all she is doing in regard to the current audit.

Lee Ann Adams, Chair of Stewardship, reported that the committee will hold its first meeting this week.

Dick Emrath, Trustees Committee Chairman, is working now on lights throughout the building to modify them to LED which will help with our utility costs. The Children’s door is in progress as well. The other big item Trustees is working on is the flat roof. It is leaking in multiple areas of the building. Trustees is working on solutions and bids. The church sign out front is getting a facelift thanks to several church volunteers. The sign will be placed with the ability to be moved to the upper parking lot area should we get approval from the Town of Signal Mountain to do so.

Henry Allen, Chair of the Youth Parent Advisory Board, reported on the Youth's proposal for summer trips this summer, taking into consideration COVID. Our Youth ministry is looking for ways to help our youth get re-engaged and connect with each other and their small group leaders. Drew Barton, Director of Youth Ministries, reported that Camp Lookout trip for Middle School has already been approved by the Conference so they were seeking approval for a High School Youth trip. This trip would be a spiritual retreat rather than a mission trip where the youth would go away for a long weekend to a cabin. Josh reported that trustees have reviewed plan and he is very pleased with youth leadership and how they have handled COVID protocols. Church Council approved the High School Youth trip and more information will be shared from Drew Barton in regard to trip details and registration.

Rachel Dow, Director of Children’s Ministries, reported that May 2nd Sunday School starts again for K-5 students (and Youth). Sunday night attendance has been low so hoping Sunday morning attendance will be much better. May 16th will be Children’s Sunday in both services. VBS is scheduled for July 12-15 with registration opening May 16. Also on May 16, we will have promotion Sunday where our rising Kindergartners will move to Children's and our 5th graders will move to Youth.

Rev. Bill Thornton, Associate Pastor, began the pastoral update. Bill reported that the pastors have spent the last year with members as they pass away, crisis moments, etc. Overall, our elderly have been very isolated. Phone calls have taken place but not the kind of care that we prefer. Now that many have been vaccinated, we are looking to ramp up home visits particularly for those living a home by themselves or couples without family in the area. Also mentioned the casserole ministry where we have casseroles that have been prepared to share with those in need. Feel free to grab one if you know a family or individual in need.

Rev. Josh Kilbourne, Senior Pastor, shared that the Conference Task force is going away soon meaning that local churches will determine the right COVID protocols based on CDC guidance for their environment in moving forward, with the exception of masks. The Holston Conference is not lifting the mask mandate at this time. Josh also shared that Sunday School begins Sunday (May 2) for children and youth. More adult classes are also beginning to meet on Sunday mornings. Josh has also fielded many questions about the 8:30 am service. As of right now, this service is not being added back to the schedule but will be revisited at a later date with input from those connected to that service and church leadership. And lastly, Josh informed Church Council that a member of the church has offered to build a cross for the Crest Center and discussions and plans are currently underway.

Our next Church Council meeting will be May 23 at 7 pm.

In Partnership,
Greg Cullum
Chair, Church Council
Church Council is the governing board for Signal Crest business and is made up of representatives from all ministry areas of the church, lay leaders, committee chairs, and at-large members. Your 2021 Church Council representatives can be found by clicking here.

To better understand the governance of both the United Methodist Church and Signal Crest UMC, please click here for more information.

Approved Church Council Minutes may be found here: