5/12/26 ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL MEETING SUMMARY

Discipleship Training — (Terry Bolender) Terry asked about how the process of checking in with committee/team members about serving next year was going. She reminded us that one of our most important roles as leaders is to intentionally equip the next person or persons to step forward either as an apprentice or a new leader. If you are stepping away, you should be thinking about how to transition: what wisdom or skills or mentoring needs to happen for them to be successful in leading others AND for sustaining the mission-driven work you have begun.

Finance Update — (Glen Cushman) Glen provided a commentary on the 2026 first quarter budget performance. Operating income was higher and expenses lower than expected. Contact the office if you would like the complete commentary.

Director of Discipleship Ministries Update – (Jen Livingood) We have found the next person to serve in this role after Terry retires at the end of August. There will be some overlap in August to give Terry time to get Richard Thomas III up to speed about many aspects of the job. Details about Terry’s retirement and Richard’s onboarding will be provided as the summer progresses.

Progress towards KUMC Goals:

Worship & Arts Team (Christine Tremain) The Worship & Arts Team’s goals were developed in conjunction with the Kent United Methodist Church goals. Through these goals, we seek to create a diverse and uplifting worship experience that exemplifies God’s love and our missional commitments that will grow our church attendance both in person and online. Worship will feel welcome and enlightened by the modern look, sound and energy of our service. More flexible space will make it possible to host more community programs that invite new neighbors to Kent UMC. Contact the church office for a copy of Christine’s complete report.

Outreach: Beyond Our Walls (Elaine Lowell) The Outreach Team identified how our ministries align with KUMC's goals of growing our church, growing our faith, and communicating who we are. The team identified the following programs as key contributors to those goals: Kent Food Bank drives, Torklift turkey drives, HUB program at Kent Meridian HS, Community Loaves, Terrific Tuesday partnership, and our Shared Bread ministry. Contact the church office for a copy of Elaine’s complete report.

KUMC Goals:

1.       Grow our church.

2.       Grow our faith.

3.       Communicate who we are.

4.       Increase social media presence.

5.       Respect and Honor our staff

6.       Ensure financial stability.

7.       Maintain our facility.

8.       Reduce our Carbon footprint.

The next Ad Council meeting is Tuesday, June 9 at 6:30pm via Zoom.