Stewardship & Budget

BUDGET ASSUMPTIONS

Benevolence Factor – Proposed 2022:  17.550%

The benevolence factor is the percentage churches are apportioned based on their operating expenditures less exclusions.  The percentage for 2022 is the same as the percentage used in 2021 (17.550%).

Mission Shares Collection Rate - Proposed 2022:  89.0%

The projected collection of the amount apportioned to churches in the 2022 Budget is 89.0%.  The percentage for 2022 is 1.5% more than the revised budgeted Collection Rate for 2021 (87.5%) which was based on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

REVENUE

Mission Shares:  $13,104,912

A church’s share of the local and global mission work and operating expenses of the Annual Conference as determined by the mission shares formula. 

Grants:  $267,300

This represents grants given directly to the conference for ministry and mission. For example, General Church grants to operate the Episcopal Office and residence.

Event Registration:  $2,265,106

This includes Annual Conference registration, workshop registrations, Retreat and Camping Ministries registrations (majority of line item) and other conference events.

Publications:  $4,100

This includes sales or rentals of publications, DVDs, paid subscriptions, and other materials.

Individual Gifts: 

Gifts from individuals for specific programs. These are for the conference, specifically, rather than for ministries outside of the conference.  No such gifts are anticipated in 2022.

Reimbursements:  $210,235

The conference receives reimbursements from denominational agencies for specific operating programs.  The Mission Center tenant leases are also captured in this revenue category.

Other Income/Sources of Funds:  $2,235,544

Miscellaneous income or sources of funds, such as the funding from agency reserve funds.  For example, Retiree Medical expenses (majority of line item) are 100% paid from the Board of Pension Reserves.  The funds from the sale of discontinued churches are used to fund a portion of the New Faith Expressions.

Interest:  $58,500

An estimate of the interest the conference will earn on operating funds in investment vehicles.

TOTAL OPERATING REVENUE:  $ 18,145,697 

EXPENSES

1. DISCIPLESHIP EXPENSES

Regional Ministry Teams:  $2,298,143

Funds to operate the ministries and administrative support of the Regions.  The Regional Teams include:

1. Southern Region (Annapolis and Washington East Districts)
2. Baltimore Region (Baltimore Metro and Baltimore Suburban Districts)
3. Washington Region (Greater Washington and Central Maryland Districts)
4. Western Region (Frederick and Cumberland-Hagerstown Districts)           

Discipleship Ministry Teams

Discipleship Ministries

a. Discipleship Ministries: $1,349,079

Funds to operate the ministries and administrative aspects of the Discipleship Ministries and Congregation/Leadership Development Teams.  Funds are also allocated for Discipleship Council, Connectional Table and Board of Laity.

b. General and Jurisdictional Missional Shares: $2,882,915

The funds that the General Church and Northeast Jurisdiction request for ministry and programs from each conference.  The conference celebrates its track record of paying 100% of these missional shares since 1998.  General Church funds include:

World Service

To help our denomination strengthen its evangelism efforts, stimulate church growth, expand Bible studies, and enrich spiritual commitment.  This fund allows us to share in a worldwide ministry, including support for missionaries.

Interdenominational Cooperation

This fund allows United Methodists to have an effective presence in the activities of ecumenical organizations.

Africa University

This fund supports the further development of the first private university for men and women in Africa.

Black College Fund

This fund represents the denomination’s support of the operation and capital funding of historically black colleges and medical schools.

Ministerial Education Fund

This fund provides our church support for the recruitment and education of future pastors and bishops.

Episcopal Fund

This fund pays the salaries and benefits of active bishops in the denomination and supports retired bishops.

General Administration

This fund supports administrative areas of the church, such as the General Council on Finance and Administration, the General Conference session, and Archives and History.

Jurisdictional Administration

This fund supports mission and ministry through the Northeastern Jurisdiction.

Leadership Development and New Faith Expressions: $1,579,753

a. Grants to local churches and ministries to grow congregations and expand ministry in the community.

1. Start new churches
2. Board of Ordained Ministry
3. Certified Lay Ministry

Young People's Ministry: $2,344,006

Ministries funded by Young People's Ministry include Children, Youth, Young Adults, Campus Ministries, and Retreat and Camping ministries.

1. Youth Ministries engage and support young disciples of Jesus Christ.
2. Retreat and Camping Ministries provide opportunities for spiritual growth and formation for children and adults.
3. Campus Ministries support staffing and programs on four area college campuses.

Advocacy & Action; Abundant Health: $868,820

Social Justice Ministries such as Justice for our Neighbors, NEJ Call to Action, and Hope for the City are funded through Advocacy and Action.  Funds are also devoted to Deaf Ministries.  Abundant Health includes funds for our partnership ministries with other conferences, such as Zimbabwe, South Korea, Latin America, and Eurasia.

Total Discipleship Ministry Teams:  $9,024,573

TOTAL DISCIPLESHIP EXPENSES:  $11,322,716

2. STEWARDSHIP EXPENSES

 Communications:  $468,466
The publications produced by this area are tools for implementing the ministries of the Conference, such as the Web site and
e-connection.

Operations:  $3,245,944
This area is responsible for overall operations of the conference facilities, and IT systems and infrastructure.  

Property Ministries
The Conference Trustees oversee all property owned by the conference, to include the Conference Mission Center, three Retreat and Camping facilities, the Episcopal Residence and the leased offices in Frederick and on Capitol Hill.

Archives and History
The conference provides support for the preservation of our United Methodist Heritage.

Conference Chancellor
Provides legal resources to the Trustees and other conference leadership.

Annual Conference – Commission on Sessions
The commission prepares all aspects of the annual conference session including program and logistics.

 Finance:  $561,064
This area is responsible for maintaining and administering comprehensive fiscal and administrative policies and services. The office of the treasurer provides support and information for clergy and laity in local churches.

HR/Benefits Administration:  $2,018,150
This office administers all active and retired benefit plans for clergy and laity.  They also provide personnel and HR support for Conference staff.

TOTAL STEWARDSHIP EXPENSES:  $6,293,624

Episcopal Leadership Ministry:  $529,357

Ministries that lead our mission and develop the leadership to lead congregations, ministries and staff.

TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES:  $18,145,697
OPERATING NET:  $0

STEWARDSHIP MINISTRIES

Recommendations from the Council on Finance and Administration

1. The proposed budget of $18,145,697 shall be adopted for 2022, including a mission share income budget of $13,104,912. This represents a slight increase of $70,000 or 0.5% in the mission share asking compared to the 2021 budget following the $1.0 million reduction in the prior year.
2. The Benevolence Factor (BF) for 2022 remains unchanged at 17.55%. The collection rate assumption for 2022 is set at 89.0%, which is 1.5% higher than the 2021 rate.  Due to anomalies in the 2020 statistical data during the pandemic, the mission share base will be calculated as a 3-year average of local church statistics from 2018, 2019, and 2020.
3. As required by The Book of Discipline, the ratio for World Service and Conference Benevolences shall be set as follows: 33% for World Services and 67% for Conference Benevolences.
4. The firm of Ellin & Tucker is approved as independent auditors to audit the Conference Treasurer’s financial records for 2021.
5. The date for closing the 2021 Conference financial books shall be set at January 11, 2022, with all payments to be received by the Treasurer’s Office no later than that date.
6. The Baltimore-Washington Conference grants authority to the Council on Finance and Administration, in consultation with the Bishop, the Cabinet, and the Discipleship Council to act on financial matters between sessions of the Annual Conference.

Submitted by:
Phil Potter, President
Paul J. Eichelberger, Chief Financial Office and Treasurer

Recommendations:

The Commission on Equitable Compensation is recommending that the base salary for the 2022 Clergy Salary Table be increased 2.0%, or $914, which will make the base salary $46,592.  The Commission is also proposing an increase in the recommended housing allowance of 2.0% or $407, which will make the recommended housing allowance $20,771.

Submitted by:
Kim Ayres, Chair, Commission on Equitable Compensation

The Board of Pensions and Health Benefits continues to pursue its goal of enabling clergy and lay staff to accomplish their ministries without concern for their long-term financial or medical protection. We continue to position ourselves to face the challenges that lie ahead and to assist clergy and staff in their mission.

Pensions: 

• Pre-82 Service Funding: The 2021 Past Service Rate (PSR) is confirmed at $768.  We recommend that the PSR for 2022 be set at $787.  ¶1506.7 (2016 Discipline) confers authority upon the annual conference to review the annuity rate for Pre-82 service and to adjust the PSR rate as appropriate taking into consideration the changes in the economy. Such annuity rate may remain the same or be increased without restriction.  Wespath Benefits and Investments actuarial valuation for Pre-82 Annuities as of January 1, 2019, showed a more than fully funded plan, requiring no monies to be paid by BWC.  The pre-82 plan surplus results from increases in valuation of the securities in the account.  Wespath has authorized a mechanism by which we have been able to employ some of the excess Pre-82 funds to indirectly fund our Retiree Medical Plan reserve.  Pre-82 is the pension plan in place prior to 1982.
• Ministerial Pension Plan (MPP) Funding:  Wespath Benefits and Investments’ actuarial valuation for MPP Annuities as of January 1, 2019, showed that it is also a fully funded plan, requiring no monies to be paid by BWC. Monies previously contributed to MPP continue to be held in individual participant accounts. MPP is the pension plan in place from 1982 through 2006.
• Clergy Retirement Security Program (CRSP) Funding:  The Baltimore-Washington Conference funds the program as follows:

• CRSP Defined Contribution (DC) - BWC continues to collect 3% of participant’s plan compensation (Salary plus housing) to fund the Defined Contribution (DC). 2% goes directly to the participant’s DC account.  The participant is now required to enroll in the United Methodist Personal Investment Plan (UMPIP) with a contribution of at least 1% of plan compensation to receive a match of up to 1%.
• CRSP Defined Benefit (DB) – BWC continues to collect 12% of the participant’s plan compensation, limited by the DAC (Denominational Average Compensation) to fund the Defined Benefit portion of CRSP.

Comprehensive Protection Plan (CPP):

• BWC continues to collect 3% of a clergy participant’s plan compensation (salary plus housing) for the Comprehensive Protection Plan (CPP). The CPP provides death and disability benefits for all eligible participants.  As of the last General Conference, Wespath Benefits and Investments revised their policies to treat clergy mental illness in the same fashion as any other illness for CPP purposes.  The Conference Board of Pensions and Health Benefits has voted to provide the necessary funds to eliminate anti-mental illness discrimination for lay employees as well.  

UMLifeOptions:

• Active ordained clergy appointed to ½ or ¼ time are now enrolled in UMLifeOptions, BWC will collect 3% of clergy participant’s plan compensation (salary plus housing) to cover the premiums. 

Health:  

• HealthFlex: All eligible participants have been successfully enrolled in the Wespath HealthFlex Exchange Plans. The HealthFlex Exchange brings more plan options; more flexibility for enrollees to select the HealthFlex plan that best fits each individual need. The HealthFlex Exchange is not a public exchange and is not associated with government agencies.  It is a multiple-option group health plan designed for United Methodist Church clergy, lay employees and their families.   
• Retirees:  Retirees who are over age 65 will continue to work with Via Benefits, to choose policies better suited to their individual needs.  Retirees are offered a stipend based on years of service.  Retirees who are under age 65 or any future participants who retire before age 65 will remain on the HealthFlex Exchange plan until the month they turn 65.

Social Security: 

Your Board strongly recommends that all clergy of the Conference participate in Social Security, and not exercise any conscience clauses to opt out of Social Security.  Eligibility for Medical benefits through Via Benefits in retirement and Disability benefits through the CPP program, are both dependent on participation in Social Security and Medicare.  Thus, one’s irrevocable decision to opt out of Social Security is a decision to be excluded from these Conference programs as well.

Arrearage: 

In order to assure that nothing interferes with clergy continued medical and pension coverage, BWC first makes the necessary payments to Wespath when due and then collects the premiums from individual churches.  There is a continuing problem with a small number of churches which fall behind in this pastoral compensation commitment.  The Bishop’s Task Force on Arrearages, comprised of two District Superintendents, the Chair of the Board of Pensions, and Conference staff, has developed approaches to more intensive management of churches which are in arrears, for medical and pension arrearages often are symptomatic of other challenges to ministry and finances the church is facing.  A Church in arrears may be offered a forbearance program where collection of the arrearage is forborne for three years while the church focuses its efforts on greater effectiveness in ministry.  Churches successfully completing this program may have the arrearage converted to a contingent liability, effective only in the event that the church property is sold. 

Final Comments: 

The CBOPHB thanks Francess Tagoe, Director, Human Resources and Benefits for her enthusiastic and professional work on behalf of our participants and the Board.  She effectively communicates and administers the benefits based on Plan rules and regulations, the Book of Discipline, the Conference's policies and procedures, and all applicable state and federal laws so that there is an understanding of the benefits for our clergy and lay employees.  It is her goal and the Board's goal to continue to provide the best possible benefits package for our plan participants, while maintaining the utmost care for and fiduciary responsibility to you, the Plan participants, and those in the Baltimore-Washington Conference for whom we owe the same.  We wish to also give thanks to Karen Conroy, HR & Benefits Associate, Pier McPayten, Controller, and the District Superintendents who all support the work we do. 

Cary James, Chair
Paul J. Eichelberger, Treasurer

RECOMMENDATIONS

The Conference Board of Pensions and Health Benefits requests that the Annual Conference adopt the following recommendations:

1. That BWC continue to provide retiree medical to all eligible participants.

2. That in accordance with paragraph (e) of Supplement One (Pre-1982), the surviving spouse pension benefit shall continue to be 85% of the participant’s formula.

3. That the special grant for Madelyn Hoffman be discontinued.  (Died March 19, 2021).

4. Pre-1982 Service – Past Service Rate (PSR):   That the Annual Conference shall approve the following pre-1982 prior service funding plan in compliance with the Disciplinary requirement listed in ¶1506.8:  The Past Service Rate (PSR) for 2021 is confirmed at $768.  The PSR for 2022 will be set at $787 = 2.5% increase. 

5. That the Annual Conference shall approve the following funding plans based on the receipt of a favorable opinion from Wespath Benefits and Investments in compliance with the Disciplinary requirement listed in ¶1506.6.

Funded status and contributions are based on actuarial valuations as of January 1, 2020, 

Pre-82 Plan:  Baltimore-Washington Conference is fully funded, with its Pre-82 Plan assets equal to 128% of its liabilities.

Corridor Funding:  Clergy Retirement Security Program (CRSP-DB) and Ministerial Pension Plan (MPP) annuities.  The funded Ratio for this funding is the same for all Conferences

Plan	Assets	Liabilities	Funded Ratio
CRSP-DB	$2.237B	$2.075B	107.8%
MPP Annuities	$4.147B	$3.721B	111.4%

Post-Retirement Medical:  Based on the biennial actuarial report received in April 2020, the Post-Retirement Medical plan is reported to have a current view funding ratio of 146.6%.  The ongoing view funding ratio is 214.4%.  The next actuarial report will be based on December 31, 2021 funding levels.

The funding plan as of December 31, 2019 is summarized below.

	Current View	Ongoing View
Discount Rate	3.20%	6.50%
Plan Liability	$32,256,124	$22,057,379
Plan Funding	$47,300,000	$47,300,000
Funded Status	$15,043,876	$25,242,621
Funded Ratio	146.6%	214.4%

6. That the following resolution, as required for IRS compliance, shall be approved:

Resolutions Relating to Rental/Housing Allowances for Retired or Disabled Clergypersons of the Baltimore-Washington Conference

The Baltimore-Washington Conference (the “Conference”) adopts the following resolutions relating to rental/housing allowances for active, retired, or disabled clergypersons of the Conference:

WHEREAS, the religious denomination known as The United Methodist Church (the “Church”), of which this Conference is a part, has 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 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;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:

THAT an amount equal to 100% of the pension 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 the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits ("GBOPHB"), during the years 2021-2022 by each active, retired, 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

THAT the pension or disability payments to which this rental/housing allowance applies will be any

pension or disability payments from plans, annuities or funds authorized under the Discipline, including such payments from the GBOPHB and from a commercial annuity company that provides an annuity arising from benefits accrued under a GBOPHB plan, annuity or fund authorized under the Discipline, that result from any service a Clergyperson rendered to this Conference or that an active, retired or 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, or disabled Clergyperson's pension or disability as part of his or her gross compensation.

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.

The Board of Trustees holds in trust for the benefit of the Annual Conference any real or personal property, bequests, and donations conveyed to the Annual Conference, and acts to safeguard the rights and interests of the Annual Conference.

The Board of Trustees is composed of clergy and lay people from each region who volunteer their time, spirit and experience to this service, along with Ex Officio members who are staff of the Baltimore-Washington Conference including the CFO, Controller, Facilities Manager, cabinet representative and Bishop. As chair of this committee I am grateful that every member of this board is engaged, active and attentive and possessing of insight, critical thought and Christian love. I thank each of them, and I thank our Lord for calling them to service.

The Trustees administer several funds in support of their work. Apportioned funds include the Trustees Fund (which pays property insurance, utilities, maintenance and capital expenses) and the Conference Center Fund (which pays mortgage, service contracts, computer and telecommunications, supplies and other related costs). The Trustees Fund finished 2020 about 10% over budget due to reduced Mission Share income during the COVID year and increased maintenance and capital expense. The Conference Center Fund likewise finished the year over budget also due to reduced Mission Share income and increased mortgage expense. The Board of Trustees also administers non-apportioned funds; the Parsonage Reserves and Mission Center Reserves for the long-term care and replacement of those properties. The District Funds receive monies from the sale of closed church properties. Such funds are designated by Discipline for use in the urban areas or non-urban areas in which the properties are located. Lastly the Trustees administer funds for grants and loans (through the Unified Funding Taskforce). At the end of 2020 the Trustees had thirty outstanding loans to local congregations dating back to 2012 with balances totaling just under 1.5 million dollars.

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted every aspect of Conference activity through most of 2020. The Trustees continued to meet monthly and at other times through on-line conferencing. Along with other Conference boards and agencies, the Trustees looked for ways to ease the burden on local churches. Congregations with outstanding loans had payments and interest accumulation waived for three months. Additional forbearance has been extended in the first part of 2021. Many congregations utilized the Payroll Protection Program to receive payroll loans, including some congregations which closed in 2020 or early 2021. The Trustees worked with the former members to ensure that any PPP loans had previously been forgiven or received forgiveness as part of the closure process.

Following the specially called General Conference of 2019, the Baltimore-Washington Board of Trustees was charged by the newly created ¶ 2553 of the Book of Discipline (2016) with developing additional standard terms supplemental to the minimum terms of the GCF&A template for local congregations of this Annual Conference wishing to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church due to specific actions of the General Conference related to human sexuality “or the actions or inactions of its annual conference related to these issues which follow.”  The Board of Trustees has made good progress in this work, balancing the duty to the Annual Conference and the rights of the local congregations, in consultation as mandated with the Cabinet, the Chancellor, the Commission on Finance and Administration and Connectional Ministries. As of this year’s Annual Conference, the Protocol of Reconciliation & Grace through Separation, which includes ¶ 2553 has drawn broad support moving into the delayed General Conference scheduled for 2022.

In other financial stewardship since the last Annual Conference; the Trustees have been tracking bequests from the three different estates made to closed churches which passed in trust to the Baltimore-Washington Conference. Since the last Annual Conference, the Trustees have also worked to find a tenant for the commercial space in the Conference Center previously occupied by the African Art Museum. By policy, this space is designated for a non-profit organization. After reviewing several possible tenants, the Center for Watershed Protection was identified as an appropriate and sustainable tenant. A ten-year lease was negotiated and improvements were made to the space to provide dedicated restrooms and to divided the rental space from the Mission Center space for security and privacy.

This year saw the completion of the new Director’s residence at Camp Manidokan, after a mold problem made the previous building not suitable as a residence. Extensive remediation and renovation is working to bring that building new life as a multi-purpose space. West River’s “living shoreline” project broke ground and will beautify that waterfront along with being considerably more environmentally responsible.

A major project of the Board of Trustees has been to research best practices and strategies for stewardship of the Baltimore-Washington Conference’s historic cemeteries. These properties include Mt. Auburn Cemetery, the historic burying ground for people of color, Mt. Olivet Cemetery which includes the grave of Francis Asbury and 200 other founding ministers and bishops, and Mt. Hebron Cemetery which includes the site of the first United Brethren meeting house. All are National Register of Historic Places, and two are official Heritage Landmarks of the denomination. The Trustees put out an RFP and negotiated contracts for the lawn care of these properties, and began the financial planning to establish an endowment fund to ensure the long-term stewardship of these and other cemeteries which may fall under Conference responsibility.

Over the last year the Baltimore-Washington Trustees have held in trust for the Conference the properties of eighteen closed churches. These include properties which continue to house activity including Mt. Vernon Place in Baltimore Metro which is the ongoing worship center to that congregation, the former Dundalk UMC which had a food ministry, scout troop and NA group as tenants after closure. Forest Memorial and Corkran Memorial are both homes to surviving non-UMC congregations renting space. The Pre-K school at Corkran also remained open for remote activity and the Trustees have helped that entity reorganize and remain in business. The challenges facing some of these properties are many including failing rooves, mold, lack of septic and/or water as well as zoning issues and title issues.

The Trustees are also pleased to be of service to active local churches who, over the past year, have sought Trustee help with issues relating to accessibility, parsonage rental and sale and other matters. They are engaged in long-term planning with Ames Memorial in a project to bring services and facilities to the Sandtown neighborhood of Baltimore. In its own Mission Center, the Conference has done a security assessment and successfully applied for a FEMA grant to increase security on site and to secure a new cost saving communications vendor. The Board of Trustees has also collaborated with New Faith Expressions to make funds available for Mission Locations and churches in transition. The Trustees were active in Conference efforts to guide the Conference through COVID closures and re-entering strategies and best practices, and in preparing congregations for reactions and possible civil unrest in the wake of the 2020 presidential election.

The future remains uncertain, with questions surrounding new COVID numbers and the on-going delay for General and Jurisdictional Conferences. The Trustees Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference worked without break in 2020, and continue to be fully committed to ensuring that our Annual Conference has a strong foundation and is able, with God’s help, to withstand any challenge. They are humbled by the heart and courage of the local churches who have shown resilience, adaptability and patience over the past year. Each member of the board is proud to selflessly, faithfully and prayerfully serve this Annual Conference and to be a part of the mission to make disciples for Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

Respectfully Submitted,
John M. Strawbridge – Chair of the Board of Trustees

Title: Establish a Baltimore-Washington Conference Cemetery Association

Budget Implications: Funding from Conference Trustees’ Sale of Closed Church Proceeds and new streams of revenue

Rationale: Improve care and maintenance of the Conference’s historic cemeteries and other cemeteries that become the Conference’s responsibility after church closures

Submitted by: 
John Strawbridge, Conference Board of Trustees, Chair
Sheridan Allmond, Conference Board of Trustees, Vice-Chair

RESOLUTION: 

Whereas, the Baltimore-Washington Conference has three historic cemeteries known as Mt. Auburn Cemetery (2614 Annapolis Rd, Baltimore, MD 21230), Mt. Olivet Cemetery (2930 Frederick Ave, Baltimore, MD 21223), and Mt. Hebron Cemetery (Mt. Hebron Rd, Keedysville, MD 21756); and

Whereas, the historic cemeteries are unique denominational treasures which include the Bishops’ Lot and the graves of Francis Asbury, Robert Strawbridge, Jesse Lee, Bishop Enoch, Bishop Waugh, and E. Stanley Jones, the site of the first meeting house of the United Brethren, and the historic burying ground for African-Americans once known as "The City of the Dead for Colored People" since it was the only place a person of color could be buried, which includes the graves of Lille Mae Jackson Carroll, Joseph Gans, Bishop William Ashbie Hawkins, John Henry Murphy and Dr. N. Louise Young; and

Whereas, the historic cemeteries were originally operated by consortiums of congregations, some of whom have closed and transferred their assets to the Conference; and

Whereas, the care of the Conference historic cemeteries is currently coordinated by local churches, a method that is no longer viewed as sustainable and has resulted, in general, with insufficient care and maintenance that has led the Conference Trustees to assume increasing levels of funding and management; and

Whereas, the Conference Trustees are responsible for receiving real and personal, tangible and intangible property of closed churches, including cemeteries, as set forth in paragraphs 2540 and 2541 of The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church (2016); and

Whereas, the Conference Trustees are coming into ownership of many additional cemeteries from closed churches, especially those in rural areas; and

Whereas, the Baltimore-Washington Conference wants to be sensitive to the significant ethical and legal liabilities associated with these cemeteries and the formation of a separate Cemetery Association will provide some additional protection for the Conference as a whole;

Be it resolved, that the Baltimore-Washington Conference Trustees are authorized to form a Baltimore-Washington Conference Cemetery Association which will have overall responsibility for the three historic cemeteries and additional cemeteries that are specifically acquired by the Conference from the closed church transfers.

Be it further resolved, that the Conference Trustees will designate a portion of closed church sales proceeds under their direct control for endowing the care and maintenance of the cemeteries under the responsibility of the Baltimore-Washington Conference Cemetery Association.

Be it further resolved, that the Baltimore-Washington Conference Cemetery Association will be authorized to receive and use additional streams of funding under their direct control for the care and maintenance of the cemeteries under their responsibility.

EFFECTIVE DATE: October 31, 2021

Budget Implications: None
Rationale: Local Church voluntarily transfers title to Conference Trustees
Submitted by: Rev. Johnsie Cogman, Washington East District Superintendent

RESOLUTION: 

Whereas, in the Washington East District, the congregation of Corkran Memorial United Methodist Church on the Temple Hills-Corkran Memorial Charge, located at 5200 Temple Hill Rd, Temple Hills, MD 20748-3524, has served God faithfully through the United Methodist Church for many years, and

Whereas, in recent years the congregation has experienced a decline in membership and financial stewardship, and it is no longer feasible to keep it open and operational as a church, and

Whereas, during a Church Conference on September 24, 2020, between sessions of the Baltimore-Washington Conference, the leaders of Corkran Memorial United Methodist Church voted to voluntarily transfer title to all its real and personal, tangible and intangible property to the Conference Board of Trustees following procedures set forth in paragraphs 2540 and 2541 of The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church (2016);

Be it resolved, that the Baltimore-Washington Conference does hereby declare Corkran Memorial United Methodist Church closed as of September 30, 2020, and

Be it further resolved, that the Conference Board of Trustees are authorized to take possession of the real and personal, tangible and intangible property of Corkran Memorial United Methodist Church and to make a determination of how the property may best be used for the Kingdom of God.

EFFECTIVE DATE: October 27, 2021

Budget Implications: None
Rationale: Conference Takes Title of a Local Church Under Exigent Circumstances
Submitted by: Rev. Johnsie Cogman, Washington East District Superintendent

RESOLUTION: 

Whereas, in the Washington East District, the congregation of Youngs United Methodist Church on the Huntingtown: Huntingtown Combined Charge, located at 3390 Hunting Creek Rd, Huntingtown, MD 20639, has served God faithfully through the United Methodist Church for many years, and

Whereas, the situation exists where Youngs United Methodist Church no longer serves the purpose for which it was organized or incorporated, and

Whereas, the Youngs United Methodist Church property is no longer used, kept, or maintained by its membership as a place of divine worship for The United Methodist Church, and

Whereas, on June 28, 2021, between sessions of the Baltimore-Washington Conference with the consent of the presiding Bishop, a majority of the District Superintendents and the Washington East District Board of Church Location and Building, the Conference Trustees declared that exigent circumstances existed that required immediate protection of Youngs United Methodist Church’s property, for the benefit of the denomination, in accordance with paragraph 2549 of The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church (2016);

Be it resolved, that the Baltimore-Washington Conference does hereby declare Youngs United Methodist Church closed as of June 28, 2021, and

Be it further resolved, that the Conference Board of Trustees are authorized to take possession of the real and personal, tangible and intangible property of Youngs United Methodist Church and to make a determination of how the property may best be used for the Kingdom of God.

EFFECTIVE DATE: October 27, 2021

Budget Implications: None
Rationale: Local Church voluntarily transfers title to Conference Trustees
Submitted by: Rev. Johnsie Cogman, Washington East District Superintendent

RESOLUTION: 

Whereas, in the Washington East District, the congregation of Solomons United Methodist Church on the Solomons Charge, located at 14454 Solomons Island Road, Solomons, MD 20688, has served God faithfully through the United Methodist Church for many years, and

Whereas, in recent years the congregation has experienced a decline in membership and financial stewardship, and it is no longer feasible to keep it open and operational as a church, and

Whereas, during a Church Conference on March 13, 2021, between sessions of the Baltimore-Washington Conference, the leaders of Solomons United Methodist Church voted to voluntarily transfer title to all its real and personal, tangible and intangible property to the Conference Board of Trustees following procedures set forth in paragraphs 2540 and 2541 of The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church (2016);

Be it resolved, that the Baltimore-Washington Conference does hereby declare Solomons United Methodist Church closed as of June 30, 2021, and

Be it further resolved, that the Conference Board of Trustees are authorized to take possession of the real and personal, tangible and intangible property of Solomons United Methodist Church and to make a determination of how the property may best be used for the Kingdom of God.

EFFECTIVE DATE: October 27, 2021

Budget Implications: None
Rationale: Local Church voluntarily transfers title to Conference Trustees
Submitted by: Rev. Sarah Schlieckert, Annapolis District Superintendent

RESOLUTION: 

Whereas, in the Annapolis District, the congregation of Edgewater United Methodist Church on the Edgewater Charge, located at 2764 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD 21037-1211, has served God faithfully through the United Methodist Church for many years, and

Whereas, in recent years the congregation has experienced a decline in membership and financial stewardship, and it is no longer feasible to keep it open and operational as a church, and

Whereas, during a Church Conference on August 1, 2021, between sessions of the Baltimore-Washington Conference, the leaders of Edgewater United Methodist Church voted to voluntarily transfer title to all its real and personal, tangible and intangible property to the Conference Board of Trustees following procedures set forth in paragraphs 2540 and 2541 of The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church (2016);

Be it resolved, that the Baltimore-Washington Conference does hereby declare Edgewater United Methodist Church closed as of August 1, 2021, and

Be it further resolved, that the Conference Board of Trustees are authorized to take possession of the real and personal, tangible and intangible property of Edgewater United Methodist Church and to make a determination of how the property may best be used for the Kingdom of God.

EFFECTIVE DATE: October 27, 2021

Budget Implications: None
Rationale: Local Church voluntarily transfers title to Conference Trustees
Submitted by: Rev. Wanda Duckett, Baltimore Metropolitan District Superintendent

RESOLUTION: 

Whereas, in the Baltimore Metropolitan District, the congregation of Piney Grove United Methodist Church on the Middle River: Piney Grove Charge, located at 201 Bowleys Quarter Road, Middle River, MD 21220-2925, has served God faithfully through the United Methodist Church for many years, and

Whereas, in recent years the congregation has experienced a decline in membership and financial stewardship, and it is no longer feasible to keep it open and operational as a church, and

Whereas, during Church Conferences on June 17, 2021 and June 26, 2021, between sessions of the Baltimore-Washington Conference, the leaders of Piney Grove United Methodist Church voted to voluntarily transfer title to all its real and personal, tangible and intangible property to the Conference Board of Trustees following procedures set forth in paragraphs 2540 and 2541 of The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church (2016);

Be it resolved, that the Baltimore-Washington Conference does hereby declare Piney Grove United Methodist Church closed as of September 30, 2021, and

Be it further resolved, that the Conference Board of Trustees are authorized to take possession of the real and personal, tangible and intangible property of Piney Grove United Methodist Church and to make a determination of how the property may best be used for the Kingdom of God.

EFFECTIVE DATE: October 27, 2021

Budget Implications: None
Rationale: Conference Takes Title of a Local Church Under Exigent Circumstances
Submitted by: Rev. Ann Laprade, Baltimore Suburban District Superintendent

RESOLUTION: 

Whereas, in the Baltimore Suburban District, the congregation of Falls Road United Methodist Church on the Parkton-Sparks: Parkton Charge, located at 15335 Falls Rd, Sparks, MD  21152, has served God faithfully through the United Methodist Church for many years, and

Whereas, the situation exists where Falls Road United Methodist Church no longer serves the purpose for which it was organized or incorporated, and

Whereas, the Falls Road United Methodist Church property is no longer used, kept, or maintained by its membership as a place of divine worship for The United Methodist Church, and

Whereas, on September 17, 2020, between sessions of the Baltimore-Washington Conference with the consent of the presiding Bishop, a majority of the District Superintendents and the Baltimore Suburban District Board of Church Location and Building, the Conference Trustees declared that exigent circumstances existed that required protection of Falls Road United Methodist Church’s property, for the benefit of the denomination, in accordance with paragraph 2549 of The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church (2016);

Be it resolved, that the Baltimore-Washington Conference does hereby declare Falls Road United Methodist Church closed as of September 17, 2020, and

Be it further resolved, that the Conference Board of Trustees are authorized to take possession of the real and personal, tangible and intangible property of Falls Road United Methodist Church and to make a determination of how the property may best be used for the Kingdom of God.

EFFECTIVE DATE: October 27, 2021

Budget Implications: None
Rationale: Local Church voluntarily transfers title to Conference Trustees
Submitted by: Rev. John Wunderlich III, Cumberland-Hagerstown District Superintendent

RESOLUTION: 

Whereas, in the Cumberland-Hagerstown District, the congregation of Zion United Methodist Church on the Cumberland-Wesley Charge, located at 12201 Bedford Rd, NE, Cumberland, MD 21502-6811, has served God faithfully through the United Methodist Church for many years, and

Whereas, in recent years the congregation has experienced a decline in membership and financial stewardship, and it is no longer feasible to keep it open and operational as a church, and

Whereas, during a Church Conference on August 16, 2020, between sessions of the Baltimore-Washington Conference, the leaders of Zion United Methodist Church voted to voluntarily transfer title to all its real and personal, tangible and intangible property to the Conference Board of Trustees following procedures set forth in paragraphs 2540 and 2541 of The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church (2016);

Be it resolved, that the Baltimore-Washington Conference does hereby declare Zion United Methodist Church closed as of September 30, 2020, and

Be it further resolved, that the Conference Board of Trustees are authorized to take possession of the real and personal, tangible and intangible property of Zion United Methodist Church and to make a determination of how the property may best be used for the Kingdom of God.

EFFECTIVE DATE: October 27, 2021

Budget Implications: None
Rationale: Local Church voluntarily transfers title to Conference Trustees
Submitted by: Rev. John Wunderlich III, Cumberland-Hagerstown District Superintendent

RESOLUTION: 

Whereas, in the Cumberland-Hagerstown District, the congregation of Shaft United Methodist Church on the Midland-George’s Creek Charge, located at 19304 Shaft Rd, SW, Frostburg, MD 21532-3743, has served God faithfully through the United Methodist Church for many years, and

Whereas, in recent years the congregation has experienced a decline in membership and financial stewardship, and it is no longer feasible to keep it open and operational as a church, and

Whereas, during a Church Conference on May 2, 2021, between sessions of the Baltimore-Washington Conference, the leaders of Shaft United Methodist Church voted to voluntarily transfer title to all its real and personal, tangible and intangible property to the Conference Board of Trustees following procedures set forth in paragraphs 2540 and 2541 of The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church (2016);

Be it resolved, that the Baltimore-Washington Conference does hereby declare Shaft United Methodist Church closed as of June 30, 2021, and

Be it further resolved, that the Conference Board of Trustees are authorized to take possession of the real and personal, tangible and intangible property of Shaft United Methodist Church and to make a determination of how the property may best be used for the Kingdom of God. 

EFFECTIVE DATE: October 27, 2021

Budget Implications: None
Rationale: Local Church voluntarily transfers title to Conference Trustees
Submitted by: Rev. John Wunderlich III, Cumberland-Hagerstown District Superintendent

RESOLUTION: 

Whereas, in the Cumberland-Hagerstown District, the congregation of Pleasant Walk United Methodist Church on the Myersville-Pleasant Walk Charge, located at 11240 Pleasant Walk Road, Myersville, MD 21773-9218, has served God faithfully through the United Methodist Church for many years, and

Whereas, in recent years the congregation has experienced a decline in membership and financial stewardship, and it is no longer feasible to keep it open and operational as a church, and

Whereas, during a Church Conference on April 25, 2021, between sessions of the Baltimore-Washington Conference, the leaders of Pleasant Walk United Methodist Church voted to voluntarily transfer title to all its real and personal, tangible and intangible property to the Conference Board of Trustees following procedures set forth in paragraphs 2540 and 2541 of The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church (2016);

Be it resolved, that the Baltimore-Washington Conference does hereby declare Pleasant Walk United Methodist Church closed as of June 30, 2021, and

Be it further resolved, that the Conference Board of Trustees are authorized to take possession of the real and personal, tangible and intangible property of Pleasant Walk United Methodist Church and to make a determination of how the property may best be used for the Kingdom of God.

EFFECTIVE DATE: October 27, 2021