R. RESOLUTIONS
Organizational and Procedural Motion ... R-1 Special Rules of Order for 2021 Annual Conference ... R-1a 2021 Consent Calendar ... R-2 Resolution to Set Minimum Salaries for Calendar Year 2022 ... R-3 Long Neck UMC Disaffiliation ... R-4 Commission on Archives and History, Zoar UMC Resolution ... R-5 Rockawalkin UMC Disaffiliation ... R-6 2022 Covenant Funding Plan ... R-7 Resolution for Setting the Pre-82 Past Service Rate ... R-8 Board of Pensions Resolution to Offset Rate Increase for
Health/Dental Insurance ... R-9 Rental/Housing Allowances for Retired or Disabled Ministers
of The Peninsula-Delaware Conference ... R-10 Resolution to Change Healthcare Insurance Provider to CIGNA ... R-11 Gumboro UMC Disaffiliation ... R-12 St. Martin’s UMC Disaffiliation ... R-13 Carey’s UMC Disaffiliation ... R-14 Line UMC Disaffiliation ... R-15 Bethel UMC Disaffiliation ... R-16 Housing Policy ... R-17 Parsonage Standards Policy ... R-18 Providence UMC Disaffiliation ... R-19 St. John’s UMC Disaffiliation ... R-20 Calvary UMC Abandonment ... R-21 Grace UMC, Salisbury Disaffiliation ... R-22 Hickory Hill UMC Disaffiliation ... R-23
RESOLUTION # 1
1
2021 ORGANIZATIONAL AND PROCEDURAL MOTION
2 3
A. The 2021 Peninsula-Delaware Conference will convene via ZOOM Virtual Webinar. 4
The voting bar of the Conference shall be pastors and lay delegates to the Annual 5
Conference. The roll call shall be taken by all clergy and lay members who log-in to 6
attend Annual Conference. 7
B. The published program is the program of the Conference, subject to changes by the 8
Conference President, Bishop Peggy Johnson. 9
C. Members may be excused from the sessions upon report to the District 10
Superintendent or Secretary. 11
D. The Conference Minutes shall be made the official Journal of the Conference and 12
the Secretary is authorized to edit and condense the same. 13
E. The Teams, Task Forces, Boards, Commissions, and Committees, as recorded in 14
the Journal, shall become the Teams, Task Forces, Boards, Commissions and 15
Committees of the Conference, with such corrections as may be needed. 16
F. In exceptional circumstances, resolutions received after the announced deadline of 17
March 5, 2021 but not later than Thursday morning, June 10, 2021 will be reviewed 18
by the Sessions Resolutions Committee. 19
G. Doug Lanter shall be the reporter for United Methodist Information and Publications 20
and the press contact person for the religious and secular media. 21
H. The following shall be designated Assistant Secretary for the 2021 session of the 22
Peninsula-Delaware Annual Conference: Eric Warner. 23
I. Lloyd Speer shall be named Parliamentarian for the Sessions. 24
J. All materials to be published in the Journal shall be in the hands of the Secretary no 25
later than June 26, 2021 or they will be excluded. 26
K. The Special Rules of Order shall be those published in the 2021 Pre-Conference 27
Materials of the Peninsula-Delaware Annual Conference. 28
L. In order to be recognized and recorded, persons wishing to ask questions must give 29
their name and the charge or office through which the person holds membership in 30
the Annual Conference. Persons who are not members of Annual Conference may 31
only speak with the consent of the Conference. 32
RESOLUTION # 1a 2021 Peninsula Delaware Annual Conference Session Special Rules of Order I. Meetings
1. The 2021 Annual Conference Session will be a virtual conference and not in-person (face to face), presented through a Zoom webinar format.
2. The 2021 Annual Conference session will meet the following days/times for the following purposes:
Clergy Session: Thursday, June 10, 2021, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm Laity Session: Thursday, June 10, 2021, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm Plenary Session: Friday, June 11, 2021, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Memorial Service: Saturday, June 12, 2021, 10:00 am, by invitation and live-streamed Ordination Service: Saturday, June 12, 2021, 2:00 pm, by invitation and live-streamed II. Organization
1. The 2021 Annual Conference shall convene to transact business as required by the Discipline of the United Methodist Church and to act upon matters properly brought before it through previously submitted resolutions. The last date for submission of resolutions is May 15, 2021.
2. The “Bar of the Conference” shall be the duly elected members of the annual conference, registered for the 2021 Annual Conference Session.
3. Members of the 2021 Annual Conference shall be clergy members of the Annual Conference, lay persons elected as the lay delegate of their congregation and lay equalization delegates.
4. The agenda of the 2021 Annual Conference Session will be published in advance in as many formats as possible.
5. After each resolution is presented, any member desiring to address the conference will use the Zoom chat feature to indicate the desire to speak. When recognized by the chair, the member shall first state clearly said member’s name and the charge represented.
6. When addressing the conference, members will be limited to speaking for no more than three minutes. At the one minute mark, the Presiding Officer will issue a time warning, and after that time has elapsed the Presiding Officer may interrupt the member and terminate permission to speak. 7. Members may only speak to the resolution that is currently on the floor before the conference, or to
offer an amendment to the resolution that is currently on the floor before the conference. 8. Debate for each resolution will be limited to four persons speaking for the resolution or
amendment and four persons speaking against the resolution or amendment.
9. Voting on amendments to resolutions and final perfected resolutions will take place by the Zoom polling feature. Votes will be taken in the format of yes, no, or abstain.
III. Attendance
1. Attendance of the members of the conference is expected except in cases of emergency. Those requesting to be excused must make the request in writing to the Conference Secretary.
2. In the case of the anticipated absence of a local church lay member, arrangement should be made to have the alternate local church lay member registered.
IV. Access
1. Members of the annual conference are responsible for ensuring that all necessary technology is in place and working properly to participate in the Zoom webinar or watch by live stream.
2. Those who do not have access to the necessary technology are to contact their congregation for help in arranging access to the Zoom webinar or live stream.
V. Rules
RESOLUTION #2
2021 CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Committee on Clergy & Lay Leadership
(AVAILABLE ONLINE BEFORE ANNUAL CONFERENCE)
B. CONNECTING
Commission on Archives and History ... B-1 Deaf Ministries ... B-4 Disabilities Ministry ... B-6
C. ACTING
Advocacy Resource Team ... C-1 Committee on Native American Ministry (CoNAM) ... C-1 Peter D. Weaver Congo Partnership Team ... C-5 Salisbury Urban Ministries ... C-9 Africa University ... C-13
D. LEADING
Congregational Development Cooperation ... D-3
E. LOVING
Evangelism & Outreach ... E-1 Spiritual Formation ... E-1 G. ADMINISTRATIVE MINISTRIES
Commission on Equitable Compensation ... G-1 Conference Council on Finance & Administration ... G H. OTHER AFFILIATED BOARDS
Wesley Foundation: Delaware State University ... H-1 Wesley Foundation: Salisbury University ... H-4 Wesley Foundation: University of Maryland Eastern Shore ... H-6 Wesley Foundation: University of Delaware ... H-8
R. RESOLUTIONS
Organizational and Procedural Motion ... R-1 Special Rules of Order for 2021 Annual Conference ... R-1a 2021 Consent Calendar ... R-2 Resolution to Set Minimum Salaries for Calendar Year 2022 ... R-3 Long Neck UMC Disaffiliation ... R-4 Commission on Archives and History, Zoar UMC Resolution ... R-5 Rockawalkin UMC Disaffiliation ... R-6 2022 Covenant Funding Plan ... R-7 Resolution for Setting the Pre-82 Past Service Rate ... R-8
Board of Pensions Resolution to Offset Rate Increase for
Health/Dental Insurance ... R-9 Rental/Housing Allowances for Retired or Disabled Ministers
of The Peninsula-Delaware Conference ... R-10 Resolution to Change Healthcare Insurance Provider to CIGNA ... R-11 Gumboro UMC Disaffiliation ... R-12 St. Martin’s UMC Disaffiliation ... R-13 Carey’s UMC Disaffiliation ... R-14 Line UMC Disaffiliation ... R-15 Bethel UMC Disaffiliation ... R-16 Housing Policy ... R-17 Parsonage Standards Policy ... R-18 Providence UMC Disaffiliation ... R-19 St. John’s UMC Disaffiliation ... R-20 Calvary UMC Abandonment ... R-21 Grace UMC, Salisbury Disaffiliation ... R-22 Hickory Hill UMC Disaffiliation ... R-23 T. CONFERENCE TREASURER’S REPORT ... T-1
RESOLUTION #3
RESOLUTION TO 2021 ANNUAL CONFERENCE SESSION
Presented by the Conference Commission on Equitable Compensation Resolution to Set Minimum Salaries for Calendar Year 2022
The Conference Commission on Equitable Compensation has the disciplinary responsibility to recommend to the Annual Conference standards of clergy support (¶625); and
After prayerful consideration and thoughtful examination of the available data, the Commission recommends a 1.3% increase for next year. This increase is based on the 1.3% cost of living increase recommended by the Social Security Administration for 2021. After reviewing multiple criteria, the Commission on Equitable Compensation has deemed the Cost-of-Living Adjustment the best way for us to fairly set minimum salaries in future years.
We therefore ask that our community of the Peninsula-Delaware Annual Conference set minimum salaries at the following amounts for 2022:
Full Elder and Full Member Deacon: $40790 Provisional Elder, Provisional Deacon $37670
and Associate Member:
Full Time Local Pastor: $35235
We also ask for the following:
Minimum salaries be increased by $200 per year of service since last conference membership/ordination status change, up to 20 years of service.
Continuing Education minimum amount be set at $800 for 2022. Clergy should receive paid leave to attend continuing education events.
Reimbursement for travel expenses in the next year be at the rate set by the Internal Revenue Service for 2022. The Commission also recommends that pastors be reimbursed for all tolls and parking expenses incurred in the performance of their pastoral duties.
Churches which have elected to pay a housing allowance set the amounts of said allowance commensurate with the cost of living in their local community. This amount should cover the fair market value of housing for the pastor and all associated utilities costs.
Clergy continue to be allowed to preach one week each year for one of the following events: Walk to Emmaus, Chrysalis, Camp Pecometh or any other engagement that enhances the spiritual life of persons of this Conference and that this service shall not affect the clergy’s vacation time or the clergy’s regular pay from their appointed charge. Other qualifying engagements will be determined by the Commission on Equitable Compensation on a case-by-case basis.
RESOLUTION # 4
1
Whereas the 2019 Special Session of the General Conference of The United Methodist
2
Church passed the Taylor Disaffiliation Plan and,
3
The Judicial Council of The United Methodist Church has upheld the constitutionality of
4
the Taylor Disaffiliation plan and,
5
The Board of Trustees of the Peninsula-Delaware Annual Conference have set forth a
6
financial plan for local churches wishing to disaffiliate from The United Methodist Church
7
accounting for arrearages, apportionments, pension liability and medical premium
8
liability and,
9
Long Neck United Methodist Church of Millsboro, Delaware of the Dover District of the
10
Peninsula-Delaware Annual Conference wishing to disaffiliate from The United
11
Methodist Church and,
12
Voting at a properly called church conference on March 8, 2021 and,
13
Having met the requirements of the Board of Trustees of the Peninsula-Delaware
14
Annual Conference,
15
Be it resolved the Peninsula-Delaware Annual Conference allows Long Neck United
16
Methodist Church of Millsboro, Delaware to disaffiliate from The United Methodist
17
Church.
RESOLUTION # 5
1
Resolution to Annual Conference Session Presented by the Commission on
2
Archives and History
3
Resolution on Zoar United Methodist Church, Odessa, Delaware.
4 5
Whereas Zoar United Methodist Church came to life in 1845 to provide a meeting
6
place for the enslaved and free Black community in Odessa, Delaware, to fully participate
7
and lead in Christian worship; and whereas Zoar Church and its pastors, Rev.’s John G
8
Manluff, Joshua Brinkley and Samuel Dale were pioneers of “the first Conference for
9
Colored Preachers,” the Delaware Annual Conference; and whereas local legend
10
attributes Zoar Church as a resting place for enslaved freedom seekers on the way north
11
to liberty; and whereas Zoar Church faithfully served multiple generations of Odessa,
12
Delaware families for over 125 years, attending to each generation’s spiritual needs,
13 14
Therefore, let it be resolved that on the recommendation of the Commission on Archives
15
and History, the Peninsula-Delaware Annual Conference designates Zoar United
16
Methodist Church, Odessa, Delaware, as a Conference Historic Site.
17 18
Persons responsible for presenting resolution: Anthony B. Johnson, C. Russell McCabe,
19
Barb Duffin
RESOLUTION # 6
1 2
Whereas the 2019 Special Session of the General Conference of The United
3
Methodist Church passed the Taylor Disaffiliation Plan and,
4
The Judicial Council of The United Methodist Church has upheld the constitutionality of
5
the Taylor Disaffiliation plan and,
6
The Board of Trustees of the Peninsula-Delaware Annual Conference have set forth a
7
financial plan for local churches wishing to disaffiliate from The United Methodist Church
8
accounting for arrearages, apportionments, pension liability and medical premium
9
liability and,
10
Ebenezer (Rockawalkin) United Methodist Church of Hebron, Maryland of the Salisbury
11
District of the Peninsula-Delaware Annual Conference wishing to disaffiliate from The
12
United Methodist Church and,
13
Voting at a properly called church conference on April 25, 2021 and,
14
Having met the requirements of the Board of Trustees of the Peninsula-Delaware
15
Annual Conference,
16
Be it resolved the Peninsula-Delaware Annual Conference allows Ebenezer
17
(Rockawalkin) United Methodist Church of Hebron, Maryland to disaffiliate from The
18
United Methodist Church.
RESOLUTION # 7
1
2022 COVENANT FUNDING PLAN RESOLUTION
2
Presented by Conference Council on Finance and Administration
3
WHEREAS the projected 2022 financial needs of the Peninsula-Delaware Annual 4
Conference total $4,196,063 and ….. 5
WHEREAS the Conference Council on Finance and Administration (CCFA) has prepared 6
a proposed covenant funding plan as presented to the Annual Conference (see 7
Addendum A for summary of the plan).
8
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Peninsula-Delaware Annual Conference 9
adopt the 2022 Covenant Funding Plan as proposed including an apportionment total of 10
$4,825,472 to support our ministry needs for 2022. 11
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the apportionment formula for 2022 be based on the 12
three-year average of 2017, 2018 & 2019 Net Operating Expenses and an apportionment 13
cap of 16% of 2019 Total Operating Expenses. 14
Person Responsible for Presenting Resolution: Lawrence Pelham
1 2 3 4
5 2022
6 Proposed Approved Inc/(dec.) % % of
7 2022 2021 2021 inc/(dec) Budget
8 1. World Service Fund $585,291 $593,870 ($8,579) (1.44%) 13.95%
9 2. Black College Fund 84,716 85,957 (1,241) (1.44%) 2.02%
10 3. Ministerial Education Fund 183,314 186,001 (2,687) (1.44%) 4.37%
11 4. Africa University 19,046 19,325 (279) (1.44%) 0.45%
12 5. General Administration Fund 72,078 73,135 (1,057) (1.45%) 1.72%
13 6. Interdenominational Co-op Fund 2,534 2,571 (37) (1.44%) 0.06%
14 7. Episcopal Fund 235,016 238,461 (3,445) (1.44%) 5.60%
15 8. Jurisdictional Apportionment 17,523 17,523 0 0.00% 0.42%
16 Total Connectional Ministries $1,199,518 $1,216,843 ($17,325) (1.42%) 28.59%
17 18
19 1. Vision Team Ministries 36,000 36,000 0 0.00% 0.86%
20 a. Resource Center Program 247,902 275,412 (27,510) (9.99%) 5.91% 21
22 2. Connecting Ministries
23 a. Board of Higher Education 80,000 80,000 0 0.00% 1.91%
24 b. Communications Ministry 120,546 97,110 23,436 24.13% 2.87% 25 c. Commission on Archives and History 27,000 27,000 0 0.00% 0.64%
26 d. Disaster Relief 1,500 1,500 0 0.00% 0.04%
27 e. Affiliate Agencies
28 Methodist Action Program 25,665 25,000 665 2.66% 0.61%
29 Neighborhood House 25,665 27,000 (1,335) (4.94%) 0.61%
30 Salisbury Cooperative Urban Ministries 25,665 25,000 665 2.66% 0.61% 31
32 3. Acting Ministries
33 a. Advocacy Resource Team: 5,700 5,700 0 0.00% 0.14%
34 b. Hispanic/Latino Ministries 21,000 60,388 (39,388) (65.22%) 0.50% 35 c. Special Ministries:
36 Disability Ministry 2,000 2,000 0 0.00% 0.05%
37 Deaf Ministry 10,000 10,000 0 0.00% 0.24%
38 d. Missions
39 Higher Hope Ministriy 10,000 10,000 0 0.00% 0.24%
40 Peter D Weaver Congo Partnership 1,500 1,500 0 0.00% 0.04%
41 Volunteers in Mission 5,000 5,000 0 0.00% 0.12%
42
43 4. Leading Ministries
44 a. Board of Laity 8,000 8,000 0 0.00% 0.19%
45 b. Board of Ordained Ministry 31,000 31,000 0 0.00% 0.74%
46 c. Congregational Development Corp. 220,000 220,000 0 0.00% 5.24% 47 d. Director for Strengthening the Black Church 96,000 136,000 (40,000) (29.41%) 2.29% 48
49 5. Loving Ministries
50 a. Camping & Retreat Ministries 66,000 66,000 0 0.00% 1.57% 51 b. Spiritual Formation/Discipleship 3,000 3,000 0 0.00% 0.07%
52 c. Outreach/Evangelism 3,000 3,000 0 0.00% 0.07%
53 d. Young Peoples Ministry 80,000 80,000 0 0.00% 1.91%
54
55 Total Conference Ministries $1,152,143 $1,235,610 ($83,467) (6.76%) 27.46%
56
II. Conference Ministries ADDENDUM A
PENINSULA-DELAWARE CONFERENCE 2022 Covenant Funding Plan
1 2
ADDENDUM A
PENINSULA-DELAWARE CONFERENCE 2022 Covenant Funding Plan
57
58 Proposed Approved Inc/(dec.) % % of
59 2022 2021 2021 inc/(dec) Budget
60 1. Conference Administration 798,562 791,622 6,940 0.88% 19.03%
61 2. Episcopal Office Support 100,000 100,000 0 0.00% 2.38%
62 3. Area Episcopal Committee/Residence 900 900 0 0.00% 0.02%
63 4. General Contingency 200,000 200,000 0 4.77%
64
65 Total Administrative Ministries $1,099,462 $1,092,522 $6,940 0.64% 26.20%
66 67
68 1. Equitable Compensation $225,000 $225,000 0 0.00% 5.36%
69 2. District Superintendent Support 483,940 566,176 (82,236) (14.52%) 11.53%
70 3. Life Insurance 34,000 34,000 0 0.00% 0.81%
71 4. Cabinet Relief Fund 2,000 2,000 0 0.00% 0.05%
72
73 Total Clergy Support Ministries $744,940 $827,176 ($82,236) (9.94%) 17.75%
74
75 Grand Total Expenses $4,196,063 $4,372,152 ($176,089) (4.03%) 100.0%
76 Apportionment Adjustment Allowance $629,409 $665,127 ($35,718) (5.37%)
77
78 Grand Total to be Apportioned $4,825,472 $5,037,279 ($211,807) (4.20%) IV. CLERGY SUPPORT
RESOLUTION # 8
1
SETTING THE PRE-1982 PAST SERVICE RATE
2
Presented by Conference Board of Pensions
3 4
The Peninsula-Delaware Conference Board of Pensions recommends the Past Service
5
Rate relating to the Pre-1982 Pension Plan for 2022 be set at $696 per year of
6
approved service.
7 8
We therefore ask that our community of the Peninsula-Delaware Annual
9
Conference adopt this resolution to be effective January 1, 2022.
10 11
Person Responsible for Presenting Resolution: Rev Joshua Berry
RESOLUTION # 9 1
RESOLUTION TO 2021 ANNUAL CONFERENCE SESSION 2
Presented Conference Board of Pensions 3
4
Offset Rate Increase for Heath/Dental Insurance 5
6
WHEREAS, the healthcare premiums have increased by a total of 19.37% since 2018 7
and the total increase in billings to local churches has only been 13% for the same period. 8
9
WHEREAS, the Board of Pensions will use $223,000 from the Rate Stabilization Reserve 10
Fund to fully underwrite the healthcare costs for 2021 and without billing increases, that 11
amount will rise to $300,000 for 2022 and $429,000 for 2023. 12
13
WHEREAS, the Rate Stabilization Reserve Fund had a market value of $1,926.996 on 14
December 31, 2020. Without billing increases this fund will be completely expended by 15
2025 and the anticipated increase in billings required to fully underwrite the healthcare 16
costs at that time will be 26%. 17
18
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED Effective January 1, 2022, the Board of Pension 19
recommends the following increase in health/dental rates: 20
• No change in the deductibles or the co-pays. 21
• Billing to the local church for clergy increases by 4% as follows: 22
Annual Billing for a Full Elder - $18,876; 23
Provisional Elder, Associate Member or Full-time Local Pastor - $17,676; 24
• HSA/HRA Funding will remain $400 for individual; $2000 for family coverage. 25
. 26
Effective January 1, 2022, the Pastor’s monthly contributions will increase 4% as follows: 27
28
Compensation Single Coverage Family Coverage
29 30 $20000-29999 50 80 31 $30000-39999 63 113 32 $40000-49999 88 153 33 $50000-59999 113 192 34 $60000 plus 136 234 35 Retirees/Spouses under 65 64 113 36 37 38
We ask that our community of the Peninsula-Delaware Annual Conference adopt 39
this resolution. 40
41
Person Responsible for Presenting Resolution: Rev Joshua Berry 42
RESOLUTION # 10
1
RENTAL/HOUSING ALLOWANCES FOR RETIRED OR DISABLED MINISTERS OF
2
THE PENINSULA-DELAWARE CONFERENCE
3
Presented by Conference Board of Pensions
4 5
The religious denomination known as The United Methodist Church has and functions
6
through Ministers of the Gospel who are duly ordained or licensed; and
7 8
The practice of The United Methodist Church is to provide a parsonage or a rental
9
allowance as part of the gross compensation for each of its active ordained or licensed
10
ministers; and
11 12
Pensions paid to retired and disabled ordained or licensed ministers of The United
13
Methodist Church are considered as deferred compensation and are paid to said retired
14
and disabled ordained or licensed ministers in consideration of previous, active service;
15
and
16 17
The Internal Revenue Service has recognized that the Peninsula-Delaware Annual
18
Conference is the appropriate organization to designate a housing/rental allowance for
19
retired and disabled ordained or licensed ministers who are members of this Conference;
20 21
1. An amount equal to 100% of the pension payments received during the year
22
2022 be and is hereby designated as a rental/housing allowance for each
23
retired and disabled ordained or licensed minister of The United Methodist
24
Church who is or was a member of the Peninsula-Delaware Conference at
25
the time of his or her retirement:
26 27
2. This rental/housing allowance shall apply to each retired and disabled
28
ordained or licensed minister who has been granted the retired relation or
29
placed on disability leave by the Peninsula-Delaware Conference and
30
whose name and relationship to the conference is recorded in the Journal
31
of the Peninsula-Delaware Conference and in other appropriate records
32
maintained by the conference.
33 34
3. The pension payment to which this rental/housing allowance applies shall
35
be the pension payment resulting from all service of such retired and
36
disabled ordained or licensed minister from all employment by the local
37
church, Annual Conference or institution of The United Methodist Church or
38
of any former denomination that is now a part of The United Methodist
39
Church, or from any other employer who employed the minister to perform
40
services related to the ministry and who elected to make contributions to
41
the pension funds of The United Methodist Church for such retired minister’s
42
pension.
43 44
NOTE: The rental/housing allowance which may be excluded from a minister’s gross
45
income is limited to the lesser of (1) the amount of the rental/housing allowance
designated by the minister’s employer or other appropriated body, (2) the amount actually
47
expended by the minister to provide his or her housing, or (3) the legally-determined fair
48
rental value of the parsonage or other housing provided. As specified in Rev. Rul. 71-290
49
C.B. 92, “the only amount that will qualify for exclusion under section 107 (2) of the Code
50
as a “rental allowance” is an amount equal to the fair rental value of the home, including
51
furnishings and appurtenances such as a garage, plus the cost of utilities.”
52 53
We therefore ask that our community of the Peninsula-Delaware Annual
54
Conference adopt this resolution effective January 1, 2022
55 56
Person Responsible for Presenting Resolution: Rev Joshua Berry
RESOLUTION # 11 1
RESOLUTION TO 2021 ANNUAL CONFERENCE SESSION 2
Presented Conference Board of Pensions 3
4
Authorize change in Healthcare provider 5
6
WHEREAS, the Peninsula-Delaware Conference has utilized Blue Cross Blue Shield of 7
Delaware for many years as its Healthcare provider 8
9
WHEREAS, in 2013 Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware merged with Highmark 10
11
WHEREAS, since the merger there have been a number of administrative issues that 12
have continued to go unresolved. The primary source of these issues involves the 13
administration of the HSA and HRA accounts. There have been three transitions to new 14
HSA/HRA third party administrators since 2013. Each of these transitions has presented 15
challenges for our participants in assuring that proper balances have been transferred to 16
the new administrator and learning how to access their HSA/HRA funds. 17
18
WHEREAS, the Board of Pensions, through our consultants at Mercer, evaluated other 19
potential insurance carriers. 20
21
WHEREAS, CIGNA has quoted a premium with a 4% reduction (a savings of approx. 22
$100,000) for coverage that is identical to our current plan. 23
24 25
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the Board of Pension recommends that the Healthcare 26
Insurance provider for Peninsula-Delaware Conference be transferred to CIGNA effective 27
January 1, 2022 with a plan design that provides benefits identical to the current plan. 28
29
We ask that our community of the Peninsula-Delaware Annual Conference adopt 30
this resolution. 31
32
Person Responsible for Presenting Resolution: Rev Joshua Berry 33
RESOLUTION #12
1
Whereas the 2019 Special Session of the General Conference of The United Methodist
2
Church passed the Taylor Disaffiliation Plan and,
3
The Judicial Council of The United Methodist Church has upheld the constitutionality of
4
the Taylor Disaffiliation plan and,
5
The Board of Trustees of the Peninsula-Delaware Annual Conference have set forth a
6
financial plan for local churches wishing to disaffiliate from The United Methodist Church
7
accounting for arrearages, apportionments, pension liability and medical premium
8
liability.
9
Gumboro United Methodist Church of Gumboro, Delaware of the Dover District of the
10
Peninsula-Delaware Annual Conference wishing to disaffiliate from The United
11
Methodist Church and,
12
Voting at a properly called church conference on May 11, 2021 and,
13
Having met the requirements of the Board of Trustees of the Peninsula-Delaware
14
Annual Conference,
15
Be it resolved the Peninsula-Delaware Annual Conference allows Gumboro United
16
Methodist Church of Gumboro, Delaware to disaffiliate from The United Methodist
17
Church.
RESOLUTION #13
1
Whereas the 2019 Special Session of the General Conference of The United Methodist
2
Church passed the Taylor Disaffiliation Plan and,
3
The Judicial Council of The United Methodist Church has upheld the constitutionality of
4
the Taylor Disaffiliation plan and,
5
The Board of Trustees of the Peninsula-Delaware Annual Conference have set forth a
6
financial plan for local churches wishing to disaffiliate from The United Methodist Church
7
accounting for arrearages, apportionments, pension liability and medical premium
8
liability.
9
St. Martin’s United Methodist Church of Berlin, Maryland of the Salisbury District of the
10
Peninsula-Delaware Annual Conference wishing to disaffiliate from The United
11
Methodist Church and,
12
Voting at a properly called church conference on May 11, 2021 and,
13
Having met the requirements of the Board of Trustees of the Peninsula-Delaware
14
Annual Conference,
15
Be it resolved the Peninsula-Delaware Annual Conference allows St. Martin’s United
16
Methodist Church of Berlin, Maryland to disaffiliate from The United Methodist Church.
RESOLUTION #14
1
Whereas the 2019 Special Session of the General Conference of The United Methodist
2
Church passed the Taylor Disaffiliation Plan and,
3
The Judicial Council of The United Methodist Church has upheld the constitutionality of
4
the Taylor Disaffiliation plan and,
5
The Board of Trustees of the Peninsula-Delaware Annual Conference have set forth a
6
financial plan for local churches wishing to disaffiliate from The United Methodist Church
7
accounting for arrearages, apportionments, pension liability and medical premium
8
liability.
9
Carey’s United Methodist Church of Millsboro, Delaware of the Dover District of the
10
Peninsula-Delaware Annual Conference wishing to disaffiliate from The United
11
Methodist Church and,
12
Voting at a properly called church conference on May 11, 2021 and,
13
Having met the requirements of the Board of Trustees of the Peninsula-Delaware
14
Annual Conference,
15
Be it resolved the Peninsula-Delaware Annual Conference allows Carey’s United
16
Methodist Church of Millsboro, Delaware to disaffiliate from The United Methodist
17
Church.
RESOLUTION #15
1
Whereas the 2019 Special Session of the General Conference of The United Methodist
2
Church passed the Taylor Disaffiliation Plan and,
3
The Judicial Council of The United Methodist Church has upheld the constitutionality of
4
the Taylor Disaffiliation plan and,
5
The Board of Trustees of the Peninsula-Delaware Annual Conference have set forth a
6
financial plan for local churches wishing to disaffiliate from The United Methodist Church
7
accounting for arrearages, apportionments, pension liability and medical premium
8
liability.
9
Line United Methodist Church of Delmar, Delaware of the Dover District of the
10
Peninsula-Delaware Annual Conference wishing to disaffiliate from The United
11
Methodist Church and,
12
Voting at a properly called church conference on May 27, 2021 and,
13
Having met the requirements of the Board of Trustees of the Peninsula-Delaware
14
Annual Conference,
15
Be it resolved the Peninsula-Delaware Annual Conference allows Line United Methodist
16
Church of Delmar, Delaware to disaffiliate from The United Methodist Church.
RESOLUTION #16
1
Whereas the 2019 Special Session of the General Conference of The United Methodist
2
Church passed the Taylor Disaffiliation Plan and,
3
The Judicial Council of The United Methodist Church has upheld the constitutionality of
4
the Taylor Disaffiliation plan and,
5
The Board of Trustees of the Peninsula-Delaware Annual Conference have set forth a
6
financial plan for local churches wishing to disaffiliate from The United Methodist Church
7
accounting for arrearages, apportionments, pension liability and medical premium
8
liability.
9
Bethel United Methodist Church of Millsboro, Delaware of the Dover District of the
10
Peninsula-Delaware Annual Conference wishing to disaffiliate from The United
11
Methodist Church and,
12
Voting at a properly called church conference on May 27, 2021 and,
13
Having met the requirements of the Board of Trustees of the Peninsula-Delaware
14
Annual Conference,
15
Be it resolved the Peninsula-Delaware Annual Conference allows Bethel United
16
Methodist Church of Millsboro, Delaware to disaffiliate from The United Methodist
17
Church.
RESOLUTION #17 1 2 HOUSING POLICY 3 4
A. All charges in the Peninsula-Delaware Annual Conference shall provide housing 5
for their pastor(s). Housing shall consist of a housing allowance or a parsonage 6
that meets the Conference parsonage standards together with payment of utility 7
costs. If the charge provides a parsonage that meets the minimum requirements of 8
the Conference parsonage standard, they shall have met the housing requirement, 9
and will not have to provide a housing allowance. The pastor is not required to live 10
in the provided charge parsonage. If the pastor chooses not to live in the provided 11
charge parsonage, a housing allowance is not required, but may be negotiated 12
between the charge, pastor and District Superintendent. The use of a parsonage 13
and its fair rental value is considered taxable income for social security tax. This 14
housing requirement applies solely to full-time clergy, recognizing that housing for 15
retired ministers and part-time clergy is subject to variables which can be best 16
negotiated by the District Superintendent on a case-by-case basis. 17
18
B. When a parsonage is not provided, the charge shall pay the appointed pastor a 19
housing allowance negotiated by the District Superintendent between the pastor 20
and the charge. Current federal guidelines allow for the housing allowance to be 21
income that is free of federal and state income tax, but not social security tax. It is 22
highly suggested that the annual housing allowance be 10% of the average market 23
value of homes in the ministry area that meet the Conference parsonage standard. 24
In the case of a clergy couple, paragraph D applies. 25
26
C. If a parsonage is provided and the district Board of Church Location and Building 27
determines that it is not habitable, the District Superintendent shall instruct the 28
minister to provide his/her own housing. In such case, the charge will be required 29
to pay the minister a housing allowance based upon the formula in paragraph B 30
above. 31
32
D. In the case of a clergy couple serving separate charges, the procedures to be 33
followed are: 34
35
1. If no parsonage is provided by either charge, each charge will provide a 36
housing allowance to each pastor based upon paragraph B. The District 37
Superintendent(s) shall negotiate the amount of housing allowance with each 38
charge. 39
40
2. If there is no habitable parsonage, as determined by the District Board on 41
Church Location and Building, the provision of paragraph D.1. above shall 42
apply 43
44
3. Where only one adequate parsonage is available, it shall meet the housing 45
requirement for both pastors. The charge that does not have an adequate 46
parsonage shall make a contribution to the other charge for utilities and 47
upkeep of the parsonage. The amount will be negotiated between the District 48
Superintendent and the two charges. 49
50
4. Where there are two (2) adequate parsonages available, the choice of 51
parsonage(s) to be used shall be made by the pastors in consultation 52
with the District Superintendent. If the choice is to occupy one 53
parsonage, any savings and/or income accruing to the charge without a 54
pastor in residence should be used in compliance with paragraph D.3. 55
above. 56
57
E. When a pastor is appointed to more than one church that do not operate as 58
a charge, the church whose parsonage is not lived in or who doesn’t have a 59
parsonage, should provide the church with the parsonage the pastor is 60
residing in a negotiated sum to offset utilities and housing expenses. That 61
amount shall be negotiated by the District Superintendent and the churches. 62
63
F. Any exceptions to these policies must be approved by the affected charge, 64
the pastor involved, the district superintendent, the bishop and the 65
Conference Commission on Equitable Compensation. 66
RESOLUTION #18 1
STANDARDS FOR THE PARSONAGES 2
I. The purpose of the Parsonage Standards is threefold: 3
4
To help the congregations provide suitable housing within reasonable limits 5
for the pastor’s family. 6
7
To help the pastor’s family and the congregations in taking proper care of the 8
parsonage. 9
10
To help avoid misunderstanding between the congregation and the pastor, 11
(and successive pastors) where pastors move from one parsonage to 12
another. 13
14
II. Minimum Standards for Parsonages: 15
16
A. Floor Plan: The number of rooms in a church parsonage shall include: 17
living room, dining room, kitchen, three or four bedrooms, 1 ½ baths, 18
study (if not in church building), laundry room. If a bedroom is not being 19
used, it may be used as a study. If the parsonage does not meet the 20
room standards, it should be upgraded. It is recommended the 21
parsonage be accessible to those with physical disabilities. 22
23
B. Utilities: Electric, water, gas/oil service and trash removal should be 24
provided. We recommend a central heating system in combination with 25
storm windows and doors; hot water heater and grounded electrical 26
outlets in each room. Air conditioning should be provided for the entire 27
parsonage. Internet service should be provided if it is available in the 28
area. If internet service is not available in the area, provisions for a Hot 29
Spot should be made and considered a monthly utility. Basic cable and/or 30
a television service such as DishTV, Hulu, YouTubeTV, etc. should be 31
provided as a monthly utility. 32
33 34
C. Pastor’s Study: The office is preferably in the church building, but if 35
located in the parsonage it should be on the first floor. The study should 36
be equipped with adequate bookshelves, desk, files, storage closet for 37
supplies, copier, computer and telephone. The pastor’s study should 38
have an outside entrance, when at the parsonage, and be accessible to 39
those with physical disabilities. 40
41
D. Furnishings and equipment to be provided by the church: 42
Particular attention should be given to quality, durability of all furnishings 43
and equipment. 44
45
1. Window treatments (window blinds, curtains and/or drapes); rugs 46
or wall-to-wall carpet; adequate lighting. 47
48
2. Kitchen: refrigerator with freezer (at least 20 cu.ft.), range and 49
oven, exhaust fan, microwave, dishwasher, adequate cabinet and 50
counter space. It is recommended that vinyl flooring be used. 51
52
3. Laundry Room: A standard size automatic washer and dryer with 53
adequate venting, plumbing, and wiring. 54
55
4. Safety Equipment: Fire extinguishers for the kitchen and the 56
furnace area. These should be the ABC type or other 57
Underwriters approved type. Smoke alarm systems should be 58
installed on each floor. CO Alarms should be installed near the 59
furnace area and sleeping areas. It is strongly recommended that 60
security alarm systems be installed. 61
62 63
III. Care of Property by the Church: 64
65
A. Insurance: The church shall provide fire and liability insurance on the 66
replacement value of the parsonage property. Church insurance does not 67
cover parsonage family personal property, therefore, it is highly 68
recommended the parsonage family purchase insurance. 69
70
B. Inspections 71
72
1. The parsonage shall be well maintained with periodic checks, at 73
least annually, by the chairperson of Trustees and the 74
chairperson of Pastor-Parish Relations Committee and the 75
Pastor. Paint, wallpaper, wiring, plumbing, fire extinguishers, 76
smoke alarms, CO alarms should all be inspected. The 77
chairperson of the Pastor-Parish Relations Committee, the 78
chairperson of the Board of Trustees and the parsonage family 79
shall report their finding annually to the Charge Conference. 80
These inspections should take place at a mutually agreed upon 81
time with the parsonage family. 82
83
2. A plan to correct any findings requiring repairs or renovations shall 84
be prepared by the Board of Trustees and shared with the 85
parsonage family. The plan should include the estimated 86
completion date for all repairs or renovations. 87
88
3. Any damage, in excess of normal wear and tear, caused by the 89
damages caused by pets. The parsonage family may either repair 91
or reimburse the church for repairs with an estimated completion 92
date or reimbursement date provided to the Board of Trustees. 93
94
C. It should be clearly determined, in the case of all gifts of furnishings 95
and/or equipment, whether the gift is intended for the parsonage or the 96 parsonage family. 97 98 D. Records 99 100
1. An inventory of the church provided parsonage furnishings should 101
be maintained by the Trustees. In addition, an up-to-date file, 102
containing all guarantees, repair parts lists, and the instructions 103
for the use of equipment, should be provided to the parsonage 104
family. The file should also indicate when and from whom 105
purchased and whom to call for service. 106
107
2. There shall be a record of the dates when the various rooms were 108
renovated, painted, etc. 109
110
E. Such things as cutting grass, trimming shrubs, shoveling snow, and the 111
like are to be worked out between the parsonage family and the Pastor-112
Parish Relations Committee. 113
114
IV. Care of Property by the Parsonage Family 115
116
A. Parsonage family’s personal property is not included in the Conference 117
Property and Liability Insurance Program. Personal property and liability 118
(both provided through tenant’s/renter’s insurance) is the responsibility of 119
the parsonage family. 120
121
B. The parsonage family shall maintain an inventory of personal property. It 122
is recommended that a video inventory be taken. 123
124
C. The parsonage family is responsible for any damage in excess of normal 125
wear and tear to church property by members of the family and/or family 126
pets which is incurred during their occupancy. 127
128
D. Repair and maintenance needs should be addressed promptly. The 129
parsonage family shall care for those minor needs which it has the ability 130
to care for, and shall advise the Board of Trustees promptly when 131
completed. The parsonage family shall report those needs which cannot 132
be cared for by the parsonage family to the Board of Trustees. 133
134
E. The parsonage family shall make the parsonage available for periodic 135
inspections, at least annually. 136
137
V. Problem Resolution: 138
The District Superintendent shall be consulted by the pastor or the church 139
when difficulties or misunderstandings arise in the care and maintenance of 140
parsonages and furnishings which cannot be satisfactorily resolved on the 141
local church level. If the problem remains unresolved, any of the parties may 142
request the involvement of the District Board on Church Location and 143
Building, which shall adjudicate the problem. Regular inspection by the 144
District Superintendent and/or the District Board will be conducted until a 145
parsonage meets basic standards or is otherwise exempted. The building or 146
purchasing or selling of a parsonage should be done in accordance with the 147
most current United Methodist Book of Discipline. 148
149 150
VI. Moving Standards: 151
A. At moving time, the church should make sure the facilities are in good 152
repair, the light switches working, the faucets not leaking, etc. 153
154
B. The parsonage family who causes damage, beyond fair wear and tear, to 155
walls and church property shall be charged the cost of the repairs. 156
157
C. At moving time, the parsonage family should leave the parsonage in 158
clean, orderly condition. Trash and unwanted items should be hauled 159
away. The parsonage family should leave for his/her successor: 160
1. Tagged keys for all locks. 161
2. Notes on whom to call in case of emergency. 162
3. Notes on whom to call for service and repairs. 163
4. Notes on where to find such things as screens, lawn mowers, etc. 164
5. The existing parsonage telephone number. (If existing phone 165
number cannot be used, notify the Pastor-Parish Relations 166
Committee, District Office and Conference Resource Center 167
immediately of the change). 168
169
VII. Make life more pleasant for the Parsonage Family and the Congregation 170
A. The parsonage is the home of the pastor and the pastor’s family during 171
their occupancy; their rights and privacy should always be observed by 172
members of the congregation. However, the parsonage family should 173
take care of all parsonage property. 174
175
B. Since all utilities are paid by the church, such items as storm windows, 176
insulation, and improved heating systems should be given every 177
consideration. Utilities are interpreted to mean heat, electricity, gas, oil, 178
sewage, water, telephone, internet and basic cable/tv service if available. 179
(NOTE: The parsonage family is responsible for personal toll calls made 180
by the parsonage family.) 181
C. It is recommended that maintenance free material be used in existing and 183
new parsonages, such as: ceramic tile, paneling, durable floor coverings, 184
aluminum siding, vinyl or aluminum windows, formica, brick, split shingles, 185
and aluminum gutters. 186
187
D. Parsonage yards should be landscaped for easy maintenance. 188
189
The parsonage is a witness of the church, and it is a symbol of the stewardship of the 190
congregation; the parsonage should, therefore, receive the same kind of care as the 191
church building. An open house is suggested as a means of the church and the 192
parsonage family sharing this witness. 193
RESOLUTION #19
1
Whereas the 2019 Special Session of the General Conference of The United Methodist
2
Church passed the Taylor Disaffiliation Plan and,
3
The Judicial Council of The United Methodist Church has upheld the constitutionality of
4
the Taylor Disaffiliation plan and,
5
The Board of Trustees of the Peninsula-Delaware Annual Conference have set forth a
6
financial plan for local churches wishing to disaffiliate from The United Methodist Church
7
accounting for arrearages, apportionments, pension liability and medical premium
8
liability.
9
Providence United Methodist Church of Georgetown, Delaware of the Dover District of
10
the Peninsula-Delaware Annual Conference wishing to disaffiliate from The United
11
Methodist Church and,
12
Voting at a properly called church conference on June 3, 2021 and,
13
Having met the requirements of the Board of Trustees of the Peninsula-Delaware
14
Annual Conference,
15
Be it resolved the Peninsula-Delaware Annual Conference allows Providence United
16
Methodist Church of Georgetown, Delaware to disaffiliate from The United Methodist
17
Church.
RESOLUTION #20
1
Whereas the 2019 Special Session of the General Conference of The United Methodist
2
Church passed the Taylor Disaffiliation Plan and,
3
The Judicial Council of The United Methodist Church has upheld the constitutionality of
4
the Taylor Disaffiliation plan and,
5
The Board of Trustees of the Peninsula-Delaware Annual Conference have set forth a
6
financial plan for local churches wishing to disaffiliate from The United Methodist Church
7
accounting for arrearages, apportionments, pension liability and medical premium
8
liability.
9
St. John’s United Methodist Church of Georgetown, Delaware of the Dover District of
10
the Peninsula-Delaware Annual Conference wishing to disaffiliate from The United
11
Methodist Church and,
12
Voting at a properly called church conference on June 3, 2021 and,
13
Having met the requirements of the Board of Trustees of the Peninsula-Delaware
14
Annual Conference,
15
Be it resolved the Peninsula-Delaware Annual Conference allows St. John’s United
16
Methodist Church of Georgetown, Delaware to disaffiliate from The United Methodist
17
Church.
RESOLUTION #21
1
Whereas Calvary United Methodist Church of Milford, DE on the Dover District of the
2
Peninsula-Delaware Annual Conference took a vote at a properly called church
3
conference on July 28, 2020 to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church,
4
And the Peninsula-Delaware Annual Conference voted on November 13, 2020 to allow
5
Calvary United Methodist Church of Milford, Delaware to disaffiliate from The United
6
Methodist Church once all obligations of the Conference Board of Trustees are met.
7
Whereas the pastor and congregation are still under the jurisdiction of the Annual
8
Conference and still considered a United Methodist church until all obligations of the
9
disaffiliation agreement with the Conference Board of Trustees are met,
10
And the pastor and congregation have had no contact and will not respond to repeated
11
calls and emails from conference leadership,
12
And the congregation has not submitted routine paperwork or held an annual charge
13
conference
14
And the pastor has not submitted to supervision from the District Superintendent
15
And the congregation is operating as an independent congregation,
16
The Cabinet of the Peninsula-Delaware Annual Conference moves that Calvary United
17
Methodist Church of Milford, Delaware be declared abandoned and closed under 2016
18
Book of Discipline Paragraph 2549.1.b which recommends the closure of a local church,
19
upon finding “the local church property is no longer used, kept, or maintained by its
20
membership as a place of divine worship of the United Methodist Church.”
RESOLUTION #22
1
Grace UMC, Salisbury Disaffiliation from The United Methodist Church
2 3
Whereas after much time spent seeking the will of God through prayer, discernment and
4
consultation among our laity and our pastors, we the members of Grace United Methodist
5
Church, hereby have resolved to disaffiliate from The United Methodist Church for
6
reasons of conscience.
7 8
Whereas the United Methodist Church has noticeably drifted more and more to a secular
9
and worldly view regarding the practice of homosexuality, ordination of self-avowed
10
practicing homosexuals, and conducting marriages of same sex persons, thus denying
11
the clear teaching of Scripture, and promoting the above in opposition to the tenets of the
12
2016 Book of Discipline, as ratified as recently as the 2019 General Conference, we
13
therefore see no other alternative but to sever our relationship with such entity.
14 15
Whereas Bishop Peggy Johnson, our Pen-Del episcopal leader, is authorized to be
16
shepherd of the flock and to guard the faith, order, liturgy, doctrine, and discipline of the
17
Church by upholding the vows she took as bishop. It is our opinion she is denying those
18
vows in calling the churches of the Pen-Del Annual Conference to recognize the practice
19
of homosexuality as normal human behavior to the end that self-avowed homosexuals
20
will be ordained to serve in ministry, and that traditional marriage between one man and
21
one woman should also include the marriage of same-sex persons, and in so doing our
22
bishop refuses to obey the clear direction of the Book of Discipline to call for and hold a
23
church trial when a church or a pastor in clear defiance of the Book of Discipline conducts
24
such a marriage. We, therefore, believe that rather than kick the can down the road
25
another year, it is time for us to separate from the United Methodist Church.
26 27
Be it resolved that in so doing, we the people of Grace will continue to preach the Gospel
28
to the lost, to be in ministry to all persons - offering forgiveness of sins and salvation
29
through Jesus Christ, and in so doing, extending the right hand of fellowship to all who
30
would join us on our journey heavenward!
RESOLUTION # 23
1
Hickory Hill UMC Disaffiliation Resolution
2 3
Whereas the 2019 Special Session of the General Conference of The United Methodist
4
Church passed the Taylor Disaffiliation Plan and,
5 6
The Judicial Council of The United Methodist Church has upheld the constitutionality of
7
the Taylor Disaffiliation plan and,
8 9
The Board of Trustees of the Peninsula-Delaware Annual Conference have set forth a
10
financial plan for local churches wishing to disaffiliate from The United Methodist Church
11
accounting for arrearages, apportionments, pension liability and medical premium liability.
12 13
Hickory Hill United Methodist Church of Dagsboro, Delaware of the Dover District of the
14
Peninsula-Delaware Annual Conference wishing to disaffiliate from The United Methodist
15
Church and,
16 17
Voting at a properly called church conference on March 29, 2020 and,
18
Having met the requirements of the Board of Trustees of the Peninsula-Delaware Annual
19
Conference,
20 21
Be it resolved the Peninsula-Delaware Annual Conference allows Hickory Hill United
22
Methodist Church of Dagsboro, Delaware to disaffiliate from The United Methodist
23
Church.
