Wrap 2025: Leadership Board Minutes
Minutes from a meeting of
Haygood United Methodist Church
Leadership Board (HUMC LB)
December 9, 2025, 6:30 p.m.
Attendees: 2025 Leadership Board Members in attendance: Pastor Doug Sasser, Agnes Smith, Austin Grau, Beth Fite (Incoming Chair/Lay Leader), Mike Fogle, Carol Loyer, Denise Becker, Larry LaRue, Liz McCauley, Jimmy Porter, Trevor Prouty, and Vicki Crim, secretary. Absent: Sarah Wright.
Incoming board members in attendance: Audrey O’Donald (Incoming Associate Lay Leader), Jessica Grau, and Mike LaRock. Absent: Gene Jones and Kennis Sigmon.
Welcome: The meeting began with expressions of gratitude for participants’ flexibility in rescheduling, allowing it to take place earlier in the month. Incoming board members were welcomed. The structure of the meeting was explained, including a general business session followed by a closed SPRC (Staff-Parish Relations Committee) session. Incoming board members were encouraged to stay for the SPRC portion.
Spiritual Formation: The spiritual focus for the evening was given by Mike F. and centered on Mark 10:45, emphasizing Christ’s servant leadership. The discussion highlighted that true leadership involves responsibility and humility, not just authority. Board members were reminded that their role is to serve the congregation and advance the church’s mission, often requiring perseverance and faithful sacrifice. The Advent season was referenced as a time to prepare for Christ’s renewal in the community, recognizing both previous and future generations of leaders.
The attributes of leadership were related to the Advent candles—hope, peace, joy, and love—encouraging leaders to embody these values in their service. Members were prompted to reflect on how their leadership models Christ’s servant heart and prepares the way for others to experience God’s love.
A prayer was offered, thanking God for the faithfulness of leaders and asking for strength, guidance, and inspiration as the board makes decisions and prepares for transitions in leadership.
Spiritual formation for January 2026 meeting: Beth F.
Reports: Due to the earlier meeting date, financial and staff reports were not yet ready. Pastor Doug had previously shared his report, and the importance of vacation time for staff was acknowledged. Members were directed to access documents via a shared Google Drive, and it was noted that financial reports would be uploaded once complete. Beth will assume responsibility for document uploads in the upcoming year.
2026 Budget Review and Approval: The board reviewed the proposed 2026 budget, which is largely similar to the previous year’s, with only a 0.85% overall increase. Ministry area leaders submitted their respective budget requests. Other budget considerations included district and conference apportionments, local ministry expenses, and a provision for conference delegate expenses. The board agreed to include funding for these items and finalized the COLA for staff salaries, ensuring adjustments matched changing responsibilities and roles.
The tradition of providing Christmas gifts to staff was discussed, with consensus to distribute individual gift cards. The staff parish line item will cover these expenses.
Assignment of Responsibilities: The board reviewed and updated the list of responsibilities that Joe Ford performed as he will be stepping down from his duties as of December 31, specifying responsibility assignments for contract and vendor management, repairs, fire and safety, pest control, HVAC, and technology.
The need to update job descriptions for both administrative and technology-related roles was recognized, and the importance of fairness and clarity in responsibilities was emphasized.
Communication Updates: The board discussed changes to church email addresses and communication channels, including establishing a dedicated communications email and updating the lay leader and associate email accounts. Members agreed to communicate these updates to the congregation via bulletins and the church website, ensuring clarity about where to direct specific requests and information. The addition of a web-based event form was noted as a helpful tool for publicizing church events.
Facilities: Progress on chapel repairs was reported, with trim work was completed and painting scheduled pending warmer weather. An estimate for replacing plexiglass windows is forthcoming. Pest control issues involving powder beetles were being addressed with vendor estimates. The board confirmed responsibility assignments for ongoing maintenance and technology needs.
An insurance claim related to building damages (due to lighting strike) was submitted, with documentation and proof of loss completed. The total damages amounted to $8,568, with a $1,000 deductible. The insurance premium had been paid in prior months and correctly recorded in the financial reports. Denise was affirmed as the board’s insurance contact for the new year.
District Training and Delegates: Upcoming district training for board members was announced, focusing on the Simplified Accountable Structure (SAS) format used by the board. Members were encouraged to attend for a refresher on governance practices. Openings for district at-large lay delegates were noted, with Beth F. appointed and additional volunteers sought.
Final Business: Final business included decisions on the disposition of the church organ, with consensus reached to remove it due to lack of use and space considerations. Upcoming events such as the Happy Birthday Jesus Party and the cantata on December 21st were announced as opportunities for community engagement, especially for families with children. Outgoing board members were thanked for their service and contributions over the past year. The meeting was closed with the Breakthrough Prayer.
Joining the Leadership Board in 2026 will be Mike Fogle for one year. For the Class of 2025: Denise Becker, Austin Grau, Agnes Smith, and Rachel Stone. Christie Carlson will be the new Recording Secretary. Those exiting the Leadership Board were thanked for their service.
Closed Session: Staffing
Next Leadership Board meeting: January 20, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.