The 2001 Planning Conference  held September 27th and September 29th, was to assess St. Paul's performance thus far in 2001 and to make program and business plans for 2002. Our deliberations and decisions were influenced significantly by a commitment to do a better job of nurturing the members we have, to open our hearts and doors to the community and have joint activities to increase their impact. The Nurture, Outreach, and Witness Team leaders responsibilities will increase by becoming sponsors of programs and budget managers for their teams.
The SPRC and the Trustees plans for 2002 do not include any significant changes from 2001. The Finance Officer reported that the adjustment made in the budget  and the increase in membership giving has corrected the financial problems that were reported earlier this year. The Finance Officer also reported that St. Paul's Apportionment payment to the Conference will increase by $10,000 for the year 2002. In closing his report, the Finance Officer stated that financial reporting to the members would be done on a quarterly basis
The following first-time programs were recognized for their community and church impact: Children's Church, the West River Retreat with the United Methodist Men, United Methodist Women, and the United Methodist Youth Fellowship participating. The Warm Nights Program held in March was a great success. The Emergency Food Pantry run by the Golden Age Ministry furthers St. Paul's outreach ministry to feed our brothers and sisters. The TCRC's summer programs--YMCA Summer of Service Program and The Chart Technologies delighted many of the youths of St. Paul. The volunteer tutoring program that went on last school term at Oxon Hill Middle School and Apple Grove Elementary School was rewarding and enlightening.
An open session at the end of day one revealed a continuing interest by some members in an earlier service of "some kind."
Work areas that have not turned in their program planning sheets for 2002 need to do so before October 15. A Planning Conference Booklet will be made available after the receipt of the missing reports.