Hope United Methodist Church Academic Scholar

2004 2006

In the best tradition of John Wesley’s commitment to “education and vital piety” we join together at Hope United Methodist Church to establish an Academic Gift of one thousand dollars ($ 1,000.00) to be given to each graduating high school senior who plans to pursue their education fulltime beyond high school.

Knowing that Hope United Methodist Church loves and nurtures each young person in its congregation, we believe this will be an added incentive for families to worship at Hope. This is also in keeping with the vision of Hope, which says “Our church population will reflect many generations of people in which young families can find an "extended family" in the congregation.” As an extended family we will nurture and encourage our young persons in the congregation to continue their education beyond high school by providing a warm and loving place to worship, Christian education, prayer support and some monetary assistance.

Realizing that we are a Church, not a secular organization, we wish to make this opportunity available to all young people who are a part of the faith community of Hope without having to be competitive. Our only restrictions would be:

1) The graduating senior/s will have been an active member of Hope for at least one year prior to graduation date. An active member will have been in Church at least two Sunday’s per month in the year prior to graduation.

2) The graduating senior/s will be contributing members to the faith community by:

a. serving as a Sunday School/Vacation Bible School teacher/helper,

b. serving as an Audio technician,

c. sharing their gifts of music, if they have such gifts, by singing in the choir, playing an instrument, etc.,

d. staffing the Personal Items Closet,

e. participating in other forms of service opportunity for which they are gifted, that might become available.

A committee consisting of the Pastor and three lay persons will be responsible for the administration of the gift. The gift will be given at the Awards Assembly of the High School attended by the recipient.

In the event a graduating senior has to postpone entering college for a year, he/she will be eligible upon entering college the following year.

The Church Treasurer will be responsible for establishing and administering an account designated specifically for the Academic Gift. Gifts, special offerings, and budget allocations may be used to fund the account.

The Academic Gift policy and procedures may be modified as deemed necessary by the above referenced committee with the approval of a majority of the Church General Membership.

The Academic Gift account has been established with the receipt of a gift of five thousand dollars and a gift of six hundred dollars that have been designated for that purpose.

Jon Geidel Gary Farmer

Tammy Geidel Jennifer Bailey

Margie Pruett