As of July 1, Brighton First does not have an appointed associate pastor. Rev. Paul Hahm has been appointed to Urban Villages in Chicago and Rev. John G. Park has been hired (not appointed by the bishop) as an assistant pastor. This means that we have an unoccupied parsonage.
Several years ago, when the associate parsonage was unoccupied, Brighton First rented the home. After six years as a rental home, the house needed extensive repairs and upgrading. The Board of Trustees of Brighton First have determined that it is not good stewardship of the church's resources to rent the home at this time. Instead, the trustees propose that the house be sold and that the proceeds of the house be held in reserve for housing costs for future pastoral appointments.
Many churches, including United Methodist Churches, are offering housing allowances in lieu of houses for pastoral residences. When clergy purchase their own home, it allows them to build equity while they are in service to the church. In addition, church's are released from the maintenance and upgrading of housing property.
There will be a Brighton First Church Conference on July 12 at noon. The purpose of the meeting for all members of the church is to vote on whether or not to sell the parsonage. By United Methodist Discipline guidelines, the vote will be determined by the majority present. There are no absentee or proxy votes.
If you have any questions, please contact Dan Welton, the chairman of the Board of Trustees.
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