THE NORTHERN OHIO DISTRICT
CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN
“Give Me Jesus”
Conference Agenda 2019 District Conference
The 56th Conference of the Northern Ohio District
Mohican Church of the Brethren – West Salem, Ohio
August 2-3, 2019
2 | P a g e
Table of Contents
District Conference Theme & Logo ·································································· Cover Page
Table of Contents ··································································································· 2-3
District Conference Publicity ··················································································· 4-12
District Conference Schedule ······················································································ 4
Conference Activities Room Assignments ······································································· 5
Message from the Moderator, Special Offerings and Local Service Project ································ 6
Pre-Conference Workshop ························································································· 7
Insight Sessions for District Conference ········································································· 7
Worship Times, Moderator and Guest Speaker ································································· 8
Ice Cream Social ····································································································· 8
Business Session ····································································································· 9
Service of Consecration for District Conference Delegates, Prayer of Commitment ····················· 10
Rules of District Conference ······················································································ 10
District Conference Central Committee, Personnel and Appointments and Report ······················ 11
Business Item #1: District Conference Ballot ··························································· 12-16
District Staff Reports ························································································· 17-21
District Executive – Kris Hawk ·············································································· 17-18
District Youth Coordinator – Esther Harsh ····································································· 19
Peace & Conciliation Advocate – Linda Fry ······························································· 20-21
District Board Commission & Appointment Reports ················································· 22-40
District Board – Bruce Jacobsen, Chair ········································································· 22
Congregational Commission – Barbara Wilch, Chair ························································· 23
Jonah’s People Fellowship – Barry Belknap, Pastor ·························································· 24
Connections Commission – Billi Janet Burkey, Chair ························································ 25
Ministerial Commission – Steve Simmons, Chair ····························································· 25
Buckeye Brethren Institute – Paul Bozman, Ministry Education Director ································· 26
Stewardship & Finance Commission – Maria Nichols, Chair ··············································· 27
3 | P a g e
Treasurer Report – Lisa Snyder, Treasurer ································································· 28-37
Financial Secretary Report – Jennifer Recker, Financial Secretary ········································· 38
CPA Annual Review – Cynthia Allen, CPA ································································ 39-40
Business Item #2: District Budget ········································································· 41-43
Inspirations Hills Camp ······················································································ 44-49
Camp Director – Shannon Kahler ············································································ 44-45
Camp Administration Committee ·························································· See Delegate Packet
Financial Reports – Paul Bozman, Treasurer ······························································· 46-49
2019 Standing Committee – Ben Polzin, Delegate ··································· See Delegate Packet
Other Reports ·································································································· 50-53
Manchester University ····························································································· 50
Good Shepherd Home ······························································································ 51
West View Healthy Living ···················································································· 52-53
Ohio Council of Churches ··································································· See Delegate Packet
Denominational Agencies ···················································································· 54-64
Brethren Disaster Ministries – Roy Winter, Executive Director ········································· 54-55
Brethren Benefit Trust – Harry Rhodes, Chair & Nevin Dulabaum, President ························ 56-57
On Earth Peace ·································································································· 58-59
Church of the Brethren Mission & Ministry Board – David A. Steele, General Secretary ·············· 60
Brethren Volunteer Service ··················································································· 61-62
Bethany Theological Seminary ··················································································· 63
2019 Annual Conference Moderator Report to Northern Ohio District, Paul Mundey ·················· 64
Mohican Church of the Brethren Map ······································································· 65
4 | P a g e
Northern Ohio District Conference Schedule
Friday, August 2nd
11:00 a.m. Exhibit & Peace Auction Set-up Begins
12:00 p.m. Registration Begins
1:00-4:30 pm. Pre-Conference Workshop: “Kingdom Building: Evangelism in All its Fullness!” –
Paul Mundey
5:00 p.m. Dinner
6:30 p.m. Opening Worship / District Youth; Doug Price, Moderator – opening message
8:00 p.m. Ice Cream Social sponsored by East Chippewa Church of the Brethren
Saturday, August 3rd
7:30 a.m. Prayer Walk – Paul Bartholomew
8:30 a.m. Business Session
Children’s Activities: K-5th Grade
10:10 a.m. Non-Delegate Session: “Kingdom Building: Evangelism in All its Fullness!” –
Paul Mundey
12:00 p.m. Lunch
1:15 p.m. Insight Sessions:
The Matthew 18 Mandate – Paul Mundey
Inspiration Hills: What’s Next? – Shannon Kahler
Children’s Activities: K-5th Grade Resume
2:30 p.m. Business Session Resumes
3:45 p.m. Insight Sessions:
Church Improvement Loan Fund – Stewardship and Finance Commission
The Matthew 18 Mandate – Paul Mundey
Inspiration Hills (camp tour)
5:00 p.m. Dinner
District Board Reorganization
6:30 p.m. Worship / Mohican Praise Team; Paul Mundey, Annual Conference Moderator
Installation of Officers
Childcare (toddlers and preschoolers) is available during the Pre-Conference Workshop, Worship Services,
Business Sessions and Insight Sessions, located in the Childcare area. Childcare coordinator is Karen
Anderson (Mohican).
Children’s Activities (K-5th grade) are provided by Mohican CoB during Insight and Business Sessions.
Children’s Activities Coordinators are Karen Anderson and Renee Kunkel (Mohican).
Jr. & Sr. High Activities are provided by Esther Harsh, District Youth Coordinator. Youth registration
begins at 4:00 p.m. Friday and activities continue overnight through Saturday evening.
5 | P a g e
Conference Activities Room Assignments
Business Sessions (Saturday) ···························································· Fellowship Hall
Child Care: Preschoolers during Business, Pre-Conference, & Worship ··········· Childcare Space
Children’s Activities Grades K-5 (Saturday)····································· Balcony Classrooms
District Board Reorganization (Saturday) ···························································· Tent
Exhibits (Friday – Saturday) ·································································· Entry Lobby
Ice Cream Social (Friday) ································································· Fellowship Hall
Insight Sessions
Saturday Early Afternoon1:15-2:15
“The Matthew 18 Mandate” with Paul Mundey ······························· Fellowship Hall
(this session will be repeated at 3:45)
Inspiration Hills: What’s Next?” ························································ Sanctuary
Saturday Afternoon 3:45-4:45
“The Matthew 18 Mandate” with Paul Mundey ······························· Fellowship Hall
(this is a repeat of the 1:15 session)
Church Improvement Loan Fund ······················································· Sanctuary
with Stewardship & Finance Commission
Inspiration Hills: Tour the Camp ················································ AT THE CAMP
Jr. & Sr. High Activities ··················································· See Jr. & Sr. High Schedule
Meals ························································································· Fellowship Hall
Non-Delegate Sessions with Paul Mundey (Saturday during morning business) ········ Sanctuary
Nursery Care during Business & Worship ·············································· Childcare Space
Peace Auction (Friday & Saturday) ······················································ Fellowship Hall
Prayer Walk Saturday 7:30 A.M. ····························· Main Door Middle School (next door)
Pre-Conference Workshop: “Kingdom Building: Evangelism in All its Fullness” with
Paul Mundey (Friday) ····································································· Fellowship Hall
Registration/Information Desk ······························································· Entry Lobby
Worship Services ·················································································· Sanctuary
Mohican Phone Number 419-846-3932
6 | P a g e
Message from the Moderator In a world enamored with so many things we are invited to remain focused on Jesus. We
live in a gimme culture where people long for things of every kind. There are homes and
cars, jobs and relationships. Every manner of “thing” is out there to entice us and distract
us. As a church our focus can become skewed as well. Longing for the next program to
grow our church or focused on the latest social issue of the day. We get distracted by the
political climate, spending our time and resources to debate and differ over issues of
every kind. We are determined to be right and prove others wrong.
Let me remind you that we already have a Savior. It is not the government or a thing. He
is Jesus, the Son of Almighty God, the Prince of Peace, the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords. It is He and He
alone who can save us, who can meet our needs, who can give our life purpose and hope. No other relationship
and no other thing can provide what Jesus has already provided. His miraculous birth, His sinless life, His
atoning death, burial and Resurrection be a testimony to who He is.
As we prepare for district conference this year my hope is that we will renew our focus on Jesus. May He be the
one and only one we look to for hope and purpose. Allow all of the things that may distract you to fall away and
place your love, attention and affection solely on Jesus. Will you declare with me today, Give me Jesus. He is
my hope, He is my Savior and He is my Lord.
Doug Price, Moderator
Special Offerings and Local Service Project
Friday, August 2nd 6:30 p.m.
A special offering will be taken during worship for Brethren Disaster Ministries (BDM) general fund. BDM
engages a network of volunteers to repair or rebuild damaged homes for disaster survivors who lack sufficient
resources to hire a contractor or other paid labor. BDM’s goal is to ease the trauma and foster recovery in
disaster-stricken communities across the United States. Children’s Disaster Services meets the needs of
children impacted by disaster by setting up temporary child care centers and using therapeutic activities and
toys that stimulate imaginative play. Specially trained and certified volunteers provide a calm, safe and
reassuring presence for children, as well as individualized consultation for parents about their child’s unique
emotional needs. BDM also restores hope for countless of the most vulnerable disaster survivors around the
world by supporting coordinated disaster relief efforts, mostly through faith-based international partners,
wherever disaster strikes. (Excerpts from www.brethren.org/bdm/mission.html)
Our local service project is the Mohican Church of the Brethren Grocery Bag Ministry. Please consider
bringing non-perishable food items to support this ministry. Items currently most needed are: cereal, peanut
butter, jelly (various kinds), pasta, pasta sauce, and canned vegetables. Please note that they will not give out
anything that is expired. Thank you in advance for your generosity!
Saturday, August 3rd 6:30 p.m.
A special offering will be taken during worship for the Central Committee District Conference Fund. This
fund provides for conference expenses, including but not limited to supporting host church expenses, ice cream
social, conference speakers travel and expenses, delegate materials, books and handouts, youth and children’s
activities, display area, insight sessions and much more!
7 | P a g e
Paul Mundey, Ordained Minister, Mid-Atlantic District, Moderator-Elect of the Church of the Brethren
Pre-Conference Workshop Friday, August 2
nd 1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m., 0.3 CEU’s for Clergy
“Kingdom Building: Evangelism In All its Fullness!” Guest Speaker: Paul
Mundey, Ordained Minister, Mid-Atlantic District, Moderator-Elect of the Church
of the Brethren
Focus: Faithful evangelism is proclaiming Jesus in both Word and Deed. As we
do, we announce the full reign of God, living out the heart of the Lord’s
Prayer: Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. In this
workshop we will rediscover evangelism in all its fullness.
Non-Delegate Session
Saturday, August 3rd
10:10 a.m.—11:10 a.m. “Kingdom Building: Evangelism In All its Fullness!” – Paul Mundey, 0.1 CEU’s for Clergy
This will be a condensed version of the pre-conference workshop. Focus: Faithful evangelism is proclaiming
Jesus in both Word and Deed. As we do, we announce the full reign of God, living out the heart of the Lord’s
Prayer: Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. In this workshop we will rediscover
evangelism in all its fullness.
Insight Sessions Saturday Early Afternoon 1:15 p.m.—2:15 p.m.
The Matthew 18 Mandate – Paul Mundey, 0.1 CEU’s for Clergy
Conflict is rampant, in relationships, families, churches and culture. Yet rather than confronting conflict, we
avoid it, going to ‘third parties,’ engaging in gossip and idle talk, rather than going direct to our
adversaries. Jesus counsels, however, in Matthew 18: go direct to our adversaries. In this insight session, we
will rediscover the wisdom and effectiveness of ‘Matthew 18.’
Inspiration Hills: What’s Next? – Shannon Kahler, Staff and CAC Members
If you haven’t been to camp in a while, you may not recognize it! The district has spent several years investing
in much needed improvements to our ministry tools (facilities, grounds and expanded activity areas) and we are
ready to begin using these tools by serving our congregations and community in many new ways. In an effort to
expand the reach of this district ministry, we have begun partnering with area schools, community
organizations, and churches in need of space for their summer camp programs. Join us as we share our vision to
maximize the potential of this district ministry.
Saturday Afternoon 3:45 p.m.—4:45 p.m.
Church Improvement Loan Fund – Stewardship and Finance Commission
Find out how the new Church Improvement Loan Fund established by the Northern Ohio District can help your
congregation with needed repairs or improvements to your church building with a 0% interest loan.
Inspiration Hills: Tour the Camp – Shannon Kahler, Staff and CAC Members
Hop on the bus and head on over to Inspiration Hills just a few minutes away from Mohican Church of the
Brethren to get a personal tour of the grounds and facilities.
The Matthew 18 Mandate – Paul Mundey, 0.1 CEU’s for Clergy
See description above. This Insight Session is being offered at both the 1:15 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. times.
8 | P a g e
Worship Times, Moderator & Guest Speaker
Doug Price, Ordained Minister, Northern Ohio District
Friday Evening, 6:30 p.m.
Doug Price has served as a pastor for 34 years. He served 27 years in the Dupont
congregation and seven years in the Elm Street congregation. Doug has been married for
37 years to his wife Rhonda. They are blessed with two children and seven
grandchildren.
Doug attended Huntington College in preparation for ministry. In the past Doug has
served the Church in many capacities including on District Board, Standing Committee
and the General Board of the Church of the Brethren.
He is blessed to currently be caring for family and continuing to share his gifts in ministry. He enjoys, hunting,
bicycling, motorcycling, fly fishing, gardening and all of God’s great Creation.
Paul Mundey, Ordained Minister,
Mid-Atlantic District
Saturday Evening, 6:30 p.m.
Paul Mundey has been a pastor, church administrator, writer, speaker, workshop
leader, consultant, and teacher for more than 40 years.
Paul is currently, Moderator-Elect of the Church of the Brethren. He also serves as
Moderator of the GraceWay Church of the Brethren, Baltimore, MD., and the
Hagerstown Church of the Brethren, Hagerstown, MD.
During the academic year, 2016-2017, Paul was a Visiting Scholar at Princeton Theological Seminary,
Princeton, N.J. Prior to that appointment, Paul served for 20 years as Senior Pastor of the Frederick Church of
the Brethren in Frederick, MD. From 1983-1996, Paul was a staff member for the national ministry of the
Church of the Brethren, serving as director of evangelism and congregational growth, and staff for Korean
ministry.
Paul is married to Robin Risser who is organist, and Director of Traditional Worship at Central Presbyterian
Church, Baltimore, MD. Their son, Peter is a sociologist, and their daughter Sarah is an interior designer and
freelance blogger (dorseydesigns.com). Paul and Robin are first-time grandparents to their new grandson: John
Dorsey.
Ice Cream Social
Friday, 8:00 p.m. Come join the fun and fellowship Friday evening at 8:00 p.m. for an
ice cream social at District Conference. Special thanks to East Chippewa Church for
sponsoring this event!
9 | P a g e
2019 District Conference BUSINESS SESSION Northern Ohio District
Item Start
Time
Time
Allowed Agenda Item Person Presenting
8:20 a.m. 10 min. Songs and Scripture Paul Bartholomew / Doug Price
8:30 a.m. 40 min. Business Session Opens, Opening Prayer Doug Price
Greeting from Mohican Church of the Brethren Paul Bartholomew
Roll Call of Delegates Nancy Jacobsen
Accept Business Agenda Doug Price
Consecration of Delegates Brad Kelley
Review Conference Rules Brad Kelley
Introduction of Conference Officers Doug Price
Introduction of Guests Brad Kelley
9:10 a.m. 10 min. Table time connection
9:20 a.m. 10 min. New Business Item #1: Ballot Brad Kelley
9:30 a.m. 10 min. District Staff Reports
District Executive Kris Hawk (written) / Julie Watson
Peace & Conciliation Advocate Linda Fry (written)
Youth Coordinator Esther Harsh (written)
9:40 a.m. 5 min. District Board Report Bruce Jacobsen
9:45 a.m. 10 min. Congregational Commission Mark Pollock
9:55 a.m. 10 min. Connections Commission Billi Janet Burkey
10:05 a.m. 10 min. Ministerial Commission / Buckeye Brethren Institute Steve Simmons / Paul Bozman
10:15 a.m. 10 min. Break
10:25 a.m. 10 min. Songs and Scripture Paul Bartholomew / Doug Price
10:35 a.m. 15 min. Stewardship & Finance Commission/District Financial Reports Maria Nichols /
Treasurer’s Reports / District Financial Secretary’s Report Lisa Snyder / Jen Recker
10:50 a.m. 15 min. New Business Item #2: 2019 Budget Maria Nichols / Lisa Snyder
(includes 5 minutes of Table Time)
11:05 a.m. 20 min. Church of the Brethren Agency Reports
Mission and Ministry Board (written)
Bethany Seminary (written)
Brethren Benefit Trust Scott Douglas
On Earth Peace Jen Houser
11:25 a.m. 10 min. Compelling vision / Annual Conference updates Paul Mundey
11:35 a.m. 10 min. Table time connection
11:45 a.m. 10 min. Election Results Brad Kelley
12:00 p.m. 75 min. Lunch
1:15 p.m. 60 min. Insight Sessions
2:30 p.m. 5 min. Songs and Scripture Paul Bartholomew / Doug Price
2:35 p.m. 15 min. ORDER OF THE DAY: Recognition of Ordained Ministers Ministerial Commission
2:50 p.m. 10 min. Church of the Brethren General Secretary David Steele
3:00 p.m. 15 min. Camp Reports
Camp Administration Committee / Camp Financial Reports Jim Shives, Paul Bozman
Camp Executive Director Shannon Kahler
3:15 p.m. 5 min. Standing Committee Delegate Ben Polzin
3:20 p.m. 5 min. Brethren Homes: Good Shepherd Home
West View Health Living
Chris Widman
(written only)
3:25 p.m. 5 min. Ohio Council of Churches
3:30 p.m. 10 min. Multiplying your talents Peace Task Team
3:40 p.m. 10 min. Acceptance of Reports, Close of Business Doug Price
3:45 p.m. 60 min. Insight Sessions
10 | P a g e
Service of Consecration for District Conference Delegates August 3, 2019 - Prayer of Commitment
O God, we thank You for each of these disciples who have answered Your call to serve in Your ministry
through the Northern Ohio District Church of the Brethren. Each of these people come with gifts for specific
tasks under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Today we join in a service of consecration, commissioning these
people to do Your work.
We are grateful for our brothers and sisters who express their faith and witness through specific ministries in the
Northern Ohio District.
Grant us grace that we may all present our gifts and talents to be used for Your glory and our neighbor’s good,
because our faith is in the following. Amen.
Leader: Brothers and sisters in Christ, God has called you to this service. Thank God for each of you and for
your willing response to this call. Now I invite you to make your commitment by responding to the questions
of consecration as a delegate.
Do you willingly accept the responsibility to which you have been called, and do you promise to be faithful in
fulfilling that responsibility?
Delegates: We do.
Leader: Will you seek to respond in a manner worthy of this trust, exemplifying Christian faith and spirit
in all that you do and consider?
Delegates: We will.
Leader: Will you be cooperative as you work together in common tasks and decisions?
Delegates: We will.
Leader: May we as brothers and sisters in Christ, affirm one another as leaders called to serve the Church
of the Brethren of Northern Ohio. Above all, may we seek to do God’s will relying on His wisdom, strength,
and love.
Delegates: By His grace and with the leading of His Spirit we will!
Unison Prayer:
O God, we thank you for our fellow delegates who have been entrusted with the responsibility of doing
business for Your church. Be with us as we administer what You have entrusted to our hands. Help us
to study, pray, and reflect before we make decisions. Make us alert to the needs of all Your people, in the
Northern Ohio District and beyond, so that we can carry out ministries in Your name. May this
conference reflect the light of Your truth. We pray in the precious name of Your Son, Christ Jesus.
Amen.
Rules of District Conference
All matters of business shall be clearly presented to Conference, after which the Moderator shall declare the
same to be the business of Conference.
No one shall speak more than twice on the same question. The first speech shall be limited to five minutes and
the second, to three minutes.
The Moderator shall decide when a question shall be put on its passage, but anyone from the voting body may
“move the previous question” which is a motion to close debate.
A two-thirds majority shall be necessary to pass answers to queries, matters of polity, and other items as
determined by the Officers of the District Conference. A majority vote shall be the rule for all other motions.
A plurality vote shall be required for the election of all officers.
All appeals from the rulings of the Moderator shall be decided by the voting body.
These rules may be amended at any regular session of the conference.
Persons nominating from the floor may only name the nominee; the biographical information must be submitted
in writing to the officers of the Conference who will later submit the information to the Conference Delegates.
Written or oral consent must be obtained from all nominees.
Robert’s Rules of Order Revised shall be the standard for any point not covered by these rules.
11 | P a g e
District Conference Central Committee Personnel and Appointments and Report
District Conference Central Committee
Doug Price (Elm Street) – Moderator (2019)
Brad Kelley (East Chippewa) – Moderator-Elect (2020)
Terry Porter (Dupont) – Past Moderator (2018)
Nancy Jacobsen (Mt. Pleasant) – Clerk (2020)
Bob Patalano (Ashland Dickey) – Member (2019)
Michael Huffaker (Sugar Creek West) – Member (2020)
Fern Dews (East Nimishillen) – Member (2021)
Linda Fry (Mansfield First) – Conference Manager
Cindy Peel (Akron Springfield) – Conference Registrar
District Conference Personnel
Worship Coordinator: Doug Price (Elm Street)
Worship Leader Friday: Abbie Bartholomew (Mohican)
Worship Leader Saturday: Chad Palmer (Mohican)
Praise Team: Mohican Praise Team
Children’s Program Coordinator: Karen Anderson (Mohican)
Display Coordinator: Wendy Topp (Mohican)
Hospitality Coordinator: Jennifer Orosz (Mohican)
Sound & Media Technician: Doug Hottel (Mohican)
Usher’s Coordinator: Tammy Ballou, Mohican Worship Commission
Mohican Church On-Site Coordinator: Jen Recker
District Conference Appointments
Counting Supervisor: Bob Patalano (Ashland Dickey)
Time Keeper/Microphone Monitor: Randall Recker (Mohican)
Tellers: Nominating Committee Members
Thank you for the privilege to serve again as Moderator this year. We have had a good year of working
together, in preparation for this year’s district conference. We met together 4 times as a Committee to work on
the myriad of details, needed to prepare for conference. Thanks to each of the Committee members who worked
diligently, and to moderator elect Brad Kelly. I want to also express a special thank you to the Mohican Church
for hosting our conference this year. Thanks to their staff Paul Bartholomew, Chad Palmer & Jen Recker for
attending meetings, and giving great feedback and to the entire Church for serving in so many ways.
It takes many people working together to make Conference a success. We are especially thankful for the help of
all our district staff, Kris, Julie, Linda and Esther for their dedicated effort to support our work as a committee.
We also look forward to having Paul Mundey with us share. Thanks to Paul for his willingness to be with us
and share his gifts.
It is our hope that Conference will not only facilitate the business of the district. We pray Conference will be a
great time of fellowship and renewing relationships. Most of all our relationship with Jesus. We welcome the
presence of His Spirit to touch us, to bring renewal and refreshing to our hearts and souls.
Alive in Jesus,
Doug Price
12 | P a g e
Business Item #1, Ballot
2019 District Conference Ballot – Biographical Information
*Indicates Incumbent
Moderator Elect – 3 year term (vote for one)
Brian Layman
(Hartville)
Current: Board Chair, Youth
and Young Adult Coordinator,
Sunday School Teaching,
Pulpit Supply/Love Feast
(Church); Licensed Minister
(District)
Former: Leadership Team Chair, Chair Music
Commission, Properties Committee Member,
District Conference Delegate, Annual Conference
Delegate (Church); Congregational Chair, Vice
Chair Ministerial Commission, Secretary
Ministerial Commission (District)
Personal: Married to Denise for 26 years, four
children – Jaxom and Azia, are in the midst of their
college careers and the other two, Julian and Caleb,
are juniors in high school. For over a decade I've
run my own currently a web development,
consultation and hosting company. I host monthly
local educational WordPress meetups to assist
people in their careers or volunteer work. The
church is a large part of my life and I am currently
in my final year of the Buckeye Brethren program -
a three year course of study that can lead to
ordination.
District Board Central Area – 3 year term (vote for two)
*Tina Hunt (Ashland First)
Current: Pastor (Church);
Ordained Minister, District Board
– 2018-2019 Ministerial
Commission, BBI Instructor
(District)
Former: Interim Pastor (Church);
worked with SISTERS planning
committee, served on District Board Fellowship and
Congregational Commissions (District)
Personal: Married to Nelson, two adult children,
three grandchildren. Lead Bible Study at Catholic
Charities Day Care Program and Ashland County
Council on Aging as needed.
Beverly Wengerd
(Paradise)
Current: Church Board Chair,
Visual Designer for Sunday
morning slides, Community
Outreach (Church)
Former: Church Board Chair,
Nominating Committee, Search Committee, Family
Life, Christian Education Committee, Ministry and
Worship Committee (Church)
Personal: Children: Cody 24, Jasmine 18, Jacob 17,
Raven 15, Robbie 14. Two stepsons Adam 43,
Noah 37, five grandchildren. Registered Nurse
inactive. Part owner of Guerne Heights Drive In,
Care for my kids at home and grandkids. Diaper
Ministry and other church community outreach.
During the school year help run the School Store at
Apple Creek Elementary School. Help with other
school activities as needed.
13 | P a g e
District Board Western Area – 3 year term (vote for two)
*David Bassett
(Pleasant View)
Current: Church Board, Trustee,
Fellowship Committee (Church);
Board Member, District Board –
Stewardship & Finance
Commission (District)
Former: Moderator, Treasurer,
Church Board Chairman, Sunday
School Teacher, Pastoral Search Committee Chair
(Church); Nominating Committee 2014-2015
(District)
Personal: Married to Kim, three sons, retired
landscape architecture, farm 1200 acres with my
brother. Chairman of Bath Township Board of
Zoning Appeals.
Kevin Wilson
(Dupont)
Current: Deacon, Sunday
School Teacher, Stephen
Ministry Leader, General Board
Chair, Ministerial Board Member
(Church)
Former: Finance Board
Member, Preschool Board Member (Church)
Personal: Married to Cindy (38 years), we have
one son, Nicholas is married with two wonderful
children, Brady and Brylee. I am finishing my 38th
year as an educator, during which I have served as
an elementary teacher, high school teacher and also
athletic director. Currently, I am the Grover Hill
Elementary Principal which is part of the Wayne
Trace Local School System. I served on Habitat for
Humanity Board, serving as chairman for two years.
Jim Gorrell
(Faith in Action)
Current: Pastor (Church);
Ordained Minister (District)
Former: Pastor of Heatherdowns
Church of the Brethren, Deacon
at Swan Creek Church of the
Brethren (Church)
Personal: Married to Julia for 43 years, four sons,
eight grandchildren, 4-H advisor for 22 years.
14 | P a g e
District Board Eastern Area – 3 year term (vote for two)
Agnes Hayhurst
(Reading)
Current: Nurture Commission
(Church)
Former: Alliance Area –
Habitat for Humanity
Representative (Church)
Personal: Married to Jerrett for 30 years (July
29th
), two adult children – Jennifer McCoy USAF
(TSgt) and Patrick Hayhurst. Habitat for Humanity,
Boy Scouts of America (district), GR/MA Veterans
Association President (current).
*Bruce Jacobsen*
(Mt. Pleasant)
Current: Pastor (Church);
District Board Chair, pastoral
mentor (District)
Former: Pastor, Teacher
(Church); District
Conference Moderator, District Board, Nominating
Committee, Camp Chaplain/Counselor, Sr. High/Jr.
High Cabinet (District)
Personal: Married 38 years to Nancy, two adult
children, five grandchildren, 24 years pastoral
ministry, coordinator for Annual Conference Jr.
High Activities 2007, Boy Scout Leader
District Conference Central Committee – 3 year term (vote for one)
Christine Harkless
(Elm Street)
Current: Leadership Team,
Sunday School Teacher, Youth
Leader (Church)
Former: District Conference
Delegate (District); Lead Kids
Carnival (Church)
Personal: Two daughters,
Michelle and Marsha, and a cat
named Jackson.
15 | P a g e
Nominating Committee, Central Area – 3 year term (vote for one)
Sherry Vaught
(Paradise)
Current: Sunday School
Teacher, Evangelism
committee, Communications
committee (Church); Pulpit fill
as needed, Ordained Minister
(District)
Former: Deacon at Maple Grove, Sunday School,
Bible School and youth group leader at various
churches (Church); Moderator, District Board
Chair, District Board Member, committee chair,
committee vice chair (District)
Personal: Married to Terry (Pastor at Paradise
CoB), son Reese, Elementary School Teacher.
Currently I’m running a summer program for at risk
second graders.
Nominating Committee, Western Area – 3 year term (vote for one)
James “Jim” Masten
(Lick Creek)
Current: Constitution
Revision Committee Chair
(District); Deacon (Church)
Former: District Board
Discipleship Commission,
District Executive Search Committee (District);
Church Board Chair, Treasurer, Trustee (Church)
Personal: Married 59 years to Janice, 3 adult
children, Science Teacher for 41 years, Hospital
Volunteer, Habitat for Humanity Board 12 years,
Lion’s Service Projects
16 | P a g e
Camp Administration Committee – 3 year term (vote for three)
Jessi Adams
(Ashland Dickey)
Current: Sr. High Youth
Leader (Church)
Former: n/a
Personal: Married to Seth,
two children, Wren (4 year old
daughter) and Shaw (1 year old son)
Lisa Ballinger
(Painesville)
Current: Bible Study, Project
Hope (Church)
Former: Project Hope, St.
James Children’s Ministry,
Youth Advisor Colorado Trip
(Church)
Personal: Lisa and her husband, David (deceased
5/29/2017), have four children, Katie (Katherine)
Ballinger, Nathan Ballinger, Brian Ballinger and
Megan B. Douglass. Ethics Committee Lake
Health
*Jean Nesbitt
(Akron Springfield)
Current: Treasurer, Deacon
(Church); Camp
Administration Committee,
Ethics Committee (District)
Former: Finance Committee,
Jr. High Teacher/Counselor,
Financial Secretary, District/Annual Conference
Delegate (Church); Jr. High Cabinet, Camp
Counselor, Bike Camp Leader (District)
Personal: Married to Theron, Retired Medical
Transcriptionist, BDM Volunteer
Ed Wartluft
(Freeburg)
Current: Deacon, Sunday
School Teacher, Church Board
(Church); Licensed Minister
(District)
Former: Deacon, Sunday School
Teacher, Church Board Chair,
Trustee, Disaster Coordinator (Church)
Personal: Married to Dorothy, one daughter, one
son, three granddaughters, retired cabinet maker by
trade, Pulpit fill (substitute preacher)
Linda Worthen
(East Chippewa)
Current: Preschool
Sunday School Teacher,
Wednesday night teacher,
Wednesday night cook, Jr.
High Advisor, Deaconess
(Church)
Former: District Conference Delegate (Church);
Camp Administration Committee (District)
Personal: Engaged to David Smith, daughter
Amanda married to Aaron Ewoldt and lives in SD,
work for State of Ohio Department of Disabilities
17 | P a g e
District Executive Report
As I write this report, I have just completed two full years as District Executive for the Northern Ohio District. Including
my 15 months as Interim DE, I have been serving in this role for almost 3½ years. It is an honor and joy to be called to
this position of service in our District. My report is divided into the categories that are the focus of my service.
Relationships / Listening – to individuals and congregations within the district. o I continue to see increased connection throughout the district as we fellowship, learn, and support one another. I see
more joy, more laughter, and deeper cooperation as we work together. I am appreciative of the good work the
board continues to do - and I see God moving through these things.
o I have completed a second round of attending each of the 47 different congregations for worship on Sunday
mornings. Visiting in churches on Sunday morning is rich time together and one of the great joys of my ministry.
This will continue to be my practice.
o I have had opportunity to preach several times over the last few months.
o Connecting through times other than worship is also important. I attend revival services and funeral/memorial
services, council meetings and board meetings, socials and community outreach events for individual churches
when possible. I appreciate your sharing those dates with me.
Ministerial Leadership – Oversee Pastoral Placement, work closely with Ministerial Commission in calling,
credentialing, and providing continuing education. o I am currently working with 3 churches in various stages of the search process. An updated pastoral placement
report is in the Pastor’s Memo each month.
o Working with the Ministerial Commission as we look ahead to ordination/commissioning renewals in 2020.
o Attended the Clergy-Spouse retreat February 17-19. I am grateful to the Ministerial Commission for their
commitment to this event that provides rest and renewal for our clergy.
o Have the joy of Licensing, Ordaining, Commissioning new pastoral leadership within our district.
o I held 6 Area Clergy meetings in October that proved to be a rich time of fellowship and prayer. Thank you to
Akron First, Brook Park, Elm Street, Lakewood, Woodworth congregations for hosting.
o Held the Pastor’s Workshop on April 27th. Thank you to the Ashland Dickey congregation for hosting.
o It is wonderful to have our Buckeye Brethren Institute certified. I continue to be impressed by the quality of the
education – and the connections it provides for students from across our district.
o I continue to ask you to encourage those in your congregations that have the gifts for pastoral ministry to explore
that call. The need is great.
Congregational Ministries – While many good things are happening in the district, we can’t ignore the deep
struggle of some of the congregations in our District. We have a number of churches at risk of closing within
the next 5 years. Providing resources and information is helpful, but not enough. We need to be seeking
revival, committing ourselves to prayer, seeking ways to share our hope in Christ, reaching out to serve those
in our communities, and walking alongside our sister churches.
o I am working closely with the Congregational Commission as we
(1) Seek to strengthen existing churches.
Worked closely with the commission to plan/implement the Healthy Congregations Workshop that was held at
the Maple Grove Church of the Brethren on April 12-13 with Richard Blackburn from the Lombard Mennonite
Peace Center presenting. Seventy-six people attended representing 23 of our churches. Thank you to Maple
Grove for hosting.
Coordinated the Shalom Team training sessions in December and January. Thank you to Tom Michaels for
teaching us! The third part of training was in attending the Healthy Congregations Workshop. The Shalom
Team is available to meet with congregations that are experiencing conflict – or just looking for healthier ways to
relate to each other.
(2) look for places God may be calling us to start new ones.
Examining the possibility of a new church start in Toledo and seeking other locations where God may be calling
us to ministry and calling out leadership. This is exciting!!
18 | P a g e
Administration/Governance – General administrative oversight tasks and working closely with District
Board Leadership. o In all things listed above, I am working closely with the appropriate Commission members and Executive
Committee.
o The District Level Meetings in my statistical report include District Board, Executive Committee, Central
Committee, Nominating Committee, Camp Administration Committee meetings, CAC Executive Committee
meetings, Constitution Committee meetings, Peace Task Team meetings, and Shalom Team training events. We
are blessed with so many that volunteer their time and energy for the work of the Kingdom in the Northern
Ohio District.
o Ensure compliance with our Financial and Administrative polices.
o Work closely with paid and volunteer staff to ensure that they have what
they need to carry out their ministries. The district is blessed to have such
an amazing group serving in these roles. Julie, Esther, Linda, Lisa, and
Jen you are greatly appreciated!
Denominational o Attended the Midwest CODE meetings in April.
o Attended Council of District Executive (CODE) Meetings in January in Melbourne, Florida and will be attending
CODE meetings July 1-3 before Annual Conference.
o Served as the District Executive Liaison with the District Administrative Assistants and worked/attended with Julie
Watson their training event in Elgin April 1-3.
Professional growth/Personal time
o Completed the Clergy Clinic in Family Emotional Process through the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center.
o I have been taking Monday as my day off.
Repeated Call to Prayer – which I repeat here again! I see evidence of the Holy Spirit working throughout our District in new ways – some small and some more systemic. I
ask that we continue to surround our churches and District with prayer, seeking guidance and providing encouragement
and support to each other. Many conversations are happening throughout the denomination as we seek clarity on who we
are as the Church of the Brethren. Please pray for wisdom, discernment, and God’s Power in all these things.
Blessings,
Kris Hawk, District Executive Minister
Statistics 2018 Miles Hours
Search Committee
Call
Vote
Installa-
tions
Church
Boards
Sunday
am
Worship
Other
Worship
Services
Fellow-
ship
Events
District
Level
Meetings
2018 totals 17403 2787 42 8 5 28 40 23 44 63
Statistics 2019 YTD Miles Hours
Search
Committee
Call
Vote
Installa-
tions
Church
Boards
Sunday
am
Worship
Other
Worship
Services
Fellow-
ship
Events
District
Level
Meetings
Jan. 1161 259 6 0 1 2 3 2 6 4
Feb. 615 201 4 0 0 1 3 0 8 8
March 3466 285 6 0 1 1 4 4 4 9
April 2900 236 4 1 1 2 3 1 0 8
May 367 174 3 0 0 1 2 0 3 8
YTD Totals 8509 1155 3 1 3 7 15 5 22 37
19 | P a g e
District Youth Coordinator Report
At the time of District Conference, I will have been in the role as District Youth Coordinator for almost three years. To
say the time has passed quickly is an understatement. For the past year, I truly feel that a lot of important growing has
happened. New youth are getting involved, and relationships have been made stronger. The District Youth Program is
gaining some stability as youth continue to get to know me and understand the importance of community among ourselves
as the Northern Ohio District Youth Program. I feel completely blessed and honored to be in this role and to be given the
opportunity to help guide and mold our young people in the district. I continue to move forward and strive to provide
purposeful opportunities for youth to learn more about our God and grow closer to Jesus.
Throughout the year, many events were held for our District Youth:
District Conference 2019
3 Weekend Sessions of the Senior High
Leadership Series
2 Junior High Rallies
3 Area Events (JR/SR High)
1 Powerhouse Regional Youth
Conference at Camp Mack (SR High)
1 Trip to Cedar Point, (JR/SR High)
1 Service and Fun Day at Camp
Inspiration Hills (JR/SR High)
In June, I was one of the week-long counselors for Senior High Camp. This is one of my favorite times of the year. A
solid week of all day activities allow time for deep conversations, worshiping together, and learning together. While it is
very busy and most of us are sleep deprived, it is fun, intentional, and rewarding to see our youth reflect and grow closer
to Jesus throughout the week. As my schedule allows, I attend the Program Committee Meetings at Inspiration Hills, and
we continue to work together and support each other’s programs in order to best serve our youth. When my schedule
allows, I support our youth as much as possible in their school activities. I’ve been able to attend five band or choir
concerts, two high school graduations, sporting events, and school plays. It is rewarding and makes me proud to watch our
youth use their talents and abilities. I am impressed with their effort, skills, and bravery to perform or compete in their
various activities.
Throughout the year, I attend and report at the District Board Meetings. I work with the Central Committee in working
together to plan the Youth Program for District Conference. This year, I have had the opportunity to meet with the Peace
Task Team and begin conversations on how we can work together to incorporate ideas of peace into our District Youth
Program. Another ongoing goal is to continue building the Youth Cabinets for Junior and Senior High. We are meeting
sporadically and brainstorming for events and ideas to help the program grow – not just in activities but in purpose as
well. It is very helpful to have the feedback from the youth who are on the cabinet. We’d like to continue adding youth
and adults to both Junior and Senior High Cabinets and are open to recommendations from the District.
In January, I planned another Youth Leader Training titled “Protecting Our Youth, Ourselves, and Our Ministry.” We
hosted three different social workers and counselors who presented on various topics such as mandated reporting,
appropriate boundaries with youth, safeguards for your ministry, etc. It was very helpful for me and other ministry
leaders.
Many of our Junior High Youth have finished 8th grade this year and will join the Senior High Youth Activities, and I am
hoping that we have many youth moving up to join us from elementary school. Several of our Senior High Youth
graduated as well, but now they will have a chance to become involved in Young Adult Activities. One of my ongoing
goals is to continue to build the Young Adult Program, so I am hoping that some of our graduated seniors will want to
continue their involvement.
As we close in on 2019, I am looking forward to the many possibilities that a new year brings. My hope for our youth is
that they would continually seek Jesus and feel His love and peace in their lives. Thank you for allowing me to be part of
that amazing process.
In Him,
Esther Harsh
20 | P a g e
Peace & Conciliation Advocate Greetings in Christ Jesus: I am in my twelfth year as District Peace and Conciliation Advocate. I do these things regularly:
Meeting with the District Board and commissions.
Working with the Peace Task Team. o We met with the District Youth Worker and the Camp Director. o Team members will offer a session at summer camps for the juniors and older groups o We are planning the annual Peace Auction o We are planning a session with the youth for later in the year on making life choices in line with your faith o We are working on plans to grow the peace endowment fund which supports District peace education including the District Peace
and Conciliation Advocate. Investment income from the fund was greatly reduced due to poor performance by the stock market in 2018. Interest income and income from the Peace Auction has not been enough to meet expenses. The principle in the fund ($30,000) cannot be used. If income does not increase, major cuts will need to be made in peace education efforts in the district starting next year.
Working with the Shalom Team. (The Team had had three training sessions this year and continues to work on the skills needed to serve the District as requested when conflicts arise)
Publishing the Peace Advocate News quarterly (43 issues are in print)
I publish the Weekly “Take a Moment to Pray for Peace” which appears online and is available for printing as a bulletin insert. (see www.nohcob.org. Click on ‘Resources’ then ‘Peace and Reconciliation”)
Research and reading for the newsletter and to provide resources for the District.
Serve on the Ashland Center for Nonviolence (ACN) Steering Committee (in the 2nd year of a second 3-year term). ACN works with Ashland University and the Ashland community to promote nonviolence as an alternative to violence when handling conflict. They: o Provide training and educational programs on peacemaking and peacemaking issues o promote the use of mediation. o Work in local schools (particularly Taft Elementary in Ashland) – teach conflict resolution skills, mentor at risk students and work on
bullying prevention. This year I:
Attended the 50th Annual Fall Academy of Religion at the College of Wooster (each Wednesday, Sept. 19 through Oct. 24). The theme was Tikkun Olam: To Heal A Broken World. Tikkun Olam is a Hebrew phrase. “Often rendered as ‘repair the world’ or ‘heal the broken world’, it presents the requirement that all Jewish people have a responsibility to work for the political, material, moral and spiritual well-being of the entirety of all creation. And while the phrase has its roots in Judaism, we find similar concepts in many other religious and secular traditions.”
Attend steering committee meetings and most ACN programs including: (ACN programs are open to the public. Find details at www.ashland.edu/acn.) o series on immigration including a presentation by Immigration Lawyer Brian Hoffman, (“Refugees at Our Border: What’s Going
On” 9-18-18). He is one of only 3 immigration lawyers in Ohio (there is an immigration court in Cleveland). Brian works with immigrants whose cases are assigned to the Cleveland court and with immigrants at the border who are seeking asylum. (Seeking asylum is a right granted by international & U.S. law. Despite this fact, U.S. immigration authorities continue to coerce or trick people into denying they have legitimate asylum claims.) People, including children, are being treated as criminals which makes it harder to get asylum. Many children remain separated from their parents; some detention facilities have been ‘relabeled day-care facilities’ to get around laws that prohibit imprisoning children. Six children have now died in U.S. custody. The safety of many of these immigrants is not certain if they are returned to their place of origin. Recent arrivals are being held out doors and sleeping on the ground.
o Attended the 5th annual ACN Conference, “The Future of Nonviolence”, a Multi-disciplinary conference held Feb. 23. 16 papers were presented. Topics included: efforts to bring a peaceful end to the violence in Columbia. (The peace accords worked out in Columbia are the first in the world
in which a real effort was made to include all people in the process – all sides in the conflict and all groups affected including women and indigenous people)
political theology: a look at Martin Luther King Jr. (taught nonviolence) and Frantz Fanon (taught violence) a look at El Salvador and Oscar Romero (a priest peacefully working for the poor, was murdered in his church by the El
Salvadoran government in 1980) and the country’s future nonviolence in violent times; and a panel on democracy and nonviolence in dangerous times a paper on the relationship between children’s exposure to lead and violence
21 | P a g e
Handing out food.
Children in custody at the U.S. Border
o April 4 presentation by Dr. Merose Hwang, “Understanding North Korea Through Its Modern History” about the effect of outside forces on Korea – whether from China, Japan, the U.S., Russia or elsewhere, outsider’s impact on Korea and on Korean’s self-image has been profound and largely negative. Outsiders have always exploited and subjugated Koreans. The division of
North from South was imposed arbitrarily by U.S. suggestion and has been devastating. For the North, reunifying the peninsula into one Korea is a critical goal. North Korean’s sense of self-reliance makes them accept bad conditions they create themselves, rather than accept any conditions created or helped by outsiders, even better conditions. Also important is that, unlike the former Soviet Union, North Korea is not an atheist country. The government does not like religious groups to evangelize or proselytize new members, however. o April 5 presentation by Dr. Caryn Reeder; “Women & War In the
Biblical World.” She looked at the Gospel of Luke as the gospel of peace. Luke uses the word ‘peace’ more than the other gospels, but Luke also uses the word ‘war’ the most. War is identified with men, and masculinity is connected to being victorious in war. For the most part, women have no say in war. Women and children are seen as the victims of war and are connected with the weakness of defeat. However, women are the ones who have to make peace work. The fact that great strength is needed for making peace is not generally acknowledged. Men cannot accept defeat because they have tied their identity to victory. How women are treated is tied to these views as is the relationship between women, and men and the understanding of what power means. Reeder points out that this thinking has profound influences human thinking to this day.
There are many ongoing peacemaking issues in the world and more issues come up every day. I try to share information and resources on these through the District website and Peace Advocate News. Some include:
the continuing situation in Nigeria. Nearly 100 of the Chibok school girls abducted by Boko Haram in 2014 are still missing more than 5 years later. They are among more than 2,000 women and children still in Boko Haram hands. Abductions and village raids continue. While some people have tried to return home, others are still being forced to flee. EYN (The Church of the Brethren in
Nigeria) continues the enormous tack of helping displaced people as well as working to rebuild churches and communities all while still under threat.
The plight of refugees around the world including people seeking asylum at the U.S. border.
The growing numbers of people in the world who are living with violence every day including people in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Bangladesh, Somalia, Syria, Yemen, Niger, much of Central America, and Myanmar to name a few. Some face genocide, and some face famine in addition to violence. Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Brazil, Burkina Faso, British Indian Ocean Territory, Bulgaria, Burundi, Cameroon, Canada, Central African Republic, Chad, Cuba, Cyprus, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti,
Egypt, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Greenland, Guam, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyz Republic, Liberia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mexico, Morocco, Nepal, Netherlands, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Singapore, Somalia, South Korea, South Sudan, Span, Sri Lanka, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Uzbekistan, West Bank & Gaza, Yemen. These are some of more than 80 countries where the U.S. is engaging in some kind of military activity. We are launching regular air strikes or drone attacks in at least 7 of them. The U.S. has combat troops in at least 14 areas. Most of the people who are affected and most who die are civilians. The U.S. is conducting military training and/or has bases in the rest. The U.S has taken its ‘counterterrorism war’ to 39% of the countries in the world and is now engaging in economic warfare with many countries – friends and foes alike – as well.
Making peace cannot happen without seeking justice and justice must be tempered by mercy. Seeking vengeance, revenge, retribution, or only ‘political capital’ does not bring either peace or justice especially when innocent people are involved. “He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8
22 | P a g e
District Board Commission & Appointment Reports
District Board
Northern Ohio District Church of the Brethren,
Our year has been a busy one with many items of business before us, with most if not all of them
impacting, at least in some small ways, ministry in your local churches. One example of that would be at least
12 Hottle Grants that were forwarded to the district board from the Congregational Commission for our final
approval.
We had two property transactions that took place near the end of 2018. One was turning over the
ownership of the Faith in Action property to the newly recognized congregation there. When that group
transitioned from being a “fellowship” to a “congregation”, they are now authorized to hold property. The other
transaction was the property of the Water Street congregation. That property has been sold, and the proceeds,
after paying bills related to the sale and upkeep of the property, have been designated for two uses. The larger
portion, ($350,000) was set aside to start what we are calling the “Church Improvement Loan Fund”. Two
churches have already submitted applications that were approved for no interest loans for work that was badly
needed on their buildings and grounds.
We are taking a hard look on finances within our district budget. We are working on a balanced budget
and the budget we are presenting is much closer than we have been in many years. We are hoping that at least
part of the difference will be made up by increased giving from congregations and individuals. With the funds
that we expect to receive from the Hottle Estate being “spent down” by the plan adopted by the 2016 district
conference, we anticipate less and less each year from that account to help support our budget. And while
allocations from congregations are up slightly, further cuts have been made to bring us into line with what we
can likely expect in 2020. Please see the report from the Stewardship and Finance Commission for more
information on this.
As you may already know, from the article in the Herald in late May, we have extended forgiveness to
Kris Bair regarding the embezzlement of district funds in 2014. Conversation about this began in the executive
committee last year, and we talked about what that would look like, and how we could go about offering
forgiveness to her, and even legally forgiving the debt. Our discussion centered around all of us owing a debt
that we can never pay (regarding our sin before God), and that God sent Christ to offer us forgiveness to pay
that debt for us because of His love for us. We decided that we needed to offer Kris Bair the same forgiveness
that we have all received from God, and began to take steps to see what that would look like and how that
would work.
In the March district board meeting, we took up the motion from executive committee about extending
her forgiveness, and the board voted unanimously in favor of that motion. Kris Hawk has been instrumental in
helping us work through the legal channels, and with Kris Bair directly. Our hope is that God will be glorified
through this, and that it can be a testimony to Kris Bair and our community about the power of God’s love and
our lives can be changed as we yield ourselves to Him.
Please make sure you read through the other commission reports for more detail on items we’ve acted
on, and what we are looking forward to in the coming year.
By His Grace Alone,
Bruce Jacobsen
District Board Chair
23 | P a g e
Congregational Commission
The Congregational Commission seeks ways to advance the fulfillment of the Great Commission within the
District. Through personal and congregational evangelism, the Congregational Commission takes on the
responsibilities of encouraging and assisting in new church plants; encouraging and assisting church vitality and
revitalization, offering guidance in mergers; assisting with disorganization of churches when necessary; and
overseeing financial resources to assist district church revitalization and church plants. In addition to these
responsibilities, the Commission helps with the District church prayer calendar, overseeing the Church
Extension Fund, organizing Conflict Transformation Seminars and overseeing and recommending Hottle
Memorial grants.
The Congregational Commission had six goals this past year. The first goal was to equip and identify
additional members for the Shalom Team and to increase understanding of the role of the Northern Ohio
Shalom Team. The Shalom Team is in place and a representative from our Commission was sent to training.
We also aimed to lead and encourage growth opportunities when those opportunities arise by: understanding the
steps needed and assisting in accomplishing those steps. The Commission established a committee and
established relationships in hopes of extending our ministry in urban areas. The Committee on Urban Ministry
has three members, Patrick Bailey, James Washington and Sandra Washington. It was also decided that a
Revitalization Committee will be discussed with a goal to organize revitalization ideas in order to share those
ideas with all churches in the district.
The Congregational Commission divided the congregations in the Northern Ohio District into four shepherding
groups to enable our committee to establish and improve connections between our Commission and the
congregations.
The awareness and use of Hottle Grants for Northern Ohio was very effective this past year. Our Commission
has approved grants totaling 72,546.68 to be awarded to the applicants. These monies are being put to good use
in our District.
With the help of District Leadership, Congregational Commission supported the Healthy Congregations
Workshop, which had 76 attendees representing 21 congregations. A number of the churches that attended have
had follow-up meetings within their congregation to implement what they learned. Many thanks to Maple
Grove for hosting the event.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Wilch
Barbara Wilch, Congregational Commission Chair; James Washington, Vice-Chair; Chris Snyder, Secretary;
and Mark Pollock, Member
24 | P a g e
Jonah’s People Fellowship, Fostoria
This has been a momentum building year with our pastor returning to full time after a 6.5 month medical leave.
Sunday worship attendance averages 45 throughout the year. The Monday night Bible Study has averaged 16
with strong group participation. The membership is currently 26, up from 17 a year ago. Some of the people
who at first were participating but not joining are now moving their membership to Jonah’s People.
The Steering Committee approved a new venture that will begin this September. We will be offering a grief
support group to anyone in the community. We recently purchased materials from a program call GriefShare.
The program is Biblically based, with thirteen sessions that involve Bible Study and sharing. Participants also
have their own workbook to apply the material to their particular situation. After the first round of sessions in
the fall, the program will be evaluated and hopefully will be offered again in the spring. This is the only grief
support group serving the Fostoria area.
Total income for 2018 was $31,199.92. Total expenses equaled $27,469.12, leaving a positive balance of
$3,730.80. The majority of the income was a district grant of $24,779. Pledges and donations were $6,159. The
check book balance at year end was $32,277.76. We are able to keep expenses low because of in-kind
contributions from individuals and Good Shepherd Home.
The challenge is to build pledge and donation giving with just two years of grant funding remaining. A
stewardship luncheon was held in the fall of 2018. The goal was to educate members about the various funding
sources. Income projections were reviewed for the next two years, revealing that pledge and donation giving
would need to increase dramatically by the end of 2020. Since the time of the luncheon, there has been a
marked increase in giving. The obvious take away from the gathering was the need to continue to grow our
membership.
Barry A. Belknap, Pastor
25 | P a g e
Connections Commission
Previously known as the Fellowship Commission, the district board adjusted the title and a few responsibilities
this past year. The Connections commission still oversees the "age group" events of the district which includes
Junior High, Senior High and Young adult activities which Esther Harsh organizes (see her report). We also are
the liaison commission for the Peace & Conciliation Advocate, Linda Fry, and Peace Task Team (reports also in
booklet), Disaster Ministry Team, Brenda Hostetler and Bob Patalano coordinators, and the Creation Care
Advocate, Clyde Fry. Thank you to these workers for the continue dedication.
The other two 'age groups' that we oversee are the SISTERS Women's group and Men's Fellowship. SISTERS
group has been meeting twice a year in various locations. Average attendance is between 30 and 45. They
gather to retreat, learn, worship, and fellowship together. Our next retreat is October 19 at the County Line
Church of the Brethren.
The Men's Fellowship is still working on reorganizing. They will be gathering together on Saturday, November
2 at Inspiration Hills for a one day event. Bing Newton from the Men of Faith Rally in the Valley and Ray
Doerschuk from the Greentown Men's Breakfast will come speak to the men about importance of gathering
together and give some awesome testimonies.
The commission is also responsible for a couple representatives. Such as CROP and Brethren Volunteer
Service. These helpers have been on the list for appointments for many years, but their duties have
changed. We have decided to combine these positions into one "Mission Liaison". This volunteer would help
keep up to date on what various mission organizations are doing and sharing that information with those of the
district. If you have a passion for missions, please come and talk to us.
Over the last couple years we held a few training events. Attendance wasn't all that high, but we had some good
discussions. The commission is looking at ways to train and connect the churches better. Please visit us at the
display table this weekend and talk to us about some ideas for things that your church would like to see in our
district and how we can better serve each other.
Billi Janet Burkey, Connections Commission Chair; Dean Foster, Vice-Chair; Jean Garcia and Ellen Speicher,
Co-Secretaries
Ministerial Commission
Time to write a report again; when this season of the year comes I feel the redundancy of things repeating. So as
I write this report on behalf of the Ministry Commission we have had a productive year. This past year has not
been as busy as some, but we did what was needed. We interviewed candidates that were seeking Licensing,
Commissioning, or Ordination as we have done all the years I have served on this Commission. We have
worked to get these interviews done in a timely fashion to accommodate the needs of the church’s time line. We
had our annual Clergy/Spouse Retreat at a new venue and it was very well attended. We would like to thank
Laura Kell for finding the location and all the other aspects of planning that she used her skills for, also a thank
you to Pamela Simmons for organizing the Hospitality Suite.
Colossians 3:23 says “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,” I try to live out this
verse in daily life, (not always succeeding) and striving to be pleasing to God. Serving on this Commission has
been a real joy working with the different members that have been on with me. My prayer is that the new
commission will continue seeking God’s wisdom as they work to continue filling in the positions and
encouraging Ministers in every field God has called them to work.
Steve Simmons, Ministerial Commission Chair; Ira Good, Vice-Chair; Tina Hunt, Secretary; Patrick Bailey,
Member
26 | P a g e
Buckeye Brethren Institute - Annual Report
The Buckeye Brethren Institute has had another successful year. There has been a total of 14 students who have
registered for the BBI program during different times of the past year although some life circumstances have
recently caused a few students to withdrawal. At the same time, we still have several students who continue to
be on track to complete the program next year.
During the past year, BBI has offered 4 classes, 1 orientation, and 1 practice of ministry day. The statistics of
the 4 courses and the practice of ministry day that were offered were as follows:
1) Worship - Taught by Terry Vaught - 11 BBI students, and 2 students for personal enrichment.
2) Old Testament Survey - Taught by Tina Hunt - 9 BBI students, 2 CEU auditing students, and 2 students for
personal enrichment.
3) Preaching - Taught by Paul Bozman - 13 BBI students and 2 CEU auditing students.
4) Introduction to Theology- Taught by Paul Bozman - 9 BBI students.
PMD) Topic of Conflict and Resolution - taught by Paul Bartholomew - 9 BBI students.
Financial Report for the Buckeye Brethren Institute
Income
Tuition ($25/BBI student/course) $ 1,050.00
Scholarships ($50/BBI student/course - paid by SMF) $ 2,100.00
Audits/CEUs ($25/student/course) $ 200.00
Application Fees $ 150.00
PMD Fees $ 450.00
Total Income $ 3,950.00
Expenses
Ministry Education Director Stipend $ 600.00
Instructor Stipends $ 3,450.00
Practice of Ministry Day Stipend $ 400.00
Total $ 4,450.00
Net Profit/(Loss) $ (500.00)
Respectfully Submitted,
Paul Bozman
Pastor, Akron Eastwood Church of the Brethren
Ministry Education Director, Northern Ohio District
27 | P a g e
Stewardship & Finance Commission
At the beginning of 2018, through a vote at District Conference, the Discipleship Commission was renamed to
Stewardship and Finance Commission. 2018 also brought a new commission member, Charlene Kuhn, as our
commission Secretary, and we said goodbye to Chris Snyder as she moved to another commission on District
Board.
Our goal this past year was to whittle our spending down and reduce our budget as well. It is difficult to create
a budget that is less than the past and still be able to spend money on the ministries throughout the District. Our
goal is to keep our 2019 spending down to what we actually spent in 2018. Also, the 2020 budget we are
presenting is 15% less than the 2019 budget and about 4% less than 2018 actual spending level.
There is a need to increase our Self-Allocations from the churches. And we also encourage individuals to
consider giving to district ministries. The amount available from the Hottle Fund is decreasing each year due to
the action of the 2016 District Conference to free up money from the Hottle for grants for churches, district
ministries, and camp ministry. The delegates took that action with the understanding that the District would
then become more reliant on Self-Allocations from the congregations. Thank you to the churches that have
increased your Self-Allocations. We are prayerful God will provide for the other churches, where they will be
able to increase their Self-Allocations in the future.
Cynthia Allen, CPA, conducted our 2017 Financial Review in December of 2018 and a 2018 Financial Review
in March of this year. For each review, she wrote “Based on my review, I am not aware of any material
modifications that should be made to the financial statements. All requested information was well-organized,
thoroughly documented, and sent to me in a timely manner.” See Cynthia Allen’s report for more information.
With the Water Street Church sold and the money disbursed, we were able to establish a Church Improvement
Loan Fund. These funds are available for zero-interest loans for building improvements and repairs to the main
ministry property of any of our churches. We have 2 loans approved. Both Churches were able to provide a
payback schedule over a 3-year term. So, if your Church has a need for a loan, please contact the District
Office for an application. Stewardship and Finance will have an Insight Session at District Conference to talk
about the Church Improvement Loan Fund.
Thank you for allowing us to serve you this past year. With God’s guidance, we look forward to serving you in
the 2019 – 2020 year.
Respectfully submitted,
Maria Nichols, Stewardship and Finance Chair; David Bassett, Vice-Chair; Charlene Kuhn, Secretary; and Ed
Chase, Member
28 | P a g e
District Treasurer
Greetings!
Several key events that occurred in the last year have impacted the financial reports.
1. Monthly financial review (all bank and investment accounts and QuickBooks review) by Cynthia Allen,
CPA.
2. Sale of Water Street property in Kent.
a. Church Improvement Loan Fund was established at Brethren Foundation with proceeds. This
fund was started in February 2019 with initial funds of $350,000. Two loans have been
distributed as of May 2019.
b. In addition, funds were allocated for future operating funds if needed. These funds ($43,377.15)
were left in checking account initially, but $10,000 placed in 6 month CD (2.4%) and $10,000
placed in 1 year CD (2.45%) in May 2019.
3. Transfer of Faith in Action property to congregation (reducing district insurance costs).
4. Left over 2018 Hottle grant funds distributed to churches in December ($12,271.64 total, or $261.10 to
each church)
5. Financial review of 2017 was performed in fall of 2018. There was one finding and two
recommendations that have been addressed.
6. Financial review of 2018 was performed in the first quarter of 2019. There was one finding and two
recommendations that have been addressed.
7. Mileage reimbursement was set at 0.14 per mile for nonemployees at the March board meeting.
8. Kris Bair debt forgiveness Spring 2019
9. Worked with Stewardship and Financial Commission to reduce budget for 2019 and 2020.
I continue to try to be in office each Tuesday, occasionally other days as needed. To review our separation of
duties: Julie receives the mail, makes copies of all checks received and stamps deposit only, Jen Recker enters
all checks in QuickBooks, and makes deposit. I then record deposits in QuickBooks based on returned, stamped
deposit sheet and verified on bank statement. Bills are entered in QuickBooks by Julie as they are received, and
paid out either online or by check by me. I perform payroll via QuickBooks every two weeks, and pay
liabilities at month end. Pension contributions to Brethren Benefit Trust have been by check in the past, but
will be AFT transactions starting in June 2019. All bank accounts and investment accounts are reconciled
monthly. A copy of QuickBooks is provided to our accountant for review each month, along with banking and
investment statements, including check images. A letter with any findings is then sent to District Executive,
District Board Chair, District Administrative Secretary and District Treasurer.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Lisa Snyder
NOHCOB District Treasurer
Cell: 567.203.9739
Email: [email protected]
29 | P a g e
2018 Balance Sheet
Dec 31, 18
Dec 31, 17
ASSETS
Current Assets
Checking/Savings
1001 · Farmers - Checking Account 473,533.58
22,065.89
1002 · Farmers - District Conference 9,294.70
9,288.61
1003 · Farmers - Youth Sch Fund 4,081.40
4,078.71
1005 · BF- Church Extension Fund 232,731.06
298,506.61
1006 · BF- Hottle Memorial Fund 1,442,063.26
1,787,831.88
1007 · BF- Peace Endowment 37,699.05
47,876.46
1008 · BF- Student Ministers Fund 25,079.33
25,713.00
1009 · BF- District Disaster Ministry 32,274.58
33,381.59
1010 · BF-Sampson Endowment 105,972.41
116,524.70
1011 · Women’s Fellowship Savings 1,397.70
1,396.80
Total Checking/Savings 2,364,127.07
2,346,664.25
Other Current Assets
1610 · Accounts Receivable - Kristen B 374,641.09
376,641.09
1611 · Allowance for Doubtful Accounts -368,000.00
-368,000.00
1615 · Undeposited Funds 3,659.00
3,684.70
Total Other Current Assets 10,300.09
12,325.79
Total Current Assets 2,374,427.16
2,358,990.04
TOTAL ASSETS 2,374,427.16
2,358,990.04
LIABILITIES & EQUITY
Liabilities
Current Liabilities
Accounts Payable
2000 · Accounts Payable 1,755.07
2,618.64
Total Accounts Payable 1,755.07
2,618.64
Total Current Liabilities 1,755.07
2,618.64
Total Liabilities 1,755.07
2,618.64
Equity
2501 · Unrestricted Net Assets 2,356,371.40
2,361,792.05
Net Income 16,300.69
-5,420.65
Total Equity 2,372,672.09
2,356,371.40
TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY 2,374,427.16
2,358,990.04
30 | P a g e
2018 Profit & Loss, page 1
Jan - Dec 18
Jan - Dec 17
Ordinary Income/Expense
Income
3000 · Self Allocations
3005 · Bethany Seminary Income 1,000.00
1,000.00
3010 · Church of the Brethren M&M 1,494.81
2,200.00
3013 · District Disaster Self Allocation 925.00
1,809.70
3015 · District Self Allocation 121,695.25
120,241.00
3020 · Good Shepherd Self Allocation 477.00
1,112.00
3025 · Inspiration Hills Self Allocation 4,920.00
29,355.00
3030 · Manchester University Self Allocation 2,200.00
2,300.00
3040 · Westview Healthy Living Allocation 0.00
1,123.00
Total 3000 · Self Allocations 132,712.06
159,140.70
3100 · Church Property Funds
3115 · Other Church Property Income 456,848.11
349.00
Total 3100 · Church Property Funds 456,848.11
349.00
3200 · Other Income
3205 · District Conference Income 12,155.06
13,951.57
3215 · Nondesignated donations 0.00
-850.00
3230 · District peace work income 1,495.25
1,580.50
3240 · Student Minister's Fund Income 3,453.22
3,322.02
3200 · Other Income - Other 0.00
373.73
Total 3200 · Other Income 17,103.53
18,377.82
Total Income 606,663.70
177,867.52
Gross Profit 606,663.70
177,867.52
Expense
5100 · Stewardship/Finance Commission
5109 · Financial Secretary Honora 1,000.00
1,000.00
5110 · Treasurer Honorarium 2,000.00
2,000.00
5113 · Audit Fees 995.00
115.00
Total 5100 · Stewardship/Finance Commission 3,995.00
3,115.00
5200 · Connections Commission
5201 · Commission Expense 68.71
94.34
5202 · Education Training 399.75
209.05
5203 · Junior High Cabinet 176.10
29.53
5204 · Youth Fellowship 983.28
1,726.49
5205 · Women's Fellowship 147.26
-873.08
5207 · Young Adult Ministry 0.00
49.58
5208 · District Library 0.00
16.80
5210 · Child Protect/Background 151.85
179.45
5211 · Sr. High Cabinet 269.13
0.00
5104 · Disaster Travel and Expenses 2,792.47
2,705.50
5107 · VOAD dues 100.00
0.00
Total 5200 · Connections Commission 5,088.55
4,137.66
31 | P a g e
2018 Profit & Loss, Page 2
Jan - Dec 18
Jan - Dec 17
5300 · Congregational Commission
5301 · Commission Expense 252.83
55.12
5303 · Spiritual Life Retreats -33.98
0.00
5305 · New Church Development 999.90
0.00
5906 · Shalom Team 521.11
0.00
Total 5300 · Congregational Commission 1,739.86
55.12
5400 · Ministerial Commission
5401 · Commission Expense 436.00
340.26
5402 · Pastor/Spouse Retreat 4,599.81
4,416.18
5405 · TRIM Expenses 0.00
440.00
5407 · License & Ord. Gifts 99.80
0.00
5410 · Pastoral Ed. Expense 0.00
1,000.00
5411 · Licensed Ministry Testing 0.00
400.00
5412 · Ministerial Background Check 50.70
25.35
Total 5400 · Ministerial Commission 5,186.31
6,621.79
5500 · District Executive
5501 · D.E. Salary 52,100.16
51,244.11
5502 · Housing Expense 12,000.00
12,000.00
5504 · Health Insurance 0.00
0.00
5506 · Workers' Compensation 281.64
316.49
5507 · Travel & Expenses 12,055.48
8,925.30
5508 · Annual Conference 1,515.13
1,318.79
5509 · Professional Growth 575.00
0.00
5510 · CODE Dues 600.00
600.00
5511 · Retirement expense 7,691.96
7,589.33
5512 · Professional Expenses 510.00
1,010.12
Total 5500 · District Executive 87,329.37
83,004.14
5600 · District Office
5606 · Office Administrative Expenses 864.34
804.91
5607 · Office Equipment Repair 198.97
229.99
5608 · Office Equipment - Leased 4,592.58
3,938.15
5609 · Telephone 1,739.21
1,555.34
5610 · Computer on-line 749.19
694.19
5611 · Herald & Directories 3,904.42
4,097.41
5612 · Utilities 3,072.15
2,971.46
5613 · Groundskeeping 1,835.00
1,180.00
5614 · Facility Security 720.00
720.00
5615 · Facility Maintenance 3,744.41
3,449.97
5616 · Real Estate Taxes 2,892.84
2,953.86
5619 · Office Supplies 1,109.80
1,316.72
5620 · Dues & Subscriptions 3,774.89
3,715.32
5621 · Office Equipment - New 510.36
753.99
5622 · Congregational Background Check -25.35
25.35
5623 · Postage 882.12
1,026.57
Total 5600 · District Office 30,564.93
29,433.23
32 | P a g e
2018 Profit & Loss, Page 3
Jan - Dec 18
Jan - Dec 17
5650 · District Admin Secretary
5601 · Secretary Wages 24,820.13
23,884.40
5602 · Health Insurance 285.84
466.44
5603 · SS/Medicare Taxes 2,039.20
1,827.15
5604 · Workers' Compensation 105.01
116.61
5605 · Prof Growth - Travel & Expenses 629.85
347.25
5618 · Retirement expense 1,489.21
1,433.06
Total 5650 · District Admin Secretary 29,369.24
28,074.91
5700 · District Youth Worker
5701 · Salary 16,836.55
15,955.75
5702 · SS/Medicare Taxes 1,188.90
1,176.25
5704 · Workers' Compensation 66.85
82.48
5705 · Travel 3,570.16
2,576.73
5706 · Professional Growth 226.00
161.47
Total 5700 · District Youth Worker 21,888.46
19,952.68
5800 · District Peace Worker
5801 · Salary 5,780.81
5,905.27
5802 · SS/Medicare/Taxes 400.87
496.13
5803 · Workers' Compensation 23.86
26.97
Total 5800 · District Peace Worker 6,205.54
6,428.37
5900 · District Board
5901 · District Board Expense 4,527.91
4,499.82
5902 · Annual Conference Expenses 3,196.05
3,186.95
5903 · Ohio Council of Churches 1,380.00
1,607.04
5904 · Standing Committee Delegate 432.03
284.56
5907 · Legal Fees 1,840.10
0.00
5908 · District Liability Insurance 5,173.74
3,470.20
5910 · Financial Services Fee 743.75
995.00
5911 · Memorials 350.00
50.00
5914 · Executive Committee Expense 705.77
517.10
Total 5900 · District Board 18,349.35
14,610.67
6000 · Self-Allocation Payments
6005 · Bethany Seminary 1,000.00
1,000.00
6007 · Church of the Brethren M and M 1,494.81
2,200.00
6015 · Good Shepherd 477.00
1,112.00
6020 · Inspiration Hills Self Allocation 4,920.00
29,355.00
6025 · Manchester University 2,200.00
2,300.00
6035 · Student Minister's Fund 5,803.72
3,328.80
6040 · Westview Healthy Living 0.00
1,123.00
Total 6000 · Self-Allocation Payments 15,895.53
40,418.80
6100 · Non-budget Church Expense
6106 · Jonah's People Grant 24,779.00
32,154.00
6107 · Water Street 20,688.47
5,704.49
Total 6100 · Non-budget Church Expense 45,467.47
37,858.49
33 | P a g e
2018 Profit & Loss, Page 4
Jan - Dec 18
Jan - Dec 17
6200 · Non-Budget Expenses
5912 · Investment Admin Fees 12,166.63
12,790.11
6210 · District Conference Expenses 13,348.73
18,012.43
6211 · Non-Budget - Inspiration Hills 76,244.24
82,430.44
6220 · Grants paid out 75,075.81
82,430.45
6221 · Bank Service Charges 0.00
0.02
6200 · Non-Budget Expenses - Other 50.00
11,440.72
Total 6200 · Non-Budget Expenses 176,885.41
207,104.17
Total Expense 447,965.02
480,815.03
Net Ordinary Income 158,698.68
-302,947.51
Other Income/Expense
Other Income
8000 · Interest Income 97.82
34.51
8001 · Interest Income - BF Accounts 43,201.19
47,218.41
8002 · Gain/Loss (Market Fluctuation) - BF Acct -185,477.70
251,061.51
8005 · Miscellaneous Income -219.30
-787.57
Total Other Income -142,397.99
297,526.86
Net Other Income -142,397.99
297,526.86
Net Income
16,300.69
-5,420.65
34 | P a g e
2018 Budget vs. Actual, Page 1
Jan - Dec 18
Budget
$ Over Budget
% of Budget
Ordinary Income/Expense
Income
3000 · Self Allocations
3005 · Bethany Seminary Income 1,000.00
3010 · Church of the Brethren M&M 1,494.81
3013 · District Disaster Self Allocation 925.00
3015 · District Self Allocation 121,695.25
3020 · Good Shepherd Self Allocation 477.00
3025 · Inspiration Hills Self Allocation 4,920.00
3030 · Manchester Univ Self Allocation 2,200.00
Total 3000 · Self Allocations 132,712.06
3100 · Church Property Funds
3115 · Other Church Property Income 456,848.11
Total 3100 · Church Property Funds 456,848.11
3200 · Other Income
3205 · District Conference Income 12,155.06
3230 · District peace work income 1,495.25
3240 · Student Minister's Fund Income 3,453.22
Total 3200 · Other Income 17,103.53
Total Income 606,663.70
Gross Profit 606,663.70
Expense
5100 · Stewardship/Finance Commission
5101 · Commission Expense 0.00
100.00
-100.00
0.0%
5109 · Financial Secretary Honora 1,000.00
1,000.00
0.00
100.0%
5110 · Treasurer Honorarium 2,000.00
2,000.00
0.00
100.0%
5113 · Audit Fees 995.00
10,000.00
-9,005.00
9.95%
Total 5100 · Stewardship/Finance Commission 3,995.00
13,100.00
-9,105.00
30.5%
5200 · Connections Commission
5201 · Commission Expense 68.71
100.00
-31.29
68.71%
5202 · Education Training 399.75
300.00
99.75
133.25%
5203 · Junior High Cabinet 176.10
700.00
-523.90
25.16%
5204 · Youth Fellowship 983.28
700.00
283.28
140.47%
5205 · Women's Fellowship 147.26
900.00
-752.74
16.36%
5206 · Men's Fellowship 0.00
200.00
-200.00
0.0%
5207 · Young Adult Ministry 0.00
200.00
-200.00
0.0%
5210 · Child Protect/Background 151.85
200.00
-48.15
75.93%
5211 · Sr. High Cabinet 269.13
700.00
-430.87
38.45%
5103 · Disaster Rep 0.00
500.00
-500.00
0.0%
5104 · Disaster Travel and Expenses 2,792.47
5,000.00
-2,207.53
55.85%
5105 · BVS Representative 0.00
100.00
-100.00
0.0%
5107 · VOAD dues 100.00
50.00
50.00
200.0%
5306 · Peace Task Team 0.00
200.00
-200.00
0.0%
Total 5200 · Connections Commission 5,088.55
9,850.00
-4,761.45
51.66%
35 | P a g e
2018 Budget vs. Actual, Page 2 Jan - Dec
18 Budget $ Over
Budget % of
Budget
5300 · Congregational Commission 5301 · Commission Expense 252.83 500.00 -247.17 50.57% 5302 · Leadership Training 0.00 1,000.00 -1,000.00 0.0%
5303 · Spiritual Life Retreats -33.98 500.00 -533.98 -6.8% 5305 · New Church Development 999.90 1,500.00 -500.10 66.66% 5906 · Shalom Team 521.11 500.00 21.11 104.22%
Total 5300 · Congregational Commission 1,739.86 4,000.00 -2,260.14 43.5% 5400 · Ministerial Commission 5401 · Commission Expense 436.00 400.00 36.00 109.0% 5402 · Pastor/Spouse Retreat 4,599.81 4,000.00 599.81 115.0% 5403 · New Pastor's Expense 0.00 1,000.00 -1,000.00 0.0% 5404 · Mentor Expenses 0.00 100.00 -100.00 0.0%
5405 · TRIM Expenses 0.00 750.00 -750.00 0.0% 5406 · Education Director Expenses 0.00 50.00 -50.00 0.0% 5407 · License & Ord. Gifts 99.80 200.00 -100.20 49.9% 5410 · Pastoral Ed. Expense 0.00 1,000.00 -1,000.00 0.0% 5412 · Ministerial Background Check 50.70 100.00 -49.30 50.7%
Total 5400 · Ministerial Commission 5,186.31 7,600.00 -2,413.69 68.24% 5500 · District Executive 5501 · D.E. Salary 52,100.16 52,100.00 0.16 100.0% 5502 · Housing Expense 12,000.00 12,000.00 0.00 100.0%
5504 · Health Insurance 0.00 5506 · Workers' Compensation 281.64 300.00 -18.36 93.88% 5507 · Travel & Expenses 12,055.48 15,000.00 -2,944.52 80.37% 5508 · Annual Conference 1,515.13 1,800.00 -284.87 84.17% 5509 · Professional Growth 575.00 1,000.00 -425.00 57.5% 5510 · CODE Dues 600.00 600.00 0.00 100.0%
5511 · Retirement expense 7,691.96 7,692.00 -0.04 100.0% 5512 · Professional Expenses 510.00 1,000.00 -490.00 51.0%
Total 5500 · District Executive 87,329.37 91,492.00 -4,162.63 95.45%
5600 · District Office 5606 · Office Administrative Expenses 864.34 800.00 64.34 108.04% 5607 · Office Equipment Repair 198.97 500.00 -301.03 39.79% 5608 · Office Equipment - Leased 4,592.58 4,300.00 292.58 106.8% 5609 · Telephone 1,739.21 1,800.00 -60.79 96.62% 5610 · Computer on-line 749.19 675.00 74.19 110.99%
5611 · Herald & Directories 3,904.42 4,000.00 -95.58 97.61% 5612 · Utilities 3,072.15 3,200.00 -127.85 96.01% 5613 · Groundskeeping 1,835.00 1,800.00 35.00 101.94% 5614 · Facility Security 720.00 725.00 -5.00 99.31% 5615 · Facility Maintenance 3,744.41 5,500.00 -1,755.59 68.08% 5616 · Real Estate Taxes 2,892.84 3,000.00 -107.16 96.43%
5619 · Office Supplies 1,109.80 1,800.00 -690.20 61.66% 5620 · Dues & Subscriptions 3,774.89 3,600.00 174.89 104.86% 5621 · Office Equipment - New 510.36 750.00 -239.64 68.05% 5622 · Congregational Background Check -25.35 5623 · Postage 882.12 1,000.00 -117.88 88.21%
Total 5600 · District Office 30,564.93 33,450.00 -2,885.07 91.38%
36 | P a g e
2018 Budget vs. Actual, Page 3 Jan - Dec
18 Budget $ Over
Budget % of
Budget
5650 · District Admin Secretary
5601 · Secretary Wages 24,820.13 24,102.00 718.13 102.98%
5602 · Health Insurance 285.84 2,000.00 -1,714.16 14.29%
5603 · SS/Medicare Taxes 2,039.20 1,929.00 110.20 105.71%
5604 · Workers' Compensation 105.01 143.00 -37.99 73.43%
5605 · Prof Growth - Travel & Expenses 629.85 500.00 129.85 125.97%
5618 · Retirement expense 1,489.21 1,929.00 -439.79 77.2%
Total 5650 · District Admin Secretary 29,369.24 30,603.00 -1,233.76 95.97%
5700 · District Youth Worker
5701 · Salary 16,836.55 16,450.00 386.55 102.35%
5702 · SS/Medicare Taxes 1,188.90 1,316.00 -127.10 90.34%
5704 · Workers' Compensation 66.85 100.00 -33.15 66.85%
5705 · Travel 3,570.16 4,000.00 -429.84 89.25%
5706 · Professional Growth 226.00 300.00 -74.00 75.33%
5707 · District Conference 0.00 50.00 -50.00 0.0%
Total 5700 · District Youth Worker 21,888.46 22,216.00 -327.54 98.53%
5800 · District Peace Worker
5801 · Salary 5,780.81 5,750.00 30.81 100.54%
5802 · SS/Medicare/Taxes 400.87 460.00 -59.13 87.15%
5803 · Workers' Compensation 23.86 31.00 -7.14 76.97%
5805 · Office Expenses 0.00 200.00 -200.00 0.0%
5806 · Continuing Ed. Expenses 0.00 200.00 -200.00 0.0%
5807 · Travel 0.00 400.00 -400.00 0.0%
5808 · District Conference 0.00 50.00 -50.00 0.0%
Total 5800 · District Peace Worker 6,205.54 7,091.00 -885.46 87.51%
5900 · District Board
5901 · District Board Expense 4,527.91 5,000.00 -472.09 90.56%
5902 · Annual Conference Expenses 3,196.05 3,300.00 -103.95 96.85%
5903 · Ohio Council of Churches 1,380.00 1,600.00 -220.00 86.25%
5904 · Standing Committee Delegate 432.03 1,500.00 -1,067.97 28.8%
5905 · Historical Committee 0.00 200.00 -200.00 0.0%
5907 · Legal Fees 1,840.10 2,000.00 -159.90 92.01%
5908 · District Liability Insurance 5,173.74 4,350.00 823.74 118.94%
5909 · Ethics Committee 0.00 500.00 -500.00 0.0%
5910 · Financial Services Fee 743.75 2,000.00 -1,256.25 37.19%
5911 · Memorials 350.00 500.00 -150.00 70.0%
5914 · Executive Committee Expense 705.77 1,000.00 -294.23 70.58%
Total 5900 · District Board 18,349.35 21,950.00 -3,600.65 83.6%
37 | P a g e
2018 Budget vs. Actual, Page 4
Jan - Dec 18
Budget $ Over Budget
% of Budget
6000 · Self-Allocation Payments
6005 · Bethany Seminary 1,000.00
6007 · Church of the Brethren M and M 1,494.81
6015 · Good Shepherd 477.00
6020 · Inspiration Hills Self Allocation 4,920.00
6025 · Manchester University 2,200.00
6035 · Student Minister's Fund 5,803.72
Total 6000 · Self-Allocation Payments 15,895.53
6100 · Non-budget Church Expense
6106 · Jonah's People Grant 24,779.00
6107 · Water Street 20,688.47
Total 6100 · Non-budget Church Expense 45,467.47
6200 · Non-Budget Expenses
5912 · Investment Admin Fees 12,166.63
6210 · District Conference Expenses 13,348.73
6211 · Non-Budget - Inspiration Hills 76,244.24
6220 · Grants paid out 75,075.81
6200 · Non-Budget Expenses - Other 50.00
Total 6200 · Non-Budget Expenses 176,885.41
Total Expense 447,965.02 241,352.00 206,613.02 185.61%
Net Ordinary Income 158,698.68 -241,352.00 400,050.68 -65.75%
Other Income/Expense
Other Income
8000 · Interest Income 97.82
8001 · Interest Income - BF Accounts 43,201.19
8002 · Gain/Loss (Mkt Fluctuation) - BF Acct -185,477.70
8005 · Miscellaneous Income -219.30
Total Other Income -142,397.99
Net Other Income -142,397.99
Net Income 16,300.69 -241,352.00 257,652.69 -6.75%
2018 Budgeted Income vs. Expense
EXPENSE 2018
Budget Actual 2018
INCOME
2018 Budget Actual 2018
Stewardship 18,750.00 6,887.47
District SA 120,000.00 121,695.25
Connections 4,000.00 2,196.08
Hottle disbursements 76,244.24 76,244.24
Congregational 3,700.00 1,281.75
Peace reimbursement 7,091.00 7,091.00
Ministerial 7,600.00 5,186.31
Total Income 203,335.24 205,030.49
District Executive 91,492.00 87,329.37 District Office 30,950.00 30,564.93 Administrative Secretary 30,603.00 29,369.24 Youth Coordinator 22,216.00 21,888.46 Peace/Conciliation Worker 7,091.00 6,205.54 District Board 23,450.00 18,870.46
2018 Income Total Expense 239,852.00 209,779.61
minus expense -36,516.76 -4,749.12
38 | P a g e
Financial Secretary Report
Church 2017 Pledge Giving 2017 2018 Pledge Giving 2018 2019 Pledge Adrian 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Akron Eastwood 3,000.00 3,000.00 3,000.00 3,000.00 3,000.00 Akron First 2,544.00 2,544.00 500.00 500.00 500.00 Akron Springfield 6,000.00 6,000.00 6,000.00 6,000.00 6,000.00 Ashland Dickey 5,700.00 5,700.00 6,700.00 6,700.00 6,700.00 Ashland First 2,000.00 2,000.00 2,200.00 2,200.00 2,400.00 Bethel 225.00 225.00 225.00 225.00 225.00 Black River 0.00 0.00 0.00 1,200.00 0.00 Bristolville 3,500.00 3,500.00 3,500.00 3,500.00 3,500.00 Brook Park 0 2,487.00 0.00 2,006.00 0.00 Center 500.00 500.00 0.00 600.00 600.00 Chippewa 0.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 0.00 County Line 3,780.00 3,780.00 0.00 3,780.00 3,780.00 Defiance 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Dupont 6,500.00 6,500.00 6,500.00 6,500.00 6,500.00 East Chippewa 13,200.00 13,850.00 13,200.00 13,200.00 13,200.00 East Nimishillen 1,100.00 1,100.00 1,100.00 1,100.00 1,100.00 Eden 0.00 2,000.00 1,950.00 1,950.00 0.00 Elm Street 0.00 1,000.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Faith in Action 0.00 900.00 900.00 900.00 900.00 Freeburg 0.00 2,000.00 0.00 1,500.00 0.00 Hartville 300.00 300.00 300.00 300.00 0.00 Jonah's People 0.00 0.00 600.00 600.00 0.00 Lake Breeze 100.00 150.00 0.00 150.00 0.00 Lakewood 1,950.00 2,030.00 2,150.00 2,199.25 2,250.00 Lick Creek 4,000.00 4,000.00 3,000.00 3,000.00 3,000.00 Mansfield 3,700.00 3,700.00 3,885.00 3,885.00 3,885.00 Maple Grove 6,000.00 6,000.00 6,000.00 6,000.00 6,000.00 Marion 100.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Mohican 10,000.00 11,375.00 15,000.00 15,000.00 15,000.00 Mount Pleasant 3,000.00 3,750.00 3,000.00 3,000.00 3,000.00 New Philadelphia 1,400.00 950.00 1,400.00 700.00 0.00 North Bend 7,500.00 7,500.00 7,500.00 7,500.00 7,500.00 Owl Creek 1,400.00 1,400.00 1,400.00 1,400.00 1,400.00 Painesville 0.00 3,000.00 3,000.00 3,000.00 3,000.00 Paradise 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Pleasant View 800.00 800.00 800.00 800.00 0.00 Poplar Ridge 7,000.00 8,000.00 8,000.00 10,000.00 8,000.00 Reading 0.00 4,000.00 4,000.00 4,000.00 4,000.00 Richland 400.00 400.00 400.00 400.00 400.00 Ross 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Silver Creek 1,000.00 1,000.00 1,000.00 1,000.00 0.00 Sugar Creek West 0.00 2,250.00 0.00 1,500.00 0.00 Sugarcreek East 500.00 500.00 500.00 500.00 0.00 Swan Creek 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Water Street 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Woodworth 0.00 350.00 0.00 200.00 1,500.00 Zion Hill 1,500.00 1,500.00 0.00 1,500.00 0.00 Individual 0.00 100.00 0.00 100.00 0.00 TOTAL 98,699.00 120,241.00 107,810.00 121,695.25 107,340.00
39 | P a g e
Cynthia Allen, CPA
440 Meadow Drive
Johnstown, PA 15905
July 10, 2019
Northern Ohio District Church of the Brethren
1107 East Main Street
Ashland, OH 44805
To Whom It May Concern:
A summary of the financial review work performed for the Northern Ohio District Church of the Brethren
(“District”) is as follows:
Monthly Financial Reviews
Each month, the District sends copies of certain financial documentation along with the latest QuickBooks
backup file. Using this information, I perform the following procedures:
Examine bank statements to ensure that they have been appropriately reconciled and recorded accurately
on the Balance Sheet
Examine copies of cleared checks
Examine the Brethren Foundation statement to ensure that the balances have been recorded accurately
on the Balance Sheet
Examine the Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable detail for any past due accounts
Examine Self-Allocations to ensure, where appropriate, that payments made equal income received
Examine each Income Statement line item to address any variances over/under $100 when compared to
the year-to-date average
After an examination of the QuickBooks file and supporting documentation, I prepare a report for the District
with any findings and recommendations, along with questions and/or requests for additional documentation.
To date, it appears that the District’s financial data is well-organized, appropriately recorded, and accurately
recorded. Any issues have been minor and have been addressed and corrected immediately.
2017 Financial Review
On November 10, 2018, I was engaged to perform a financial review of the District’s 2017 financial statements.
All requested information was well-organized, thoroughly documented, and sent to me in a timely manner. My
findings and recommendations, as reported on January 8, 2019, were as follows:
Findings
1. An additional $4,000 was erroneously disbursed to the District Office from the Hottle Fund during the
fourth quarter of 2017. This has been brought to the attention of the District Executive and Treasurer.
2. In 2016, $6,801 was transferred from the Brethren Foundation’s Peace Endowment account to the District’s
checking account to cover budgeted Peace Worker expenses. However, the 2016 budget for these line items was
40 | P a g e
Northern Ohio District Church of the Brethren
July 10, 2019
Page 2
$6,881. The difference between the amount transferred and the actual expenses was $757.93, which was placed
back into the Brethren Foundation account in January 2017. While there is no financial impact to this finding,
please ensure that the quarterly amount transferred equals the amount budgeted.
Recommendations
1. The annual financial review should be completed during the first quarter of the following calendar year.
2. Please ensure that, per the District’s Financial Policies, “A copy of the Financial Policy should be provided
to all board members, employees, Treasurer, and Financial Secretary at the September Board Meeting and
signatures obtained certifying their compliance with the policy.”
2018 Financial Review
On February 1, 2019, I was engaged to perform a financial review of the District’s 2018 financial statements.
Again, all requested information was well-organized, thoroughly documented, and sent to me in a timely
manner. My findings and recommendations, as reported on March 5, 2019, were as follows:
Findings
1. In June 2018, Pleasant View Church of the Brethren returned $221.00, representing the “unused portion of
the $4,500 grant.” This amount was not included in the January 2019 transfer (of unused grant monies) back to
the Hottle Fund. The District Treasurer has been made aware of this oversight, and will transfer $221.00 to the
Hottle Fund in March 2019.
Recommendations
1. The annual financial review should continue to be completed during the first quarter of the following
calendar year.
2. Please ensure that, per the District’s Financial Policies, “A copy of the Financial Policy should be provided
to all board members, employees, Treasurer, and Financial Secretary at the September Board Meeting and
signatures obtained certifying their compliance with the policy.”
If you have any questions and/or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected].
Sincerely,
Cynthia Allen, CPA
41 | P a g e
Business Item #2, 2020 Proposed Budget Page 1 of 3
Stewardship and Finance (2018 Discipleship Commission)
Budget 2018
Budget 2019
Proposed 2020
Change from 2019
Comments
5101 Commission Expenses 100 100 0 -100
5103 Disaster Representative 500 Moved to Connections Commission in 2019
5104 Disaster Travel* 5,000
5105 BVS Representative* 100
5107 VOAD/General Scholarship* 50
5109 Financial Secretary Honorarium 1,000 1,000 1,000 0
5110 Treasurer Honorarium 2,000 2,000 2,000 0
5113 Audit Fees 10,000 10,000 2,100 -7,900
Total Discipleship 18,750 13,100 5,100 -8,000
Connections Commission (2018 Fellowship Commission) 5201 Commission Expenses 100 100 65 -35
5202 Education Training 300 300 380 80
5203 Jr/Sr High Youth Cabinets 700 500 525 25 Combined Jr/Sr
5204 Youth Ministry 700 900 1,045 145 Name change
5205 SISTERS Fellowship 900 900 165 -735
5206 Men's Fellowship 200 200 95 -105
5207 Young Adult Ministry 200 200 0 -200
5211 Sr. High Cabinet 700 400 0 -400 Moved to 5203
5210 Child Protection- Background Checks 200 200 140 -60
5103 Disaster Representative 500 95 -405 Moved from Stewardship/Finance in 2019
5104 Disaster Travel* 4,000 0 -4,000
5105 BVS Representative* 100 95 -5
5107 VOAD/General Scholarship* 50 50 0
5306 Peace Task Team* 200 140 -60 Moved from Congregational
Total Fellowship 4,000 8,550 2,795 -5,755
Congregational 5301 Commission Expenses 500 500 300 -200
5302 Leadership Training 1,000 1,000 0 -1,000 5303 Spiritual Life Retreats 500 0 0 -500
5305 New Church Development 1,500 2,000 1,000 -500
5306 Peace Task Team* 200 2019 Moved to Connections
Total Congregational 3,700 3,500 1,300 -2,200
Ministerial 5401 Commission Expenses 400 500 100 -400
5402 Clergy/Spouse Retreat 4,000 4,000 4,000 0
5403 New Pastor's Expenses 1,000 750 50 -700
5404 Mentor Expenses 100 100 200 100
5405 TRIM Expenses 750 500 0 -500
5406 Trim Coordinator Expenses 50 0 0 0
5407 License and Ordination Gifts 200 200 200 0
5410 Pastoral Education Expenses 1,000 1,000 250 -750
5412 Ministerial Background Checks 100 100 100 0
Total Ministerial 7,600 7,150 4,900 -2,250
42 | P a g e
Business Item #2, 2020 Proposed Budget Page 2 of 3
District Executive
Budget 2018
Budget 2019
Proposed 2020
Change from 2019
Comments
5501 Salary 52,100 53,663 48,800 -4,863
5502 Housing Expenses 12,000 12,000 12,000 0
5503 Medicare/Taxes 0 0 0 0
5504 Health Insurance 0 0 0 0
5505 Health Savings Account 0 0 0 0
5506 Workers Compensation 300 320 300 -20
5507 Travel and Expenses 15,000 15,000 13,500 -1,500
5508 Annual Conference 1,800 1,800 1,600 -200
5509 Professional Growth 1,000 1,000 500 -500
5510 CODE dues 600 600 540 -60
5511 Retirement Pension 7,692 7,879 7,296 -583
5512 Professional Expenses 1,000 1,000 400 -600
Total District Executive 91,492 93,262 84,936 -8,326
District Administrative Secretary 5601 Salary 24,102 25,300 25,806 506
5602 Health Insurance 2,000 800 350 -450
5603 SS/Medicare/Taxes 1,929 1,950 1,974 24
5604 Workers Compensation 143 150 150 0
5605 Professional Growth, Travel, Expenses 500 600 600 0
5618 Retirement Pension 1,929 2,024 1,548 -476
Total District Administrative Secretary 30,603 30,824 30,428 -396
District Office 5606 Office Administrative Expenses 800 860 910 50
5607 Office Equipment Repair 500 500 300 -200
5608 Office Equipment Lease 4,300 4,500 4,100 -400
5609 Telephone 1,800 1,800 1,750 -50
5610 Computer On-Line 675 720 780 60
5611 Herald and Directories 4,000 4,000 3,900 -100
5612 Utilities (electric, gas, water, trash) 3,200 3,000 2,700 -300
5613 Groundskeeping 1,800 1,800 1,800 0
5614 Facility Security 725 725 750 25
5615 Facility Maintenance 3,000 2,500 1,500 -1,000
5616 Real Estate Taxes 3,000 2,900 2,900 0
5619 Office Supplies 1,800 1,800 1,300 -500
5620 Dues and Subscriptions 3,600 3,500 3,500 0
5621 Office Equipment New 750 750 600 -150
5622 Congregational Background checks 0 0 0 0
5623 Postage 1,000 1,000 900 -100
Total District Office 30,950 30,355 27,690 -2,665
District Youth Coordinator 5701 Salary 16,450 16,929 17,268 339
5702 SS/Medicare/Taxes 1,316 1,280 1,321 41
5703 Health Insurance 0 0 0 0
5704 Workers Compensation 100 100 75 -25
5705 Travel 4,000 4,000 3,850 -150
5706 Professional Growth 300 300 250 -50
5707 District Conference 50 50 50 0
Total District Youth Coordinator 22,216 22,659 22,814 155
43 | P a g e
Business Item #2, 2020 Proposed Budget Page 3 of 3 PROPOSED BUDGET 2019
District Peace & Conciliation Advocate Budget
2018 Budget
2019 Proposed
2020 Change
from 2019 Comments
5801 Salary 5,750 5,902 6,020 118
5802 SS/Medicare/Taxes 460 500 461 -39
5803 Workers Compensation 31 35 35 0
5804 Computer On Line 0 0 0 0
5805 Office Expenses 200 200 200 0
5806 Continuing Ed Education 200 200 100 -100
5807 Travel 400 400 200 -200
5808 District Conference 50 50 50 0
5809 Health Insurance 0 0 0 0
Total District Peace & Conciliation Advocate 7,091 7,287 7,066 -221
District Board Expense
5901 District Board Expenses 5,000 5,000 3,000 -2,000
5902 Annual Conference Assess 3,300 3,200 2,900 -300
5903 Ohio Council of Churches 1,600 1,650 1,380 -270
5904 Standing Com Delegates 1,500 1,500 1,000 -500
5905 Historical Committee 200 200 200 0
5906 Shalom Team 500 500 500 0
5907 Legal Fees 3,000 2,000 1,800 -200
5908 District Liability Insurance 4,350 4,500 2,425 -2,075
5909 Ethics Committee 500 500 500 0
5910 Financial Services Fee 2,000 1,000 480 -520
5911 Memorial Gifts 500 500 500 0
5914 Executive Meetings Expense 1,000 1,000 700 -300
Total District Board Expense 23,450 21,550 15,385 -6,165
Sub Totals
Total Commission/Board Expenses 34,050 32,300 29,480
Total Non-Commission/Board Expenses 205,802 205,937 172,934
Total Budget 239,852 238,237 202,414 -35,823
Income (actual / estimates) Actual 2018
Projected 2019
Projected 2020
Change from 2019
Self-Allocations (2018 pledged amount) 121,695 122,000 124,000 2,000
Hottle Endowment Disbursement 76,244 67,516 60,000 -7,516
Peace Worker Endowment Disbursement 7,091 7,287.00 7,066 -221
Total Income 205,030 196,803 191,066 -5,737
Budget vs Income Difference -32,761.00 -34,705.76 -11,348
44 | P a g e
Inspiration Hills
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27
This summer, our campers explored what it means to find the peace of Christ in a world that is often filled with
fear, anger and acts of violence. They learned that as people of faith, the Holy Spirit dwells within us to guide,
comfort and encourage us as we travel through this crazy world that we live in and ultimately find peace. Please
visit our display and see the several hundred peace cranes that were created by our campers this summer as a
reminder that we are in this world to share the peace of Christ with the people who surround us each day.
We were blessed to have the district Peace Task Team share their work with our campers this summer as well.
As an historic peace church, the Church of the Brethren has a unique voice in a culture that is full of violence,
conflict and fear; we pray that with our campers take that message of peace with them out into the world.
The amazing people leading our summer camps are the hands and feet of Christ in our camper’s lives and their
lifelong spiritual mentors. Those who faithfully serve in ministries like camp are often blessed beyond measure
and experience a deepening of their own faith and commitment to Christ. Be sure to thank ALL of our leaders
and ask them about their time of service at camp; you will be blown away by the stories that are shared. We
pray that you will join us next summer!
2019 Chaplains and Camp Leaders I am delighted to report that for the first time in MANY years, ALL of our Chaplain/Leader positions were
filled by district Pastors and youth workers. These people include Bob & Liz Gordon Hancock, Allen Kahler,
Brian Layman, Chad Palmer, Bruce Jacobsen, Mark Kell, Esther Harsh, Jenny Imhoff, Chris Kaake, Paul
Bartholomew, Sherry & Terry Vaught, Mike Zellers, Ed Wartluft, Abbie & Robert Altenburger, Dean Foster,
April Harter, Kris Hawk, Stacy Hileman, Dale Allen, and Julie Lightfoot. Please thank all of these people who
gave up a week of time to serve this summer!
2019 Summer Staff Our summer staff included Cassie Imhoff, Mathias Butcher, Mallory Arnold, Mary Beth Mast, Avory Winans,
Mykala Clark, Megan Beebe, Kenzie Dunfee, Luke Schaffer, Jean Gilmore, Jen Recker, Kathryn Recker,
Matthew Recker, Baeliegh Powers, Madison Stokes (Lifeguard) and Reese Vaught (Lifeguard).
2019 CIT’s (Counselors in Training) Serving as CIT’s this year were Hanna Warnick, Reese Vaught, Mickey Blankenship, Mackenzie Bozman,
Madison Stokes, Kayla Flake, Dalys Tice, Fiona Rumburg, and Chloe Matz. We are always looking for youth
over 14 who are interested in ministry leadership to join our CIT team. Please contact the camp office for more
information about this amazing program.
Inspiration Hills has planned several camps and overnight events for our campers throughout the fall and winter
months, be sure to add your email address to our list (on our display table) so that you get our monthly
newsletters and updates. You can also visit us online at www.inspirationhillscamp.org and on Facebook.
Please take the time to visit the camp during conference this year and see the new pavilion, the Cherry Lodge
deck, and many other capital improvements. If you have not been around in a while don’t miss this opportunity
to stop by; we are only 7 miles from Mohican COB.
Join us for our Annual Fall Festival on September 14, 2019. In addition to camp tours, games, great food and
benefit auction, we are adding some new activities that you will not want to miss; stayed tuned for more info.
Men (and women who want to get dirty), bring your tool belts and tools; we have something in store for you.
We will need many volunteers this year to help with parking, supervising a building project, kitchen, tours and
games, please sign up at the camp display to help out in these areas. We hope to see all of you there!
The camp is listed with BVS (Brethren Volunteer Service) as a project site and we should have a placement this
fall. Please be in prayer with us that we will find a good match!
45 | P a g e
In an effort to become more self sufficient, the camp staff spends a lot of time developing relationships with
new rental groups that could use our facilities. This spring, we connected with the Ohio Church of God who is
in need of a place to hold their summer camp programs beginning in 2020. We recently completed the steps to
make this a reality. Next summer we will begin sharing our camp for 5 weeks with Camp Marengo and they
plan to bring 100-150 kids per week to IH. They will run their own program alongside ours and share our
recreation and meeting spaces. Please pray for them (and us) as we implement this new partnership!
We have been greatly blessed by the generosity of the district as they share the proceeds of the Hottel fund with
us, as well as the many congregations who so generously give of their time and finances to make this ministry a
reality. The camp has used a great deal of capital improvement monies to complete some needed improvements
to our facilities so that they would be more rentable to outside groups and we are slowly adding more of those
groups to our schedule. With that said, our fixed expenses continue to exceed our income. With new contracts
in place for 2020, we believe that we will finally be in a much better place financially but we continue to seek
out partnerships with additional community organizations, schools and parachurch ministries that will help
bring us to a place of financial stability.
I would like to thank the members of the Camp Administration Committee: Jim Shives, Kerri Bailey, Abbie
Altenburger, Sierra Swanson, Mark Dickerhoof, Alan Luginbill, Jean Nesbitt, Erich Basset, Nelson Hunt and
Paul Bozman. These committee members have tirelessly supported the camp and their commitment to the
ministry is a blessing to all of us, please thank them for their dedication!
May the peace of Christ be with you,
Shannon M. Kahler
Executive Director
Inspiration Hills Camp
46 | P a g e
INCOME STATEMENT Inspiration Hills Camp
For the Year ended 31 December 2018
Month Actual
Month Budget
Variance YTD
Actual YTD
Budget Variance
REVENUE
Income from Operations
Rental Income 200.00 0.00 200.00 53415.00 60000.00 (6585.00)
Retreat Income 145.00 100.00 45.00 1490.00 1200.00 290.00
Summer Camp 0.00 0.00 0.00 46200.43 43000.00 3200.43
Food Service Income 0.00 800.00 (800.00) 40116.05 40000.00 116.05
Total Income from Operations 345.00 900.00 (555.00) 141221.48 144200.00 (2978.52)
Donations
Contributions 1416.96 2084.00 (667.04) 22160.54 25000.00 (2839.46)
Self-Allocations 6182.50 2750.00 3432.50 50451.28 55000.00 (4548.72)
Hottle Fund Transfer 0.00 1250.00 (1250.00) 0.00 10000.00 (10000.00)
District Allocation 0.00 0.00 0.00 76244.24 80000.00 (3755.76)
Scholarship Income 0.00 84.00 (84.00) 300.00 1000.00 (700.00)
Total Donations 7599.46 6168.00 1431.46 149156.06 171000.00 (21843.94)
Other Operating Income
Gas Well Revenue 1119.56 209.00 910.56 6854.03 2500.00 4354.03
Camp Store Revenue 0.00 0.00 0.00 2715.14 2000.00 715.14
Miscellaneous Income 0.00 84.00 (84.00) 5658.42 1000.00 4658.42
Timber Revenue 0.00 2220.00 (2220.00) 52408.46 26650.00 25758.46
Fundraising Income 0.00 0.00 0.00 6317.00 7500.00 (1183.00)
Total Other Operating Income 1119.56 2513.00 (1393.44) 73953.05 39650.00 34303.05
Total Revenue 9064.02 9581.00 (516.98) 364330.59 354850.00 9480.59
EXPENSES
Salaries and Wages
Salary - Admin 4250.00 4250.00 0.00 51000.00 51000.00 0.00
Salary - Kitchen 36.00 1200.00 (1164.00) 1253.83 18000.00 (16746.17)
Salary - Maintenance 3041.66 3084.00 (42.34) 36499.92 37000.00 (500.08)
Salary - Program 0.00 2084.00 (2084.00) 2291.67 25000.00 (22708.33)
Wages - Office 159.00 250.00 (91.00) 1973.00 3000.00 (1027.00)
Wages - Kitchen 75.00 300.00 (225.00) 15565.90 6000.00 9565.90
Wages - Maintenance 379.25 300.00 79.25 7979.95 6000.00 1979.95
Wages - Program 1155.00 166.00 989.00 13854.18 2000.00 11854.18
Wages - Summer staff 0.00 0.00 0.00 15546.63 15000.00 546.63
Total Salaries and Wages 9095.91 11634.00 (2538.09) 145965.08 163000.00 (17034.92)
Other Employee Expenses
Payroll Taxes 675.90 889.00 (213.10) 11095.58 12700.00 (1604.42)
Workers' Compensation 401.42 459.00 (57.58) 5600.24 5500.00 100.24
Medical Insurance 71.19 305.00 (233.81) 978.28 3650.00 (2671.72)
HSA Employer Contribution 250.00 250.00 0.00 3000.00 3000.00 0.00
Pension Plan 295.83 300.00 (4.17) 3549.96 3600.00 (50.04)
Travel Reimbursement 0.00 34.00 (34.00) 173.95 400.00 (226.05)
Training 0.00 41.00 (41.00) 1935.00 500.00 1435.00
Conferences 0.00 84.00 (84.00) 726.00 1000.00 (274.00)
Total Other Employee Expenses 1694.34 2362.00 (667.66) 27059.01 30350.00 (3290.99)
47 | P a g e
INCOME STATEMENT Inspiration Hills Camp
For the Year ended 31 December 2018
Month Actual
Month Budget
Variance YTD
Actual YTD
Budget Variance
Other Operating Expenses
Sales Tax 0.00 0.00 0.00 139.78 100.00 39.78
Real Estate Taxes 0.00 0.00 0.00 162.00 200.00 (38.00)
Insurance - Fire & Liability 0.00 5000.00 (5000.00) 20446.75 20000.00 446.75
Insurance - Vehicles 0.00 0.00 0.00 727.00 800.00 (73.00)
Licenses 112.00 291.00 (179.00) 1349.91 3500.00 (2150.09)
Legal & Professional Fees 0.00 166.00 (166.00) 2515.96 2000.00 515.96
Bank Fees 5.00 84.00 (79.00) 637.61 1000.00 (362.39)
Marketing 20.33 500.00 (479.67) 7778.11 6000.00 1778.11
Summer Registration 0.00 0.00 0.00 5259.65 1000.00 4259.65
Office Supples & Equipment 345.83 334.00 11.83 6587.20 4000.00 2587.20
Postage 0.00 125.00 (125.00) 1823.69 1500.00 323.69
Total Other Operating Expenses
483.16 6500.00 (6016.84) 47427.66 40100.00 7327.66
Direct Costs
Food Purchases 70.51 1550.00 (1479.49) 34242.99 31000.00 3242.99
Camp Store Goods 0.00 0.00 0.00 2221.46 2000.00 221.46
Fundraiser Expenses 0.00 0.00 0.00 378.94 1500.00 (1121.06)
Total Direct Costs 70.51 1550.00 (1479.49) 36843.39 34500.00 2343.39
Supplies
Kitchen Supplies 320.33 334.00 (13.67) 4397.99 4000.00 397.99
Facilities Supplies 305.27 416.00 (110.73) 5357.39 5000.00 357.39
Program Supplies 61.37 250.00 (188.63) 2401.52 3000.00 (598.48)
Recreation Equipment 0.00 125.00 (125.00) 1031.97 1500.00 (468.03)
Total Supplies 686.97 1125.00 (438.03) 13188.87 13500.00 (311.13)
Miscellaneous
Misc - General 0.00 84.00 (84.00) 4638.08 1000.00 3638.08
Total Miscellaneous 0.00 84.00 (84.00) 4638.08 1000.00 3638.08
Utilities
Telephone & Internet 348.66 416.00 (67.34) 4779.87 5000.00 (220.13)
Electricity 2114.00 1666.00 448.00 22851.00 20000.00 2851.00
LP Gas & Natural Gas 4278.50 3750.00 528.50 29861.91 25000.00 4861.91
Trash Removal 170.78 184.00 (13.22) 2199.87 2200.00 (0.13)
Total Utilities 6911.94 6016.00 895.94 59692.65 52200.00 7492.65
Maintenance
Gasoline & Diesel 314.46 334.00 (19.54) 3433.52 4000.00 (566.48)
Repairs & Maintenance 4705.00 625.00 4080.00 15461.61 7500.00 7961.61
Small Tools & Equipment 46.52 84.00 (37.48) 842.94 1000.00 (157.06)
Grounds & Conservation 0.00 125.00 (125.00) 799.30 1500.00 (700.70)
Pest Control 81.12 166.00 (84.88) 2004.44 2000.00 4.44
Gravel 0.00 166.00 (166.00) 0.00 2000.00 (2000.00)
WWTP Testing 18.69 184.00 (165.31) 2185.31 2200.00 (14.69)
Total Maintenance 5165.79 1684.00 3481.79 24727.12 20200.00 4527.12
Total Expenses 24108.62 30955.00 (6846.38) 359541.86 354850.00 4691.86
Net Income from Operations (15044.60) (21374.00) 6329.40 4788.73 0.00 4788.73
48 | P a g e
INCOME STATEMENT Inspiration Hills Camp
For the Year ended 31 December 2018
Month Actual
YTD
Actual
OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSE
Other Income
Interest Received 0.65
445.26
Market Value Fluctuation (887.36)
(1553.99)
Scholarship Fund 0.00
100.00
Capital Improvement Fund 55000.00
70000.00
Total Other Income 54113.29 68991.27
Less Other Costs:
Capital Improvements (176.49)
(57401.18)
Total Other Income and Expense
53936.80 11590.09
NET INCOME/(LOSS) 38892.20 16378.82
FUND BALANCES CURRENT MONTH LAST MONTH Jan. 1, 2018
Operating Fund
-7920.04
17548.80
Capital Improvements Fund
48975.83
-5847.68
Scholarship Fund
9565.00
9565.00
Cherry Deck Fund
7965.33
7965.33
2016 Hottle Fund (undesignated) 26236.00
26236.00
Walnut Fund
20.00
20.00
84842.12
55487.45
0.00
ACCOUNT BALANCES
Checking (Huntington)
2700.00
Checking (Debit-Petty Cash)
300.00
Checking (Farmers)
54175.24
23933.86
24488.73
Savings (Farmers)
9562.00
9561.35
11299.67
Brethren Foundation (BBT-Capital Imp.) 21104.88
21992.24
46774.48
84842.12
55487.45
82562.88
49 | P a g e
INCOME STATEMENT Inspiration Hills Camp
For the Month ended 30 June 2019 (YTD)
January 1, 2019
Balance Incomes Expenses Current Balance
Capital Improvement Fund $ 48,975.83
Jan-19
$ 1,094.09 $ 75.44 $ 49,094.48
Feb-19
$ 525.42 $ 110.39 $ 49,509.51
Mar-19
$ 372.42 $ 1,889.60 $ 47,992.33
Apr-19
$ 500.62 $ 16,058.96 $ 32,433.99
May-19
$ - $ 2,630.97 $ 29,803.02
Jun-19
$ 896.02 $ 9,186.00 $ 21,513.04
Jul-19
$ - $ - $ 21,513.04
Aug-19
$ - $ - $ 21,513.04
Sep-19
$ - $ - $ 21,513.04
Oct-19
$ - $ - $ 21,513.04
Nov-19
$ - $ - $ 21,513.04
Dec-19
$ - $ - $ 21,513.04
$ 3,388.57 $ 30,851.36
Camp Scholarship Fund $ 9,565.00
Apr-19
$ 200.00 $ - $ 9,765.00
$ - $ -
Cherry Deck Fund $ 7,965.33
Jan-19
$ - $ 8,618.85 $ (653.52)
Feb-19
$ 4,000.00 $ 694.00 $ 2,652.48
Jun-19
$ 1,047.50 $ - $ 3,699.98
$ 5,047.50 $ 9,312.85
Walnut Fund $ 20.00
Jan-19
$ - $ - $ 20.00
$ 20.00
2016 Hottle Fund (Undesignated)
$ 26,236.00
Jan-19
$ - $ - $ 26,236.00 Mar-19 Transfer to Operating $ - $ 26,236.00 $ -
50 | P a g e
Other Reports
Manchester University
Office of Church Relations
Summer 2019
Our year was one of transition and change. Having just completed a vitality study, Manchester University is on
a path toward a more sustainable and vital future built on a strong mission and inspiring history that points the
way forward in a rapidly changing, and often challenging, environment.
Among awards and achievements last year Manchester University was named one of the 15 best Midwest
regional colleges by College Consensus, number 8 of Midwest’s top 10 “Great Schools, Great Prices” by the
U.S. News & World Report, and one of the “Best in the Midwest” by the Princeton Review. The Pharmacy
Program was the first in the nation to receive an American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy award that
honors commitment to diversity and inclusivity.
During Homecoming, the North Manchester campus celebrated the opening of the Jean Childs Young
Intercultural Center. The center houses the Office of Multicultural Affairs and is a home away from home for
international students. The Lockie and Augustus Chinworth Center on the north side of the Jo Young Switzer
Center will be completed this summer. It will be home to the Arthur L. Gilbert College of Business and a
number of student-focused services.
New ventures in academics include the hiring of a new Vice President for Health Science Initiatives, Lea A.
Johnson. Johnson will plan, develop and launch a nursing program and other health science programs; a new
global health major and master’s degree in accounting; and Discussion Day, a biennial event that brings the
University community together to engage in a deep and immersive examination of an issue with significant
relevance to students, faculty and staff. This year’s topic, “Race in America: A Unfinished Project?” featured
keynote speaker Lisa Givan, the associate vice president of diversity and inclusion at Indiana Institute of
Technology.
In religious life and church relations: weekly chapel services continue; Simply Brethren students enjoy spending
time with Timbercrest residents, volunteering at the Camp Mack Festival, fellowshipping with alumni and
planning Love Feast; The ROBOT worship travel team continues to offer worship services to Church of the
Brethren congregations in the spring semester; and the Powerhouse Regional Youth Conference, held at Camp
Mack every November, brought 35 youth and advisors. Powerhouse included messages from David and Maria
Huber, Jed Freels and Jeanne Davies on the theme “Living Stories: Connecting our lives with the parables of
Jesus,” taking inspiration from the 2018 Annual Conference theme, “Living Parables.” Please encourage senior
high youth to join us on Nov. 16-17 for Powerhouse 2019!
The Peace Studies Institute and Program in Conflict Resolution celebrated 70 years this year. We hosted a
student and alumni trip to Montgomery, Alabama. Faculty in peace studies collaborated with the local Rotary
Club to present the World Affairs Conference that attracted hundreds of high school students, teachers and
administrators from six area schools to participate in deep discussions about peace and conflict transformation. Peace Week highlighted “Peacemaking through Storytelling,” with events such as story sharing with Bob and
Rachel Gross, intergenerational storytelling at Timbercrest, and sessions on conflict resolution. The Campus
Interfaith Board in partnership with the office of religious life ended Peace Week with the third annual Empty
Bowls lunch to help fight hunger in our world. This year we supported the Manchester Fellowship of Churches
Food Pantry.
We are ever mindful of your generous support in both prayer and financial resources. Our mission continues,
graduating students of ability and conviction who draw upon their education and faith to lead principled,
productive, and compassionate lives that improve the human condition, and is made stronger with your
partnership.
51 | P a g e
Good Shepherd Home
Greetings from Good Shepherd Home! Summer is finally upon us and we are continuing the work of
Jesus…Peacefully. Simply. Together.
Last year we reported on our SAIDO Learning Program and what a success it has become for our residents and
the community. We now have a SAIDO Learning Center known as Daybreak which serves residents from the
Community 5 days a week. Our In-house offering of SAIDO continues to grow immensely. We have trained
156 Staff Members to be SAIDO supporters. This type of training also is beneficial in the staff’s day to day
interaction with our residents.
Our Independent Living has also been enlarged with the addition of 8 New Villas. 6 of the 8 are complete and
occupied, the last two construction will begin very soon. With the addition of the Villas, Wesley Village, Wesley
Commons, and Poplar Ridge, our Independent Living numbers have risen to an all-time high of 160 residents.
Good Shepherd Home continually strives to meet the needs of our seniors in and around our community.
Good Shepherd Home hosted their annual Good Samaritan Dinner and Auction on May 1, 2019. This year’s
event netted over $33,000! This is the highest to date total we have had. None of this is possible without the
hard work of our Good Samaritan Dinner and Auction Committee, Donors, Supporters and Attendees of the
event. It is always a great evening of fellowship and fun. Our next event is scheduled for Wednesday, April 29,
2020. We would love to have you join us!
The Good Shepherd Home Auxiliary has been very active. An appreciation luncheon was recently held and
very well attended. We always welcome members throughout the district to become members of our Auxiliary.
Their main fundraiser (Annual Bazaar) is always held the first Thursday in November and has been since 1962.
This event has grown significantly. All monies generated go directly to benefit our residents.
52 | P a g e
West View Healthy Living
More than a Retirement Community…. it’s a plan for your future
For 60 years, West View Healthy Living (WVHL) has been making a difference in the lives of seniors. We are a non-profit, faith based Continuous Care Retirement Community centrally located in Wooster, in rural Wayne County. The mission of WVHL is to foster, maintain and operate a Christian continuing care senior living community that provides older persons with caring and quality services toward the enhancement of their physical, mental and spiritual well-being consistent with the Christian gospel. In 2017, West View provided services to over 249 people. Over $1,900,000.00 in Charitable Care was provided during that same time. We offer lifestyles and care designed to make life easier for individuals. Independent Living The Villas - Independent Living Cottages - ideal for couples or individuals who still maintain their independence, but still need the assurance that someone is available when needed. Assisted Living - Town Square Assisted Living lifestyle services include fine dining, outpatient rehabilitation services on campus, community outings, and 24 Hour Nursing Services in one or two room suites. There are currently suites available. West View also maintains a waiting list to help individuals plan for their future. Memory Care - Bridges With a commitment to ensuring optimum physical, mental and emotional health, our memory care neighborhood provides the environment and the lifestyle those with memory loss deserve . . . and it provides their families with the security and peace of mind they need and expect. Transitional Care and Rehabilitation The Transitional Care Center (TCC) is much more than a place to recover following an illness or surgery. Our TCC provides help during your recovery period so that you can return to your active lifestyle. TCC is the ideal setting for patients who need short term, high quality rehabilitation services or skilled nursing care before returning home after an acute event, such as Pneumonia, Hip or Knee Replacement, Heart Attack, or Stroke. The staff provides a full range of rehabilitation services, including: Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Intravenous Therapy, and 24-hour Skilled Nursing Care. West View’s Medical Director, John K. Miller visits the unit 6 days a week. The Ohio Department of Health only requires a physician visit skilled nursing residents once every 30 days. West View is proud to have Dr. Miller onsite 6 days a week; this presence allows him to more closely monitor patient’s conditions and progress and stay in close communication with patients, families and rehabilitation staff. He also attends care conference meetings with each patient and their family members. The goal of West View’s Transitional Care Center is to help
53 | P a g e
patients make a safe transition home and function as independently as possible in a timely manner. Their motto is “Get Well and Go Home”. Long-term Care Our long-term care center offers a comprehensive set of services designed to meet the varying levels of care our residents need. All of the lifestyles at West View include access to the Town Square, which is an atrium style, old fashioned town that includes a Café, Chapel, Gift Shop, Library, Theatre, Grandma’s House, Beauty Shop and a Post Office as well as peaceful sitting areas for residents and guest to enjoy. West View also provides spiritual care with a full time Chaplain available to all Residents and families of our community. Chapel Services are every Wednesday and Sunday. Life Enrichment programs based on individual choice are available to all Lifestyles on campus. West View has a strong volunteer program with many different volunteer opportunities available.
What’s Happening at West View Each month, West View Healthy Living offers several support groups that are open to the community. We provide a Memory Care and Parkinson’s Support Group for caregivers. We recognize and support those who are caring for loved ones and offer services to enhance the quality of life for both. In addition, we also provide a Senior Health Speaker’s Presentation each month. We have various presenters share information on an array of topics that are of interest to our aging population. We also provide monthly Blood Pressure Screenings at a local grocery store, in addition to providing the screening on our campus. Our Marketing Department partners with a local Community Center to provide Bingo each month, which continues to be a great referral source. Being a non-profit, we continue to have fundraisers to assist with funding our programs. We like to focus on making life more meaningful for all of our residents and to be a resource for our community. We have organized and participated in golf fundraisers, shopping sprees with a local grocer, car shows, spaghetti dinner to raise money for alzheimer’s, a pancake breakfast and a soup stravaganza to raise money for our campus. Each event continues to grow and benefits our residents through Life Enrichment activities. For sixty years, West View has been providing services to seniors in the community. We continually review our programs and processes to ensure that needs are being met and that we are staying true to our mission. During that process, we challenge ourselves to do more – do more for our residents and more for our community. With that being said, 2018 is going to be a big year for us. During the Fall of 2018, we will begin construction on a 34,000 sq. ft. addition with 20 skilled nursing units for transitional care and 15 independent living units. We will also construct a 24,600 sq. ft. Senior Wellness Facility, along with an Event Center, which will be used for programming at West View, as well as a community resource for meetings and community events. For more information about any of the lifestyles or programs at West View, contact Nikki Evans at 330-264-8801. We are available for a no obligation tour at any time. Come and see what our beautiful campus has to offer. Also, please visit our website at www.wvhl.healthcare for more information regarding our community.
54 | P a g e
Denominational Agency Reports
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
In these disaster and crisis filled years, Paul’s letter to the Galatians has given us strength and reminded us to
“not become weary in doing good”. Brethren Disaster Ministries (BDM) and Children’s Disaster Services
(CDS) were focused on relief and recovery from the major hurricanes of 2016 and 2017, when Hurricanes
Florence and Michael, wildfires and new waves of violence severely stretched program staff, volunteers and
program resources. The rapid growth of the Camp Fire in northern California burned most of the town of
Paradise, including the Paradise COB, resulting in a response by CDS as well as joint programming with the
Pacific Southwest district.
The BDM rebuilding network was repairing and rebuilding homes damaged by Hurricane Matthew (2016),
when Hurricane Florence hit the same areas of North and South Carolina in September 2018. After a brief
closure during the storm, BDM volunteer teams expanded the project to help clean up and muck out re-flooded
homes. One homeowner shared, “I am a resident and I give you all my heartfelt thanks. Thank you for not
giving up on twice flooded Nichols, S.C.”
The rebuilding of homes in Puerto Rico (Hurricane Maria), in partnership with the Puerto Rico district, started
in September with volunteers based at the Castañer Iglesia de Los Hermanos (Castañer COB). The rebuilding
project is serving the three mountain churches and will also rebuild homes on the northern coast of PR in 2019.
This program is building on earlier relief work included the distribution of supplies, food and tools and the
creation of a recovery committee by the PR district. The materials used to repair the homes are being supplied
by a FEMA program called Voluntary Agencies Leading and Organizing Repair (VALOR) and COB
Emergency Disaster Funds.
Rebuilding volunteers also worked in Eureka, Mo., through March 2018, providing recovery from floods in
2015 and 2017. The total from all rebuild projects in 2018 shows that more than 80 families received repair or
rebuilding support in North and South Carolina, Puerto Rico, and Missouri, as well as in short-term responses in
the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI). This work was extended by the Disaster Recovery Support Initiative (DRSI), a
BDM partnership with other denominations that worked in St. Thomas, USVI, through August 2018. This effort
provided training, technical assistance and support to the St. Thomas Recovery Team as it developed its long-
term hurricane recovery program.
Children’s Disaster Services volunteers responded with enthusiasm and compassion to care for affected children
in diverse and challenging disasters ranging from Hawaii’s earthquake and volcano eruption, to the shooting at
a synagogue in Pittsburg, Pa., the Camp Fire in California and the devastation of Hurricanes Florence (North
Carolina) and Michael (Florida). CDS also provided specialized care for refugee children in McAllen, Texas
after they were released by immigration authorities. In total, volunteers cared for 6,799 children in 11 different
responses. Lisa Crouch was named the new CDS associate director in August, after Kathy Fry-Miller’s
retirement.
The Nigeria Crisis Response remains the largest BDM international response in 2018, and in BDM history.
Working in partnership with Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN) and the European organization Mission 21,
BDM is helping lead and support a major response that also involves four other nonprofit partners. This
extensive program includes four camps for Internally Displaced Persons, food distributions, medical assistance,
seeds and fertilizer for self-reliance, new drinking water wells, education assistance for orphan children,
livelihood training centers for widows and orphans, trauma workshops, training of one-on-one counselors, a
55 | P a g e
peace conference with Christians and Muslims, home repairs for the most vulnerable and continued
development of a long-term soybean program for farmers. This relief occurs amidst the continued killing of
farmers, kidnappings, food shortages and malnutrition. Even with these challenges, EYN has planted many new
churches where families have been relocated.
Other 2018 international responses include Hurricane Matthew recovery in Haiti, with the Haitian COB
completing the construction of 10 new homes in a small remote community outside Les Cayes. BDM is
supporting a smaller response to an October 5.9 magnitude earthquake that struck far northwest Haiti, damaging
Brethren homes and a Brethren school. Another sister church response was support for recovery from spring
flooding in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Grants to Church World Service (CWS) supported Venezuelans fleeing the humanitarian crisis; a relief and
recovery program in Indonesia after an earthquake and tsunami; and survivors of flooding in Kenya. A
shipment of canned meat and supplies and a grant supported flood recovery work in southern Honduras through
partner Proyecto Aldea Global. A grant of $40,000 provided psycho-social support for Syrian refugee children
in church-based educational programs through partner Lebanese Society for Education and Social
Development.
The total 2018 program expenditures were $730,022 for U.S. responses, including the Rebuild Program and
CDS; $548,662 for the Nigeria Crisis Response; and $237,297 for all other international responses.
This ministry is only possible because the whole church is working together. Individual members and
supporters, volunteers, churches and districts are part of the body of Christ coming together to pray, serve, give
hope and help families heal. Through all this we pray more people come to God and know God’s amazing love.
Thank you for your support. You are part of the body bearing witness to God’s love for all who are lost and need
Christ.
Roy Winter, Associate Executive Director
On behalf of BDM staff – Sherry Chastain, Lisa Crouch, Jenn Dorsch-Messler, Sharon Franzén and Terry
Goodger
56 | P a g e
2019 Greetings from Brethren Benefit Trust to the moderator, delegates, and members of Northern Ohio District! It is our pleasure, as an agency of the denomination, to serve you.
Since last year’s District Conference, our denomination has been navigating the discernment and conversation of the Compelling Vision process — a process that will hopefully clarify and unify who we are as a church.
Our BBT group took part in this as well, addressing three key questions — What does a church that is making a difference in people’s lives and in the world look like? What do we need to do to become that kind of church? What can BBT do to help us become that kind of church?
Through our collective travels and engagement in the Compelling Vision process, we have heard a variety of opinions of what this process will have achieved when it is concluded, and until the Compelling Vision Process Team is able to distill direction and/or outcomes, uncertainty will continue.
But not for BBT. BBT was formed by the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference to serve members and organizations of the denomination, and others of like mind. While we acknowledge that there is dissension and disagreement within the denomination, BBT’s role is to serve all congregations, employees of affiliated agencies and organizations, and other organizations that share common values and bonds.
Brethren Pension Plan Church of the Brethren Pension Plan serves more than 4,700 current and former employees of congregations, districts, camps, retirement communities, and denominational organizations.
Last year, approximately 1,780 monthly benefit payments averaged $753, which means we paid out more than $1.3 million to our members in total monthly benefits!
Earlier this year, Brethren Pension Plan switched to a new recordkeeper, Northwest Plan Services. We see a big advantage to working with a smaller, niche-style recordkeeping company that will be better able to manage the unique, complex structure of our Plan, as well as troubleshoot and solve problems for members, and improve their overall customer experience.
Church Workers’ Assistance Plan This benevolence ministry offers grants to active and retired church workers who have severe financial need. In 2018, more than $330,000 was given in assistance to 47 individuals, and this included helping three families save their home from foreclosure. This year we expanded the scope of the program as we started issuing grants to pastors and church workers in Puerto Rico.
Brethren Insurance Services Brethren Medical Plan completed its first year as a partially self-insured plan in 2018, a transition from a fully insured arrangement that has given us more control over plan design, premium setting, and groups that can join the plan. We are working to grow the Plan by emphasizing proactive prevention instead of reactive treatment. In 2019 we passed along a premium rate increase of no more than 1 percent. We continue to work to stabilize and grow the Plan with the hope of again providing medical insurance to our pastors at a future date. We also saw an increase this year of usage of our ancillary insurance offerings, which includes life, vision, dental, Medicare Supplement, short- and long-term disability, and long-term care.
Asset Management through Brethren Foundation Funds BFFI manages assets for congregations and denominationally related organizations with accounts from $10,000 to more than $10,000,000. Staff work diligently to ensure that clients have numerous investment options, can check the status of their funds and handle administrative tasks via a secure online Web portal, and are able to access their funds very quickly, much like one would with a bank, through electronic fund transfers. Assets under management at the end of 2018 for nearly 200 organizational clients were $165,959,489. We would love to serve your congregation and district if we aren’t already. Let’s talk!
Charitable Gift offerings through the Brethren Foundation (BFI) This ministry manages deferred gifts for any Church of the Brethren members who are working on stewardship of their resources. It offers a number of charitable gift instruments for various types of needs and results, and can write a gift for multiple Church of the Brethren congregations and organizations. Assets under management at the end of 2018 were $4,467,815. At the end of 2018, BFI was managing assets for nearly 150 deferred gift donors.
57 | P a g e
Investment Oversight We are keenly aware that the stock market in the past year experienced wild up-and-down swings, which in turn affected our members’ and clients’ peace of mind. It was difficult to watch the numbers going in the wrong direction at the end of 2018, an action that is completely out of our control. What we can do, however, is maintain a strong stable of investment options that perform well both in terms of real returns and when compared with their respective benchmarks. We believe investments should be for the long term, and so we evaluate our investment managers and mutual funds over a five-year rolling time period. Providing sound investment choices to our members is one of our top mandates, and we do so by having solid investment choices with investment assistance available so that all those we serve can work toward fulfilling their financial goals.
Brethren Values Investing We have long believed that Brethren values investing not only makes sense from a conscience perspective, but that our values-based portfolio frequently outperforms portfolios that are not considered socially responsible. Wherever possible, our investments are consistent with Church of the Brethren Annual Conference statements. Screened from our portfolios are the 25 publicly traded companies that receive the top U.S. Department of Defense contracts, as well as companies that generate 10 percent or more of their gross earnings from U.S. Department of Defense contracts, firearms and military weapons systems, weapons of mass destruction, abortion, alcohol, gambling, pornography, or tobacco. Companies that are egregious violators of environmental or human rights regulations are also screened. We also practice advocacy through BVI with companies in which BBT owns stocks, and with other initiatives that affect how companies interact with shareholders and with others in the global community. Lastly, positive investing is also a component of BVI, which means investing funds in higher-than-normal risk areas that help stimulate economic growth in inner-city redevelopment communities. We have one such investment option that helps rebuild communities nationwide.
Workshops for all While overseeing retirement funds and retirement planning for other people, we recognize the importance of equipping them with the tools they need to be successful, and BBT has taken several steps to bolster this feature within the organization. Several staff members have received certifications that give them the knowledge and credentials to increase their level of service to our members. It was necessary in 2018 to add a staff person who is responsible for offering resources and direction to Brethren Pension Plan members, which will help guide their journey toward retirement readiness. And as in past years, we will continue to provide free educational presentations on topics such as retirement readiness, long-term care, financial wellness, stewardship, and more. Feel free to pick up our workshop brochure at our booth or from a BBT staff member. We’ll be glad to present a BBT workshop at your congregation upon request.
How BBT has served BBT is proactive in its advocacy to solve problems and provide solutions to those we serve. We offer quality products at competitive prices. We provide resources and information to help individuals and organizations become strong stewards of their financial resources. And, with compassion, we provide benevolent funds to help pastors and church workers who have extraordinary financial challenges.
Brethren Pension Plan began in 1943; Brethren Insurance Services in 1954. Our asset management and deferred gifts ministry began in 1990. Through the decades we have served thousands of pastors, church workers, and employees of affiliated Church of the Brethren organizations, as well as individual church members. We expect to continue our service for decades to come.
Building Financial Security Bettering the World. Together.
That’s BBT.
Harry Nevin Harry Rhodes Nevin Dulabaum Chairman President
1505 Dundee Ave. • Elgin, IL 60120-1619 www.cobbt.org 847-695-0200 • 800-746-1505 toll-free • 847-742-0135 fax
58 | P a g e
Greetings Sisters and Brothers,
On Earth Peace is delighted to share our 2019 report as you gather to do the work of ministry at your District Conference. “Seeing Jesus” is our 2019 theme and it represents a celebration of all the places we witness the work of Jesus and his ministry being carried out in the Church of the Brethren and beyond. From Oregon and Ohio to Nigeria and Palestine, we are working alongside Jesus-inspired leaders and communities for justice and peace.
Among our newest offerings is the Congregational Peace Health Checkup in which we invite you to reflect about the vitality of your congregation specifically focused around how Christ’s teachings of peace, nonviolence, justice, and reconciliation take shape in your common life and your ministries. Through this process of reflection and discernment, we hope to strengthen the work and the connectedness of local congregations in these vital areas. Please contact Matt Guynn at [email protected] to learn more about how this ministry might support the work taking place in your district.
We continue to experience growth and transformation through our On Earth Peace Internship Program that invites 18-24 year olds, college and graduate students of all ages to gain experience working for justice and peace. While many of our interns have been affiliated with Brethren institutions of higher education, we are attracting students from other backgrounds who are drawn to our work and the peace church heritage it inspires. Contact Marie Benner-Rhoades at [email protected] to learn about this and other programs that are available for youth and young adults in your congregations and district.
OEP supports several Communities of Practice (CoP) that focus on specific issues of justice and peace like environmental stewardship, anti-racism, and conflict transformation within congregations and communities. Early this year, the OEP Prison Justice Community of Practice was thrilled to support the “You Deserve Love” Project based out of the Good Shepherd Church of the Brethren in Blacksburg, VA. Started by a four-year old who wanted to send messages of love and hope to individuals on death row, the project grew tremendously and even gathered recognition from professional media coverage, and received an overwhelming positive response from the prisoners.
Over the last year the board and staff of On Earth Peace have worked diligently to update our values, vision, and mission statements. Rooted in our anti-racism and antioppression commitments, we examined our historic and current program offerings and ministries, the local, national, and international work of our constituents and congregational partners, and the unique contributions On Earth Peace brings to the larger movement for justice and peace. The new statements are as follows:
Values:
❏ Jesus-Centered Spirituality - We follow Jesus into the work of justice and peace. We share in spiritual practices and develop faith resources to help undergird our programs.
❏ Positive Peace - We learn, teach, and practice dynamic forms of peacemaking which see conflict as an important tool to meet needs, address injustice, correct imbalances of power, and seek healing and reconciliation.
59 | P a g e
❏ Anti-Racism/Anti-Oppression - We commit to name and undo barriers to participation in our programs based on identity, and to work for full inclusion and equity for all who wish to join in our work. We commit to the long-term transformation of On Earth Peace, the church, and society.
❏ Intergenerational Leadership - We nurture peacemakers and leaders, and honor the wisdom, skill, and experience of all generations.
❏ Beloved Community - We commit to raising the levels of relationships until justice and peace prevail, and all people attain their full human potential.
Vision: A world in Beloved Community, liberated from oppression, violence, and war.
Mission: We develop and walk with leaders and communities who work for justice and peace.
We are excited about completing this important work and look forward to living into these values, vision, and mission together with you and the congregations and members in your district. We’d love to hear about how you already see them alive in the work of your district!
We hope that your district conference is a success and we value the continued financial support of the congregations that are represented. Last year, congregational giving accounted for over one-third of total funds raised for On Earth Peace. Email [email protected] to learn more about congregational giving opportunities.
Peace & Blessings!
P.O. Box 188, New Windsor Maryland 21776-0188 · Phone: 410-635-8704 · http://OnEarthPeace.org · [email protected]
60 | P a g e
District Conference 2019
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
Greetings to you in the name our Lord, Jesus Christ! It is an honor and privilege to write to you on behalf of the
employees, volunteers, and Mission and Ministry Board of the Church of the Brethren. We are praying for you,
your congregations, and your district as you gather to worship, sing praises, pray, and accomplish the tasks set
before you by your District Moderator.
It has been a year of anticipation for our beloved denomination as many have gathered in district settings to
participate in the Compelling Vision conversation. I had the privilege of leading some of the district
conversations, where I was encouraged by a hopeful spirit and a commitment to our common ministries in the
Church of the Brethren. At this writing, I eagerly anticipate the continuation of the conversation this summer at
Annual Conference, which will have already taken place by the time you gather for your district conference.
It is in those and other settings that I hear common themes emerging: themes of service, peace, community,
mission, and discipleship, which are central to the ministry and mission of the Church of the Brethren. From
preparing for events and conferences, to revitalizing congregations and equipping and supporting church
planters, to outreach in established and emerging mission fields, to ongoing support of our ministerial
leadership, to children’s services and rebuilding efforts following disasters, we are partners on the journey as
radical, compassionate disciples of Jesus Christ.
As I continue to listen to the voice of the church in my travels and through correspondence and phone calls, I
can still hear a voice of hope – hope that as we discern a compelling vision for the Church of the Brethren, we
continue to be called together to acts of justice, kindness, and humility toward those within our own
denomination and throughout the world. I share that hope, and I pray that it is Christ’s vision and not our own
that emerges and guides the ministries of our congregations, districts, and denomination for years to come.
I am deeply grateful for the many ways your district and each congregation continue to faithfully live out the
Gospel. The varied ministries of our congregations, both small and large, play an essential role in our common
ministry together. And district ministries, from camping programs to disaster response to retirement
communities, provide opportunities for faith formation, service, fellowship, and leadership development.
Together, we are the Church of the Brethren, serving the world in Jesus’ name.
Your servant in Christ,
David Steele
General Secretary
61 | P a g e
SUMMER 2019
Brethren Volunteer Service Annual Report
Sharing God’s Love Through Acts of Service
Working for Peace Caring for Creation
Advocating Justice Serving Human Needs
BVS ended 2018 with 34 volunteers...
who served in seven countries: Bosnia- Herzegovina, El Salva- dor, Nigeria, Republic of Ireland, Japan, Northern Ireland, and the United States.
placed in 17 U.S. states and Washington, D.C.
Partners in Service Award
Unit 319, Summer 2018: Volunteers take a group photo in front of the gazebo at Camp Colorado before a work day in the community.
In 2018:
BVS hosted three orientation units: one at Camp Colorado in Sedalia, Colo., one at Camp Swatara in Bethel, Pa., and one at Camp Pine Lake in Eldora, Iowa.
79 volunteers served throughout the year.
Each year, BVS presents a Partners in Service Award to an individual, group, or organization that has shown exceptional commitment to the work of sharing God’s love through acts of service. The 2019 award goes to the Asian Rural Institute (ARI) in Tochii-ken, Japan.
ARI is an agricultural school that teaches rural community members from Africa, Asia, and the South
Pacific how to sustain a living through organic farming and servant leadership. The main mission of ARI is to “build an environmentally healthy, just, and peaceful world, in which each person can live to his or her fullest potential. This mission is rooted in the love of Jesus Christ.” In order to do this effectively rural leaders from around the world are invited to participate in a nine month training program where they learn agricultural knowledge and servant leadership. “Through community-based learning they study the best ways for rural people to share and enhance local resources and abilities for the common
good.” The goal is for these leaders to return home with ideas about how to improve and work alongside their communities. Since 2011, five BVSers have volunteered at ARI working in multiple areas that include, but are not limited to, livestock, cooking, farming, ecumenical relations, and admissions. The Partners in Service Award will be presented to ARI, July 4, 2019, at the Annual Conference Brethren Volunteer Service Luncheon in Greensboro, N. C.
Ph
otos
cou
rtes
y of
A
RI
& M
ike
Shim
izu
62 | P a g e
The End of an Era: Dan McFadden Resigns as Director of BVS
On November 2, 2018, Dan McFadden concluded his time as director of Brethren Volunteer Service. He began his work out of the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., on December 1, 1995, where he worked for nearly 23 years. During his tenure, he spent countless hours supporting more than 1,200 volunteers as they served in BVS.
Dan was a member of Unit 152 in 1981 with 33 other volunteers. He and another volunteer worked with Salvadoran refugees fleeing from war to Honduras. He remembers that they
were sent for all practical purposes to a war zone knowing basic Spanish. Despite it being a difficult project, Dan says, “I wouldn’t trade it for a different experience.” Thus began Dan’s love of and commitment to BVS.
Not only was Dan’s life impacted by BVS, but also were the lives of his entire family. He met his wife in BVS, and all three of their children have served or are currently serving in BVS.
Dan’s impact on BVS and the volunteers he supported is immeasurable. He is remembered by many as someone who would always lend a listening ear and approached people with a non-judgmental heart. Dan also never stopped recruiting for BVS. There is still hope that someone Dan sat next to on an airplane will show up at an orientation some day.
In his next chapter, Dan is continuing his work with people as he returns to the social work field with a private counseling practice.
Emily Tyler has been called to fill the role of director after nearly seven years of coordinating the workcamp ministry and recruitment for BVS. She began her new role on February 4, 2019. Dan trust falling at an orientation, Dan enjoying time with volunteers, and Unit #152
New Project Spotlight: Good Samaritan Services, Ephrata, Pa.
Good Samaritan Services in Ephrata, Pa. is one of the newest BVS projects, joining the list of over 60 other projects in 2018, and already has two BVS volunteers currently serving with them.
Good Samaritan Services’ vision is to play a leading role in the community by prevent- ing and ending homelessness. GSS provides emergency shelter, transitional housing, and permanent housing. It also gives imme- diate help to people who are experiencing homelessness, and helps those at risk of becoming homeless by providing stability, restoring their hope, and transforming lives. BVSers at GSS work alongside com- munity volunteers to organize donations, provide childcare, and work in the office.
BVS is honored to be partnering with GSS to provide a safe space to the guests in their time of transition. Our volunteers working alongside the community in a space that is faith-centered and committed to leaving a lasting impact through partnership, gener- osity, stewardship, and gratitude.
BVSers at Good Samaritan Services
63 | P a g e
Beth
So that the world flourishes
Theology for a world of possibilities
Newly envisioned and revised MDiv (fall 2018) and MA (fall 2019) degrees
are being offered. Focusing on process and outcomes, the new degree objectives
help students gain knowledge and skills for their desired vocations. A greater
variety of courses can be used to fulfill degree requirements.
Bethany’s first new degree in fifty years will be offered in fall 2019: Master of
Arts: Theopoetics and Writing. The first degree in this field at any school, it
is a collaboration with the renowned Ministry of Writing program at Earlham
School of Religion, and each school will offer the degree separately.
Bethany’s graduate programs continue to grow with a Certificate in Theology
and Science (fall 2018) and a Certificate in Biblical Peacemaking (fall 2019).
The latter was developed to meet the needs of EYN students, who can take all
qualifying courses online, along with North American students.
The 2019 graduating class earned three MDivs, six MAs, four Certificates of
Achievement in Theological Studies, six Certificates in Theopoetics and
Theological Imagination, one Certificate in Biblical Interpretation, and one
Certificate in Intercultural Biblical Interpretation.
Making the educational pathway affordable
The Pillars and Pathways Residential Scholarship, enabling residential
students to study at Bethany without incurring additional debt, was at capacity
with ten students. The program gained attention through staff presentations at
national theological education events and collaboration with other seminaries
also addressing student debt.
Nine new students and one alumnus enrolled in fall 2018 and were joined by
nine more in spring 2019. The total included five international students.
Where faith meets life, for a better world
Bethany was named to Seminaries That Change the World for the fourth
consecutive year by the Center for Faith and Service at McCormick Theological
Seminary.
Dr. Samuel Dali served as Bethany’s second international scholar in
residence during 2018-19, traveling to a number of churches and events to
speak about the Seminary’s partnership with EYN and current state of EYN in
Nigeria. His wife, Dr. Rebecca Dali, often spoke with him about her own social
justice work with Nigerian women.
A new partnership with the Richmond Symphony Orchestra launched The
Recital Series, bringing RSO members and guest musicians to Bethany’s
Nicarry Chapel for several public performances during the year.
After twenty-five years, the Bethany Center received an upgrade with
renovations to the lobby and Gathering Room, new technology, and new carpet
and paint throughout.
The Bethany Community 2018-19
In 2018-19, the Northern Ohio District
had 3 students in Bethany graduate programs and 1 student in the Brethren Academy;
contributed $4,118.00 as of 05/01/2019.
You can also support Bethany Seminary by
remembering Bethany with prayer and personal and congregational support;
calling persons of all ages into ministry;
encouraging those in other professions to take advantage of Bethany’s course and certificate options;
envisioning new forms of ministry for Bethany graduates, such as mentoring lay leaders, supervising Academy students, or coaching pastors new to the Church of the Brethren.
Bethany will uphold its mission by embracing and articulating its Anabaptist-Pietist identity and reaching both within and beyond the church to serve a broader, more diverse constituency. Hallmarks of a Bethany education will be
an interdisciplinary approach to learning;
integration of theory and practice;
increasingly diverse programs of study.
BETHANY’S MISSION
Partners in Education
Partners in Education
64 | P a g e
Fall 2019
Warm Greetings To The Sisters and Brothers of the District Conferences,
It is a joy to sense our partnership, together, in the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ!
We live in a season of great need for 'another way of living' in Jesus. Sin, both personal and systemic, ravages
human life, resulting in division and despair. Thus, it’s easy to give up. Yet, as recent Annual Conference
themes remind us, we are called to carry the light -- risk hope – be living parables – proclaim Christ, reclaim
passion -- nevertheless.
As we anticipate our 2020 Annual Conference, we envision “God’s Adventurous Future,’ claiming that
outcome as our conference theme. For God, in Christ, moves us forward through our despondency towards a
future marked by redemption, healing, and vision. Thus, John’s outlook in Revelation is clear and confident:
“I saw Heaven and earth new-created…I heard a voice thunder… “Look! Look! God has moved into the
neighborhood… He'll wipe every tear from their eyes…Look! I’m making everything new. Write it all
down—each word dependable and accurate.” (Revelation 21:1-5, The Message)
New Creation. Dependable. Accurate. That's our future, in Christ Jesus.
Today, we live in the tension between the already and the not yet. Thus, division and despair rattle and threaten.
But we live with eager expectation -- nevertheless -- for God in Christ advances a future of promising reality,
making everything new.
As we affirm a Compelling Vision for the Church of the Brethren at the 2020 Annual Conference, it’s crucial
that we focus on God’s New Creation promise in Jesus, for wallowing in division and despair has no future.
Only as we adventure with Christ, stretching toward Christ’s promise of redemption, healing, and vision, do we
flourish, knowing God’s abundant life.
So, join me July 1-5, 2020 in Grand Rapids for the 234th
recorded Annual Conference, eager and expectant of
“God’s Adventurous Future”!
In Christ,
Paul Mundey
2020 Moderator, Church of the Brethren
65 | P a g e
