Minutes
MINUTES
Partial Index to National Conference Minutes
National Conference Election Results
Minutes
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Friday, May 31, 2013
Morning
Partial Index to National Conference Minutes
Item IndexedTime
Andrew Fund OfferingThursday Afternoon
Audit CommitteeFriday Morning
Benefits CorporationThursday Evening
Benefits Corporation ElectionThursday Evening
Budget ApprovalFriday Morning
Camp ECCOThursday Afternoon
Church Health Commission ReportThursday Afternoon
Church Planting Commission ReportWednesday Evening
Closing MotionsFriday Morning
Committee AppointmentsFriday Morning
Compensation ReportWednesday Afternoon
Conference HistorianFriday Morning
Conference Ministers’ ReportsWednesday Afternoon
Conference Relations Committees ElectionThursday Afternoon
Conference Relations Committee ReportWednesday Evening
Conference ServicesFriday Morning
CorrespondenceWednesday Afternoon
Disciplinary QuestionsWednesday Evening
Episcopacy CommitteeWednesday Afternoon
Episcopal AddressWednesday Afternoon
Episcopal Fund OfferingWednesday Afternoon
Evangelical Theological SeminaryThursday Afternoon
Evan. and Discipleship Commission ReportFriday Morning
Executive SessionWednesday Evening
Faith & Doctrine CommitteeThursday Afternoon
Finance CommitteeFriday Morning
Future InitiativeThursday Morning & Evening
Global Ministries ReportFridayMorning
Historical SocietyWednesday Afternoon
Leadership CommissionFriday Morning
Loan & Investment CommitteeWednesday Afternoon
Lord’s SupperWednesday Afternoon
Memorial SecretaryFriday Morning
Moving CoordinatorThursday Afternoon
National Conference SecretaryWednesday Afternoon
National Executive CommitteeWednesday Afternoon
National Ministry TeamWednesday Afternoon
New Dawn Christian Community ServicesThursday Afternoon
Organization of Conf./Standing Rules & RollWednesday Afternoon
Property CommitteeWednesday Afternoon
Reclassification (CRC)Thursday Morning
ResolutionsWednesday Afternoon
Retirement RecognitionThursday Morning
Rock River Bible CampThursday Afternoon
Stationing Committee ReportFriday Morning
Stationing Elder ElectionThursday Morning
Statistician ReportFriday Afternoon
Supervisory Committee ReportFriday Morning
Susquehanna Region CM Evaluation ReportFriday Morning
Treasurer’s ReportWednesday Afternoon
Twin Pines CampThursday Afternoon
Twin Pines Board ElectionThursday Afternoon
Voting Rights/Conference BoundaryWednesday Afternoon
National Conference Election Results
Conference Relations Committee TeamDelaware Region
Rev. James Price
Susquehanna Region
Rev. Sterling Trimmer
Great Lakes Region
Rev. David Bailey
Stationing ElderDelaware Region
Rev. Douglas Evans
Great Lakes Region (Illinois)
Rev. David Bailey
Benefits CorporationMinisterial
Rev. Franklin Schock
Lay
Mrs. Charles Buehler
New Dawn Christian Community Services BoardMinisterial
Rev. Steven Minnich
Lay (3 year term)
Mr. Donald Styer
Lay (2 year term)
Mrs. Lois Wade
Conference HistorianRev. Gary Brown
First Day – Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Opening / The sessions of the eleventh National Conference of the Evangelical Congregational Church convened at Messiah College, Grantham, Pennsylvania on Wednesday, May 29, 2013.Workshop / A training event for first time lay delegates was held prior to the opening of the Conference session.
Rev Run / A “Rev Run 5K” run/walk event sponsored by the Healthy Pastors Team & the Church Planting Commission was held to support church planting and promote activity among our delegates.
First Day – Wednesday, May 29, 2013
1:00 PM
Communion
The Conference gathering was begun with a service of Holy Communion led by Bishop Bruce D. Hill in the college chapel.
First Day – Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Afternoon Session 2:30 PM
Opening / Rev. Bruce D. Hill, fourteenth Bishop of the Evangelical Congregational Church, called the business sessions of the eleventh session of the National Conference to order at 2:30 p.m. in the Eisenhower Center of Messiah College.Discipline / Rev. Gregory Dimick, First Assistant Secretary, read from the Discipline.
Voting Rights / Bishop Hill explained the voting rights to the delegates of the National Conference.
Standing Rules / On motion, the Standing Business Rules as found in the Conference Journal were adopted.
Conference Roll / Conference Ministers reported changes to the distributed roll. On motion, the Conference roll was adopted.
Conference Boundary / On motion, the Conference Boundary, in keeping with section D of the Rules, was established.
Conference Program / On motion, the Conference Program, as found in the distributed documents was adopted.
Correspondence / Rev. Kirk R. Marks, National Conference Secretary, reported that one item of correspondence was received in the form of a letter from Bishop Emeritus John E. Moyer addressed to Bishop Hill. The secretary read the letter.
Episcopal Address / Conference Vice Chairman, Rev. Gary Brown, assumed the chair and Bishop Hill presented his Episcopal Address. On motion, the address was adopted with appreciation for Bishop Hill’s leadership, and the assurance of the Conference’s support and prayer.
Bishop Hill resumed the chair.
DelawareConference Minister / Rev. Dr. Gary Kuehner, the Conference Minister for the Delaware Region, presented his report. On motion, the report was adopted.
Resolution / Dr. Kuehner presented the following resolution:
“The Salem Evangelical Congregational Church, Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania, shall be adjudged to be extinct according to the provisions of the Discipline Section 324.4 since religious services have not been held by that congregation for over eighteen months under the pastorate of a minister appointed by a National Conference of the Evangelical Congregational Church. The property of Salem Evangelical Congregational Church, Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania shall therefore revert to the National Conference of the Evangelical Congregational Church, which shall thereupon acquire and become entitled to all rights of ownership.
“THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That Salem Evangelical Congregational Church, Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania be adjudged extinct by the National Conference.”
On motion, the resolution was adopted.
Resolution / Dr. Kuehner presented the following resolution:
“The Seibert Evangelical Congregational Church, Allentown, Pennsylvania, has notified Bishop Hill that it convened a congregational meeting on May 5, 2013 to consider disaffiliation from the Evangelical Congregational Church. At that meeting a vote was taken and those entitled to cast a ballot voted by greater than 2/3’s majority to approve the motion to dissolve its affiliation with the Evangelical Congregational Church. All the aforesaid procedures were done in accordance with paragraph 324.3 of the Discipline. The congregational took all actions required by Section 324.3 of the Discipline as to the call of the meeting, notice to members, entitlement to vote and vote required to dissolve the ecclesiastical affiliation; also, no notice of action nor any knowledge of any action by dissenting members under paragraph 324.3.6 of the Discipline has been received.
“THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That the disaffiliation of Seibert Evangelical Congregational Church, Allentown, Pennsylvania from the National Conference of the Evangelical Congregational Church is hereby approved, to be effective upon the repayment of any claims of the National Conference being adequately satisfied.”
On motion, the resolution was adopted.
Great Lakes
Conference Minister / Rev. Gary Brown, the Conference Minister for the Great Lakes Region, presented his report. On motion, the report was adopted.
Resolution / Rev. Brown presented the following resolution:
“The Kimball Avenue Evangelical Congregational Church, Chicago, Illinois, has notified Bishop Hill that it convened a congregational meeting on May 12, 2013 to consider disaffiliation from the Evangelical Congregational Church. At the meeting, a vote was taken and those entitled to cast a ballot voted by greater than 2/3’s majority to approve the motion to dissolve its affiliation with the Evangelical Congregational Church in accordance with paragraph 324.3 of the Discipline. All aforementioned procedures were done in accordance with paragraph 234.3 of the Discipline. The congregational took all actions required by Section 324.3 of the Discipline as to the call of the meeting, notice to members, entitlement to vote and vote required to dissolve the ecclesiastical affiliation; also, no notice of action nor any knowledge of any action by dissenting members under paragraph 324.3.6 of the Discipline has been received.
“THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That the disaffiliation of Kimball Avenue Evangelical Congregational Church, Chicago, Illinois from the National Conference of the Evangelical Congregational Church is hereby approved, to be effective upon the repayment of any claims of the National Conference being adequately satisfied.”
Rev. Brown read a letter from Kimball Avenue Church explaining their reasons for disaffiliation.
On motion, the resolution was adopted.
Susquehanna Region Conference Minister / Rev. Dr. Gordon Lewis, the Conference Minister for the Susquehanna Region, presented his report. On motion, the report was adopted.
Resolution / Dr. Lewis presented the following resolution:
“The Bethany Evangelical Congregational Church, Martindale, Pennsylvania, has notified Bishop Hill that it convened a congregational meeting on March 25, 2013 to consider the closure of Bethany Evangelical Congregational Church. A vote was taken and those entitled to cast a ballot voted unanimously to approve a motion to close and be declared extinct effective June 30, 2013 in accordance with paragraph 324.4 of the Discipline.
“THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That the closure of Bethany Evangelical Congregational Church, Martindale, Pennsylvania is hereby approved by the National Conference of the Evangelical Congregational Church and the congregation is hereby adjudged extinct, to be effective upon the repayment of any claims of the National Conference being adequately satisfied.”
On motion, the resolution was approved.
Mrs. Cindy Lewandowski, lay delegate from the Martindale E.C. Church, presented a statement on the history and current and ongoing ministry at the Martindale building.
NC Secretary / Rev. Kirk R. Marks, National Conference Secretary, presented his report. The report included a summary of National Executive Committee and National Ministry Team actions and the minutes of the NMT sessions in the past conference year. On motion, the report was adopted.
Treasurer Report / Mrs. Debra Patterson, National Conference Treasurer, presented the audited treasurer’s report. On motion, the report was adopted.
Historical Society / Rev. Harold Scanlin, president of the Historical Society, presented this report. In addition to the written report, Rev. Scanlin gave an update on our cooperation with the United Methodist Church to renovate the Albright Chapel in Kleinfeltersville. On motion, the report was adopted.
Ballot Taken / On motion, the secretary was instructed to cast the ballot for the office of Conference Historian to Rev. Gary Brown, who is the only candidate standing for this election.
Episcopacy Committee / Rev. Marlin Lafferty, chair of the Episcopacy Committee presented this report. On motion, the report was adopted.
Episcopal Fund / An offering was taken for the Episcopal Fund. The offering amounted to $1,234.
Compensation / Mr. Rick Glauthier, chair of the Compensation Committee, presented the committee’s report.
On motion, item A1 was adopted.
On motion, item A2 was adopted.
On motion, item A3 was adopted.
On motion, item A4 was adopted.
On motion, item A5 was adopted.
On motion, item A6 was adopted.
On motion, item A7 was adopted.
On motion, item A8 was adopted.
On motion, the report as a whole was adopted.
Loan and Investment / Mr. Kevin Henry, National Conference Controller, presented this report. He verbally highlighted the change in interest rates included in this report. On motion, the report was adopted.
Property Committee / Mr. Kevin Henry, chair of the Property Committee, presented this report. Bishop Hill verbally highlighted that the report includes the recommendation that the Great Lakes Conference Minister parsonage be sold. This item will be approved with the adoption of the report. On motion, the report was adopted.
On motion, the Conference session was adjourned.
First Day –Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Evening Session 6:30 P.M.
Worship / The Conference worship team led the Conference in opening worship. Dr. John Tornfelt, Professor of Preaching and Ministry at Evangelical Theological Seminary, brought the message.Discipline / Rev. Gregory Dimick, First Assistant Secretary, read from the Discipline.
Church Planting Commission / Rev. Leslie Cool, EC Church Planting Associate, presented the report of the Church Planting Commission. He also introduced a number of others who are working in church planting projects. On motion, the report was adopted.
Seminar / Dr. Chris Backert, National Director of Fresh Expressions US, presented the seminar “The Once & Future Mission: A Faithful Church for a Changing Culture.”
On motion, the session was adjourned.
Second Day –Thursday, May 30, 2013
Morning Session 8:30A.M.
Worship / The Conference worship team led the Conference in opening worship. Dr. Laurie Mellinger, Dean of Academic Programs & Associate Professor of Spiritual Formation at the Evangelical Theological Seminary, brought the morning message.Discipline / The secretary read from the Discipline.
CRC / Rev. Jeffrey G. Byerly, secretary of the National Conference Relations Committee, presented this report.
Disciplinary Questions / The following individuals answered the disciplinary questions: Donna L. Fillman, Paul D. Johnson, James A. Ritter, Russell E. Warner, and John (Richard) Weidman. It was noted that Donna D. Baldt and John R. Martinez have already answered the disciplinary questions before their regional Conference Relations Committees.
Executive Session / On motion, the Conference moved into executive session.
The Conference reconvened into open session.
CRC / Rev. Jeffrey G. Byerly, secretary of the National Conference Relations Committee resumed his report with the following items:
We recommend that John H. Ewing, Jr. be transferred from “Traveling Local Preacher” to “Local Preacher in Training – Subject to Annual Renewal.” On motion, the recommendation was adopted.
We recommend that Patricia M. Strain be ordained in the “Alternatives to Pastoral Ministry” classification in the area of Missionary Care. Bishop Hill explained that this requires a 2/3 majority of all delegates, pastoral and lay, voting by ballot. A ballot was taken for this ordination item.
We recommend that Donna D. Baldt be received into the “Alternatives to Pastoral Ministry – Subject to Annual Renewal” classification in the area of Women’s Ministry. This item was moved and seconded.
Motion and seconded, to amend the item to replace “Alternative to Pastoral Ministry – Subject to Annual Renewal classification” with “Alternatives to Pastoral Ministry – ordained classification.” Rev. Scott Carr, Donna Baldt’s pastor, explained the circumstances surrounding the request for this change. The motion to amend was approved.
The main motionwas approved by 2/3 vote of the Conference.
We recommend that Donna L. Fillman be received into the “Alternative to Pastoral Ministry – Subject to Annual Renewal” classification in the area of Health Ministries.
Motion and second to table this item. The motion passed and the item was tabled.
We recommend that Leroy E. Walbert, Jr. be received into the “Alternatives to Pastoral Ministry – Subject to Annual Renewal” classification in the area of Nursing Home Ministry. On motion, the recommendation was approved.
We recommend that Donald E. Romberger be received as a “Certified Lay Preacher.” On motion, the recommendation was approved.
We recommend that Jeffrey S. Berger be transferred from “Itinerant Ordained Elder” to “Itinerant Ordained Elder in Related Fields – Regional Manager, Operation Christmas Child.” On motion, the recommendation was approved.
We recommend that Robert A. Stoner be transferred from “Ordained Elder” to “Elder – Located.” On motion, the recommendation was approved.
We recommend that Gene L. Stevenson be transferred from “Active Minister in Related Fields not in the Itinerancy” to “Traveling Licentiate.” On motion, the recommendation was approved.
We recommend that Edward Watts be transferred from “Deacon-Located” to “Alternatives to Pastoral Ministry – Ordained” classification in the area of congregational ministry. On motion, the recommendation was approved.
We recommend that Bruce A. Ray be transferred to the “Supernumerary” classification. On motion, the recommendation was approved.
We recommend that Daniel A. Rohrbaugh and Robert J. Stahl be transferred to the “Superannuated” classification. On motion, the recommendation was adopted.
The CRC reported that they have granted annual renewals for the following credentialed individuals:
- “Alternatives to Pastoral Ministry” – Carolyn A. Boussum, Lisa A. Custer, John F. Haub, Jacqueline B. Iatesta, Kenneth Kolakowski, and Marisel Mieses.
- “Licentiates – Subject to Annual Renewal” – Eugene K. Baker, Phillip D. Bartelt, George T. Custer, Richard H. Graham, Jr., and Wayne T. Houck.
- “Local Preachers” – Daniel D. DeSchoolmeester, Gerald W. Klopp, L. Donald Knier, John Miranda, and Robert A. Valentine.
- “Approved Candidates” – Jonathan J. Brown
- “Lay Preacher Certification” – Robert P. Fritz, Kerry T. Watson, and Ronald S. West.
Ballot Announced / Bishop Hill announced that Patricia Strain has received the required number of votes to be approved for ordination.
Motion taken from the table / “We recommend that Donna L. Fillman be received into the ‘Alternatives to Pastoral Ministry – Subject to Annual Renewal’ classification in the area of Health Ministries.” The motion carried and the item was taken from the table.
Motion to postpone this item until such time as the Delaware CRC can meet to reconsider this item, but before the end of the sessions of this National Conference. The parliamentarian explained that this requires a 2/3 vote. A ballot was taken for this item.
Disciplinary Questions / Don Romberger affirmatively answered the disciplinary questions.
Reclassification / Motion, and seconded to adopt the recommended new Rule 800 and 908 sections as distributed and recommended by the National Conference Relations Committee.
Motionto amend section 802.1 by inserting “the National Conference Relations Committee secretary shall present a report to National Conference delegates of all necessary items relating to credentialing at least two weeks before the session of National Conference.” The amendment was adopted.
The main motion as amended was adopted.
Ballot Announced / Bishop Hill announced that the motion to postpone the previous item was defeated.
A vote was held on item #14 on the CRC report “We recommend that Donna L. Fillman be received into the ‘Alternative to Pastoral Ministry – Subject to Annual Renewal” classification in the area of Health Ministries and it was approved.
The Conference session stood at recess for ten minutes.
Futures Initiative / Rev. Les Cool, co-chair of the Future Initiatives Team, presented the report of the Futures Initiative Team which includes a recommendation from the Future Initiatives Core Group.
Motion to set aside our rules and require two-thirds majority (instead of a simple majority needed under our current rules) to approve the Futures Initiative recommendation. A ballot was taken for this item.
Motion, and seconded to adopt the Futures Initiative report and proposal, including the definitions of our current reality, philosophical underpinnings and action steps as presented in the documents:
- “Why the Futures Initiative Core Group is making this recommendation,”
- “The Church,”
- and “Futures Initiative Report/National Ministry Team/March 14, 2013
On motion, the item was tabled.
Retirement Recognition / Rev. Gary Kuehner, Delaware Region Conference Minister, led the Conference recognition of the retirement of Rev. Robert Stahl.
Ballot Announced / Bishop Hill announced the result of the ballot. The motion was adopted by a 2/3 vote and therefore a 2/3 majority will be required to adopt the FIT report.
The Conference stood at recess for lunch.
Second Day –Thursday, May 30, 2013