OFFICERS’ REPORTS AND RESOLUTIONS
Episcopal Address
Delaware Region Conference Minister
Great Lakes Region Conference Minister
Susquehanna Region Conference Minister
National Conference Historian
National Conference Secretary/Conference Executive Committee
National Conference Treasurer
Memorial Secretary
Resolutions
Statistician
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OFFICERS’ REPORTS and
RESOLUTIONS
EPISCOPAL ADDRESS
Members and friends of the 2014 National Conference of the Evangelical Congregational Church, I greet you
in the matchless name of our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. We gather together not to do our work, nor the work of
our beloved denomination, but to do the work of Jesus who gave his life and conquered sin and death that we may
have life. He has commissioned us to “make disciples.” “Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all
generations forever and ever! Amen.” (Ephesians 3:21 NLTse)
DISCIPLE-MAKING
During our 2014 National Conference we are focusing on our theme: CONNECT. As Paul reminded the
Thessalonians of his ministry among them he wrote “We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God’s
Good News but our own lives, too” (1 Thessalonians 2:8 NLTse). In NC2012 we looked at “PASSION”; our need to
love God completely. During NC2013 our focus was “ENGAGE”; the need to engage our culture with the Gospel. This
year we continue to respond to God’s call to love him, evangelize by living out the Good News, and disciple others as
we CONNECT in life-to-life discipleship. We have, as a denomination, described a disciple as “one who is seeking to
pattern his/her life on the Savior’s.” It is a lifelong pursuit of following Jesus. The challenge is that we are required to
CONNECT; to form significant and lasting relationships, and that is counter-cultural. We live in the digital age;
everything needs to be fast. I have been to the jungle of Liberia and the hills of North East India, and in my own
family room every child wants to see their picture on the back of the camera right away. We need smart phones so we
can have instant communication by text, email, Twitter, Facebook, or even an actual phone call. Don’t get out of the
car; just throw my meal out the window as I drive by. Our culture looks for a shortcut for everything. But neither
evangelism nor discipleship happen that way; they take time, it means living in relationship, day in and day out,
connecting with those around us as people, as friends. Evangelism is a dialogue, not a monologue. One of the best
ways to reach someone is to listen. Don’t compromise the message, but try to establish a dialogue. We need to be the
church that connects with people relationally. Evangelism and discipleship go together; they cannot and are not to be
separated. Alan Hirsh explains it this way “Discipleship is all about being drawn into the purposes of God. The Great
Commission to ‘make disciples’ includes both making Christians and maturing Christians.” The journey of
discipleship does not begin when a person accepts Jesus as their Savior and Lord; it starts long before that as the Holy
Spirit begins to draw them to himself. We have pledged as the Evangelical Congregational Church to establish
disciple-making as the ultimate objective for all our ministries. To do that we must make the time to CONNECT.
When we stop and think about it, connecting with people was a huge part of Jesus’ earthly ministry. His
three years of ministry were spent in significant relationship with the people living around him; developing disciples.
Before he ascended into heaven, and coincidently tomorrow is Ascension Day, Jesus gave us a commission to “make
disciples.” Too many people define discipleship as Bible study; you just need to learn the facts, the stories, the lessons;
that’s what God wants. Do we really believe in our hearts that God sent his One and only Son Jesus into the world to
die on the cross as the atoning sacrifice for sin, to rise from the dead conquering sin and death, ascend back to heaven
to the place of highest honor and with the name that is above every other name; did God do all of that so church
members could quote scripture or win games of Bible Trivia? Jesus calls his followers to learn the Bible, for certain,
and the Bible, God’s living Word tells us to “make disciples …Teach these new disciples to obey…” Jesus wants
followers who will allow His Holy Spirit to transform them and conform every aspect of my life to him and his will.
When God said we are to be holy as he is holy, he wasn’t talking about Sunday mornings; he meant my entire life. He
desires disciples who make disciples. I am pleased to say that we have many individuals, pastors and laity, and many
congregations who are doing just that. During these few days of Conference we will celebrate some of the good things
God is doing in and through the Evangelical Congregational Church. Discipleship isn’t a school or program, but a life
of passion and purpose. It is personal investment into someone else’s life. It is choosing to be seen, sincere, open and
vulnerable; as a follower of Jesus living in sincere relationship with the people around you. I call on each one of us to
recommit ourselves and our congregations to that mission of God. Who will join me?
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Here’s a question for you (I’m sure it will be on Facebook or Twitter momentarily if you miss it): Did Jesus
come to establish an institution called church or did he come to empower people to be church? Thom Schultz, author
of the blog “Holy Soup” points out that the church is in danger of experiencing a Kodak Moment. He writes, “Kodak
dominated the photographic scene for over 100 years. It commanded an 89 percent market share of photographic
film sales in the United States. Yet Kodak became a colossal story of failure and missed opportunities. A gigantic
casualty in the wake of digital photography–a technology that Kodak invented. That’s right. Kodak engineer Steve
Sasson invented the first digital camera in 1975. He later said, ‘But it was filmless photography, so management’s
reaction was, ‘That’s cute, but don’t tell anyone about it.’ And the company entered into decades of agonizing
decline, unable to perceive and respond to the advancing digital revolution. In 2012 this American icon filed for
bankruptcy.” How could something like this happen? There are probably lots of reasons but let me highlight three. 1)
They could not see the changing culture. They had no vision for a day when people would walk around with all their
photos digitally stored on a smart-phone or tablet. 2) They were afraid of what they would lose. If they moved into
digital photography it might mean loss to their film business. Most importantly, 3) they misunderstood their mission.
They thought they were in the film business when they were actually in the image business. According to Jesus, we are
in the discipleship business; moving people closer to Jesus day by day. We cannot forget that.
I can tell through my own personal experience that in my years growing up in the church and now 37 years of
ministry, I have been exposed to lots of evangelism and discipleship programs. The problem is I can’t really remember
any of them. (I don’t think that’s because I’m getting older) because even now standing here today I can see the faces
of the people who invested their lives in me. I can tell the names of individuals who poured faith into my life though
authentic relationship.
SHARED MINISTRY
During the past year we have been challenged to look at denominational leadership from a new perspective
through shared ministry positions. At the close of last year’s National Conference the lay delegate from Bethel E.C.
Church, Dixon, IL approached me to confirm that the financial position of the Global Ministries Commission’s
administrative budget was now back to where they had been more than two years ago: completely dependent on the
voluntary contributions of individuals and local congregations, and not receiving enough donations to adequately
meet their needs. When I responded that was indeed the case he asked if the Global Ministries Commission and I
might be open to a shared ministry position. Bethel E.C. Church was in need of a Lead Pastor and the GMC
administrative office was in need of financial stability; could these two concerns be addressed together? Numerous
conversations, phone calls, texts, emails, and meetings were shared over the next few months to seek the Lord’s will
and to clarify, as much as possible, what a shared ministry would look like in real life. One of the questions that arose
in our deliberations was “What will the leaders of our international churches think of a shared ministry position?” The
reality is that all of our international leaders currently serve in shared ministry positions. When I asked Rev. Nobuo
Abe for his guidance he shared two important insights. He first noted that he was pleased that the church USA was
learning from our international brothers and sisters; that the leadership of just about every Christian denomination in
Japan, even the very large groups, was a shared ministry position. Secondly, my brother showed great insight and
concern when he noted that denominational leaders are first called and gifted as pastors. He wondered if it really
made sense to divorce these men and their wives and families from a local church. When Randy and I visited Ukraine
for Ken Sears’ ordination I had the opportunity to talk with Brother Pavel Metlenko, the "Senior Presbyter" for the
Baptist churches of the Zaporozhye province, a full time position. He described denominational leadership as “you are
everywhere and you are nowhere.” After working out the details with Bethel EC Church and the Global Ministries
Commission, including ministry descriptions, time schedules, appropriate evaluation and accountability safeguards,
as well as salary and benefits Bethel E.C. Church, the Global Ministries Commission and The National Ministry Team
each adopted the shared ministry recommendation unanimously. While I readily admit that personally I greatly miss
Randy’s presence and friendship at Church Center, I know Randy and Carla are very happy to be able to sink deep
roots into a local congregation again while at the same time ministering internationally. Not claiming the gift of
prophecy, but seeing this shift becoming a reality I approached the National Executive Committee (NEC) seeking
their counsel on how to proceed if other denominational leaders were approached by local churches about shared
ministry. I agreed with the Executive Committee that we would not, at this time, seek out shared ministry positions
but would be open to discuss them if we were approached by a local congregation. This spring I was contacted by the
leadership of Trinity E.C. Church, Fishing Creek, PA about their interest in a shared ministry position with Gordy
Lewis, Susquehanna Region Conference Minister. Again, after much discussion with all those involved, including
receiving the approval of the NEC and the Stationing Committee, Rev. Lewis will be stationed to this shared ministry
effective July 1, 2014.
CONFERENCE LEADERSHIP
This year our National Conference will experience a transition in the position of Great Lakes Conference
Minister. Rev. Gary Brown has served as the Conference Superintendent of the former Western Annual Conference
from 2000 to 2004 when he assumed the position of Great Lakes Region Conference Minister. Gary’s term will end
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on June 30, 2014 and he was not eligible for re-election. I am thankful for the willing and gracious service Gary and
Ann Brown have had in the Great Lakes Region, the Evangelical Congregational Church, and the Kingdom of God.
They have, together, traveled many, many miles in the service of the King. The Lord has used Gary’s strong pastoral
heart to touch the hearts of many, pastors and lay alike. Not every day has gone well, there are always trials and
struggles in leadership; Gary has faithfully and steadily met them and, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, faithfully
provided wise counsel to many. The Supervisory Committee has looked to his many years of experience in
denominational leadership to provide us with denominational memory; he is our “Mister History.” Thank you, Gary,
for your friendship and faithful service to Christ and his church. Before you think Gary and Ann are moving to
matching rocking chairs on some front porch; this is simply the end of one chapter and the beginning of a new one in
their life. Effective July 1, 2014 Ann will join Gary as he becomes the pastor of New Zion Evangelical Congregational
Church, Emlenton, PA.
As you know, the National Ministry Team voted to hold a special meeting in January 2014 to elect Gary’s
successor rather than holding the election at National Conference 2013. This was at the recommendation of the
Supervisory Committee. I am pleased to report that the special meeting (one meeting, two locations) was a success.
The pastors and volunteers at both locations, Bethel E.C. Church, Dixon, IL and Lakeside E.C. Church, Transfer, PA
worked with me to prepare for the meeting. Rev. Charles “Chuck” Campbell was elected Great Lakes Region
Conference Minister. After some time for Chuck to catch his breath, I had the privilege of installing him as Conference
Minister this past April. The next big transition for Chuck is when he gets married to Nettie on June 7. Chuck’s term
as Great Lakes Conference Minister will begin July 1. I look forward to serving with Chuck as he becomes an
important member of our leadership team and pray the Lord’s blessing on his marriage with Nettie.
Rev. Gordy Lewis’s first term as Susquehanna Conference Minister will come to an end in June 30, 2015.
Following this National Conference I will form a Nominating Committee to begin the process which will result in an
election during a special meeting of the Susquehanna Region in January 2015. While my term as Bishop does not end
until June 30, 2016 the timeline for nominations and election is different from that of the Conference Ministers. An
Episcopal Nominating Committee will be formed this fall so an Episcopal election can be held at National Conference
2015.
FUTURES INITIATIVE
I will not take a lot of time in this address to discuss the recommendations of the Futures Initiative Team. I
do want to clearly state that I strongly recommend that this National Conference adopt both the statement entitled
“The Church” and the Covenant when they are presented later in our business sessions. I need to make two
observations based on my experience with Futures Initiative. During one of our meetings the Futures Initiative Core
Group expressed the clear opinion that we must address ministry funds; we must lower the percentage rate churches
are required to remit to the denomination. I have long felt that is true. The problem came when we actually tried to
accomplish that. It became obvious that given the current level of local church involvement in paying ministry funds
and the budget required funding our work that simply cannot and will not happen without significant change. We are
in a precarious position: churches are choosing to pay partial or no ministry funds. This results in forcing the larger
churches to take on a greater share of denominational finances. We are caught between two groups who find it more
and more difficult to fund what is required or defend the amount of ministry funds required. The second observation I
need to make, is that over the past few years I have learned that we all struggle with making hard decisions. That
simply isn’t something we want to do. The problem is, as we were reminded last year by Dr. Chris Backert “If we
refuse to make difficult decisions today, we will be faced with even more difficult decisions in the days to come.”
Brothers and sisters, make no mistake about this: we will all be faced with extremely difficult choices as we
continue to plot the future course of the Evangelical Congregational Church. I pray and believe the Lord of the church
will show us his way into a bright future but it may not be an easy journey.
DENOMINATIONAL LIFE
In 2012, during my first Episcopal Address, I said that we were quickly moving into a post-denominational
world. I hear more and more people wondering why they need to pay ministry funds. I responded through a series of
articles in the EC LEADER highlighting the important “together ministries” we are able to do because of ministry
funds: commissions and committees, Church Center operations, affiliate support and heritage care. Beyond that we’ve
heard people ask even more generally “What’s the purpose of a denomination?” or “What’s the advantage of being
part of a denomination?” Let me share a glimpse of what I think. With apologies to old school teachers, I think it
comes down to three Rs: relationships, resources, and results.
Relationships – We all recognize there are individuals who make the argument that they don’t need to
attend church; they can worship at home as well as they can with a bunch of people in a building. I believe we all
recognize the extreme weakness of that position. Certainly the author of Hebrews did. We are not created to go
through life alone. I need interaction with fellow believers in order to grow and mature; to be discipled. So too, a local
gathering of believers can benefit from being a part of something larger than their own local fellowship. Another
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parallel I see in the relationship between an individual to a local church and a local church to the denomination is the
“have it your way” mentality. Burger King has long trumpeted that consumers should and can “have it your way.”
What does it say about us that when we shop for a local church, we look for one that makes me comfortable? What
does it say when the primary reason for a relationship is my personal happiness? I may not want to hear that I need to
be in a relationship that holds me accountable, but it doesn’t make it any less true. Paul and Peter tested what they
believed they were called to do by bringing it to the larger body in the Council of Jerusalem. Denominational
relationships give both the local church and the pastor someone beyond themselves to talk with. I think it makes for
healthier people and a healthier church. Much of the spiritual health that I experienced is a result of pastoral
relationships I have nurtured over 30+ years of ministry. Healthy things multiply; they multiply disciples, groups,
ministries, churches. Even in a non-denominational age we see the growth of “fellowships” and “networks.” We don’t
like the word “denomination” but we recognize the relationships are vital to our spiritual health. Additionally, the
inter-connectedness of a denomination provides for opportunities to interact and serve with people who may be very
different from my homogeneous local church. We do not all look alike, we do not agree on everything, we have
different gifts and graces, we may even speak different languages and yet we are the family of God and there is no
stronger relationship. I pray that pastors, lay leaders, and whole congregations will move beyond simply supporting
relationships to actually expanding relationships. As we already say in the Discipline “With the understanding that
the local church cannot carry out the Great Commission alone, we surrender self-sufficiency and autonomy to join
together in love. Embracing our common Discipline and our common purpose – to know Christ and make Him
known – E.C. Churches will pray together, fellowship together, develop leaders together, evangelize together, plant
churches together, perform acts of mercy together, pursue justice together, and celebrate God together.”
Resources – Today, with the help of technology, there are lots of places to go for resources. In fact, many of
our local Christian book stores struggle because every pastor, youth leader, Sunday School teacher and Vacation Bible
School director can search and select materials on line and have them delivered to the front door. The strength of a
denomination’s resources is found in an entirely different aspect of church life: people. I do not want church
leadership to be discovered by accident. Leadership development, training, and deployment are critical and most local
congregations are not equipped to do that by themselves. I am proud to say that as a member of the Evangelical
Congregational Church I am a part of a group that values leadership to the point that we support a Pastoral
Assessment Center, that we join together to provide scholarship money to help men and women prepare for
leadership in our churches and communities, that we support a seminary that is developing innovative programs to
train the next generation of pastors and leaders. I am thankful for a Stationing Committee that honestly works with
local leaders to identify and place pastors who will fit and flourish. We all have stationing horror stories, but the
reality is that the majority of them are from the “good old days.” As pastors and congregations we need to let go of the
“good old days”; these are much better days. I would not, as a member of a local church want to be completely
dependent on my own resources for identifying, credentialing, and having the full responsibility for dealing with the
accountability of the pastor. On the other hand, as a local pastor it was good to know there was someone available to
be there when I needed them. We work together to protect, preserve, and share resources; and that includes the most
precious resources for our pastors and people.
I am thankful that we have camps (ECCO, Rock River and Twin Pines) that are impacting people of all ages
with the Gospel of Jesus. I praise God that StoneRidge Retirement Living desires to employ evangelical pastors as
chaplains who lead people to Christ even late in life showing us it’s never too late to come to Jesus. I praise the Lord
that a group of churches in the United States can, in partnership with brothers and sisters, launch a mission emphasis
that now sees close to 500 churches many of whom are now sending out their own missionaries. I want to be part of a
denomination that enables a local congregation to send a short-term team from Pennsylvania to Japan to partner
with EC Churches there in leading an English Camp where 12 children and one adult came to faith in Jesus. (And
that’s just one example!) Our rich history of ministry is a resource. We are who we are because of those who struggled
and sacrificed to give us this opportunity to serve the Lord in the church today. Even now we build a legacy for those
who will come after us.
We do not bring our resources together to keep something from the past going. I’m asking us to use our
resources, to invest our time, our talents, and our treasure to be part of something bigger than you and me, something
bigger than our local churches; I’m calling on us to do something crazy – to allow God’s Holy Spirit to use us so that
we truly may be a movement of God.
Results – Ed Stetzer has pointed out that “Mission is generally messy, and it creates friction.” What helps
smooth the way and lessen the friction is a clear understanding of the desired results – the mission. This is not about
us. This is about God and what he’s doing; his mission. Left to ourselves we tend to wander, to take our eyes off the
goal. We all know people who are easily distracted by something shiny; maybe you’re secure enough to admit you are
one. Local congregations can be that way, too. Being part of a denomination helps to keep each of us focused. The
relationships we have with other pastors, congregational leaders, and even denominational leaders helps to keep us
moving in the right direction, focused on the right things, and lessen the distractions, even good distractions. We all,
individuals and churches, need accountability. Without a Global Ministries Commission reminding us of our need to
reach out, that the world still needs the Good News, that there are still many unreached people groups, how many of
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us and our churches would slip into an “it’s all about our needs” mentality. The Great Commission starts at home, but
Jesus said “make disciples of all nations.” That’s still true today and sometimes we all need to be reminded of that. I
have tried in my preaching this past conference year to remind us all that our strategy of trying to get the people “in
here” to get the people “out there” to come “in here” hasn’t worked. Jesus calls for the church is to be “out there;” to
be the church “out there.”
We are “Evangelical.” We are people of the Good News. Paul wrote very simply in Acts 20:24, “My life is
worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus – the work of telling others
the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.” We aren’t evangelical because it’s the name on our letterhead or
church sign; we’re evangelical because we are people of the Good News, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As Bishop Graham
Cray of the Church of England exclaimed, “If you’re going to bring Good News, you darn well better be good news!”
And what about our being “congregational”? I need to say, and I realize I’m probably stepping on toes here and maybe
even fighting against history, but I have to say this: can we please get off the “congregational means that the
congregation is in charge” bandwagon? “Congregational” isn’t about power; it’s about ministry. We’re
“Congregational,” because that’s where the action is. We intentionally empower congregations to use their unique
gifts and graces in their local setting. We endorse developing a local structure that fits the local context. Our
neighborhoods, communities, culture, and the world are changed as normal followers of Jesus Christ live out
transformed lives. We can work together within the denomination to give permission for local pastors, leaders and
congregations can work together as a team within the larger context of their affinity, or area or region to be creative as
they follow God’s leading and direction for ministry. That’s already a reality in the experience of Journey53, Restore
Community, LifeTree Café, Grace Community, Willow Street with Grace, Millersville and others; and we need more.
We do not need more rules and creeds – we need recommitment to our covenantal relationship with each
other and with God.

I see the Evangelical Congregational Church being a denomination that empowers churches and groups of
churches to pursue the missio Dei – the mission of God – based on the needs in your community. We will
provide the encouragement, the resources, and connections to help you do that.

I’m seeing more congregations, E.C. churches, like a Christian & Missionary Alliance church I visited in New
Jersey. Rather than building large facilities or even planting a new church they have chosen to send out
teams of 20-30 people into neighboring churches, even non-C&MA, in order to bless and encourage those
congregations and help restore them to health and vitality.

I foresee large E.C. churches who are able to come alongside smaller congregations to resource and support
healthy ministry in them.

I see large congregations blessing their communities in ways that only large ministries can.

I see churches planting new churches.

I anticipate groups of pastors meeting together regularly for prayer, fellowship and mutual support.

Pastoral and lay leaders praying and working together.

Churches within a local area working together to support and give opportunities to pastoral candidates and
seminary students to receive practical experience while positively impacting the work of those churches.

The church and seminary working closely together to raise up the kind of leaders needed to minister in the
21st Century.

The Conference and regions providing ministry resources which impact the lives of men, women, youth and
kids beyond the reach of an individual congregation.

I see a time when it is exciting to be E.C. again.
There is a vision for the future of the Evangelical Congregational Church – it is God’s vision, his will for us.
We need to re-imagine the E.C. Church based on God’s will. A great place to start is by changing one word, actually
one letter, in a question all of us have asked: instead of “What should the E.C. Church look like?” join me in asking
“What could the E.C. Church look like?” To answer that question is to take a step in faith. Think of it this way. Gary,
please hold this roll of pennies for me. Hold it tightly in your hand. Don’t open your hand. I’d like to give you this tendollar bill instead. How do you accept the $10 using only that hand? You have to open your hand and let go of the
pennies. I believe there is a future for the Evangelical Congregational Church; but we must be willing to let go, to open
our hands in order to receive the good things, the new things, the Lord wants to give us.
I am thankful for the heritage of the Evangelical Congregational Church. We are proudly Albright’s people.
We were doing small groups (we called them classes) before any mega-church pastor was born. We strive to live out
John Wesley’s favorite Bible verse, “What is important is faith expressing itself in love.” (Galatians 5:8 NLTse) We
understand the importance of accountability and disciple-making that goes all the way back to the early church when
Paul said “You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these
truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others” (2 Timothy 2:2 NLTse).
We respect the past; we honor the lives and ministries of generations of pastors and lay leaders, Bishops,
District Superintendents, and Conference Ministers who have labored so faithfully for the Lord and his Kingdom;
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individuals who came together as a team to accomplish great things with God. I am thankful for those who are part of
the current team I have the privilege to serve with: my wife, Gloria, as she graciously deals with the demands on her
husband’s time and attention. Our Conference Ministers (Gary Brown, Gordy Lewis, and Gary Kuehner), Director of
Global Ministries, Randy Sizemore, Pat Strain, in the GMC office, Kevin Henry, our Controller, and his business office
staff, Shirley Long, Peggy Derr and Dave King; and my Administrative Assistant, Jodi Earhart, along with Office
Manager, Brenda Long, and Pat Wolfe who are always helpful and encouraging. As a denomination we acknowledge
our individual and corporate strengths and weaknesses, when we gained and when we have lost; recognizing our
present reality, we embrace the future with the firm conviction that God is not done with this fellowship of churches
yet.
Did you know the title song on the contemporary Christian group Casting Crowns’ latest album sounds
strangely like our denominational Purpose Statement, “to know Christ and make him known”? Listen to the words of
the chorus “Just to know you and to make you known, we lift your name on high. Shine like the sun made darkness
run and hide. We know we were made for so much more than ordinary lives. It’s time for us to do more than just
survive, we were made to shine. Joy unspeakable, faith unsinkable, love unstoppable, anything is possible. We were
made to thrive” (Thrive by Casting Crowns).
We must open our hands, and our hearts, and our heads to what he is doing. It’s his work, his church, his
mission. He is Lord and we must follow where he leads. Will you please join me in this adventure of faith? Will you
join with me as, together, we open our hands to receive what God wants to bless us with and move forward in faith?
Rev. Bruce D. Hill
DELAWARE REGION CONFERENCE MINISTER
REV. DR. GARY L. KUEHNER
Greetings in the precious name of Jesus! As I approach the end of my third year of service as a Conference Minister, I
want to thank the conference, pastors, and churches for providing both the necessary prayer and financial support to
enable me to fulfill what I believe is my God-given calling for this season of my life. I am convinced that I am exactly
where God wants me to be and I am grateful to all of you for making this possible.
In the spring of 2014 I was officially evaluated. The concluding statement of the evaluation team was, “Keep
doing what you’re doing.” The following is a summary of what I do and what I will keep doing.
My aspiration as a Conference Minister is to inspire, encourage, resource, and challenge pastors to be all that
they can be for God. I do this by interacting with pastors face-to-face in one-on-one and small group settings and by
communicating with pastors via phone calls, emails, and texts. I do this through scheduled meetings and on the spur
of the moment when needs arise. I am pleased to say that I have been able to develop and maintain relationships of
mutual trust and respect with an overwhelming majority of the pastors in the region.
I am also building relationships with lay leaders and other people in our local churches through visits to
regional churches on Sunday mornings, District Ministry Team meetings, Official Board/Ministry Council meetings
and PRC meetings. I have preached in a number of our regional churches and have several preaching engagements
scheduled. If you would like to have me come and preach at your church, simply contact me to set a date. I am also
available for a limited number of seminars, retreats, camp meetings, etc.
From a denominational standpoint I continue my involvement in all the Commissions, the Supervisory
Committee, the Cabinet, the National Ministry Team, the Finance Committee, the Benefits Corporation, and most
recently the Futures Initiative Team. My work on the Evangelism and Discipleship Commission has resulted in the
formation of an Evangelism Committee which meets monthly to pray for a renewed passion for evangelism in the EC
Church and discuss how this renewed passion can be realized. I continue leading a “turnaround church” affinity
group, focusing on church health and revitalization. By the time we meet for National Conference, I will have
completed church health assessment training through Natural Church Development. If you are interested in
assessing the health of your church, please contact me or Gordy Lewis.
All of the Districts in the Delaware Region are meeting in one way or another. I continue to work toward the
goal of having all district pastors meeting monthly to share their lives and pray together and having all District
Ministry Teams meeting quarterly to support one another, build relationships, and engage in prayer. I want to
commend the North East District for initiating a time of prayer for the host pastor at their monthly meetings. Each
Sec. 5 -Pg. 6
Officers’ Reports and Resolutions
month the district meets in a different church and the meeting is concluded by laying hands on the host pastor and
praying for him in the church sanctuary. I want to encourage all district pastors to practice this kind of prayer.
In the past I have made it a practice to end my report with a challenge and a word of encouragement. This
year will be no different. I want to encourage and challenge our pastors to: 1) preach the gospel of Christ with
gentleness and respect; 2) teach the Word of God with passion and boldness; and 3) love people with all your heart,
mind, soul, and strength. If you do these basic things well, you will be blessed and you will be a blessing to everyone
God puts in your path.
Rev. Gary Kuehner
GREAT LAKES REGION CONFERENCE MINISTER
REV. GARY BROWN
“…forgetting what lies behind and straining toward what lies ahead…” (Philippians 3:13b).
After decades as a pastor in five EC churches I was elected by the Western Conference as the Conference
Superintendent for a four-year term to begin in 2000. I served my last year as pastor at Winnebago, Illinois in
“shared ministry” as a part-time state superintendent for Illinois before taking office in July, 2000. On June 30, 2014
I will complete my allotted three terms and return to my first love, preaching the Bible to a local congregation every
week. When the vision 20/20 process resulted in the merger of Western and Eastern Annual Conferences, my office
morphed into what is now called Conference Minister. This office is a hybrid, not exactly superintendent, nor regional
elder; the Conference Ministers and Bishop have become a leadership team for the whole denomination.
As I read over my eleven reports to National Conference 2003 to 2013, I was struck by how much change we
have caused, or survived. With the election of Rev. Charles “Chuck” Campbell as my successor we move into a new
era. I thank National Conference for retaining this pastoral office of administration on the field now called the Great
Lakes Region.
My reports have taken various forms over the years but I seek to report my work based on the goals which grew out of my
personal purpose and mission statements. I stated these as I began this work.
A PERSONAL PURPOSE STATEMENT
I exist to form a bridge over which people can come together to God through Christ.
A PERSONAL MISSION STATEMENT
To relate to and to network people and their leaders so they connect to God forever through Christ.
Over these past years I have worked with five goals in mind. The first goal is healthy churches. Raising the
health level of local churches has meant various things at different times. I always try to teach healthy responses to
anxiety and conflict. Our workshop on the Pastoral Relations Committee completed this spring across the church is
an attempt to provide a necessary “immune system” in every congregation to handle the stresses we all face.
Another goal of my work was to raise up leaders. I expend much effort with future leaders. Every year I
serve at Rock River Bible Camp in children and youth ministry. I have been active in the You Lead leadership
development which has impacted dozens of high school youth over the years. I accompanied these young leaders on
three mission trips to help expose them to leadership in a different culture. And I have worked at our Pastoral
Assessment Center each year as new pastoral couples emerge to have their callings discovered and affirmed.
The goal of church planting in the GLR was expressed in my work with the restart at New Direction in
Tallmadge, Ohio and the now-chartered church plant Maranatha in Highland Park, IL. I sit on the Church Planting
Commission which gives oversight to this work. Ann and I accompanied Tim and Pam Ream at their Church Planters
Boot Camp.
Mobilizing pastors is another goal which has consumed much of my time. Healthy pastoral relationships
with their congregations are my business. I have sought to deploy pastors in congregations where they can “fit” and
everyone can “flourish.” Under this umbrella comes supervision, stationing, assessing, challenging, credentialing and
generally walking alongside those men who lead us at the local level as shepherds. This corps of leaders are my
heroes.
And my final goal has been to work at fostering fellowship in the EC network and beyond. We have tried to
build relationships between pastors, regions, and churches. We host events to bring groups together socially.
Sec. 5 -Pg. 7
Officers’ Reports and Resolutions
I have appreciated working with other leaders, first in the Western Conference, then at the national level.
They are my brothers and partners in the gospel. Thank you, Mike Sigman, Kevin Leibensperger, Fred Moury and
Bruce Hill for giving us guidance and leading our team. Thank you, Gerry Baum, Fred Moury, Bruce Wagner, Gordy
Lewis and Gary Kuehner for serving with me in the ministry of supervision.
During the year 2013-2014 I again preached in the churches, or visited each congregation. I led Local
Conference in each church. I served as dean at Intermediate Camp at Rock River Bible Camp. I facilitated stationing
at St. James, Dixon, IL, Canyon Falls, KY, Winnebago, IL. I served as assessor at Pastoral Assessment Center, and
attended numerous meetings, by teleconference or in person in the areas of church health, church planting, finances,
camps, supervision, credentialing and stationing.
Rev. Ken Schmoyer, pastor at Winnebago, IL, retired (“superannuated”) leaving that post to an interim who
will become pastor, Dennis Buss. Rev. Don Howell also “superannuated” but will be staying as pastor at Clarks Mills,
PA. Rev. Dirk Pogue, who continued to serve on staff at Christ Church in Highland Park, IL after their disaffiliation
and merger, completed his years of service there in December. Rev. Thellon “Bill” Bryant stepped down as pastor at
Canyon Falls, KY in September. Robert Dunbar has assumed the pastorate at St. James in Dixon, IL.
I wish to commend innovations at three churches in the region:

The Community at New Direction in Tallmadge, Ohio came alongside a ministry in their town to help
provide medical care to the needy and uninsured in their town.

Delightful hosted the local fire department to thank them for their service to the community.

Dixon, Bethel church stepped up to offer a creative partnership with the denomination by sharing their full
time pastor (welcome Randy Sizemore to the Great Lakes Region) who continues as our Executive Director of Global
Ministries Commission. A work team from Bethel church has offered their second year of service to the Canyon Falls,
KY church.

Akron, Ohio First EC Church celebrate ninety years of ministry May 25 of this year.
WEDDINGS
 David and Caren Carr celebrated two weddings of their children in one month in 2013. They travelled to Africa to
celebrate the September 15 wedding of their daughter Cassandra to Samuel Mawanda. The wedding of their son,
Andrew Carr, pastor at Wedgewood EC Church, Youngstown, Ohio to Amber Fussellman of the Cottage Grove church
in Akron, Ohio took place September 29 on Sunday morning! This had impact on EC churches from Illinois to
Pennsylvania!
 Tim and Pam Ream travelled to Colorado for the nuptials of daughter Rebekah to Eric DeFelice on June 15.
 The Great Lakes Region celebrates in anticipation of the June 7 wedding of newly elected Conference Minister Chuck
Campbell, with Annette Wells at Wedgewood Park EC church, her home congregation.
FAREWELLS
It is bittersweet to mark the deaths of many of the pastors and lay leaders of the Great Lakes Region.

Rev. Gerald Davison, of Warren, Ohio, June 23

Rev. Eddie Nelson, of Arizona, July 15 (aged 96)

Rev. Maury “Preach” Friedlund, August 19

Rev. Keith Mong, living in Franklin, PA at his passing August 27

Ordained Deaconness Donna Baldt of Akron, Ohio, December 1

Rev. Harry Carmichael, Akron, Ohio, August 11

Mrs. Martha Moffatt, mother of Caren Carr, August 10.

Bonnie Purnell, mother of Cheryl Mong, June 8.

Reba Leader, missionary and lay delegate, Canyon Falls, KY, April 7.
We are not yet planning to retire and look forward to assuming a pastorate as I complete this work. My work
on a Doctor of Ministry Degree from Northeastern Seminary is on track for 2015. Thank you so much for the privilege
of serving in this position. You have truly made it a joy and not a burden!
Rev. Gary M. Brown
Sec. 5 -Pg. 8
Officers’ Reports and Resolutions
SUSQUEHANNA REGION CONFERENCE MINISTER
REV. DR. GORDON R. LEWIS
Blessings and greetings in the wonderful name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. With the theme of this
National Conference 2014 being that of “Connect”, I am reminded of the prayerful words of our Lord found in John
17:11b, “Holy Father, protect them by the power of Your Name, the Name You gave Me, so that they may be one as
We are one.” Add to that the words of our Lord from John 17:18, “As You sent Me into the world, I have sent them
into the world.” There we have it . . . connect! Connect with the Father, connect with one another, and connect with
those of the world. As far as I can tell, that includes everyone.
It is my belief that we do well in connecting with the Father. We do fairly well in connecting with one
another. The area that we are least effective is that of connecting with those of our world. With that in mind, I have a
few suggestions . . . or should I say challenges for pastors, delegates, and churches. We need to regain our first love
with regard to telling others about the wonders of the love of Jesus Christ and the need for all to repent and be bornagain. What does that entail? Well, from my perspective it is the following:





First things first . . . establish strong prayer connections within the church and proclaim the Word of God in all of its
glory! Every congregation needs to have an individual who can be the prayer coordinator. This individual will initiate
prayer for the advancement of God’s kingdom both within the local church, district, and the denomination, by making
full use of the resources available through the Prayer Mobilization Team and Church Center.
Pastors need to reconnect with their members and non-members through visitation. I realize that this is something
that some feel is no longer necessary, and yet those churches that are growing are those where the pastor takes the
lead in knowing his congregation and community on an individual basis.
Each church needs to develop a “visitation team” to assist the pastor in the above process. No pastor can be a Lone
Ranger. People continue to express the opinion that the people of the local church need to care for one another, as
well as those outside the church building. Statistics still confirm the fact that most of those attending church do so,
not because of the pastor visiting alone, but those within the congregation connecting with them relationally.
Each pastor and congregation needs to examine ways for “fresh expressions” of ministry to those who perhaps have
been disenfranchised from the church, or who have never been part of a local church family. There are a countless
number of ways that this can be done. Each pastor and concerned church member would do well to attend a “Fresh
Expressions” seminar to visualize how to become more effective in reaching pre-Christians. This does not depend on
the size of a congregation, but on the size of passion. Believe it or not, it is possible for several churches or a district to
work together in this area.
Take advantage of the resources that are available in assisting ministry. Through Church Health, Evangelism and
Discipleship, Church Planting, Global Ministries, Finance, Evangelical Seminary, StoneRidge Communities, our
denominational Camping Ministries, Youth Network, Church Leadership, and many more . . . there are countless
ways in which we can support you and the local church.
A few other items:





Rev. Curtis Heisler died as this report was being written. Rev. Heisler faithfully served the Lord at our Fishing Creek
Trinity congregation since 1973. Let us also continue to pray for those families who within our family, have had
someone who has passed on from life to eternal life. As of this writing, in the Susquehanna Region, Alexander Marks
(son of Rev. Kirk Marks), Faye Jones (wife of Rev. Russel Jones), Alice New Parker (mother of Rev. Brian Parker) and
Mary Jane Drupp (wife of Rev. George Drupp) have gone to their eternal home.
Retirement of Harry Dow. Rev. Dow has served the Lord faithfully with ministry among the Free Methodist before
joining the E.C. family in 2002, where he pastored the congregation of our Lititz Trinity Church. Harry is
commended for his service to the Lord and the Evangelical Congregational Church.
My desire is to concentrate on strengthening the districts within the Susquehanna Region. I admit this is one of my
failures to this point, but hopefully will correct this in the coming year. Pastors and delegates will receive a
questionnaire in the near future asking for input on the positives and negatives as to why or why not the districts are
productive.
My speaking engagements for the coming year are going to be carefully regulated. Should you desire my involvement,
I request that you contact me shortly.
I remind you of the resources through Natural Church Development. Currently Williams Valley Faith, Brownstown
Ebenezer, Kinderhook, and Lenhartsville Salem, are involved in the NCD process. Should your church be interested,
Sec. 5 -Pg. 9
Officers’ Reports and Resolutions


please let me know. Do not wait until you are in hospice to ask for revitalization. Each church should look to how
they may become more effective by strengthening their minimal factor of health.
Continue to pray that I will serve the Lord and the denomination effectively. A number have asked what my prayer
request is. Simply, it’s that the Lord will supply me with wisdom and understanding in doing His will among the
pastors and their families, as well as our congregations.
Rev. Dr. Gordon R. Lewis
CONFERENCE HISTORIAN
Congregational Historians as of 3/27/14
Afolkey, Grace – Peiper, Barb
Akron, Cottage Grove – Renner, Matthew
Annville, Zion – Hanley Maryann
Bair, Faith – Stine, Chris
Bangor, First United – Repsher, Mary Ann
Bethlehem, Arabic Living - Morrell, Lois
Canton, First – Wilds, Dene
Canyon Falls – Guthery, Grace
Columbia, Grace – Vondran, Lynn
Crossroads, Bethany – Neely, Violet
Dixon, St. James – Pitzer, Frances
East Weissport, People’s – Ogden, Rev. Ken
Fogelsville, Hope Community – Daneker, Sr. Rev. Robert
Lancaster, Faith – Royer, Lawrence
Lancaster, Trinity – Urban, John
Lawn – Stoffel, Rev. William
Lebanon, First – Klopp, Sherri
Lehighton, Bethany – Kokinda, Sandi
Lenhartsville, Salem – Zimmerman, Jennifer
Lititz, Trinity – Reedy, Ron
Mohnton, Zion – Phillippi, Rebecca
Palmerton, Living Hope Lighthouse – Sheckler, Beth
Palmyra, First – Walmer, Daniel
Plymouth Meeting – Smith, Louise
Reedsville, Bethesda – Corby, Alice
Reichs – Keller, Richard
Rexmont – Sechrist, Geraldine
Royersford, Trinity – Guest, Phyllis
Sch. Haven, Grace – Reed, J. Daniel
Steelstown, St. John’s – Blauch, Robert
Trevorton, Emmanuel – Ross, Glen
Williams Valley, Faith – Samuel, Rev. H. Robert
Willow Street, Grace Community – Myers, Dolores
Winnebago, Evangelical Fellowship – Rowley, John
York, St. Paul – Boose, Beverly
Rev. Gary Brown
NATIONAL CONFERENCE SECRETARY/
CONFERENCE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
The National Conference Secretary’s Report to this May 2014 session of National Conference includes the
minutes of the two National Ministry Team meetings (omitting the documents listed as attached to the minutes) that
took place this conference year and a summary of the National Executive Committee’s work in this past conference
year.
The full minutes of all National Executive Committee and National Ministry Team meetings, including all of
the supporting documents, are kept in the official National Conference Secretary files, currently housed at
Reamstown St. Paul’s.
SUMMARY OF NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE WORK
In accordance with responsibilities assigned to it by the Discipline and the National Conference Rules, the Executive
Committee of the National Conference continues to meet to monitor situations between Conference and National
Ministry Team sessions and take action on emergency situations. The National Executive Committee is made up of
the Bishop, the Vice-Chair of Conference (senior Conference Minister), the National Conference Secretary, and the
National Conference Treasurer.
Sec. 5 -Pg. 10
Officers’ Reports and Resolutions
Over the last conference year, the National Executive Committee has been dealing with the following situations:
Property Issues

The property of the former Amity Road EC Church in Ohio is in the hands of the National Conference and is in the
process of being sold.

The property of the former Salem EC Church in Mahanoy City, PA, an extinct EC congregation, is in the process of
coming into National Conference ownership for eventual sale.

The parsonage currently being used by the Great Lakes Region Conference Minister on Jarvis Road in Green, Ohio
will be sold after Gary Brown’s term ends. The NEC is overseeing several issues connected to this property in
cooperation with the Controller’s office.

The NEC has overseen denominational support to the property transition resulting from the merger of our Millersville
Grace church with Grace Community in Willow Street.
Personnel Matters

The NEC reviewed plans for restructuring the Director of Global Ministries position into a shared ministry position.

The NEC recommended that NMT alter the Conference Minister election timeline to allow for a shorter transition
period.

At its February 7th meeting, the NEC approved the recommendation of the Great Lakes Region Conference Relations
Committee for the immediate transfer of Rev. Donald Howells to superannuated status.

At its February 7th meeting, the NEC elected Rev. Richard Nahodil to fill the unexpired term of Rev. Douglas Evans as
Delaware Region Stationing Elder until National Conference.
SUMMARY OF NATIONAL MINISTRY TEAM ACTIONS
The National Ministry Team met for its regular fall meeting on October 24 th, 2013 (minutes attached). In
summary, at that session the NMT approved a series of reports from various Conference committees and
commissions, and adopted the budgets of the GMC and Church Planting Commission. It also approved the NEC
recommendation to alter the Conference Minister election timeline to allow for a shorter transition period.
The National Ministry met for its regular spring meeting March 13th, 2014 (minutes attached). In summary,
at that session the NMT received a report from the Bishop regarding National Conference finances and adopted 2014
National Conference budget revisions as recommended by the Finance Committee. The NMT also adopted the
Episcopacy Committee’s report on the Bishop’s evaluation. The NMT reviewed the application from our Japan
Mission Conference to become a National Conference and unanimously recommended that action to National
Conference. The NMT approved a report of the Futures Initiative Team and recommended a document entitled “The
Church” for National Conference approval.
Minutes of the National Ministry Team Meeting
October 24, 2013
Zinn Common of Evangelical Theological Seminary Center
Thursday, October 24, 2013
9:00 AM
Opening
The National Ministry Team met in regular session on the above date. Bishop Bruce D. Hill
opened the meeting by welcoming the delegates
Word & Prayer
Rev. James Price, pastor of Zion EC Church, Mohnton presented the devotional message on
Luke 11:37-53 on repentance and challenged us to search our hearts. Following a time of
prayer requests Rev. Price led in prayer.
Announcement
Bishop Hill announced that since the Conference Secretary, Rev. Kirk Marks was on a
ministry leave following the death of his son, Jodi Earhart will be serving as Recording
Secretary.
Attendance
Each member of the NMT present introduced him or herself to the group and the secretary
recorded the attendance (attached).
Minutes
Bishop Hill presented the minutes from the March 14, 2013 NMT meeting (attached). On
motion, the minutes were approved.
Sec. 5 -Pg. 11
Officers’ Reports and Resolutions
Bishop’s Report
Bishop Bruce D. Hill vacated the chair, Rev. Gary Brown, National Conference vicechairman, assumed the chair of the meeting. Bishop Hill presented his report, a written copy
had been distributed in the report packet (attached). There was a time of questions and
answers. On motion, the report was approved. Bishop Hill reassumed the chair for the
meeting.
On motion, the NMT approves the Director of Global Ministries to enter into a shared
ministries position. Randy will begin this shared ministry on January 1, 2014.
The National Ministry Team decided not to act on the resolution regarding Grace EC Church,
Millersville at this time.
The National Ministry Team stood at recess for ten minutes.
NEC
Bishop Hill presented the report of the National Executive Committee (attached).
On motion, the NMT adopts the recommendation that the time-line for the Susquehanna
Region CM election be condensed to provide for a six month transition period. On motion,
that all future CM elections be conducted according to a six-month transition guideline be
referred to the Amendments Committee.
On motion, the report and the actions described in the report were adopted.
NC Treasurer
Mrs. Debra Patterson, National Conference Treasurer, presented her report (attached). On
motion, the treasurer’s report was adopted.
Housing Allowances
Mrs. Debra Patterson, National Conference Treasurer, presented the following housing
allowance recommendations for National Conference church planters and related employees
for 2014:

Rick Christman - $15,000

Pat Strain - $13,500

Gary Brown - $6,500

Bruce Hill - $18,000

Gordy Lewis - $20,000

Gary Kuehner - $15,600

Christ Bronico - $5,400

Dana Logan - $8,000
On motion, the recommendations were adopted.
Conference Services
Bishop Hill presented the National Conference Services Committee report including the
proposed budget for 2014 (attached). The committee is not asking for an increase in the
conference registration fee. On motion, the report was adopted.
On motion, the National Ministry Team stood at recess for lunch.
Thursday, October 24, 2013
12:45 PM
ETS
Rev. Dr. Anthony Blair, President of the Evangelical Theological Seminary, presented a
verbal report. Dr. Blair updated us on enrollment being down in the M.Div. program. He said
the seminary needs to expand what they offer and where they offer it. He updated the NMT
on the probable opening of a campus in Lancaster, PA. On motion, the report was adopted.
Rev. Dr. Robert Mavis led in a time of prayer for ETS.
Episcopacy
Committee
Rev. Marlin Lafferty, chairman of the Episcopacy Committee, presented this committee’s
report (attached). On motion, the report was adopted.
Sec. 5 -Pg. 12
Officers’ Reports and Resolutions
Benefits Corporation Mr. Kevin Henry, National Conference Controller, presented the report (attached) and
answered some specific questions. On motion, the report was adopted. It was shared that
we were thankful to Mr. David King, Benefits Administrator and Mr. Kevin Henry, Controller
in helping us negotiate a health insurance plan with only a five (5) percent increase.
Amendments
Committee
Mr. Trent Stehr, Chairman, reviewed the report (attached) including the time-line to be
followed. On motion, the report was received.
L & I Committee
Mr. Kevin Henry, National Conference Controller, presented this report (attached). On
motion, the report was received.
Church Health
Commission
Dr. Gary Kuehner presented the Church Health Commission’s report (attached). He gave
some additional details on matters in the report. On motion, to receive the report was
adopted.
Church Planting
Commission
Rev. Les Cool, Church Planting Associate, presented the Church Planting report and 2014
Budget (attached) and gave some verbal highlights. On motion, the Church Planting
Commission’s report was adopted. On motion, the CPC 2014 budget was adopted.
GMC
Rev. Randy Sizemore, Director of Global Ministries presented his report highlighting by the
end of 2014 we will have deployed GMC teams to Liberia, Mexico, Japan, India and Nepal.
Rev. Sizemore said by May 2014, Japan will be ready to be declared a National Conference.
This will be our third National Conference. By 2016, Mexico will be our fourth National
Conference. To date we have 29 missionary workers (units). On motion, the report was
received. On motion, the GMC 2014 Financial Plan was adopted.
Evangelism &
Discipleship
Commission
Bishop Hill presented the report of the Evangelism and Discipleship Commission (attached)
and gave some highlights. On motion, the report was received.
Leadership
Commission
Bishop Hill presented the report of the Leadership Commission (attached). He highlighted
some changes in the Local Preachers Course of Study (now included in the Seminary’s
Institute for Church Leadership) and the distribution of funding in student aid. The Lay
Preacher will be required to take 8 core courses and 12 core courses for the Local Preacher
certification. A question was asked about our military chaplains and same sex marriages.
Bishop Hill reminded the NMT of the Resolution we passed at National Conference 2013. It
was suggested since final approval of disciplinary amendments is still some time off, we
should look at making this Resolution a Standing Rule of National Conference. Bishop Hill
will work on that. Rev. Robert Brown, denominational endorser, led us in a time of prayer
for our chaplains, seminary and United Methodist brothers and sisters who are struggling
with this issue. On motion, the report was adopted.
Property Committee
Mr. Kevin Henry, Chairman, gave verbal updates on the Amity Road/Galloway, Mahanoy
City, and Millersville properties. The Property Committee will oversee the Grace EC
Millersville property. On motion, the report was received.
Lawsuit Updates
Bishop Hill gave verbal updates of lawsuits or potential suits for information.
FIT
Rev. Les Cool, co-chair of the Future’s Initiative, presented this report (attached) and gave
some verbal highlights. There are 4 new members added to the team since National
Conference. Les and Bishop Hill answered a number of questions arising from the report.
On motion, the report was received. On motion in light of the recently received critique of
the Ecclesiology Statement and a desire to refer to Jesus as “Jesus Christ” throughout the
document, the NTM referred the Statement back to the Ecclesiology Work Group to review
it. On motion, the report was received.
GLR-CM
Nominating
Rev. Bruce D. Hill, Bishop, gave a verbal report of the progress of the committee. There are
two pastors who applied for the position. The committee will now begin the interview
process. The beginning of December the names of those on the ballot will be announced. A
Sec. 5 -Pg. 13
Officers’ Reports and Resolutions
special meeting of the Region will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2014 at 10:00 AM
(Eastern Time) for the purpose of electing a new Conference Minister. The main meeting will
take place in Lakeside EC Church, Transfer, PA and will be video-cast live to Bethel EC
Church, Dixon, IL for the National Conference members living in that area. A set of tellers
will be at both locations. On motion the report was received.
Evaluation
Committees
The Bishop announced that two Evaluation Committees need to be formed: one to evaluate
the Bishop and one for the Delaware Region Conference Minister. According to the Rules of
Conference the Bishop shall form the CM committee and the NMT shall oversee the Bishop’s
evaluation. On motion, the NMT will have the Episcopacy Committee serve as the Bishop’s
evaluation committee.
District News
A number of district representatives gave reports on various district level ministries and
activities that are planned for the upcoming months.
Bishop Hill closed the National Ministry Team in a word of prayer.
Upcoming Meetings
Upcoming National Ministry Team meeting is scheduled for March 13, 2014.
On motion, the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Mrs. Jodi Earhart, Secretary Pro-Tem
Minutes of the National Ministry Team Meeting
Spring 2014
Zinn Common of Evangelical Theological Seminary Center
Thursday, March 13, 2014
9:00 AM
Opening
The National Ministry Team met in regular session on the above date. Bishop Bruce D. Hill
opened the meeting by welcoming the delegates
Word & Prayer
Rev. Gary Brown, the National Conference Vice-Chairman and the Conference Minister for
the Great Lakes Region, offered the opening devotional message from Numbers 13 and
Hebrews 10.
Attendance
Each present member of the NMT introduced him or herself to the group and the secretary
recorded the attendance (attached).
Minutes
Rev. Kirk Marks, National Conference Secretary, presented the minutes from the October 24,
2013 NMT meeting (attached) and expressed appreciation to Jodi Earhart who served as
Secretary Pro-Tem and prepared those minutes. On motion, these minutes stood approved.
Bishop’s Report
Bishop Bruce D. Hill vacated the chair, Rev. Gary Brown, National Conference ViceChairman, assumed the chair of the meeting. Bishop Hill presented his report and a written
copy was distributed (attached). On motion, the report was approved. Bishop Hill
reassumed the chair for the meeting.
On motion, the NMT approves the Director of Global Ministries to enter into a shared
ministries position. Randy will begin this shared ministry on January 1, 2014.
The National Ministry Team decided not to act on the resolution regarding Grace EC Church,
Millersville at this time.
NEC
The Secretary presented the report of the National Executive Committee (attached). A
spelling error in the report was noted and corrected. On motion, the report as corrected
was approved.
Sec. 5 -Pg. 14
Officers’ Reports and Resolutions
NC Treasurer
Mrs. Debra Patterson, National Conference Treasurer, presented her report (attached). She
also called attention to the EC Leader, in which reminders of items due to Conference are
printed. She reported that the Bishop has also been describing the value and use of Ministry
Funds in articles in that publication. On motion, the treasurer’s report was adopted.
On motion, the NMT approved a recommendation from the Conference Treasurer to approve
the request of Rev. Chuck Campbell, incoming Great Lakes Conference Minister, to
designate $20,000 of his salary as housing allowance.
On motion, the NMT approved revisions to the 2014 National Conference budget as
recommended by the Finance Committee (attached).
Episcopacy
Committee
Rev. Marlin Lafferty, chairman of the Episcopacy Committee, presented this committee’s
report entitled “The Evaluation of the Bishop” (attached). Bishop Hill explained that it is the
responsibility of the NMT to oversee the evaluation of the Bishop in the third year of the
bishop’s term. At the last NMT meeting the team assigned this responsibility to the
Episcopacy Committee. Rev. Lafferty briefly described the process and gave highlights of the
report document. On motion, the report was adopted.
L & I Committee
Mr. Kevin Henry, National Conference Controller, presented the report of the Loan and
Investment Committee (attached). On motion, the report was approved.
Church Health
Commission
Rev. Gary Kuehner, chair of the Church Health Commission, presented this report
(attached). On motion, the report was adopted.
GMC
Rev. Randy Sizemore, Director of Global Ministries, presented his report (attached). He gave
some highlights of his new schedule in the new shared ministry arrangement. On motion, the
report was adopted. Rev. Sizemore presented a document outlining a proposal that Japan be
granted National Conference status.
On motion, the NMT recommended that, based on Japan’s application and recommendation
of the Global Ministries Commission, the National Conference (USA) declare our current
Mission Conference in Japan to be a National Conference: The Evangelical Congregational
Church of Japan.
On motion, the National Ministry Team stood at recess for lunch.
Thursday, March 13, 2014
1:00 PM
ETS
The session reconvened and Dr. Tony Blair, President of the Evangelical Theological
Seminary, brought greetings and gave an update on the work of the seminary.
Church Planting
Commission
Rev. Leslie Cool, Church Planting Associate, presented the report of the Church Planting
Commission (attached). He gave some verbal updates on church planting. On motion, the
report was adopted.
Leadership
Commission
Bishop Hill presented the report of the Leadership Commission (attached). On motion the
report was adopted.
Benefits
Corporation
Mr. Kevin Henry, National Conference Controller, presented a verbal report. He also
announced that there will be three “benefit conferences” coming up to further resource our
pastors and retirees. On motion, the report was adopted.
National Conference Bishop Hill gave a description of his plans for National Conference this year. The theme of
Preview
this year’s conference will be Connect based on 1 Thessalonians 2:8. In place of an outside
speaker, stories about good things taking place in our churches will be presented.
FIT
Bishop Hill and Rev. Leslie Cool, co-chairs of the Futures Initiative Team, presented a report
Sec. 5 -Pg. 15
Officers’ Reports and Resolutions
for the Futures Initiative Team (attached) which includes a revised ecclesiology statement
entitled “The Church”. On motion, the report was adopted.
On motion, the document “The Church” was approved and recommended to National
Conference for final approval.
Supervisory
Rev. Gary Kuehner, secretary of the Supervisory Committee, presented a written document
that outlines a rule change the Supervisory Committee is recommending to National
Conference. This recommendation will change the makeup of the voting membership of the
National Ministry Team.
District News
Several members shared news from their churches and districts.
Upcoming Meetings
Upcoming National Ministry Team meetings are scheduled for October 23, 2014, March 12,
2015, and October 22, 2015.
On motion, the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Rev. Kirk R. Marks,
National Conference Secretary
NATIONAL CONFERENCE TREASURER
On December 31, 2013 the National Conference (NC) recorded an unaudited net decrease in net assets of
$27,000 and a decrease of cash of $12,000. Ministry funds ended the year $103,000 under budget and $73,000
under YTD actual December 2012. On the positive side expenses are also under budget by $16,000 and $51,000
under YTD December 2012., excluding the pension FASB adjustment. Overall, the NC had a down year financially
with continued negative pressure on the future financial health of the denomination.
It is expected with the loss of Millersville EC, Martindale EC, and Allentown Seibert EC during 2013 that ministry
funds will continue to decline into 2014. The $12,000 decrease in cash would have been greater if not for the
appropriations paid back from Cedarville EC, Martindale EC and Allentown Seibert EC totaling $23,000 and a
$20,000 transfer in from the L&I Fund. Excluding these items, cash would have decreased $55,000 for the year.
While it can be said that the excess in the L&I Fund should be used to fund NC operations, it is also true that spending
by the NC is being suppressed which is limiting cash decreases.
National Conference administration and staff are consciously aware of spending and are being proactive with
cost control. Salary increases for denominational leadership and the Church Center staff have been under the
recommendations of the Pastoral Compensation Committee for the past two years, repairs and improvements to the
Church Center building are being deferred, three full time NC staff members are receiving health insurance from their
spouses and restructuring of the business office has eliminated a part time position. Moving into 2014 the NC is
expected to experience $6,000 to $8,000 in further cost reductions with a change in telephone service providers and
reduced rates on a photocopier lease. Further cost reductions are going to have diminishing returns to the financial
health of the denomination. A structural realignment of costs is necessary to stabilize the financial health of the
National Conference.
I understand local churches are under similar financial pressures and are also suppressing salaries and benefits
and deferring building maintenance to minimize their costs. The NC is actively pursuing strategies to realign
resources to effectively position the denomination for ministry in the 21st century as well as ease the financial burden
on the local church.
Debra Patterson
Sec. 5 -Pg. 16
Officers’ Reports and Resolutions
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT
To the National Conference of
The Evangelical Congregational Church
Myerstown, Pennsylvania
Report on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying financial statements of The National Conference of the Evangelical
Congregational Church (a nonprofit organization), which comprise the statement of financial position as of December
31, 2013, and the related statements of activities and cash flows for the year then ended, and the related notes to the
financial statements.
Management’s Responsibility for the Financial Statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial statements in accordance with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America; this includes the design, implementation,
and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements that are
free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
Auditor’s Responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit
in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United State of America. Those standards require
that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free
from material misstatement.
An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgment, including the assessment of the risks of
material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments,
the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation and fair presentation of the financial
statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of
expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of
significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial
statements.
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit
opinion.
Opinion
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position
of The National Conference of the Evangelical Congregational Church as of December 31, 2013, and the changes in its
net assets and its cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in
the United States of America.
Other Matter
Our audit was conducted for the purpose of forming an opinion on the financial statements as a whole. The
combining schedules on page 17-19 are presented for purposes of additional analysis and are not a required part of the
financial statements. Such information is the responsibility of management and was derived from and relates directly
to the underlying accounting and other records used to prepare the financial statements. The information has been
subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audit of the financial statements and certain additional
procedures, including comparing and reconciling such information directly to the underlying accounting and other
records used to prepare the financial statements generally accepted in the United States of America. In our opinion
the information is fairly stated in all material respects in relation to the financial statements as a whole.
May 21, 2014
Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
Hamilton & Musser, P.C.
Certified Public Accountants
Sec. 5 -Pg. 17
Officers’ Reports and Resolutions
Statement of Financial Position
December 31, 2013
Assets
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Investments (Note 2)
Unrestricted
Temporarily Restricted
Accounts Receivable
Notes Receivable (Note 3)
Loans Receivable (Note 4)
Student Aid Loans Receivable (Note 5)
Accrued Interest Receivable (Note 4)
Inventory
Prepaid Expenses
Property held for Resale
Fixed Assets, Net (Note 6)
$
453,008
6,052,399
820,015
20,524
193,446
3,108,469
63,242
52,044
11,566
39,793
520,000
393,215
Total Assets
$11,727,721
Liabilities
Accounts Payable
Accrued Expenses
District Liabilities
Certificates of Indebtedness (Note 7)
Annuities Payable (Note 12)
Liability for Pension Benefits (Note 9)
$
Total Liabilities
37,225
24,265
2,368
5,801,400
48,982
529,918
6,444,158
Net Assets
Unrestricted
Temporarily Restricted (Note 8)
4,463,548
820,015
Total Net Assets
5,283,563
Total Liabilities and Net Assets
$11,727,721
Statement of Activities
For the Year Ended December 31, 2013
Unrestricted
Revenue
Ministry Funds
Registrations
Ministry Aids
Board of Pensions
Hospitalization
Pension
Interest Income on Loans Receivable (Note 4)
Investment Income (Note 2)
$ 1,134,532
45,362
25,540
204,607
83,342
139,061
195.342
Sec. 5 -Pg. 18
Temporarily
Restricted
$
Total
-------
$ 1,134,532
45,362
25,540
---------
204,607
83,342
139,061
195,342
Officers’ Reports and Resolutions
Special Offerings
Other/Miscellaneous
Support
Other Offerings and Funds
Release from Restrictions
Total Revenue
Expenses
Program Services
Supporting Services
Management and General
Total Expenses
Change in Net Assets
Net Assets, Beginning of Year
Net Asset Reclassification (Note 16)
FAS 158 Adjustment – Pension Plan (Note 9)
Net Assets, End of Year
241,258
231,531
----1,379,850
----1,332,549
23,589
(1,379,850)
241,258
231,531
1,332,549
23,589
---
3,680,425
(23,712)
3,656,713
2,458,094
---
2,458,094
1,172,706
---
1,172,706
3,630,800
---
3,630,800
49,625
(23,712)
2549134
4,263,818
62,193
87,912
905,920
(62,193)
---
5,169,738
$ 4,463,548
$ 820,015
$ 5,283,563
87,912
Statement of Cash Flows
For the Year Ended December 31, 2012
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Change in Net Assets
Adjustment to Reconcile Change in Net Assets to
Net Cash and Cash Equivalents Provided by Operating Activities:
Depreciation
Loan Receivable Forgiveness
Unrealized Loss on Investments
Realized Gain on Sale of Investments
FAS 158 Adjustment
(Increase) Decrease in:
Accounts Receivable
Accrued Interest Receivable
Prepaid Expenses
Increase (Decrease) in:
Accounts Payable
Accrued Expenses
District Liabilities
Charitable Gift Annuities
Liability for Pension Benefits
Net Cash and Cash Equivalents Provided by Operating Activities
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Purchases of Investments
Proceeds from Sale of Investments
Purchase of Fixed Assets
Payments on Notes Receivable
Payments on Loans Receivable
New Loans Receivable
New Student Aid Loans Receivable
$ 25,913
43,370
74,060
175,452
(55,714)
87,912
(11,322)
16,625
(2,244)
21,197
(42,960)
397
(5,146)
(87,912)
239,628
(3,064,647)
2,751,374
(1,895)
4,525
726,896
(276,458)
(25,486)
Net Cash and Cash Equivalents Provided by Investing Activities
Sec. 5 -Pg. 19
114,309
Officers’ Reports and Resolutions
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Return of Capital on Certificates of Indebtedness
Net Cash and Cash Equivalent Used by Financing Activities
Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents
(388,000)
(388,000)
(34,063)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of the Year
487,071
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Year
453,008
Supplement Cash Flow Disclosures:
Cash Paid for Interest
Cash Paid for Income Taxes
156,805
---
Notes to Financial Statements
For the Year Ended December 31, 2013
NOTE 1
NATURE OF ACTIVITIES AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Nature of Activities:
The Evangelical Congregational Church was incorporated by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on May 5, 1933 as a
non-profit organization. On May 27, 2003, the General Conference, Eastern Conference, Western Conference and the
Division of Missions all merged and became the National Conference of the Evangelical Congregational Church (the
National Conference). The National Conference is supported by contributions from our churches and individuals. It
is made up of various Commissions that provide resources and support to our various ministries. Numerous
ministries of the Evangelical Congregational Church are affiliated but separately incorporated, and are operated
independently. These affiliates include the Evangelical Theological Seminary, Twin Pines Camp, the Evangelical
Congregational Church Historical Society, New Dawn Christian Community Services (NDCCS), and the Evangelical
Congregational Church Benefits Corporation. Voting members of the National Conference of the Evangelical
Congregational Church elect Trustees who comprise at least fifty percent of each of the respective Boards. In
addition, Camp ECCO and the Rock River Bible Camp, two affiliated camping ministries, are also separately
incorporated but elect their own Trustees at the local church level. These financial statements do not include any
financial information related to any of these affiliates.
Basis of Accounting:
The financial statements of the National Conference have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting and,
accordingly, reflect all significant receivables, payables and other liabilities.
Basis of Presentation:
Financial statement presentation follows the Not-for-Profit Entities topic of the Financial Accounting Standards
Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) which requires the National Conference to report
information regarding its financial position and activities according to three classes of net assets: unrestricted net
assets, temporarily restricted net assets, and permanently restricted net assets. The National Conference had no
permanently restricted net assets.
Revenue Recognition:
Contributions received are recorded as increases in unrestricted, temporarily restricted, or permanently restricted net
assets, depending on the existence and/or nature of any donor restrictions.
All donor-restricted contributions are reported as increases in temporarily or permanently restricted net asset
depending on the nature of the restriction. When a restriction expires (that is, when a stipulated time restriction ends
or purpose restriction is accomplished), temporarily restricted net assets are reclassified to unrestricted net assets
and reported in the Statement of Activities as net assets released from restrictions. The National Conference had no
permanently restricted net assets.
Sec. 5 -Pg. 20
Officers’ Reports and Resolutions
Programs:
In order to ensure observance of the limitations and restrictions placed on the use of the resources available to the
National Conference, the accounts are grouped into and maintained in programs.
The programs maintained by the National Conference are as follows:
Commission on Evangelism/Discipleship - provides evangelistic and outreach resources to our pastors and
congregations.
Commission on Church Health - provides ministry support and diagnostic tools that enable our churches to
renew their health as congregations.
Commission on Leadership - provides for the training of our pastors and the assessing of men desiring to
pastor one of our congregations.
Commission on Church Planting - provides supervision, training, and encouragement to our current church
plants and encouragement to our existing congregations to become involved.
Global Ministries Commission - provides for the supervision, training, and support of our missionaries.
Camps - provides camping opportunities in a Christian environment for all ages.
Fixed Assets:
It is the policy of the National Conference to record purchased fixed assets at cost and donated assets at their fair
value at the date of donation. Depreciation is provided on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of
the assets.
New acquisitions of fixed assets having a low acquisition cost, or which are not expected to last for more than a year,
are expended in the year of acquisition. Repairs and maintenance charges are capitalized and depreciated when they
materially extend the useful life of the related asset.
Taxation:
The National Conference is exempt from Federal Income Tax as provided by Code Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal
Revenue Code. Donors are entitled to deductions for Federal Income Tax purposes for contributions made to the
National Conference in accordance with the Internal Revenue Code. Accordingly, no income tax is incurred unless
the National Conference earns income considered to be unrelated business income. The National Conference
conducted no activities that were subject to income taxes.
Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America require management to evaluate tax
positions taken by the National Conference. Management evaluated the tax positions taken and concluded that the
National Conference had taken no uncertain tax positions that require recognition or disclosure in the financial
statements. No provision or benefit for income taxes has been included in these financial statements. With few
exceptions, the National Conference is no longer subject to income tax examinations by the U.S. federal, state or local
tax authorities for years before December 31, 2010.
Investments:
Investments are valued at their fair market values on a recurring basis in the Statement of Financial Position.
Fair Value Reporting requires an establishment of a hierarchy that ranks the quality and reliability of inputs, or
assumptions, used in the determination of fair value and requires financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value to
be classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:
Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities
Level 2 – Directly or indirectly observable inputs other than Level 1 quoted prices
Level 3 – Unobservable inputs not corroborated by market data
Sec. 5 -Pg. 21
Officers’ Reports and Resolutions
For investments that have quoted market prices in active markets, the National Conference uses the quoted market
prices as fair values and includes those investments in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. When quoted market prices
in active markets are not available, various pricing services are used to determine fair value of investments that are
included in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Level 3 represents financial assets whose fair value is determined
based upon inputs that are unobservable and include the National Conference’s own determinations of the
assumptions that a market participant would use in pricing the asset.
Investment income, including realized and unrealized gains restricted by donors, is reported as an increase in
unrestricted net assets if the restrictions are met (either a stipulated time period or a purpose restriction is
accomplished) in the reporting period in which the income and gains are recognized.
Investments are exposed to various risks, such as interest rate, market and credit. Due to the level of risk associated
with certain investments and the level of uncertainty related to changes in the value of investments, it is at least
reasonably possible changes in risks in the near term would materially affect investment assets reported in the
Statements of Financial Position and Activities.
Inventory:
Inventories consist of materials held for resale. These items are valued at the lower of cost or market on a first-in,
first-out basis.
Contributed Services:
The National Conference receives a substantial amount of donated services in carrying out the various ministries of
the National Conference. No amounts have been reflected in the financial statements for those services since they do
not meet the criteria for recognition.
Use of Estimates:
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United
States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect certain reported amounts
and disclosures. Accordingly, actual results could differ from those estimates.
Accounts Receivable:
Accounts receivable are stated at the amount management expects to collect from balances outstanding at year-end.
Based on management’s assessment of outstanding balances, it has concluded that losses on balances outstanding at
year-end will be immaterial.
Notes Receivable:
Notes receivable are stated at the amount management expects to collect from balances outstanding at year-end.
Based on management’s assessment of outstanding balances, it has concluded that losses on balances outstanding at
year-end will be immaterial.
Property Held for Resale
Property held for resale consists of parsonage properties held for resale. The properties are valued at fair value at the
date of contribution or transfer.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
For purposes of the Statement of Cash Flows, cash and cash equivalents include all highly liquid investments with an
initial maturity date of three months or less.
NOTE 2
INVESTMENTS
Investments are summarized as follows at December 31, 2013
Cost
Equities
Corporate Bonds
Corporate Mortgage Backed Securities
Mutual Funds
Preferreds/Fixed Rate Cap Secs
$ 11,695
430,000
318,469
1,937,497
732,007
Sec. 5 -Pg. 22
Market Value
$ 7,906
476,650
288,126
1,863,712
709,605
Officers’ Reports and Resolutions
Unit Investment Funds
3,678,470
3,526,415
$ 7,108,138
$ 6,872,41
Fair Value Measurements are summarized as follows at December 31, 2012:
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
Equities
Corporate Bonds
Corporate Mortgage Backed Securities
Mutual Funds
Preferreds/Fixed Rate Cap Secs
Unit Investment Trusts
Total
Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Total
$ 7,906
----1,863,712
-----
$ --476,650
288,126
--709,605
3,526,415
$ 7,906
476,650
288,126
1,863,712
709,605
3,526,415
$ 1,871,618
$ 5,000,796
$ 6,872,414
Investment income for the year ended December 31, 2013 is summarized as follows:
NOTES 3
Interest and Dividends
Realized Gain on Sale of Investments
Unrealized Loss on Investments
$ 315,080
55,714
(175,452)
Total Investment Income
$ 195,342
NOTES RECEIVABLE
Notes receivable are summarized as follows at December 31, 2013:
Remaining Term
Iglesia Buenas Nuevas
Clarion E.C. Church
Edwin & Marisel Mieses
Bethesda Temple
Undefined
Undefined
6 years
5 years
Interest Rate
Amount
None
None
5.0%
4.25%
Total Notes Receivable
NOTE 4
$ 19,500
147,600
16,059
10,287
$193,446
LOANS RECEIVABLE
Loans receivable are summarized as follows at December 31, 2013:
4.00% Loans Receivable
Investment Pool Loans Receivable
Total Loans Receivable
$ 234,377
2,874,092
$ 3,108,469
The 4.00% loans receivable are loans due from member churches. These loans are interest only loans, at a rate of
4.00% (as of July 1, 2013), for the first five years of repayment. After the first five years, 20% of the original principal
is due each anniversary date for the next five years until the loan is repaid in full.
The Investment Pool loans receivable are loans due from member churches. The interest rate charged on the loans is
set by the Loan and Investment Committee. The current interest rate charged on the loans is 3.75% (as of July 1,
2013), but can be changed by action of the Loan and Investment Committee. Loans that originated prior to October 1,
Sec. 5 -Pg. 23
Officers’ Reports and Resolutions
2004 do not have a principal repayment schedule and principal payments are at the discretion of the borrower.
Loans that originated after October 1, 2004 have a set principal repayment schedule.
During 2009, the National Conference eliminated the option to make interest-only payments. All of the loans now
have a set principal repayment schedule with the exception of two that are still operating under the original interestonly agreement.
The majority of the loans are secured by mortgages or liens. Accrued interest on these loans receivable was $52,044
at December 31, 2013.
Interest income from the notes receivable at December 31, 2013 was $139,061.
NOTE 5
STUDENT AID LOANS RECEIVABLE
Approved candidates and licensed and ordained ministers who are pursuing their ministerial training in either college
or seminary are eligible for student aid loans. Student aid is granted to seminary students attending the Evangelical
Theological Seminary unless granted permission to attend some other theological institution by the Conference
Relations Committee. Aid will be considered upon receipt of the application and the signed statement for the release
of grades and current credit hour totals from the institution last attended. Loans for theological training are granted
for a maximum of ninety-six semester hours. A cumulative grade level of 2.5 must be maintained. A student may not
fall below a 2.5 grade level for two successive semesters or they lose the opportunity for more aid.
The amount of the student aid is determined by the total student aid offering received which together with the
Evangelical Theological Seminary scholarship interest forms the student aid fund.
The loans will be repaid by the student to the National Conference as follows:
 The National Conference will credit the seminary student as repayment one year of full-time service in the
Evangelical Congregational Church for every sixteen credit hours, or fraction thereof, of aid given. Student payments
and credits shall be applied first to the earliest sums received as aid.
 The full balance of said sum shall be repaid in monthly installments within ten years of completing the course of
study if any of the following events occur: (1) whenever the student disaffiliates from the Evangelical Congregational
Church; (2) whenever the student ceases to be in full-time service and returns his ministerial credentials though he
may remain as a member of the Evangelical Congregational Church; (3) whenever the student ceases to be in full-time
service, retains his credentials but does not return to full-time service within two years.
 Interest at the rate of 6.00% per annum from the date of receipt by the student shall begin to run on the unpaid
balance upon the occurrence of the earliest of any of the events set forth in the above statement.
The balance of student aid loans receivable as of December 31, 2013 was $63,242.
NOTE 6
FIXED ASSETS
Fixed assets are summarized as follows at December 31, 2013:
Land
Buildings and Improvements
Furniture and Equipment
Automobiles
$ 32,491
695,845
211,645
108,494
Less: Accumulated Depreciation
1,048,475
(655,260)
Fixed Assets, Net
$ 393,215
The estimated useful lives for purpose of computing depreciation are as follows:
Buildings and Improvements
15-39 years
Sec. 5 -Pg. 24
Officers’ Reports and Resolutions
Furniture and Equipment
Automobiles
5-10 years
3-5 years
Depreciation expense for the year ended December 31, 2013 was $43,370.
NOTE 7
CERTICIATES OF INDEBTEDNESS
The National Conference holds certificates of indebtedness from individuals and churches of the Evangelical
Congregational Church. On July 1, 2013, the interest rate paid changed to 1.75% and is paid semiannually on their
investments. There is no repayment schedule for these certificates, and the investors can redeem their certificates at
any time and will receive payment from the National Conference within ninety days. The balance of these certificates
at December 31, 2013 was $5,801,400.
Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2013 was $156,805.
NOTE 8
TEMPORARILY RESTRICTED NET ASSETS
Temporarily restricted net assets at December 31, 2012 are available for the following purposes:
Commission on Church Planting
Missionaries and Missions Projects
161,621
658,394
Total Temporarily Restricted Net Assets
NOTE 9
$ 820,015
PENSION PLAN
The National Conference Defined Benefit Plan was frozen in 1999, not allowing any additional participants to be
added to the plan since that date. At December 31, 2013 the plan had 40 remaining participants.
The annual measurement date is December 31 for the pension benefits. The following tables provide further
information about the National Conference’s pension plan:
Obligations and Funded Status for 2013:
Benefit Obligation at December 31, 2013
$ 529,918
Fair Value of Plan Assets at December 31, 2013
Employer Contributions
Actual Return on Assets
Benefit Payments
--81,172
--(81,172)
Fair Value of Plan Assets at December 31, 2013
---
Net Unfunded Status of the Plan at December 31, 2013
$ 529,918
The net periodic benefit cost recognized in the change in net assets for the year ended December 31, 2013 is
$23,245.
The 2013 pension-related changes other than net periodic pension cost, reported as an increase in unrestricted net
assets on the Statement of Activities, are $87,912.
Assumptions:
Weighted-Average Assumptions Used to Determine
Benefit Obligations at December 31, 2013
Discount Rate
Rate of Compensation Increase
Weighted-Average Assumptions Used to Determine
Net Periodic Benefit Cost for Years Ended December 31, 2012
Discount Rate
Expected Return on Plan Assets
Sec. 5 -Pg. 25
4.95%
0.00%
4.95%
N/A
Officers’ Reports and Resolutions
Rate of Compensation Increase
0.00%
The National Conference’s expected rate on plan assets is determined by the plan assets’ historical long-term
investment performance, current asset allocation, and estimates of future long-term returns by asset class.
Estimated Future Benefit Payments:
The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as
appropriate, are expected to be paid:
2014
75,992
2015
71,044
2016
66,008
2017
60,946
2018
55,905
Years 2019-2023
207,684
Total
NOTE 10
$ 537,579
CONCENTRATED CREDIT RISK
Financial instruments that potentially subject the National Conference to concentrations of credit risk consist
principally of cash and cash equivalents held with financial institutions. Accounts at financial institutions are insured
by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) up to $250,000 per institution. An account at a financial
institution exceeded the insurance obtained through the FDIC. The amount in excess was $105,298 at December 31,
2013.
NOTE 11
LEASE COMMITMENT
In September 2010, the National Conference entered into a 48-month lease for a copier with monthly payments of
$708. Minimum future lease payments under the agreement are as follows:
2014
6,372
Total Minimum Future Lease Payments
$ 6,372
Lease expense related to this lease for the year ended December 31, 2013 was $9,680.
In October 2010, the National Conference entered into a 66-month lease for a postage meter with quarterly payments
of $1,455. Minimum future lease payments under the agreement are as follows:
2014
2015
2016
5,820
5,820
1,455
Total Minimum Future Lease Payments
$ 13,095
Lease expense related to this lease for the year ended December 31, 2013 was $6,631
In October 2011, the National Conference entered into a 60-month lease for a copier with a monthly payment of $513.
Minimum future lease payments under the agreement are as follows:
2014
2015
2016
6,150
6,150
4,613
Total Minimum Future Lease Payments
$ 16,913
Lease expense related to this lease for the year ended December 31, 2013 was $6,150.
NOTE 12
CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITIES
Sec. 5 -Pg. 26
Officers’ Reports and Resolutions
Individuals can purchase charitable gift annuities from the National Conference. Each annuity purchased allows the
annuitant to receive periodic payments (quarterly or semi-annually) for the reminder of their life from the National
Conference. These annuities are recorded at the present value of the projected annuity payments as a liability on the
Statement of Financial Position. The present value is calculated using a discount rate of 1.6% and applicable mortality
tables. The net change in the present value $662 is recorded each year as revenue on the Statement of Activities. The
present value of these annuities at December 31, 2013 is $48,982.
NOTE 13
LOAN LOSS RESERVE
As of December 31, 2013, there were no loan loss reserves recorded for any outstanding loans. The Loan and
Investment Committee meets on a quarterly basis and reviews the loan status of each debtor church. If questions arise
from a committee member on the health of a particular church, those questions are directed to the Conference
Minister who oversees the churches in their region and would have knowledge of any issues or problems within the
church.
According to the Creed, Ritual and Discipline of the Evangelical Congregational Church, all property of closed
churches is automatically transferred to the National Conference, at which time the National Conference may initiate
a church restart, church plant, rent the property to another denomination or sell the property. If a church restart or
church plant is initiated, the new church will assume the debt of the former church. If the church property is rented,
the rental income is given to the Loan and Investment Fund as debt payment, of if the church property is sold, the
Loan and Investment Fund is repaid from the proceeds. Current policy is that all loans $50,000 or greater are secured
by a lien on the property on file with the local county recorder of deeds office. The maximum loan of any church may
assume from the Loan and Investment Committee is $500,000.
If it appears that the church may close, the board compares the loan balance against a possible market value of the
property and determines any possible exposure. A bad debt reserve would be recorded for the amount of the debt that
is greater than the market value of the property. There must be a majority vote of approval by the board members to
pass a resolution to write-off a loan.
Loans are considered delinquent if no payments are received 90 days after the due date.
There are no loans on non-accrual status at December 31, 2013. However, three loans totaling $118,626 were
delinquent greater than 90 days at December 31, 2013. Management does not believe that these delinquencies will
cause any loan losses.
NOTE 14
AFFILIATED ORGANIZATION
The National Conference receives all of the benefit payments during the year. The National Conference then pays
money out to the Evangelical Congregational Church Benefits Corporation. The National Conference paid $465,424 to
the Benefits Corporation during the year ended December 31, 2013. There was no amount owed to the Benefits
Corporation as of December 31, 2013.
The National Conference contracted with NDCCS for IT services. The National Conference paid $5,000 to NDCCS
during the year ended December 31, 2013. There was no amount owed to NDCCS as of December 31, 2013.
The Evangelical Theological Seminary contracted with the National Conference for the National Conference to
provide administrative services to the Seminary. The Seminary paid $72,356 for these services during the year ended
December 31, 2013. There was no amount owed to the National Conference as of December 31, 2013.
NOTE 15
LOAN AND INVESTMENT COMMITTEE
The National Conference through its Loan and Investment Committee borrows money from individuals and
organizations having an interest in the National Conference to be used by the National Conference to loan to churches
for building of new structures and rehabilitation of existing structures. The National Conference issues Certificates of
Indebtedness to the lenders. These Certificates are subject to registration with the Pennsylvania Securities
Commission. No new Certificates have been issued since March of 2007.
NOTE 16
NET ASSET RECLASSIFICATION
During 2013, management determined that $62,193 which was previously reported as temporarily restricted net
assets should have been reported as unrestricted net assets. These changes are reflected on the Statement of Activities
as an adjustment to the beginning balances of temporarily restricted and unrestricted net assets.
NOTE 15
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Sec. 5 -Pg. 27
Officers’ Reports and Resolutions
Subsequent events have been evaluated through May 21, 2014, which is the date the financial statements were
available to be issued.
Combining Schedule of Financial Position by Fund
December 31, 2013
General
Fund
Assets
Cash & Cash
Equivalents
Investments
Account
Receivable
Notes Receivable
Loans Receivable
Student Aid Loans
Receivable
Accrued Interest
Receivable
Interfund
Certificates of
Indebtedness
Inventory
Prepaid Expenses
Property Held for
Resale
Fixed Assets, Net
Total Assets
Global
Ministries
Investment
Fund
Church
Planting
Com.
ECCRV
Salaries
ECC
Endowment
Fund
Eliminations
Total
124,661
228,948
76,073
21,963
(1,330)
2,693
---
453,008
109,009
20,383
631,018
141
5,384,737
---
199,277
---
-----
548,373
---
-----
6,872,414
20,524
18,387
--63,242
27,459
-----
--3,108,469
---
147,600
-----
-------
-------
-------
193,446
3,108,469
63,242
---
---
52,044
---
---
---
---
52,044
174,000
124,500
---
121,000
---
---
(419,500)
---
11,566
36,119
320,000
--3,674
---
-------
----200,000
-------
-------
-------
11,566
39,793
520,000
392,211
1,004
---
---
---
---
---
393,215
1,269,578
1,016,744
8,621,323
689,840
(1,330)
551,066
(419,500)
11,727,721
21,697
9,593
2,368
---
15,528
4,411
-----
------6,220,900
--7,424
-----
--2,837
-----
---------
------(419,500)
37,225
24,265
2,368
5,801,400
Liabilities
Accounts Payable
Accrued Expenses
District Liabilities
Certificates of
Indebtedness
Annuities Payable
Liabilities for
Pension Benefits
12,383
36,599
---
---
---
---
---
48,982
529,918
---
---
---
---
---
---
529,918
Total Liabilities
575,959
56,538
6,220,900
7,424
2,837
---
(419,500)
6,444,158
Unrestricted
Temporarily
Restricted
693,619
---
301,812
658,394
2,400,423
---
520,795
161.621
(4,167)
---
551,066
---
-----
4,463,548
820,015
Total Net Assets
693,619
960,206
2,400,423
682,416
(4,167)
551,066
---
5,283,563
1,269,578
1,016,744
8,621,323
689,840
(1,330)
551,066
(419,500)
11,727,721
Net Assets
Total Liabilities &
Net Assets
Combining Schedule of Financial Position by Fund
December 31, 2013
General
Fund
Global
Ministries
Investment
Fund
Church
Planting
Sec. 5 -Pg. 28
ECCRV
Salaries
ECC
Endowment
Eliminations
Total
Officers’ Reports and Resolutions
Com.
Fund
Revenue
Ministry Funds
Registrations
Ministry Aids
Board of Pensions
Hospitalization
Pension
Interest Income on
Loans Receivable
Investment Income
Special Offerings
Other/Misc.
Support
Other Offerings and
Funds
1,134,532
45,362
25,540
-------
-------
-------
-------
-------
-------
1,134,532
45,362
25,540
204,607
83,342
---
-------
----139,061
-------
-------
-------
-------
204,607
83,342
139,061
24,785
226
100,328
--23,589
6,325
241,032
--1,213,836
---
221,701
---------
----72,557
118,713
---
----83,859
-----
(28,030)
---------
(9,439)
--(24,943)
-----
195,342
241,258
231,531
1,332,549
23,589
Total Revenue
1,642,311
1,461,193
340,762
191,270
83,589
(28,030)
(34,382)
3,656,713
-----
--1,188,936
166,244
---
--212,726
-----
-----
(9,439)
---
156,805
1,401,662
--114,000
-----
-----
-----
86,209
---
19,629
---
(20,000)
---
85,838
114,000
14,362
---
---
---
---
---
---
14,362
14,960
---
---
---
---
---
---
14,960
440,735
---
---
---
---
---
(4,943)
444,841
597,391
-----
-----
-----
-----
-----
-----
444,841
597,391
---
281,090
---
---
---
---
---
281,090
---
5,821
---
---
---
---
---
5,821
---
220
---
---
---
---
---
220
Total Expenses
1,704,30
7
1,476,067
166,244
212,726
86,209
19,629
(34,382)
3,630,800
Change in Net
Assets
(61,996)
(14,874)
174,518
(21,456)
(2,620)
(47,629)
---
25,913
Net Assets,
Beginning of Year
667,703
975,080
2,225,905
703,872
(1,547)
598,725
---
5,169,738
87,912
---
---
---
---
---
---
87,912
693,619
960,206
2,400,423
682,416
(4,167)
551,066
---
5,283,563
Expenses
Interest Expense
Missionaries &
Other Missions
Projects
Other
National
Conference
Commission on
Evangelism &
Discipleship
Commission on
Church Health
Commission on
Church Services
Ministry/Resource
Agencies &
Institutions
Mission
Administration
Regional
Committees –
Susquehanna
Regional
Committees –
Great Lakes
FAS 158 Adj –
Pension Plan
Net Assets, End of
Year
Sec. 5 -Pg. 29
435,792
Officers’ Reports and Resolutions
MEMORIAL SECRETARY
A.
MINISTERS
REV. HARRY I. CARMICHAEL died August 11, 2013. He was the spiritual son of First EC Church,
Akron, OH, licensed in 1951 by the Western Conference. From 1955 to 1971 he served at Akron Turkeyfoot, followed
by four years at Akron Cottage Grove. He was an Army chaplain, a post office employee as well as a church planter in
the Akron, Ohio area. He retired in 1985.
He is survived by his wife, Esther, and children Rebecca, Barbara and Hary III.
There was a visitation from 4:00-8:00 PM on August 15, 2013 at the Schermesser Funeral Home in Akron.
The service was held at First EC Church, Akron, OH on Friday, August 16, 2013.
REV. GERALD DAVISON died on June 23, 2013. He was a spiritual son of Youngstown, Ohio (now
known as Wedgewood Park EC Church). Licensed in 1959 by the former Western Conference, he served the following
appointments: Hubbard, OH; Emlenton, PA; Findlay, OH; Dixon/Bethel and St. James; Rock Falls, IL; back to
Findley, OH; Mansfield, OH and Delightful Church in Southington, OH. He retired in 2004 and served as supply at
Leavittsburg, OH for five years.
On June 27, 2013 there was a visitation at the Carl Hall Funeral Home in Warren, OH and the funeral was
held there on June 27 with pastors Mark Hiehle (his son-in-law) and Rev. Michael Garrison officiating.
REV. MAURICE FRIEDLUND, aka “Morry or Preach” died on August 2013, aged 84 years. He was
the spiritual son of Norwood Heights Church in Chicago, IL. He served the following appointments: Rock Falls, IL;
Emlenton, PA; Akron Cottage Grove, OH; Knox and Fern, PA; Knox alone; Dixon Bethel, IL; then back to Clarion,
founding Clarion church and helped to start the Riverhill Church plant at Shippenville, PA. He retired in 1998. Many
will remember his ability in song leading at the General Conference of the East and West and his love for the old
hymns and songs – especially “The Comforter has Come.”
He is survived by his wife, Ruth, and four children: Susan, Jim, Bob and John (pastor at Boyertown). He was
preceeded in death by a daughter, Karen, and a son, David.
The funeral service was held on August 21st at Grace EC Church, Knox.
REV. CURTIS D. HEISLER died on March 29, 2014 aged 92 years. After having been a part of another
denomination, he came to the EC Church in 1954 and served part-time for 32 years at Fishing Creek Church.
He is survived by his wife, Lena (Gary) Heisler, one brother and four sisters.
Private funeral services were held on April 2, 2014 and he was buried at Ft. Indiantown Gap.
REV. LANCE MILLS died on August 24, 2013, aged 72, at Olathe, Kansas. He was a spiritual son of
Reedsville Bethesda Church, licensed in 1971 by the former Eastern Conference. He served the following
appointments: Drehersville (part-time), Pine Grove and Rock, Jarrettown, Temple, Pitman (both churches St. Paul’s
and Zion), Millersville and Rock as a single charge. He retired in 2006.
He is survived by his wife, Carol and their daughters, Janey, Rita and Becky, their spouses and
grandchildren, a sister and brother.
The service was held on August 29, 2013 at Zion EC Church, Pitman, with his son-in-law officiating. He was
buried at Zion EC Cemetery, Pitman.
REV. KEITH EUGENE MONG died on August 27, 2013 aged 70. He was a spiritual son of Grace EC
Church, Knox, PA and was licensed by the former Western Conference in 1964. He and his wife, Cheryl, served the
following appointments: as a seminary student he served Myerstown, and then went to Steelton, Hubbard, OH,
Johnstown, Cedarville, IL, Seneca, and Winnebago, IL. Following the merger of conferences in 2003, Keith came
east again and served at Columbia, followed by 5 years, until his retirement, Martindale. Keith will be remembered,
by those who knew him well, as a man of compassion, devotion, and integrity who ministered faithfully.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Cheryl (Purnell) Mong (2011). He was survived by his three daughters,
Valerie (a missionary in Honduras), Sharon, and Robin and by 11 grandchildren, a sister-in-law, Cindy and a
brother-in-law.
A memorial service of Celebration was held on October 5, 2013 at Bethany Crossroads EC Church at
Emlenton, PA. Officiating were Rev. Fred Moury and Rev. Phil Walck.
Sec. 5 -Pg. 30
Officers’ Reports and Resolutions
REV. LARRY SEIGER died on September 25, 2013. He was the spiritual son of Zion EC Church,
Allentown and was licensed by the East PA conference in 1963. He served the following appointments: Williams
Township, Hamburg, Mahanoy City, Columbia, Hazleton, East Petersburg, Jim Thorpe, Creswell (interim),
Shamokin and Harrisburg Grace. He retired in 2004 and supplied at Kinderhook from 2005-2009. He was the son
of Rev. Paul Seiger and the father of Rev. Timothy Seiger, presently serving at Lewisberry.
He is survived by his wife Betty, sons Tim and Tom, foster daughter Kelly and many grandchildren. Also
surviving Larry are his brothers, Ronald and Charles, and a sister Marilyn.
The service was held September 30, 2013 at Faith EC Church, Lancaster. The officients were Rev. Harry Dow
and Rev. Richard Cummings. The burial was Mellingers Mennonite Cemetery in Lancaster.
B.
MINISTER’S WIVES/WIDOWS
MARY JANE (GOSS) DRUPP died in April 2014 aged 69 years. She was the wife of Rev. George Drupp.
When her husband entered ministry in 1992, she followed him as they together served the following churches:
Birdsboro, Reading First and Frackville. Following his retirement in 2010, they continued doing part-time work
at Frackville until 2013.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by various family members.
The service was held at First EC Church, Lebanon on April 5, 2014.
ANNE MCLAREN HALL died on August 6, 2013. She was the wife of the Rev. Bruce N. Hall who died in
2002. Together they served the following appointments in the East PA Conference: Hazleton, Reading
Greenmont, Bethlehem Olivet, Pitman, Bair/Weigelstown, Mohns Hill, Allentown Bethany and Weissport.
The memorial service was held on August 13, 2013 at Egypt Community Church, Whitehall, PA. Interment
was private in the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Frackville.
FAY JONES died on February 8, 2014 at the StoneRidge Community, Myerstown, PA. She was the wife of
Rev. Russel Jones. They came to the EC Church in 1992 and served as assistants at Muir and Williamstown after
which they retired in 2007.
The Celebration of Life service was held on February 15, 2014 at Ebenezer EC Church, Williamstown.
C.
MISSIONARIES
During this year we have learned of the deaths of two veteran missionaries, both of whom have been loved and
known by several generations of EC people.
CAROLYN EMMA SALTENBERGER died on December 8, 2013 aged 88 years. She was a spiritual
daughter of Kemble Park EC Church in Philadelphia, where her parents, Bill and Emma Saltenberger were active
members. Her mother, Emma, served as a delegate to the former East PA Conference. She was a graduate of
Germantown High School and during her late teen years she felt the call to missions. Under the direction of Rev. T.E.
Paul, was sent to Belgium in order to learn the French language as she had already been called to join the ministry of
Dr. Carl Becker in what was then known as the Belgian Congo where she served for more than 40 years. Anyone who
knew Carolyn appreciated everything she was and did not only to minister to Jesus, but to love and care for all whom
she encountered. She was much loved and a friend to many. She was always glad to come home and visit friends and
to share her message. Like her mother, she “told it like it was.”
FERN ARLENE SWEIGERT died on May 5, 2014 aged 88 years. At the young age of 19 she came to
Glenn Eden, KY to begin her teaching career. At the age of 22, she was placed there as a missionary at Canyon Falls
EC Church. A few years later, her life-long friend and co-educator came to join her. Fern taught school for more than
50 years. Fern held many positions in the Canyon Falls Church over many years including: President of the Church
Board, President of Sunday School, President of the Missionary Society and Willing Workers Class, Director of VBS
and youth programs, Christmas and Easter plays, Sunday School and Bible study teacher and she preached sermons
when the church was between pastors. Fern loved serving God and encouraged everyone to do the same. Miss
Sweigert never had any natural children, but she had many spiritual children.
Fern is survived by one sister, Marion Essinger, and a brother-in-law, Mark of Ephrata. She was preceded in
death by her parents and one sister, Eva.
The funeral service was held at the Good Funeral Home in Reamstown on May 13, 2014. An additional
service was held on May 8 at Canyon Falls EC Church. She was returned to PA for burial.
Sec. 5 -Pg. 31
Officers’ Reports and Resolutions
D. HONORABLE MENTION
Gerald Adam died on December 16, 2013. He and his wife Harriet were active members of St. Matthew’s
EC Church, Emmaus for many years. He was the father of Missy (Adam) Wagner, a missionary, with her husband in
Africa.
Ron Bachman died on May 20, 2014 in California. He was the son of Rev. Ronald Bachman who is serving
in Columbia, PA.
Donna Baldt died December 1, 2013. She was ordained in 2013 as a Deaconness at First EC Church, Akron,
OH. She was a very special lady and impacted many lives.
Ardella Brandt died unexpectedly on May 11, 2014. She was the mother of Miriam Moury, wife of Rev.
Fred Moury and the grandmother of missionary Rev. Daniel Moury.
“Mom” C. died in May 2014. She was the mother of Beverly Kramer, wife of Rev. Dale Kramer of Union
Salem EC Church, Lebanon County, PA.
Lillian Clark died on September 15, 2013. She was the mother of Rev. Gerald Baum, former Conference
Minister of the Delaware Region.
Dr. David Dorsey, distinguished Professor of Old Testament at Evangelical Seminary died January 2,
2014. He was highly respected and appreciated.
Charlotte Farr died in July 2013. She was the mother of EC missionary James Farr and the grandmother
of EC Wycliffe Missionary Jamie Farr.
Rev. Harry Faust died on January 2, 2014 aged 60 in Albany, NY. He pastored the following EC Churches:
Clayton, Weissport, East Weissport, Palmerton, and the former Allentown Boulevard.
He is survived by his wife Kyungui, of Selkirk, NY, daughter Ruth in Edison, NJ and son, Joshua in Toyko,
Japan and granddaughter Isabella Murray.
The service was held on February 1, 2014 at Christ EC Church, Allentown. Burial was in Bethany EC Church
Cemetery, Clayton. Dr. John Ragsdale and the Rev. Richard Reigle officiated.
Leo Jerome Gould Sr. died on September 24, 2014 age 78 years. A good many of us will remember him
from Twin Pines Camp where he served as Property Manager from 1969-1987 where his skills as a well educated
engineer were appreciated for those years. His wife, Dawn and his two children shared his ministry through those
years. He was also a part of the establishment of the EC Church in Bartonsville.
Ruth B. Keller died on April 26, 2014. She was the mother of our highly esteemed Kirby N. Keller, a past
Professor and Administrator at the Evangelical Seminary. She will be long remembered and appreciated by many who
once were hungry students at the seminary. She cooked and cared for them for many years and therefore has been a
part of many of our lives.
Alexander Evan Marks died unexpectedly on October 9, 2013 at the age of 17. He was the beloved son of
Rev. Kirk and Debby Marks at St. Paul’s EC Church, Reamstown and brother of Emily and Maggie. Alexander was a
very talented musician who formed various groups and played with them.
Alice (New) Parker died unexpectedly on March 2, 2014. She was the wife of the Rev. John Parker, a UM
minister, and the beloved mother of Rev. Brian Parker, an EC church planter in the Harrisburg area. Alice’s career in
life was that of a very excellent nurse who worked with Rev. Greg Dimick on the Medical ICU at Lankenau Hospital.
She was a good friend.
Forrest “Bush” Paul died on September 11, 2013. He was the husband of our esteemed and beloved long
time Lay Delegate from Williamstown, Gail Paul.
Sec. 5 -Pg. 32
Officers’ Reports and Resolutions
Sharon K. (Martin) Rissler died on April 14, 2014 aged 47 years. She was the beloved daughter of our
much respected and highly esteemed Lay Delegate from Grace EC Church, Akron, Mary Martin. Many of us who were
involved at Twin Pines and summer camping were thankful for Sharon’s loving heart, her giving, caring spirit, and her
absolute surrender to Jesus all of her life. We have no way of knowing how many Jr. and Sr. High girls by Sharon’s
commitment to be His servant. We are thankful and blessed by Sharon who is now safe in the arms of Jesus.
The day is done and the darkness
Falls from the wings of night
As a feather is wafted downward
From an eagle in its flight.
I see the lights of the village
Gleam through the rain and the mist
And a feeling of sadness comes o’er me
That my soul cannot resist.
A feeling of sadness and longing
But that is not akin to pain
And resembles sorrow only
As the mist resembles the rain
Come read to me some verses
Some simple and heartfelt lay
That shall soothe this restless feeling
And banish the thoughts of day
Read from the Treasured Volume
The verses of thy choice
And lend to the rhyme of the Author
The beauty of thy voice.
And the night shall be filled with music
And the cares that infest the day
Shall fold their tents like the Nomads
And silently steal away.
Paraphrase from Longfellow’s “The Day is Done”
Gregory F. Dimick
RESOLUTIONS
FOR DELAWARE REGION:
The New Life Evangelical Congregational Church, Reading, Pennsylvania, has notified Bishop Hill that it
convened a congregational meeting on March 31, 2014 to consider disaffiliation from the Evangelical
Congregational Church. A vote was taken and was unanimous to approve the motion to dissolve its affiliation
with the Evangelical Congregational Church in accordance with paragraph 324.3 of the Discipline.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That the disaffiliation of New Life Evangelical Congregational Church,
Reading, 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.
FOR SUSQUEHANNA REGION:
Sec. 5 -Pg. 33
Officers’ Reports and Resolutions
The Grace Evangelical Congregational Church, Millersville, Pennsylvania, has notified Bishop Hill that it
convened a congregational meeting on September 22, 2013 to consider the closure of Grace Evangelical
Congregational Church. A vote was taken and those entitled to cast a ballot voted by greater than two-thirds
majority to approve a motion to close and be declared extinct effective upon the adoption of a resolution by
the National Conference of the E. C. Church no later than May 30, 2014 in accordance with paragraph 324.4
of the Discipline.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That the closure of Grace Evangelical Congregational Church, Millersville,
Pennsylvania is hereby approved by the National Conference of the Evangelical Congregational Church and
the congregation is hereby adjudged extent, to be effective upon the repayment of any claims of the National
Conference being adequately satisfied
STATISTICIAN
God is never in a hurry, and He is never late. Time is never in a hurry, and it is never late. Time is
seconds, minutes, hours, days, months and years. God created time and He created us, so you see that time
has a connective place in each of our lives and daily chores. You may ask what those statements have to do
with a statistical report.
The answer may not be what you expect, however it is very germane to the stability of our denomination.
One of the major requirements for having a strong church is the longevity and maturity of the pastor which
in turn leads to the maturity of the church as a whole. Some pastors may imply that there is a shorter course
to take. I think that depends on what the pastor and the church want to be known as or for. When God
makes an oak tree, it takes at least 100 years for full maturity but when He grows a squash it only takes a few
months. There are no shortcuts to the ministry or growth of a pastor or church.
Our denomination requires particular information from each church during the course of each year that
allows various committees and commissions to peruse and determine the use of the information. In the
process you will find a connection between the church and the denomination and a connection between the
committees, commissions and all of the churches. The connect aspect is extremely important for the life of
the denomination.
The temptation to omit or submit late information to the denomination is especially strong unless we see the
value of the request and the necessity of the submission date. “Being confident of this very thing that he
which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6). When
a church begins working for the Lord it is a good work and that work is to be performed until the return of
Jesus Christ. Good work for a church means to be not only obedient to God but to the denomination to which
it belongs.
Each year there are various dates set as deadlines for registrations, reservations, reports, etc. and each year
there are churches and/or individuals that either ignore the dates or respond late, sometimes causing undo
frustration for the guilty party. The frustration is a result of a lack of connection. This year, as in past years, a
date of January 25 was set for the return of the annual report for the church. As of that date only 36 of our
churches responded. A plea for those late reports with a new date of February 12 was sent and many
responses appeared, but a full 25% of the churches did not yet respond. The Bishop made a final plea with
yet another date and some of the churches did respond, however there are still 16 (12.8%) of the churches
outstanding.
Working hard and striving to be a vibrant growing church is admirable and each church belonging to the
Evangelical Congregational denomination should work in conjunction with the processes that are in place.
The fact is that our denomination is God’s church and He will build it unless there are dissidents that are
ready to destroy what has been built. Churches must connect with the denomination in order to build a
worthy and stable God fearing, yet God loving community.
Rev. Ken Wiest
Sec. 5 -Pg. 34