 |
| Photo by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford |
| Board
members heard about learnings from a new congregational survey, one of
several new tools in development as part of the Vital Ministry Journey
for congregations and districts. The survey tool was presented by
Congregational Life executive Jonathan Shively and Stan Dueck, director
of Transforming Practices. |
Mission and Ministry Board members got a glimpse of a new
congregational survey that will be part of the Vital Ministry Journey
for churches and districts, named a new at-large member pending
affirmation at Annual Conference, reviewed financial reports from 2012,
and made a small change to the 2013 budget among other business at the
spring meeting.
- Preliminary learnings from a congregational survey
that will be a resource for those participating in the Vital Ministry
Journey were presented by Congregational Life Ministries executive
director Jonathan Shively and Stan Dueck, director of Transforming
Practices. The survey will help congregations do self assessment, as
they work toward vitality and renewal. Congregational Life Ministries
staff had invited some members of the board to help test the instrument.
It is one of several Vital Ministry Journey resources that are being
developed and will be announced as they become available. Also in the
works are resources for spiritual gifts discernment and worship, each
involving Bible study and a “triads” small group process for use in
congregations. For more information go to www.brethren.org/congregationallife/vmj.
- The denominational budget revision for 2013 is to
cover planning expenses incurred this year for the National Youth
Conference (NYC) to be held next year. Almost $75,000 of anticipated
expenses will be paid out of NYC reserves that have accumulated from
previous years.
- Connie Burk Davis of Westminster, Md., was named to fill an at-large position on the Mission and Ministry Board, pending affirmation from Annual Conference.
- The board is requesting an amendment to the bylaws of the corporation
to enlarge the number of at-large executive committee members to three
from two, who will serve on the executive committee alongside the chair
and vice chair. Continuing on the committee as ex-officio members are
the general secretary and the Annual Conference moderator. This action
is intended to increase communication lines between the executive
committee and the full board.
- The board approved the 2012 Annual Report that will be presented to Annual Conference.
 |
| Photo by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford |
| Roy
Winter gives a final report of the work of Brethren Disaster Ministries
in Haiti, where more than 100 homes have been built and other programs
have cared for those affected by the 2010 earthquake and the storms and
hurricanes that have hit the island in recent years. |
- A digital version of “Messenger” magazine that
soon will be available as a bonus for print subscribers debuted at this
board meeting. Editor Randy Miller and publisher Wendy McFadden
displayed the digital magazine, to oohs and aahs from board members who
expressed enthusiasm for the development.
- Among reports received: a final report on the
work of Brethren Disaster Ministries in Haiti, a report from leaders who
attended the annual meeting of Christian Churches Together (CCT)
highlighting the need to focus on immigration, a report from a
delegation that went to Israel and Palestine with an American Baptist
group, followed up by a report from John and Joyce Cassel who served in
Israel and Palestine for three months with EAPPI, an accompaniment
program of the World Council of Churches.
- Find a link to the photo album of the Mission and Ministry Board’s spring meeting at www.brethren.org/album. View two video clips
from the meeting, including the Sunday morning message given by board
chair Ben Barlow and the recommendation to recognize the Church of the
Brethren in Spain, at www.brethren.org/video.
Source: 3/15/2013 Newsline Special
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