Church of the Brethren General Board October 19-24, 2000, Meeting Report

General Board executive director Judy Mills Reimer began business for the board's fall meetings with a reading from Spencer Johnson's book "Who Moved My Cheese?" as part of her report.
The book uses cheese as a metaphor for change, urging people to enjoy change and savor adventure. "Each of us is called to be an effective leader in the midst of change," Reimer said. "We must stay focused on God's call to us and faithful to the responsibility God's church has asked us to do."

That set the stage for three and a half days of meetings that featured few major decisions but celebrated many ministries and explored others for the future. Board chair Mary Jo Flory-Steury led the meetings using the board's vision statement "Of God, for God, with God" as the theme.

The changes this time included the arrival of several new board members, saying goodbye to American Baptist Churches USA observer Sara Osgood, acting on a new budget, holding a day of "forums" on a few subjects rather than the former subcommittee format, and giving preliminary support to some potential new directions.

Highlights of the meetings included the following:

Affiliation

The board voted to enter into a formal affiliation agreement with Companeros en Ministerio/Mision, an organization that "seeks to foster cross-cultural relationships and understanding between differing ethnic congregations," particulary working in and around Tijuana, Mexico. A consulting committee will provide for ongoing conversation and collaboration, meeting at least annually.

Preparation

The board tentatively approved new bylaws, subject to review by the board's legal counsel and the addition of suggested revisions. Final vote on the bylaws will occur at the March 2001 meeting in New Windsor, Md. Also heard were a preliminary proposal for a new church start in Brazil and a proposal for aiding new church development, both of which will also come back for action in March. Board members debated the name and structure of the still-developing Emerging Global Mission Fund but voted to make no changes at this time.

Diversification

A "process for making the General Board more ethnically diverse" was passed after significant discussion on its implications and other ideas. The board said it would continue to suggest ethnically diverse members to the Annual Conference nominating process, invite the Cross-Cultural Ministries Team to name a representative as consultant to the General Board, keep an awareness of the need for ethnically diverse leadership before the church, and hold related educational and training workshops for General Board members and staff.

Finances

Board members adopted the budget for 2001 with no changes and little discussion, following reports on income and expense and on funding by board staff that indicated a continued healthy financial picture for this year. All funds except the Emergency Disaster Fund, which has faced fewer critical needs in 2000, show increased giving from a year earlier. The 2001 budget totals about $9.3 million, almost $5.7 million of that for General Programs. The board also had the first reading of a new, 36-page financial policies and procedures document and offered suggested revisions. The document will return for action in March.

Education

Sunday afternoon featured a pair of forums, on stewardship/funding and evangelism, to provide new information, discussion, and brainstorming on these topics. The agenda also included a series of brief reports on areas of recent activity.

Visitation

Special guests included the Rev. Toma Raganjiya, president of the Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (Church of the Brethren in Nigeria), and his wife, Kwanye. They shared about the challenges to Christians in that country and the blessings God has brought from that, also thanking the US Church of the Brethren for its support and prayers. "God can do wonders in ways that you cannot understand," the Rev. Toma said. Districts visitors from Southeastern, Mid-Atlantic, and Northern Plains and students from Bethany Theological Seminary were also present for the meetings. Board members and staff, meanwhile, visited many area congregations for worship Sunday morning.

Celebration

A Saturday evening banquet lifted up stories of God's work in the denomination through the General Board, with the theme "You Might Be a Brethren If...," interspersing laughter, inspiration, music, and prayer. A Monday afternoon event showed appreciation for all General Board staff and particularly honored those celebrating 5-year milestones: Pat Marsh, Ken Neher, Beth Sollenberger Morphew, and John and Janet Tubbs (5 years); Julie Garber and Joanne Holmes (10 years), Chris Douglas and Nancy Klemm (15 years), David Ingold (20 years), and Howard Royer (45 years). During board business, Stewart Kauffman was honored for his recently completed many years of work with the Gahagen Trust committee.

Worship

Brethren Press editor Julie Garber led an opening worship around the theme of water, urging those gathered not to substitute "religion" for a true relationship with God. All came forward for a cup of water as a symbol of quenching one's thirst with God's living water. Annual Conference moderator-elect Paul Grout led closing worship on the absence of hope in the world unless people turn to Jesus Christ and fill empty lifestyles with the power of God. He used a scroll he painted to illustrate humanity's tiny place in the universe, saying Christians should "come in awe."

© 2008 Church of the Brethren General Board