OF THE CHURCHES OF G - · PDF fileTuesday with our ordination service with Dr. Earl Mills ... We will enjoy the hospitality of ... Center Church (Brooklyn, NY) Brian Miller Central

EASTERN REGIONAL CONFERENCE

OF THE

CHURCHES OF GOD

2016 JOURNAL

INCLUDING THE MINUTES AND REPORTS FOR THE

SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL SESSION HELD AT

DOUBLING GAP CENTER, NEWVILLE, PA

MAY 1-3, 2017

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April 2017

Greetings in the wonderful name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

In less than a month, the Eastern Regional Conference will

gather for our 17th Annual Conference. I am looking forward

to our gathering at Doubling Gap Center on May 1‐3. There

is much to celebrate as come together and you will hear much

of God’s work in and through the ERC as we meet. Please be

in prayer in these next few weeks as God brings the details

together for our time of gathered celebration.

Our theme this year is “More than Conquerors” and indeed we are through Jesus Christ. We will begin

on Monday with our ordinance service followed by my state of the ERC address. We will have reports,

testimonies and workshops on Monday that focus on reaching and all that our churches are doing to reach

their communities and beyond. Monday evening will be a family night of laughter with Ryan and Friends

and homemade ice cream. Our Tuesday sessions will include commission reports as well as workshops

focusing on discipleship. We welcome Brad McKoy as our keynote speaker on Tuesday. We will conclude

Tuesday with our ordination service with Dr. Earl Mills speaking. On Wednesday, we will conclude our

business, reports and testimonies and we will be focusing on sending and how we are sending forth others

as more than conquerors. Our sessions will conclude with a challenge from ERC President, Pastor James

Moss, Jr.

There will be tremendous times of worship as Pastor Nate Buck leads and the rich fellowship that comes

from being together. We will enjoy the hospitality of Doubling Gap Center. The Minister’s Wives will

meet on Tuesday and an update provided on the ERC Strategic Planning Process. There will also be times

of prayer as we seek our Lord’s continued leading in all matters as we seek to be his hands and feet as the

Eastern Regional Conference, Churches of God.

God has much in store for us as you can see from the schedule. Blessings await us as we prepare to gather

on the mountain as “more than conquerors” and celebrate God’s favor and blessing upon the Eastern

Regional Conference, Churches of God. Be praying for our sessions and I look forward to seeing you on

the mountain…

Yours in His Service,

Kevin

Kevin E. Richardson, D.Min.,

Executive Director

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Contents for 2016 JournalPage

Front Cover 1Dr. Kevin E. Richardson's Letter 3Contents Pages 5-6

Conference Organization 7-18Schedule 9-10Conference Roster 11-18(Updated handout will be given out at ERC Sessions.)

Minutes 19-65Sixteenthe Annual Conference Session 21-28

Administrative Council 29-65 April 6, 2016 29-37 April 20, 2016 37-38 July 6, 2016 38-44 October 5, 2016 44-52 January 4, 2017 52-59 April 5, 2017 59-65

Staff Reports 67-76Executive Director 69-70Director of Congregational Care 71-72Director of Church Planting & Evangelism 73-74Finance Manager 75Financial Secretary 76

Conference Financial Reports 77-842017 Budget Commission/Fund Request & Allotted Dollars 79Tithe Income to Budget Report as of December 2016 80List Chart of accounts as of December 2016 81Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2016 82-83Statement of Income & Expenses - C.H. Forney Estate 84

Commission Reports 85-99Church and Pastor 87 Honorees for Years of Service 88Church Planting 89Church Renewal 90-91Church Vocations 92-93Discipleship 94Evangelism 95-96Leadership 97Missions 98Stewardship 99

Additional Reports 101-107Endowment Committee VerbalNominating Committee 103-104

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Obituary Committee Report HandoutGeneral Conference VerbalUniversity of Findlay VerbalWinebrenner Theological Seminary Verbal

Corporation ReportsChurch of God Home VerbalDoubling Gap CenterHome Mission Council, Inc. Exec. Dir. Report Home Mission Council, Inc. Auditor's Report Available Upon Request

Senior Life Fellowship VerbalWomen's Ministry Verbal

Statistical Summary Reports2016 Statistical Information Handout

AppendixBreak Out Session Descriptions & HandoutConference Auditor's Report Available Upon Request

Evaluation Form & Handout

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PROPOSED 2017 CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

THEME: “More than Conquerors” Reach…Teach…Send

Monday, May 1, 2017 - Reach

7:30 AM Breakfast 8:00 AM Registration begins 9:00 AM Business Session Call to Order Pastor James W. Moss, Jr. Approval of the Secretary’s Roster & Requested Absences Pastor James W. Moss, Jr. Constituting the Conference

Designate Voting Area Appointments: Parliamentarians, Reporters, etc. Adoption of the order of business with privilege of the chair

Greetings from Doubling Gap Center Mr. Stephen S. Long, Executive Director 9:30 AM Song Service Pastor Nate Buck 9:45 AM Ordinance Service Pastors James W. Moss, Jr. and Thomas Myers 10:30 AM Business Session

Review of Administrative Council Minutes & Elections Pastor John W. Selcher Lifting items for separate action Discussion and lifting of additional items for separate action Approval of the Minutes Elections: Secretary/AD Council/Nominating/Corporations

11:00 AM Executive Director Address Dr. Kevin E. Richardson 11:45 AM Announcements & Closing Prayer 12:00 PM LUNCH 1:10 PM Song Service Pastor Nate Buck 1:30 PM Devotions Pastor Antoine Lassiter 1:45 PM Workshops

2:45 PM Break 3:00 PM Business Session: Reports

Churches of God, General Conference Winebrenner Seminary/Scotland Campus University of Findlay Commission Reports Testimony

4:30 PM The Conference at Prayer Pastor Thomas Myers 4:45 PM Announcements & Closing Prayer Pastor James W. Moss, Jr. 5:00 PM DINNER 6:30 PM An Evening of Laughter

Ryan and Friends

Ice Cream Social

Tuesday, May 2, 2017 – Teach

7:30 AM BREAKFAST 8:10 AM Song Service Pastor Nate Buck 8:30 AM Devotions Pastor Zack Wilt 8:45 AM Ministers’ Wives Association Meeting and Program (Mt. View Room) 8:45 AM Break Out Sessions 9:45 AM BREAK 10:00 AM Business Session – Commission/Committee Reports

Financial Reports

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2017 Budget Stewardship Commission Endowment Committee Home Mission Council Commission Reports

11:15 AM Keynote Address Brad McKoy 11:45 AM Announcements & Closing Prayer 12:00 PM LUNCH Church Planters Luncheon Staff Dining Room 1:10 PM Song Service Pastor Nate Buck 1:30 PM Devotions Pastor Bryan Warner 1:45 PM Business Session

Commission Reports Testimony Strategic Planning Discussion

2:30 PM BREAK 2:45 PM Break Out Sessions 3:45 PM Business Sessions

Church of God Home Report Doubling Gap Center Report Unfinished Commission Reports

4:15 PM Recognition of Pastoral Milestones/Towel & Basin Award Dr. Kevin E. Richardson 4:45 PM Announcements & Closing Prayer 5:00 PM DINNER 6:00 PM Gathering – Betty Jane Neely and Bruce Webber 6:30 PM Service of Ordination – Church Vocations Guest Speaker: Dr. Earl Mills 8:00 PM Reception & Fellowship Time at the Lodge

Wednesday, May 3, 2017- Send

7:30 AM BREAKFAST 8:10 AM Song Service Pastor Nate Buck 8:30 AM Devotions Pastor Charles W. Yost 8:45 AM Business Session

Unfinished Business Lay Organization Reports: CGWM, CGAF, Others Chaplains Report Statistical Report Installation of Officers

9:45 AM Memorial Moment Memorial Committee, Pastor Brad V. Moore, Chairperson 10:15 AM Break 10:30 AM Celebration of Worship, Testimony and Prayer Pastor Nate Buck 11:00 AM President’s Address to Conference Pastor James W. Moss, Jr.

11:30 AM Final Announcements and Closing Prayer for the Church 11:45 AM LUNCH – Camp’s Chicken Barbecue

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2017 ROSTER for ERC SESSIONSUpdated as of 2/20/17

CHURCH PASTOR/ADDITIONAL STAFF DELEGATE DELEGATE DELEGATE

Agape Tabernacle of Praise Cathy Coleman

Duane Coleman

Altoona, First Jerry E. Sneath

Altoona, Fourth Street Jon R. Neely

Andersontown Terry O. Frederick

Auburn Kerry Duke

Bainbridge Richard Vaughn

Bare Memorial Mark S. Halliday Karen Sollenberger Ken Sollenberger

Rachel Neely-Sleasman, Pastor of Youth & Family Life

Beavertown James E. Lynn

Betesda Ricardo Perez

Jeannette Perez

Blair's Valley John K. Cook

Blue Mountain Joseph Stopyra

Bowmansdale Michael C. Walker

Bridge of Hope Larry L. Longenecker

Brisbin

Broad Top City Steve B. Oberman

Brownsville Victor T. Johnson

Charles Jenkins, Co-Pastor

Brunswick Corey Berkey

Burnside First Ernest E. Witmer

Camp Hill Robert W. Malick, Jr.

Caring Community Patrick E. Kelly

Sheldon Ames, Associate Pastor

Carlisle Mike Poe

Gregory L. Hench, Associate Pastor

Carrollton David L. Meador

Center Church (Brooklyn, NY) Brian Miller

Central Manor Edward L. Rosenberry, Interim

Chambersburg Lawrence D. Metzler, Senior Pastor

Rodney Bistline, Youth Ministry Pastor

Kristy Bowers, Children's Pastor

Chad Chute, Executive Pastor

Dan Culbertson, Associate Worship Arts Director

Chris Clugh, Worship and Arts Director

Tony Diel, Church Administrator

Dan Drury, Visitations Pastor

Kevin Elworth, Pastor of United Worship Experience

Cherry Grove James E. Lynn

Chuch of of God Home Bradley V. Moore

Churchtown Brian Warner

Columbia Frederick Thomas Ron Keck Diana Thomas

Cornerstone Comm. Fellowship Ch. Matthew Scott

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Doubling Gap Donald C.Snyder

Duncannon Dustin White

East Hanover

Eberly's Mill James W. Moss, Jr.

Matthew Eding, Associate Pastor

Edgewood John Culbertson

Elizabethtown David Robinson

Enola George C. Jensen

Exponential Church Gilbert D. Thurston

William H. Butler, Worship Pastor

Fairview Bethel Daniel M. Masshardt

Eugene B. Hockenberry, Associate

Freedom Worship Center of Charlotte Randall Hall-Walker

Friend's Creek Nancy Lewis

Friendship Dennis A. Hall

John Harman, Minister of Caring

Germantown Mark A. Hosler

Glenvale Larry L. Hale

John Gill, Associate

Edward Maxwell, Associate

Carolyn Sites, Associate

Vickie Yontz, Associate

Goldsboro Charles Yost

Golgotha Hatian Guilbaud Val Israel

Grace Fellowship Reginald Byrden

Green Spring Philip E. Steele

Greenvillage Matthew Tosten

Hagerstown David Sword

Hanover Gerald E. Shoap, Lead Pastor

Jeff Harner, Teaching Pastor

Diane Hakes, Director of Children's Ministries

Dan Thomas, Pastor of Outreach & Nurture

Jen Sager, Director of Early Childhood

Michael Sponseller, Pastor of Youth and Student

Harmony (Hunt Co.) Benjamin T. Grove

Harmony Bethel Jack Guyler

Henrietta Harold Corle

Hepler's

High View Thomas Myers

Jason D. Smith, Associate

Higher Hope Michael C. Schooley

Jeremy Cranmer, Associate

Highspire Dave Anderson

Hollidaysburg Matthew Hornberger

House of Restoration Mary Houston

Iglesia Agua Viva Sylvia Chavez

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Iglesia Evangelica Nueva Vida, Inc. Anna Aquino

Jose Aquino

Kennedy's Valley Malcolm E. Martin

Lakemont Mark A. Rhodes

Lancaster

Landisburg R. Bruce Henneman

Landisville Timothy Bistline

Last Days World Outreach Ministries Victor Glover

Liberty Judd Spencer

Lighthouse Christian Michael S. Allen

Linglestown Barry G. Stahl

Lisburn Paul Albert

Little Germany Mark Snyder

Living Faith Nick Stevens

Locust Valley Richard A. Frederick

Logania Michael A. Witmer

Maple Grove Norman Hege

Martinsburg Nathan Starr

Marysville Rodger A. Scheuing

Mayberry Robert C. Wills, Jr.

Maytown Scott Sweigart

McClure's Gap Bradley Culwell

Mechanicsburg Tracey A. Conner

Mercersburg First John K. Cook

Middletown Kimberly B. Shifler

Mount Briar Joseph C. Burdette

Mount Holly Springs Richard L. Reese

Daniel Murray, Associate Pastor

Mount Joy Ted Ewing

Mount Laurel

Mount Olivet Darrell Schrade

Mount Pleasant Zack Wilt

New Baltimore C. Roy Daywalt

Lee E. Daywalt

New Cumberland Charles J. Zahora

New Grenada I. Kenneth Cornelius

New Hope Richard Warner

New Life John Ashbaugh

Newberrytown Jonathan Bowers

Newburg

Bill Myers, Pastor of Nurture and Care

Steve DiBiase, Youth Pastor

Newport Trevor Lightner

Cheryl Dorman, Visitation Pastor

Newville Wayne A. Good

Heidi Guyer, Director of Children's Ministry

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North Middleton Roddy A. Runyan

Oak Hill Mark F. Ginter

Orchard Ridge Jeffrey N. Hawbaker

Parkway Community Howard L. Ruley

Penbrook Steve Dunn, Intentional Interim

Wayne Anderson, Worship Director

Pine Grove Gary Shew

Plainfield James R. Klock, Intentional Interim

Pleasantville Richard Frederick

Progress Barbara Maurice

Providence Dwight E. Lefever, Lead Pastor

Dustin Metzler, Student Ministry Director

Chad Young, Director of Worship Arts

Providence Lampeter Campus Matthew Donaldson

Real Life (East Petersburg) Richard Miller

Real Life (Shermans Dale) David D. Dormer, Jr.

Reality Jeffrey Musser

Red Hill Mary Kay Miller

Round Knob Jeffrey Musser

Sanidad Divina Caleb Acosta

Christina Acosta

Eva Lezama, Associate Pastor

Saxton Steve B. Oberman

Sheaffer's Valley Dennis Bailey

Shippensburg James Rogers

Gary Hornbaker, Director of Visitation and Discipleship

Antonio Dewayne Morton, Jr., Director of Campus Ministries

Bradley W. Mowery, Associate Pastor of Worship & Youth

Caulene Rogers, Director of Children's Ministries

Shiremanstown Floyd R. Carlen, Jr.

Stacie Reber, Director of Children and Youth Ministries

Shope's Bethel Steve Lindemuth

Six Mile Run Richard Bair

Smithville Dean White

South Fairview Harry G. Madison

Stone Glen John W. Selcher

Suedberg Terry Jansma

Swatara Michael R. Nelson

The Orchard (Greensboro) Jimmy Grainger

Trinity Walter R. Dockens

Marsha Blackston, Associate Pastor

Think Kingdom Antoine Lassiter

Turning Point George A. Spangler

United G. David Tressler, II

Uplift Community April Ocasio

Valley View Gerald A. Frey

Walnut Grove

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Washington Boro Dennis Regitz Shaun McDonald Margaret Flinchbaugh

Wells Cathedral Church of Deliverance Ezra P. Davis

Westminster Raymond B. Duvall, Jr.

Windsor Anthony Zumbo

Bob Collins, Associate Pastor

Woodbury Charles W. Riley

Wormleysburg Milton S. Brown, Jr.

Yocumtown Stefanie S. DiFrancesco

York, First Glenn A. Detter

York, W. Poplar St. Tracey Utermahlen

Italics Indicates Affiliate

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2017 EASTERN REGIONAL CONFERENCE, CHURCHES OF GOD ROSTER

Conference Staff Personnel:Executive Director Kevin E. Richardson

Director of Congregational Care David S. WilliamsDirector for Church Planting and Evangelism Charles P. Frank

Finance Manager Colleen S. GrossFinancial Secretary H. Frank Arva

Executive Assistant Barbara A. HarrisOffice Assistant Brenda J. Cooker

Executive Director, HMC, Inc. James F. Brandt

Approved Ministries: University of Findlay Staff: Dale R. Brougher Professor

Winebrenner Theological Seminary: Dr. Brent Sleasman President Joel W. Cocklin VP of Academic Adv. & Academic Dean

Scotland Campus, Inc.: David Newell President/CEOGraham Messner Chief Development Officer

Hospice of Central PA John W. Good Chaplain Church of God Home, Carlisle, PA Bradley V. Moore Chaplain

Lancaster Goodwill Kenneth E. Nitchman PastorCountry Meadows Dennis Hamsher Chaplain

Director of Fruitbelt Farmworkers Roddy Runyan PastorHoly Spirit Hospital Johanna Monighan-Schaefer Chaplain

China Outreach Ministries Glendon Osborn

United States Army:Fort Sills, Oklahoma Elizabeth R. (Kurtz) McGraw Chaplain CH (CPT)

Fort Carson, Colorado Springs, Colorado Matthew Shenton Chaplain (CPT)Church of God Endorsement Agent Charles W. Yost Chaplain (LTC)

Missionaries:Beth Beers Retired

John and Toni Thumma SouthwestCaleb and Christina Acosta Latino Ministries

Other Ministers Reporting to Conference:Jean-Daniel Albert Sherry M. Hocking H. Marc Nelson Walter Thermidor

Dave Anderson Ammon L. Hochstetler Gary L. Newcomer David R. ThomasSarah J. Baumgardner Nace D. Howell Joel Ngarama Jory S. Tobias

David I. Bowers Dean Hull Brian Ocker David A. WayNancy Boyer Becky Jarrett Jake Paugh Thomas P. Weil

Bruce K. Boyles Travis Jarrett Brian L. Ramsey Daniel E. WineyNate Buck Pamela J. Jordan Trevor Reece Clifford L. Wolaver

Gregory Cole Ricky Key I. Eugene Reineman, III Bruce WorkmanYoline R. Conley Martin R. Kiggins, Jr. Timothy P. Robbins David L. Wynn

Dory Crater Catherine Kimmel David H. Robinson Victoria J. YontzClive Cyriljoe P. Dennis Koontz Bradley Rock

Kenneth Detweiler Daniel Kriel Larry R. Schwenk, Sr.Kevin Dunlap Timothy D. Landis Linda K. Rosenberry

Isaac B. Edwards Stevie L. Lawrence, Sr. Trevor E. RosenberryRichard Egolf David W. Learn Mark S. SchoryChris Elliott Scott J. Lebo Kent Sheaffer

Richard Fischl Anita London John ShubertBernard W. Fortna Terry Marshall Mark C. Snyder

Sharon Garcia Stanley A. Maughan

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2017 EASTERN REGIONAL CONFERENCE, CHURCHES OF GOD ROSTER

Thomas R. Gardner James A. McKibbinBrandon S. Goodling Travis R. Mellott

Lawrence V. Grandberry Michael MillerAndrew Griffith Carl T. Miner

Kelly E. Hall Judi MisereTimothy E. Harper Robert E. Mundis

Richard R. Hanshaw, Jr. Retta K. MurrayJames R. Heckman

Retired Ministers: *Serving Part-TimeLeroy C. Achenbach Cheryl A. Dorman* Alan SearlePaul R. Albert, Sr. David E. Draper Barry J. SellersSandra K. Baney* Ronald E. Dull R. Victor Shifler

Timothy L. Bartlett A. Gail Dunn Richard F. ShoverDean L. Baublitz Wayne E. Gosnell Earl M. SleasmanDuane L. Beck William A. Groff, Jr. Kenneth E. SmithRobert L. Bell Paul Hauk R. Keith SmithLarry L. Billet Charles H. Hostetter William C. Smith

Randall L. Bistline Randy L. Jenkins John A. SnyderRichard Borger J. Thomas Lefever Philip H. Sturr, Jr.David I. Bowers Thomas L. Lucas Lester Swope

J. William Brandt Jim G. Martin* Roger Templeton, Jr.Milton S. Brown, Jr.* Michael D. Martin Paul E. Tobias*

Lewis I. Button D. Alan Mathna Andrew H. WeaverJohn E. Byers Richard Miller Donald W. Weidner

Joseph C. Castanos James A. McKibbin Robert J. WeidnerHarry C. Cole James W. Moss, Sr. Michael A. Witmer

Stanley A. Cordell, Jr. Kenneth E. Nitchman George E. YergerI. Kenneth Cornelius* William Parks John O. Yoder

C. Alvin Cott Glenn D. Peck David A. YostLeroy H. Cowfer Ernest Pletcher Joseph E. Zimmerman

Mary Crampton-Moats Frederick C. Quade Walter B. ZimmermanSamuel R. Cunningham Patricia Robinson

W. Stanley Darrah Edward L. Rosenberry

Lay Organizations:Home Mission Council, Inc. - President Mr. Bradley Kearns

Women's Ministries, Director: Mrs. Katie Shradley Mrs. Alison BuckSenior Life Fellowship, President: Pastor Paul Albert

Minister's Wives Association President: Mrs. Nicole Robinson

Those asked to be excused: Days to be excused: Those asked to be excused: Days to be excused:

Robert Collins Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday Jim G. Martin Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday

C. Alvin Cott Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday Retta Murray Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday

C. Roy Daywalt Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday Glen Osborn Monday

Lee E. Daywalt Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday William C. Smith Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday

Steward Delony Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday Philip H. Sturr, Jr. Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday

Thomas Flanagan Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday David L. Wynn Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday

Bernie Fortna Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday

William A. Groff, Jr. Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday

Dennis E. Hamsher Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday

Paul K. Hauk Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday

George C. Jensen Tuesday afternoon

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EASTERN REGIONAL CONFERENCE MONDAY, April 18, 2016

The Sixteenth Annual Session of the Eastern Regional Conference, Churches of God, General Conference met on Monday, April 18, 2016, at Doubling Gap Center, Newville, PA.

Pastor Mark Hosler, Conference President, called the Conference-in-Session to order at 9:00 AM. The theme for this year’s Conference is “Christ’s Love Compels Us ….”

Roll Call: There were 285 pastors and delegates registered for Conference for the morning session.

Steve Long welcomed everyone to Doubling Gap Center and gave instructions regarding lodging, meals and other items of information.

ON MOTION APPROVED the requests of various pastors for excused absences from Conference-in-Session.

ON MOTION ACCEPTED the Secretary’s roster as adjusted as the official record.

ON MOTION APPROVED using the honor system with unassigned seating designating the voting area.

Parliamentarian appointed was Dr. Steve Dunn.

Ben Tobias recognized missionaries who were present at the Conference. Pastor Charlie Yost updated the Conference on military chaplains and their current ministries.

Pastor Chris Clugh led a Song Service and Pastors Mark Hosler and James W. Moss Jr. led an Ordinance Service.

ON MOTION ADOPTED the minutes of the Fifteenth Annual Conference Session of the Eastern Regional Conference and the minutes of the Administrative Council since the Fifteenth Annual Conference Session.

ON MOTION APPROVED lifting from the Administrative Council minutes for separate action the ordination recommendations, the withdrawal of Pastor William Sloat’s credentials and Eastern Regional Conference Constitution changes.

ON MOTION ADOPTED the business schedule with the privilege of the chair to adjust as needed.

The 2015 Nominating Committee including Pastor Kevin Richardson, Steve Long, Pastor Mark Hosler, Pastor Jim Moss, Jr. and Katie Kane were thanked for their work in preparing the ballot.

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The ballots for Administrative Council, Vice President and Nominating Committee were presented. ON MOTION APPROVED closing the nominations. Votes were cast. Tellers were Pastor Mark Halliday, head teller; Pastor George Jensen; Judy Lucas; and Twila Peffer.

The ballots for Doubling Gap Board and Home Mission Council were presented. ON MOTION APPROVED closing the nominations. Votes were cast. Tellers were Pastor Charlie Zahora, head teller; Lynn Hochstetler and Heidi Smith.

The ballot for General Conference Delegates was presented. ON MOTION APPROVED closing the nominations. Votes were cast. Tellers were Pastor Scott Swigert, head teller; Peggy Miller; Jason Smith; Jory Tobias and Pastor Marty Kiggins.

Dr. Kevin Richardson introduced the speaker, Dr. Katherine Fell, President of the University of Findlay since 2010. Dr. Fell grew up in the South and earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from Southern Arkansas University and a Master of Arts in English from Louisiana Technical University in Baton Rouge. After completing her Ph.D. in English at Texas A&M University, she was an English professor at Centenary College in Shreveport, LA prior to moving to Findlay, Ohio.

Conference was dismissed for lunch after announcements. Pastor Howard Ruley offered prayer for lunch.

The afternoon session continued after Pastor Chris Clugh led a Song Service. Doctor Katherine Fell, President of the University of Findlay, was the keynote speaker for the afternoon session of the Conference.

Roll Call: There were 292 pastors and delegates registered for Conference for the afternoon session.

General Conference: Pastor Lance Finley, Executive Director of the General Conference, reported on the General Conference and encouraged everyone to read the information provided. James P. Thomas, Pension Administrator, presented his report. Pastor Benjamin Tobias, Cross-Cultural Ministries Director, updated the Conference on cross-cultural ministries. He introduced Travis Helm, Assistant Director of Cross-Cultural Ministries, Pastor William Shoemaker, Director of New Churches, and Pastor Brandon Kelly, Transformational Ministries Director. All reported on their ministries.

Winebrenner Seminary Report: Dr. Brent Sleasman, President of Winebrenner Seminary, brought greetings from Winebrenner and updated the Conference on the seminary. Dr. Steve Dunn reported on classes at the Scotland Campus of Winebrenner Seminary. Dr. David Newell, President of Scotland Campus, introduced staff and board members and gave an update on the Seminary. Pastor Dennis Koontz reported there are fifteen organizations on Scotland Campus and talked about the transformation of the community through the Seminary, encouraging all to come visit.

University of Findlay: Dr. Katherine Fell reported on the University during her keynote speech.

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ON MOTION RECEIVED the reports of General Conference, Winebrenner Seminary, Scotland Campus and The University of Findlay.

Commission on Church and Pastor: Pastor Floyd Carlen, Jr. presented the report referring to page 71 in the docket. He recognized members of the commission and encouraged churches to contact members when they have a need in the local church.

Discipleship: Mrs. Rachel Neely-Sleasman referred to page 79 in the docket. The commission wants to challenge the churches to work together with them to grow disciples through Bible Quizzing and other resources they have available.

Church Vocations: Pastor Mark Hosler reported on the commission. He recognized the commission members and referred to their report on pages 77 and 78 in the docket. He highlighted the Theological Study Day being held November 14, 2016. ON MOTION APPROVED the following persons for Life Ordination: Stuart Delony, Thomas Flanagan and Rebecca Jarrett.

Evangelism Commission: Pastor Mark Halliday reported on the commission referring to pages 80-81 in the docket. He encouraged the churches to contact the commission for training for their leaders and congregations.

Leadership Commission: Pastor Victor Johnson reported on the work of the commission and recognized its members. The commission’s goal is to help churches grow leaders. He encouraged churches to contact them. He reminded them of the work God has sent them to do and how great an opportunity there is to grow people in Christ.

Renewal Commission: Pastor Jack Guyler updated the Conference on the work of the commission. He referred to the written report on pages 75 and 76 of the docket and recognized commission members. He encouraged churches to visit the commission website. Various members shared aspects of the commission’s work.

The results of the elections were as follows:

Administrative Council: Pastoral: Charlie Zahora and Chad Chute; Lay Persons: Mark Schuch and Greg Brenneman.

Vice President: Pastor Thomas Myers

Nominating Committee: Pastor Edward Rosenberry, Steve Long and Katie Kane.

Doubling Gap Board: Luella Hale, Greg Nauman and Ernie Corty

Home Mission Council: Kenneth Sollenberger

ON MOTION RECEIVED the reports of the commissions.

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Obituary Committee: Pastor Bradley Moore and Bill Fager presented the obituary report and recognized members of the committee. ON MOTION ACCEPTED with appreciation the Obituary Committee’s report.

After announcements and prayer offered by Pastor Dean Baublitz, Conference was adjourned until Tuesday morning, April 19, 2016.

A service of recognition on Monday evening honored Robert H. Stone for 60 years of ministry and C. Alvin Cott, R. Keith Smith and George E. Yerger for 50 years of ministry. Leroy H. Cowfer, Glenn D. Peck and Robert C. Wills, Jr. were honored for 40 years of ministry. Patrick E. Kelly was recognized for 25 years of service. Retirees recognized were Joseph C. Burdette, Lewis I. Button, Michael D. Martin, Gary W. Shew and John A. Snyder. James R. Henneman received the Towel and Basin Award. The Scott Day Band provided music for the evening program.

EASTERN REGIONAL CONFERENCE TUESDAY, April 19, 2016

The Sixteenth Annual Session of the Eastern Regional Conference, Churches of God, General Conference continued on Tuesday, April 19, 2016, at Doubling Gap Center, Newville, PA. with Pastor Chris Clugh leading in song. Pastor Mark Hosler, Conference President, called Conference-in-Session to order at 9:00 AM.

ROLL CALL: There were 270 registered pastors and delegates for the Tuesday morning session.

Dr. Kevin Richardson spoke to the conference on our theme, “Christ’s Love Compels Us…." referring to Philippians 1:1-11. He encouraged churches to reach out and bless others as they have been blessed, letting the love of Jesus compel us. His report is on pages 53 and 54 of the journal. Dr. Kevin and Ruth Richardson were recognized for their faithful service to the Eastern Regional Conference. ON MOTION RECEIVED the report of the Executive Director.

Four Break Out Sessions were available: 1) Discussion on Outreach presented by Pastor Jim Moss, Jr. 2) Meet Our Newest Missionaries presented by Pastors Ben Tobias and Travis Helm 3) Lessons from the Valley: Finding the Way Up by Pastor Glen Osborn 4) Preaching by Dr. Michael Walker.

FINANCIAL REPORTS/Stewardship Commission/2016 Budget/Endowment Fund: Colleen Gross, Finance Manager, presented the Treasurer’s report, referring to pages 65, 66 and 68 in the docket. She referred to the 2016 budget on page 67 of the docket. She challenged the churches to look outside their walls and let God’s love compel them to give generously. Pastor Zach Wilt shared how God’s love compels Mt. Pleasant’s involvement in the community. The commission shared a video on God’s love compelling us. Frank Arva reported on the impact the Affordable Care Act is having on medical insurance premium reimbursements to pastors and emphasized the importance of churches understanding the law. He encouraging churches to contact the conference office for assistance.

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Home Mission Council: Jim Brandt presented the report for Home Mission Council and recognized its members. He referred to page 107 of the docket.

Church Planting: Pastor Chuck Frank introduced a video promoting a cruise for church planting. Its report is on pages 57 and 73 of the docket. He thanked everyone for their prayers during his recent illnesses and shared how God’s love is compelling church plants. Pastor Rich Thornton introduced Pastor Larry Longenecker of Host Church, who shared how God is working in their church. Pastor Thornton presented various videos sharing what God is doing in church plants and Pastors George Spangler, Gilbert Thurston, Christina Acosta, Antoine Lassiter, Maurice Revell, Mary Elizabeth Houston and Jimmy Grainger shared how God’s love is compelling their churches. Pastor Jim Moss, Sr. was recognized for his faithful ministry in church planting. Pastor Dwight LeFever closed with prayer.

ON MOTION RECEIVED the reports of the Finance Committee, Stewardship Commission, Home Mission Council, Endowment Fund and Church Planting.

Conference was dismissed for lunch after announcements and prayer by Stacie Reber.

The afternoon session continued after Pastor Chris Clugh led a Song Service and Pastor Wayne Good led devotions.

ROLL CALL: There were 271 registered pastors and delegates for the Tuesday afternoon session.

ON MOTION AFFIRMED the Administrative Council’s recalling the ordination of Dr. William A. Sloat II for cause. After the vote Pastor Glen Peck led the Conference in prayer for Dr. Sloat.

General Conference Delegates elected were:

Pastoral: Mark Hosler, Ronald Dull, Mark Halliday, Stephen Dunn, Floyd Carlen, Jr., Wayne Good, Jack Selcher, Dave Williams, Jon Neely, Caleb Acosta, Chuck Frank, Dennis Koontz, Glen Peck, Christina Acosta, Bruce Henneman, Patrick Kelly, Thomas Lucas, Robert Malick, Lawrence Metzler, Anthony Zumbo, John Culbertson, Donald Snyder, Mike Walker, Richard Thornton, Gilbert Thurston, Kimberly Shifler, Gene Hockenberry and Randy Jenkins.

Lay Men: Frank Arva, Jim Brandt, James Henneman, Andrew Snyder, Gary Knode, Ronald Kearns, Brian Miller, Wayne Pope, Brad Anderson, Philip Keyser, Ron Needy, Harry Boswell, Brian Ramsey and Dennis Liddick.

Lay Women: Jean Koontz, Bonnie Nolt, Joyce Hornbaker, Neva Barrick, Brenda Keefer, Prudence Sheely, Kay Liddick, Kara Shifler, Gale Reeve, Bonnie Engle, Kristen Early, Robin Burns, Cindy Kretzer and Leilani Reeder.

Four Break Out Sessions were available: 1) Discussion on Outreach presented by Pastor Jim Moss, Jr. 2) Protecting The Flock by Pastor Sheldon Ames and Mr. Ralph Palm; 3) Social Media

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by Bob Mlynek and 4) Meet Your New Leaders by Pastor Lance Finley, CGGC Executive Director and Dr. Brent Sleasman, WTS President.

Dr. Steve Dunn presented constitutional changes. ON MOTION ADOPTED the following changes: Constitution – Preamble, remove “of the” to read “We, the Churches of God, General Conference”; ARTICLE II – MEMBERSHIP, Section 1– Ministerial Delegates will now read “All ministers shall be members of the Conference. They shall be required to attend the regular annual meeting and any special sessions of Conference unless officially excused”; Section 2 – LAY DELEGATES, Remove the A, line 41. Change “two hundred” to “one hundred” members, line 43. Remove “Each congregation shall be entitled to at least two lay representatives”; Remove Item B; Section 3 -- MEMBERS-AT-LARGE, add “With Voting Privilege”. Item B, Remove “Statistical Secretary”; Item C will now read “The Presidents and secretaries of conference sanctioned auxiliaries and all commissioned missionaries from this conference shall be members-at-large”; Section 4, add “Non-voting persons are not permitted to speak except when authorized by the Chair.” Section 5, change “sixteen” to “fourteen”. Section 7: VOTING PRIVILEGES, Item A, change “ordained and licensed” to “credentialed”; ARTICLE III – MEETINGS, Section 3 will now read “Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised, shall be the parliamentary authority for the Conference-in-Session and the Administrative Council and its commissions. Electronic or email votes are acceptable for the Administrative Council and its commissions with the prior agreement of that voting body”; ARTICLE V – ORGANIZATION, Section 1, change line 131-132 to read “The Parliamentarian(s) shall make the recommendation to the President on all questions regarding eligibility and seating of all delegates”; SECTION 5, GENERAL CONFERENCE DELEGATES, Item C, remove “Commission on Youth and Family Life,” line 174 and replace with “The Administrative Council shall present nominations for youth delegates to the General Conference from any pastoral charge to the Nominating Committee.” Under Section 6, Change Item C to read Item B; ARTICLE VI – ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL, Item F, Line 277 change ERC Executive Director to “President of the Conference”; ARTICLE VII – COMMISSIONS, Remove Section 10. ARTICLE X – POLITY, Section 1, Item A, add to line 580 records “and actions of said councils”; Section 2, Member Churches, remove Item C; Section 5, Church Property, Item A, change “democratic” to “representative”; ARTICLE XI – MINISTERS, Line 692 Change “He” to “The Senior/Lead pastor.”

BY-LAWS, ARTICLE III – Staff Position Descriptions, Remove Sections 2, 3, 4 and 5.

ON MOTION ADOPTED changes to the BY-LAWS, ARTICLE III.

Church of God Home: Steven J. Reiter, President and CEO from New Dawn brought greetings from the home. He updated the Conference and reported that a feasibility study is being done on the Orchard Project. Robert Foger, Executive Director, reported the home has received five star ratings and is being recognized by various hospitals. Mr. Foger updated the Conference on improvements made at the home in the past year. He thanked everyone and asked for continued prayer and blessings for the home. He introduced Mary Trayer, Director of Nursing, and soon to be the new Executive Director. ON MOTION RECEIVED the Church of God Home Report.

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Doubling Gap Center: Steve Long, Executive Director, referred to pages 103 through 105 in the docket. He thanked staff and board members for their support and voiced appreciation for all the volunteers. He updated the Conference on the Cabin Project. Ryan Long, Program Coordinator, thanked the churches for sending counselors to camp and expressed the need for counselors and supplies for this summer’s programs. He announced they will have a new wilderness camp this year and promotional videos and slide presentations for churches to use in promoting camping. Steve Long was recognized for forty years of service. ON MOTION RECEIVED the report of Doubling Gap Center.

Installation Service: Conference President, Pastor Mark Hosler, installed persons elected to various offices and positions within the Conference.

Dr. Kevin Richardson recognized out-going Conference President, Pastor Mark Hosler. Pastor Mark Hosler introduced Pastor Jim Moss, Jr, as the new President of Conference. Pastor Moss shared a message based on “Christ’s Love Compels Us….

After prayer by Pastor Floyd Carlen, Jr, Conference was adjourned until Wednesday, April 20, 2016.

The Service of Ordination was held Tuesday evening with Pastor William Reist bringing the message. Those receiving Life Ordination were Stuart Patrick Delony, Thomas Clayton Flanagan and Rebecca Gale Jarret. Those receiving an Annual License were Jeremy Cranmer, Dory Crater, Bradley Culwell, Ricky Key, Brian Miller, Linda Rosenberry and Troy Skinner. Recipients of a Transitional License included John Gill, Mary Houston, Antoine Lassiter, Anita London and Maurice Revell. Matthew Hornberger received a Provisional License.

EASTERN REGIONAL CONFERENCE WEDNESDAY, April 20, 2016

The Sixteenth Annual Session of the Eastern Regional Conference, Churches of God, General Conference continued on Wednesday, April 20, 2016, at Doubling Gap Center, Newville, PA. Pastor Chris Clugh led in song. Pastor Jim Moss, Jr, Conference President, called Conference-in-Session to order at 8:30 AM.

ROLL CALL: There were 245 registered pastors and delegates for the Wednesday morning session.

Missions Commission: Pastor George Yerger presented the commission’s report. The written report is on page 83 in the docket. He thanked the churches for their support of missions and encouraged everyone to fast and pray for all that do not participate in global missions.

A Chick-Fil-A video was shown.

Lay Organization Reports: Mrs. Norma Klock reported on CGWM, reminding everyone of Thank Offering Sunday on May 1, 2016. She talked about the work of Women’s Ministries.

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Pastor Paul Albert, President of Senior Life Fellowship, explained why it is changing its name to Adult Life Fellowship. He recognized Pastor Larry Hale for creating a website and Facebook pages for the group, and thanked all other members of the organization for their work in revitalizing this organization. Pastor Larry Hale reported on events which are held annually.

Statistical Report – Pastor Dave Williams reviewed the statistical information found on his report. He encouraged churches to send the information to him when asked. He reported that 70 churches had an increase in average worship attendance, most only by one. Eight churches had ceased to exist, and several churches did not report. First time decisions for Christ were 457.

ON MOTION RECEIVED the reports of the Mission Commission, CGWM, Adult Life and the statistical report.

Dr. Kevin Richardson introduced Dr. Alan Robinson, National Director of Brethren in Christ, US. Dr. Robinson talked about the Church and LGBTQ issues. His text was from John 1:1-14. Dr. Robinson became National Director in August 2013. He received a Bachelor of Arts from Nazarene Theological College of Manchester University in 1993 and a Master’s in Applied Theology from Oxford University in 1997. He was born in Northern Ireland and came to personal faith in an Independent Methodist Church. He served in various locations in the United Kingdom and moved to the United States in 1998. He was pastor of the Brethren in Christ Church in Carlisle, PA from 1999 to 2013.

Pastor Jim Moss, Jr., Conference President, thanked everyone involved with Conference, recognizing Barbara Harris, Brenda Cooker and the Conference Planning Committee. Outgoing President Mark Hosler was thanked for his service. He expressed his gratitude to the Conference and staff.

ON MOTION AUTHORIZED the Administrative Council to finalize the minutes of the Sixteenth Annual Conference Sessions.

Having no further business, ON MOTION APPROVED to adjourn Conference with the closing prayer by Pastor Mark Hosler.

Respectfully Submitted, Mary Jane Wickard Conference Transcribing Secretary

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Administrative Council Meeting No. 2, April 6, 2016 The Administrative Council of the Eastern Regional Conference, Churches of God, General Conference, met on Wednesday, April 6, 2016, at the United Church Center. M. A. Hosler, President, called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. ROLL CALL: K. E. Richardson, Executive Director; M. A. Hosler, President; J. W. Moss, Jr., Vice‐President; J. W. Selcher, Secretary; M. S. Halliday; A. Lightner; J. Noel; P. Regetta; D. E. Thomas; G. D. Thurston. MEMBERS‐AT‐LARGE: S. Brown; STAFF: D.S. Williams; C.S. Gross, Finance Manager (Advisory); H. F. Arva, Financial Secretary(Advisory); ABSENT: M. Erb, C. P. Frank, T. Jansma, K. Robinson. VISITORS: Richard Thornton DEVOTIONS AND PRAYER TIME – Gilbert Thurston knows a lot about Cal Ripken but Cal doesn’t know him. Be careful about doing stuff for Jesus but not knowing Jesus. We need to make personal time with Jesus a priority. Gilbert led in prayer. CORRESPONDENCE Letter from Thomas R. Brown ‐ 1/5/16 Pastor Thomas R. Brown has accepted the call to a church in Maine. He is returning his ordination certificate and requests being removed from the role of ERC pastors effective immediately. He thanks the ERC for six years of memories. Letter to George C. Jensen ‐ 1/11/16 Conference Secretary, Pastor John W. Selcher sent a letter to Pastor Jensen thanking him for his years of service as Chairperson of the Commission on Church Renewal. REVIEW OF MINUTES Administrative Council minutes for Meeting No. 1, January 6, 2016, were reviewed and ON MOTION APPROVED as circulated. PRIORITY BUSINESS Report of the Home Mission Council, Inc. J.F. Brandt – There are 289 active certificates of investment. The issue value of certificates is 5.7 million dollars. The value now is 6.5 million dollars. Loans at the end of the year outstanding – 4.8 million dollars. 2015 operating profitability was $84,000. The Home Mission Council, Inc. is financially healthy. ON MOTION RECEIVED J. F. Brandt’s report. Suggestions for Youth Delegates to Triennial Sessions K.E. Richardson – The ERC is allowed 8 youth delegates for General Conference Sessions. K. E. Richardson said suggestions of youth who might serve are appreciated. Update on 2016 Conference Sessions K.E. Richardson ‐ Everything is coming together for Conference Sessions. Selection of Dates for 2017 ERC Sessions K.E. Richardson – ON MOTION APPROVED setting May 1, 2, and 3 as dates for 2017 ERC Sessions.

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Selection of Date and Venue for July Ad Council Meeting – By common consent the July 6, 2016, meeting will be at the Church of God Home. ON MOTION APPROVED bringing in The Well Church as an associate member church in the ERC, recognizing some constitutional and polity issues need to be addressed within the next five years. STAFF AND FINANCIAL REPORTS Staff Dr. Richardson – ON MOTION APPROVED requested housing allowances listed in the signed contracts of Kevin E. Richardson, David S. Williams and Charles P. Frank. D. S. Williams – Healthy church checkups have been positive events. Total average ERC worship attendance in 2015 was 13,226, the lowest total since 2005. The average church is 86 now. ON MOTION APPROVED allocating $3229.50 from the Discretionary Fund for the 2016 Summer Renewal Intern Proposal with Bob Cassel. Chuck Frank – No verbal report Finance Manager: ON MOTION APPROVED apportioning the amount remaining from Harrisburg First Church as follows: $43,476.84 to the Renewal Seed Fund and $148,291.16 to the Administrative Council Discretionary Fund. ON MOTION APPROVED allocating the interest from the Mert Kehr Trust to the Seed Fund. ON MOTION APPROVED sending a tithe on $191,768.00 to the Churches of God, General Conference. ON MOTION APPROVED giving $4800.00 to the Commission on Church Planting from the Administrative Council Discretionary Fund to repay Life Quest’s loan. ON MOTION APPROVED giving Brotherhood Mutual marketing rights to our member churches. Brotherhood Mutual will send four letters a year to churches. We will give them a mailing list and add a Brotherhood Mutual link on our website. With our present number of churches, the ERC will receive a minimum of $15,000.00 per year for this agreement. Financial Secretary: H. F. Arva reported for the first quarter of 2016, tithe receipts are 4.9 percent below budget. Tithe income is about 3.1 percent above what it was for the first quarter of 2015. ON MOTION RECEIVED the written and verbal reports of the staff. Commission Reports Church & Pastor: S. Brown reported on the work of the commission. The commission recommends Mary Jane Wickard and Howard Ruley for approval as members of the commission. Mary Jane will be the Secretary of the commission. Church Planting: G. D. Thurston reported about a couple projects. Church Renewal: Dave Williams reported about the Nehemiah Project which is a nine‐month process of spiritual formation and practical skills for ministry facilitated by experiencing leaders. The commission is recommending Nancy Boyer for approval as a member of the commission. Intentional Interim training will be on May 5. Higher Hope and Newville are building. Church Vocations: M. A. Hosler reported on the work of the commission. Discipleship: D. E. Thomas reported on preparation for the Pastor’s Prayer Retreat. The commission is working on a retreat for young adults to help them perceive God’s call.

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Evangelism: M. S. Halliday reported on The Summit. The Summit will probably be a Saturday event next year. Leadership: J. Noel reported on the work of the commission. Missions: A. Lightner reported on the work of the commission. The commission is excited about the Buckets for Haiti Project. Stewardship: J. W. Moss, Jr. reported on extending the period for submission of applications to the endowment fund. The commission recommends Charles Robson for approval as a member of the commission. ON MOTION ACCEPTED the reports of the Commissions including approving those recommended as new members of various commissions. Corporations Reports Church of God Home – Frank updated the Church of God Home ministry. Doubling Gap Center – The Cabin Project won’t be done by Conference Sessions. Upgrading the nurses’ quarters will be this fall’s project. Home Mission Council – The report was given earlier in the meeting. ON MOTION RECEIVED the written reports of the Corporations. COMMITTEE REPORTS (*No reports at this time) *Cabinet *Publicity *Endowment Conference Planning *Relocation *Nominating *Constitution *Discipline *Strategic Planning *Obituary *Pastoral Care ORGANIZATION REPORTS Senior Life Fellowship – No oral report. Women’s Ministries – No oral report. ON MOTION RECEIVED the Organization Reports. Other Concerns/Action Items None Executive Session – None Recognition of Outgoing Administrative Council Members – K. E. Richardson recognized Mark Halliday, Phil Regetta, Scott Brown, Mindy Erb, Mark Hosler and Terry Jansma and thanked them for their service to the Administrative Council. ADJOURNMENT: The Ad Council was ON MOTION ADJOURNED at 11:47 a.m. The next meeting is April 20, 2016, at the conclusion of ERC Sessions. Mark Hosler closed with prayer. Respectfully Submitted, John W. Selcher, Conference Secretary

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Items of Business from Commissions, Corporations, and Committees Approved by the Administrative Council on April 6, 2016.

Church and Pastor Meeting No. 1, February 2, 2016

ON MOTION APPROVED the agenda for the day as presented.

ON MOTION APPROVED the minutes from Meeting No. 11, November 24, 2015, as circulated.

ON MOTION APPROVED accepting the resignation of Pastor James Klock as the associate pastor of the Enola First Church effective February 12, 2016.

ON MOTION APPROVED the email vote to pay the hospitalization insurance for 3 months for Pastor John Culbertson at $302.29 per month for a total cost of $906.87.

ON MOTION APPROVED holding the next district meeting in the Harrisburg Northeast district on April 26, 2016.

ON MOTION APPROVED giving a $50.00 gift card for Shady Maple Restaurant to Barbara Harris in appreciation for her work in planning and taking care of all the details that make the Clergy Couples Retreat a success each year.

Church and Pastor Meeting No. 2, February 23, 2016


ON MOTION APPROVED the minutes from Meeting No. 1, February 2, 2016, as circulated.

ON MOTION APROVED paying Pastor Thomas Flanagan’s hospitalization for 3 months.

ON MOTION APPROVED appointing Pastor Troy Skinner Pastor of the Edgewood Church effective upon the receipt of the Church and Pastor Contract.

Church Planting Meeting No. 11, December 7, 2015

ON MOTION APPROVED a 2016 contract for Victor Glover.

ON MOTION DID NOT APPROVE as presented Ken Robinson’s proposal of Urban Church Planters Network partnering with the ERC Church Planting Commission.

Church Planting Meeting No. 1, February 16, 2016

ON MOTION APPROVED the minutes from Meeting No. 10, October 20, 2015, as circulated.

ON MOTION AGREED approving Antoine Lassiter to plant Think Kingdom Church.

ON MOTION RECOMMENDED that a withdrawal process be initiated between the Eastern Regional Conference and the Shift Church and the Transformation Church.

Church Renewal Meeting No. 12, December 8, 2015

ON MOTION APPROVED the minutes of Meeting No. 11, November 10, 2015, as presented.

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ON MOTION APPROVED giving New Life (Mt. Carmel) Church of God up to $5,000.00 out of the Seed Fund for installation of heat for a portion of the building, along with the implementation of Dare to Dream, providing they agree to Dare to Dream and invest $1,000.00 towards the heat.

ON MOTION TABLED until finances are reviewed giving Higher Hope Church of God the permission to borrow up to $550,000.00 contingent upon receiving the applied for $400,000.00 grant for the John Lasko Foundation.

ON MOTION APPROVED the Newville building plan as recommended by the Property Task Force.

ON MOTION APPROVED granting permission to New Cumberland Church to borrow money to renovate rental property contingent on Home Mission Council approval.

ON MOTION APPROVED giving the Mount Joy Church permission to sell the parking lot to Penn‐ dot for a train station.

Church Renewal Meeting No. 1, January 12, 2016

ON MOTION APPROVED the minutes of Meeting No. 12, December 8, 2015, as presented.

ON MOTION APPROVED giving Higher Hope Church permission to borrow up to $550,000.00 for a new sanctuary in light of receiving a $400,000.00 grant from the John Lasko Foundation.

ON MOTION APPROVED making Jack Guyler Interim Chairperson of the Renewal Commission until the Administrative Council appoints a Chairperson.

ON MOTION RECOMMENDED Nancy Boyer to the Administrative Council for approval to serve on the Commission on Church Renewal.

Church Renewal Meeting No. 2, February 10, 2016

ON MOTION APPROVED the minutes of Meeting No. 1, January 12, 2016, as corrected

ON MOTION APPROVED authorizing up to $2,000.00 for Prism DISC Certification training in Houston, TX on March 13‐16, 2016.

Church Vocations Meeting No. 13, December 10, 2015

ON MOTION APPROVED the minutes of Meeting No. 12, November 12, 2015 as corrected.

ON MOTION APPROVED recommending Rebecca Jarrett to the Eastern Regional Conference for Life Ordination.

ON MOTION APPROVED receiving Jason Ott under the care of the Commission.

ON MOTION APPROVED granting Troy Skinner an Annual License, contingent upon membership in a Churches of God congregation.

Church Vocations Meeting No. 1, January 14, 2016

ON MOTION APPROVED the minutes of Meeting No. 13, December 10, 2015.

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ON MOTION, APPROVED affirming Pastor Larry Graybill as a long term pulpit supply for the Martinsburg Church, following Pastor Lew Button’s retirement at the end of January.

ON MOTION, APPROVED authorizing Colleen Gross to make reimbursement payments for tuition to John Thumma, Logan Ames, Brian Warner, Sheldon Ames, and Dennis Bailey.

ON MOTION, APPROVED removing Brad Rock and Hanna Richard from the list of students to be reimbursed because they are no longer enrolled in a degree program.

ON MOTION APPROVED receiving Brandon Wilson under the care of the Commission.

ON MOTION, APPROVED Ricky Key to receive a Provisional License, to serve under the mentorship of Pastor Charlie Zahora.

Church Vocations Meeting No. 2, February 11, 2016

ON MOTION APPROVED the minutes of Meeting No. 1, January 14, 2016.

ON MOTION, APPROVED a questionnaire which will be given to candidates when they are approved for a license, with the encouragement that as they move toward ordination they need to be familiar with these passages.

ON MOTION APPROVED receiving Michael Tasker under the care of the Commission. Church Vocations Meeting No. 3, March 10, 2016

ON MOTION APPROVED the minutes of Meeting No. 2, February 11, 2016.

ON MOTION APPROVED giving Dr. Robert Smith $600.00 as an honorarium plus cover his travel expenses. The registration fee will be $40 including lunch.

ON MOTION APPROVED granting Pastor Maurice Revell a Transitional License.

ON MOTION APPROVED granting Jeremy Cranmer an Annual License and receiving him under the care of the Commission.

ON MOTION APPROVED granting Linda Rosenberry an Annual License.

ON MOTION, APPROVED recommending Stuart Delony to the ERC Conference in Session for Life Ordination.

ON MOTION, APPROVED not proceeding any further with Frank Deiter at this time. Discipleship Meeting No. 9, December 9, 2015

ON MOTION, APPROVED the minutes of Meeting No. 8, October 27, 2015, as circulated.

ON MOTION APPROVED December’s Financial Report.

ON MOTION ADJOURNED at 11:50 a.m. Meeting No. 1, February 24, 2016

ON MOTION, APPROVED the minutes of Meeting No. 9, December 9, 2015, as circulated.

ON MOTION APPROVED the most recent financial statement, dated February 16, 2016.

ON MOTION ADJOURNED at 11:20 a.m.

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Evangelism No minutes were submitted. Leadership Meeting No. 5, October 13, 2015

ON MOTION APPROVED the minutes from Meeting No. 4, August 11, 2015. Missions Meeting No. 5, November 19, 2015

ON MOTION APPROVED the minutes of Meeting No. 4, September 24, 2015, as presented.

ON MOTION, APPROVED sponsoring another “Buckets for Haiti” project.

ON MOTION, RECOMMENDED Charlene Keyser to be approved by the Administrative Council as a member of the Commission on Missions.

ON MOTION, ACCEPTED Nancy Boyer’s resignation from the Commission on Missions, with regret.

ON MOTION, APPROVED paying current expenses of the Commission and allowing the remaining 2015 funds to be returned to the ERC General Fund.

Missions Meeting No. 1, January 28, 2016

ON MOTION, APPROVED the minutes of Meeting No. 5, November 19, 2015, as presented.

ON MOTION, APPROVED the financial report as presented.

ON MOTION, APPROVED payment of $200 honorariums to the Commission secretary and financial secretary.

Stewardship Meeting No. 1, February 11, 2016

ON MOTION, APPROVED using the $33,000 CD money to fund the $13,901.05 underfunding of the unrestricted budgeted funds with the remaining $19,098.95 given to Church Planting.

ON MOTION, APPROVED the following Benevolence Fund Policy as presented: Under the leadership of the Executive Director and the Administrative Council, oversight and accountability of the Benevolence Fund will be administered by the Stewardship Commission. The Benevolence Fund is a non‐budgeted fund. It is funded by donations. All contributions to this fund must be given unconditionally. Money distributed from the fund will be approved by the Stewardship Commission, the Administrative Council or the Executive Director. When a need is identified, the request should be documented on the “Benevolence Request Form.” If funds are available, the Finance Manager or Finance Director, will notify the Executive Director of the need. After agreement by the Executive Director, the Stewardship Committee will be asked to approve the request through a vote (either electronic or in person). The funds will be distributed. When possible, the funds should not be distributed to the individual requesting assistance, but should be written to the company or agency to help satisfy the need.

ON MOTION, APPROVED the Commission will distribute grants from the Endowment Fund up to $10,000.

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ON MOTION, APPROVED the Grant Application Guidelines for the Endowment Fund will be changed to a request deadline of the last day of February.

Doubling Gap Center Corporation Meeting No. 6, November 21, 2015

ON MOTION, APPROVED the minutes of meeting No. 5, September 19, 2015.

ON MOTION, APPROVED accepting the Treasurer’s Report.

ON MOTION, APPROVED accepting the Promotion and Publicity Committee’s report.

ON MOTION, APPROVED accepting the Camp Committee’s report, including the addition of a fourth full week wilderness camp to the 2016 schedule.

ON MOTION, APPROVED the Program Coordinator’s written report, including the 2016 directors.

ON MOTION, APPROVED the Executive Director’s written report, including accessing a group health insurance plan through Aetna for our current covered employees, reflecting a 6.5% increase over 2015, and the sale of the Mary McVitty estate property to Milton Rotz for $23,000.00, authorizing S. Long to sign on behalf of the corporation.

ON MOTION, APPROVED a memorial gift of $500 to the Swatara Church of God, with a matching gift to the cabin project, in honor of Walter Graham (former DGC board member and chairman).

Meeting No. 1, January 9, 2016

ON MOTION, APPROVED the minutes of meeting No. 6, November 21, 2015.

ON MOTION, APPROVED accepting the “End‐of‐the‐Year Doubling Gap Center Financial Statement & Reports.”

ON MOTION, APPROVED accepting the 2016 budget as presented, including the following rates and wages for 2016: Rates: There will be an increase of $4.00 to $208.00 for a week of camp; increase of $2.00 to $106.00 for non‐Church‐of‐God week‐end‐retreat. Wages: There will be a 2% increase for hourly staff; 2% increase for Executive Director, 4% increase for Program Coordinator; $5.00/wk increase for summer staff.

ON MOTION, APPROVED the Program Coordinator’s written report, including the approval of the appointment of Dave and Patty Lloyd as directors of the new Sr. High Wilderness camp, Greg Breneman to Wilderness Adventure and Rod Snell to Jr. High Wilderness #1, and the disbursement of $500.00 from the camping ministry fund to Michelle Corty to take a wilderness first aid responder course.

ON MOTION, APPROVED the Executive Director’s written report, including, for the year 2016, authorizing Doubling Gap Executive Director, S. Long, to reimburse Doubling Gap Center employee, Brian Eichelberger, up to $3,000.00 a year, to cover family health insurance needs and unreimbursed medical expenses.

Senior Life Fellowship Meeting No. 3, August 23, 2015

ON MOTION, APPROVED the Secretary’s report from the last meeting as presented.

ON MOTION, APPROVED the Membership Secretary’s report as presented.

ON MOTON, APPROVED the Treasurer’s Report as presented.

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The Forever Caring Fund No minutes were submitted. Home Mission Council No minutes were submitted. Women’s Ministries No minutes were submitted.

Cumberland Valley Missionary District Rally

Total offering for Mission Project Fund, March 10, 2016 ‐ $38,997.88

Total expenditures for Mission Project Fund, March 10, 2016 ‐ $39,897.88

Administrative Council Meeting No. 3, April 20, 2016 The Administrative Council of the Eastern Regional Conference, Churches of God, General Conference, met on Wednesday, April 20, 2016, at Doubling Gap Center. J. W. Moss, President, called the meeting to order at 12:30 p.m. ROLL CALL: K. E. Richardson, Executive Director; J. W. Moss, Jr., President; T. Myers, Vice President; J. W. Selcher, Secretary; G. P. Brenneman; C. Chute; J. Noel; M. F. Schuck; G. D. Thurston; C. J. Zahora; MEMBERS‐AT‐LARGE: None; STAFF: C. P. Frank; D.S. Williams; C.S. Gross, Finance Manager (Advisory); H. F. Arva, Financial Secretary(Advisory); ABSENT: A. Lightner, K. Robinson, D. E. Thomas. VISITORS: None ON MOTION APPROVED appointing Pastor Rodger Scheuing as Member‐At‐Large of the Administrative

Council.

ON MOTION APPROVED asking Charles Jenkins to fill a one‐year term as Member‐At‐Large and if he

accepts, appointing him by email vote.

Administrative Council Liaisons to Commissions

Charlie Zahora – Commission on Evangelism

Amanda Lightner – Commission on Missions

Jim Noel – Commission on Leadership

Dan Thomas – Commission on Discipleship

Rodger Scheuing – Commission on Vocations

Charles Jenkins (tentatively) – Commission on Church and Pastor

Tom Myers – Commission on Renewal

Jim Moss, Jr. – Commission on Stewardship

Gilbert Thurston – Commission on Church Planting

ON MOTION APPROVED Dennis Bailey as a member of the Commission on Stewardship.

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The next meeting of the Administrative Council is July 6, 2016, at 9:00 a.m. at the Church of God Home.

Respectfully Submitted, John W. Selcher, Conference Secretary

Administrative Council Meeting No. 4, July 6, 2016 The Administrative Council of the Eastern Regional Conference, Churches of God, General Conference, met on Wednesday, July 6, 2016, at the Church of God Home. J. W. Moss, Jr., President, called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. ROLL CALL: K. E. Richardson, Executive Director; J. W. Moss, Jr., President; T. Myers, Vice President; J. W. Selcher, Secretary; G. P. Breneman; C. Chute; J. Noel; D. E. Thomas; G. D. Thurston; C. J. Zahora; MEMBERS‐AT‐LARGE: C. L. Jenkins; R. A. Scheuing; STAFF: C. P. Frank; D.S. Williams; C.S. Gross, Finance Manager (Advisory); H. F. Arva, Financial Secretary(Advisory); ABSENT: A. Lightner, M. F. Schuch. VISITORS: Bob Cassel, Victor Johnson, Dennis Koontz, George Yerger. DEVOTIONS AND PRAYER TIME – J. W. Moss, Jr. read John 9:1ff. Questions or assumptions rooted in the past are not relevant. What’s important is God’s opportunity to work in the present moment. Our temptation is to build on the past. Our job is to discern the opportunities God is presenting in the present. Jim led in prayer. REVIEW OF MINUTES The minutes of the Sixteenth Annual Session of the Eastern Regional Conference, Churches of God, General Conference, which met April 18‐20, 2016, were reviewed and ON MOTION APPROVED as circulated. Administrative Council minutes for Meetings No. 2, April 6, 2016, was reviewed and ON MOTION APPROVED as circulated. Minutes for Meeting No. 3, April 20, 2016, were reviewed and ON MOTION APPROVED as circulated. CORRESPONDENCE Cumberland Valley District Missionary Rally Report Total project giving for the 2016 Cumberland Valley District Missionary Celebration was $38,572.00. Letter from Pastor Bob Stone Pastor Robert Stone sent a letter to thank the ERC for honoring him at the 2016 Conference Sessions for 60 years in ministry. Letter from Rob and Rhonda Wills Rob and Rhonda Wills sent thanks for the ERC’s honoring Rob at 2016 Conference Sessions. Letter from Faye Endres Faye Endres thanked the ERC for taking care of her health insurance. PRIORITY BUSINESS Granting of Ministerial Credentials

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Ian Stiles took vows and received a Certificate of Annual License. Pastor Jim Moss, Jr. prayed God’s

blessings on his life and ministry.

Reorganization Roster Amanda Lightner sent a letter of resignation to the Ad Council. Kevin Richardson will work with Jim Moss, Jr. to fill her slot on the Ad Council. ON MOTION ACCEPTED the resignation of Amanda Lightner. Greg Breneman will serve as liaison from the Ad Council to the Commission on Missions. The commission chairs, Constitution Committee and Conference Planning Committee remain the same as last year. ON MOTION APPROVED appointing Tom Myers and Jim Moss, Jr. to serve on the Nominating Committee. Katie Shradley will serve on the Staff Committee this year. Jim Henneman will be asked to serve on it as well. ON MOTION APPROVED receiving the updated Reorganization Roster for 2016‐2017. Expectations of ERC Ad Council Members – K. Richardson talked about expectations of Ad Council members. Members are encouraged to voice their opinions during Ad Council meetings. Review of 2016 Annual Conference Sessions – It was suggested we have a vote of affirmation for General Conference delegates at ERC Sessions. The Constitution would need to be changed to do this. It was suggested the length of reports needs to be monitored more closely. Some presenters went way over the time they had been allotted. Approval of Delegates – CGGC Triennial Sessions, July 25‐27, 2016 – ON MOTION APPROVED the list of delegates in the July 6, 2016 Ad Council Docket for the CGGC Triennial Sessions, July 25‐27, 2016, which includes additions made since ERC Sessions. George Yerger’s name should be removed from the list as an alternate delegate because he never agreed to be considered as a delegate. Michaela Detwiler’s name should be removed from the list as a youth delegate. ERC persons nominated as candidates for election to the CGGC Ad Council include: Wayne Good, Mark Halliday, Kara Shifler and Pat Kelly. Of these four, three will be elected. Report of the Church of God Home – Robert Fodor and Mary Shrader reported on the Church of God Home. Mary is the Executive Director. The Home’s beds are all full. Staff and residents are happy. Robert and Mary talked about some of the challenges of ministry at the home. The Church Home is presently a five‐star facility. STAFF AND FINANCIAL REPORTS Staff Dr. Richardson – It was agreed to move from a printed docket for Administrative Council meetings to an electronic docket. By certified letter the ERC Administrative Council will again ask Bill Sloat to surrender his ministry credentials and ministry ID card. NewSong Church has decided to withdraw from the ERC. Staff members will visit with this church in August.

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D. S. Williams – About six churches are in danger of closing in the next 1‐5 years. Local churches are expressing appreciation that staff are meeting with their church councils. Chuck Frank – Chuck reported on encouraging things happening in our church plants. $154,000 in tithe money has come back to the ERC from church plants in the last six years. October 16th is Plant a Church Sunday. Finance Manager: Colleen Gross reported the ERC received about $10,000 less than budgeted funding through May. Financial Secretary: Frank Arva reported the ERC is $5600 or 1.5% below budget as of the end of June. He is optimistic that we can meet the budget. ON MOTION RECEIVED the written and verbal reports of the staff. Commission Reports Church & Pastor: C. L. Jenkins reported on the work of the commission. Commissions need to continue to work cooperatively. Church Planting: G. D. Thurston reported on the work of the Commission. Church Renewal: T. Myers talked about the commission’s plans to help intentional interims financially between appointments. The commission is working on guidelines for managing this situation. The Nehemiah Project is going well. Church Vocations: R. A. Scheuing reported that the commission has interviewed some young persons interested in ministry and that the ERC is becoming attractive to some pastors of other denominations because of its biblical stand. Discipleship: D. S. Williams reported on the prayer retreat and a retreat at Doubling Gap Center for young people to help their lives be mission‐driven. Evangelism: C. J. Zahora reported on the work of the commission. The next Evangelism Summit will be February 25, 2017, at the Carlisle Church of God. Leadership: J. Noel said the commission is working with several churches. The commission believes we need to evaluate the past strategic plan and where we are in the life cycle of the ERC. What are we willing to do to promote the ongoing ministry of the ERC for the long haul? Chad Chute and Jim Moss, Jr. will talk about evaluating the previous strategic plan and developing a new one. Missions: George Yerger reported on the work of the commission. The commission is praying for churches that are not giving to global missions. Buckets for Haiti was successful. Stewardship: J. W. Moss, Jr. reported on the commission’s dispersing money from the endowment fund. The commission will refine the Endowment Fund request process in the next year. ON MOTION ACCEPTED the reports of the Commissions. Corporations Reports Church of God Home, Forever Caring Fund – The report was given earlier in the meeting. Doubling Gap Center – Dave Williams reported summer camp is going well. Home Mission Council – Dave Williams reported the HMC can use more investments. ON MOTION RECEIVED the written reports of the Corporations.

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COMMITTEE REPORTS (*No reports at this time) *Cabinet *Publicity *Endowment Conference Planning *Relocation *Nominating *Constitution *Discipline *Strategic Planning *Obituary *Pastoral Care ORGANIZATION REPORTS Senior Life Fellowship – No oral report. Women’s Ministries – No oral report. ON MOTION RECEIVED the Organization Reports. Other Concerns/Action Items ‐ None Executive Session – None ADJOURNMENT: The Ad Council was ON MOTION ADJOURNED at 11:57 a.m. The next meeting is October 5, 2016, at the United Church Center. Jim Moss, Jr. closed in prayer. Respectfully Submitted, John W. Selcher, Conference Secretary

Items of Business from Commissions, Corporations, and Committees Approved by the Administrative Council on July 6, 2016.

Church and Pastor Meeting No. 3, March 22, 2016

ON MOTION APPROVED asking Ad Council to approve H. L. Ruley and M. J. Wickard as members of the Commission.


ON MOTION APPROVED the minutes from Meeting No. 2, February 23, 2016, as circulated.

ON MOTION APPROVED Sabbatical Leave for Pastor Bradley Mowery from 11/21/2016 to 12/27/2016.

ON MOTION APPROVED Mary Jane Wickard as secretary of the Commission beginning with the April 26 meeting.

ON MOTION APPROVED implementing the Pastors’ Wives Care Network program.

ON MOTION APPROVED giving the Towel and Basin Award to J. R. Henneman at Annual Conference.

ON MOTION APPROVED appointing Pastor John Cook to the Blair’s Valley Church upon receipt of contract.

ON MOTION APPROVED giving Dory Crater approved ministry status through Yoke Fellowship Prison Ministries.

Church and Pastor Meeting No. 4, April 26, 2016

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ON MOTION APPROVED the minutes from Meetings No. 3, No. 4 and No. 5 held March 22, 2016 and April 18 & 19, 2016, as circulated and corrected.

ON MOTION APPROVED yoking Blair’s Valley and Mercersburg churches.

ON MOTION APPROVED Dave Williams to be mentor for Troy Skinner.

ON MOTION APPROVED paying medical insurance in the amount of $500.00/month for Stan Maughan, not to exceed three months.

Church Planting Meeting No. 3, March 14, 2016

ON MOTION APPROVED the minutes from Meeting No. 1, February 16, 2016.

ON MOTION APPROVED financial information.

ON MOTION AGREED to grant funding to Think Kingdom Church in Concord/Charlotte, North Carolina.

ON MOTION AGREED to approve Maurice Revell to plant a Charlotte campus of The Well Church and to grant funding to The Well Church Charlotte.

Church Renewal Meeting No. 3, March 8, 2016

ON MOTION APPROVED the minutes of Meeting No. 2, February 10, 2016 as corrected.

ON MOTION APPROVED giving presenters a stipend of $200.00, to come out of Seed Fund, plus $500.00 for food and refreshments for the Nehemiah Project.

ON MOTION APPROVED paying Bob of Operation Crusader $750.00 for creating a website for the Commission on Renewal.

ON MOTION APPROVED offering a summer internship to Bob Cassel to work under Dave, for 20‐25 hours per week with a salary of $3000.00. It is recommended to Ad Council that the salary come out of the “Harrisburg First Monies,” since this will involve Commissions on Renewal, Church and Pastor and Discipleship.

Church Renewal Meeting No. 4, April 12, 2016

ON MOTION APPROVED the minutes of Meeting No. 3, March 8, 2016, as corrected.

Affirmed MOTION made and APPROVED from email vote to purchase 600 promotional pens, highlighting the Commission’s website at a cost of $450.00 from www.4imprint.com.

ON MOTION APPROVED paying Renee Mowry $100.00 for designing our brochure for the Nehemiah Project.

ON MOTION APPROVED giving Higher Hope Church of God approval and blessing to proceed with their building plans (loan of $550,000).

ON MOTION APPROVED having Commission Renewal Seed Fund to cover travel and food cost to be reimbursed for the summer intern Bob Cassel up to $500.

ON MOTION APPROVED giving New Cumberland permission to seek a loan to make repairs to rental properties for the maximum amount of $43,793.00.

Church Vocations

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Meeting No. 4, May 12, 2016

ON MOTION APPROVED confirming the approval of the minutes from the March 10 meeting that had been circulated by email.

ON MOTION APPROVED affirming the honorarium of $250.00 and mileage reimbursement for Dr. Reist for the Ordination Service.

ON MOTION APPROVED giving permission to the Duncannon Church to proceed in considering Pastor Joseph Vasarhelyi, but hiring is contingent upon approval for credentials, which will require completion of a written and another oral exam with us.

Discipleship Meeting No. 2, March 30, 2016

ON MOTION, APPROVED the minutes of Meeting No. 1, February 24, 2016, as circulated.

ON MOTION APPROVED the most recent financial report, dated March 30, 2016.

ON MOTION APPROVED giving $400.00 for youth ministry expenses at the Hike‐N‐Rock‐Thon.

ON MOTION ADJOURNED at 12:20 p.m. Evangelism Meeting No. 2, March 21, 2016

ON MOTION APPROVED the minutes of Meeting No. 1, January 11, 2016.

ON MOTION APPROVED commission expenses. Leadership Meeting No. 1, February 23, 2016

ON MOTION APPROVED the minutes from Meeting No. 5, October 13, 2015, as corrected. Leadership Meeting No. 2, April 12, 2016

ON MOTION APPROVED the minutes from Meeting No. 1, February 23, 2016. Missions Meeting No. 2, March 17, 2016

ON MOTION APPROVED the minutes of Meeting No. 1, January 28, 2016, as presented.

ON MOTION APPROVED the financial report as presented. Stewardship

No minutes were submitted.

Doubling Gap Center Corporation Meeting No. 2, March 19, 2016

ON MOTION APPROVED the minutes of meeting No. 1, January 9, 2016.

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ON MOTION APPROVED accepting the treasurer’s report, including the action taken by the board through email for a change to the 2016 budget, reflecting a 4% increase in wages for the head cook and the maintenance supervisor.

ON MOTION APPROVED the Program Coordinator’s written report, including the 2016 summer staff hires.

ON MOTION APPROVED the Executive Director’s written report.

ON MOTION APPROVED, our Executive Director to sign, after a two‐week review by board members, the Sewage Treatment Agreement BSP‐20155W‐02 with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for wastewater service to Colonel Denning State Park.

ON MOTION APPROVED the nominations of E. Corty, P. Erb, L. Hale and G. Nauman, for the 2016 ERC ballot.

Senior Life Fellowship Meeting No. 1, January 26, 2016

ON MOTION, APPROVED the Secretary’s report from the last meeting as corrected (Membership was 706, not 702).

ON MOTON, APPROVED the Treasurer’s Report as presented with a balance of $260.83 in savings and $3,184.81 in checking.

ON MOTION APPROVED dispersing at total of $1200, with $600 to the Forever Caring Fund and $600 to Doubling Gap Center General Fund to be used as they see fit.

ON MOTION APPROVED the following changes as presented: o Eliminating membership dues. Membership will be free! o Charging $15 for Spring Flings and $20 for Fall Festival with the profit going into the SR

LIFE account to be used for mission distributions. o A basket will be available for donations at each event to also be included for mission

distributions. o Members must still register for the events. o Membership cards will be distributed and a record of names, addresses and e‐mails will

be kept for the purpose of distributing information about our events. o District Reps are responsible to inform their churches of these changes.


Administrative Council Meeting No. 5, October 5, 2016 The Administrative Council of the Eastern Regional Conference, Churches of God, General Conference, met on Wednesday, October 5, 2016, at the United Church Center. J. W. Moss, Jr., President, called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.

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ROLL CALL: K. E. Richardson, Executive Director; J. W. Moss, Jr., President; T. I. Myers, Vice President; J. W. Selcher, Secretary; G. P. Breneman; J. A. Hornbaker; J. A. Noel; M. F. Schuch, D. E. Thomas; G. D. Thurston; C. J. Zahora; MEMBERS‐AT‐LARGE: C. L. Jenkins; R. A. Scheuing; STAFF: C. P. Frank; D.S. Williams; C.S. Gross, Finance Manager (Advisory); H. F. Arva, Financial Secretary(Advisory); ABSENT: C. Chute. VISITOR: Paul Albert DEVOTIONS AND PRAYER TIME – T. Myers read Isaiah 44:6‐8. How we live is very important. The church represents the one and only God. How do we proclaim God in our individual lives? We tend to depend on ourselves more than on God. We need to do the work of the church with an eye on God who can do the impossible. Live in such a way that others will know God is alive and well. T. Myers led in prayer. REVIEW OF MINUTES Minutes for Meeting No. 4, July 6, 2016, were reviewed and ON MOTION APPROVED as circulated. CORRESPONDENCE ‐ None PRIORITY BUSINESS Granting of Ministerial Credentials – David A. Way and Jory Tobias took vows and received a Certificate

of Annual License. April Ocasio took vows and received a Provisional License. Pastor Jim Moss, Jr. prayed

God’s blessings on their lives and ministries.

Approval of 2017 ERC Budget – ON MOTION APPROVED the 2017 Proposed Budget of $780,00.00. Update on ERC Strategic Planning Process – K. E. Richardson reported the ERC will be working with Dr. Phil Thorne to help the ERC best serve local churches and pastors in the future. We will seek input from those on the local church level during the strategic planning process. ON MOTION APPROVED using the Administrative Council Discretionary Fund to pay Dr. Phil Thorne and other expenses of the strategic planning process up to $10,000.00. Jim Moss, Jr., Tom Myers, Chad Chute, Victor Johnson, Ryan Long, Dean White and Kevin Richardson will be on the Strategic Planning Committee. Follow‐Up on Issues from July 6th Meeting – Dave Williams and Kevin Richardson met with NewSong Church and their leadership team. The papers are signed, and NewSong is no longer part of the ERC. Kevin Richardson sent a certified letter to Bill Sloat reminding him he no longer has credentials with the ERC and requesting he return his ministry credentials and ministry ID card to the ERC office. Bill Sloat refused to pick up the certified letter at the post office. Kevin will contact our lawyer to see if we have done everything we need to in this situation to avoid any liability. Sanborn Church of God would like to withdraw from the ERC. The church would like to join the Allegheny Region or become independent. Some church leaders there are upset with the ERC because they did not get the kind of service they wanted from us. Dave Williams and Kevin Richardson will continue to try to work with them. STAFF AND FINANCIAL REPORTS Staff

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Dr. Richardson – Dr. Richardson referred to his written report. The Conference Planning Committee has proposed the theme of “More than Conquerors ‐‐ Reach, Teach, Send” for 2017 ERC Conference Sessions. At the 2017 sessions all commission reports will be presented on video‐tape. ON MOTION APPROVED appointing to the Forever Caring Fund Board David Gority, retroactive to 7/1/2015, and Bill Kaufman, retroactive to 7/1/16. Recently the Evangelical Congregational Church eliminated the necessity that StoneRidge Board members be affiliated with that denomination. Now they appoint Christians who can help the board, whether or not they are part of the denomination. D. S. Williams – Healthy Church Checkup work continues. He is leading a trip to Haiti in 2017. How do we build relationships with pastors and churches? That is much needed. Chuck Frank – Chuck updated the Administrative Council on his work. He mentioned Church Planting Sunday is October 16. He showed a video featuring the church planting work of Antoine Lassiter. The focus of church planting in the future will be on multiplication of churches. Finance Manager: Colleen Gross reported the ERC received $7,664.57 less than budget as of September 2016. She also reported the ERC no longer provides group insurance for our pastors. One church would like us to continue to provide group health insurance coverage, but it is just not workable for the ERC. Financial Secretary: Frank Arva reported giving during the last quarter has not been particularly good. He is optimistic that a good final quarter will enable the ERC to meet budget for 2016. About 10% of churches in the ERC do not contribute to the ERC. The Fair Labor Standards Act is affecting how our churches deal with their staff. ON MOTION RECEIVED the written and verbal reports of the staff. Commission Reports Church & Pastor: C. L. Jenkins reported on the work of the commission. The commission asked for input from the Administrative Council concerning the Pastors’ Wives Care Team. There was discussion about the issue. Church Planting: G. D. Thurston reported on the launching of new church plants recently. There is some thought about developing a Southeast Region in cooperation with the CGGC Office. Church Renewal: T. I. Myers reported on the work of the Commission. Dave Williams updated the Administrative Council on the Nehemiah Project progress. Newberrytown has received a donation of $1,000,000. Dave reported on progress in completing the Higher Hope Church bethel and also about ministry to the Trinity Church. Church Vocations: R. A. Scheuing reported on the work of the commission and invited everyone to Theological Study Day. Discipleship: D. E. Thomas reported on preparation for the Pastors’ Prayer Retreat, October 24‐25. Dave Williams reported on the Pulse Retreat which will focus on helping young people live their lives on mission. Evangelism: C. J. Zahora reported two members on the Commission on Evangelism resigned. Plans are being made for the Summit on February 25, 2017. The theme is Breaking Down Barriers. The commission is also planning to do a Summit in the Southeast.

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Leadership: J. Noel reported on the Commission’s reaching out to churches and pastors and trying to work together with other commissions. Missions: G. Breneman reported an ongoing concern is the number of churches not giving to global missions. ON MOTION APPROVED an order be written to the Administrative Council Discretionary Fund from the Commission on Missions budget in 2016 in the amount of $1000.00 to help pay for Kevin and Ruth Richardson’s trip to India/Bangladesh in 2017. Stewardship: J. W. Moss, Jr. had no additional information beyond the need to approve the proposed 2017 ERC budget, which happened earlier in our meeting. ON MOTION ACCEPTED the reports of the Commissions. Corporations Reports Church of God Home, Forever Caring Fund – No further report. Doubling Gap Center – Camp YoliJwa had a good year in 2016. The Cabin Project is 99% done. The cost of the project was $783,000. The remaining debt will be removed by December 31, 2016. Home Mission Council – Dave Williams said the HMC is looking for more money to be invested. ON MOTION RECEIVED the written reports of the Corporations. COMMITTEE REPORTS (*No reports at this time) *Cabinet *Publicity *Endowment Conference Planning *Relocation *Nominating *Constitution *Discipline *Strategic Planning *Obituary *Pastoral Care ORGANIZATION REPORTS Senior Life Fellowship – Paul Albert reported Senior Life Fellowship’s name will probably be changed to Adult Fellowship. They are trying new things to increase interest. They want to know how to get the information about their activities to the people in the churches. Women’s Ministries – No oral report. ON MOTION RECEIVED the Organization Reports. Other Concerns/Action Items ‐ None Executive Session – ON MOTION APPROVED retaining all the current staff positions for the coming year. ON MOTION APPROVED the changes to the benefits package for full‐time employees. ON MOTION APPROVED changes to Colleen Gross’ new job description as Finance Manager, Ministry of Finance. ADJOURNMENT: The Ad Council was ON MOTION ADJOURNED at 12:05 p.m. Jim Moss, Jr. closed in prayer. The next meeting is January 4, 2017, at the United Church Center at 9:00 a.m. Respectfully Submitted,

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John W. Selcher, Conference Secretary

Items of Business from Commissions, Corporations, and Committees Approved by the Administrative Council on October 5, 2016.

Church and Pastor Meeting No. 7, May 24, 2016


ON MOTION APPROVED the minutes from Meeting No. 6, April 26, 2016, as corrected.

ON MOTION APPROVED certifying Mike Martin for retirement effective February 28, 2016, and sending a letter to the General Conference Office Pensions Department indicating such.

ON MOTION APPROVED the resignation of Andrew Griffith as pastor of Brisbin effective July 11, 2016.

ON MOTION APPROVED Mark Snyder as pastor at Little Germany.

Church and Pastor Meeting No. 8, June 28, 2016


ON MOTION APPROVED the minutes from Meetings No. 7, May 24, 2016, as presented.

ON MOTION APPROVED Dale Miller’s requested sabbatical August 14 through September 8, 2016.

ON MOTION APPROVED paying $250/month for three months for Steve Dunn’s medical insurance.

Church Planting Meeting No. 5, June 13, 2016

ON MOTION APPROVED the minutes from the March and April 2016 meetings.

ON MOTION APPROVED financial information. Church Planting Meeting No. 6, July 12, 2016

ON MOTION APPROVED the minutes from the June 13, 2016 meeting.

ON MOTION APPROVED financial information. Church Renewal Meeting No. 5, May 10, 2016

ON MOTION APPROVED the minutes of Meeting No. 4, April 12, 2016 as corrected.

Affirmed MOTION made and APPROVED electronically to give New Cumberland Church of God approval to borrow up to $75,000 for rental property renovations.

On MOTION APPROVED recommending to Ad Council that Jack Guyler be appointed as Chairperson to the Commission on Renewal.

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Church Renewal Meeting No. 6, June 14, 2016

ON MOTION APPROVED the minutes of Meeting No. 5, May 10, 2016 as corrected.

ON MOTION APPROVED supporting Intentional Interim John Culbertson for June, July, August 2016 at $800/month out of the Seed Fund.

On MOTION APPROVED giving Martinsburg COG approval to borrow up to $20,000 for parking lot drainage repair.

ON MOTION APPROVED giving $4000.00 to Real Life COG out of the Seed Fund as a deposit to fulfill the borough’s order to install new sidewalks.

Church Renewal Meeting No. 7, July 12, 2016

ON MOTION APPROVED the minutes of Meeting No. 6, June 14, 2016 as presented.

ON MOTION APPROVED giving Bare Memorial permission to proceed with the Chair Lift Project.

ON MOTION APPROVED for the Property Task Force to meet with church leadership along with conference representation to investigate this further.

ON MOTION APPROVED supporting Intentional Interim Steve Dunn for June, July, August, 2016 at $800.00 per month out of the Seed Fund.

Church Renewal Meeting No. 8, August 9, 2016

ON MOTION APPROVED the minutes of Meeting No. 7, July 12, 2016 as presented.

The following votes done electronically were affirmed: o ON MOTION APPROVED giving United Church of God permission to borrow $80,000 for

property and building improvements. o ON MOTION APPROVED giving Mayberry permission to borrow up to $10,000 to pay for

the cost of repointing of the church building. o ON MOTION APPROVED giving Mt. Joy permission to sell the parking lot to Penn DOT.

ON MOTION APPROVED tabling conversation with Bill Sloat about talking with leaders of Faith Community about continuing with the ERC until all official documentation requesting credentials is received.

ON MOTION APPROVED giving Harmony Church permission to continue in the process toward selling the parsonage to enable future ministry.

ON MOTION APPROVED giving Real Life Church of God permission to proceed with the possibility of selling their building to East Petersburg Faith Outreach.

ON MOTION APPROVED providing mileage reimbursement plus $500 per month for 3 months to G. Peck to act as a consultant to Walnut Grove on behalf of Commission.

Church Vocations Meeting No. 5, June 9, 2016

ON MOTION APPROVED the minutes of Meeting No. 4, May 12, 2016.

ON MOTION APPROVED granting Ian Stiles an annual license.

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ON MOTION APPROVED Pastor Nathan Starr for a transitional credential contingent upon appointment and membership.

Church Vocations Meeting No. 6, July 14, 2016

ON MOTION APPROVED the minutes of Meeting No. 5, June 9, 2016.

ON MOTION APPROVED granting David Way an annual license.

ON MOTION APPROVED granting Jory Tobias an annual license. Discipleship Meeting No. 3, May 25, 2016

ON MOTION, APPROVED the minutes of Meeting No. 2, March 30, 2016, as circulated.

ON MOTION APPROVED the most recent financial report, dated May 16, 2016.

ON MOTION ADJOURNED at 11:40 p.m. Discipleship Meeting No. 4, June 29, 2016

ON MOTION, APPROVED the minutes of Meeting No. 3, May 25, 2016, as circulated.

ON MOTION APPROVED the most recent financial report, dated June 16, 2016.

ON MOTION APPROVED a suggested budget of $11,100.00 for 2017.

ON MOTION APPROVED giving $100.00 to Christina Grey for leading worship at the Pastors’ Prayer Retreat.

ON MOTION APPROVED giving $500.00 from our budget toward Dave Williams’ expenses for a trip to Haiti March 18‐24, 2017, and $250.00 as an honorarium to Rachel for her preparation for Safe Sanctuaries training in Maryland churches.

ON MOTION ADJOURNED at 11:50 p.m. Evangelism Meeting No. 3, June 6, 2016

ON MOTION APPROVED the minutes of Meeting No. 2, March 21, 2016.

ON MOTION APPROVED commission expenses. Evangelism Meeting No. 4, August 1, 2016

ON MOTION APPROVED the minutes of Meeting No. 3, June 6, 2016.

ON MOTION APPROVED commission expenses.

ON MOTION APPROVED a grant of $2,250.00 toward evangelism and discipleship events in our ERC southeast church planting initiatives in Charlotte and Atlanta.

Leadership Meeting No. 3, June 14, 2016

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ON MOTION APPROVED the minutes from Meeting No. 2, April 12, 2016 as presented.

ON MOTION APPROVED funding the cost of attending the August Global Leadership Summit for up to three of our pastors.

ON MOTION APPROVED Bonnie Nolt’s establishing a Constant Contact account and working with Barb Harris to get the email list to import to the account.

Missions Meeting No. 3, May 26, 2016

ON MOTION APPROVED the minutes of Meeting No. 2, March 17, 2016, as presented.

ON MOTION APPROVED the financial report as presented.

ON MOTION APPROVED providing $250 for each of two potential participants in the trip to Kenya in October. An amendment to the MOTION was also approved to consider funding a third possible participant [wording added]. Stewardship Meeting No. 2, June 9, 2016

ON MOTION APPROVED the recommendation of the Endowment Committee to give Freedom Worship, $1500.00; Grace Fellowship, $1500.00; Newburg COG, $1500.00; and Yocumtown COG, $2848.00.

APPROVED the minutes of Meeting No. 2, June 9, 2016, by e‐mail voting.

Doubling Gap Center Corporation Meeting No. 3, May 21, 2016

ON MOTION APPROVED the minutes of meeting No. 2, March 19, 2016.

ON MOTION APPROVED accepting the Treasurer’s Report.

ON MOTION APPROVED the Program Coordinator’s written report.

ON MOTION APPROVED the Executive Director’s written report.

ON MOTION APPROVED authorizing the Executive Director to transfer monies as needed from the General Fund to the Expansion Fund for the Cabin Project’s remaining expenses.

ON MOTION APPROVED the Executive Director’s signing the agreement between DCNR & DGC for the WWTP. DCNR projects to send us 300,000 gallons a year with $9,000 revenue to come in.

ON MOTION, APPROVED P. Erb to fulfill a one‐year appointment to the Doubling Gap Center Corporation.

Doubling Gap Center Corporation Meeting No. 4, July 16, 2016

ON MOTION APPROVED the minutes of meeting No. 3, May 21, 2016.

ON MOTION APPROVED accepting the Treasurer’s Report.

ON MOTION APPROVED the Program Coordinator’s written report.

ON MOTION APPROVED the Executive Director’s written report. Senior Life Fellowship No minutes were submitted.

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Administrative Council Meeting No. 1, January 4, 2017 The Administrative Council of the Eastern Regional Conference, Churches of God, General Conference, met on Wednesday, January 4, 2017, at the United Church Center. J. W. Moss, Jr., President, called the meeting to order at 8:56 a.m. ROLL CALL: K. E. Richardson, Executive Director; J. W. Moss, Jr., President; T. I. Myers, Vice President; J. W. Selcher, Secretary; G. P. Breneman; C. Chute; J. A. Hornbaker; J. A. Noel; M. F. Schuch, G. D. Thurston; C. J. Zahora; MEMBERS‐AT‐LARGE: C. L. Jenkins; R. A. Scheuing; STAFF: C. P. Frank; D.S. Williams; C.S. Gross, Finance Manager (Advisory); H. F. Arva, Financial Secretary(Advisory); ABSENT: D. E. Thomas. VISITORS: None DEVOTIONS AND PRAYER TIME – K. E. Richardson talked about changes in our lives. The church is built on the foundation of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord and on the Scriptures. Malachi 3:6 and Hebrews 13:8 tell us that God doesn’t change. God and his word steady us in changing times. K. E. Richardson led in prayer. Granting of Ministerial Credentials – James W. Franklin and Douglas E. Coldsmith, Jr. took vows and both

received a Certificate of Annual License. Pastor Jim Moss, Jr. prayed God’s blessings on their lives and

ministries.

REVIEW OF MINUTES Minutes for Meeting No. 5, October 5, 2016, were reviewed and ON MOTION APPROVED as corrected. CORRESPONDENCE – Dan Thomas expressed in a letter that he would not be able to attend today’s Administrative Council Meeting. ON MOTION APPROVED transferring Pastor Justin Meier’s credentials from the ERC to the Western Region Conference. ON MOTION APPROVED transferring the Sanborn Church of God from the ERC to the Allegheny Region Conference. PRIORITY BUSINESS

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Approval of 2017 ERC Staff Housing Allowances – ON MOTION APPROVED the following staff housing allowances for 2017 and all future years until amended: Kevin E. Richardson ‐ $26,000 David S. Williams ‐ $26,520 Charles P. Frank ‐ $28,050 Update on ERC Strategic Planning Process – K. E. Richardson reported on the pastors’ meetings held to date. Two more meetings are planned. The next step is processing information received at the meetings. Update on ERC Sessions – “More than Conqueror…Reach, Teach, Send” is the theme. Bradley McKoy, author of Culture of the Few, is the keynote speaker. Workshops will be held on Monday and Tuesday. Commission reports at Conference Sessions will be on video. Approval of 2017 Nominating Committee Report and Ballot – ON MOTION APPROVED the 2017 Nominating Committee Report and Ballot as corrected. Joyce Hornbaker’s name was misspelled. Report of Doubling Gap Center – Steve Long shared that it was a great 2016 for DGC. 2016 campers participated in 2016. Many do not have any Churches of God affiliation. 87 churches sent campers, an increase of two churches over 2015. The cabins are completed. There were 121 first time commitments to Christ and 439 rededications to Christ at Camp YoliJwa during 2016. DGC continues remodeling and enlarging the nurse’s quarters. DGC is finalizing arrangements to accommodate Colonel Denning Park’s wastewater into the DGC plant. STAFF AND FINANCIAL REPORTS Staff Dr. Richardson – Dr. Richardson reported on meeting with a Brethren in Christ Bishop on a regular basis. He is dialoguing with other Churches of God Regional Directors more. D. S. Williams – Dave Williams reported on Healthy Church Checkups. Chuck Frank – Chuck reported on our church plants, a boot camp in North Carolina and a conference on the multiplication of churches. Our goal is to multiply churches. Finance Manager: Colleen Gross does not have year‐end information yet. She is confident our income exceeded our expenses in 2016. The ERC is hoping to have Health Reimbursement Accounts available for our pastors and churches in the future. Financial Secretary: Frank Arva reported that we were $2500.00 short of budget from tithe income in 2016. That is less than 1% under budget. We received less money from churches in 2016 than 2015, but the decreased percentage of tithe money sent to the General Conference in 2016 (from 53% to 50%) helped to make up for it. ON MOTION RECEIVED the written and verbal reports of the staff. Commission Reports

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Church & Pastor: C. L. Jenkins reported that the commission wants to be more proactive in 2017 than in 2016. ON MOTION APPROVED Chuck Riley as a Northwest District Church and Pastor representative to replace Dan Winey. Church Planting: G. D. Thurston reported on the work of the commission. Church Renewal: Dave Williams reported on the work of the commission. We will make one last attempt to contact Bill Sloat and the Faith Community Church. We will remove the church from the ERC at our April 5, 2017, Administrative Council Meeting if we do not receive any communication from the church before that meeting. The Nehemiah Project is progressing. Church Vocations: R. A. Scheuing reported on the work of the commission. ON MOTION APPROVED reinstating David Helfer’s ordination at Conference Sessions in 2017 if he restates his vows there. Discipleship: Dave Williams reported that the Prayer Retreat and the Pulse Retreat went very well. Evangelism: C. J. Zahora reported on the work of the commission. ON MOTION APPROVED Christina Gray, Jeff Musser and Larry Cross as members of the Commission on Evangelism. Leadership: J. Noel reported on the commission’s reaching out to churches to raise up leaders. Grand Point Leadership Network is working well at the Chambersburg Church. Missions: G. Breneman reported on the commission’s efforts to make mission‐oriented presentations at Camp YoliJwa in 2017. Stewardship: J. W. Moss, Jr. reported on the work of the commission. ON MOTION ACCEPTED the reports of the Commissions. Corporations Reports Church of God Home, Forever Caring Fund – ON MOTON APPROVED appointing John Klinger to fill Dennis Bailey’s vacant position on the Church of God Home, Forever Caring Fund Board for the remainder of his term which ends 06/30/2018. Doubling Gap Center – Steve Long reported earlier in the meeting. Home Mission Council – Dave Williams said the HMC is looking for more investments. ON MOTION RECEIVED the written reports of the Corporations. COMMITTEE REPORTS (*No reports at this time) *Cabinet *Publicity *Endowment Conference Planning *Relocation Nominating *Constitution *Discipline Strategic Planning *Obituary *Pastoral Care ORGANIZATION REPORTS Adult Fellowship – No oral report. Women’s Ministries – No oral report. ON MOTION RECEIVED the Organization Reports. Other Concerns/Action Items ‐ None Executive Session – None

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ADJOURNMENT: The Ad Council was ON MOTION ADJOURNED at 11:30 a.m. Jim Moss, Jr. closed in prayer. The next meeting is April 5, 2017, at the United Church Center at 9:00 a.m. Respectfully Submitted, John W. Selcher, Conference Secretary

Items of Business from Commissions, Corporations, and Committees Approved by the Administrative Council on January 4, 2017.

Church and Pastor Meeting No. 9, August 23, 2016


ON MOTION APPROVED the minutes from Meeting No. 8, June 28, 2016, as corrected.

ON MOTION APPROVED Charlie Yost as the pastor of the Goldsboro Church.

ON MOTION APPROVED supplementing new couples, first time attenders $100.00 at the Clergy Couples Retreat to be held January 13 – January 15, 2017, at the George Washington Hotel in Winchester, Virginia.

Church and Pastor Meeting No. 10, September 27, 2016


ON MOTION APPROVED the minutes from Meeting No. 9, August 23, 2016, as corrected.

ON MOTION APPROVED Pastor Kevin Dunlap’s resignation from the Plainfield Church.

ON MOTION APPROVED the 2017 Pastoral Contract as corrected.

ON MOTION APPROVED Nathan Starr as pastor of Martinsburg Church of God pending receipt of contract.

ON MOTION APPROVED Dave Williams to meet with the necessary congregants and take the necessary steps to start the process to revitalize the Westminster Church.

ON MOTION APPROVED Ted Ewing as pastor of Mt. Joy Church of God.

ON MOTION APPROVED Dave Robinson as pastor of Elizabethtown Church of God. Church and Pastor Meeting No. 11, October 25, 2016


ON MOTION APPROVED the minutes from Meeting No. 10, September 27, 2016, as presented.

ON MOTION APPROVED the resignation of Pastor Dan Winey from the Walnut Grove Church of God effective December 31, 2016.

ON MOTION APPROVED to have the district representatives be the first contact for pastors’ wives when issues arise.

ON MOTION APPROVED Richard Vaughn as pastor of Bainbridge Church of God pending receipt of contract.

Church Planting Meeting No. 7, August 15, 2016

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ON MOTION APPROVED the minutes from the June 2016 meeting.

ON MOTION APPROVED financial reports.

AGREED to give a Love Gift to Center Church. Church Planting Meeting No. 8, September 19, 2016

ON MOTION APPROVED the minutes from the August meeting.


AGREED to approve April Ocasio to plant Uplift Community Church in Halifax, PA. Church Planting Meeting No. 9, October 24, 2016

ON MOTION APPROVED the minutes from the September meeting.


AGREED to continue to employ Rich Thornton as Church Planting Field Director and Victor Glover as Southeast Church Planting Specialist in 2017.

AGREED on contract amounts for Rich Thornton and Victor Glover. Church Renewal Meeting No. 9, September 13, 2016

ON MOTION APPROVED the minutes of Meeting No. 8, August 9, 2016, as presented.

ON MOTION APPROVED giving Harmony permission to sell 3‐4 acres of wooded land.

ON MOTION APPROVED giving N. Boyer $900.00 toward expenses to attend the “Q” Conference.

Church Renewal Meeting No. 10, October 11, 2016

ON MOTION APPROVED the minutes of Meeting No. 9, September 13, 2016, as presented. Church Renewal Meeting No. 11, November 15, 2016

ON MOTION APPROVED the minutes of Meeting No. 10, October 11, 2016, as presented.

ON MOTION APPROVED providing a free dinner to explore interest in the Nehemiah Project in the NW District in early 2017.

Church Vocations Meeting No. 7, September 8, 2016

ON MOTION APPROVED the minutes of Meeting No. 6, July 14, 2016.

ON MOTION APPROVED granting Rick Butler a provisional license to serve at the Sanborn Church of God (contingent upon membership).

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ON MOTION APPROVED granting Doug Coldsmith an annual license (contingent upon satisfactory results with the PRI).

ON MOTION APPROVED granting April Ocasio a provisional license, to serve as a Church Planter at Halifax (contingent upon membership).

ON MOTION APPROVED granting Dr. Ted Ewing an annual license with the ERC (contingent upon membership).

Church Vocations Meeting No. 8, October 13, 2016

ON MOTION APPROVED the minutes of Meeting No. 7, September 8, 2016.

ON MOTION APPROVED recommending Dennis Bailey to the Eastern Regional Conference for Ordination.

ON MOTION APPROVED granting Bainbridge Church of God permission to proceed with consideration of Richard Vaughn to be their Pastor.

ON MOTION APPROVED granting Craig Bell a provisional license to continue to serve at Turning Point as he has been doing, contingent upon membership in a Churches of God congregation, and contingent upon Pastor George Spangler’s agreeing to continue to mentor him at Turning Point Church.

Church Vocations Meeting No. 9, November 10, 2016

ON MOTION APPROVED the minutes of Meeting No. 8, October 13, 2016.

ON MOTION APPROVED affirming the decision of the special meeting on October 18, with Pastor Ray Brandon, giving Central Manor Church the consent of the Commission to move forward with their consideration of Pastor Ray to be their pastor. We recommend to Pastor Ray that he complete the History and Polity Class within 1 year.

ON MOTION APPROVED encouraging all candidates who come to us from outside the Churches of God to serve in one of our churches, to complete the History and Polity class within the first year of their ministry.

ON MOTION APPROVED granting Robert White an annual license contingent upon his becoming a member of a Churches of God congregation.

ON MOTION APPROVED receiving Robert Cassel under the care of the Commission. Discipleship Meeting No. 6, September 28, 2016

ON MOTION, APPROVED the minutes of Meeting No. 5, August 17, 2016, as circulated.

ON MOTION APPROVED the most recent financial report, dated September 16, 2016.

ON MOTION ADJOURNED at 11:55 a.m. Discipleship Meeting No. 7, October 25, 2016

ON MOTION, APPROVED the minutes of Meeting No. 6, September 28, 2016, as circulated.

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ON MOTION APPROVED the most recent financial report, dated October 16, 2016.

ON MOTION ADJOURNED at 2:10 p.m. Evangelism – No minutes submitted Leadership Meeting No. 4, August 9, 2016

ON MOTION APPROVED the minutes from the June meeting as presented. Leadership Meeting No. 5, October 11, 2016

ON MOTION APPROVED the minutes from the August meeting as corrected. Missions Meeting No. 4, July 28, 2016

ON MOTION APPROVED the minutes of Meeting No. 3, May 26, 2016, as corrected.

ON MOTION APPROVED the financial report pending correction of expense amount.

Missions Meeting No. 5, September 22, 2016

ON MOTION APPROVED the minutes of Meeting No. 4, July 28, 2016, as presented.

ON MOTION APPROVED the financial report.

ON MOTION APPROVED giving $1,000 to Kevin and Ruth Richardson for their trip to India and Bangladesh, if the trip takes place.

Stewardship Meeting No. 3, October 13, 2016

ON MOTION APPROVED putting the $10,000.00 from Brotherhood Insurance from the partnership program toward the 2016 budget.

After discussing the list of outstanding checks, ON MOTION APPROVED reversing the checks known paid and reissuing individual checks to those payees outstanding.

APPROVED the minutes of the meeting by e‐mail voting.

Doubling Gap Center Corporation Meeting No. 5, September 17, 2016

ON MOTION APPROVED the minutes of meeting No. 4, July 16, 2016.

ON MOTION APPROVED accepting the Treasurer’s Report, including paying $25,000.00 from the Expansion fund balance toward the F&M loan principle, and authorizing the Executive Director to make additional payments on the F&M loan principle as Expansion monies are available.

ON MOTION APPROVED the Program Coordinator’s written report, including the 2017 schedule, and the list of 2017 directors to be contacted for service.

ON MOTION APPROVED the Executive Director’s written report, including the authorization of the disbursement of up to $4,000.00 from the Expansion Fund to hire the Cumberland Valley Tree Service to treat the Hemlock trees in the cabin area.

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Senior Life Fellowship Meeting No. 2, June 7, 2016

ON MOTION APPROVED accepting the Secretary’s report as presented.

ON MOTION APPROVED accepting the Treasurer’s report as presented with a balance of $1,580.93 in checking.


Administrative Council Meeting No. 2, April 5, 2017 The Administrative Council of the Eastern Regional Conference, Churches of God, General Conference, met on Wednesday, April 5, 2017, at the United Church Center. J. W. Moss, Jr., President, called the meeting to order at 9:00 a. m. ROLL CALL: K. E. Richardson, Executive Director; J. W. Moss, Jr., President; T. I. Myers, Vice President; J. W. Selcher, Secretary; G. P. Breneman; C. Chute; J. A. Hornbaker; J. A. Noel; M. F. Schuch, D. E. Thomas; G. D. Thurston; C. J. Zahora; MEMBERS‐AT‐LARGE: C. L. Jenkins; R. A. Scheuing; STAFF: C. P. Frank; D.S. Williams; C.S. Gross, Finance Manager (Advisory); H. F. Arva, Financial Secretary(Advisory); ABSENT: No one. VISITORS: George Yerger DEVOTIONS AND PRAYER TIME – C. J. Zahora read from Romans 1 and Matthew 27. He talked about the love and devotion of a new believer at his church and then led in prayer. T. I. Myers shared about his experiences ministering in India. G. D. Thurston shared about his recent ministry in Haiti. C. Chute shared about recent developments at the Chambersburg Church and the church’s commitment to build God’s kingdom. J. W. Moss, Jr. prayed for several concerns of members of the Administrative Council. CORRESPONDENCE

On December 19, 2016, Chuck Frank sent Nadezda Krinitsina the reimbursement check from State Auto for the closed insurance policy for Treasures from Heaven and offered Colleen Gross’ help in closing out the payroll obligations for 2016.

On January 4, 2017, David S. Williams sent a letter to Fred Burkett as a representative of the Faith Community Church of God indicating if the ERC does not receive any communication from the church before the April 5, 2017, Administrative Council Meeting, the Administrative Council will sever ties with Faith Community as an ERC member congregation. The ERC has received no communication except from Bill Sloat who no longer has credentials with the ERC. ON MOTION APPROVED removing Faith Community Church from the Eastern Regional Conference. We are returning a check the Faith Community Church sent to the ERC.

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On January 4, 2017, K. E. Richardson sent a letter to the Sanborn Church of God indicating the ERC had approved their request to pursue affiliation with the Allegheny Region Conference, Churches of God.

On January 5, 2017, K. E. Richardson sent a letter to the Western Region Conference, Churches of God, indicating the ERC Administrative Council’s approval of transferring Pastor Justin Meir from the ERC to the Western Region Conference, Churches of God.

Pastor Philip J. Scott sent a letter on February 1, 2017, to the Sanborn Church of God, with a copy to the ERC, indicating that the Allegheny Region Conference, Churches of God, voted by electronic ballot to receive the Sanborn Church of God as a member congregation of the ARC on January 28, 2017.

We received a letter from Emma Lamore thanking the ERC for money she received from the Lucinda V. Peters Scholarship Endowment Fund.

REVIEW OF MINUTES Minutes for Meeting No. 1, January 4, 2017, were reviewed and ON MOTION APPROVED as corrected. PRIORITY BUSINESS Update on ERC Sessions – Preparations continue for Conference Sessions. Update on ERC Strategic Planning Process – K. E. Richardson reported the pastors’ meetings are completed. Processing information received at the meetings continues. The present status of the strategic plan will be shared at a meeting with the Administrative Council and Commission Chairs on Thursday, April 20, 2017, at 9:00 a.m. STAFF AND FINANCIAL REPORTS Staff Dr. Richardson – Dr. Richardson highlighted several items in his written report. D. S. Williams – D. S. Williams shared highlights of his written report. He updated progress with the Nehemiah Project and reported the number of open churches. Chuck Frank – Chuck Frank shared about what God is doing at the Higher Hope Church. Eleven projects await approval. He updated the status of our church plants. He emphasized the need for churches to be multipliers. Finance Manager: Colleen Gross reported that giving in 2017 is up through the end of February compared to the end of February, 2016. She is partnering with three churches to create cultures of generosity. Financial Secretary: Frank Arva reported that giving is 1.19% above budget through the end of March. Giving of ERC churches is about 6% ahead of what it was at the end of March, 2016. We need to be people of God’s presence in our lives. ON MOTION RECEIVED the written and verbal reports of the staff.

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Commission Reports Church & Pastor: C. L. Jenkins reported on the work of the commission. A Pastoral Search Packet is in the works. Church Planting: G. D. Thurston mentioned Uplift Community Church began recently. Church Renewal: T. I. Myers reported on the work of the commission. Church Vocations: R. A. Scheuing asked for prayer to relate to candidates that have already been hired by churches even though some of those pastors don’t agree with our doctrines. Discipleship: D. E. Thomas reported on the upcoming Pastors’ Prayer Retreat. Evangelism: C. J. Zahora reported on the Summit. The Evangelism Field Director position has been eliminated. Leadership: J. Noel reported on highlights of their last meeting. Missions: G. Breneman reported that what was previously called a VBS Mission Project will in the future be called an ERC Mission Project to encourage small groups in churches to participate. ON MOTION APPROVED funding the balance of Kevin and Ruth Richardson’s trip to India/Bangladesh. They leave on November 6, 2017. Stewardship: J. W. Moss, Jr. reported on the work of the commission. Colleen reported on the HRA situation among the staff. ON MOTION ACCEPTED the reports of the Commissions. Corporations Reports Church of God Home, Forever Caring Fund – The Orchards at Marsh Run Project is now being reconsidered for development. Doubling Gap Center – Dave Williams gave a verbal update. The Nurses’ Room project is near completion. Finances at DGC are healthy. Home Mission Council – No verbal update. ON MOTION RECEIVED the written reports of the Corporations. COMMITTEE REPORTS (*No reports) *Cabinet *Publicity *Endowment Conference Planning *Relocation *Nominating *Constitution *Discipline Strategic Planning *Obituary *Pastoral Care ORGANIZATION REPORTS Adult Fellowship – No oral report. Women’s Ministries – No oral report. ON MOTION RECEIVED the Organization Reports. Request for a 2017 ERC Summer Intern – ON MOTION DEFEATED a proposal to hire a 2017 summer intern to develop a new website for the conference, develop a Facebook page and update throughout the summer for the ERC, visit and capture the story of at least 8 churches during the summer, and provide weekly short video segment from the staff on a topic connected to our strategic plan.

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Other Concerns/Action Items ‐ None Executive Session – None ADJOURNMENT: The Ad Council was ON MOTION ADJOURNED at 11:33 a.m. Jim Moss, Jr. closed in prayer. The next meeting is April 20, 2017, at 9:00 a.m. at a location to be determined to update the Ad Council on the status of the strategic plan. Respectfully Submitted, John W. Selcher, Conference Secretary

Items of Business from Commissions, Corporations, and Committees Approved by the Administrative Council on April 5, 2017.

Church and Pastor Meeting No. 12, November 22, 2016


ON MOTION APPROVED the minutes from Meeting No. 11, October 25, 2016, as corrected.

ON MOTION APPROVED sending a letter to Darlene Mattox concerning Ken Nitchman’s retirement.

ON MOTION APPROVED John Shubert’s resignation as pastor of the Round Knob Church of God, effective December 31, 2016.

ON MOTION APPROVED yoking Round Knob and Reality Churches effective January 1, 2017, with Jeff Musser as the pastor.

ON MOTION APPROVED appointing Jim Klock as intentional interim at Plainfield Church effective January 15, 2017.

ON MOTION APPROVED appointing Tracey Utermahlen as pastor of the West Poplar Church, pending receipt of the contract.

ON MOTION APPROVED Dave Williams and Kevin Richardson doing the Couples Retreat unless they sublet it to another party.

ON MOTION APPROVED recommending to the Administrative Council Chuck Riley as a member of the commission.

Church and Pastor Meeting No. 1, January 24, 2017


ON MOTION APPROVED the minutes from Meeting No. 12, November 22, 2016, as corrected.

ON MOTION APPROVED accepting the retirement letter of Charles Yost effective January 4, 2017.

ON MOTION APPROVED accepting the resignation with regret of Dan Winey from the Commission on Church and Pastor and Northwest District Representative.

Church Planting Meeting No. 10, December 5, 2016

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ON MOTION APPROVED the minutes from the October 24, 2016, meeting.


ON MOTION APPROVED giving a grant to Grace Fellowship Church of Columbia, SC, toward the cost of signs.

ON MOTION APPROVED giving a grant to Uplift Community Church in Halifax, PA, for prelaunch expenses.

Church Planting Meeting No. 1, January 17, 2017

ON MOTION APPROVED the minutes from the November and December meetings.


ON MOTION APPROVED changes to the Turning Point Church’s constitution (of Mechanicsburg, PA).

Church Renewal Meeting No. 12, December 13, 2016

ON MOTION APPROVED the minutes of Meeting No. 11, November 15, 2016, as presented.

ON MOTION APPROVED in principle Iglesia Sanidad Divina’s entering an agreement of intent to purchase property from the South Central Baptist Association, contingent upon recommendation from legal counsel.

ON MOTION APPROVED recommending to Administrative Council closing the Faith Community Church.

Church Renewal Meeting No. 1, January 10, 2017

ON MOTION APPROVED the minutes of Meeting No. 12, December 13, 2016, as presented. Church Vocations Meeting No. 10, December 8, 2016

ON MOTION APPROVED the minutes of Meeting No. 9, November 10, 2016.

ON MOTION APPROVED moving forward with reinstating David Helfer’s credentials.

ON MOTION APPROVED granting an annual license to James Franklin.

ON MOTION APPROVED recommending to the Conference in Session that David Anderson be granted life ordination.

Church Vocations Meeting No. 1, February 16, 2017

ON MOTION APPROVED the minutes of Meeting No. 10, December 8, 2016.

ON MOTION APPROVED holding Theological Study Day at Doubling Gap Center, if it is available, on November 13, 2017.

ON MOTION voted on granting Jon Knaub an annual license. Motion defeated

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Discipleship Meeting No. 8, December 7, 2016

ON MOTION, APPROVED the minutes of Meeting No. 7, October 25, 2016, as circulated.

ON MOTION APPROVED the most recent financial report, dated December 16, 2016.

ON MOTION ADJOURNED at 12:05 p.m. Discipleship Meeting No. 1, January 25, 2017

ON MOTION, APPROVED the minutes of Meeting No. 8, December 7, 2016, as circulated.

ON MOTION ADJOURNED at 12:11 p.m. Evangelism Meeting No. 1, January 23, 2017

ON MOTION APPROVED the minutes of the October 3, 2016, meeting.

ON MOTION APPROVED Commission expenses.

ON MOTION APPROVED $100.00 gift cards each to Summit presenters Coleen Gross and Brian Warner, $500.00 to the Carlisle Church for the use of their facility (Summit and commission meetings), and an advance of $250.00 to Vicki Oberman for Summit expenses. Leadership Meeting No. 6, December 13, 2016

ON MOTION APPROVED the minutes from the October 11, 2016, meeting.

Missions Meeting No. 6, November 17, 2016

ON MOTION APPROVED the minutes of Meeting No. 5, September 22, 2016, as presented.

ON MOTION APPROVED the financial report.

ON MOTION APPROVED sending $1,000 for Kevin and Ruth Richardson’s trip to India and Bangladesh, to the Discretionary Fund at the Conference office earmarked for Kevin & Ruth Richardson’s trip.

ON MOTION APPROVED George Yerger’s purchasing pens with the 2017 VBS Project printed on them for a cost of about $1.00 per pen as a handout for the 2017 ERC Conference sessions.

ON MOTION APPROVED distributing the remaining 2016 ERC Commission on Mission funds in this way: $2,000 to be given for Acosta’s missionary support (CC2764) and $2,000 to be given for the new India School building in Uluberia (CC2723).

Stewardship Meeting No. 1, February 15, 2017

ON MOTION APPROVED the 2016 unrestricted fund balances for the ERC Budget: Church and Pastor $11,058, Missions Commission $834, Conf. Ofc., Salaries & Benefits $10,000. The remaining underspent 2016 funds will be distributed as follows: $15,000 auto escrow, $10,982 Mutual beneficial (with distribution of all participants to close out the fund), and remaining $2,713.87 to the unrestricted fund balance.

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ON MOTION APPROVED a one‐time distribution to the participants in the retiree health insurance fund. The retirees will be given a one‐time rebate based on 2016 premium. The total distribution from the fund will be $17,426.40.

ON MOTION APPROVED a $1,918 transfer from the interest fund to the Staff Development & Training Fund to zero balance.

APPROVED the minutes of the meeting by e‐mail voting.

Doubling Gap Center Corporation Meeting No. 6, November 19, 2016

ON MOTION APPROVED the minutes of meeting No. 5, September 17, 2016, as corrected.

ON MOTION APPROVED accepting the Treasurer’s Report, including authorization for the executive director to take up to $50,000.00 from the general fund if necessary to pay off the cabin project debt before the January 7, 2017, board meeting.

ON MOTION APPROVED the October 24, 2016 report of the Promotion and Publicity Committee.

ON MOTION APPROVED the November 7, 2016, report of the Camp Committee.

ON MOTION APPROVED the Program Coordinator’s written report, including the 2017 Director Roster.

ON MOTION APPROVED the Executive Director’s written report, including the decision by the board to compensate employees in compliance with the new government overtime wage regulations.

BY COMMON CONSENT we agreed to give Dan and Mark Graham each a financial honorarium as a “thank you” for extra service provided.

ON MOTION APPROVED a financial honorarium to the Executive Director for a weekend vacation in honor of his service of forty years.

Senior Life Fellowship Meeting No. 3, August 21, 2016

ON MOTION APPROVED accepting the Secretary’s report as presented.

ON MOTION APPROVED accepting the Treasurer’s report as presented with a balance of $1,364.19 in checking and $260.19 in savings, pending expenses for camp.

ON MOTION APPROVED joining the Booting program with a cost of $240.00/year.

ON MOTION APPROVED a $1.00 membership fee beginning March 2017.


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The Report of the Executive Director to The Eastern Regional Conference, Churches of God

Spring 2017 It is hard to believe that nearly nine years ago, I stood before the Conference in session and was installed as the Executive Director of the Eastern Region. I still remember that day fondly and the great excitement and anticipation I felt as the Lord led me into this new role. My friend and Pastor Randy Jenkins gave me a framed letter that day that I have read often over the years. It adorns the bookcase in my office that Dr. Boldosser used. The closing of the letter Pastor Randy shared that day reads:

“So as you look at the path before you, remember the footprints of the past, so they can support you. Our heavenly father will lead us to the mountains and through the valleys. And as we begin this journey together, don’t walk too far in front of us, because we may not know how to follow. And don’t walk too far behind us because we may not lead. Just walk beside us with Jesus our friend. With HIS strength you can do anything.”

Thanks Pastor Randy for sharing that nine years ago. It continues to encourage me today.

As our 2017 Annual Conference sessions approach, I am reminded of the many good things that have happened over the last nine years. Here are just a few:

Establishment of the interim ministry for churches in pastoral transition Development of Bridgebuilders, Dare to Dream, Nehemiah Project, and many other

opportunities for leadership and church development Starting of new churches in NC and SC in addition to PA Adoption of new churches like Blessed Assurance in Croyden, PA and Iglesia Evangelica

Nueva Vida in Reading, PA Great stories of growth and renewal in churches like Higher Hope, Chambersburg,

Churchtown, East Hanover, New Providence, High View, Suedberg, Brownsville and many others

Stories of churches being sent and serving both locally and globally Centralizing of conference finances in the ERC office Establishment and teaching of stewardship and generosity principles Development of leaders who are committed to the multiplication of disciples, ministries,

and churches

Much has happened in the last nine years. God has poured out favor and blessing. But for every mountaintop there seems to be a corresponding valley. The work that lies before us will be more difficult than ever. With the cultural tide working against the church, making a true kingdom impact is going to be more difficult. Here are the challenges, as I see it, that lay before us:

Completing and implementing a new strategic plan

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Increased support and help for our established churches Finding the next generation of pastors for the ERC Continuing to promote multiplication with limited resources Being sensitive to the Holy Spirit in regards to the starting of new churches Helping our current pastors/leaders minister effectively in the ever-changing culture Making changed lives the true measurement of church health Restoring the evangelistic fires that birthed the denomination in every church Provide better care, support, and encouragement for our pastors and spouses

As I consider these challenges, I am reminded of the psalmist who declared, “And when my heart is overwhelmed, please lead me to the Rock that is higher than” (Ps. 61:2). I have to confess that there are times that the obstacles before me seem overwhelming. Many times I have prayed Psalm 62 on behalf of my leadership and the ERC. Even still, I am convinced that empowered by the Holy Spirit, standing firmly on the Word of God, preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and serving the least among us, that we indeed can meet each of these challenges and more. The best days of the Eastern Regional Conference, Churches of God are yet to come.

My prayer is essentially those words that concluded Pastor Randy’s letter to me nine years ago. That is, together let us walk this journey with Jesus as our Friend. My predecessors, Dr. Boldosser, Dr. Dunn, Pastor Ed Rosenberry, and Dr. Tom Lucas each distinguished themselves as Godly men and capable leaders who courageously led the region through their own peaks and valleys. I am forever indebted to them for their inspiration, encouragement, and most importantly the firm foundation they laid. To be mentioned in the same breath with these great churchmen is a high honor.

While a great work has continued over these last nine years, a greater work remains. Times are changing and there will no doubt be changes in the work of the Conference with the adoption of the new strategic plan. My sincere prayer is that we would do what God calls us to with conviction and courage as we find the best way possible to support the pastors and churches of the Eastern Regional Conference, Churches of God.

“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.” (Eph. 3:20-21)

Yours and HIS!

Kevin E. Richardson

Executive Director

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Report of the Director of Congregational Care David S. Williams

If your church ceased to exist, would anyone besides those who attend on Sunday morning notice? I first heard that question during conference sessions over a decade ago. It is still a haunting thought-provoking question, which I pose to churches from time to time. It causes them and me to stop, reflect and really seek God’s face to know what the answer is. In many cases the answer has been, “No one would really notice.”

The church does not exist for its current members. The church exists for those who are not yet members. This does not give us the right to ignore the needs of current members, but it does drive us back to the mission of Jesus “to seek and save the lost” (Luke 19:10).

For the past eight years I have been the tally-er for the ERC of the General Conference Statistical reports. I often find this task depressing. I grieve as I watch average worship attendance dwindle in scores of our congregations. Watching what had been vibrant congregations slip and struggle for survival is not pleasant. Slipping into oblivion while people around our congregations seek the life we have in Jesus is not what we are created for.

A story of gloom and despair is not our only story. Many congregations are offering life in Christ to hurting people. Higher Hope has had a phenomenal decade of ministry. Blue Mountain is seeking ways to impact their side of the mountain. Smithville is reaching into their community and touching the lives of children. Mt. Pleasant is improving the housing of scores of people in their neighborhood. Altoona First is improving the lives of countless senior citizens. Red Hill’s prayer ministry is changing Newport. Orchard Ridge is busting at the seams—they will need to move a mountain to create more parking. Shiremanstown, New Cumberland and Yocumtown are having a positive impact on the teens in their communities. Last Day’s World Ministries is reaching young men who are struggling with life. I’ve only touched the surface of positive Kingdom advancing stories I could tell on our churches and pastors.

The difference between the struggling congregation and the thriving one is the focus of their prayers and the focus of their ministry. In both cases the focus is upon people who are not yet members of God’s kingdom.

During this past year, the Renewal Commission developed the Nehemiah Project to assist congregations in rethinking their ministry focus. Twelve people participated in the first round at Middletown. Thirty people from seven congregations came to the first session at Roaring Spring. We are investigating starting a third round this fall in the Maryland region.

The Discipleship Commission developed the PULSE retreat for 16-21 year olds who are contemplating a call to ministry and/or who want to live life on mission for Jesus. We had sixteen participants are our first retreat. Out of this retreat, we have developed three follow-up

71

sessions to strengthen them on their journey. Our next retreat is Nov. 10-12, 2017. If you have anyone who could benefit from this retreat, talk to me or visit the Discipleship table for a brochure.

During the past year, the Church and Pastor commission has helped twenty one congregations in their search for a new pastor. Since approximately 49 of our pastors are currently over the age of 60, I project we will continue to aid ten plus congregations each year in their search for a new pastor. The commission is completing a major rewrite of their search packet to guide congregations through this process. In the coming year, we will seek ways to help the pastor in the search process and ways to guide them through the retirement process.

Since last year’s conference sessions I have:

Visited 90 churches

Consulted with 32 pastors

Facilitated the Nehemiah Project at Middletown and Roaring Spring

Conducted 10 healthy church check-ups

Intentionally discipled 2 men at the Mt. Pleasant Church of God

Developed and facilitated the PULSE retreat and follow-up gatherings

Provided leadership to the Commissions on Church and Pastor, Renewal and Discipleship

Provided leadership to the Doubling Gap Center Board and the Home Missions Council

Lead 8 people on a short term mission trip to Haiti

I am available to help churches:

Walk through the Dare2Dream Journey

Facilitate the Generational Perspective Workshop

Facilitate the Uniquely You Workshop

Facilitate council retreats

Provide one-on-one coaching and consulting with pastors

72

2017 ERC Planting and Evangelism Staff Report: Chuck Frank April Ocasio launched Uplift Community Church of God in Halifax, PA on February 5, 2017. She and her

husband started and have lead a ministry for the homeless in Harrisburg and now Halifax. They have been

reaching the community by hosting various outreaches, and invitational events like “Movie night” and a “Board

Games Night.” Four people became Christians on the first Sunday with 67 in attendance.

Mary Houston launched House of Restoration Church in Charlotte, NC, on Sunday, September 11, 2016 after

building a launch team. The church has small groups including a Bible Study, a Women’s Group, a Women’s

Prayer Group, and a Celebrate Recovery Group. Recently they launched a Unity Group to bring people together

in these times where so many are divided. They gave out gift cards to parents in the community who needed a

second school uniform for their children. House of Restoration had a Block Party this past summer also.

Antoine Lassiter launched Think Kingdom Church in Concord/Charlotte on Sunday, September 25, 2016.

There are three small groups meeting and the launch team worked on Habitat for Humanity houses this year

and also did a block party. In January a youth ministry was launched. Meanwhile, there is a Think Kingdom

Atlanta and a Think Kingdom Austin where groups meet and ministry takes place.

Iglesia Nuevo Comienzo in York, PA led by Pastor Daniel, now has a rental facility for all week use and is

holding worship, bible study, and reaching out to the community. The church has grown since moving into this

facility in Spring 2016. They have had special services and a kids camp.

Larry Longenecker launched The Bridge of Hope Church in Womelsdorf, PA, between Lebanon and Reading,

on Sunday, September 13, 2015 in a health club. In May 2016 they moved into a rental facility for their

exclusive use where they have a worship space, children's classrooms, bathrooms, and a café area. The Grand

Opening, September 18, 2016 introduced the public to the new building, children’s ministry, and included

games and food after worship. In October they held a Light The Night outreach which drew many children,

teens and adults. In 2017, God is consistently bringing more than 100 people, which is maxing out their space.

Reginald Byrden ‐ Reginald is in Columbia, SC, and pastors Grace Fellowship Church. He has weekly Sunday

morning worship and a Tuesday discipleship training night. They are working in partnership with a school near

their worship site and have had a block party there and fed teachers and staff on a staff day before the start of

school in August 2016. They relocated to a new building in February 2017 and are planning a major Easter

outreach.

Randall Hall‐Walker leads Freedom Worship Center of Charlotte. They are putting together a Community

Development Center in their rental facility which will include a computer lab. They also have many Crusades

which are evangelistic in nature and he connects a lot with the area churches. His wife, Birdella, has started a

drama school in the church and performances have already occurred.

Victor Glover leads Last Days World Outreach Ministries as they continue to minister each Sunday in

Hillsborough, North Carolina and two Sundays a month in Warsaw, North Carolina. A third campus is

underway in Raleigh. Groups are held in each community and the Warsaw location has a computer lab with

internet in a home. His group, called Fathers On The Move, is getting a lot of attention in the state and was

recently recognized by President Obama. Other branches are in the works, including one being birthed in

Monroe, Louisiana. There is now a Fathers on The Move in Pakistan also.

Jimmy Grainger leads The Orchard Thomasville. They meet for Sunday worship and also meet one Saturday a

month downtown to feed those in need and encourage people with music and a good Word. To date they

have served more than 5000 meals! A future leader has been selected to begin ministry in Winston‐Salem. 73

Stuart Delony serves Lumen in Chapel Hill/Carrboro, North Carolina. Stuart ministers to people with no faith

and of various faiths and helps them to take steps towards Jesus.

George Spangler leads Turning Point Church of Mechanicsburg, PA. They have weekly worship and many

outreach opportunities along with children, teen, and adult activities and groups. A big August outreach event

was held for the community and an outreach event was held in October as well. Since last Fall, they have

consistently had more than 100 people in attendance.

Gilbert Thurston leads Exponential Church in the Harrisburg area. This church is six years old and besides

offering worship and small groups they involve the people in serving the community. In March 2016 they

moved into a permanent facility where they meet each Sunday and throughout the week. Their building

dedication was September 18, 2016 with a Grand Opening for the community in October 2016. Many new

people are now becoming involved. Pastor Gilbert has also recently started consulting with the Better

Together Discipleship Ministry in helping churches improve their discipleship ministries.

Jeff Musser leads Reality Church in Robertsdale, PA. They meet for worship and Bible Study each week and serve the

community in various ways. They also are looking to possibly plant another church, as well as perhaps move locations.

Other 2020 Church planting projects: The Gathering (Newville, Pa.), Lampeter (New Providence, Pa.), Real Life

(Shermansdale, Pa), and Latino Ministries (Caleb and Christina Acosta) are seeing God do amazing things. Atlanta’s New

Dimensions Church (Everett and Carol Spencer); Charlotte’s United Global Church (Reginald and Sheila Thompson); and

Charlotte’s Viszion Ministries (JD and Amber Roberts) awaiting approval and funding.

As you can see God is doing the unbelievable! On any given Sunday, there are 22 ERC 2020 Initiative churches

planted since 2010 that are worshipping and building God’s Kingdom. While there is much to praise God for,

we are always challenged to continue to work harder for an even greater harvest. For example, since 2010,

we’ve seen the ERC be involved in helping to launch 38 churches, which means we are down 16 churches. We

need to do better, and are praying that God continues to us give us wisdom to do so. But as a final blessing,

our new churches have also given back in tithes $194,000! Along with a record year for total outside giving –

through the generosity of our established, legacy churches ‐ we see God leading us in astonishing new ways:

Holding Planting and Evangelism Boot Camps in Charlotte that just recently drew 55 people for

ministry training!

Holding our second annual Evangelism Summit that more than 85 people attended!

Joining with the Exponential Church Multiplication Movement which is enabling us to receive coaching,

and training through the largest church planting and evangelism organization in the world!

Seeing our “Multiplication Vision” Conference‐wide and Evangelism Church Planting‐wide sync together

with a commitment to “Reach, Train, and Send” by multiplying disciples, leaders, and churches!

Starting to form evangelistic and multiplication‐minded clusters of pastor, leaders, and churches to

spur on a movement of our ERC churches – both established and new – that will produce an

exponential multiplication of disciples of Jesus Christ and an explosion of leaders and churches for the

exponential growth of God’s Kingdom!

Being challenged to fuel the “multiplication explosion” with enough resources and pastoral leadership

that buys into supplying and joining the movement. We have at least 3 churches and multiplication‐

minded planters in Atlanta and Charlotte that we’re seeking planting missionary funding for.

However the GREAT news is, we know a supernatural God is waiting for the supernatural moment to

“show off” a response to our faith . . .a faith that just simply says: “Go! Evangelize! Disciple! Multiply!”

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3T Blend…Your Aroma of Generosity: www.3tblend.org 2016 Staff Report

Faithfulness through Biblical Generosity to Impact the World!

2016 …

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to

serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace…

It has been a privilege to serve you, the Body in the Eastern

Region. With the teaching and administrative gifts I’ve

received, I ask that you don’t hesitate to have me come

alongside your ministry. In 2017, I have the privilege to serve with 3 diverse congregations to help them develop a culture of generosity. If you would like to be part of this generosity

journey in 2018, please contact me. I’m able to partner with 3-

4 churches per year.

We have seen God’s faithfulness through the finances of the

Region again in 2016. The ministries of the region served the local congregations through teachings, resources, and partnerships to better reach the lost. We praise the LORD that expenses were down and income was up. The unrestricted fund balances were underspent by over $50,000. We praise our gracious God for his mercy and faithfulness to us. As we seek God and reach out and find Him (remember He

isn’t far away) and as He teaches us His way (we’re following

Him), Jesus tells us He will send us out to fish for people! Yours through the journey,

Colleen S. Gross 717.951.9714

How I can help...

• Leadership Training on Biblical Generosity

• Preaching on Biblical Generosity

• Business administration consulting, including payroll, ACA compliance, record keeping, budgeting, etc.

Preaching/Teaching

• Boot Camp, Financial Processes/Generosity (2)

• Iglesias Nuevo, Uplift, Think Kingdom Accountable Financial Training

• Preaching: Yocumtown, Mt. Pleasant, Newburg, Progress

Training/Assessing/Serving

• History/Polity

• Attended Exponential Conf.

• Global Leadership Summit

• Overtime Ruling Webinars (2)

• Pastoral Contract negotiation

• Financial Assessment: Intern, Pastoral/Congregational Care

• Attend Lancaster First 200th Anniversary

• General Conference Tri-Annual

• Multiplication Expo + Multiplication Summit/ERC

• Catalyst Conference 1-day

• Recertification for Certified Church Administration

Generosity

Cupcake outreach to the community

Helping Hands for Haiti New Generosity Website

www.3tblend.org Living Faith COG

Generosity Series (3)

Colleen Gross, CCA Finance Manager

75

Report of the Financial Secretary

…in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us (Romans 8:37). God’s word tells us that in this world we will have problems but he goes on to encourage us to take heart for he has overcome the world, (John 16:33). We trust in God not because he promises to take away all of our problems but because he loves us and promises to never leave or forsake us. And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). There are at least 169 verses in the Bible that refer to the ways God provides for us. Our God will supply our needs in Christ Jesus. Yes with Jesus we are more than conquerors.

Last year at this time I shared with you that the tithe income that our churches provided in 2015 fell short of budget by approximately $16,000 or 2.15% of budget. Our total budget shortfall for 2015 required us to use reserves of $33,000 to make-up our fund deficit. Trusting God we moved into 2016 reducing our budget but looking to fund the entire budget with church tithes. As of end of 2016, our anticipated tithe income of $750,000 was only $2,500 below budget. In addition to tithes, we received an unexpected check from Brotherhood Mutual Insurance in the amount of $10,000 which more than made up for the $2,500 short fall! God is good all the time and all the time God is good!

Our 2017 budget reflects tithe income of $765,000 which is a 2% increase over last year. I know that if we place our trust in God and work together we will be more than conquerors!

As your Financial Secretary, part of my job is to make sure that the money your church sends to the Conference is properly accounted for and directed as you designate. To that extent, we ask that you carefully fill out the remittance form making sure that donations are properly identified as to where you want them to go. In the case of the General Conference mission items, please utilize the designated numbers that are provided by the General Conference.

If I, or the ERC staff can be of any assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact us. Be assured that you and your church are in our prayers. We believe that together we can make a difference in the world for the Lord.

Your servant,

H. Frank Arva Financial Secretary [email protected] 717.652.0255

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2016 2017 ProposedCommission / Fund Budget Request h 2017 Budget

Income:Tithe Income (50% of Church Tithes) 750,000 765,000 765,000 Brotherhood Mutual 15,000 15,000

Total Income 750,000 780,000 780,000

Expenses:Church & Pastor 12,000 12,000 12,000 Church & Pastor - Contingency Fund 8,000 8,000 8,000 Church Planting 90,000 110,000 110,000 Church Renewal 20,000 16,300 16,300 Discipleship 10,000 11,100 11,100 Evangelism** 18,000 21,000 21,000 Leadership Task Force 5,000 4,175 4,175 Missions 7,000 7,500 7,500 Stewardship 11,000 11,000 11,000 Vocations 45,000 45,000 45,000 Hospitalization Add'l Funding 5,000 5,000 5,000 Conference Office Account 110,000 117,132 117,132 Staff Salaries/Benefits 375,000 382,793 382,793

Disability Insurance 25,000 20,000 20,000 General/ERC Conference Sessions 9,000 9,000 9,000

Total Expenses 750,000 780,000 780,000

*SPECIAL NOTE: The Church Planting and Hospitalization line items receive and expense monies received outside of tithing income.

Eastern Regional Conference Budget - 2017Commision / Fund Request and Allotted Dollars

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Period Activity Previous YTD Annual Budget

10570.63 12,000.00

8341.45 8,000.00

92259.35 90,000.00

96717.67 110,000.00

326539 375,000.00

22867.07 18,000.00

6471.82 10,000.00

8413.35 9,000.00

13159.36 5,000.00

3523.53 5,000.00

7910 7,000.00

13734.61 25,000.00

15820 20,000.00

9635.8 11,000.00

50120.63 45,000.00

$719,090.55 $750,000.00

Eastern Regional Conference COG - Harrisburg PA

Tithe Income Report as of December 2016

Account #

Income

Account Name

4.005.002

4.010.003

4.020.015

4.030.007

4.040.006

4.050.010

4.050.101

4.051.085

4.052.029

4.054.081

4.055.077

4.060.064

4.063.082

4.070.011

4.080.004

Church & Pastor Tithe

Ch & Pastor Contingency Tithe

Ch Planting Tithe

Conference Ofc Tithe

Conf Ofc Salaries/Ben. Tithe

Evangelism Tithe

Discipleship Tithe

ERC/CGGC Conf. Sessions Tithe

Hospitalization Tithe

Leadership Commission Tithe

35,217.33

Total Tithe Income

Mission Commission Tithe

Pastoral Care Tithe

Renewal Tithe

Stewardship Tithe

Vocations Tithe

1,126.95

753.65

8,445.12

10,332.76

1,690.43

936.78

845.22

471.91

471.91

655.04

2,345.47

1,880.61

1,035.39

4,226.08

$70,434.65

378,738.47

18,179.44

YTD Balance

12,119.64

8,104.99

90,821.48

111,121.84

10,074.43

9,089.72

5,075.10

5,075.10

7,044.54

25,223.97

20,224.64

11,134.93

45,448.61

$757,476.90

Over/Under YTD+(-)

119.64

104.99

821.48

1121.84

3738.47

179.44

74.43

89.72

75.1

$7,476.90

75.1

44.54

223.97

224.64

134.93

448.61

80

Account # Account Name Fund YTD Balance

3.020.002 Church & Pastor Fund Church & Pastor 16,975.49 3.030.003 Church & Pastor-Contingency Fund Church & Pastor-Contingency 3,474.05 3.035.077 Missions Commission Missions Commission 1,294.22 3.040.004 Vocations Fund Vocations 15,389.85 3.060.006 Conf Ofc. Salaries/Benefits Conf Ofc Salaries & Benefits (7,022.52)3.070.007 Conference Office Fund Conference Office (868.94)3.100.010 Evangelism Fund Evangelism 11,999.18 3.103.101 Discipleship Fund Discipleship 3,461.46 3.105.082 Renewal Fund Renewal Fund 7,332.67 3.108.081 Leadership Fund Leadership Fund 1,752.65 3.110.011 Stewardship Fund Stewardship & Finance 871.98 3.210.064 Pension/Pastoral Care Pension/Pastoral Care (4,071.91)

Total Unrest. Fund Balances $50,588.18

3.134.085 ERC/CGGC Conference Sessions Fund ERC/CGGC Conf. Sessions 6,422.30 3.148.029 Health Insurance - Retirees Hospitalization 39,920.21 3.150.015 Church Planting Fund Church Planting (55,953.10)

Total Conference Designated ($9,610.59)

Total Fund Balance $40,977.59

$29,001.74

595.22 5,931.01 3,556.54

$10,082.77

$39,084.51

1,690.43 479.24 677.39

(1,963.09)639.56

3,110.03

Period Activity

2,981.45 753.65 655.04

2,912.11 16,376.48

689.45

Eastern Regional Conference COG - Harrisburg PAList Chart of Accounts as of December 2016 (2016 ERCCOG Budget)

Fund Balance

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Beginning Balance

YTD BalanceAccount # Account Name

Page 1 of 2Monday, March 27, 2017

Eastern Regional Conference COG - Harrisburg PABalance Sheet as of December 31, 2016

Assets185,466 85,9071.003.000 BB&T - Checking

65,497 201,0821.005.000 BB&T - Money Market

75,353 76,8631.105.079 American Exp. Sac Ret/Widows

136,670 120,8261.125.005 AMX Financial (Vocations)

150 1501.145.000 Spring Hill Cemetery

100,416 100,4161.150.000 HMC CD-2.5% #1120

7,440 7,6081.152.015 HMC CD Planting-NW HOR #502

4,023 4,0161.153.026 HMC CD -DGC Booser #102

30,130 31,1931.154.033 HMC-Y&FL Sturr Sch. #874

4,850 01.163.019 Church Planting Loan Receivabl

13,227 01.168.000 HMC CD #943 Staff '13

29,007 01.169.000 HMC CD #1065 13

684,570 698,3271.175.000 Ambassador (Endowment Fund)

14,499 14,4991.412.000 '04 Chevy Venture

16,734 16,7341.414.000 '09 Nissan Versa

24,389 24,3891.416.000 2012 Kia Sorento

(16,734) (16,734)1.424.000 Accum Deprec - Nissan Versa '09

(14,499) (14,499)1.425.000 Accum Depr - Chevy Venture '04

(16,463) (16,463)1.426.000 Accumulated Depreciation - 2012 Kia

$1,334,319$1,344,729Total Assets

Liabilities0 1092.000.000 Accounts Payable/Vendors

446 4812.120.006 PA State Taxes

1,121 1,0702.125.006 Local Taxes

28 242.128.006 LST Tax

100 02.130.006 TAP Account KER

351 2622.145.006 Biblical Generosity Fund - Gross

88,887 73,9122.200.000 Vocations Escrow Payable

$75,859$90,935Total Liabilities

Fund Balance176,119 183,0253.000.000 Unrestricted Fund Balance

7,633 11,0583.020.002 Church & Pastor Fund

0 8343.035.077 Missions Commission

0 10,0003.060.006 Conf Ofc. Salaries/Benefits

(1,918) 03.075.012 Staff Development & Training Fund

5,309 6,2763.080.008 Interest Fund Fund

2,166 2,1663.090.009 Miscellaneous Fund

25,651 113,4033.115.020 Administrative Council Discretionary Fund

(21,160) (7,403)3.120.150 Endowment Fund- Unrestricted

$193,802 $319,361Total Unrest. Fund Balances

4,785 4,7853.125.000 FUSE Projects Balance

12,430 6,4223.134.085 ERC/CGGC Conference Sessions Fund

10,000 25,0003.140.014 Auto Replacement Fund

23,407 39,9203.148.029 Health Insurance - Retirees

(55,064) (55,953)3.150.015 Church Planting Fund

4,850 03.154.019 Church Planting Loan Fund

941 1283.156.000 Generosity Ministries Balance

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Colleen

Draft

Beginning Balance

YTD BalanceAccount # Account Name

Page 2 of 2Monday, March 27, 2017

Eastern Regional Conference COG - Harrisburg PABalance Sheet as of December 31, 2016

1,158 2,1173.160.016 CM Honorarium Fund

211,768 56,9573.180.087 Seed Fund Renewal

49,363 52,3133.190.079 Sacred Retirement Fund

25,237 23,7973.195.080 Widows Fund Fund

34,785 33,9143.230.023 Vocation Escrow

$323,663 $189,403Total Conference Designated

1,763 2,5973.116.000 Student Aid - PTI

2,650 2,6503.158.000 Lumen Church Plant Balance

(446) 03.159.000 FUSION Manheim

783 (127)3.165.000 Encouragement Fund Balance

(326) (326)3.175.000 Bus Trips Balance

276 2763.280.046 Hershey, Harvey Fund 2

172,403 172,4033.285.084 Wenger Fund Fund

10,227 10,2273.287.086 Daubert Estate Fund

(1,884) 7,6003.300.030 Mutual Beneficial Society Fund

2,866 2,9313.310.067 Powell, William Memorial

1,668 1,2323.327.002 Frye,Walter & Mary

34,242 36,4743.330.033 Y&FL Designated Sturr/Wil

12 1,6623.335.000 Discipleship - Haiti Journey Balance

$224,237 $237,601Total Donor Rest.-Temporary

10,000 10,0003.370.037 Brightbill, H.L. & Maggie

5,000 5,0003.380.038 Brightbill, Maggie Fund

3 33.400.040 Chubb, Alfred Fund

10,483 10,4833.410.041 EPA Mission Fund

4,083 4,0833.420.042 EPA Women Miss. Society

7,500 7,5003.430.043 Felty, John S. & Wife

10,000 10,0003.440.044 Frye, Walter & Mary Fund

152,415 152,4153.460.046 Hershey, Harvey Fund

5,728 5,7283.480.048 Hostetter, A.J.

1,136 1,1363.500.050 Hoverter, George Fund

1,000 1,0003.510.051 Kennedy, Katherine Fund

84,979 84,9793.545.083 Lauver, Paul Fund

3,000 3,0003.620.062 Ott, Rebecca Fund

170,000 170,0003.640.064 Pastoral Care Fund

3,114 3,1143.650.065 Perm. Foreign Mission Fund

4,151 4,1513.670.067 Powell, William I. Memorial

1,000 1,0003.680.068 Reinhard, Sue Fund

37,496 37,4963.690.069 Ritter, Annie Fund

1,000 1,0003.710.071 Simonetti, A.J. Fund

$512,092 $512,092Donor Restricted-Permanent

$1,258,459$1,253,794Total Fund Balance

$1,334,319$1,344,729Total Liabilities and Fund Balance

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Colleen

Draft

Statement of Income & Expenses for Calendar Year 2016Dr. CH Forney Estate, Colleen S. Gross, Trustee

Assets:Wells Fargo $2,022.02Wells Fargo - Money Market $12,184.58HMC CD $102,500.00Total Assets $116,706.60

Receipts:Interest on Investments $2,504.41Interest Income to Disburse $2,504.41

Disbursements:General Conference, Income on $1000 for Publications $25.00Board of Christian Ed., Income on $1000 for UF Scholarship $25.00ERCCOG, Income on $1000 for Forward Movement $25.00ERCCOG, Income on $1000 for Home Missions $25.00ERCCOG, Income on $2000 for Home Missions in Honor of L. Forney $50.00Univ. of Findlay, Income on $25,000 for endowing President's Chair $625.00Colleen S. Gross, Trustee Compensation $125.00General Conference, Cross Cultural Ministries $1,604.41Total Disbursements $2,504.41

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Report of the Commission on Church and Pastor for 2016 The Church and Pastor Commission of the Eastern Regional Conference exists for the purpose of caring for all pastors and congregations of the region. Commission members help bear the burdens of pastoral change and/or church conflict by prayer, love and counsel to both the pastor and the congregation. The Commission endeavors to maintain constructive relations within a church to enhance the effectiveness of ministry by both the pastor and the congregation. Although the Commission seeks resolution through mutual agreement, the final decision in regard to pastoral assignment or conflict management is the responsibility of the Commission. Work by the numbers; During the past conference year, the Commission held 13 meetings [this does not include the many times district representatives meet with churches and or pastors], had personal interviews with 15 pastors, received resignations from 7 pastors, made 7 appointments of senior pastors, and 5 of intentional interim pastors within the region, and certified 2 pastors for retirement. Pastor Floyd Carlen is the chairman of the Commission. Mary Jane Wickard assumed the responsibility of Secretary of the Commission after the resignation of Pastor Robert Bell. Two members of the Commission Pastor William Smith and Daniel Winey resigned. The Eastern Region is divided into six geographical districts. District representatives are available to serve the pastors and churches of their district and should be the first contact churches and/or pastors make when they have questions or concerns. Commission member’s addresses and phone numbers are in the Conference Directory. The directory is available on the conference web page. The districts and representative(s) are as follows:

Harrisburg Northeast District: Pastor Thomas Lucas and Mr. Wayne Pope Lancaster East District: Pastors David Anderson and Richard Miller Northwest District: Pastors Lew Button and Charles Riley South Central District: Pastor Howard Ruley Cumberland Valley District: Mr. Jim Henneman and Pastor C. Jenkins West Shore District: Pastors Floyd Carlen and Gene Hockenberry

Pastors are reminded that resignations, retirements etc. are to be made to the Commission in writing. It is recommended that pastors meet with their representative for guidance before they make decisions that may affect the health of the church. Congregations and pastors are encouraged to use the Commission as a counselor to resolve conflicts within the church body. Respectfully submitted, Mary Jane Wickard, Commission Secretary

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Honorees for Recognition

Monday, May 2, 2017 – 4:15 p.m.

25 Years of Ministry

John W. Good Dennis E. Hamsher Victor T. Johnson Dale H. Miller, Jr. Mark A. Rhodes Robert L. Stauffer


Richard H. Borger Ronald E. Dull David L. Meador Kenneth E. Nitchman Frederick C. Quade Michael A. Witmer


Howard L. Ruley


Thomas L. Lucas Earl M. Sleasman

Retirees

John W. Shubert Charles W. Yost

Towel and Basin Award Recipients

Ronald L. Bowman We the Church express our appreciation to Almighty God for these servants given to us and we pray that they may find much joy and continued service; and that we the Church desire them to know that we appreciate them far more than we can express by word or pen.

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ERC Annual 2017 Planting Commission Report:

The ERC Planting Commission is seeing the amazing things God is doing in our domestic mission field within our

region! You can see some of the latest missional miracles God is doing by looking at Chuck Frank’s Staff Report

in the docket, and also at the “More than Conquerors” booklet you received in your ERC Resource bag.

As you can see God is doing the unbelievable! On any given week, there are 23 new ERC 2020 Initiative

churches planted since 2010 that are drawing more than a thousand worshippers and building God’s Kingdom.

They have led hundreds to know Jesus, and baptized several hundred more people into God’s Kingdom!

While there is much to praise God for, we are always challenged to continue to work harder for an even

greater harvest. For example, since 2010, we’ve seen the ERC be involved in helping to launch 39 churches!

However, this also means we have lost 16 churches, who have either closed or who are no longer in the ERC

family. We need to do better, and are praying that God continues to give us wisdom to do so. Besides the 2020

Church planting projects mentioned in the Staff Report, we also have other new churches: The Gathering (Newville, PA),

Lampeter (New Providence, PA), Real Life (Shermansdale, PA), and Latino Ministries (Caleb and Christina Acosta) who are

seeing God using them to reach the lost. Also, Atlanta’s New Dimensions Church (Everett and Carol Spencer);

Charlotte’s United Global Church (Reginald and Sheila Thompson); Charlotte’s Viszion Ministries (DJ and Amber

Roberts), and six other possible new churches are awaiting approval and funding.

But as a final blessing, our new churches have also given back to the ERC in tithes $196,000! Along with a

record year for total outside giving – through the generosity of our established, legacy churches ‐ we see God

leading us in astonishing new ways:

Holding Planting Boot Camps in Charlotte that just recently drew 55 people for ministry training!

Seeing nine of our established “Legacy churches” adopting some of our new churches to help them

during their vitally‐important “baby developmental years!” These include: York W. Popular St. COG

PA and House of Restoration Charlotte, NC; Brownsville, COG PA; and Last Days WOM

Hillsborough/Warsaw NC; Orchard Thomasville, NC and Caring Community, Hershey, PA; Uplift COG

Halifax, PA and Yocumtown, COG PA; Turning Point, Mechanicsburg, PA and New Cumberland COG

PA; Reality Robertsdale, PA and Broad Top COG, PA; Glenvale COG, PA, and Real Life Shermansdale,

PA; Exponentialchurch.TV, Harrisburg, PA and Chambersburg COG PA; Lampeter Campus, PA and New

Providence, COG PA

Joining with the Exponential Church Multiplication Movement which is enabling us to receive coaching,

and training through the largest church planting organization in the world!

Seeing our “Multiplication Vision” Conference‐wide and Church Planting‐wide sync together with a

commitment to “Reach, Train, and Send” by multiplying disciples, leaders, and churches!

Beginning our XM (Exponential Multiplication) Movement, which is starting to form multiplication‐

minded clusters of pastors, leaders, and churches. We hope to spur on a movement of our ERC

churches – both established and new – that will produce an exponential multiplication of disciples of

Jesus Christ and an explosion of leaders and churches for the exponential growth of God’s Kingdom!

Being challenged to fuel the “multiplication explosion” with enough resources and pastoral leadership

that buys into supplying and joining the movement. We have at least 3 churches and multiplication‐

minded planters in Atlanta and Charlotte that we’re seeking planting missionary funding for.

However the GREAT news is, we know a supernatural God is waiting for the supernatural moment to “show

off” a response to our faith . . . a faith that just simply says and responds to: “Go . . . and multiply!”

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Commission on Renewal

The Commission on Renewal of the Eastern Regional Conference is a powerful resource for pastors and

congregations in the Churches of God. Our passion is helping congregations touch lives. When a

congregation works with the Commission on Renewal, a variety of tools are provided to help revive

ministry. Too many congregations struggle along without asking for help that is readily available. Contact

us today and see how we can help you transform your congregation into what God called it to be.

Intentional Interim Ministry navigates the transitional period between the time the current lead/senior

pastor exits a local congregation and a new lead/senior pastor arrives. The following churches have been

aided by this ministry in the past year:

Penbrook, Plainfield, Bainbridge, Duncannon, Hepler’s, Elizabethtown, Bainbridge, Goldsboro,

Newport, and Real Life.

Those who are led to or express interest in being an Intentional Interim attend training conducted by the

Intentional Interim Task Force. This basic training is conducted annually. The latest basic training was held

very recently on March 30, 2017.

Property Task Force is assigned by the Commission to give oversight in building plans, renovations,

requests to acquire a loan, sale and lease of property, and more regarding the properties of the ERC. If

you are changing the footprint or requiring a loan, congregations must seek the approval to proceed from

the Commission on Renewal. The following churches have been assisted/supported by this ministry in this

past year:

Bare Memorial, Higher Hope, Harmony, Mayberry, Mt Carmel, Newberrytown, New Cumberland,

New Providence, Real Life, Sanidad Davina, and Swatara.

Dare2Dream is the renewal process

developed by the Commission to help

churches rediscover God’s dream for

His church. The following churches

have completed or are currently

undergoing the journey in the last year:

Altoona 4th Street and Round

Knob.

(Renewal is helping churches rediscover God’s mission, vision, and purpose for them through key

leadership that will formulate a culture of repentance where the changing of a church’s heart, mind

and direction can occur as they hear the voice of the Holy Spirit. The fruit of renewal will be for the

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church to reach its Kingdom potential by pushing back the darkness and allowing the light of Christ to

shine through them to both those who attend the church and those in their target audience.)

Revitalization is designed to strengthen and revitalize a congregation whose continued existence or long

term health may be in question. Two churches in the ERC are currently undergoing revitalization. This

requires, at a minimum, a longer‐term commitment over several years.

Harmony and New Hope.

(Revitalization is for churches physically existing yet spiritually dying within the church life‐cycle (Rev.

3:1‐6). It requires immediate and intentional intervention to revive them enough so that they are able

to experience renewal and the fruit of renewal. To revitalize means to allow an established church to

have completely new starting point so that the church can effectively reach their Kingdom potential.)

The Nehemiah Project is a new ministry of the Commission on Renewal. This Project is a journey for both

pastors and congregational leaders. It’s a journey that will inspire and empower one to be the Nehemiah

in one’s community. Nehemiah faced the task of building a wall around Jerusalem, and having to

overcome large piles of rubble, dangerous enemies, a discouraged people, limited time and resources,

and many unanswered questions. Yet, in 52 days the wall was built and the people united as one in serving

the Lord their God. Fulfilling God’s calling was Nehemiah’s Project. He did it. So, can you.

Currently there are two on‐going Nehemiah Projects: One meets at Middletown COG (about 13

pastors/leaders) and another just started at Bare Memorial COG (about 30 pastors/leaders).

Coming Soon Fall 2017: Maryland area Nehemiah Project. Watch for details.

Commission on Renewal Website. (www.cogrenewal.org) This website has been operational for nearly a

year. It is a convenient place to turn to find the resources available to your congregation and leadership.

Quick and easy, right at your fingertips.

The Commission on Renewal looks forward to a great year of ministry in bringing the Name of Jesus to

our friends, neighbors and communities of this great nation and beyond. Making disciples is our mission,

and enabling congregations and church leaders to rise up and once again become disciple makers is our

passion.

Thank you for serving our Risen Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

In His Service,

Your Renewal Commission,

Nancy Boyer, Jack Guyler, Terry Jansma, Randy Jenkins, George Jensen, Tom Myers, Kim Shifler, Matt

Tosten, Dick Warner, and Dave Williams.

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Commission on Church Vocations Report to the Conference

The work of the Commission on Church Vocations is to:

1) meet with people who are sensing God’s call to church vocations, to help them

discern that calling

2) help churches encourage and support people sensing God’s call to ministry

3) counsel people sensing God’s call and guide them to the appropriate educational

programs

4) evaluate people to determine their readiness for ministry

5) recommend people for credentials; and

6) grant financial aid to people preparing for ministry (as funds are available).

When a person senses that God may be calling them into vocational ministry, we encourage

them to meet with the Commission to discuss this calling. They should contact our Commission

Secretary to arrange a meeting with us. We are here to help a candidate understand that

calling and to guide them in the process of preparation for ministry and pray with them about

that calling. The first step that we usually take with a candidate is to administer a PRI (Pastoral

Readiness Inventory). This is a battery of psychological and temperament profiles which will

give a candidate some clarity about their calling. It will help to identify strengths and

weaknesses to be aware of. This PRI is also helpful to the commission in determining a

candidate’s readiness for ministry.

We offer guidance about educational options to consider in order to prepare for ministry.

There are several educational choices. A candidate can pursue a Bachelor’s degree and then

go to seminary for a Master of Divinity degree. If a candidate is not able to pursue college and

seminary, he or she can consider the Pastoral Training Institute. The PTI program is

administered by Winebrenner Theological Seminary. Weekly classes are held in Eastern

Region at the Scotland Campus. Financial Aid is available for candidates who enroll in a

Masters program at Winebrenner Seminary. We recommend that a candidate seek approval of

the Commission before enrolling in the PTI program or in a Master’s program at Winebrenner.

Financial gifts are always welcome to assist us in providing financial aid.

The Commission evaluates candidates to grant credentials. In addition to conducting the

psychological and temperament tests, we also assess a person’s beliefs to determine their

compatibility with Churches of God doctrine. The Commission takes this duty to guard and

preserve the Teachings and Practices of the Churches of God very seriously. We also try to

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discern a candidate’s knowledge of the Scriptures. The Commission currently grants several

credentials. A Provisional License is granted to an individual to fill a role in a specific location,

such as a Church planter. A Transitional License is granted to those who come to the ERC

from other denominational groups. This credential allows them to do ministry while they fulfill

membership requirements and complete the History and Polity Class. After 3 years of

membership in the Churches of God, and completion of the History and Polity Class, the

candidate is eligible to be considered for Life Ordination with the Eastern Regional Conference.

An Annual License is granted to candidates as a first credential. When a candidate completes

at least 40% of their education and has taken a homiletics class they are eligible to be

considered for an Annual License. They must successfully complete an oral theological exam.

Life Ordination is granted to those candidates who have completed all of their educational work,

have 3 years of membership in a Churches of God congregation, and have 1 year of approved

ministry experience. A written and an oral theological exam are conducted before a candidate

is approved for Life Ordination. Four candidates have been approved for life ordination since

our last Annual Conference sessions. They will all be recognized at our Ordination service on

Tuesday evening.

We strongly encourage Churches who are considering individuals for Pastoral positions

(including Sr. Pastor, Youth Pastor, etc) who are from outside the Churches of God, to make

sure those candidates meet with and are approved by the Commission on Church Vocations

before a decision is made to hire that individual. Your decision to hire an individual does not

guarantee that they will be approved for credentials in the ERC. Make sure they are approved

first.

Each fall, our commission sponsors a Theological Study Day. This year’s Theological

Study Day will be held on Monday, November 13. Our presenter will be Timothy George, Dean

of Beeson Divinity School. He will do a presentation on the Protestant Reformation as this year

is 500th anniversary of the beginning of the Reformation

The work of the Commission on Church Vocations is important to the ministry of the Eastern

Regional Conference. We covet the prayers of the Conference. Pray for candidates to be

aware of God’s calling on their lives. Pray that we will offer good counsel. Pray that we will

have discernment as we evaluate candidates to determine their readiness for ministry.

Members of the Commission on Church Vocations are: Dr. Michael Walker (chair), Dr. Kevin Richardson (ERC Executive Director), Pastor Anthony Zumbo, Pastor Robert Malick, Pastor Stefanie Difrancesco, Pastor Rodger Scheuing, Pastor Don Snyder, Pastor Judd Spencer, Pastor Steve Dibiase, Pastor Brian Warner and Pastor Mark Hosler, (secretary).

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COMMISSION ON DISCIPLESHIP REPORT

“No one wanders into spiritual maturity” Ed Stetzer

Spiritual maturity has to be intentionally developed. God makes us grow, but he invites us to participate in the process. “Paul planted the seed, Apollo watered it, and God makes it grow.”

We have an active part to play in sharing, teaching, and becoming like Jesus.

The Discipleship Commission would love to help churches, Help their people,

Grow intentionally more spiritually mature.

We have 4 main areas that we are really passionate about:

1. Prayer! You can’t be in a good relationship with someone you don’t talk with or listen to! We encourage prayer and want to help you think creatively about how to undergird every ministry in prayer and take full advantage of the gift that prayer is to us. Contact us to pray for you or to brainstorm how to encourage more & better prayer in your church!

*Pastor’s Prayer Retreat will be Oct. 23-‐24, 2017 at Doubling Gap Center. Winebrenner students can come for FREE! Spouses are welcome too!

2. Christian Ed! Whether you are trying to bolster your Sunday School, start a new women’s ministry, work out discipline issues, find new curriculum, or grow your teenagers, we would love to talk to you about Christian Ed development, evaluation, and troubleshooting.

*FREE Book by our guest speaker, Brad McKoy, entitled “Culture of the Few.” 1 per church. Pick yours up at the Discipleship table today!

3. Safe Sanctuaries! Make sure your children, your volunteers, your church assets, and the good name of Jesus Christ are being protected by reducing the risk of child abuse, injury, or other harm within your church. Contact us to help evaluate your policies, get one started, provide training for volunteers, or for help troubleshooting along the way.

4. Championing Youth Ministries with Purpose! People of all ages are on the Journey of Discipleship. It doesn’t just magically begin at age 18. So we want to start young and especially champion ministries that help youth connect with God and his word, develop as leaders, and become active disciples. Bible quizzing is a tested and tried ministry that, by its very nature, does that. We also sponsor the PULSE retreat in the fall. Come and talk with us for more information or to share what your youth ministries are up to!

For more info on anything related to Discipleship: Contact the Commission on Discipleship

Jack Selcher, John Culbertson, Dan Thomas, Zack Wilt, Rick Key, Don Price, Gary Knode, Dave Williams, and Rachel Neely-Pletcher, chair.

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Evangelism Commission

Report to 2017 Conference

Purpose:

To equip the local church to instruct, develop and mobilize people to

evangelize in their community and the world.

WAYS WE CAN SERVE YOU: (We can provide a trainer to come to your church or we can provide assistance for someone within your

church who will do the training)

Bridgebuilder Seminars – helps local churches build bridges to the local community.

Coaching – Pairing a trained coach with your church, staff and pastors on effective

evangelistic strategies to reach your region.

Local Church Training – Seminars including Contagious Christian, Walk Across the

Room, They Like Jesus But Not the Church, Networking and Tactics.

Youth Ministry – The promotion and possible funding of youth ministry outreach and

community involvement by local churches.

School of Evangelism – Trains interested persons in the many varied aspects of

evangelism – can lead to certification as an Evangelism Coach (persons available to

work with local congregations on their evangelism strategies).

Summit for Evangelism and Discipling – An annual conference‐wide training event (held

this year at Carlisle, February 25).

Resources and Websites:

ERC Office: (717)652‐0255.

Website: ercevangelism.com.

(continued)

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Facebook: ERC Evangelism and Church Planting; Bridgebuilder Seminars.

Bridgebuilders: Bridgestothebridge.wordpress.com; ercevangelism.com;

[email protected].

Commission Members

Pat Bailey (financial secretary), Larry Cross, Ron Dull (recording secretary),

Steve Dunn (Director of Bridgebuilders), Chuck Frank (ERC staff member),

Mark Halliday (chairman), Greg Hench, Barb Maurice, Dan Masshardt, Jeff

Musser, Steve Oberman, Vicki Oberman, Charlie Zahora.

Evangelism Field Director

The commission established this paid position in 2014 in order to “market”

its ministries. Steve and Vicki Oberman served in 2016. We will not be

continuing the position in 2017.

Thanks! We express our thanks to retiring Field Directors Steve and Vicki Oberman

and commission members Ryan Long and Kent Sheaffer.

Respectfully Submitted,

Ronald Dull, Secretary, Commission on Evangelism

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The Leadership Commission has continued to hold round table discussions. We led in

roundtable discussion with our South East churches during a Boot Comp session held

November 4‐5 of 2016. At that time we also provided leadership training. On November

21, 2016, members of the Leadership Commission met with Ron Dull’s Cumberland Valley

Lead Team for breakfast and a roundtable discussion at Newville, Pa. This was a great

opportunity to meet with Church leaders and discuss leadership concerns.

The commission participated in Leadership training at the 2016 Annual Evangelism

Summit, the topics covered were “Board Training”, “How To Have Hard Conversations”,

and “How To Select Leaders.” The commission participated recently in the 2017 Annual

Evangelism Summit as well. The topic presented was “Barriers To Leadership In Our

Communities.” The teaching was provided to help the local church understand how it is

viewed by business leaders.

As a commission, we supported 2 participants over the past two years in their pursuit of

the MLI training initiative. This brings us to 30 MLI leaders we have given financial

assistance to in the last 5 years. In 2016, we were able to send three pastors to the

Global Leadership Summit, hosted by Bill Hybels. We are looking to send 15 – 20 pastors

and leaders to the Global Leadership Summit scheduled for August 10‐11, 2017.

We ask that you join us by viewing the Leadership bi‐monthly “Leadership

Moment” email blast. We are attempting to provide you with helpful insights into

leadership and to connect with our local church leaders.

The Leadership Commission is here to help the local church in the selection of new

leaders and the development of pastor and leaders. It is our goal to help leaders take

God’s people to where He wants them to go! Call us; we are here to serve you!

You are on our hearts, we are praying for you and the Churches of the Eastern Regional

Churches of God.

“Everything rises and falls on leadership.” John Maxwell

Our Mission is to initiate and foster leadership development across the ERC Conference

We will achieve this mission by focusing on two main things:

1. Equipping Church Leaders to Identify and Develop leaders

2. Encouraging Personal Leadership Development.

”Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which

He obtained with His own blood." Acts 20:28 (ESV)

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Eastern Regional Conference Commission on Missions

2016 Report

The commission meets bimonthly beginning in January of each year. Our mission is to

Raise cross-cultural mission awareness and involvement across the Conference; Assist district and local mission organizations; Encourage opportunities for “hands-on” mission service; Facilitate the raising and distribution of funds and other resources for missions,

disaster relief or other special needs; and Work together with the CGGC in promoting worldwide mission endeavors.

Following are highlights of the Commission’s activities in 2016, which were focused on fulfilling this mission.

The annual VBS/Conference mission project goal was to raise $10,000 for fish farming in Kenya. Thanks to the contributions of a few churches, $2685.93 was raised. Six churches, plus the Church of God Home, participated in the project.

In February, Travis Helm spoke about missions at the Summit on the Scotland Campus, with a particular focus on Asian ministries.

The Commission continues to offer scholarships to assist ACTS team members. Team members need to apply to our Commission after they have been approved to go on a trip.

We continue to correspond with ERC affiliate missionaries, those missionaries from the ERC who are serving with mission organizations other than the CGGC.

Unspent 2016 budget monies were allocated, $2,000 each to Acostas’ support and the school building at Uluberia, India.

The Commission has been encouraging churches in Faith Promise giving. Commission members would be glad to talk about it with any church that is interested.

The Commission is willing to provide resource persons to help churches promote missions. A list of Commission members and others who are available to speak at churches is available on the ERC website under the link to the Commission on Missions. Please contact the Commission chair, Pastor George Yerger, for more information.

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Your Stewardship Commission is charged with the accountable management of the finances of your Conference. We also desire to assist your ministry with financial health.

Please contact us with any financial needs of your ministry. Please don’t hesitate to contact the Commission to partner with you. The following is a partial list of the areas we can assist…..

Payroll

Budgeting

Accounting Software

Accountable Financial Planning

Non-Profit Pricing of Microsoft Software

Church Insurance Suggestions

ACA Compliance Issues

Grant Research

Commission Members: Tom Guenther (Chair), Harry Boswell, Janet Tice, James Brandt (Asst. to Fin. Manager & Fin. Secretary), Frank Arva (Fin. Secretary), Colleen Gross (Fin. Manager), Charles Robson, Dennis Bailey, James Moss, Jr. (Ad. Council Liason)

All contact information is in the Conference directory, or call the Conference Office @ 717.652.0255 or contact through email to [email protected] or [email protected].

Stewardship Commission

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2017 Nominating Committee of the Eastern Regional Conference

ROLL CALL: James W. Moss, Jr., President; Thomas Myers, Vice-President; Steve Long, Katie Kane and Kevin E. Richardson, Staff. DEVOTIONS: Kevin E. Richardson presented devotions for the morning. NOTE: The Conference Constitution requires 1/3 more names on the ballot, than are to be elected. -- Not required in the election of the Conference Secretary, or Corporation Boards. ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL: Notes: Two pastoral and two lay members to be elected by the conference in session. (C-VI:1A)

(One member at large appointed each year by the Administrative Council for a two-year term) Two-year term with two successive term limits. (C-VI:1C) Lay Nominees have a three-year membership requirement. (C-VI:1A) Must be a member of the Conference in Session and/or be members in good standing of the CGGC for at least three years. (C-V:4)

Terms Expiring: Pastoral: *Daniel Thomas and Gilbert Thurston Lay: Jim Noel and Joyce Hornberger

*Indicates not eligible for re-election.

TO BE NOMINATED: PASTORAL LAY PERSONS 1. Charles Jenkins 1. Joyce Hornbaker 2. Eva Lezama 2. Jim Starner 3. Dan Masshardt 3. Ed Waggoner 4. Gilbert Thurston CONFERENCE SECRETARY Notes: One to be elected by the conference in session in odd numbered years. (C-VI:1B) Two-year term with NO successive term limit. (C-IV) Must be a member of the Conference. (C-V:4)

May be lay or pastoral. Term Expiring: John W. Selcher TO BE NOMINATED: 1. John W. Selcher

NOMINATING COMMITTEE: (C-V:2) Notes: Three to be elected by the conference in session. Two appointed by the Administrative Council from its members. One-year term. Terms Expiring: All

TO BE NOMINATED: 1. Tammy Gitt 4. Ada Myers 2. Katie Kane 5. Edward Rosenberry 3. Steve Long

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DOUBLING GAP BOARD: Notes: Three to be elected by the conference in session. Three-year term.

Terms Expiring: Cindy Betz and Tom Whitcomb

TO BE NOMINATED: (Names supplied by the Doubling Gap Board.) 1. Pastor Ron Dull 3. 2. Jamie Swope 4.

HOME MISSION COUNCIL, INCORPORATED:

Notes: Two to be elected by the conference in session. Three-year term.

Terms Expiring:

TO BE NOMINATED: (Names to be supplied by the Home Missions Council) 1. 2.

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2017 BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION MINISTERS

(Updated as of 4/3/17) DULL, Ronald E. Credentials: Licensed 1977, Ordained 1980. Pastoral Service: Cherry Grove 1977-1981, Lititz 1981-1988, Greenvillage 1988-2011. ERC Service: Member of the Administrative Council 1980-1986, 1999-2001, Past Vice President and President of the Conference. CGGC Service: Member of the Administrative Council 1986-1998, President Elect and President. MASSHARDT, Daniel M. Education: Messiah College, B.S. in Bible 2004; Evangelical Theological Seminary, M.Div. 2010 Credentials: Ordained 2010. Pastoral Service: Fairview Bethel (Associate) 2004-2011, Lead Pastor (2011-present); ERC Service: Member Evangelism Commission: 2007-present. ROSENBERRY, Edward L. Credentials: Lay Supply 1972; Licensed 1973; Ordained 1976; Pastoral Service: Wormleysburg 1972-73, Maytown 1973-79, Plainfield 1979-94, Conference Minister in East Pennsylvania 1994-2000, Executive Director for the Eastern Regional Conference (ERC) 2001-2007, Executive Director for the Churches of God General Conference (CGGC) 2007-2015, Retired June 2015. Conference Service: Served as a member/chair of numerous commissions and committees for the ERC and the CGGC over the years, as well as a trustee for the University of Findlay (1987-1993, 2001-present), Winebrenner Theological Seminary (1994-present) and Scotland Campus (2013-2015), Interim at Central Manor June 2016 to present. SELCHER, John W. Credentials: Ordained. Pastoral Service: Cherry Grove, 1981-1985; Saxton/Broad Top City, 1985-1995; Associate for Discipleship, 1995 to 2008; Associate Pastor at Swatara, 2009 to 2013, Stone Glenn 2014 to present. ERC Service: MTO Commission, ECSC Commission (both as member and chairman), Nominating Committee, Executive Committee, Delegate to General Conference and ERC Secretary. He served as a staff person to the Commissions on Evangelism, Discipleship, Youth and Family Life and Missions. Presently serves on Commission on Discipleship. He has written various leadership, evangelism and discipleship resources including: "Spiritual Health Index," "Learning to Lead," “Burnout Prevention,” “What Is Discipleship,” “The Parable of the Celery Farmer,” “Names and Characteristics of God,” “Spiritual Maturity Tracker,” “Church Assimilation,” “Spiritual Health Helps,” “Evaluating Your Small Group,” “Evaluating Your Sunday School Class,” “Evaluating Your Worship Service,” “Disciple-Making 101,” "Running to Win," “Running Together to Win,” "Preparing to Be the Church," "Finding Significance in the Church,” Life’s Ultimate Question," "Connecting with God," “Gone Fishin,’” and Becoming an Enthusiastic Church. CGGC Service: Curriculum Committee, Christian Education Commission, Renewal Commission, has written articles for THE CHURCH ADVOCATE, (“Grasping the Scriptures”), Workman Quarterly and Celebration Series, (“Unclaimed Treasurers”). THURSTON, Gilbert D. III Credentials: ERC Ordination 2013, previous ordination 2000. Pastoral Service: New Life Christian Ministries (Associate) 2000-2003; Purpose Driven Ministries (National Field Trainer of Pastors) 2003-2006; Chambersburg First Church of God (Associate) 2006-2010; Exponential Church (Lead and Founding

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Pastor) 2010-present. ERC Service: Member of Church Planting Commission 2013-present and Member of the Administrative Council 2015-present. JENKINS, Charles Credentials: Ordained 2015. Pastoral Service: Co-Pastor, Brownsville Church of God, 2000 to present. ERC Service: Member of the Church and Pastor Commission 2015 to present. Member of the Administrative Council, 2016 to present. LEZAMA, Eva

2017 BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

LAY PERSONS

CORTY, Ernest W. Member: 48 Years in the Churches of God. Church: Caring Community Church of God. Local Church Positions: Elder, Sunday School Teacher, VBS Teacher, Junior Worship Team Leader. ERC Service: CGGC Delegate, Doubling Gap/Camp YoLiJWa Board Member, Current Doubling Gap/Camp YoLiJWa Board President; Workshop Leader (Past). Christian Service: PathwaysTech CCTE Board Member; Harrisburg Christian School Board (Past); and Doubling Gap Center (Camp YoLiJWa) Board Member; Samaritan’s Purse. Occupation: PathwaysTech Christian Career and Technical Education Vocational School, IT Director and Classroom Teacher; West Shore School District Classroom Teacher 34 years (Retired), currently employed by Dauphin County in the Clerk of Courts Office handling appeals to the Superior and Supreme Courts. GITT, Tammie Member: 23 years, Carlisle First Church of God. Local Church Service: Bible Quiz Team Coach, Youth Group Leader, Sunday School Teacher CGWM; CGGC Service: Delegate to CGGC General Sessions; ERC Service: Bible Quiz Coordinator, Evangelism Commission; Education: B.A. in English and Theater, MAPT (Biblical Studies) Winebrenner Theological Seminary; Occupation: Currently, reporter at The Sentinel, previously volunteer coordinator at New Hope Ministries and assistant to the president at Scotland Campus. HORNBAKER, (Poe) Joyce Member: 31 years, Shippensburg First Church of God. Local Church Service: 25 years, Chairperson of the Mission Committee, Christian Education Committee, Whirlybirds Coordinator, VBS teacher, co-Sunday School Teacher, Nursery Worker; CGGC Service: 6 years, Cross Cultural Missions, Missionary to Project Help, Haiti (9 mos.); ERC Service: 6 years, Mission Commission, Delegate to ERC Conference; Education: High School Diploma; Occupation: 14 years, Joy Generation Released Time Bible Program Equipping Coordinator, florist.

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KANE (Heberlig), Katie Member: 10 years, Doubling Gap Church of God; prior 5 years Plainfield Church of God. Local Church Service: Youth Leader, VBS. ERC Service: Camp YoliJwa Program Coordinator (2001-2008), Camp YoliJwa Co-Director and Counselor. Education: B.S. Recreation and B.A. General Science, Houghton College; Elementary Education and Middle School Math Certificate, Wilson College. Occupation: Stay-at-Home Mom. LONG, Stephen S. Member: Lifelong (62 years) in the Churches of God. Church: Bare Memorial, Plainfield, Landisburg Churches of God. Past Local Church Positions: Elder, Treasurer, Sunday School Teacher, Choir member. ERC Service: Executive Director of Doubling Gap Center – 40 years; former Commission on Christian Education member; Nominating Committee; Various Task Forces, Speaker/Pulpit supply many Churches of God. Christian Service: Past-President/Cabinet member for Allegheny Section of Christian Camps and Conference Association. Occupation: Camp Director. Education: B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Penn State 1974. MYERS, Ada Member 4 years High View Church of God; Prior 20 years Mt. Pleasant Church of God. Local Church Service: Pastor's Wife for past 10 years, Teach Children's church. Sing on Worship Team, Craft person for VBS, Chairperson for Christian Education, Teach youth, Hospitality chairperson for Little Lamb's Preschool at High View, Secretary for the church. Education: Medical Assistant Cumberland Perry Vo-Tech School. Occupation: Pastor's wife and church secretary. STARNER, Jim SWOPE, Jamie WAGGONER, Edward Resident of Carlisle Pennsylvania, less 6 years in military. Lifelong member of the First Church of God at Plainfield. Local Church Positions: Youth teacher on Wednesday evening service. Youth group co-leader, Sunday School Superintendent, Deacon and a short time as an Elder to fill a vacated position. Work sound and video for worship and other programs. Participate with VBS each year. Camp Yolijwa Youth Wilderness Camp counselor /co-director /director for 16 years. Camp committee member several years. Education: Carlisle HS graduate, Electronics Technician School, Great Lakes, Illinois. Occupation: Currently employed as an inventory manager with NAVSUP WSS Mechanicsburg, PA. Looking to retire this year. Married 44 years to Linda Waggoner employed w/GOG Home Carlisle. Two adult daughters Kimberly Egger; Newville and Winnie Harris; Brownstown and four granddaughters and 2 grandsons.

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DOUBLING GAP CENTER - CAMP YOLIJWA

1550 Doubling Gap Road, Newville, PA 17241 - 717-776-5281 - www.campyolijwa.org

2016 Year-Round STAFF Stephen S. Long - Executive Director Ryan S. Long - Program Coordinator Amy L. Long - Office Secretary (p/t) Coulson Shaul - Support Services Daniel J. Graham – Maint. Supervisor Karen A. Barrick – Housekeeping (p/t) Bryan K. Eichelberger - Head Cook Kathy Myers, Wendy Noel, Carolyn Myers – Cooks (p/t)

2016 – 2017 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Greg Nauman - President Phil Erb – Vice President Pastor Ron Dull - Secretary 1132 Devonshire Road 2523 Mt. Pleasant Road 12 Dogwood Court Lancaster, PA 17601 Mt. Joy, PA 17552 Shippensburg, PA 17257 Landisville COG Mt. Joy COG Newville FCOG Marla Sheaffer - Treasurer Cindy Betz Corey Britcher 507 Dewitt Avenue 740 South 6th Street 1700 Clearfield Road Harrisburg, PA 17109 Chambersburg, PA 17201 Shippensburg, PA 17257 Caring Community COG Chambersburg COG Newburg FCOG

Ernie Corty Pastor Heidi Guyer Luella Hale 4220 Cambridge Street 252 Walnut Street 1308 Well Drive Harrisburg, PA 17109 Shippensburg, PA 17257 Camp Hill, PA 17011 Caring Community COG Newville FCOG Glenvale COG Thomas Whitcomb Pastor Dave Williams 8 Burnside Drive ERC Staff & Discipleship Rep East Berlin, PA 17316 900 S. Arlington Ave, Suite 120B Hanover COG Harrisburg, PA 17109 Mt. Pleasant COG

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CAMP YOLIJWA (YOuth LIving Jesus’ WAy) – 2016 Ministry Summary

(Full Statistical Report Printed Separately)

70th Summer for YoliJwa Camping at Doubling Gap Center: 1947 – 2016

21 YoliJwa Camps & Retreats conducted in 2016 with 2016 total campers! 12 Summer Youth Camps were held with a total of 1261 Campers participating

708 youth (56%) - were affiliated with an Eastern Regional Church of God 112 youth ( 9%) - indicated NO church affiliation (representing a great outreach by Camp) 121 youth - made a first-time decision to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior 439 youth - made a re-dedication of their life for Jesus Christ as their Lord. 46 youth - from 31 separate families received financial aid totaling $4,129.

6 Adult/Family Camps & Retreats – Camp HOPE, Family Bible, Adult Fellowship, Father/Son, Mother/Daughter, & Fall Bike Trek – 453 Total Participants

3 Weekend Winter Retreats (Junior, Junior High, & Senior High) were attended by 284 campers.

87 ERC Churches were represented with campers during the summer YoliJwa program. (+2 from 2015) 53 ERC Churches provided 307 of the total 414 “short-term missionaries” as a 2016 YoliJwa volunteer staff.

$ 6,834 YoliJwa Summer Camp offerings - $3,417 to Bangladesh Schools and $3,417 for Camp’s Cabin Project

DOUBLING GAP CENTER – 2016 Retreat Ministry Summary

DGC hosted 146 rental groups + 21 Camps involving 14,101 participants with $ 775,386. Income

26 CoG Overnight groups with 1,846 participants and $ 123,753 Income 30 Other Overnight groups with 2,5,70 participants and $ 266,071 Income

31 CoG Day-Only groups with 4,001 participants and $ 27,781 Income 59 Other Day-Only groups with 3,254 participants and $ 30,233 Income 21 YoliJwa Camps/Retreats with 2,016 campers + 414 staff and $ 327,548 Income

Building & Grounds - Projects Worked On in 2016 * Completed Construction of 4 cabins & pavilion restroom - $ 302,396. ($786,000 total project) * Began project to expand and remodel Nurse’s & Director’s Quarters - $ 5,500 * Replaced bench seats at Breneman Memorial Chapel - $4,300 * Rebuilt & restored Sulphur Spring House - $1,015 Work Scheduled for 2017

Continue renovation of nurse’s quarters with new handicap restroom and bedrooms ~ $50,000+

Finalize arrangements to accommodate Colonel Denning Park wastewater into DGC plant. Install potable water treatment system to maintain proper water pH ~ $ 10,000

Year-Round Staff - Steve Long, Exec. Director; Ryan Long, Program Coordinator; Coulson Shaul, Support Services;

Amy Long, Secretary ; Dan Graham, Maintenance Sup’t; John Sheriff, Contracted Maintenance; Bryan Eichelberger, Food Service; Karen Barrick, Housekeeping;

www.campyolijwa.org Includes pictures and virtual tour of facilities at Camp, a short info video, seasonal promotional blurbs, a current calendar of events, and links to the ERC, GCCG, and the Christian Camping Association (CCCA).

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DOUBLING GAP CENTER – 2016 Financial Summary Report January 1 – December 31, 2016

GENERAL FUND (Operations) Beginning Balance as of 1/1/16: $ 273,651.

2016 OPERATING REVENUE: YoliJwa Camping Program (21) $ 327,548 CoG Rental Groups (57) $ 151,534 Other Churches & Groups (89) $ 296,304 Store & Other Sales $ 53,550 All Other (Interest & Misc.) $ 178 TOTAL General Fund Revenue: $ 829,114.

2016 OPERATING EXPENSES: Employees - wages, benefits, taxes $ 413,925 Kitchen Food, supplies, equipment $ 156,085 Building & Grounds supplies, equipment $ 95,677

Utilities - Electric, Phone, Propane, etc $ 82,402 Corporation & Administration $ 35,405 YoliJwa Program $ 33,883 Insurances - Property, Liability, Comp $ 30.477

Store Merchandise $ 28,076 TOTAL Operating Expenses: $-861,880 2016 Gen’l Fund Operating Balance: $ -46,816

2016 GENERAL FUND DONATION INCOME: Individual Donors (85) $ 33,859 ERC Church Donations (18) $ 20,264 ERC Church Organizations (9) $ 6,588 YoliJwa Camp Offerings (18) $ 7,231 Businesses & non-church groups (3) $ 3,198 Estates, Trusts, Commemoratives $ 15,907 TOTAL General Fund Donations: $ 87,047

FISCAL 2016 NET GENERAL FUND: $ +40,231 Transfer To Expansion Fund – Cabin Project $ - 75,000 Transfer To HMC - Campership Fund $ - 5,288 CLOSING GENERAL FUND BALANCE as of 12/31/16: $ 234,264

EXPANSION FUND (Future Development) Beginning Balance: 1/1/16 $ 107,916 Transfer In From General Fund – Cabin Project $ 75,000 Transfer In From F&M Bank - Line of Credit $100,000 2016 REVENUE:

Donations – Individuals (146) $ 98,377 Estates & Commemoratives (13) $ 66,660 ERC Churches & Groups (21) $ 26,706 Donations – Groups & Businesses (5) $ 9,757 Fundraising – Hike-n-Rock $ 5,118 Misc. & Interest $ 172

TOTAL REVENUE: $ 206,750

2016 EXPENSES : Administration, Engineering, etc. $ 5,396 Site Development & Utilities $ 38,254 Building Construction & Furnishings: $ 256,450 Loan Interest Payments $ 2,297 Loan Principal Payments $ 100,000 (SUB-TOTAL Cabin Expenses: $ 402,396) Nurse’s Quarters Expansion Project $ 5,641 TOTAL EXPENSES: $ 408,037 CLOSING EXPANSION FUND BALANCE as of 12/31/16: $ 81,629

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Monday, May 1, 2017 – 2:45 p.m.

REACH

#1 – Meet Your Church Planters Facilitator: Chuck Frank and Rich Thornton

Gymnatorium Join us for this great time of worship and testimonies about what God is doing in our local/United States mission field!

Hear the God Stories of the newest church plants in the ERC Meet the planter/pastors and their families Enjoy powerful worship from our Southeast churches Get ministry and outreach ideas for your church as you hear amazing stories about all that

God is doing Pray for God to lead your church to “adopt” one of our baby mission churches

#2 – Out of the Box Outreach Presented by: Pastors Charlie Zahora and Mark Halliday

Sun Room The focus of this session will be on growing the Kingdom of God AND growing our local congregations at the same time. The Great Commission commands us, and the Love of Christ compels us, to reach new people with the Gospel message! This session will show how we can think and act differently. We will emphasize a few often neglected ideas that are critical to the mission of God for church leaders. We will give real life examples of these principles being put into practice. You will leave encouraged and compelled to think and act in “out of the box” ways to reach new people for Jesus.

#3 – Expanding Your Church’s Reach Presented by: Pastor Gilbert Thurston

Main Lodge Dining Room

Join this workshop as a panel of ERC pastors talk about what’s working and what’s not in reaching out to the community. You’ll be guaranteed to go home with some ideas your church can immediately implement in reaching more people for Jesus!

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#4 – The Epidemic of Addiction and the Way to Biblical Wellbeing Presented by: Daniel DeLeon

Gymnatorium Class Room

An exploration and discussion on the forces driving the epidemic of addiction and how churches are positioning themselves to be a part of the solution. About our presenter: Daniel DeLeon is the Director of The Way Recovery Houses in Lancaster Pennsylvania. A former addict himself, Daniel believes that he has discovered a practical and thoroughly Biblical solution to the problem of addiction plaguing our nation. Daniel and his wife Alicia have dedicated their lives to helping substance abusers find freedom in Christ. In unique partnerships with local churches, The Way recovery Houses is engaging the crisis of addiction in fresh and innovative ways.

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TUESDAY, May 2, 2017 - 8:45 A.M.

TEACH

#1 – The Shifting Culture of Children’s Ministry Presented by: Pastor Rachel Neely-Pletcher

Gymnatorium

Does your church have Sunday school, Jr. Church, or a mid-week Children's Ministry? Do you know why you do? What's its purpose? And how can it better connect today's kids to Christ? We will explore this and more as we talk about the shifting cultures and how they have changed children's ministry over time. And we will dream together creatively on how we can better reach and teach the families of our communities. About the presenter: Rachel has been the Youth and Family Pastor at Bare Memorial Church of God since 2000. She is also a Certified Family Life Educator. Rachel is married to Shawn and has a 7 year old son named Aidan.

#2 – Brandon Kelly Presented by: Pastor Brandon Kelly, Director of Transformational Ministries, CGGC

Gymnatorium Class Room

Explore the dynamics of making disciples of Jesus who can join God in His mission. In this breakout, we’ll talk look at the posture, tools, and methods for making disciples in every context and at every level.

#3 – Brotherhood Mutual Insurance

Presented by: Kyle Butler Sun Room

#4 – For Men Only (Dealing with Depression) Presented by: Kurtz Cockley


About our presenter: Kurtz Cockley has been a practicing therapist since 1996 and has significant experience in drug and alcohol counseling. Having been trained in play therapy, Kurtz has experience working with children, although he now focuses on working with couples on marital, pre-marital and parenting issues as well as people struggling with stress and anxiety issues.

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TUESDAY, May 2, 2017 - 2:45 P.M. Teach

#1 – Culture of the Few

Presented by: Pastor Brad McKoy, Keynote Speaker Gymnatorium

After spending more than a decade pastoring churches along the east coast, Brad and his wife, Adriane, moved to Grove City, PA to try something new. In 2011, their mutual passion for "churching the un-churched" gave birth to Antioch Overflow Experiment (AOX), which is a community of simple churches with a mission to "disciple, equip, and release sons and daughters of the King to transform every sphere of society for the glory of God." When he isn't out coaching young world-changers or on a daddy-daughter with his nine-year-old Abi, Brad can be found in a local coffee shop working on branding and marketing solutions for small businesses through his consulting company. In June 2016, Brad released his first book, Culture of the Few: Following Jesus. Transforming Culture, which gives world-changers a path to follow.

#2 – Payroll

Presented by: Mr. James Brandt Gymnatorium Class Room

Jim Brandt and Tricia Richardson will present payroll information during a breakout session at our Annual Eastern Regional Conference Sessions on Tuesday, May 2, 2017. Topics discussed will include worker classification, what qualifies as compensation vs. expense reimbursement, and some recent developments with medical insurance premiums reimbursement, followed by a time for Q&A. About our presenters: Jim Brandt, CPP is the President of Mirelle Associates, Inc. Mirelle Associates provides payroll processing for small businesses and non-profits, including many ERC churches. Tricia Richardson, CPP, SPHR, SHRM-SCP is the Partnership Coordinator for Paytime, Inc. Paytime is a Mechanicsburg-based company providing workforce management solutions and related products and services to almost 1,100 customers nationwide, primarily in the Pennsylvania and Maryland area.

#3 – For Women Only (Dealing with Depression) Presented by: Dr. Diana Coulson-Brown

Sun Room Dr. Coulson-Brown is enthusiastic about growth, change, and helping clients make positive strides towards thriving. Whether you are struggling with depression, anxiety, life circumstances, or just want to get on the path towards fulfilling your life’s passion, then this is the workshop for you.

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#4 – For Men Only (Dealing with Depression) Presented by: Kurtz Cockley


About our presenter: Kurtz Cockley has been a practicing therapist since 1996 and has significant experience in drug and alcohol counseling. Having been trained in play therapy, Kurtz has experience working with children, although he now focuses on working with couples on marital, pre-marital and parenting issues as well as people struggling with stress and anxiety issues.

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Churches of God

2017 Eastern Regional Conference EVALUATION FORM

*******************

Dear Friend! As the Program Committee, we want to “Thank You” ahead of time for filling out this EVALUATION FORM. We have sought to plan a dynamic Conference that will provide all participants with a meaningful and uplifting experience. The best way for us to know if this goal was achieved is to hear from each of you. We want to continue and enhance what worked and change or eliminate what didn’t. Let us know your thoughts. Thanks again and we remain…..

Yours in His service,

The Conference Planning Committee

1. What was you overall impression of the 2017 Conference? ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. Please share what you liked most and/or any ways you think the following aspects of Conference could be improved:

A. Events (Ordination, Ordinance Services, & Monday Evening Program).

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

B. The daily devotions.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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C. The Business Sessions (Reports, testimonies, etc.)

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

D. The Breakout Sessions

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

E. Guest Speaker – Brad McKoy

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

F. Other Areas (Pastoral Recognition, Worship, Prayer, etc.)

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3. Do you have any overall recommendations, comments, ideas, keynote speaker names, program ideas, schedule, etc. for next year’s Conference?

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 4. What did you like best about the 2017 Conference Sessions? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 5. What did you like least about the 2017 Conference Sessions? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Name (optional) Thank You!

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Greetings attendee of the Eastern Regional Conference Sessions….

The following pages are a leadership survey on your beliefs and practices regarding generosity. This is

an anonymous survey.

Please complete it and return it to the registration desk or mail it to the Conference Office…

Eastern Regional Conference c/o Colleen Gross

900 S. Arlington Ave., Suite 120b Harrisburg, PA 17109

You may also take the survey online by pasting this address into your web browser: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HVXN3R2

I appreciate your insights….

Blessings….

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ERCCOG Conference Sessions Leadership

1. Would you consider yourself a regular financial donor to the ministries where you lead?

Yes

No

2. When you donate to the Church, do you trust that the gift you've given will be managed wisely?

Yes

No

3. If you checked 'no' to question 2, please explain....

4. How old were you when you first started giving to the church?

5-10 Years of Age

11-17 Years of Age

18-25 Years of Age

26-30 Years of Age

30+ Years of age

I was never exposed or taught about giving in church

5. How old were you when you formed your current opinions about giving and started practicing them?

5-10 Years of Age

11-17 Years of Age

18-25 Years of Age

26-30 Years of Age

30+ Years of age

I was never exposed or taught about giving in church

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6. What is your definition of Biblical Generosity?*

7. Do you tithe (give 10% of your income) to the ministries of the Church?

Yes

No

8. If you tithe (10% of your income), do you do so based on the net or gross of your income?*

Net

Gross

Depends

Don't Know

I do not tithe

9. If you answered the previous question 'depends', what does it depend upon?

10. If you find it difficult to give, what would be helpful to you to encourage you to begin a journey ofgenerosity?*

An accountability partner

Biblically sound teaching

Honest communication with people I trust

Deeper Faith

I don't know what I need

I do not find it difficult to give

11. Do you believe Biblical Generosity is for everyone?

No, it's only for leadership

No, it's only for the wealthy

Yes

I Don't Know

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Other (please specify)

12. Regarding your personal finances, check any areas you believe you could improve in yourmanagement of those resources.

Budgeting

Reconciling bank/financial statements

Checkbook Management

Compulsive Spending

Obsessive Frugality

A Heart for Generosity


13. In the areas you indicated in question 12, please indicate how the Church could best come along sideyou to help you grow in theses areas

Group workshops on the topic

Individual help by someone I trust

Someone to hold me accountable

I don't know what would help

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ERCCOG Conference Sessions Leadership

14. If a major donor in your church threatened either directly or indirectly to withhold their giving unless youwent in a direction they wanted, how would you respond?

I would feel pressure to give the donor what they want

I would trust God's will knowing the donor could leave

I would have someone else confront the donor

I would give the donor whatever they asked for

I would use this as a vision-casting moment for them toreconsider giving to that vision realizing the gift may bewithdrawn

15. Your financial team comes to you to tell you that one of your leaders' giving patterns has changed.What would you do?

16. Would you consider it a non-negotiable that all members of your leadership team understand Biblicalgenerosity including the principle of tithing?

Don't know

Maybe

Absolutely

It's negotiable

17. List any suggestions you would have regarding the finances of the Church....

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18. In what capacity are you attending Conference?

Pastor

Delegate

Visitor

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Documents

OF THE CHURCHES OF G - · PDF fileTuesday with our ordination service with Dr. Earl Mills ... We will enjoy the hospitality of ... Center Church (Brooklyn, NY) Brian Miller Central