SECTION THREE

REPORTS

 

2017 REPORT OF THE NORTH CENTRAL DISTRICT GOVERNANCE BOARD The NCD Governance Board serves the churches of the NCD by exercising oversight and handling the business of the District throughout the conference year. This Board ratifies the decisions of all other teams, boards and committees. Between its scheduled meetings, the Executive Committee may work to carry out business on behalf of the Governance Board. This report summarizes and highlights some the most significant business since our last District Conference. As of the writing of this report, the Governance Board has met four times since our 2017 District Conference: June 27, 2017; August 22, 2017; October 24, 2017; and February 27, 2018. The Executive Committee of the Governance Board also met on December 7, 2017. Credentials Awarded Pastor Ryan Busse Licensed (St. Mark) Pastor Josh Brueck Licensed (Sturgis M.C.); hired as Assoc. Pastor Pastor Jacob LaBounty Ordained (Zion Elkhart) Pastor Robby Rasbaugh Licensed (Crystal Valley) Pastor Gabe Reed Licensed (Nappanee) Pastor Brent Wolfe Licensed (Granger) Pastor Thomas Maxwell Specialized license; hired as Sr. Pastor (College Park) Pastor Lindsay Fisher Specialized license; youth ministry (Nappanee) Rev. Joshua Hilty Previous Ordination approved; hired as Assoc. Pastor (Brenneman) Transitions Approved Rev. Dave Blue Approved ministry (pulpit supply) Rev. Brenton Reimer Approved ministry (Mission Team Leader w/Pioneer Ministries Intn’l) Rev. Jeff Truex Approved ministry (pulpit supply) Dr. Dale Gadd Hired as Sr. Pastor (Galien) Rev. Jason Thompson Moved back from Atlanta, serving with NG3 Ministry (Jimtown Schools) Rev. David Ashley Transferred into the NCD (retired) Rev. Donald Snell Transferred into the NCD (retired) Rev. Gregg Cole Transferred from Brenneman to Pleasant Hill (Sr. Pastor) Rev. Harold Knight Transferred from Brenneman to Wakarusa (Pastoral Care) Pastor Ryan Dalrymple Transferred to Central Region Rev. Lance Witham Transferred to Michigan Region (New Faith Chapel) Pastor Glenn Snapp Transferred to Michigan Region (Faith Missionary) Rev. Matt Maloney Transitioned to Sr. Pastor (Brenneman) Rev. Ken Bontreger Retired from Chapel Hill Missionary Church Rev. Chris Garner Resigned at College Park Rev. Justin Lamason Resigned at Nappanee Missionary Church Rev. Bob Loar Retired from Solid Rock Church Rev. Bill Richardson Retired from Brenneman Pastor Linda Hartman Credentials lapsed due to inactivity

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Rev. Jorge Maldonaldo Credentials recalled and filed Rev. Bryon Smith Credentials recalled and filed due to transfer Pastor Cory Weatherton Credentials lapsed due to inactivity Rev. Ryan Yazel Credentials lapsed due to inactivity Significant Action & Discussion Items 2018 District Budget – In consultation with the NCD office staff, the Finance Committee put together a new budget for 2018. This budget was presented, discussed and adopted in our August meeting. Executive Committee – Rev. Patrick Puglisi was appointed member at large for the 2017-18 year. Orientation Manual – In June, DS Wenger presented the manual for the benefit of newer members of the Governance Board. This manual includes a wealth of information relative to the NCD and its makeup, procedures and policies. Local Ministry Grants – These grants continue to be offered to help any of our district churches with outreach ideas. This past year, grants were awarded to Bremen, St. Mark, New Hope (Valpo), and New Paris. Thrive Tour – Since our last District Conference, stops have included a seminar with Terry Smith at Cedar Road (October), as well as visits to St. Mark (November), Mill Creek (February) and Summit Church (April). Estate Planning – ADS Bridges shared tabulated results from the initial three workshops (California Road, Gospel Center and Redeemer). Of the participants, 29 wills were created, representing 57% of the attendees. $4,500 in rebates was paid out from the sponsoring organizations, of which the NCD contributed $1,500. Response was overwhelmingly affirmative when participants asked, by survey, “How much did the rebate offer affect your decision to take action now in producing a will?” Feedback from several pastors at the RPMs also revealed strong interest in future workshops. Thus, with rebate funding for up to 100 wills already approved by the NCD and other supporting organizations, we are able to move forward with plans for two additional workshops at Beulah and Fairview. Bethel College Endowed Chair of Theology – A proposal was put forward earlier this year for several Missionary Church organizations (including the NCD) to take on a portion of funding toward creating a potential ten-year, full-time Professorship at Bethel College. This position would serve to strengthen the connection between Bethel College and the Missionary Church. Specifically, the candidate for this professorship will be a person who has high theological consistency with the Missionary Church, and thus be able to facilitate a greater alignment with the denominational outlook among ministry graduates. MCIF and the East Central Region had already made financial commitments. In February, the Governance Board voted to approve this proposal, with the NCD contributing $250K over this ten-year period. Moving from District to Region - The Governance Board has been in discussion regarding the possibility of changing the name of the NCD to “Region” for compatibility of nomenclature within the denomination. There may also be structural changes to a “Regional” format, which are currently under consideration. DS Wenger has commissioned a small team of district leaders to consider possible ramifications.

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Pastor’s Prayer Retreat – Our annual retreat was held April 9-10 at the Amigo Center in Sturgis, with Pastor Don Williams sharing. District Succession – As our current DS finishes his role in 2021, this may be an opportune time to consider the overall vision of the role itself. Several questions are being posed. Might this role need to change, and if so, how? Will our bylaws need revision in order to facilitate such changes? What kinds of skills do we think that the next DS will need? What does this process look like in our sister regions? Financial Help for Puerto Rico – In October, the Board authorized up to $20,000 from the General Fund for Puerto Rico Relief. At this point, half of these funds have been sent on to the denominational office, designated to be split between community development and church relief. Work teams are also being organized. Iglesia Restauracion Dissolution – This church has gone through a couple of difficult situations related to pastoral leadership. Many former attendees of this church have now assimilated into the Granger Missionary Church, and all accounts have been liquidated and transferred to “Granger en Espanol.” We have now officially dissolved this church. Encounter Charter Application – Our church plant in Elkhart has been worshiping publicly for 2 years. They are now meeting in the Teen Challenge facility (chapel), and have officially chartered with 16 members. Respectfully Submitted, Jason A. Nicholls North Central District Secretary

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2017 REPORT OF THE DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT

The theme for this year’s conference is “Mind the Gap.”

This theme arose from a book I was reading entitled, Daring Greatly, How the Courage to be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead. In it, the author, Brene Brown, talks about “minding the gap.” She wrote:

Minding the gap is a daring strategy. We have to pay attention to where we’re actually standing and where we want to be. More importantly, we have to practice the values that we’re holding out as important in our culture…The gap has to do with the difference between “what we say” and “what we do, or between the values we espouse and the values we practice.”

I had been thinking about gaps in church ministry. We all know that we fall short. The very definition of the word “sin” is “missing the mark,” and oh, how we miss the mark in our lives! There are gaps between what we say and what we do, between the behavior we aspire to and how we really behave. There is the love gap, the faith gap, the power gap, the saying and doing gap, and… the list could go on, couldn’t it? We need to give attention to the gaps in our personal lives and in our ministries. May God give us grace not only to be aware of the gaps, but to see them narrowed and even closed. CHURCH TRANSITIONS In 2017, by God’s grace, we were able to facilitate the following transitions in leadership in our District. In February, I commissioned Dr. David Cramer and Ms. Carrie Badertscher to be the Pastoral leadership team at Keller Park Missionary Church. That same month I also commissioned Rev. Steve Galloway to be the Pastor at LaPorte Missionary Church. In March, I commissioned Rev. Jason Dickinson to be the Pastor at Granger Missionary Church. In October, I commissioned Dr. Dale Gadd to be the Pastor at Galien Missionary Church. Throughout the latter half of 2017, Chapel Hill Missionary Church, Lake Missionary Church, and Solid Rock Missionary Church have been seeking their next pastor. Sturgis Missionary Church was seeking an associate pastor who would serve alongside Rev. Bob Renner in a transition year. They have called Pastor Josh Brueck who will serve as Associate Pastor and then become Pastor when Pastor Renner retires at the end of 2018. In November, I discovered that Rev. Chris Garner would not be continuing as pastor at College Park Missionary Church beyond December 31. College Park has called Pastor Tom Maxwell, a recent graduate of Bethel College’s Adult Education Program, to become their Pastor. The job of seeking applicants for open pastor positions has been an ongoing challenge throughout my tour of duty as your superintendent. Since I became District Superintendent in 2013, I have actively helped 20 of our churches in their search for a pastor.

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THRIVE This year we began a series of workshops that we called the “Thrive Tour.” The idea was to visit four of our churches who had experienced a pattern of growth each year over the past four years. In 2017, we visited Redeemer Missionary Church and St. Mark Missionary Church. We also held a day-long workshop that featured Terry Smith, the author of Changing Course: Leading Older Churches in a New Direction. It was my desire that the pastors who participated might be inspired and challenged by hearing the stories of God’s work through their colleagues and thus be encouraged and re-invigorated for advancing the gospel in their own ministry locations. We have maintained a steady attendance of 35-40 participants for the tour. It is my desire that each of our churches would thrive. Here’s how the dictionary defines that word: to grow vigorously, to flourish, or to prosper. Some of the synonyms that the thesaurus suggests for “thrive” are succeed, bloom, blossom, or to be healthy. It is my desire that each of our churches--whatever its size, wherever it is located, and to whatever degree it is able, God helping it—will be vibrantly engaged in being what the church is called to be and doing what the church is called to do. For that to happen, church leaders have to know what that looks like for their church and then intentionally lead toward it. We must keep our focus on helping people who have yet to believe in Jesus come to believe in Him, and having come to believe in Him, to follow Him completely. Having come to follow Him, they are in the process of becoming more like Him and are becoming more and more engaged in his mission. This is the mission of the smallest of our churches. This is the mission of our largest churches. How we do that is as varied at our 65 churches in the 65 locations where we are placed, but do that we must. It’s what Jesus asks of us. I’m thankful for our faithful pastors who are leading their flocks toward this day by day. I’m thankful for the 11,000 people who regularly worshipped in our churches in 2017. I’m thankful for the 269 conversions and the 168 baptisms that were reported in 2017. I’m thankful for the 1000 people who were reported to be in intentional disciplemaking relationships in our churches. I’m thankful for the $23,550,000.00 that the people of the North Central District gave in 2017 for advancing the gospel in our local areas, throughout our region, and to the end of the earth. I’m thankful for our faithful people who are serving according to their giftedness in a multitude of ministries to help the hurting, to instruct the young, to feed the hungry, to advocate for justice, to visit the sick, to meet people’s needs, and the list could go on. I’m thankful that God is being worshipped, that the Bible is being taught, that people are being held accountable for their walk with the Lord and discovering their places of service in and through the church, and that lost people are being reached with the good news of Jesus and the life that is to be found only in Him. MULTIPLICATION We need to do all of this in more places. There are 2.1 million people who live in the area that we define as the North Central District. According to ARDA (The Association of Religious Data Archives) 1.2 million of those people are unclaimed by any religious group (54%). 377,000 of that number would be identified as Evangelical Protestant (17%). The churches of the Missionary Church North Central District accounts for 11,000 of those 2.1 million people. I’m working with a coach through our Denominational Office to help me better lead the process of church multiplication in our district. Will you pray with me about this? What would God have the churches of the Missionary Church North Central District do to reach into this unclaimed population in our district? What part of this is our responsibility? What concern do we have for the alienated and fragmented lives that these demographics represent? What is the Lord of the Harvest birthing in your own heart for reaching these unreached people?

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BETTER Can we do this better? Do we have room to improve? Do we need to do this in more locations around our district? I think you know the answer to that. There is always room to do better. There are always more people and more places to be reached. The resources that we have for doing what we are called to do are the same as those that were available to the first century church. We have the living and active Word of God. We have the Holy Spirit. We have prayer. We have people who are gifted in various ways. I’m reminded of what Peter said to the man who was lame from birth as he went up to the temple to pray. The man asked Peter and John for money. Here’s what Peter told him, “I do not have silver or gold, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus of Nazareth, walk.” Then he reached out his hand and helped him to his feet. We may have some silver and gold, but we need to be as sure as Peter was of what we really have that will make an even greater difference in the lives of the people among whom we live. We need to be as sure as he was of the life-changing power that is in the name of Jesus. GRATITUDE I’m thankful to you for giving me the opportunity to serve the church as your District Superintendent. I love the people I work with. Dan Bridges, Kathy Ryman, Lisa Burns, Michelle Marshall, Sara Baylis, and Jane Anderson make it a joy to come to work each day. They have you all on their hearts. I am thankful for their faithful service to the Lord and to the churches as they do their work. We really do enjoy working together. As we work together, please pray for Dianna and me that we would have the strength, the wisdom, and the courage to be what the Lord would require of us, that we might please Him in every way, and that we might be the greatest blessing possible to the churches of the North Central District. With great affection, Joe Wenger District Superintendent Missionary Church North Central District

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2017 REPORT OF THE ASSISTANT TO THE DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT New Paris Cabin Renovation New Paris was able to renovate their cabin (fellowship area) through a generous donation. I was able to help them get the required building permits as well as help them through the district approval process. They have done a terrific job of planning and execution. They now have full use of the beautifully improved facility. Zion (Elkhart) Roof While replacing their roof, Zion discovered that roofing nails from a prior installation were driven through the decking and into the electrical conduit. This was posing a safety threat and needed to be addressed. Unfortunately, this caused a significant increase to the cost of the project. I was able to work with Zion leadership to do some financial evaluation and restructuring. The Management team was then able to help in the form of a short-term loan. Estate Planning- Phase II Last year we offered a Will Workshop in three district churches. Tied to the workshop was an incentive for attendees to take legal action on their own estate plans. After presenting the results, the Governance Board decided to continue the experiment with a few more churches. The planning and preparation for Phase II were completed in 2017 and the workshops at Beulah and Fairview were held in early 2018. Results will not be available until summer 2018. JOY Dissolution The JOY Committee invited me to participate in their meeting in September. Ron and Bev Rowan were stepping down as leaders and moving to Florida. The committee discussed the need and purpose of JOY. They believed that many of our local churches were providing activities, programming, and care for their senior populations. The committee determined to dissolve JOY. They did, however, make provision to continue holding a senior rally at Family Camp each year. New Pastor/Spouse Retreat Format I proposed a new format for the Pastor/Spouse Retreat in 2017. It was more of a “design your own” format, rather than planned activities and required sessions. Participants made activities known and issued invites to each other. Feedback from the participants was good, but with only seven couples choosing to attend, we are further evaluating this event. I spoke at six MCNCD churches in 2017. I serve on eleven district or denominational boards, and chair four of those. Respectfully Submitted, Dan Bridges Assistant to the Superintendent Missionary Church, North Central District

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2017 REPORT OF THE BRIDGE FUND DIRECTOR Through the investment partnership with many individuals and churches in our district, the Bridge Fund continues to be a blessing to our pastors and their families. Over the past year, the Bridge Fund was able to award $28,141 in grants to pastors in our district to assist with the retirement of a portion of their college debt, deal with unexpected life difficulties, and be proactive in dealing with the stress created with other financial difficulties. It has been wonderful to see financial stress alleviated and ministries enhanced. The board has also been involved in facilitating financial counseling for grant recipients as needed. The Bridge Fund has been blessed by the guidance and stewardship of a volunteer board consisting of Joe Wenger, Dan Bridges, Terry Bley, Brad Thornton, and Bill Reith. In addition, Michelle Marshall provides valuable support for us in the District Office. The wisdom of all these individuals has not only been invaluable in the Fund’s ability to care for the needs listed above, but to also grow the corpus of the fund to $618,000 to care for these needs into the future. It was with those future needs in mind that the Bridge Fund established the Legacy Society. This is a program to encourage and assist our partners in considering the potential of estate and planned gifts to help grow the fund for the next generation. It is our hope that over the years the Legacy Society can be the major thrust in totally endowing this ministry. This year, the Bridge Fund also began a new program in hopes of being proactive in helping promising ministerial students not incur as much debt during their college years. To that end, we were able to award our 1st grant to a Bethel ministerial student who shows great promise. In conjunction with District and Bethel leaders, we were able to award $2,500 yearly renewable grant to Michael Fortmeyer. Our goal, over the next several years, is to increase that to four student awards per year. Again, it is wonderful to see the way ministries have been saved and enhanced as pastors have been freed up from some of the financial burdens that have put strain on their families and, in some cases, their ministries. We praise the Lord for the continued partnership with many of you as we care for those who endeavor to care for us. Please feel free to contact Dr. Steve Cramer through the district office if you wish to learn more about the Bridge Fund, its ministry and how you might partner with us. Respectfully submitted, Dr. Steve Cramer

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2017 REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON BYLAWS AND STANDING RULES

Article II, section 3: Conference Year

Current Reading:

The Conference Year shall be July 1 – June 30.

Article IV, section 4: Functions of the

District Conference

Current Reading:

A. The District Conference shall elect by

ballot its own officers and committees

including the District Superintendent,

Vice District Superintendent,

Treasurer, the Secretary, the additional

members of the Governance Board and

such other officers, boards and

committees as may be deemed

necessary. A majority of votes cast

shall be required for election of the

officers.

Article V, section 2: District Superintendent

Current Reading:

A. The District Superintendent shall be

elected for a four-year term by the

District Conference from among the

ordained ministers of the Missionary

Church in a Special Conference in

February preceding his taking office on

July 1 of that year. In case of special

need, the District Governance Board

may request assistance from the

General Oversight Council and the

Ministry Leadership Council of the

Missionary Church.

Proposed Reading:

The Conference Year shall be January 1 –

December 31.

Proposed Reading:

A. The District Conference shall select by

ballot its own officers and committees

including the District Superintendent,

Vice District Superintendent,

Treasurer, the Secretary, the additional

members of the Governance Board and

such other officers, boards and

committees as may be deemed

necessary. A majority of votes cast

shall be required for election or

ratification.

Proposed Reading:

A. The District Superintendent shall be

elected for a four-year term by the

District Conference from among the

ordained ministers of the Missionary

Church in a Special Conference in

February preceding his taking office on

July 1 of that year. In case of special

need, the District Governance Board

may request assistance from the

General Oversight Council and the

Ministry Leadership Council of the

Missionary Church.

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B. In a situation where the sitting District

Superintendent is running unopposed,

the vote shall become a referendum on

whether the sitting District

Superintendent shall stay in office.

After the first four-year term, a simple

majority of votes is necessary for

reelection of the sitting District

Superintendent. After two four-year

terms have been served, a two-thirds

majority of votes is necessary for

reelection of the sitting District

Superintendent. Should the above

thresholds not be reached, then the

sitting District Superintendent shall not

be eligible to run in the following

election. The Nominating Committee

for the District Superintendent shall

then be reactivated and must again

make every possible effort to submit at

least two qualified nominees to the

Governance Board. An election for the

District Superintendent will then be

held at District Conference.

Appendix 1, section 1: Appointments By

The Governance Board

Current Reading:

A. Directors

Expansion Ministries

Hispanic Ministries

Student Ministries

Children’s Ministries

JOY Ministries

Historian

B. In a situation where the sitting District

Superintendent is running unopposed,

the vote shall become a referendum on

whether the sitting District

Superintendent shall stay in office.

After the first four-year term, a simple

majority of votes is necessary for

reelection of the sitting District

Superintendent. After two four-year

terms have been served, a two-thirds

majority of votes is necessary for

reelection of the sitting District

Superintendent. Should the above

thresholds not be reached, then the

sitting District Superintendent shall not

be eligible to run in the following

election. The Nominating Committee

for the District Superintendent shall

then be reactivated and must again

make every possible effort to submit at

least two qualified nominees to the

Governance Board. An election for the

District Superintendent will then be

held at District Conference.

C. In a situation where the sitting District

Superintendent does not complete a

full term, the Governance Board shall

establish a timeline for the mid-term

election and transition process,

including the start date and length of

term.

Proposed Reading:

A. Directors

Expansion Ministries

Hispanic Ministries

Student Ministries

Teen Quizzing

Children’s Ministries

Children’s Quizzing

Historian

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2017 REPORT OF THE CHILDREN’S MINISTRY DIRECTOR “If you want big-souled, large-hearted men or women, look for them among those who are much engaged among the young, bearing with their follies, and sympathising with their weakness for Jesus’ sake.” -Charles Spurgeon This past year I have gotten to meet so many “big-souled, large-hearted men and women” who are engaged with the young in our district. In 2017, we hosted another training, “GROW,” aimed more at the whole children’s ministry team, than just the director. It was a great way for smaller churches like my own to provide easy, quality training to as many volunteers as they could wrangle. I enjoyed meeting not only those who run the ministries, but those who volunteer in their churches each week. I took Dan Bridges with me to visit a few churches looking to renew and refresh their children’s ministry. It was fun to walk around and dream with those working hard to provide quality ministry to our kids with whatever resources they have. We also had a time to connect and brainstorm together at “Pie and Lattes” at Bethel College’s BIG Idea room. We enjoyed chatting about what’s going on in our ministries, struggles we have, and dreaming about new events and programs (Also eating pies from Rise and Roll..yum!). We have our next “GROW” training event scheduled for Saturday, September 8th (Check out more info at www.growtraining.org). I hope to also start an online library database of children’s ministry resources that can be shared among churches in the next few months. I’m grateful for this opportunity to engage with, support, and encourage others who are working in Children’s Ministry in our district. Amber Kreider

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2017 REPORT OF THE HISPANIC MINISTRIES DIRECTOR Once again, I want to express my gratitude to our District Superintendent, Joe, to his Assistant, Dan, and to those who serve in the District office for their help, wisdom, and counsel again this past year. I am also grateful to the several District pastors and churches who have opened their church facilities and their hearts to the Hispanics among us. It is indeed an extra responsibility and I thank you! My goal continues to be to visit every Hispanic ministry between two and three times a year, and everywhere I go the pastors and their families, not to mention the congregations, have been very kind and welcoming. In every instance, I am finding pastors and their wives who are strongly committed to Biblical truth and to seeing their congregations grow in the Lord. The services are loud, sometimes long, and yet very energetic, and I am deeply encouraged by what I see and experience. Each month we meet for fellowship and mutual encouragement. This past year these meetings have been for the most part, held on a rotation basis between the Hispanic congregations that are able to host us, with their Annual Pastors’ Christmas Dinner held at the Divino Redentor church, which is on the campus of the Zion Missionary Church in Elkhart. Thank you, Rev. Evelio Quiñonez, for your vision and work in hosting this event. I would ask for your prayers on behalf of the Hispanic pastors and their families in our District who have labored this past year under the whispers of deportation if documents are not up to date. After being in the States all these years, we are hopeful that those affected would be cared for in a most compassionate manner. The Instituto Bíblico Betel (Bethel Bible Institute) meets on the campus of Bethel College and continues to provide a strong training program for Hispanic church leaders throughout Michiana. Rev. Roberto Gonzales, Director of the Institute and pastor of the Hispanic Church Casa del Alfarero in South Bend, is looking for more students to take advantage of this opportunity. Last year I mentioned that one of my goals is to provide pastoral training workshops to the church leaders which I represent. Most of them are working full-time to provide for their families, so time is a critical factor in their being able to participate. This year we will be incorporating this kind of training as a part of our monthly pastors’ meetings. Thank you for your prayers on our behalf. Respectfully submitted, Dave Dyck Hispanic Ministries Director

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2017 REPORT OF THE DISTRICT HISTORIAN The District Superintendent and Governance Board Secretary may provide additional information regarding churches and workers in the district. Please refer to their reports. Some of the information below was taken from the monthly District Newsletters: Pastors Credentialed

Pastor Christian Brenner (St. Mark Missionary Church) Pastor Glenn Snapp (Lockwood Community Church) Pastor Gabe Reed (Nappanee), Middle School pastor Pastor Ryan Busse (St. Mark Missionary Church), Pastor of Discipleship Pastor Thomas Maxwell (Summit Church), Missions Pastor

New Senior Pastors and Installations:

Dr. David Cramer (Teaching Pastor) and Carrie Badertscher (Community Pastor) have been confirmed as the leadership team at Keller Park Missionary Church (South Bend).

Jason Dickinson (Christine) was installed as senior pastor of the Granger Missionary Church on March 12.

Gregg Cole began his ministry as senior pastor at Pleasant Hill Missionary Church in June Dr. Dale Gadd transitioned to Senior Pastor at Galien Missionary Church in October.

Ordinations:

Pastor Eliorgy Guerrero (Associate Pastor, El Divino Redentor)

District/Church Information: Rev. Joe Wenger had a favorable vote to continue another four year term as District

Superintendent in February. Rev. Dan Miller, Senior Pastor, completed 25 years of ministry at Summit Church (Niles). A

celebration took place June 11.

Pastoral Updates: Rev. Jose and Lislibeth Hernandez (Iglesia Misionera Getsemani, Elkhart) celebrated their 25th

wedding anniversary. Rev. Ken Bontreger (Chapel Hill) retired from full-time ministry. Rev. Bob Loar (Solid Rock) retired from full-time ministry. Rev. Ken and Jo Fetter (Senior Pastor, Community Cornerstone Fellowship) celebrated 50 years of

marriage on August 4. Rev. Lloyd George (Galien) retired from ministry October 1, following 60 years of ministry.

Respectfully submitted, Bernice Pettifor Conference Historian

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2017 REPORT OF THE HUBBARD HILL ESTATES BOARD As the Missionary Church North Central District, we name Hubbard Hill Estates as one of our Partner Organizations. We state in our by-laws that “Hubbard Hill Estates is a separate corporation from the Missionary Church, North Central District. The purposes for which the corporation exists are to provide elderly persons with housing facilities and services especially designed to meet their physical, social, emotional, and spiritual needs; and to promote their health, security, happiness, and usefulness in longer living.” As the Chairman of the Hubbard Hill Board, I can attest to the fact that that is happening at Hubbard Hill. Our CEO, Patrick Pingel, and his dedicated team work hard to provide the best multi-dimensional care possible. As a board, we are always being challenged to think about what is next on the horizon of long term care, what our gaps in service are, and how we are going to position ourselves to be on the cutting edge of those changes that we might more adequately serve our residents and our community. Hubbard Hill continues to be a recognized leader as a provider for elder care. Throughout the year we consistently heard about the high ratings that Hubbard Hill was receiving, and at our December 2017 meeting, we celebrated the fact that Hubbard Hill has once-again achieved a 5-star rating. For the fifth year in a row, Hubbard Hill was awarded US News Best Nursing Home rating for 2017-2018. Indiana has 79 “Top Performing” facilities with four of them in this region. Hubbard Hill is the only facility in Elkhart that received this rating. At last year’s District Conference, you heard about the planned expansion of Hubbard Hill’s facilities with the addition of more Assisted Living space and the addition of a Memory Care Unit. One of the big agenda items for this calendar year was hashing out the final details of the construction plans and financing for this project. We hit a snag in the fall of the year over some Environmental Protection Agency issues. In a land survey as we were preparing the details of our HUD loan, it was determined that we might have a wet-land issue. This slowed the process so much that our intended start time for the project was delayed from the fall into the early part of 2018. As you pass by the Hubbard Hill property, you can now see evidences of land preparation for the beginning of our facility additions. We have much to be thankful for concerning our Hubbard Hill partner. They are advancing the gospel person by person as they care for the needs of our aging population. I think Jesus would be pleased as He looks upon the work being done there and sees people that He loves dearly being so well cared for. Respectfully submitted, Rev. Joe Wenger Board Chairman  

 

 

 

 

   

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Founded by Children of Faith

to Honor Their Parents*

*Sponsored by the Missionary Church

North Central District

Over 40 years ago, Hubbard Hill was founded

by a group of Missionary Church leaders. They

believed God called them to love and honor

their parents by providing a continuum of living

opportunities and services in a Christian,

holistic environment. Their philosophy and

values continue to guide us today.

We are part of the Missionary Church.

The majority of our Board of Directors is

comprised of Missionary Church members.

Hubbard Hill reports to the Missionary Church

North Central District Superintendent and has

an on-site, full-time chaplain who provides 24

hour pastoral care. Multiple services are

conducted weekly in the beautiful 150 seat

Chapel on campus.

Why come to Hubbard Hi l l ?

• 84 Independent Living

Maintenance-Free Duplexes

& Three Homes for adults 55

and older in a tranquil

neighborhood setting

• 98 Assisted Living Apart-

ments with varying floor plans

and licensed, supportive assisted

care including meals and cleaning

• 38 Private Rehabilitation

Suites and 28 Semi-Private

Suites with 5-Star rehabilitation

and nursing care services

• In 2017, served 408

rehabilitation residents

• Dynamic rehabilitation team

provided 704,221 minutes of

professionally delivered inpatient

& outpatient therapy to

rehabilitation, health care &

Assisted Living residents enabling

the majority to return to their

prior residence

• The Sailor Community

Center is a 150 seat facility,

including audio/visual equipment,

available for $60 to residents and

for a nominal rental fee to the

community

Rev. Joe Wenger – Chairperson

Mr. Bruce Korenstra – Vice Chair

Mr. Randall Myers – Secretary

Mr. J.R. Rohrer – Treasurer

Mr. Ron Clark

Mr. Ken Fervida

Dr. Deb Gillum

Rev. Phil Jerome

Mrs. Shirley Marks

Rev. Norman Reimer

Mr. John Speicher

Dr. Doyle Yeager

Dr. Gordon Bacon*

Dr. James Miller* *Director Emeritus

W ha t do e s t he f u tu re ho l d fo r H ubba rd H i l l ?

With the ever-growing need for

dementia care in Elkhart County,

and Alzheimer’s disease being

the 6th leading cause of death in

the United States, plans are

underway to add a memory

care center to Hubbard Hill.

Noteworthy Highlights

• Best Nursing Home rating by U.S. News &

World Report for 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, &

2017-2018!

• Rehabilitation, Healthcare and Assisted

Living 5-Star rating from the Centers for

Medicare and Medicaid Services

• Competitive Assisted Living Rates

• Offering 10% retired pastors discount for

assisted living apartments

• We will break ground on a state of the art

Memory Care Center that will include four

households with nine individual bedrooms,

common living rooms, dining rooms and

kitchens, opening onto a 10,000 square foot

glass-domed “Neighborhood” with walking

paths, patios, trees and lawns to allow

residents access to nature all year round.

Likewise, as assisted living

continues to be an attractive

option for many, 18 apartments

will be added to meet the

growing need. Our 5-Star

rehabilitation will be

enhanced by remodeling both

the in– house and out-patient

facilities. Health care services

will be enhanced with upgrades

including sky lights & a new

dining room. This multi-phase

project will begin spring of 2018.

Hubbard Hill 2017-18

Board of Directors:

New Memory Care with

neighborhood design

Hubbard Hill

At a Glance

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2017 REPORT OF THE MEMORIAL COMMITTEE The Scriptures promise us that because Jesus Christ was raised from the dead, we too have the full assurance and hope that we will be raised with Him also. Since flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, this perishable body must put on the imperishable and this mortal body, immortality. And so as Christians, clothed in this promise and hope, we do not grieve like the rest of mankind without hope, but we celebrate and rejoice for those who have entered into eternal rest. But even so, we do grieve, we do mourn, because we miss those that we dearly love. As we gather together once again at this district conference, we want to take the moment and opportunity to respectfully honor and to celebrate our brothers and sister who have finished well, but also acknowledge that for those still with us, there have been, and there will yet be more tears shed. We miss our loved ones, and now life is going to be different without them here with us, so let us also remember to keep these families and friends in our prayers. Rev. Charles Daniels September. 1, 1926 - January. 15, 2017 Rev. Charles S. Daniels, Jr., 90, residing in Mishawaka, Indiana passed away Sunday evening, January 15, 2017 at his home. Charles was born on September 1, 1926 in Bellefontaine, OH. He attended school at Bellefontaine High School and worked at the Springfield, Ohio Mettalix Casket Company prior to enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. Charles served our country in the United States Marine Corps and was a veteran of World War II. He was honorably discharged in June of 1946. While in the Marines, he was a Golden Glove Boxer. Charles also attended and graduated from Bethel College. On May 13, 1983 in Toledo, OH, he was united in marriage to Norma J. (Wertz) Daniels, who survives. Previously he was married to Arnelda (Pencil) Daniels, who preceded him in death in January of 1983. While living in Pennsylvania, Charles was a Supervisor with the Pennsylvania State Welfare Department. For 36 years, Charles served in pastoral ministry, serving congregations in Pennsylvania and Indiana, and most recently serving as pastor at the Country Church, Bourbon, IN. He and his wife, Norma, attended Gospel Center Missionary Church, South Bend. He is survived by his loving wife, Norma Daniels of Mishawaka and six children, several wonderful grandchildren, step-grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Phyllis Marie Bacon September 24, 1924 - January 16, 2017 Phyllis Marie Bacon, 92, of Elkhart, formerly of Goshen, passed away Monday, January 16, 2017 at Hubbard Hill Retirement Community. Phyllis was born September 24, 1924 near Colgate, North Dakota. She graduated from Colgate High School and attended Chicago Evangelical Institute in Chicago, Illinois. Phyllis was united in marriage to R. Gordon Bacon on June 2, 1944 in Sharon, Wisconsin. She was an excellent hostess, musician, cook, and entertainer, allowing her to be the perfect wife for Gordon, as they pastored several churches in Michigan and Indiana. When her children were in school, Phyllis became a substitute teacher, and then a sales representative for Field Enterprises, winning many

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awards and achieving position of Regional Manager. In 1969, Phyllis and Gordon moved to Carol Stream, Illinois. Phyllis worked for many years as chief receptionist for the National Association of Evangelicals in Wheaton, Illinois. Upon retirement, the couple moved to Goshen where they lived for 22 years, traveling throughout the world and spending time with family. They moved into Hubbard Hill in Elkhart in 2014. Phyllis was always happiest when surrounded by her friends and family. She was a gifted pianist and singer but above all, Phyllis loved singing the praises of God. Phyllis is survived by her husband, Dr. R. Gordon Bacon, three sons and daughters-in-law, one daughter and son-in-law, 13 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and four nephews. Diane M. Chupp April. 11, 1959 - February. 07, 2017 Diane M. Chupp went to be with Jesus on February 7th, 2017, at the age of 57, after an 18 month battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her family as she passed from this world to the next. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, and friend. Diane was born on April 11th, 1959, in Mishawaka, IN. She was the second born of five children. She graduated from Bethel College in 1979 with an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education. In 1978, she met Ken Chupp on a blind date, and on June 16, 1979, they were married. They had three children together, Diane's pride and joy. Many people would describe Diane as confidant. She always had time to listen, and genuinely cared about people. As the pastor's wife at Warsaw Missionary Church, she partnered with her husband, Ken to serve the congregation there, and many lives were touched and changed by her kindness. Diane's other endeavors allowed her to touch peoples' lives as well. Over the course of 20 years, she ran a daycare in her home, was a substitute teacher, and worked as a seamstress out of her home. Her sewing business, Diane's Sewing, allowed her to do alterations for many people, mostly for special events such as weddings and prom. She had a very loyal customer base, and she even won local awards for her business three years in a row. She cared about her work and loved everyone she came in contact with. More than anything, Diane was most proud of being a mother and grandmother. Her love for her children and grandchildren was very evident. She passed onto them her creativity, her love of learning, and her graceful love. Diane's faith in and love for God, even in the midst of her cancer battle were extremely admirable. She never wavered in her faith, which is a beautiful testimony to those who survive her. She clung to God's promises and truly had peace that passes understanding. She has left behind a beautiful faith-filled legacy for the next generation. Diane loved greatly, was greatly loved, and will be greatly missed. Her gentleness, joyful spirit, grace, and quiet strength is unmatched. She pointed everyone she met to Jesus, and now she is with Jesus. Rev. Dale E. Gerig Nov 13, 1929 - Feb 12, 2017 The Rev. Dale E. Gerig age 87 of Sturgis, Michigan went home to be with his Lord and Savior Sunday evening February 12, 2017 at the Sturgis Hospital. Dale was born November 13, 1929 in DeKalb County, Indiana, the eighth of nine children. He attended the one room school just down the road from the family farm, and graduated from Spencerville High School in Spencerville, Indiana and then from the Fort Wayne Bible College. Dale married his high school sweetheart, Beth Cornell on June 12, 1952 in a double wedding ceremony with his brother, Zenas

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Gerig and his bride Esther Lehman. He was ordained to the ministry in June of 1955, after serving two years as an assistant pastor at Humboldt Park Tabernacle in Chicago, Illinois. Dale and Beth moved to Sturgis in 1955 to re-open the Missionary Church which had been closed for a few months. Boys and Girls Clubs were a big part of their 14 years in Sturgis. Moving to Allentown, Pennsylvania, Dale became the pastor of the Missionary Church and was there for 20 years. His last pastorate was the Jamestown Church near Fremont, Indiana for 18 years. The Gerigs then moved back to Sturgis in 1989 to manage the Christian Supply Center until the sale of the business. Dale became the Director of the Area Super 60's and had to resign in 2014 due to health issues. He enjoyed visiting "shut-Ins" and those in nursing homes to share with them God's love and God's word. He is survived by his loving and dedicated wife of 64 years: Beth, one daughter, three grandsons, and two great grandchildren Rev. Robert L. Harle October 26, 1921 - March 24, 2017 Robert went to be with his Lord on Friday, March 24, 2017, at the age of 95. Bob is survived by his wife of 38 years, Arlene J Harle, two children, four step-children, a brother, five grandchildren; six step-grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Neva M. Harle, and son, James R Harle. Mr. Harle attended Ft Wayne Bible College where he studied the ministry and went on to pastor churches in Toledo, OH and Fleetwood, PA before moving to Jackson, MI in 1950 to dual pastor South Street and Vandercook Lake Missionary churches. In 1966 Reverend Harle founded and built what is now known as New Hope Community church in Jackson and pastored it as a "Labor of Love" for several years. In 1955 Bob formed a painting/decorating business and was later joined by his son John as "Harle Professional Painters". Bob worked regularly in his painting business until the age of 90. In his younger years Bob enjoyed bowling and playing/pitching church softball. He was an avid Cleveland Indians, Cleveland Cavaliers & Ohio St Buckeye fan and was thrilled to see his Indians and Cavs win titles in 2016. Jean Marie Griffin May 30, 1949 - May 1, 2017 Jean Griffin, 67, of Bristol, IN passed away peacefully May 1, 2017 at the Center for Hospice Care in Elkhart, IN, after a brief struggle with cancer. She was born on May 30, 1949. She graduated from Bethany Christian High School in 1967 and Emmanuel Bible College in Kitchener, Ontario in 1971. She married Danny R. Griffin on June 6, 1976. Left to cherish all their memories is her husband, Danny; her three daughters, her sister and brother Alan, two grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Throughout her life, she applied herself to being a loving and devoted pastor’s wife, mother, and grandmother, “GiGi.” She served with her husband at churches in MI, IN, and PA. Her life patterned after Christ is a beautiful legacy for all of us to follow. Jean worked for Harman International for over 20 years. She was an amazing hostess and always enjoyed family gatherings for holidays and birthdays. She enjoyed cooking, gardening, and spending time with family who will miss her dearly.

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Rev. Donald L. Conrad August 15, 1927 - May 22, 2017 Donald Conrad, age 89, of Elkhart, passed away on May 22, 2017, at 6:00 a.m. at Hubbard Hill Estates Retirement Community. He was born the second of seven children on August 15, 1927. Donald attended school in Dunlap, Goshen, and Topeka. He graduated from Topeka High School in 1944 where he played basketball and ran track. His family owned a gladiola farm and he worked on the farm and various odd jobs growing up. Don enlisted in the United States Navy in 1945 where he served honorably as a Yeoman at Camp Penn in Virginia. In 1947, he attended Bethel College and was in the first class. Don was the first graduate of Bethel College. He graduated in 1950 Cum Laude, completing his Bachelor's degree in only three years. In August of 1950, Don married Ruth D'Arcy and she preceded him in death on January 4, 2004. Don pastored in the Missionary Church from 1950-1962 and was ordained in 1955. His first church was in Ligonier, IN, then Lansing, MI, and finally Yale, MI. In 1962 he and Ruth moved to Mishawaka and he began teaching at Bethel College. Over the span of 35 years, Don served in various capacities at Bethel including: Sociology Division Chair, Registrar, Director of Admissions, and Director of Adult Programs. He attained full Professor status and retired Professor Emeritus. Don earned his Master's degree from Michigan State and his PHD from the University of Notre Dame. He also taught at Asbury Seminary and Purdue North Central. Don travelled extensively with his family, providing them with the opportunity to see most of the continental United States. He also travelled to Mexico, Jamaica, Hawaii, Ireland, Scotland, England, Alaska, and Norway. Don had a great love for stamp collecting, coin collecting, postcard and postmark collecting, antiques, garage sales and auctions, and all-around “treasure collecting”. He loved hunting, fishing, and morel mushroom hunting. He was an avid reader and loved to edit errors in the local newspaper. Don served on the Board of Trustees at Hubbard Hill for 15 years, was the interim Village Manager and Don lived at Hubbard Hill for the past 4 years. He also served on various committees within the Missionary Church - both on the District and National level. Don is survived by his children, eleven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren; and two brothers. He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Ruth, and his grandson. Rev. Venus J. Arnold January 15, 1927 - July 16, 2017 Pastor Venus J. Arnold, 90, Goshen, died 5:10 a.m. Sunday, July 16, 2017 at Greencroft Healthcare. He was born January 15, 1927 in Stanton, Michigan. He married Arlene Emma (Hewitt) Arnold on June 12, 1948 in Elkton, Michigan. Surviving are his wife, children, 9 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, 7 great-great-grandchildren, brother, and numerous nieces and nephews. Pastor Arnold served as a Minister in the Missionary Church for over 50 years, most recently retiring as an Associate Pastor at New Paris Missionary Church, where he was a member. He loved woodworking, hunting and golfing.

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Rev. Ralph E. Strome March 8, 1934 - August 8, 2017 Rev. Ralph Edward Strome, 83, Goshen, formerly of Troy, Ohio, died 5:35 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2017 at Courtyard Healthcare of Goshen. He was born March 8, 1934 in Springfield, Ohio. He married Mary E. (Journey) Strome on June 12, 1954 in Shambaugh, Iowa. Surviving are his wife, son, daughter, grandchildren, great-granddaughter, and a brother. Rev. Strome retired from the Missionary church in 1996, after almost 40 years and was a member of the Liberty Community Church. He was a 1952 graduate of Troy (Ohio) High School; attended Bethel College from 1952-1957; and was a graduate of Ohio State with a degree in accounting. James "Jim" Lee Ditmer July 27, 1932 - August 21, 2017 James “Jim” Lee Ditmer, age 85, died August 21, 2017 in Goshen, Indiana. Jim passed through Heaven’s Gates peacefully from his home in Goshen, Indiana, surrounded by his wife of nearly 64 years, Joanne (Jay) Ditmer, and his daughters. Jim was born on his family farm in Ludlow Falls, Ohio, on July 27, 1932. There he enjoyed farm life until his graduation from West Milton-Union High School in 1950. He attended Bethel College in Mishawaka, briefly, traveled westward and worked in sugar beet fields in Wyoming until enlisting in the Armed Services Army Division where he served in Korea. He married Joanne Jay in 1953, settled down first in Piqua, Ohio and then in Kettering, Ohio, employed by NCR until 1972. He then moved his family to Strongsville, Ohio, employed by A.A. Brolin of Cleveland, Ohio until his move to Goshen as a caretaker of the Prairie Street Missionary Church Camp in 1988. After his retirement he couldn’t just sit around and stayed busy working in various jobs, such as with Sears, in the van industry and a duck farm – just to name a few. Jim was a lifelong member of the Missionary Church serving in various capacities as Sunday School Superintendent, Trustee, Board member, youth director and Deacon in congregations in Potsdam, Piqua, Dayton, Strongsville in Ohio and Bethel and Liberty in Indiana. He loved people and serving the Lord wherever needed. Even while stationed in the military, he would seek out Youth for Christ rallies in whatever city he was near. Jim determined early in life to be “a fun guy to be around” and he will be remembered fondly for his ornery humor; he added a spark of fun wherever he was. He loved the Lord, his wife, daughters, sons-in-law, grand and great-grandkids, dogs (he had many “dog friends”), gardening, traveling (especially train trips), John Phillip Sousa marches, the old classical hymns, church camp, hike-outs, and family gatherings. Anne Viola Engbrecht November 3, 1921 - November 4, 2017 Anne Viola Engbrecht, of Nappanee, departed this world on November 4, 2017, one day after her 96th birthday. Born on November 3, 1921, Anne was the youngest of 7 children. On December 25, 1942 she was married to Marvin Edward Engbrecht in her parents' home. Early in her life Anne taught in a one room schoolhouse in South Dakota. Throughout her life, she assisted her husband in church ministries in Dolton, SD, South Bend, IN, Huron, SD, Trenton, IA, Lincoln, NE, Goshen, IN, and Nappanee, IN. Anne was active in women's Bible studies, church quilting, supporting

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foreign missions, teaching Sunday School, Director of Children's Choir, and leading VBS in the various churches she and Marvin served in, for over nearly seven decades of ministry. She touched many lives, none more than those of her four children, their spouses, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. James L. Breniser February 18, 1950 - December 9, 2017 James L. Breniser, 88, of Goshen, formerly of Middlebury, died at 11:15 am, on Saturday, December 9, at Courtyard Of Goshen. He was born on April 8, 1929, in LaGrange County. On February 18, 1950 in Goshen he married B. Jean Shoemaker, she died November 22, 2015. Surviving are two daughters, two sons, 16 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren; two sisters, and two brothers. Jim had been a member of New Paris Missionary Church, Liberty Community Church and served as a Pastor for 23 years. He was an US Army Veteran and a brick layer for 40 years. Together as we remember and as we celebrate those who have faithfully served their Lord Jesus Christ, and have now entered into their heavenly reward, we who remain are challenged to follow their example set before us. “Therefore my beloved brothers, be, steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” With great honor we respectfully submit, Rev. Joel Gentz Josh Fisher

 

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2017 REPORT OF THE PASTORAL SALARY AND BENEFITS COMMITTEE Missionary Church Board Chairmen, Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord's work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance. Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work. And live peacefully with each other. -1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 Greetings! The scripture above sums it up well. As church leaders, you have been entrusted with a holy responsibility to care for your pastor. In that context, the Salary and Compensation Committee for the North Central District of the Missionary Church passes along the following information and recommendations for the churches of the North Central District. We are sending this letter to both you and your Senior Pastor and we request that you put Salary Considerations on your Church Board or Finance Committee agenda as part of your 2018 budgeting process. Local Comparisons Attached is a table breaking the churches of the North Central District into six different categories by worship attendance. This table shows the range from high to low, as well as an average, for the actual NCD churches in each category. This is not a recommendation of where we “should” be, but data on where we actually are. Also attached is a study of Nonprofit Salaries from Northern Indiana. It is a couple of years old now, but very good data. If you prefer to see the national numbers from a Christianity Today survey, we would be more than happy to provide you with those upon request. There is also a comparison tool used by the Southern Baptists that can be accessed free of charge at http://compstudy.lifeway.com Secular Salary Comparisons It is crucial that when your church considers ministerial salaries that they do so in a fair, “apples to apples”, manner. Too often a church compares the COST OF EMPLOYMENT (everything the church pays out tied to employment) for their pastor to the SALARY of a secular employee. June 2017 data from the Midwest Census Region shows the average COST OF EMPLOYMENT for a full-time, private industry worker was $63,585. The average SALARY for that same group was $44,283. Please don’t compare your pastor’s COST OF EMPLOYMENT to someone else’s SALARY. (www.bls.gov/news.release/ecec.t07.htm) Standard Benefits The following are considered standard benefits for our pastors:

Health Insurance (or salary adjustment commensurate) Long Term Disability Insurance Continuing Education Allowance Professional Expense Reimbursement Mileage Reimbursement

Professional Allowance Although not considered part of compensation, we recommend that churches cover expenses incurred by pastors in the normal course of their ministry. This may include mileage, meals, parking costs, conference costs, etc. Reimbursement for these expenses is not taxable income for your pastor if part of an accountable reimbursement plan.

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Increases We recommend some measurement of inflation or cost of living adjustment be considered. You want to know if you are really providing your pastor an increase or just providing him with the same level of buying power (or less) as the previous year. Some resources can be found at: http://www.socialsecurity.gov/news/cola/ or www.bea.gov (for personal consumption expenditures). A pastor who has earned an additional degree or educational milestone should also be considered for an increase commensurate with the achievement. Vacation According to the Bylaws of the North Central District, all credentialed ministers shall be granted vacation according to the following schedule: 6 months - 1 year = 1 week 1 - 5 years = 2 weeks 6 - 12 years = 3 weeks 13 - 19 years = 4 weeks 20+ years = 5 weeks “These years of service shall be interpreted as meaning years served in full-time ministry while credentialed. A week is defined as seven to nine days, including one Sunday and at least one Wednesday. This will be exclusive of Denominational and District Conferences, Camps, Pastors’ Retreat, etc. Pastors shall be responsible for arranging the time of vacation and the selection of the pulpit replacement for the Sundays, subject to the approval of the Church Board. The honorariums for the guest speakers shall be cared for by the church treasury unless otherwise agreed upon. This schedule is a minimum and a church may grant additional vacation if it so desires.” -MCNCD Bylaws Pulpit Supply Several churches have inquired about the going rate for pulpit supply. Of course it can range depending on travel distance, number of services, etc. We have found that the normal amount tends to fall between $150 and $250 with mileage reimbursement offered to someone traveling beyond 20-30 minutes. Worker’s Compensation Policy The North Central District purchases Worker’s Compensation Insurance for all NCD church employees. The premiums for this policy are paid out of the annual district budget, which your church helps to fund by paying district assessments. We are able to save 25%-30% versus what it would cost for each church to purchase their own individual policy. Please make sure that any workplace injury is reported to the District Office (or directly to Beth at Synergy) within 24 hours. Fair Labor Standards Minimum Salary for an Exempt Employee The Federal Government has withdrawn the minimum annual salary amount for full time salaried employees, and pastors were exempt from the requirement anyway. However, the intent of the law was to guard workers from being taken advantage of, and we need to evaluate that with our pastors as well. The minimum SALARY of $47,476 was based on a “living wage” for a family of four, and that salary did not include typical benefits such as health care, Social Security, retirement, etc. Churches Struggling Financially Financial struggles are a reality for most churches at some point in their history. The committee noted that even during a time where a church isn’t able to fairly compensate their pastor, when he knows that you are

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considering it and doing the best you can, it makes a big difference. There may also be some non-monetary forms of compensation that could be offered, such as additional time off. This represents our best efforts to be relevant and helpful, The Pastoral Salary and Benefits Committee, Bill Rieth (Brenneman Memorial) Ron Wiseman (St. Mark) Pastor Matt Kitsos (Redeemer) Rev. Dave Binkley (Camden) Dan Bridges (MCNCD/California Road)

NCD Church Attendance Range for NCD Churches in 2016 Salary Cost of Employment

< 50 NCD max $56,930 $64,030

Average $34,452 $41,404

NCD min $18,200 $18,200

50-79 NCD max $60,506 $73,753

Average $42,627 $52,003

NCD min $21,500 $23,000

80-124 NCD max $79,100 $98,086

Average $51,262 $60,523

NCD min $36,515 $41,550

120-250 NCD max $73,000 $80,495

Average $56,916 $72,920

NCD min $41,282 $53,432

300+ NCD median (511 attendance) $84,758 $103,545

Part Time Senior Pastors NCD max $26,500 $45,890

Attendance < 50 Average $16,073 $15,323

NCD min $7,800 $7,800 Data from 56 MCNCD Churches from fiscal year 2016, as reported in February 2017. NCD max is the largest number reported in that category for any church falling within the stated attendance range. NCD min is the smallest number reported in that category for any church falling within the stated attendance range. Salary includes cash salary and housing allowance if applicable. Cost of Employment includes all church provided fringe benefits.

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2017 REPORT OF THE PRAIRIE CAMP BOARD CHAIRMAN

We thank God and you for the many ways you have supported Prairie Camp and helped its ministry in 2017. Your partnership with this ministry is a great blessing. As you know, God has blessed Prairie Camp with an influx of donations. As the churches of this district have come around Prairie Camp with their support, many exciting things are continuing to develop. One of the most exciting things happening is the main bathrooms are being renovated. Also exciting is the continued influx of young children at our camp. Families are connecting with Prairie Camp and finding it a place to refresh their soul. Camp rentals are up, filling the Retreat Center almost every weekend of the year. We also welcomed Josh Fisher (Bethel M.C.) in 2017 as a new Board member. Again, we thank you, because without you, this camp would not be successful. What is next? There are many plans being discussed for the continued improvement of camp. It is amazing to consider what those who founded the camp, 138 years ago, would think about how it is still helping people meet with God. There is a sense of hope and expectancy on the Board and in the Camp Staff as we see our big God continue to do big things. 2018 dates for Family Camp will be July 15-22. Ben Hahn and his family have been a continued blessing as they work tirelessly, overseeing camp rentals, building projects, camps, and maintenance. Their dedication to Prairie Camp and passion for it helps drive this ministry forward. For this, we publically thank them. Prairie Camp Board Chairman, Gregg Cole

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2017 REPORT OF THE PRAIRIE CAMP EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Kids need Camp. Today, like never before, teens and pre-teens are under tremendous pressure. Self-doubt, peer pressure, substance abuse, self-injury and a myriad of harmful voices nag at teens every day. Even kids who have a strong support structure face giant obstacles. And please don't think kids are the only ones that need camp. Adults need camp for many similar reasons too. God uses camp to provide opportunities for students of all ages to pull away and get a breather—to catch a vision for the bigger picture of their lives. That is the Power of Camp. This past year was an amazing year for Prairie Camp. In February of 2017, Prairie Camp was blessed with a gift of $100,000 from Galien Missionary Church. This blessing, along with several wonderful and faithful gifts from other churches/individuals, has allowed Prairie Camp to begin a large bathroom renovation project that is currently underway. The spring of 2017 brought many volunteers to camp to help with our spring cleaning. We are so grateful for the many hands that volunteered their energy and time to help camp be ready for the camping season. The summer was another blessing with many campers making first time commitments or recommitments to Jesus during our summer camps. The kids learned how Jesus is our Hero and we all have special abilities God has given us to use for His Glory. It is amazing when the staff and counselors get as much or more out of the lessons as the kids! During Teen Camp and Family Camp, God used specific speakers and worship leaders to help us learn how to love with a REVOLUTIONary kind of love: A Jesus kind of love. Even with all of the hopeless news stories and downcast public opinions for this upcoming year, Prairie Camp is full of Hope for 2018. Our God is no less than He was last year, and I believe He has great plans for His people. We are hoping to have the bathroom remodel completed by this summer and believe this is only the first of many improvements we will be making in the near future. My prayer requests for Prairie Camp would be for more campers and a consistent group of devoted donors. The future of Prairie Camp depends on these two very important groups of amazing individuals. Please, never stop praying for the ministry at camp as we continue “Impacting lives for Christ”. Please stay tuned to newsletters, postcards, and www.prairiecamp.org for more info about the potential ministry growth of Prairie Camp. Your ministry partner, Ben Hahn Executive Camp Director Prairie Camp

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2017 REPORT OF THE STUDENT MINISTRIES DIRECTOR

On behalf of our entire District Youth Team, let me say THANKS to everyone who has allowed us to serve the district in this capacity. Our team members are honored to be doing so. We continue to do our best to provide the district youth workers with opportunities to learn from one another and network together in order to provide training and teaching for anyone who will participate. Annually, we hold our Youth Worker and Spouse Getaway in Ft. Wayne. We always have a wonderful time relaxing and fellowshipping with other adults who are working with the youth of our churches. We were once again led into the presence of God through our times of worship and had a guest speaker that encouraged and challenged our hearts. This event always proves to be beneficial in helping to renew our spirits as we continue our ministry. We would like to encourage ALL of our youth workers throughout the District to join us for this time together in 2018. Kathy Ryman, our District Resource Center Office Administrator, keeps our team in the digital world by handling all of our technology communications. She has served so faithfully on our team, and has done so for a great many years. Again, we truly couldn’t do any of the things we do without her support and organizational prowess. Thank you, Kathy, from the bottom of my heart! Our team meets once a month to discuss, plan, and brainstorm future events and opportunities. We always look for new and exciting things for our teens to become involved with. After our team meetings, we gather at a local restaurant to meet with other district youth workers and network together. These luncheons are a great way to keep informed as to what is happening around our district. Mayhem, which is an annual sports-themed event held at the Kroc Center in South Bend, was a great success this past year. We were able to get a few more churches to attend than the previous year. We are looking forward to Mayhem 2018 at the Kroc Center once again, and we hope to see many new faces and churches getting involved. Discover Conference moved to a later date this year than last. It proved to be a benefit and a bit of a curse. In 2017, we had no snow for the kids to enjoy at the camp, while this year, 2018, we were overwhelmed with snow and had a few of our registered churches that couldn’t make it for the event due to the hazardous weather. Many students have grown closer to Jesus during this time away. We have a couple of our team members that are serving on the Discover Team as well. God is continuing to bless and do great things with this conference and we look forward to what He has in store for it in the future. During this past year, we have held training events for our youth workers at the District Resource Center. We provide the pizza and snacks and drinks, as well as bring in a speaker to cover a topic that is pertinent to the lives of our area youth workers. So far, attendance has been good and we are planning to continue with them for our future training events. We also have been able to help send an area youth worker to the National Youth Workers Conference. Respectfully submitted, Brad Thornton

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2017 REPORT OF THE DISTRICT TEASURER It has been a good year. The economy has recovered, which is a big factor for our churches. The Resource Center staff have continued to be very supportive. I am very appreciative for Dan’s stellar day-to-day work. It also has been rewarding to work directly with the Governance Board, Management Team, and Finance Committee. These volunteers are to be commended for their service. God has abundantly blessed this District over the years and I look forward to His continued blessing. Thank you for your support. Below is the Treasurer’s financial report for 2017:

Respectfully submitted,

Randy Myers District Treasurer

Budgeted Actual % of Budget Assessments $433,040 $423,458 97.79% Expenses $435,045 $420,191 96.59% Other Income Investment Earnings $60,589 Donations $2,110 Total $62,699 Funds Fund Income $335,025 Fund Expense $213,293 Fund Net $121,732

General Fund Balance $298,343

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2017 REPORT OF THE UNITED MISSIONARY LOANS & INVESTMENTS

2017 was another solid year for your United Missionary Loans and Investments. Our assets continued to grow to $11,630,500. Of that amount, we currently have $4,163,460 loaned out to 13 churches and Prairie Camp. The UMLI Board has also been cautious and prudent over several decades in building up undesignated reserves of $3,544,720 as security for our investors and to provide additional resources that have been available to help build other District ministries. This year the UMLI Board was able to tithe on those reserves back to the district to assist Bethel College, local church ministry grants, Prairie Camp, The Bridge Fund and Devon Oasis Center. UMLI currently provides loans to our churches and interest rates to our investors on their certificates of deposit as follows: Loan rate @ 4.5% Investment Rates 12 month @ 1.75% 24 months @ 2.25% 36 months @ 2.75% The current members of the UMLI Board are Gary Martin, Ron Stichter, Greg Taylor, Connie Crum, Dick Longcor, Ron Stump, Dave Sjoberg, Donna Rohrer and Joe Wenger. Dan Bridges and Sara Baylis serve in advisory capacities. All of these individuals deserve your gratitude for their dedication and faithful service on behalf of our District. Sara Baylis also continues to do an outstanding job of handling the day to day details related to the operation of UMLI. Please review the 2017 audit for UMLI contained in the handbook and feel free to contact me or any board member if you have questions. Respectfully submitted, Dr. Steven R. Cramer

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2017 REPORT OF THE WOMEN’S MINISTRY DIRECTOR

The theme for the NCD Ladies Winter Retreat was “Be a Light.” It was held at the Farmstead Inn and Conference Center in Shipshewana, IN, on February 23 - 25, 2018. There were 123 ladies registered for the conference! Friday evening Rowena Miller led us in a couple of fun mixer games, including making and flying paper airplanes! Ann Werner shared a devotional on light. The Friday night Movie was “A Question of Faith.” On Saturday we were privileged to hear from several of our own North Central District pastors’ wives! Thanks to Christine Dickinson from Granger Missionary, Cris Waterhouse from California Road in Elkhart, Johanna Flemming from The Revolution in Gary, Lynne Andrews from Devon Oasis in Chicago, and Missy Bayer from Gospel Center in South Bend. Each one shared their own “story” and someone who was a light to them on their journey. They also chose a song to be sung at the close of their talk. We were led in beautiful music by Kelli Armentrout and Emily Bayer, with excellent media help from Jeanne Weaver. Workshops were offered in jewelry, decorative writing, doodle art. making lotion and sugar scrub, iPhone tips, making tutus for kids, plus manicures and massages were offered. Thanks to Alicia Esseltine, Barb Esseltine, Linda Esseltine, Beth Kroa, Barbie Whitfield, Cyndi Poe, Rowena Miller, Renee Wise, and Brittany Beehler for leading these classes. We visited a new Amish home for our Saturday evening meal. Henry and Carolyn Yoder served us a fantastic meal in their large, unique home. The food was delicious and the pies were especially yummy. Our Sunday gathering included Cyndi Poe sharing her story, and aspects of being on a mission field. Missy Bayer led us in a Bible Study & discussion based on John 16:33 and Galatians 6:2. The special Missions Project this year was for The Revolution Church to give a special Spa Day to bless and encourage single moms in their area of Gary, IN. Donations filled a table which included lotions, candles, nail polish, candy, etc. We again had the Book Table where you could donate books as well as buy some for any donation. We raised $231 to go toward our NCD Missionaries. Thanks to a wonderful committee: Renee Wise - from Nappanee Church

Cyndi Poe - from Crystal Valley Rowena Miller - from Beulah Ann Werner - from California Road Thanks, also, to extra helpers: Barb Strahm (Koontz Lake), Diane Martin (St. Mark), and Sharon Steele (College Park) Missy Bayer Retreat Chair

Women’s Ministry at Prairie Camp

The Women’s Ministry Meeting for 2017 at Prairie Camp was held on Tuesday. Our speaker was Carrie Gaul from Nappanee Missionary Church. Carrie is a biblical correspondent for Revive Our Hearts. Carrie has a deep love for God’s Word and a passion to see women grow in ever-increasing intimacy with Jesus through the study and application of His Word. Carrie is the author of Joy in the Midst, a Bible study on Philippians. Carrie also does a retreat for women called Thrive at Life Action Camp. Special music was provided by Lynne Andrews and Alisa Bennett. Refreshments and fellowship were provided in the Century House. Respectfully submitted, Dianna Wenger

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2017 REPORT OF MISSIONARY CHURCH NORTH CENTRAL DISTRICT WOMEN’S MINISTRIES TREASURER

STATEMENT OF INCOME AND EXPENSE January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017

2016 Balance transferred (Checking and Savings) $2,463.67 (General $498.00, Retreat $1,965.67) Income

Received from churches, other 220.00 Budgeted amount received from NCD 1,500.00

Interest 0.37 Retreat 5,150.67 Offering at Camp Rally 338.00 Total Income 7,209.04 _________ Total Income plus Balance Transferred $ 9,672.71 Expense Missionary Support (World Partners, Key Concepts) 1,815.21

Prairie Camp Event Expense 219.52 Offering to Devon Oasis 258.00 Total Prairie Camp 477.52 Retreat (Spring 2017) Conference Center Expenses 3,531.12 Speaker 1,250.00 Other expenses 278.86 Offering to RETA, Hannah’s House 320.00 Total Retreat 5,379.98

Total Expense $ 7,672.71 _________ Balance on Hand December 31, 2017 $ 2,000.00 (General $500.00, Retreat $1,500.00) The NCD Women’s Ministries Board requests that designated money’s for specific missionaries be sent directly to World Partners or Key Concepts. NCD Women’s Ministries will continue to raise money for, accept offerings, and support our missionaries. Please send your offerings to me at the address below, or bring to a Women’s Ministries event. Respectfully Submitted, Renee M. Wise Treasurer PO Box 370 Nappanee, IN 46550 574 536-5214

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