Congregational Business Meeting Report — October 2012
On Sunday, October 28, 2012, moderator Allen Hansell called the congregation together in the business of the church after devotions and a soup & salad lunch hosted by our Youth. The Youth raised $1,278.50 toward future projects.
The congregation was presented the Alpha Society recognition from Elizabethtown College for having contributed to the college over $100,000 (the first COB congregation to have such honors). The recognition was presented by E-town’s former board president, David Hosler.
Changes to the Constitution & Bylaws were approved: discontinuing the Pastoral Relations Team, expanding the Executive Committee by an additional appointment from the congregation at-large, allowing for the Church Treasurer to not be the Chair of Stewards Ministry Team and adding the Safe Church Com-mittee. Also approved was the policy statement on Ethics & Moral Issues.
Approved was the renewal of ministry licenses for Jennifer Biemiller, Judith Breidenstine, John Breidenstine and Curtis Dehmey. Also approved was the licensing of Megan Eldridge Lester.
Additional action taken by the congregation includes: approving the 2013 Plan of Ministry (budget) of $755,423 (0.38% increase), approving Outreach & Scholarship Fund Distribution of $2,000 for Lancaster Co. Coalition to End Homelessness, $2,000 for Bridge of Hope, $2,000 for Bethany Theological Seminary at Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center (aiding Megan Eldridge Lester) and $2,000 for SERRV International.
The congregation approved the following to leadership positions: Allen Hansell, Moderator; Jay Wenger, Assistant Moderator; Deacons: Grace & Stan Cox, Shirley Gish, Janet Groff, Sue & John Groff, Joan Miley, Sharon Nace, Madelynn Riedel, Shirley & Calvin Wenger; Gail Murray, Education Ministry Team Assist. Chair; Diana Wiker, Hospitality Ministry Team Chair; Otto Schaudel, Outreach Ministry Team Chair; Jeff Putt, Property Ministry Assist. Chair; Frank Fox, Stewardship Ministry Team Chair; Don Dotterer, Traditional Worship Ministry Team Assist. Chair; Frank Fox, Treasurer; Doug Deihm, Assist. Treasurer; Dory Voulopos, Auditor; Fern Bucher & Grace Cox, Leadership Search Team; Donna Lunger, Dist. Conf. Delegate; and Linda Hopple, Annual Conf. Delegate..
The very heavy agenda was expedited efficiently, allowing time for those in attendance to express their feelings on the blended style of Love Feast
that was held on World Wide Communion Sunday, October 7, 2012. Many, but not all, were in support of this style which gives the Deacons input in their future planning of Love Feast.
–Jay V. Wenger, Assist. Moderator