United Church of God, an International Association
Council of Elders Meeting Report

Tuesday, May 18, 1999 — Cincinnati, Ohio

The last day of Council meetings covered an update on church area travel by Council members, amendment issues, and several miscellaneous items.

Council Travel Update

Victor Kubik briefly outlined the current need, authorized by resolution and budget, for Council members to occasionally visit church areas. Both Chairman Robert Dick and Ministerial Services staff member Dave Evans stressed the need for planning in concert with Ministerial Services. While the Council acknowledged the clear value of using travel to help resolve issues of concern, many comments pointed out the proactive worth of good will visiting. Dennis Luker stated the importance of church members’ realizing Council members cannot be invited to areas to deal with problems or questions in a manner that bypasses Ministerial Services, since both are working together to serve the needs of the brethren. Mr. Kubik was asked to write an article for United News to inform the church regarding the Council’s approach.

International travel by Council members, especially at the Feast of Tabernacles, has been extensive. Ministerial Services manager Richard Pinelli recalled that one-third of the Council members attended international Festival sites in each of the last three years. He suggested that Council appoint one of its members to work with Mr. Evans on Council travel plans; Mr. Kubik will fill this role. Mr. Pinelli also asked that Mr. McCullough deal with this topic in one of his regular letters to the ministry.

Amendment Issues

Aaron Dean brought several amendment issues to the Council’s attention.

First, the Amendment Committee needs a new member to replace Jack Elliott, whose term is expiring. Following brief discussion, the Council resolved, by unanimous vote, to appoint Warren Poland, an elder in the Roseburg, Oregon church, to the Amendment Committee.

Next, the Council deliberated on its statement of concern to accompany an amendment proposed by St. Louis, Missouri pastor Greg Sargent.

Two newest councilmen - 
Dick Thompson and John Jewell

Mr. Dean asked the Council if any members would like to have the General Conference of Elders at this time take under consideration any of the amendments defeated at the March, 1999, GCE meetings. Mr. Luker asked that the amendment on "Compensation and Reimbursement," dealing with compensation to members of the Council of Elders not salaried by the church, be considered. Mr. Dean then handed out a proposed amendment to Article 7, Section 7.5.2 of the Bylaws, "Manner of Casting Ballots," which he and Secretary Gerald Seelig urged be sent to the GCE early.

In conclusion, the Council unanimously passed a resolution to send the following to the General Conference in advance of the next GCE meeting: Amendment to Bylaws, Article 8, Section 8.5, "Compensation and Reimbursement"; Amendment to Bylaws, Article 7, Section 7.5.2 of the Bylaws, "Manner of Casting Ballots"; and a statement of concern from the Council to accompany Mr. Sargent’s Amendment to Bylaws, Article 7, Sections 7.5.3, "Majorities Required for Passage," and 7.5.4, "Balloting to Nominate and Elect Council Members."

Miscellaneous Items

Multimedia Managing Editor Peter Eddington returned briefly to the Council meeting to provide an update on church stationery and business cards. Mr. Eddington will be contacting the ministry shortly to obtain details for their individual business cards, which will be available in November.

The Council gave unanimous approval to a resolution requested by legal counsel, authorizing Ministerial Services to standardize lease arrangements for local church hall rental.

Mr. Dick presented a card and gift from the Council as tokens of appreciation to Clyde Kilough, outgoing Council reporter, for his two years of service.

Considering the possibility of a change in the church’s fiscal year, Mr. Dick reminded the Council that a change might be needed in the timing of the Annual Meeting of the General Conference of Elders and in dates for regular Council of Elders meetings. The Council discussed the need to contact the GCE for approval to change the Council members’ terms to conform to a possible adjusted fiscal year.

Requests for assistance from, or affiliation with UCG, continue to arrive on a fairly regular basis from individuals, and occasionally from groups, in developing countries. The circumstances involved in the requests vary so widely that Council members concurred each request must be evaluated on its own merits.

Mr. Holladay brought to the Council two possibilities for proposed wording on a plaque of thanks for outgoing Council members. The Council chose one and asked Mr. Holladay to produce the necessary plaques.

Mr. Dick called a short executive session to discuss the Council’s approach to the appeal of a personnel issue, and the current round of meetings dismissed.
 

-Doug Johnson

© 1999 United Church of God, an International Association

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