BETHEL MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION - BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
Bethel Church, Hatfield, IN
April 14, 2021


Those present: Chairman Rev John Wongler, Vice Chairman Rev Steve Owens, Treasurer Rev Phil Frye, Secretary Rev David Matthews, Rev Don Horath, Rev Joe Greene, Rev Joshua Long, Rev Josh Powell (via zoom), Emeritus Member Rev Don Matthews, Missions Secretary Rev Jose Rodriguez, New Caretakers Ryan and Chasity Holbrook.

Chairman Wongler called the meeting to order and Rev Frye led in prayer and Rev Greene read from Psalms. Chairman Wongler expressed his appreciation to all those who attended the conference and all his church members who made it a great success. He felt it had been a great time of fellowship and refreshing.

Chairman Wongler welcomed our new conference grounds caretakers Ryan and Chasity Holbrook. He discussed the improvements and repairs that had already been completed on the grounds and announced that we would be having several camp work days this spring in preparation for conference programs.

Secretary Matthews was asked to read the minutes from the January 9 Board Meeting conducted on Zoom. After summarizing what had been previously discussed and since everyone had previously read the minutes from those meetings, Rev Long moved that the minutes be accepted as written. Rev Frye seconded the motion and all approved.

Treasurer Frye was asked to review the financial report for 2021 so far. The balance at the start of the year was $3,965. Income received to date came to $10,015 and expenditures were $6,846. The bank balance at the end of the quarter was $6,974. It was also noted that offerings received the previous night at conference to be directed to conference grounds expenses totaled $3,600. Rev Owens moved that the report be accepted, Rev Horath seconded the motion and all approved.

Foreign Missions Secretary Rev Jose Rodriguez was called upon to present the Missions report. He reported that giving to missions through this quarter was $3,000 and the bank balance was $12,523. He also briefed that eighteen missionaries were being supported and giving came from eight churches and individual givers. Rev Greene moved that the missions report be accepted. Rev Frye seconded the motion and all approved.

Rev Matthews submitted the report from Bethel Publishing House. He reported BPH income from 2020 and deposited directly toward Bethel Conference Center came to $96. He also reported that materials purchased from our churches this quarter came to $86 while amount submitted to BPH was $96. This resulted in a balance so far this year of $10. Everyone was encouraged to use BPH to purchase their Sunday School literature. Rev Frye moved that the report be accepted, Rev Long seconded the motion and all approved.

Chairman Wongler asked Senior Conference Director Josh Powell, attending the conference via Zoom, to brief the board on the Senior Conference program. Rev Smith and Revs Rhonda and Josh Powell will lead Senior Conference, July 12-16. Cost will remain as last year, $180 for early registration by June 14 and $200 per camper after that date. The theme for the conference is “Revive” and the theme verse is Romans 13:1. The board discussed considerations and plans for Corona Virus protocols in case they were still in effect and stated that they would coordinate responsibilities for each camper with their individual pastors. Rev Powell noted that the Crosby, Texas contingent would plan to arrive early morning Monday of camp so much of the preparation of the facilities would have to occur before their arrival.

Chairman Wongler briefed the board on registration costs and dates for our Junior Youth Conference. He and his wife, Jenny, will lead the Junior Conference, June 21-24. Cost will remain as last year, $135 for early registration by May 24 and $170 per camper after that date. The theme will be “Armor Up” with theme verse being Ephesians 6.

Chairman Wongler asked Rev Horath to brief the board on plans for this year’s Fall/Annual Conference. He stated that the conference would be held at Decatur Hillside Bethel Tabernacle, October 4-6, 2021 in combination with commemoration of the church’s and pastor’s 60th anniversary. He noted that the theme is “Stay the Course.” Plans for the October Annual Board and Membership Meetings will be made for Tuesday of the conference. He announced that prior BMA Member Rev David Worley will be the speaker Sunday morning at the anniversary service and Monday night at the conference. He also stated that he had invited the very popular Bluegrass family singers, Williamson Branch, to lead in services and singing for Wednesday night.
ACTION: Rev Horath will coordinate details for the October Fall BMA Conference and further brief them at the July Youth Conference Board Meeting.

As it was time to start the membership meeting, Rev Frye moved that we adjourn the meeting. Rev Long seconded the motion and all approved.

Submitted by Secretary Rev David Matthews