BETHEL MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION - MEMBERSHIP 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, Emeritus Members Rev Don Matthews and Rev Jim Wilson, Missions Secretary Rev Jose Rodriguez, Rev Tom Sullivan, Rev David Shafer (via zoom), and Missionary Rev Jerry Rodriguez.

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.

Secretary Matthews was asked to read the minutes from the January 9 Membership Meeting conducted on Zoom. After summarizing what had been previously discussed and since everyone had previously read the minutes from those meetings, Rev Greene moved that the minutes be accepted as written. Rev Owens 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 Wilson moved that the report be accepted, Rev Sullivan 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 briefed the membership 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.

Chairman Wongler briefed the membership 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.

Rev Horath briefed the membership 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.

Chairman Wongler discussed the numerous issues and repairs that needed to be made at the Conference Center in preparation for our upcoming Youth Conferences. Rev Owens announced that the Lincoln church would lead a work day on the grounds May 13-15 and encouraged everyone who was able to attend. Work will begin about 10am that Thursday morning.

No further business coming before the membership, Rev Wilson moved that we adjourn the meeting. Rev Greene seconded the motion and all approved.

Submitted by Secretary Rev David Matthews