BETHEL MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION - BOARD MEETING
ZOOM Conference Meeting
June 25, 2020


Those present: Chairman Rev Steve Owens, Vice Chairman Rev John Wongler, Secretary Rev David Matthews, Treasurer Rev Phil Frye, Rev Don Horath, Rev Joe Greene, Rev Keenan Smith, Rev Josh Powell, Member Emeritus Rev Don Matthews, Provisional Member Rev Scott Branam.

Chairman Rev Steve Owens called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone. He led a discussion about current restrictions due to the Corona Virus and asked if anyone had suggestions about a possible Fall Camp or Conference. Rev Wongler briefed everyone on initial plans he and his wife had established to have a program at the Camp and Conference Center over Labor Day. However, because of issues de-winterizing before the conference and then re-winterizing after such a conference, because of the cost to conduct the conference and reluctance to be away from home churches over the Labor Day weekend, there was a lack of commitment to the plan.

It was considered probably more important that we focus our attention on the upcoming Fall BMA Conference in October. Everyone was in favor of having the annual conference at a remote, guest facility, as we had done last year at Rough River State Park in Kentucky. Because it is more central and considerably closer to most of our members, Secretary Rev Matthews suggested that we might look at Spring Mill State Park in Mitchell, Indiana as a possible alternative to Rough River for this year. He was assigned the task of researching details for holding the conference there while Rev Wongler was given the assignment of checking the possibility of using Rough River again. They will report details as soon as possible. Two dates were suggested for planning purposes: October 5-7 and October 12-14.

Treasurer Rev Frye mentioned his concern over finances in the BMA, especially in light of us cancelling the Junior and Senior Conference this year. He suggested that we begin having the caretaker start paying at least a portion of his utility bills. The most recent electric bill was extremely high and that is being researched with the electric utility company. The caretaker’s contract was discussed, specifically addressing the issue that $3,000 for utilities was the annual amount stated in his contract that is added to use of the caretaker’s house for his pay. Everyone agreed that Rev Wongler should address the issue with Caretaker Jeremy Howell and advise him that because of financial concerns, we would soon have him paying part of his utilities as per the contract. He will report back to the board on his discussion with him as soon as possible.

Sharing the concerns of several among us who have lost loved ones recently, had significant illnesses and losses in their lives, Rev Don Matthews led the group in prayer to conclude the meeting. No other business coming before the board, the meeting was adjourned.



Submitted by Secretary, Rev David Matthews