BETHEL MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION
MEMBERSHIP BUSINESS MEETING
Bethel Conference Center
July 11, 2019
Those present: Chairman Rev Don Horath, Vice Chairman Rev Steve Owens, Treasurer Rev Phil Frye, Secretary Rev David Matthews, Rev John Wongler, Rev Keenan Smith, Rev Josh Powell and Emeritus member Rev Jim Wilson, Rev Rhonda Powell, Rev Mark Phillips, Rev David Shafer, Rev Tom Sullivan, Rev Tony Green and visiting missionary Rev Don Dewing.

Chairman Rev Don Horath called the meeting to order and Rev Tony Green led in prayer. Chairman Horath expressed his appreciation to Rev Wongler and Hatfield Church for an outstanding Junior Youth Conference and Rev Smith, Revs Josh and Rhonda Powell and the Crosby church for an outstanding Senior Youth Conference.

Chairman Horath gave special notice to Rev Don Dewing visiting our conference for the first time in many years and welcomed him to say a few words. He expressed great appreciation and love for our camps and the membership for their support of their missionary work to the American Indians in Wisconsin.

Secretary Matthews noted that there had been no membership meeting at the conference May 3 at Bethel Youth Camp and Conference Center due to hazardous weather cutting the meetings short. As a result, there were no minutes to be read.

Treasurer Frye was asked to review the financial report for 2019. The balance at the start of the year was $6,608. Total income for the quarter was $57,574 (largely from income received for forested lumber) and expenses were $25,422 leaving a balance of $38,760. Rev Wilson moved that the report be accepted. Rev Sullivan seconded the motion and all approved.

Rev Matthews submitted the report from Bethel Publishing House. He reported that materials purchased from our churches came to $133 while amount submitted to BPH was $159. This resulted in a balance so far this year of $54. Everyone was encouraged to use BPH to purchase their Sunday School literature. Rev Wongler moved that the report be accepted. Rev Phillips seconded the motion and all approved.

In the absence of Foreign Missions Secretary Joe Greene, Rev Matthews presented the Missions report. He reported that giving to missions through this quarter was $14,860, which was $2,031 less than last year. Rev Wilson moved that the missions report be accepted. Rev Frye seconded the motion and all approved.

Chairman Horath advised all members that the Fall BMA Conference would be held at Rough River State Park in Kentucky again this year, October 7-9. He stated that details for the evening services, individual sessions and conference facilities would be coordinated by Rev Wilson and Rev Wongler.

Chairman Horath reminded everyone that dues would remain the same as last year with members paying $100 and missionaries and those over 65 paying $50. They would be due January 1, 2020. He also advised all members that leadership for Senior and Junior Youth Conferences would remain the same next year as this year per the previous agreement. Tentative dates for next year’s conferences will be June 22-25 and July 13-16. The slightly later date in July for Senior Conference is due to where July 4 falls next year. Members were also advised that the October Annual meeting will see the election of board of director offices currently held by Rev Frye, Rev Greene and Rev Long. Any nominations should be forwarded to Rev Owens, chairman of the credentials committee.

Chairman Horath led discussion about the possibility of the BMA conducting a “Homecoming Camp” at the Conference Center in 2020, possibly in August or September. It was suggested that we contact everyone in a data base derived from Bethel people who had previously attended our Youth Conferences and benefitted from them. Some discussion mentioned the difficulty of a second trip to camp of 1,000 miles in the same year from Texas and the possible interference of school days during those months. Some consideration was given to having the Homecoming on Sunday prior to our Senior Conference, but there was no consensus of that option. It was generally agreed to table the idea for further discussion in the October Annual Conference.

No further business coming before the board, Rev Frye moved that we adjourn the meeting. Motion was seconded by Rev Wilson and all approved.



Submitted by Secretary Rev David Matthews