BETHEL MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION - MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Bethel Youth Camp and Conference Center, IN
July 15, 2021


Those present: Chairman Rev John Wongler, Vice Chairman Rev Steve Owens, Treasurer Rev Phil Frye, Secretary Rev David Matthews, Rev Don Horath, Rev Keenan Smith, Rev Josh Powell, Emeritus Member Rev Jim Wilson, Rev Walter Phillips, Rev Mark Phillips, Rev Rhonda Powell and Rev Tom Sullivan.

Chairman Wongler called the meeting to order and Rev Wilson led in prayer. Chairman Wongler expressed his appreciation to directors Rev Smith, Revs Josh and Rhonda Powel and all those who worked so hard to make this year’s Senior Conference a great success. He felt it had been one of the greatest camps we have ever had.

Chairman Wongler called on Rev Horath who presented members with Rev Kevin Horath’s most recent book, “Living a Life Used by God” and encouraged any who wished to purchase additional copies to use Amazon.com to purchase as many as desired. Rev Horath then briefed board members on plans for this October’s Fall 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.” Prior BMA member Rev David Worley will be the speaker Sunday morning, October 3 at the anniversary service and Monday night at the conference. Tuesday night will feature the Ordination of Rev Kevin Horath. Plans for the October Annual Board and Membership Meetings will be made for Wednesday morning. Following this, Hillside will host lunch at Yoder’s Restaurant, a popular Amish restaurant with a tour of the local Amish area afterward. Because they need to know exact numbers, he requested that everyone wishing to attend these special events would RSVP as soon as possible prior to the conference. Wednesday night will feature the very popular Bluegrass family singers, Williamson Branch, to lead in services and singing for Wednesday night.
ACTION: All members who wish to attend Wednesday lunch hosted by Hillside Bethel and tour of Amish area should RSVP with their intentions as soon as possible.

Secretary Matthews was asked to read the minutes from the April 14 Membership Meeting conducted at Hatfield Bethel Church. After summarizing what had been previously discussed and since everyone had previously read the minutes from those meetings, Rev Powell 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. The balance at the start of the quarter was $2,292. Income received was $27,461 and expenditures were $20,175. The bank balance at the end of the quarter was $9,578. It was noted that expenses for Junior Camp totaled $7,023 and repairs and remodeling came to $6,131. Rev Owens moved that the report be accepted, Rev Powell seconded the motion and all approved.

Rev Matthews submitted the report from Bethel Publishing House. He reported a previous balance of $10. This quarter BPH received $88 from Hillside Bethel for $77 worth of literature and materials, leaving an end of quarter balance for the year of $21. Everyone was encouraged to use BPH to purchase their Sunday School literature. Rev Matthews also briefed members on the newly added, password-protected section of the BMA website that allows members to review upcoming meeting items (agenda, minutes and reports) prior to the meeting. It was decided however, that because it was sensitive, the financial report would not be included in this section of the website. Rev Frye moved that the report be accepted, Rev Wilson seconded the motion and all approved.

In Foreign Missions Secretary Rev Jose Rodriguez’s absence, Rev Matthews was called upon to present the Missions report. He reported that giving to missions through this quarter was $4,790 and the bank balance was $13,226. He also briefed that seventeen missionaries were being supported. Rev Frye moved that the missions report be accepted. Rev Horath seconded the motion and all approved.

Chairman Wongler briefed the members that leadership for next year’s Junior and Senior Youth Conferences would remain the same as this year. He also stated that Crosby Church has tentatively agreed to host the conference for Spring 2022. More details of these events will follow at the Fall Conference at Decatur.

Chairman Wongler acknowledged the presence of eight senior campers and their group leader, Caleb Holbrook, who had been observing our members meeting. They were here under the supervision of Rev Matthews who had been teaching them in sessions about Conference Ground work projects. Rev Matthews led them in a Bible Study about service, led them around camp grounds the day before, observing projects that could be completed and today, they were observing an example of members and leaders serving the BMA and our youth camps by being board members and leaders conducting the business of the BMA. They briefed us on their observations of work that probably needed to be done on camp grounds and their feelings about service in this area. Rev Wongler thanked them for their participation and encouraged them to be part of projects both at camp and at their home churches.

No other business coming before the members of the meeting, Rev Wilson moved that we adjourn the meeting. Rev Frye seconded the motion and all approved.

Submitted by Secretary Rev David Matthews