United Church of God, an International Association
Council of Elders Meeting Report
May 5 and 6, 2010—Cincinnati, Ohio

The meeting of May 5, 2010, was executive session in its entirety. The morning session of the May 6, 2010, meeting continued in executive session as well.

Chairman Roy Holladay opened the afternoon session of the May 6, 2010, meeting around 1:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Savings Time by asking Aaron Dean for prayer. All members of the Council of Elders (except Doug Horchak), several wives of the members of the Council, Mario Seiglie, Dave Treybig, Jason Lovelady, Larry Darden, Peter Eddington and various guests were present.

Local Congregation Web Sites

Chairman Holladay read from a document, “Local Congregation Web Sites—Stats After the First Year” prepared by the Media Department. It stated that 187 out of 214 local church sites are in use—or 87 percent of the total. More than 290 volunteers have helped with the project, with over 21,700 new pages of content produced, including over 5,900 sermons. The sites have had over 205,000 visits and 855,000 page views. The visitors have come from 125 countries, speaking 54 languages.

Further, the document listed the following more interesting phrases people are searching for that led them to the sites:

• Parallels between Genesis and Revelation
• Passover forgiveness
• Church that keeps Saturday in Bakersfield, CA
• Sermons on “where are we going?”
• Are there any churches that teach the truth in Columbus, GA?
• Youth Bible study Worcester MA
• What did Jesus look like?
• How to survive during stress
• After church snacks
• Are there any real Christian churches in West Palm Beach?
• Are there any Sabbath-keeping churches in:

Process and Timeline for Selection of New President

Roles and Rules Committee chairman Bill Eddington discussed the proposed process and timeline for the selection of the new president. He pointed out that the Council is slated to have a face-to-face meeting for interviews and to make the final selection, but it does not have to be as long as noted, nor does it prevent the Council from extending the time. The process, he stated, does not have to be complete before the end of June, although it would be better if the president is chosen by that time.

Bill Eddington moved, Bob Berendt seconded and the quorum of the Council unanimously adopted the “Process and Timeline for Selection of New President, Short Version.”

Qualities, Skills and Experience Required of the President

Bill Eddington then read a proposed document titled, “Qualities, Skills and Experience Required of the President.” A few edits were offered. Bill Eddington pointed out that according to the timeline this document must go out to the General Conference of Elders on Monday, May 10.

Selection of a New Chairman

Chairman Holladay stated that three members of the Council of Elders have agreed to be considered for the office of chairman. They are: Aaron Dean, Melvin Rhodes and Bill Eddington.

As required in the Bylaws, balloting is done by blind ballot of the Council. David Johnson mentioned that Doug Horchak presented his ballot before he left earlier in the day. On the fifth ballot, the Council of Elders chose Melvin Rhodes to be chairman of the Council.

Acknowledgement of Service

Chairman Holladay mentioned that Gary Antion never received a plaque of acknowledgement for his years of service on the Council. The chairman then presented a plaque for Gary Antion’s service on the Council of Elders.

The Council of Elders then presented a commemorative plaque and gifts to Victor and Beverly Kubik for their service to the Church. Victor Kubik has served on the governing board since the very beginning of United Church of God. In his remarks to the Council, he simply asked that the Council bring peace so that the Church can take the gospel of the Kingdom to the world.

The Council of Elders also presented gifts to Roy and Norma Holladay for their service to the Church, especially over the last three years on the Council and as chairman this last year. Roy Holladay also asked for unity and peace within the Church.

Doug Horchak also had a gift to be presented, but he had already departed, so his gift will be sent to him.

Adjournment

Chairman Holladay adjourned the meeting at 2:30 p.m. by calling on Bill Eddington to close with prayer.

-end-

Gerald Seelig
Council Reporter

© 2010 United Church of God, an International Association