United Church of God, an International Association
Council of Elders Meeting Report
Sunday, February 27, 2005—San Antonio, Texas

Sunday the Council resumed its discussion of the budget proposal for fiscal 2005-06, covered Feast of Tabernacles preparation, and spent time in executive session on miscellaneous matters.

Budget Resumed  

Following a brief executive session on ordinations and credentialings to initiate the day's proceedings, Treasurer Tom Kirkpatrick resumed moderation of the budget proposal for the fiscal year 2005-06, which must be put into the hands of the General Conference for its decision in May.

Only a few items remained to be covered from Friday. Following the discussion of those portions of the budget, Mr. Kirkpatrick returned to a question raised by Mario Seiglie on Friday dealing with a subsidy from the home office, specifically what amounts might be available, explicitly (line item amount in the budget) or implicitly (included in other funding), to support the purchase or construction of local church buildings.

The treasurer responded to that question by expressing how rare it is that circumstances come together in such a way that it makes economic sense and is in conformity with the Council's policy for local congregations to own a building. However, when those circumstances do come together, and the provisions of the policy are met, including a demonstration of the financial feasibility of a proposal from a local congregation that is consistent with the overall best interests of the Church, the home office will assist in the financing of the building.

As the discussion proceeded, most of the Council members expressed agreement with the conclusion that a specific line item in the budget earmarked for local church buildings is not necessary or appropriate, but instead, that the existence of an executive reserve in the budget provides the flexibility for the home office management to give funding help when the elements of the Council's policy are met.

Victor Kubik asked the treasurer if he knew how many areas had funds set aside in local accounts for their own buildings, and Mr. Kirkpatrick stated that he has not requested this information from the local congregations. He stated that "less than a handful" had communicated to him that their local accounts included amounts earmarked for local church buildings.

The discussion concluded, as Mr. Kilough summarized that no Council member was opposed to seeing the construction of local church buildings when there is a genuine need, and no Council member supported it when there is not a need. All concurred. The item is not listed as a separate line item in the proposed 2005-06 budget.

Feast Plans  

Focus next turned to the 2005 Feast of Tabernacles. Mr. Kilough attempted to ascertain festival locations and speaking assignments for all the Council members, but some have not yet made firm plans. A number were open to go where needed. Ministerial Services staff member Dave Evans coordinates the meeting of festival manpower needs, and will receive the updated information from this day's meeting.

Media and Communications operation manager Peter Eddington next outlined plans for this year's Feast video production. He proposes the title "The Next Decade and Beyond," capitalizing on the United Church of God's 10th anniversary this year. The international focus will be on the brethren in South Africa and Malawi, with the possibility of the main Feast message being filmed on location in Malawi. As in the 2004 production, there will be a message from the president detailing accomplishments in the Church's efforts to do God's work in the past year. After inquiring about the possibility of also showing elements of the life of God's people in neighboring countries, Mr. Kubik proposed accepting the outlines of the production as outlined by Mr. Eddington. His motion was seconded by Les McCullough and the Council voted unanimously to adopt the motion.

Strategic Plan, Operation Plan, Budget  

After briefly discussing some wording modifications, the Council balloted unanimously to accept the Strategic Plan proposal. They then moved to unanimously approve the Operation Plan as presented by the administration. The ballot to approve the Budget proposal was 11 in favor, with Aaron Dean opposed. In discussion prior to the ballot, Mr. Dean observed that the cost of living adjustment for employees in the budget would also impact the 2006-07 budget by an identical 2.5% figure due to being phased in on January 1, 2006 as a 5% adjustment.

The Council then moved to executive session to cover several miscellaneous items of church business for the remainder of the day's session.

- Doug Johnson

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© 2005 United Church of God, an International Association