United Church of God, an International Association
Council of Elders Meeting Report
May 18, 2005 - Cincinnati, OH

In the second and final day of this abbreviated Council session, most of the morning was spent reviewing a doctrinal paper and the afternoon in executive session to consider ordinations, credentialing applications and other matters.

First, the Council unanimously passed a resolution establishing the configuration of its committees, as follows:

• Doctrine—Jim Franks (chairman), Larry Salyer, Mario Seiglie, Leon Walker, Anthony Wasilkoff.
• Education and Ministerial Services—Jim Franks, Clyde Kilough, Victor Kubik, Larry Salyer, Richard Thompson (chairman).
• Ethics, Roles and Rules—Aaron Dean, Joel Meeker, Richard Thompson, Leon Walker, Anthony Wasilkoff.
• Executive—Aaron Dean, Robert Dick, Jim Franks, Clyde Kilough, Leon Walker.
• Media and Communications—Clyde Kilough, Victor Kubik (chairman), Les McCullough, Joel Meeker, Larry Salyer, Mario Seiglie, Anthony Wasilkoff.
• Strategic Planning and Finance Committee—Aaron Dean (chairman), Clyde Kilough, Les McCullough, Mario Seiglie.
Study Paper Review

Mr. Franks led the Council through a thorough review of a study paper currently titled "Role of Women in the Church of God:" and the Doctrine Committee's suggested edits to the paper. Mr. Franks said that, based on their input, he would incorporate the edits and provide the Council a final review copy of the paper in time for the next scheduled meetings in August.

Booklet Plan and Feast of Tabernacles Video

Peter Eddington gave a brief update on five or six booklets that are scheduled to be published next as time and funding allow. Three are scheduled to be printed within the next several months: an as-yet untitled booklet on the subject of marriage and family, a booklet on the Trinity and another tentatively titled The History of Europe and the Church.

Mr. Eddington also briefly reviewed plans for the 2005 Feast of Tabernacles video. He stated that the outline has not changed since the Council reviewed it earlier this year in the February-March meetings. The video will focus on the brethren and work in South Africa and Malawi. Mr. Eddington and videographer Clay Thornton will be traveling into the areas in June to begin production of the video.

Doug Horchak Steps Down From the Council

This was the final meeting for Doug Horchak, who did not seek reelection to the Council. As a gesture of appreciation for his service, the Council arranged for a potted plant to be delivered to their home as a gift for his wife, Tanya, and presented Mr. Horchak with a restaurant gift certificate. Mr. Horchak emphasized that his decision not to continue on the Council was a difficult one, but was necessary because of his other responsibilities and workload. He commented that one of the biggest lessons he had learned was patience—both with the process of Council work itself and with the kind of growth God has granted to United. He concluded by expressing his appreciation for the privilege of working with the Council.

Clyde Kilough Resigns Chairmanship

As the meeting concluded, Mr. Kilough officially resigned as chairman of the Council of Elders. As decided in the meeting on May 17, Robert Dick assumes the responsibility of chairman.

Don Henson

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© 2005 United Church of God, an International Association