United Church of God, an International Association

Council of Elders Videoconference Report

Milford, Ohio

Thursday, April 16, 2015

Chairman Robin Webber called the meeting to order at 4:37 p.m., and the meeting was opened with prayer. All 12 Council of Elders (Council) members were present, as well as members of the administration.

Mr. Webber welcomed everyone and reviewed the agenda. He also mentioned one additional item to add to the agenda, which was approved. He gave an update that the General Conference of Elders (GCE) weekend has 150 elders and 125 wives already registered so far, and encouraged all who were planning to attend to formally register.

Mr. Webber discussed an important videoconference meeting that was held on March 11, 2015. This meeting was with all of the chairmen of all the committees and subcommittees. It was to help make sure all the committees are on the same page and going in the same direction regarding each committee’s specific guidelines, reporting, requirements and deadlines for moving matters forward for Council review. This was the first time this type of a meeting was conducted for many years. This meeting was a couple of hours in length. Guidelines and expectations will be posted on the GCE library webpage by Monday, April 20, for all the elders to view.

President’s Report—Victor Kubik

President Victor Kubik greeted everyone and updated the Council on various activities:

• Regional Conference: The next Regional Ministerial Conference as well as a Leadership Seminar will be held this weekend in Big Sandy, Texas, April 19-21.
• Mobile First Website: The rollout of our mobile-friendly ucg.org website will be Sunday, April 19. It will provide a greatly enhanced user experience.
• First Day of Unleavened Bread (FDUB): The U.S. report for the FDUB has been tabulated and the offering was higher than last year. There were also 300 more people than last year in U.S. attendance. Mr. Kubik mentioned that the Church is showing growth, and if we continue in a peaceful mode then God may continue to grant us further growth.
• Logo Design: There have been meetings with LPK, the company helping with the new logo design. There were several interviews with individuals on the Council and Mr. Kubik to discuss what is desired. The first draft will hopefully be ready by the GCE weekend.
• Personal Appearance Campaign (PAC): The Content Committee had a meeting earlier today led by Darris McNeely. They discussed the PAC in Texas: Dallas on Oct. 20, Houston on Oct. 22, and San Antonio on Oct. 25. The three presenters for Beyond Today will be at these campaigns. Mr. Kubik commented that we hope to have success and we pray that God will bless us with fruit from them.
• Australia and New Zealand Trip: Mr. Kubik discussed his trip to Australia and New Zealand and his meetings with the ministry and members. Two conferences were held, one in Melbourne and the others in the Gold Coast. He was very pleased with the Church and its zeal and faithfulness.

Treasurer’s Report—Rick Shabi

Rick Shabi gave a brief overview of the financial condition and U.S. income of the Church for the first half of April. Income for the month continues to run above budget and prior year levels. He also reported that for the U.S. offering for the FDUB was higher than last year and more than 3 percent above budget. Attendance on the first day showed a 3.6 percent increase over last year. It is too soon to report on the Last Day of Unleavened Bread (LDUB) as not all congregations have reported, and we do not have final numbers yet.

Resolution to Amend the 403(b) Thrift Plan—Chris Rowland

Chris Rowland led a discussion regarding the matching 403b plan and an amendment to the plan that needs to be made for the next fiscal year, beginning July 1. The Council had already approved this change (to increase matching funds from $500 to $1000 per fiscal year) to be made in the August 2014 Council meetings, so this is just a formality to bring the plan document up to date. After brief discussion, the Council unanimously adopted it.

Executive Session

The Council then went into planned executive session for about 45 minutes. The administration was seeking input from the Council in regards to accelerating developments in technology that impact budgetary considerations and personnel. They came out of executive session at 6:36 p.m.

Withdraw of Proposed Procedure for Amending the Fundamental Beliefs

Chairman Webber mentioned that the communication on the Elder’s Forum (EF) has been discussed and appreciated. There have been concerns about the amendment on how to amend the Fundamental Beliefs (FB). The task force that brought this forward proposes that it be withdrawn at this time.

Don Ward agreed that it is a wise thing to withdraw it at the present time.

Roc Corbett said that he didn’t see the connection at the time when it was presented. He said it was his concept to bring that in. We can fix it in the future.

Robin Webber views this as a positive. The system works. We value the input given by the GCE.

Robin Webber proposed the following:

Having received counsel from GCE members bringing article 5.1. I recommend that we withdraw this amendment proposal and send it out at the conclusion of these meetings.

The Council passed it unanimously.

GCE Responsibilities Advisory Committee (GRAC)—Roc Corbett

Roc Corbett gave some background of the GRAC. It was formed in 2011. It is composed of: Dan Dowd (chairman), Jerold Aust, Ed Dowd, Lonnie Johnson, Scott Moss, Hansel New, and Walt Tannert. We thank them for their work. The purpose for this committee was to be an advisory committee to review how the GCE can better perform its duties and to make suggestions to improve existing mechanisms. This process was to be done by September 2012, so we are behind on this project.

The GRAC sent its final report for distribution to the GCE, and Mr. Corbett was asking for the Council to read through the letter that would represent the Council’s complementary report. Both of these letters would then be presented to the GCE. He asked for any input in editing the letter from the Council.

John Elliott mentioned that he didn’t think the letter fully describes the situation. He proposed that the Council should thank the GRAC for the work they have done to this point and leave it open for more work and any proposed mechanisms to help the GCE fulfill its work.

Robin Webber asked for clarification of due dates in regards to this committee’s responses. Once given, he cited the Council’s leniency for the report being late in desiring the committee to fully complete its efforts, because Sept. 30, 2012, was the original due date.

Mr. Elliott commented that the GRAC wasn’t staffed as a committee until January 2012, so it was an unrealistic due date. The GRAC does provide us with a function. And he would like to hear from the GRAC in the form of a verbal report.

Don Ward mentioned that the GCE has no voice or means for them to call a special meeting. There was no mechanism to do it. This was a request he made in 2010 for how the GCE could have an Acts 15 type conference.

Mark Mickelson sees that there is a feeling of frustration from the GRAC, so he didn’t feel a letter was the thing to do. If the committee wants to talk to us he would like to hear it.

Rainer Salomaa agreed that he didn’t think it was a bad idea for the GRAC chair to talk to the Council, but he also agreed with Mr. Corbett.

Mr. Corbett pointed to the fact that the GRAC has submitted their final report. The Council is to also send a letter to go with it. This is what is before the Council.

Mario Seiglie added that we have been discussing this for two years. The GRAC has met its goals. Let’s go through with this as it has been done. He mentioned that Mr. Corbett has handled this patiently.

Rex Sexton echoed what Mario Seiglie said. He agrees the Council should do a letter and conclude the GRAC.

Mr. Webber appreciates the GRAC service. He reminded everyone that we are all GCE members first and foremost. Mr. Webber felt the Council should accept this as the final letter. The Council should discuss if the GRAC should continue later with other members.

Bill Bradford agreed with Dr. Ward and feels there is still unfinished business.

Mr. Webber said this group’s tenure is over, and the Council will evaluate to see if the GRAC continues as an advisory committee or potentially becomes a standing committee. More thought and construction needs to be given to this matter, especially in regards to Dr. Ward’s comments about the GCE being able to have a mechanism for generating special meetings.

Mr. Corbett said that if this committee has reached its’ conclusion then a new committee can be created.

Dr. Ward agreed with that. The GRAC made recommendations, and now the Council needs to make a task force to fulfill it.

Mr. Webber said the Council in no manner is dropping interest in the GCE but continuing in what has been shown.

Mr. Corbett concluded by asking if the Council was in agreement to send out the GRAC letter and the Council’s letter. It was proposed that this GRAC report and the Council letter go out.

It was passed by 10 balloting yes and 2 voting no (John Elliott and Mark Mickelson).

Mr. Webber concluded the meeting emphasizing that the Council appreciates the wisdom of the GCE and appreciates the work of the GRAC. The Council is listening to the GCE.

The Council adjourned at 7:48 p.m.

-end-

Council Reporter

Shawn Cortelyou

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