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| MINUTES OF THE 2003 CONFERENCE SESSIONS 2003 YEARBOOK |
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| Tuesday | Wednesday Morning | Wednesday Afternoon | Wednesday Evening |
| Thursday Morning | Thursday Afternoon | Friday | |
PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA MAY 13 – 16, 2003 SANDY COVE BIBLE CONFERENCE, NORTH EAST, MARYLAND TUESDAY, MAY 14, 2002 The Conference was convened at 3:30 p.m. in the Chesapeake Auditorium of Sandy Cove Bible Conference, North East, Maryland, with the observance of Holy Communion. A Concert by Candy Davison and Kevin Botbyl was followed by a challenging message by Rev. Dr. Kenneth Priddy of United Front Ministries at 7:30 p.m. Rev. David Malanowski led in a time of worship. Rev. Allan Rupert read 1 Corinthians 3:5-15. Mr. Raymond C. Baldwin led in the opening prayer. The General Secretary, Rev. David Allen, read the Roll of Churches, Conference Treasurer, Military Chaplains, Special Ministries, Retired Ministers, Missionaries, Deaconesses, Ministerial Widows and Local Preachers. Voted to set the bar of Conference as the Chesapeake Auditorium seating area. Voted to adopt the printed program. Appointment of Tellers: Rev. Andrew Jerome (Chairperson), Rev. Brian Beck, Rev. David Sargent, Rev. Brian Nichols and Rev. Steve Hagopian. The Acting President Rev. Kerry Ritts presented his address to Conference and received a vote of thanks. Voted to receive and adopt the report of the President. LEGISLATION COMMITTEE Voted to receive the report. Voted to drop the second sentence of 601.1 (first paragraph) from the new Discipline. Voted to adopt the recommendations from the Committee on the Implementation of a Stationed Pastor Serving as President. Recommend the adoption of all items presented (Page 42 2002 Yearbook). We recommend the addition of the statement “And shall fill the unexpired term of the president”, at section B The Vice President. Voted to re elect the following to the Legislation Committee: Rev. Kenneth Smith Mr. Charles Sims Mrs. Carol Washick Rev William Fudge Rev. Kyle Gildner Voted to adopt the report. Voted to deny the motion that we determine if we desire a Full time or Pastor-President before electing the officers. The order of the day having arrived (11:50 AM) the General Secretary recessed the sessions. Mr. David Berry led in prayer. Rev. and Mrs. David and Shirley Malanowski and Deborah Coates led in worship. Motion passed that when the two presidential nominees (Rev. Kerry Ritts and Rev. Reggie Thomas) present their vision for Conference, they state their desire to be Pastor/President or Full Time President. Voted to elect to the Stationing Committee the following: Almira Griffiths, James Trimble, Dana Hansen, Margaret Reed, Donna Masartis, Marlin Diekfuss. Voted to elect Member-at-Large to the Stationing Committee: Barbara Ferguson. Voted to elect to the General Committee the following: Ruth Hughes, Ruth Isaac, Nancy Donigian, Vera DePue, Dr. Paul Lueck, Rob Soderstrom. Voted to elect to the General Committee as Members-at-Large: Sandy Acornley, Jane Carns, Debbie Coates, Tony Castodio, Nancy Cunningham. Voted to elect to the General Committee as Pastoral Member-at-Large: Rev Alvin Reese. The President appointed the following offices: Timekeeper: Rev. Kenneth K. Smith Corresponding Secretary: Mrs. Mary Sweigert Complaints and Appeals: Rev. Charles Beth, Rev. Tom Wambach and Rev. David Malanowski REPORT OF THE GENERAL SECRETARY 1. Voted to refer to the Stationing Committee: A. The following churches request to be left in the hands of Conference for the stationing of a Pastor: Wyoming: Plymouth Franklin Street; Avoca. Schuylkill District: St. Clair; Newtown Pittsburgh District: Westmoreland City; Pittsburgh 1st; Pittsburgh 2nd; Swisshelm Park; Merritt; Victory; Sutersville; Gratztown; Carnegie; Houtzdale; Beaver Falls; Glen Richey. Western District: Streator; Westview/Big Patch; Darlington Hispanic. Southern District: Bowling Green B. The following churches request the return of their Student Pastor: Wyoming District: Plymouth Franklin Street; Avoca Schuylkill District: Shamokin/Mt. Carmel Pittsburgh District: Houtzdale; Beaver Falls Western District: Streator; Westview/Big Patch; Darlington Hispanic C. The following Churches request to be returned to the Care of the District: Wyoming District: Lawrenceville, Taylor Schuylkill District: Allentown, Mahanoy City/Shenandoah, Girardville Western District: Boone/Fraser, Pleasant View/New Diggings, Standart Eastern District: New Bedford First 2. Voted to refer to the National Mission Board: The following Churches request to be left in the care of the National Mission Board: Ocala; New Bedford; Brooklyn, Darlington Hispanic, Mountain Top PA 3. To the Preachers Pension Fund: For Special Ministries: Rev. Ronald A. Sparks; Rev. Nelson Perkinson. Requesting to be withdrawn from PPF: Rev. Charles Parry; Rev MJR Scott Roney. 4. To the Examining Board: A. The Districts present the following as suitable candidates for ministry: Mr. William Salmon; Mr. Tyler Parry; Rev Mario Cordero; Mr. David Sargent. B. The Churches and Districts recommend the advancement in Status of the following Pastors, provided all requirements have been met: Rev. Steve Hagopian; Rev. Brian Nichols; Rev. Andrew Jerome; Rev. Ron Perry; Rev. Brian Beck; Rev. Paul Glendenning(Elder transfer) GENERAL COMMITTEE Confirmed approval for Tamaqua PM Church to replace heating units. Confirmed approval to Rev. Donald Kidd to return to itinerant status from missionary status. EXECUTIVE COUNCIL 1. We recommend that the proposed revision of Discipline Chapter 6, sections 602B and 603 with additions noted become the policy of our denomination for Pastoral Invitation. This is essentially the proposed revision from 2 years ago, with a two year pastoral contract instead of a 4 year conference pastoral contract, as well as a few clarification. 2. We recommend that Steve Hagopian be considered as having served this past year as a Conference Supply. 3. Regarding the Eastern District item concerning the composition of Quarterly Conference we recommend that the current system be given time to prove itself. 4. We recommend that we add to our Discipline at the end of item 601 paragraph 1 the following note: “see item 605, the option for Local Church Elders.” We further recommend that we add to our Discipline at the beginning of item 605 the following words: “A congregation by 2/3 vote may designate their Local Church Elders as the highest official body of the local church, replacing the Quarterly Conference.” 5. We recommend that we reconsider our decision to unite our NMB and IMB. WYOMING DISTRICT Voted to receive the report and take up the items. 1. Referred to Executive Council that Conference be reminded of the concern of our small churches to attract ministers due to their low attendance and low finances. 2. Noted the need that all time sensitive materials requiring church or ministerial action within seven days or less, by the District or Conference, must be communicated to Pastors and/or churches via land mail or telephone. 3. Voted to receive an offering at Conference for PMBC. SCHUYLKILL DISTRICT Voted to receive the report and take up the items. 1. Confirmed the election of Rev. Robert Priest to a second term as District Superintendent. 2. Referred to School of Theology that Rev. Brian Nichols be advanced in status (Elders ordination) providing that all requirements are met. 3. Voted to place a suitable memorial in the yearbook for Mrs. Dorothy Metzger, to be written by Rev. Frank Hrabak and Rev. David Allen, Sr., and to be funded by the Trinity PM Church. PITTSBURGH DISTRICT Voted to receive the report and take up the items. 1. Voted to place a suitable memorial in the yearbook for Charlotte Anderson, to be written by Mrs. Dorothy Thomas. 2. Referred to School of Theology that Rev. Andrew Jerome and Rev. Ronald Perry be advanced in status (Elders ordination) providing that all requirements are met. WESTERN DISTRICT Voted to receive the report and take up the items. 1. Voted to place a suitable memorial in the yearbook for Rev. William Esser to be written by Robert Bennett. 2. Voted to accept the Iglesia Hispania Evangelica of Darlington, Wisconsin as a Primitive Methodist Church. EASTERN DISTRICT Voted to receive the report and take up the items. 1. Voted to accept the recommendation of the Executive Council that we give a year’s trial to the new size of the Quarterly Conference as voted last year. 2. Referred to PPF the request to look into a Health Insurance plan for our Pastors and Missionaries. 3. Referred to PMBC that they consider a member of the Eastern District be on the Board of the camp. 4. Referred to the Corresponding Secretary that a letter be sent to Harold and Ella Noble be recognizing them for their years of service. 5. Referred to PMBC that they consider Pastor/Spouse retreats. SOUTHERN DISTRICT Voted to receive the report and take up the items. 1. Voted that a suitable memorial be placed in the yearbook for Mrs. Eileen Mains to be written by Rev. Wesley Frey. AMERICAN BIBLE SOCIETY Voted to receive the report. Noted correction of total income was $8,060.70. The President appointed Rev. Norman Beck as the ABS representative. SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY 1. Voted that we receive the Elder credentials of Rev. Paul Glendenning at this Conference. 2. Voted to ordain Revs. Brian Beck, Andrew Jerome, Brian Nichols and Ronald Perry as Elders at this Conference. 3. Voted that Rev. Mark Musser’s name be dropped as a Student Pastor. 4. Voted that Rev. Duhamel Rodriguez be retained as a Third Year Student Pastor. 5. Voted that Tyler Parry be received as a Third Year Student Pastor. 6. Voted that Mario Cordero be received as a Third Year Student Pastor (subject to verification of his visa and work permit) and referred to the NMB. 7. Voted that Steve Hagopian be received as a First Year Student Pastor. 8. Voted that we receive the credentials of Rev. David Sargent from the Southern Baptist onvention and he begin the 2-year probationary status. 9. Voted that Rev. Peter Mueller be received as a First Year Student Pastor and be referred to the NMB. 10. Voted that William Salmon be received as a First Year Student Pastor. 11. Voted that David Elick be received as a First Year Student Pastor and be referred to the NMB. SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY TREASURER’S REPORT Voted to accept the report. SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY (Cont’d) Voted to approve a 2-year probationary period for all Elders transferring credentials. Voted to confirm the change in By-laws to allow the election of an extra member. Appendix 18 section 3 will read “…no less than five, no more than 9….” Voted to elect Rev Luis Estevez as a member of the PM School of Theology. Referred to Budget Committee the request for an increase of $3,000 per year. Voted to confirm the following officers: President – Rev. William H. Fudge Vice President – Rev. K. Gene Carroll Secretary – Rev. A. Russell Masartis Treasurer – Rev. Allan Rupert The timekeeper, Rev. Kenneth Smith, called on Rev Alvin Reese to lead in prayer. ARCHIVES REPORT Voted to accept the report. BOARD OF CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES Noted that What I Should Know is now placed on computer format and includes grammatical changes and NIV references. Noted that current Board publications should now be ordered from Rev. Robert Priest. 104 Crump Rd. Exton PA 19341. 610-363-9327. pastorbob@lcmchurch.org Noted that a new Discipline will be printed pending final approval by Legislative Committee and Conference. A printed 81/2 X 11 is available from the Conference President. Elected to the board: Rev. Kenneth K. Smith to his second term. Mrs. Ruth Ann Jordan to her second term. Mrs. Jennifer Brudnicki to her first term. Confirmed the following officers: President – Rev. Kenneth K. Smith Vice-President – Mrs. Janice Brinker Secretary/Treasurer – Rev. Robert Priest Voted to accept the report. Rev Carroll gave an update on the Conference Web page, including the need for contributors to the daily devotional and pictures of churches. CONFERENCE TREASURER REPORT Voted to receive the report. CHAPLAINS COMMISSION Voted to receive the report. Voted to have a memorial for Alice Sparks placed in the Yearbook to be written by Rev. Neal Smith. Voted to send letters of commendation to our Chaplains for their service. FLOWER FUND Voted that due to the positive balance of the Flower Fund an offering need not be taken. Voted to receive the report. PRIMITIVE METHODIST INVESTMENT FOUNDATION Voted to adopt the report and take up the items. Noted rates are 4% on CD’s and 3% on Passbooks. Voted re-elect to PMIF: Carol Washick and Rev James Johnson. Voted to confirm the following officers: Chairman – Ross F Walton Jr. Vice Chairman – Ruth Ann Mason Secretary/Treasurer – Thelma Fudge CHRISTIAN LIFE IN ACTION Voted to receive the report. Voted to elect Silvia Hagopian as Chairperson. NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF EVANGELICALS Voted to accept the report. WY-VAL RELIGIOUS SUPPLY Voted to accept the report. The bookstore is now known as Lighthouse Christian Books & Gifts. This store is owned by a local businessman; however we must maintain our board for five more years to satisfy legal terms when we sold the bookstore. It was voted to exempt this board from the rule regarding officers holding not more than two offices in Conference since this is technically a non-functioning board with very limited activities. REPORT ON DUAL MEMBERSHIP FOR DENOMINATIONS IN THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF EVANGELICALS Voted to accept the report. Questions arose regarding the NAE and their tie with organizations which are not in keeping with our Conference beliefs regarding doctrine, and social practices we find intolerable. Rev. K. Gene Carroll recommends we maintain our membership since any organization that is a part of NAE must subscribe and adhere to the NAE doctrinal statement. Voted we maintain our membership with NAE. The order of the day having arrived (4:45 PM) the General Secretary recessed the sessions. Rev. Fred Jeffrey led in prayer. Rev. David and Shirley Malanowski and Debbie Coates opened in worship. Rev. A. Russell Masartis introduced the candidates for Pastoral Ministry. POCONO MOUNTAIN BIBLE CONFERENCE Noted that the new camp web site is www.camppmbc.com Noted that Aug 18, 2003 will be Pastor’s Day at PMBC Mortgage balance as of 12/31/02 is $138,272. Voted to confirm the following officers: Ron Dye – President Rev Dennis Frantz – Vice President Rev Kyle Gildner – Secretary Mr. Richard Musser – Treasurer Voted to accept the report. An offering was taken for the ministry of PMBC. $2,290 was received. SALARY COMMITTEE Student and Supply Pastors: June 1 2003 - $18,100; June 1 2004 - $18,800 Ordained Elders: June 1, 2003 - $19,500; June 1, 2004 - $20,200 Voted to accept the report. INTERNATIONAL MISSION BOARD Diane Duntze addressed the Conference. Rev. Felix and Mireya Rodriguez addressed the Conference, along with Altagracia de Jesus Gomez, Director of Colegio Claren Lehman in the Dominican Republic. Voted to confirm the following officers: Mr. Rick Clemson – President Miss Ruth Hughes – Secretary Mr. Gordon Ten Brink - Treasurer Rev. Fred Jeffrey - Director Noted thanks to Sally Kennedy for her work in Women’s Ministries. Noted thanks to Sue Kidd for her work with the Gleanings. Noted the resignation of Sue Meyer from Wycliffe. Noted that raising support for Rev. Felix Rodriguez, and the Colegio Claren Lehman, and possible purchase of a church building in Santiago for $50,000 in the Dominican Republic are approved as special projects. Voted to accept the treasurer’s report. The timekeeper, Rev. Kenneth Smith, called on Rev. Gillard Evans to pray for the IMB. WOMEN’S MISSIONARY MINISTRIES Noted that the financial report item of $282.50 should read $382.50. Voted to receive the report. Voted to confirm Sue Kidd as Director of Women’s Missionary Ministries. CONFERENCE YOUTH MINISTRIES Voted to accept the report. The President appointed Rev. John Stange as Conference Youth Director. The first reading of the Stationing Committee was read without comment. The order of the day having arrived (9:20 PM), the President recessed the sessions. Mr. David Elick led in prayer. Rev. David and Shirley Malanowski opened with worship. Kathy Regan addressed the Conference concerning the Women’s Retreat. Rev. Bruce Hess of OMS addressed the Conference. The two nominees for President, Rev. Reginald Thomas and Rev. Kerry Ritts presented their vision for our Conference. The timekeeper, Rev. Kenneth Smith, called upon Rev. Bruce Sellers to pray for the election of our president. Motion denied to determine if we vote for a Full time President or Pastor – President before voting for the office. Voted by ballot to elect Rev. Kerry Ritts as Pastor – President. Voted to accept the minutes of the May 14 sessions, with corrections. Voted to elect the following Conference Officers: Rev. Reginald H. Thomas – Vice President Rev. Allan Rupert – Recording Secretary PROPOSED REVISION TO THE DISCIPLINE: 600 Local Church Voted to allow the Pastoral Relations Committee to meet with the Pastor after the Congregational vote, with no need to wait until the designated Tuesday. (Discipline 602B.1) Voted to agree in principle to the 2-year contract and to send this proposal, with necessary corrections, to the Legislation Committee. Rev. Brian Smith Executive Director of PCAP addressed the Conference. EXECUTIVE COUNCIL (Cont’d) Voted to adopt item 3 We recommend that we add to our Discipline at the end of item 601 paragraph 1 the following note: “see item 605, the option for Local Church Elders.” We further recommend that we add to our Discipline at the beginning of item 605 the following words: “A congregation by 2/3 vote may designate their Local Church Elders as the highest official body of the local church, replacing the Quarterly Conference.” BUDGET COMMITTEE 1. Voted that the travel expenses for year 2004 be paid in the same manner as last year and that pastors and delegates seek ways to reduce their expenses through car-pooling or other techniques. If the present reimbursement method exceeds your needs, please request less reimbursement. The limits are: A. Those travelling long distances will be reimbursed at the rate of $40.00 per night to cover meals and lodging. B. The driver will be reimbursed $0.12 per mile plus actual toll expenses based on a direct route. C. Pastors and delegates not requiring overnight lodging will be reimbursed the actual/reasonable cost of their meals. D. Pastors and delegates traveling by other modes of transportation will be reimbursed $0.12 per road mile. We actually discourage this since it prohibits car-pooling. 2. Voted that the Conference dues for 2004 be assessed at the following: A. The assessment on income will be 3.4%. B. The assessment per adult member shall be $6.00. 3. Voted that the income to be assessed shall be all money raised except the following: A. Money borrowed (in the same year in which they are borrowed). B. Money contributed to missions. C. Money paid toward church and parsonage mortgages (including interest and taxes). D. Money that is NOT raised by or for the church, but merely passes through the church books (e.g. pastor paying the church for his phone bill). This does not include church dues, special fund raising projects, payments on pastor’s IRA’s, Easter flowers, church dinners, etc. This money is raised for the church and is assessable. This money must be itemized and the justification submitted as an attachment to your report if it exceeds $500.00). E. Money paid for church building rent. 4. Voted that the budget recommendation (shown later in this Yearbook) be accepted as the approved budget for 2004. 5. Noted that all boards requesting funds for 2005 submit your request to the Conference Treasurer by January 31, 2004 or the Budget Committee will make its own recommendation. 6. Voted that the Conference assess churches of fewer than 50 members - $50, and assess churches of 50 or more members - $100, any year that the Moving Fund balance falls below $4,000 at the end of a year. The current year, 2002 moving fund monies WILL NOT BE ASSESSED, together with the second quarter dues. 7. Noted that the Budget Committee contacts all churches changing pastors to determine their need for assistance in meeting the expenses of the move. Guidelines for reimbursing moving expenses will be $2.00 per mile for up to 2,000 miles. The total needs and availability of funds will influence all decisions. Voted to accept the report. Second reading of the Stationing Committee was read without comment. The order of the day having arrived (11:55 AM) the President recessed the session. Mr. David Berry led in prayer. Rev. David and Shirley Malanowski opened with worship. Rev. Don Kidd thanked the Conference supporting him in his missionary endeavor. NATIONAL MISSION BOARD Director Rev. Fred Perkins addressed the Conference, he stressed that no endeavor we attempt will succeed if we fail to pray. Noted the passing of Dorothy Metzger. Commended the Western District on the Darlington work. Recognized the following: Rev. Nicholas Collado of Ocala. Rev. Raphael Blanco of Brooklyn and the church’s need for a van. Introduced Rev. Duhamel Rodriguez of Orlando, Florida. Introduced Rev. David and Kathy Elick of the Mountain Top Church. Rev. Luis and Josephina Estevez, and their family life ministry. Rev. Peter Mueller, our church planter in Portage, Indiana. Voted to refer to Conference Trustee Board the sale of the Portage, Indiana church building. Timekeeper Rev. Kenneth Smith called on Rev. Gale Morris to lead us in prayer. Voted to refer to the Legislation Committee that we change the Conference name to “Great Commission Methodist Church”. Voted to confirm the officers of the NMB: Director- Rev. Fred Perkins Secretary- Ruth Ann Jordan Treasurer- Rev. Richard Lewis Voted to accept the treasurer’s report. Rev. David Elick led us in prayer. The order of the day having arrived we were dismissed at 4:10PM. Rev. David and Shirley Malanowski opened with a time of worship. NATURAL CHURCH DEVELOPMENT Voted to receive the report. CONFERENCE TRUSTEE BOARD Voted to adopt the report. Noted the Board continues to work towards the sale of the Maitland Memorial Church. Congratulations extended to the Marion Oaks PM Church for its completed construction of their church building. Noted that statements of bonding of Conference Treasurers will be forthcoming. Notify Mr. Ross Walton of any changes. Noted the renewal of the Charters of Rhode Island and Florida. Noted the reception of deeds for new property of the Strongsville, Ohio Church, the Darlington, Wisconsin Hispanic Church and the Benton School in Wisconsin. Congratulations to each of these ministries. Noted confirmation of the request to sell the Portage, Indiana properties and use the money for work in Portage. Voted to allow the Trustee Board to sell the Conference home at 1045 Laurel Run Rd in Wilkes Barre, PA with the monies to be invested to buy a Conference home if needed in the future. Voted to confirm the following officers: President, Rev. Reginald H. Thomas Vice President, Rev. Thomas Wambach Secretary/Treasurer, Mr. Ross Walton, Jr. PREACHERS PENSION FUND Voted to receive the report. Voted to continue Special Ministry status for Rev. Ron Sparks and Rev. Nelson Perkinson. Voted to accept into the Fund Revs. Mario Cordero, William Salmon, Tyler Parry, David Sargant, David Elick, Peter Mueller and Steve Hagopian. Voted to approve the request to sever relationship from Revs. MJR Scott Roney, Charles Parry and Michael Glidden. Voted to confirm the following officers: Rev. Jeffrey Sweigart – President Rev. Andrew Jerome – Vice President Mr. Thomas Kopsie – Secretary/Treasurer EXECUTIVE COUNCIL The Committee to combine the IMB and NMB did not meet this year. Voted to adopt the reccomendation that we do not merge these two boards right now. Voted to accept the reports of the PPF. WYOMING DISTRICT Cont’d Completed SCHUYLKILL DISTRICT Cont’d Confirmed the Tamaqua PM Church opportunity to buy a parcel of land adjoining their property (for $5,000) to eventually develop more parking space. Completed PITTSBURGH DISTRICT Cont’d Completed WESTERN DISTRICT Cont’d Completed EASTERN DISTRICT Cont’d Completed SOUTHERN DISTRICT Cont’d Completed COMPLAINTS AND APPEALS No complaints or appeals Voted to allow the Executive Council to review and edit minutes of May 15 and 16 sessions and to make necessary corrections.,br> Voted that the next Conference Sessions will be held May 10 – 14, 2004 at Sandy Cove Bible Conference, Northeast Maryland. Voted to ask Rev. Frank and Bonnie Hrabak to serve as hosts for the 2004 Conference Sessions. Voted to express our thanks and give an honorarium to the host and hostess. Voted that the Corresponding Secretary send a letter to President George Bush and Vice President Richard Cheney that the Primitive Methodist Church is praying for them. The Final Reading of the Stationing Committee was read without comment. Three corrections were noted. Voted to adjourn the sessions of the 131st Conference. GENERAL CONFERENCE CONVENED The President, Rev Kerry Ritts convened the General Conference. The President asked if there was any business to transact. Noted that there was no business to transact. Voted that the transactions of the Annual Conference be confirmed by the General Conference body. Voted to adjourn the General Conference. Respectfully Submitted, |
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