Minutes of the 2005 Sessions of the Primitive Methodist Church

THE 133^rd ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE
PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH
IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
MAY 10-13, 2005

SANDY COVE BIBLE CONFERENCE,
NORTH EAST, MARYLAND
TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2005

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 Rev. David Gonzalez, Mrs. Josefina Estevez, Rev. David Rodriguez and the Praise Chorus of our Providence church was followed by a challenging message by Rev. Dan Riemenschneider of Healthy Church Initiative at 7:30 PM.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 2005 – MORNING SESSION
Jonathan Malanowski led in a time of worship.
Rev. Kerry Robert Ritts read portions of Acts 1 and 2.
Rev. Reginald H. Thomas led in prayer for our sessions.
The General Secretary, Rev. David Allen, read the Roll of Churches, Conference Treasurer, Special Ministries, Retired Ministers, Missionaries, Deaconesses, Ministerial Widows and Local Preachers.
Noted that Roxanne and Loraine Schlimm were absent (for the first time since 1962) due to health concerns.

The President, Rev. Kerry Ritts presented his address to Conference and received a vote of thanks. He noted our first increase in membership since 1960, and our increase in average attendance.
Voted to receive and adopt the report of the President.
Rev. Luis Estevez was called upon to pray for our Pastors, Mr. Raymond C. Baldwin for church leaders, Rev. Andrew Jerome for our churches to have a burden for the lost, Rev. Rodney Hall to pray for the churches’ prayer life, Rev. Allan Rupert to pray for forgiveness, and Rev. David Allen to pray for the Conference to be one in purpose and mind.

Tellers: Rev. David Elick, Rev. David Gonzalez, Rev. Peter Mueller, Rev. David Wildoner and Rev. Mark Musser.
Voted to set the entire auditorium as the Bar of Conference.

The order of the day having arrived (11:45 a.m.) the President recessed the sessions. Sarah Kidd led in prayer for the sessions. Rev. Rafael Blanco led in prayer for the meal.
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WEDNESDAY MAY 11, 2005 - AFTERNOON SESSION
Jonathan Malanowski led in a time of worship.

Voted to grant a voice and vote to Rev. Jacob Giron and Rev. Juan Par of the Guatemalan Conference.

Voted to elect the following Conference Officers:
     Treasurer – Mr. Raymond C. Baldwin
     General Secretary – Rev. David Allen
     Recording Secretary – Rev. John Stange, IV
     Assistant Recording Secretary – Rev. Robert Priest

Voted to elect to the Stationing Committee: Almira Griffiths, Ruth Ann Mason, Mary Jane Sweigart, Nancy Cunningham, Dana Hansen, Johnnie Castle, Barbara Ferguson.

Voted to elect to the General Committee the following: Tony Custodio, Vera DePue, Jane Carns, Shirley Malanowski, Sandy Acornley, Nancy Rowe.

Voted to elect as Members-at-large to the General Committee: Ruth Hughes; Nancy Donigian; Art Berton, Nancy Gustas, Ray Majors, Carl Babler.

Voted to elect as Minster-at-large to the General Committee: Rev Alvin Reese.

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:
          Pittsburgh District: Glenwood
          Western District: Benton/Leadmine
          Eastern District; Matthews Memorial, Tiverton
     B. The following churches request the return of their Pastor:
          Wyoming District: Avoca, Franklin Street, Mountaintop.
          Schuylkill District: St. Clair, Newtown.
          Western District: Pleasant View, Darlington Hispanic.
          Southern District: Bowling Green (CBF).
     C. The following churches request to be returned to the care of the District:
          Wyoming District: Lawrenceville, Taylor.
          Schuylkill District: New Life Community Fellowship; Mahanoy City/Shenandoah; Allentown.
          Pittsburgh District: Westmoreland City; Pittsburgh 2^nd; Swisshelm Park; Merritt; Victory; Sutersville; Gratztown; Beaver
          Falls; Glen Richey; Carnegie.
          Western District: Boone/Fraser; New Diggings; Standart
          Eastern District: New Bedford South

2. Voted to refer to the National Mission Board: Brooklyn; Portage; Pittsburgh 1^st; New Bedford Hispanic.

3. Voted to refer to the Preachers Pension Fund:
     To renew Special Ministries Status: Rev. Ronald Sparks, Rev. David Parry.
     To retire: Rev. Horace Clayton, Rev. Ronald Gablick.

4. Voted to refer to the Examining Board:
     A. The Churches and Districts present the following as suitable candidates for ministry: Nathan Doyle, Rev. Juan Garcia.
     B. The Churches and Districts recommend the advancement in status of the following Pastors, provided all requirements have been met: Rev. Manuel Castro, Rev. Mario Cordero, Rev. Tyler Parry; Rev. William Salmon; Rev. Peter Mueller. Rev David Gonzalez, Rev. Mark Musser, Rev. Ryan Reveley, Rev. Duhamel Rodriguez, Rev. David Wildoner and Rev. David Elick.

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL REPORT
     1. We request that we continue to pray for our struggling churches, and that healthier churches do what is possible to encourage all of our churches.
     2. Noted that a statement will be forthcoming regarding the recommendation that our procedure to change the Discipline be streamlined.

GENERAL COMMITTEE
     1. Confirmed the approval of Faith Community Church Strongsville, OH, to borrow $70,000 to purchase a parsonage.
     2. Confirmed the approval of Providence Primitive Methodist Church of Providence, RI, to sell their church building, pay off their debts, and relocate.

WYOMING DISTRICT
Noted that a suitable memorial for Mrs. Thelma Barteld of our East End Church be written by Rev. Marty Garms and be placed in the 2005 Yearbook.
Noted that a suitable memorial for Rev. Hubert Kidd be written by Helen Kidd and be placed in the 2005 Yearbook.
Noted that a suitable memorial for Janet Jeffrey be written by Rev. Donald Kidd and be placed in the 2005 Yearbook.
Noted that a suitable memorial for David Jeffery be written by Rev. Tyler Parry and be placed in the 2005 Yearbook.
Confirmed the election of Rev. Allan Rupert as District Superintendent.
A vote of appreciation was given to Rev. Norman Beck for 21 years of service as a District Superintendent.

SCHUYLKILL DISTRICT
Voted that a suitable memorial for Mrs. Lula Dean be written by and be placed in the 2005 Yearbook.

PITTSBURGH DISTRICT
No items.

WESTERN DISTRICT
Noted the resignation of Rev. A. Russell Masartis as District Superintendent.
Confirmed the election of Rev. Paul Glendenning as District Superintendent, fulfilling the unexpired term of Rev. Masartis.

EASTERN DISTRICT
No items at this time.

SOUTHERN DISTRICT
Voted that an annual statement on the value of Christian Education be placed in the Yearbook. The President appointed Rev. David Sargent to write this statement for the 2005 Yearbook.
Noted that churches are ultimately responsible for the content of their Yearbook remarks. Remarks that describe activities of the church that have not taken place in the previous calendar year will not be excluded. Please only remark on efforts to enhance the spiritual health of the church.
Voted that a suitable memorial for Rev. Wesley Frey be written by Rev. John Sargent and placed in the 2005 Yearbook.

SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY
Voted to receive Steve Ramsier as a First Year Student.
Voted that Tyler Parry be ordained an Elder at this Conference.
Voted that Antonio Tertus Lima complete the application process and appear before the next Conference.
Voted that Ryan Reveley be stationed in a church and continue as a 3^rd Year Student.
Voted that David Wildoner be advanced to Second Year Student.
Voted that Juan Garcia continue as a First Year Student.
Voted that Nathan Doyle be received as a Third Year Student.
Voted that David Elick continue as a Second Year Student.
Voted that Mark Musser be advanced to Fourth Year Student.
Voted that William Salmon be stationed as a Conference Supply Pastor.
Voted that Peter Mueller be advanced to Second Year Student.
Voted that David Gonzalez be advanced to Second Year Student status.
Voted that Manuel Castro be received into the first year of the two year transfer of credentials process at this Conference.
Voted that Rolando Rodriguez be considered a suitable candidate for a church planter in the Eastern District.
Voted that Mario Cordero be advanced to Fourth Year Student.
Voted that David Sargent’s credentials be received at this Conference and that he be given Elder Status.
Voted that Ron Murphy be advanced to the second year of probationary status.
Confirmed the following officers:
          President: Rev. Dr. William Brendley.
          Vice President: Rev. Frank Hrabak.
          Secretary/ Treasurer: Rev. Allan Rupert.
          Hispanic Coordinator: Rev. Luis Estevez.
These officers are to be elected annually by the Board and confirmed by Conference (Appendix 18.4).
Voted to send to the Legislation Committee the recommendation that Conference remove the office of librarian from Discipline articles 308B and Appendix 18.4E since each department head maintains the books appropriate to his own department.
Voted to send to the Legislation Committee the recommendation to change Discipline article 406 to require two years instead of one year of probation for transfer of credentials candidates.
Voted to grant student scholarships to Rev. Tyler Parry and Rev. Mark Musser for the purpose of visiting the Guatemala mission field at $1,000 each.

SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY TREASURER
Voted to receive the report.

AMERICAN BIBLE SOCIETY
Voted to accept the report.

ARCHIVES COMMITTEE
Voted to accept the report.
The Conference expressed its appreciation to Rev. William H. Fudge for his work with the Archives Committee.
Voted to refer to the Executive Council the issue concerning storage of items in the Archives.

CHAPLAIN’S COMMISSION
Voted to accept the report.
Rev. Kerry R. Ritts offered prayer for Rev. Ronald A. Sparks.

FLOWER FUND
Voted to accept the report.
An offering was taken for the flower fund.

CONFERENCE TREASURER’S REPORT
Voted to accept the report.

BUDGET COMMITTEE
Voted to accept the report.

Voted that travel expenses for 2006 be paid in the same manner as last year, but at a higher rate for meals and lodging, 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 traveling long distances will be reimbursed at the rate of $45 per night to cover meals and lodging.
     b. The driver will be reimbursed $0.15 cents 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 at $0.15 cents per road mile. We actually discourage this since it prohibits car pooling.
Voted that the Conference dues for 2006 be reduced by 7% and assessed at the following rate:
     a. The assessment on income will be 3.2%.
     b. The assessment per adult member shall be $5.00.
Voted that 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., the pastor repaying the church for his phone bill). This exemption does not include church dues, special fund raising projects, payments on pastor’s IRAs, Easter flowers, church dinners, etc. That 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 $3,000.00.
     e. Money paid to rent the church building.
     f. Money received from the NMB.
Voted that the budget recommendation be accepted as the approved budget for 2006.
Voted that all boards requesting funds for 2007, submit requests to the Conference Treasurer by January 31, 2006, or the Budget Committee will make its own recommendation.
Noted that the Conference includes $2,000 in the budget to provide a moving fund and that individual churches will not be assessed as a separate item. In effect, this reduces the overall dues paid by a church.
Voted that the Budget Committee contact all retiring Pastors and churches changing pastors to determine their need for assistance in meeting the expenses of the move. Guidelines for reimbursing moving expenses will continue to be $2.00 per mile for up to 2,000 miles. The total needs and availability of funds will influence all decisions. We cannot promise the maximum.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF EVANGELICALS
Voted to accept the report.

TRUSTEE BOARD
     1. Held in abeyance the recommendation to affirm the closing of the New Bedford First Church pending work on transitioning the property to the Iglesia Metodista Primitiva de New Bedford under the direction of Rev. Juan Luis Garcia.
     2. Voted to examine the possibility of revitalization of the American P.M.Church in Mahanoy City, and if this is not possible we affirm the closing of this church.
     3. Voted to confirm the officers for the coming year:
          President – Rev. Reginald H. Thomas
          Vice President – Rev. Thomas Wambach
          Secretary/Treasurer – Mr. Ross F. Walton, Jr.

BOARD OF CHRISTIAN MNISTRIES
Referred to the Legislation Committee the request to change the bylaws concerning membership of the board to read “the board shall consist of a minimum of 6 members and a maximum of 8 members.”
Voted to reelect Rev. Robert Priest to his second term.
Voted to elect Rev. Dennis Frantz to his first full term.
Voted to elect Ashley Green to her first term.
Voted to confirm the following officers:
          Rev. Kenneth K. Smith, President
          Mrs. Jennifer Brudnicki, Vice President
          Rev. Robert Priest, Secretary-Treasurer
Rev. K. Gene Carroll addressed the Conference concerning the Conference Web page. Visit www.primitivemethodistchurch.org
Voted to accept the report.

Doug and Margaret Grenawalt of Christar Mission addressed the Conference.

PRIMITIVE METHODIST INVESTMENT FOUNDATION
Voted to accept the report.
Voted to confirm the following officers:
          Chairman of the Board – Mr. Ross F. Walton Jr.
          Vice-Chairman of the Board – Mrs. Ruth Ann Mason
          Secretary Treasurer – Mrs. Thelma Fudge

The Nominating Committee appointed the following:
          Timekeeper – Rev. Bernard Murphy
          Complaints and Appeals – Rev. James Johnson and Rev. Thomas Wambach.
          Corresponding Secretary – Mrs. Paulette Grenesko

WOMEN’S MISSIONARY MINISTRIES
Voted to accept the report.

YOUTH MINISTRIES
Voted to accept the report.

The President appointed Rev. Horace Clayton to write the Statement on the Bible for the 2006 Yearbook.

The timekeeper, Rev. Bernard Murphy, called on Rev. Dennis Handley to pray for Ross Walton who will have hip surgery this July.

The order of the day having arrived (4:35 PM) the President recessed the sessions. Mrs. Ruth Reitz was called on to pray for the sessions and Mrs. Eleanor Tyson to pray for the evening meal.

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WEDNESDAY MAY 11, 2005 - EVENING SESSION
A service was held receiving the Mountain Top PM Church into the Conference.

POCONO MOUNTAIN BIBLE CONFERENCE
Rev. John Stange presented a video showing the ministry of PMBC.
Voted to receive the PMBC report.

POCONO MOUNTAIN BIBLE CONFERENCE TREASURER
Voted to receive the report.

The first reading of the Stationing Committee was given without comment.

The order of the day having arrived (9:15 PM), the President recessed the sessions. Rev. Kerry Ritts led in prayer.

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THURSDAY MAY 12, 2005 – MORNING SESSION
Jonathan Malanowski led in a time of worship.
Voted to accept the minutes of the Wednesday May 11 sessions, as corrected.

EASTERN DISTRICT cont’d
Voted to accept the closing of the New Bedford First Church.
Voted to pass the building of the New Bedford First Church to the New Bedford Hispanic Mission, working with the Conference Trustee Board and National Mission Board.
Referred to the Preachers Pension Fund the request of Rev. Wayne Conway for sabbatical status.
Confirmed the re-election of Rev. Luis Estevez as District Superintendent.

Bret Nathaniel of Athletes in Action presented a video describing the ministry of AIA.
The timekeeper, Rev. Bernard Murphy called on Rev. Loren Anderson to lead in prayer.

INTERNATIONAL MISSION BOARD
Rev. Jacob Giron and Rev. Juan Par addressed the Conference.
Rev. Bill Vasey addressed the Conference.
Rev Luis and Mireya Rodriguez and Rev Fidel and Altagracia Lorenzo addressed the Conference.
Brian Fink addressed the Conference.
Fran and Buffy McManamon of the Johnson City Church were introduced as Short-term missionaries to Brazil with OMS. Rev. Don Kidd led in prayer for the McManamons.
IMB presented the following Projects: Car for Linda MacRae; 400 desks and chairs ($25.00 each) for the Utatlan School; Printing of the translation of the Quiche translation ($80,000 – $100,000); Start of a saw mill in Guatemala ($5,000.00).
Voted to confirm the following officers:
          Director – Rev. Fred Jeffrey
          President – Rick Clemson
          Secretary – Josefina Estevez
          Treasurer – Gordon Ten Brink
Confirmed the appointment of Rev. Don Kidd to fulfill the unexpired term of Rev. David Malanowski.
Voted to accept the report

Dr. John Scott of the American Bible Society was introduced to the Conference.
Ms. Pat Walker of forministry.com (ABS) was introduced to the Conference.

The order of the day having arrived (12:00 p.m.) the President recessed the sessions. Bill Tilley led in prayer for the sessions. Almira Griffiths led in prayer for the meal.

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THURSDAY MAY 12, 2005 - AFTERNOON SESSION
Jonathan Malanowski led in a time of worship.

The Conference President called on Rev. Frank Hrabak to lead in prayer for Rev. David Malanowski.

INTERNATIONAL MISSION BOARD TREASURER
Voted to accept the report.

NATIONAL MISSION BOARD
Confirmed the following officers:
          Secretary – Ruth Ann Jordan
          Treasurer- Rev. Richard Lewis
          Church Revitalization Coordinator – Rev. Marty Garms
Voted to accept the report.
Voted to accept the report of the NMB Treasurer.

SALARY COMMITTEE
The Salary Committee chose not to increase the minimum salary this year, but rather to strongly encourage each church to increase their pastor’s salary because of their love for their pastor and to encourage him in his work. Our money is not ours; we are just stewards of what the Lord has entrusted us with, and as faithful stewards, we will care for His shepherds. Every pastor deserves a living wage, comparable to those of his church. If we consider our pastor’s salary plus the cost of our mortgage (or rent), does his salary compare favorably; I doubt it. We need an attitude change among our people and we should start by rewarding and encouraging our pastors each year, even without having to be required by an increased minimum salary requirement.

Voted on the Pastoral Salary for the year June 1, 2006 through May 31, 2007
          Minimum Salary for Student/Conference Supply: $19,800.00;
          Minimum Salary for Elder: $21,200.00.
Voted to accept the report.

A Stationing Committee report was presented at this time.
The order of the day having arrived (4:00), the sessions were recessed. Prayer was offered for the sessions and for the meal.

FRIDAY – MAY 13, 2005 – MORNING SESSION
Jonathan Malanowski led in a time of worship.

Minutes of the May 12, 2005 minutes were accepted with corrections.

PREACHERS PENSION FUND
Voted to confirm the following statuses:
     Rev. Wayne Conway – Sabbatical
     Revs Ronald Sparks, David Parry and Nelson Perkinson – Special Ministries
Voted to receive Revs. Steve Ramsier, Manuel Castro, Nathan Doyle and Daniel Pastorius into the PPF
Confirmed the following officers:
          President – Rev. Jeff Sweigart
          Vice President – Rev. Andrew Jerome
          Secretary – Mr. Tom Kopsie
          Administrator – Rev. Norm Beck
Voted to approve the change in bylaws (see pages 87-91 of this Yearbook)
Voted to accept the report.

EXECUTIVE SESSION
Voted to accept the report.

LEGISLATION COMMITTEE
Referred to legislation committee a change in bylaws, and a review of the purpose of the Legislation Committee, to be reported back to the 2006 Annual Conference.

TRUSTEE BOARD cont’d
Voted to accept the report.

WYOMING DISTRICT Cont’d
Completed.

SCHUYLKILL DISTRICT Cont’d
Rev. William Salmon to write the memorial for Mrs. Lula Dean for the 2005 Yearbook.
Completed.

PITTSBURG 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

The President mentioned the need for a Travel Contingency treasurer. Rev. Robert Gill was appointed to this position.
Voted to allow the Executive Council to edit the minutes of the Friday May 13, 2005 Session.
Voted that the 2006 Annual Conference will be held May 15-19, 2006 at Sandy Cove, North East, Maryland. (May 14-18, 2007).
Voted to express our thanks and give an honorarium to the host and hostess.
Voted to ask Rev. Frank and Bonnie Hrabak to serve as host and hostess for the 2006 Annual Conference.
Thanks were expressed to Jonathan Malanowski as worship leader.
Thanks were expressed to the Sandy Cove Audio/Visual staff.
Voted to express our thanks to Rev. David Allen, Rev. Reginald Thomas, Mr. Raymond Baldwin and Rev. Allan Rupert for their service on the Executive Council.
Thanks were expressed to the Hatboro Church and Becky Ritts for their support.
Thanks were expressed for our Conference President, Rev. Kerry R. Ritts.
The President instructed the corresponding secretary send a letter to Loraine and Roxanne Schlimm informing them that they were missed and in our prayers.
The President instructed the corresponding secretary send a letter to President George W. Bush assuring him of the prayers of the Primitive Methodist Conference.

STATIONING COMMITTEE
The final reading of the Stationing Committee was read without comment.

Voted to adjourn the sessions of the 133rd Annual Conference.

GENERAL CONFERNCE 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.
Voted to adjourn the General Conference.

Respectfully Submitted;

President
Vice President
General Secretary
Treasurer
Recording Secretary
Assistant Recording Secretary

Rev. Kerry R. Ritts
Reg. Reginald H. Thomas
Rev. David S. Allen
Mr. Raymond C. Baldwin
Rev. Allan Rupert
Rev. Robert Priest Jr.

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