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Helping member churches make disciples of Jesus Christ
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Living Waters Baptist Association Annual Meeting Minutes February 22, 2009 Savona Federated Church, Savona, NY 1. Introduction: The Living Waters Association met at the Savona Federated Church, 20 Church St., Savona, NY, on Sunday afternoon, February 22, 2009. Registration began at 2:30 PM, with refreshments provided by the Savona Federated Church; the meeting itself began at 3:00 PM. 2. Worship: The Rev. Ron Huckabone, former pastor of the Savona Federated Church, welcomed Association Delegates to the meeting at 3:00 PM. The meeting began with singing, and then Rev. Huckabone introduced the Rev. Nate Cooper, the pastor of the Savona Federated Church, to the delegates. The Rev. Cooper had been ordained by the Savona Federated Church on Sunday evening, Feb. 15th. The Rev. Cooper then spoke briefly on a texts from 2 Timothy 4:1-5 and Jeremiah 7:23, indicating that we have to present the word of God, and the truth of the gospel message to people rather than trying to please them. 3. Agendas, Roll Call, and Election of Officers a. Agendas: The Rev. Dennis Christiansen, Moderator of the Living Waters Association, distributed agendas to the Association delegates. b. Update on Mr. Matt Norton’s Health: c. Welcome to the Rev. Cooper: The Rev. Christiansen welcomed the Rev. Nate Cooper to the Association as a new pastor. The Rev. Christiansen called upon the Rev. George Norton, Jr., our Area Minister, to give us an update on the medical condition of his son, Matt, as Matt had recently gone through a second liver transplant. The Rev. Norton indicated that the family had received a call to come to Rochester early Sunday morning, February 15th, and that Matt had undergone his second liver transplant procedure on Monday, February 16th. He is receiving a temporary kidney dialysis with the hope that his kidneys would be able to do more filtering on their own in time. Matt is receiving soft foods now, together with a lot of pain medication. His new liver is functioning well, and, as a result, the yellow coloration associated with liver disease is steadily diminishing. The Rev. Norton also spoke about the new routines that had developed during the course of Matt’s recovery from transplant surgery, yet the Rev. Norton indicated that he was still “on the job” as area minister and that pastors and delegates should not hesitate to call when there is a need.d. Roll Call of Churches: The Association’s Secretary, the Rev. Spencer, then conducted a “roll call of churches,” which (at the Moderator’s request) also included brief reports from each church represented.
Church | Number of Delegates | Reports from the Church’s Delegates | Addison, First Baptist Church | 1 | The pastor mentioned that the church had set up a missionary soup kitchen recently and that a joint service of baptism was planned with the Campbell-Erwin Baptist Church of Coopers Plains, NY. | Big Flats, TAB Church | 2 | The church is now searching for a pastor, but enjoys a “good spirit” among the members. They are planning to have a cantata on Palm Sunday. | Coopers Plains, Campbell-Erwin Baptist | 3 | Recently, a youth fellowship group began to meet once again, with the pastor and his wife leading the group. That morning the pastor had given an altar call, and 10 persons had come forward to receive Christ as Lord and Savior. On March 29th the men who attended a recent Promise Keepers event will be gathering at the church at 4 PM to view a DVD of that event. They will also enjoy the pastor’s “award winning” pancakes and sausages. | Canisteo, First Baptist Church | 1 | The pastor reported that some folks are recovering from a “30 Hour Fast” experience and that some youth from the church will be attending a “Revolve” concert in the near future. | Corning, First Baptist Church | 1 | The pastor reported that the women of the church had led the American Baptist Women’s Ministries Sunday worship service; he also reported that a Men’s Prayer Breakfast has been planned for February 28th. | Elmira, First Baptist Church | 1 | The pastor reported that the church is trying to sell its building and that the church has entered into discussions with the South Side Baptist Church of Elmira concerning a possible merger. He reported that there is a “good spirit” in the congregation related to these developments. | Elmira Heights, Elmwood Avenue Baptist | 1 | The delegate mentioned that the church has been having monthly dinners, that they have some new members, as well as new families attending the church, including small children. | Hornell, First Baptist Church | 1 | The pastor reported that he is “recovering” from chaperoning youth who attended the recent Youth Retreat at Watson Homestead. The church is preparing for Lent. They have been meeting in a fellowship room rather than in the sanctuary in order to be good stewards of their resources. He reported that in fund raising for a new sanctuary, the church had raised about $115,000 in commitments to date. | Montour Falls, First Baptist Church | 3 | The delegates reported that they have been meeting in their fellowship hall during the winter months, and that they like the intimacy of meeting there rather than in their sanctuary. They have a prayer group that meets regularly, and they have established a booming food pantry ministry. | Odessa, Odessa Baptist Church | 1 | Delegate Bonnie Seeley mentioned that the Seasoned Seniors group, which includes people from other congregations, had completed its 13th year of ministry. | Pine City, Pine City Baptist | 2 | The delegate reported that the Rev. Bob Sokes is serving as their interim pastor; that the search committee had listened to a candidate preach the previous Sunday at the First Baptist Church of Corning, which was a “neutral pulpit” for them; and that they were asking for prayer as they continue in the search process. | Reading Center, Reading Community Church | 1 | The Rev. David Daniels has been serving since October of 2008 as their “interim pastor,” but the church is not actively involved in a search process. A food basket give away program is a vital part of the church’s ministry, and the church has a “silent auction” program as a fund raising effort. | Savona, Savona Federated Church | 7 | The Rev. Nate Cooper is serving as the church’s new pastor, and he reported a change in the focus of the church toward missions. A delegate reported on a program in a local park involving 6 days of ministry with children and youth from age 4 – teens. The program attracted 50-60 children and youth and seems to be a worthy alternative to a traditional Vacation Bible School. | Elmira, South Side Baptist Church | 3 | The delegates reported that the church is trying to sell their church building, and that the church and its officers have been discussing a recent offer for it. They also reported having had worship services with the First Baptist Church of Elmira—two successful services so far—and that they had had a productive “strategizing” session recently. The church plans to work with Calvary Chapel, with whom they share their building, on a neighborhood block party. | Total Number of Churches Represented 14 Percentage of Association Churches Represented 50% (or 14 of 28) | 28 | |
d. Election of Officers: The Rev. Christiansen, noted that the Association’s Vice-Moderator customarily moves into the Moderator’s position after two years, and that the Association has tried to alternate the Vice-Moderator’s position between pastors and lay people. A lay person had been nominated by the Association’s Executive Committee and had been contacted about serving as Vice-Moderator, and initially she had said she would not serve. Later, she had thought about this some more and had indicated that she might be willing to serve in the position. The Moderator asked the Association delegates if they would allow the Executive Committee to appoint the lay person to the position of Vice-Moderator if that person were willing to serve. Mr. Heath Rutledge moved that the Executive Committee appoint the lay person as Vice-Moderator; the motion was seconded by the Rev. James Ellis. There was discussion about what we would do if the lay person declined the position. It was clarified that in that case we would ask another person to serve—a pastor who had already indicated a willingness to serve in that capacity. The motion carried unanimously. The Moderator indicated that the Executive Committee had nominated the Rev. Tom Bell (Pastor at Campbell-Erwin, Coopers Plains) for the position of Moderator. The motion was made by the Rev. James Ellis that nominations cease, the motion being seconded by the Rev. Richard Kirk. The motion carried unanimously. The Moderator reported that the Executive Committee had recommended that either the Rev. Michael Childs (First Baptist, Hornell) or the Rev. Dennis Christiansen (First Baptist, Elmira) serve as chair of the Christian Life Committee. The Revs. Christiansen and Childs had been serving as co-chairs of the Local and Wider Missions Committee. The Rev. Childs had indicated that he would be willing to serve as chair of the Christian Life Committee. (In that case, the Rev. Christiansen would continue to chair the Local and Wider Missions Committee.) Mr. Paul Miller moved that the Rev. Michael Childs be appointed to chair the Christian Life Committee; the motion was seconded by the Rev. Ellis, and carried.e. The Rev. Bell chaired the meeting from this point on.f. Introduction of First-time Delegates: The Rev. Bell introduced Mr. Danny Beers as a delegate from the Campbell-Erwin Baptist Church and Mrs. Betty Lou Rutledge as a delegate representing the Steuben American Baptist Women.g. The Association delegates then met in Committees. 4. Reports from Standing Committees The Association delegates reconvened at 4:20 PM after a short period of time given to the meetings of the Association’s Standing Committees. Upon reconvening the following reports were given: a. Local and Wider Missions (Rev. Christiansen, Chair): The chair reported that they have been looking for a person who would agree to head up a short-term mission trip and that the Association would pay $150 toward that person’s trip costs. The person who might agree to do this would not work alone. The chair reported that a number of persons in the Association had already participated in a short-term mission trip to Mexicali, Mexico, and that the Committee was looking for a person with (a) a sense of commitment, (b) the ability to work with other people, and (c) a sense of call to lead such a trip. The Rev. Christiansen provided delegates with brochures. Mrs. Susan Spencer mentioned that sometimes it helps to ask persons who might be interested to go on a trip. Several delegates said that neither money nor language needs to be a barrier and that, in the past, fund raising letters had been successful for a number of short-term mission trip participants. Committee members also noted that children who might benefit from ABCNYS’ camping programs can go to camp, and that our camping program is part of our mission program. b. Convocations Committee (Rev. Ellis, Chair): The "Spring Sing" location could not be announced yet because the Committee has not been able to reach the pastor of the church where the "Sing" had been scheduled. However, they do have a back-up plan. The Association picnic would be held at Coopers Plains on August 15th and would probably involve a chicken barbeque. Our next Delegates Meeting would be at the TAB Church in Big Flats September 20, 2009. The tentative date for the Fall Rally at the First Baptist Church of Ithaca was October 25, 2009. The Committee is waiting for the end of Rev. Rose’s paternity leave in mid-March to discuss plans for the Fall Rally with him. c. American Baptist Men (Rev. Ellis): The AB Men will have a prayer breakfast at the First Baptist Church of Corning on February 28th with Mr. Dave Cross as the speaker. This is a joint meeting with the Broome-Tioga Baptist Association. The Rev. Tom Bell will lead the annual Men’s Retreat at Keuka College August 7-9, and Mr. John Waller will be leading the music at evening meetings in the college chapel. d. Christian Life Committee (Rev. Childs): The Rev. Child’s reviewed the multiple purposes of this Committee but indicated that the Committee would focus on (a) Christian Education, (b) Stewardship, and (c) Youth Ministry. He reported that the Revs. Cooper and Bell would work together on a fall youth rally at the First Baptist Church of Ithaca on October 25th. He also noted that many pastors in the Association are directly involved in youth ministry. The Rev. Childs had given each Committee member a copy of a document titled "Discipline for Daily Living: Celebrate the Faith," and commended the book Celebration of Discipline, by Richard Foster. The Association’s Lay Studies team is planning to offer a course on "Christian Education" in the Lay Studies program this spring with the Rev. Jim Patton as the instructor. Details for that course will be forthcoming. e. Secretary’s Report: The Rev. Spencer gave a brief report on the Association Delegates Meeting at Odessa on September 14, 2008, indicating that a total of 12 churches were represented and that 25 pastors or delegates had attended the meeting. The minutes of that meeting consisted mostly of reports. f. Financial Report on the Leman Fall Rally and Treasurer’s Report: The Association Treasurer, Mr. Paul Miller, presented a report on financial aspects of the 2008 Fall Rally with Dr. Kevin Leman. His report showed a total income for that event from donations and ticket sales of $14,792.81. At the same time, expenses and donations (to Craig Spencer and Family Life Network) totaled $12,342.05, leaving the Association with a "net gain" of $2,450.76. He also reported that Family Life Network had provided $4,500.00 in free advertising for the event. Mr. Miller also presented the delegates with his treasurer’s report. He indicated that the main source of income for the Association was donations from Association churches. Due to the event with Dr. Leman, Association receipts were exceptionally high this year. Mr. Miller’s report showed total receipts of $19,235.17 and disbursements of $14,249.74, resulting in a net gain of $4,985.43 in the Association’s treasury. As of Feb. of 2009, our checking account has a balance of $2,561.74; our savings account has a balance of $6,360.88; and the Carmer Fund has a balance of $11,260.40. The three funds now total $20,183.02. Mr. Miller also presented the proposed 2009-2010 Budget. g. The motion was made by Mrs. Phyllis Welshans to accept the Treasurer’s Report; the motion was seconded by the Rev. Dennis Christiansen. The question was raised in discussion whether the "net gains" could be used to fund future speakers or rally programs, and that was answered affirmatively, though the money gained this year is not restricted in that way. The motion to accept Mr. Miller’s Treasurer’s Report carried .h. The motion to accept the proposed budget for 2009-2010 was made by Mr. Steve Sullivan (Coopers Plains); it was seconded by Mrs. Charlene Daniels (South Side) and carried. i. The motion to accept the Rev. Jeremy Spencer’s Secretary’s Report was made by Mr. Steven Holmes (Savona); it was seconded by Mr. Gene Mattoon (Savona), and carried. j. Area Minister’s Report: The Rev. George Norton, Jr., urged all Association delegates to support the ABCNYS Camping program. He said that all children can go to camp, regardless of the cost—for free if necessary. He urged us to find children and youth in our neighborhoods who might benefit from our camping programs. He also mentioned the Extreme New York Mission (a kind of hands-on, learn-by-doing) program for youth in our ABCNYS Region. The Rev. Norton reviewed the Region’s search for an Executive Minister. He observed that Rev. Donald R. Rasmussen is now serving as our Interim Executive Minister and that a process for the development of a job description for the position is now in place. There will be opportunities to receive input from members of ABCNYS churches concerning the job itself. The Rev. Norton indicated that the TAB Church (Big Flats), Pine City Baptist Church, First Baptist Trumansburg, the Reading Community Church, and the Searsburg Community Church were all in various phases of the pastoral search process, though the Reading Community Church was not actively in the process as the Rev. Daniels is serving that church as a six-month "interim." The Searsburg congregation has been engaged in revising their church constitution before they continue the search process. k. ABCNYS Board of Mission: The Rev. Tom Bell reported that the Board of Mission will meet on March 14th at Manlius. At the last meeting of the Board of Mission they affirmed the ministry of Rev. William Carlsen as Executive Minister and prayed for him as he left the position for retirement. l. American Baptist Women (Steuben): There was no report from the Chemung American Baptist Women. Mrs. Betty Lou Rutledge reported that the Steuben ABW would have their spring missions rally on Thursday, May 14th at the First Baptist Church of Hornell. It was also reported that the ABWM of New York State would have its annual convention at the Owego Treadway Inn April 24-26th. m. The ABCNYS Committee on the Ministry: Rev. Horace Stoddard reported that the Committee on the Ministry meets quarterly. He reported that more than half of the candidates for ministry these days no longer come to ordination by the "standard" route of four years of college followed by three years of Seminary training. What we see in reports printed in "Paragraphs for Partners" is the end result of the process that leads to ordination. At present great problems in pastor-parish relationships have not come to the Committee’s attention. He mentioned that the www.ministerscouncil.com web site has an 8-page document on "Ways to Appreciate Pastoral Staff," and he commended the document to association delegates. The Committee on the Ministry will meet once again on March 4th .n. Information: The Rev. Tom Bell closed this part of the meeting by noting that the Association’s Executive Committee meets again on April 1st at the First Baptist Church of Corning at 10:00 AM. The Rev. Bell thanked the Rev. Christiansen for serving for two years as Association Moderator, and there was applause from the delegates in response to this. 5. Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 5:30 PM. The meeting closed in prayer by the Rev. Scott Greene of Addison.Respectfully submitted, Jeremy L. Spencer Secretary
Living Waters Delegates Meeting September 16, 2007 Canisteo FBC 3:00 PM
15 Churches Present: Addison, Bath, Big Flats, Campbell- Erwin, Canisteo, Corning, Elmira, Elmwood, Enfield Baptist Fellowship, Hornell, Montour Falls, Odessa, Pine City, Savona, South Side Pastor Jim Patton led worship. Moderator Dennis Christiansen opened the meeting. He reported on the Executive Committees discussion of our committee system. For continuity, the delegates are asked to pick a committee and stay on it for at least a year. We celebrated Association Delegates. Phyllis Welshans – Elmira FBC - 15 year delegate and chair of Convocations Committee Bonnie Makitra – Hornell – for receiving her certificate for completing Level 1 of the Lay Studies Courses. Susan Spencer – Odessa – Mission leadership trip to Mexicali, Mexico. Paul Miller – Big Flats – Leadership commitments, presently Treasurer. Fall Rally 2008. Executive Committee is getting ready to sign a contract with Dr. Kevin Lehman. They are inviting comments from delegates. The contract is for $12,000. The Heights Theatre in Elmwood Heights is reserved for the event scheduled for September 26 and 27, 2008. They will share their mailing list. The topic is family directed. Ticket charges will be discussed. $15 - $20 has been suggested by the Lehman organization. Bill Carlsen has indicated that $1,500 - $3,000 may be made available for the event since it meets the transforming theme requirement for the state funding. This event is s result of the feedback received from association churches from the THRIVE research. The purpose of this event is to help our churches make disciples for Jesus Christ. A team effort is necessary to make this event successful. Please give feedback to the Executive Committee members. Follow up needs to be planned following the event as well as pre-event promotion. Committees broke out into session. Following the breakout the delegates reconvened for the business meeting. Dennis distributed a packet including suggested changes to the Association bylaws, Timeline checklist for Association Committees, checklist for host churches responsibilities for Association events, meeting church assignments for 2004-2012, Living Waters Association church personnel information form. Treasurer’s report – Total receipts for year-to-date - $2,284. Disbursements: year-to-date - $1,031.71. Jim Patton was ordained June 22, 2007 at Hornell. We will celebrate that at this year’s Fall Rally. Mike Childs, Chair Missions Committee. Both committees are combined at this point. Bonnie Seeley will begin the on line prayer network again. Susan Spencer reported that the October 6 mission trip to Mexicali, Mexico will be helping construct dorms for married couples. Searsburg is interested in getting help to paint their church building. It was suggested that dates for missionary visits scheduled for this fall be put on the Association web site. Jim Ellis, Chair Convocations. Suggestions for the Fall Rally 2008 will be brought to the executive Committee. Suggestions for preliminary work included having DVD’s, etc available for promoting Leman. Follow up cards are suggestions so referrals can be made to area churches. It was suggested that package pricing be looked at. Jeremy Spencer, Christian Life. The committee will work on youth related issues. Small group leadership training could be promoted. We might want to foster time to share ideas to promote starting small groups. The next Lay Studies course is Christian Counseling and will be offered this fall at South Side. Small group experiences could be used to build on the Fall Rally 2008 experience in local churches. Pre-teaching could occur building on local church events. Dennis noted that they have a trained small group equipper that is interested in sharing information. Fall Rally 2007. The theme is "Responding to Crisis" on October 28, 2007 at Addison. There is no youth programming in place yet and volunteer churches are invited to contact the executive Committee. Another mission trip to Mexicali is being organized for the 3rd week of April 2008. Dennis asked that churches look at the proposed changes to the Association bylaws. In all places in the present constitution the name "Chemung-Steuben Association" should read, "Living Waters Association". Also change from: The purpose of the Chemung-Steuben Association of ABCNYS (hereafter called the Association) is threefold: - To promote Christian fellowship and interaction among member churches
- To provide resources for the development and growth of member churches
- To practice our Christian mission
- Within the territorial boundaries of the Association
- Around the world through ABCNYS and ABSUSA
Change to: The purpose of the Living Waters Association (hereafter called the Association) is to help member churches make disciples of Jesus Christ. This will be accomplished by: - Providing Christian fellowship and interaction among churches
- Partnering with one another in healthy church growth
- Practicing Christian mission within the Association and beyond
Paul Miller closed the meeting with prayer and asked for a blessing on the meal we were about to share. Adjourned 5:40 PM Respectfully Submitted, Jean Owens, Secretary
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