New Church Life July/August 2016 | Page 81

  general church board of directors At the spring meetings of the General Church Board of Directors, May 13-14 in Bryn Athyn, the operating budget was approved with a small surplus. Executive Bishop Brian Keith reviewed progress on strategic planning since the last meeting, with work on desired outcomes and proposed tracking to be presented at the September meeting. He also discussed specific projects, such as youth participation and engagement of women in church uses. Bishop Peter Buss Jr. led continuing discussions about the best ways to support growth of the Church in West Africa. He gave an update of the women’s participation task force.General Church Education has refreshed its website to collect information into one easily searchable database. Staff seminars are being proposed for schools throughout the Church. Senior teachers, religion teachers and administrators gathered recently to revise the religion and health curriculums. The Theological School reports a balanced budget thanks to donations to endowment and two new admissions next year. The Investment Committee reported that results for the New Church Investment Fund have missed targets for the quarter, 1-year, 3-year and 5-year periods, that total portfolio performance is down 4.1% this year, and that strategies and the relationship with the investment firm overseeing the fund will be re-examined. At the annual meeting of the General Church Corporation on May 14, Beth Brock, Kirk Hasen and David Radcliffe were newly elected to three-year terms on the General Church Board of Directors. Incumbents re-elected were Andrew Bruell, Robert Dike, Darryl Hasen, Blake Hill, Lee Horigan, Brent Hyatt, Daniel Martz and David Norman. Leaving the Board, and thanked for their service over three terms, were Charles Ebert and Dain Kistner. academy board of trustees The Board voted to have Glencairn Museum report directly to the Board, which increases its status and will involve the Board more directly in its use. The Museum is reporting a record number of visitors. It anticipates a financial surplus which will be invested for future building repairs. New relationships are being forged with other museums and researchers around the world. The budget for Bryn Athyn College was approved with a $1.58 million deficit, which will be reviewed over the summer. The Academy Secondary 393