Church News
Compiled by Bruce Henderson
general church board of directors
Bishop Brian Keith reported at the September 29-30 General Church Board
of Directors meeting that the Advisory Committee had conducted a retreat
to consider church-wide needs and ministerial resources. Jim Adams,
Managing Director of the Academy Secondary Schools, has been added to the
Communication Committee as an Academy representative to expand dialogue
between the boards and the clergy. The European Assembly in England went
well, with about 100 participants from eight countries.
Vice President Peter Buss Jr. reported that the new General Church
Education website is up and running, with enthusiastic acclaim. (www.
newchurchvineyard.org) A new health curriculum is being implemented in
General Church schools and generating useful conversations. The Women’s
Task Force report has been considered by many of the clergy. There is
support for the approach but some concern about the implementation of
recommendations.
Executive Director David Frazier reported an approximate $40,000
surplus for fiscal year 2017. This is the first time a surplus has been recorded
since 2007 – after nine years and almost $11 million in deficits.
He also noted that the International Committee is working on:
• Clarifying global vision of where we expect to be in 3-5 years
• How to improve collaborative decision-making between central and
local offices
• Dealing with distance, culture and language barriers
Strategic planning metrics indicate positive tracking in General Church
Education and Outreach. Three areas will be studied to clarify goals and better
understand successes and areas needing improvement.
The Board of Directors voted not to pursue the possibility of converting
Cairncrest – current home of the General Church offices in Bryn Athyn – into
an elegant inn.
A comprehensive study had determined the financial feasibility of such
a use and four plots had been identified as potential sites for a new General
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