Last Friday and Saturday the Allegheny Region Conference (ARC) held its 172nd annual session at the Mt Pleasant Church ministry center. Leaders from our churches in western PA and WV came together for worship, training, fellowship, and business. The gathering opened with an ordinance service. |
After worship and roll call the ARC reviewed and approved the new constitutional restructure that has been underway the past couple years. The conference then received the report of the nominating committee and elected the following members to the administrative council: Jim Monticue (clerk), Sue McMichael, Toney Colagrosso, and Jeremy Stouffer. Then Phil Scott, ARC director, encouraged and challenged the delegates to hope in Christ and seek to make a difference in Jesus’ name. After he spoke, the directors of the new commissions came and presented their ministry reports and hopes for the future. The morning concluded with an update from retiring Army Colonel Steve Show, who serves as a staff officer at the Pentagon. |
The afternoon session began with praise and worship prior to the conference breaking out into various workshops which continued up to the dinner hour. Tom McGraw led one held in the large fellowship hall which focused upon the latest developments in the affordable health care act as well as the current tax laws affecting church finances. Another led by Bill Shoemaker in the church sanctuary zeroed in on new churches and creating multiplication movements for disciples, churches, and missions. |
A time of praise and worship began the evening session. Then Chris Kline gave the report of the ARC foundation which helps churches with ministry initiatives via grants. He was followed by the CGGC staff. I introduced Lance who introduced the other staff present (Ben Tobias & Bill Shoemaker). Lance challenged the assembly to be engaged in direct kingdom ministry in their local communities. It must happen if we expect to impact the world for Christ. Jim Thomas reported for CGGC pensions, Joel Cocklin for Winebrenner Seminary, Dennie Koontz for Scotland Campus, and Jim Brandt for Home Mission Council. I also gave an update on the state of Christian faith at the University of Findlay (UF) which is stronger and having greater impact than anytime I’ve known in the past forty years. This is due to the leadership of Will Miller and Matt Ginter, the campus pastors, and the UF president Kathy Fell. |
Saturday morning opened with praise and worship featuring an artistic rendering by Matt Scott of Christ’s face. This brought back memories of when Matt’s father Jim did this. I confess it made my eyes swim a bit. Heidi Mikulin came and shared a devotional on the “One Hope” theme, challenging those present to unite with Jesus on his mission of redemption, starting right where they live but extending worldwide. After devotions, the session resumed its business, receiving reports from Camp Sonrise Mountain, the Christian Loving Fund, and the three church home boards that minister to seniors. The conference also reviewed the treasurer’s report and approved the 2016 budget. Jim Monticue led the conference in the installation of officers and commission members as the final bit of business (pictured below). |
The conference concluded with a service of ordination and the granting of licenses. The conference gathered in the sanctuary of the Mt Pleasant Church and Lance Finley (the newly selected CGGC executive director) delivered the message. Twenty persons received their annual or provisional license, most being renewals. John (Jack) Feick and Don Lewis who serves the Maranatha congregation were ordained. This service of worship, praise, and prayer provided a fitting conclusion to the sessions. ONe Mission together, Ed Soli Deo Gloria! |