02 Jan Three Mailings and a Happy New Year

I always know that shortly after the first of the year I received that intimating piece of mail from the IRS…my tax forms. Then the ones from the state arrive. I have even received them a time or two before the first of the year. Some things I look forward to, like the first seed catalog of the year. I don’t do much gardening, but I sign up for free catalogs from the seed “places” because it makes me feel so good when I get that first one in the mail…a reminder that spring is just around the corner.

Well, some of you will soon receive mailings from this office. Some might have already received one. Actually, there will be three mailings coming:

1. The report packet for 2006. This includes the pastor’s report, church report, plus a variety of other reports that provide valuable information. Oh yes, there is just one Pastor Report in the packet. For those churches which have staff who are licensed in the United Brethren church, you can just make a copy for them. Also, I remind all of you that the report is on the UB website and can be filled out and sent via email. I received the first report today from Kent Haines, on staff at the UB church in Cochranton, Pa. He will receive a new book for his promptness. Thanks, Kent.

I would really appreciate it if you could get the pastor and church reports to me promptly so we can compile the stats. I’d like to have them to report at National Conference. Thanks in advance for your promptness.

2. Unassigned Ministers. A packet has also gone out to all unassigned pastors. This includes retired pastors, those who are licensed but serving in other ministries within and beyond the UB Church, those who may be in a license process but not on staff anywhere…

In checking the files, I find that several have not bothered to report for some time. I remind all unassigned licensed ministers that you are required to report now to the National Conference. I hope to get this file current and up to date, and we’ll need your report if you indeed fall into this category. If you have any questions about this, contact me.

3. Referendum Items. The third mailing going out this week is the ballot for the referendum items to be voted on in February 2007. These referenda will make the necessary changes to our Constitution to allow for one National Conference. Follow the directions in the letter. A reminder that you are to vote for your delegates to National Conference at this time as well. If you have already had that election, then simply place their names on a ballot to be affirmed. This is according to our Constitution that the delegates to National Conference must be voted on in the same election as the vote for the referendum items.

Also in this mailing is a copy of the Covenant that needs to be processed, signed, and returned to my office. I will then sign it and return it to you. Last year we gave everyone an opportunity to sign a covenant in principle; however, this will be the first official covenant signing in the history of the UB Church.

We have tried to provide clear instructions in the letter, but if there are questions, contact my office.

So, no, these mailings may not be as exciting as receiving the first seed catalog of the year, but I trust you will see their importance. UB Church history is being made this year. Every member of a UB church can have a vote as to that history and the future of this Church. And they are not as ominous as the IRS mailing yet to come.

Have a wonderful New Year and Go Buckeyes! I feel really bad for the Michigan fans.
Hopefully, we Buckeye fans won’t feel bad after next Monday. For what it’s worth, I did root for Michigan to beat USC because I always root for the Big Ten.