Dear Friends:
First, Happy New Year! It has been six months since the General Conference and the newly elected and re-elected members of the Governing Board hit the ground running. Each Governing Board member brings a diverse set of experiences and skills that will be valuable to the growth of the denomination.
The newly elected Governing Board reflects the international nature of MCC and meeting times cross six time zones with 13 hours separating the extremes of those who need to attend. The Governing Board is flexible in our meeting times so that over the course of a year, everyone has the opportunity to meet at a time that is convenient to them.
During the last six months, the Governing Board spent time discussing our goals for 2023 based on the Five Strategic Aims (Spirituality, Presence, Diversity, Leadership and Resources) and the 2030 Strategic Vision Statement. These will be reviewed and approved in the February meeting. We will use these goals to govern and prioritize initiatives in 2023.
Each month Rev. Elder Cecilia Eggleston, our Moderator, shares her report of what has been happening with her ministry. As John C. Maxwell said, “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the ways.” Thank you, Rev. Elder Cecilia Eggleston, for showing and helping us follow God’s path for MCC in this time.
Chad Hobbs, Treasurer, presents financials, dashboard, profit and loss statements and balance sheet, when available, for the Governing Board to review. The Finance Committee continues to be hard at work. For the first time, the Governing Board approved the 2023 budget prior to the new year.
Thank you to the entire Finance Committee for this wonderful achievement.
It was such a blessing for the Governing Board, Staff and Council of Elders to participate in selecting award recipients from the nominations received from the wider MCC body. In case you missed it click the link for a complete list of awards recipients. https://conta.cc/3AaKGbC
In 2022, the global community witnessed a string of natural disasters ranging from devastating typhoons and earthquakes to hurricanes that destroyed billions in property and claimed thousands of lives. The Governing Board quickly launched a disaster relief fund which supported MCC churches affected by recent hurricanes and brought relief to disasters and crisis situations around the world. To date, the Governing Board has approved more than three thousand US dollars to reach vulnerable communities in Kenya, Philippines, and the United States of America.
With gratitude, the Governing Board is pleased to announce the following appointments:
- James Chavis to the Governance Committee Chair
- Lewis Reay to the Governing Board Governance Committee
- Cathy Campbell-Heroux to the Finance Committee
- Rev. Wanda Floyd to the Board of Pensions.
Your efforts embody the spirit of what it means to really be the change you wish to see in the world. Your generous support is greatly appreciated.
The Governing Board appreciates the faithfulness of congregations who regularly send in their assessments. Early in this new year, we will acknowledge this by video and letter.
The Moderator’s Nominating Committee has the important work that will lead to the election of the next Moderator for the denomination. The Governing Board is actively in the process of establishing this committee and an announcement will be made in the upcoming months.
Commissions provide an opportunity to share thoughts and ideas and then help pave the way to put ideas into action! No one person or group of people can do it alone, but we can accomplish wonderful things when we all come together, respecting each other, and working toward our common goal of sharing & celebrating Jesus. Our Commission teams are actively working in each of their respective areas. Click on this link to the Governing Board December 2022 Minutes for an update on each of the Commissions.
The entire Governing Board is appreciative and thankful for the hard work, perseverance and passion of each of our staff members. Each of them rose to the challenge and delivered excellent results. The Governing Board would like to take a moment to thank all the staff for all they do. Great job!
As an appreciation to the staff the Governing Board approved improvements to the staff benefits package. The Board is committed to making continued improvements to the total rewards package in the future.
May your faith in God grow stronger this year; the peace of God surround you, and you be blessed each day! Thank you so much for the ways you continue to be the face of MCC in the world.
Respectfully Submitted:
Mark Godette, Clerk, on behalf of the Governing Board
Rev. Elder Cecilia Eggleston, Moderator
Rev. Alberto Najera, Vice Chair
Chad Hobbs, Treasurer
Rev. Marie Alford-Harkey
James Chavis
Rev. Beulah Durrheim
Rev. Joseph San Jose
Léo Rossetti
