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Annual Conference Booklet

Table of Contents

12th Session of

Genesis Annual Conference May 16-17, 2019

Part One: Agenda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Standing Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Bar of Conference – Voice & Vote . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Ministers Having a Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Delegates Having a Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Election of Supt. Selection Committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 x Conference Reports: Genesis Board of Administration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Finance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Genesis Conference Foundation Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Genesis GC19 Delegation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Part Two: Genesis Conference Financials

Part Three: Free Methodist World Missions FMWM Report for Genesis Winckles-FM Missionaries-Annual Report

Part Four: FM Partners in Ministry: Free Methodist Foundation Northeastern Seminary Oakdale Christian Academy Roberts Wesleyan College Set Free Movement

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Agenda

Genesis Annual Conference 2019 – 12th Session –

Pearce Memorial Free Methodist Church

North Chili, NY

Thursday, May 16 and Friday, May 17

Bishop David Roller, President

Scripture: Ezekiel 37

Updated 5.1.19

Thursday, May 16 ▪ 12:00 PM Registration ▪ 12:45 PM Pre-Annual Conference Prayer – open to all ▪ 1:45 PM Pre-Conference Worship ▪ 2:00 PM Opening Worship and Prayer ▪ 2:10 PM Organization of Annual Conference Bishop David Roller

▪ 2:20 PM BOA Report Todd Daningburg, BOA Chair ▪ 2:35 PM Treasurer’s Report Honna Curtis, Director of Finance ▪ 2:50 PM Stretch Break & Announcements ▪ 3:00 PM Nominating Committee Report Nate Lesher, Nominating Committee

Election of Conference Boards -Board of Administration (BOA) -Ministerial Appointments Committee (MAC) -Ministerial Education and Guidance Board (MEG) -Nominating Committee

▪ 3:10 PM MEG Report & Retiree Recognition Gloria Roorda, MEG Chair (Full MEG Report includes receiving new CMCs, Elders, & Transfers)

▪ 4:10 PM Stretch Break ▪ 4:15 PM Presentation Supt. Pam Braman

▪ 5:00 PM Dinner (Dinner provided on-site at Pearce. Reservations required. See note at end of Agenda.*)

▪ 7:00PM Ordination Service o Prayer for those newly received as CMCs & Transfers o Ordination Address Bishop David Roller o Ordination o Fellowship Reception – Honoring new CMCs, Ordinands, and Retirees

▪ 9:00PM Adjourn

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Friday, May 17 ▪ 7:30 AM Registration – Fellowship – Continental Breakfast ▪ 8:45 AM Morning Worship ▪ 9:00 AM Devotions Bishop David Roller ▪ 9:20 AM Worship Song ▪ 9:25 AM Call to Order Bishop David Roller ▪ 9:30 AM Into to Workshops & Announcements ▪ 9:40 AM Presentation Supt. Pam Braman ▪ 9:55 AM Worship Song ▪ 10:00 AM Break and Fellowship ▪ 10:15 AM Workshops I ▪ 11:00 AM Break and Fellowship ▪ 11:15 AM Workshops II

▪ 12:00 – 1:15 PM Lunch (Lunch provided on-site at Pearce. Reservations required. See note at end of Agenda.*)

▪ 1:15 PM Workshops III ▪ 2:00 PM Break and Fellowship ▪ 2:15 PM W orship Song ▪ 2:20 PM Recognition & Prayer for Bishop Roller Supt. Pam Braman and Todd Daningburg ▪ 2:30 PM Teaching Supt. Pam Braman ▪ 2:55 PM Prayer for General Conference 2019 & Genesis GC19 Delegates

Bishop David Roller

▪ 3:10 PM Reading of Appointments and Sending Bishop David Roller ▪ 3:20 PM Closing Worship ▪ 3:30 PM Adjourn and Depart

➔ Annual Conference will be at Pearce FM Church: 4322 Buffalo Road, North Chili NY 14514.

Registration and Meals during Annual Conference 2019 -All pastors, delegates, and others who are attending all or part of Genesis AC19 must register. -People attending only the Ordination Service on Thursday evening, May 16, do not need to register. -Registration deadline is Wednesday, May 8.

●Dinner will be available at Pearce on Thursday, May 16, 5:00-6:30 PM. ●Lunch will be available at Pearce on Friday, May 17, 12:00-1:15 PM.

--No cost, but registration is necessary to reserve a spot at these meals. ●Continental breakfast will be available at Pearce on Friday, May 17, 7:30-8:45 AM.

No cost for AC participants. No Breakfast reservations required.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Register for Annual Conference 2019 . . . …Online at Registration-Genesis AC19

…OR, Email with specific names & meal info to Judy

by May 8 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

If you miss the May 8th registration deadline, you can attend AC19 but you must register upon arrival at AC and will need to pay for your meals, if eating at AC--$9 for Dinner and $7 for Lunch.

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Standing Rules

Genesis Annual Conference 12th Session

May 16-17, 2019 Pearce Memorial Free Methodist Church

North Chili, NY

Standing Rules

a. Members of conference whose duties require them to be absent shall be marked present at roll call.

b. Those having a vote are ordained ministers, conference ministerial candidates who are senior pastors, and delegates.

c. Honorary seats (having a voice but no vote) are granted to licensed pastors, conference ministerial candidates, missionaries, visiting clergy, church officials, located elders, located deacons, honorary delegates, and other conference officers or committee members present.

d. All major motions and debate shall be made at the microphones, and copies of all major recommendations or motions shall be given to the chairman and secretary before presentation.

e. Any proposal or motions shall be given to the chairman and secretary before presentation.

f. Unless otherwise ordered, all ballots shall be counted outside the bar of the conference.

g. Any matter involving finances shall be referred to the Genesis Conference Board of Administration with power to act.

h. Any unfinished business at the end of Annual Conference shall be referred to the Genesis Conference Board of Administration with power to act.

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Voice and Vote

at Annual Conference

Who has a voice and a vote at Annual Conference? o Ordained Ministers (Elders) o Conference Ministerial Candidates who are Senior/Lead Pastors o Lay Delegates

Who has a voice only, with no vote, at Annual Conference? o Those having Honorary seats.

Honorary seats are granted to: o Licensed Pastors o Conference Ministerial Candidates

▪ (unless CMC is a Senior/Lead Pastor) o Missionaries o Visiting Clergy o Church Officials o Conference Officers o Conference Committee (Board) Members o Honorary Delegates o Located Elders and Located Deacons

Those with voice and vote plus those with voice only (Honorary seat)

sit together in the Bar of Conference. A Reserve Delegate who is . . .

o taking the place of a Regular Delegate has a voice and vote. o attending along with Regular Delegate does not have a voice or vote and does not sit in

the Bar of Conference—unless the Bishop invites Reserves to sit in the Bar of Conference.

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Ministers Having a Seat Genesis Annual Conference 2019

Updated 5.1.19

ELDERS

Adams, Linda Ahern, Robert Alston, Raquel Ausby, Henry

Babcock, Brian Barangendana, Ephraim Bassett, Troy Bates, Laverne W. Bell, Rex Bierdeman, Brenda Blowers, LaVerne Braman, Pamela Bratt, Jonathan Bridges, Donald Brotzman, Gregory Buck, David J. Burroughs, Sandra L.

Calcano, Guillermo Carden, David L. Carpenter, Rex Clark, Kayleigh (Schumske)

Cogswell, Michael Colon, Louis D. Colon, Louis E. Cooper, Julie Cullum, Douglas

Daningburg, Todd Davis, Casey Davis, Matthew Deeks, Timothy Dey, Virgil C. Dillard, Jerome (Pete) Doan, Robert L. Donnell, Lloyd

Easterling, Bruce J. (deceased) Edwards, Allan Elder, Russell M. Fermin, Natividad Fisher, M. John Fleming, Walter Flowers, Margaret Ford, George F. Frederick, Harry

ELDERS (cont’d.) Freeman, C. Randy

Gilmore, John Greeno, Lawrence J. Grimm, Nelson J. Groves, Vern R.

Haffey, Shane Hahn, Brian Hamilton, Barry Hammond, Raymond Harblin, Eric C., Jr. Harp, David Gregory Haskins, Andrew Haskins, Roger, Jr. Heinike, John Heintzman, Brett Hellmig, Leroy M. (Skip) Hill, Matthew Hill, Nelson Hoose, Megan Hopkins, Maurice Hoppe-Spink, Christopher Hoppe-Spink, Joan Horton, Jonathan Hunt, Jonathan A.

Ireland, Richard Isaman-Bushart, Barbara

Jenkins, Karen Joas, Oremo Oredi Johnson, Nicole Jones, Michael Jordan, Ralph

Kane, James Keller, John D. Kelly, Jeremy Kendall, James Kilburn, Thomas Kuhlkin, Michael

LaBarr, James LaCelle-Peterson, Kristina Landon, Christopher Langford, Douglas Lattimer, Paul LeBaron, Randall Lesher, Nathan

ELDERS (cont’d.) Leslie, William Letterman, Rebecca

Livermore, Paul W. Lockwood, George Logan, Jack A. Lowery, William T., Jr. Lowery, William T., Sr.

Mackmer, Robert Maldonado, Charles (Chaz)

Martin, John McCarthy, David McCown, Wayne McGinnis, Raymond L.(deceased)

McIntyre, Dodi Mieney, Darlene Miller, David Mills, David Mills, Peter Misciagna, Christian Mitchell, H. Robert Mohr, Donald L. Moran, Jonathan Mosher, Barbara Munyakuri, Heritage Mutton, Mark

Nelson, David Newcomb, Paul E. Ngarukiye, Jotham Norton, Priscilla

O’Brien, Christopher Odachowski, David

Payne, James S. Peelle, Baiba Peelle, David Perkins, G. Benjamin (deceased) Perry, Lynton Petry, Lawrence Petteys, Kathleen Ann Pierce, Mitchell C. Powell, William Prince, David Pritchard, David Prospero, Sebastian Pulice, Deano

Reitmeier, Herbert J.

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ELDERS (cont’d.) Rivera, Michael Rivers, Marsha Roesch, Daria Roorda, Gloria Roth, Brian Rouse, Mark Rouse, Rick

Saile, Vern Sass, Andrew Sawade, Ron Schoenfelder, Danielle Schwab, Linda Scott, Harold Searle, Robert Show, Paul Shreffler, Samuel Sittig, Scott Skiff, David Smith, Calvin Smith, Tedd Snyder, Richard D.,

Bishop Emeritus Socci, Vincent Spencer, Tanya

Stein, Adam Stepanian, Michael Stroup, Thomas Sykora, Josef Sykora, Lynette

Tarnowski, Jason Tassone, John Tesch, Kenneth Thoms, Lonnie

Vanderhoof, Wesley

Walker, Daniel Washburn, Pamela Weber, Mark Welch, Patricia Wenzke, Caryl Westervelt, Jennifer Wickman, Joe Wilkins, Christopher Wilkins, Yuko Wood, Gary H. Wright, Edwin

Young, Eric

Zellmer, Patricia

DEACONS

Adams, John Carter Cooke, Lloyd M.

Hakizimana, Amoni

Phillips, Randolph

Tennies, Norma Billings Thompson, Stewart Walsh, Beverly CONFERENCE

MINISTERIAL

CANDIDATES

(CMCs)

Angeli, Mario

Baker, Brandon Bigham, Ryan

Calcano, Adelfa Calcano, Johanan Calkins, Daniel Cappello, Jeffrey Cappello, Margaret Collins, Shane Cooper, Jeffrey

Fermin, Fe Cristiana Fermin, Febe

Heffernan, Marissa Honan, James

Lachat, Todd Langdon, Ruth Lawrence, Ryan Leavitt, Lisa Luis, Alejandro Luis, Marisol

McCarthy, Britta

Scofield, Jonathan Searles, Charles Shue, Joel Weseman, Dana Wich, Ariel

Yentzer, Abigail Yentzer, Kenneth

Zittel, Paul A.

LICENSED PASTORS

Bliss, Alan

Daniels, Anthony J.

Knighten, Simon

Schoenfelder, Benjamin Smith, Colin LOCATED ELDERS

Prouty, Arthur Sittig, Ronald Yourdon, Ward C.

LOCATED DEACONS

Cooley, Paul Yansick, James

2019 Candidates

ELDERS E. Scott Bassett Colleen Dick Ryan Rovito TRANSFERS William Gibbons, (E), from Elim Fellowship Katie Sawade Hall (E), from Wabash Conference

Merry Kendall (E), from Keystone Conference

Dorcas McCown (E), from Wabash Conference

Roberta Mosier-Peterson (E), from New South

Conference

Howard Olver (E), from Acts 12:24 Conference

MINISTERIAL CANDIDATES - CMCs

Cathy Albrecht John Albrecht Shannon Blankenship Stephen Brooks Jordan Fairchild Delores Hansel Beth Hayner Paul Juszczak Kathryn MacConnell Nathaniel McCollum James Potter Gary Smith Earlando Thomas William Walker Ephram Wilkoff

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Delegates Having a Seat Genesis Annual Conference 2019

Updated 5.1.19

Akron, One Church Richard Christiana

Allen Kidder Doug Lombard

Albion Darlene Cooper Jon Costello

Allegany, Creekside Chapel Betty Volz

Alton Sheila Cogswell

Batavia, Northgate Stephanie Debo

David Kibler Bob Wood

Belfast Lana Mackmer

Binghamton, Hands of Hope Rita Emilio

Binghamton, LifeQuest Bruce Barse

Brockport Dan Carlson

Keith Davis Pam Kimmel Melanie Proud Bob Vanderstouw

Brocton, Hope Rising Theresa Bigelow

Buffalo, Cornerstone John Habermehl

Sharon Sproull

Buffalo, Epic*

Buffalo, Nueva Vision*

Cattaraugus, Roberts Memorial Steve Patterson

Cortland, Living Word Anni Warfield

Dansville Norm Wetterau

East Otto, Brooklyn Maryetta Boyd

East Randolph, Faith Lighthouse Beth Hayner

East Williamson, Grace Ridge Dave Hollebrandt Paul Juszczak

Elmira, Hand in Hand Robert Maggese

Endicott, New Life Ministries Aimee Dixon Tina Dolan

Tom Eckenrode Donna Fairchild Bill Gilbo Dave Hickling Edward Kuhlman

Fairport, Eastside Mark Kazmierski

Franklinville Terry Hahn

Fredonia, Harvest Chapel Todd Eggleston

Beth Mulkin Margo Perrello

Gerry Paul Holley John Neail

Gowanda Kyle Steever

Paul Zittel Hornell Andy Conine

Jamestown First, Joy Fellowship Wendy Maldonado

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2019 Delegates (cont’d.)

Liverpool, New Life (Walk of Faith) Jessica Talbot

Niagara Falls, Colonial Heights Drew Oswald

North Chili, Pearce Memorial Julie Chalmers Mike Faro Tyler Logan Linda Mantegna Susanne Mohnkern Terry Taber

North Tonawanda, Nash Road Susan Campbell

North Tonawanda, Open Arms Michael Campagna

Charles Kibbe

Norwich, Canasawacta Valley Gladys Branagan

Norwood Brian Krawczyk

Palmyra, Cross Creek*

Parma, Crosspoint Jonathan Hogue

Perry, Hope Chapel Elaine Southard

Ransomville Eric Rice

Rochester, Community of the Savior Rachel Anderson Warren Bushart Dan Schaertel

Rochester, Edgewood Dave Francis Nancy McGovern Jeff Meyers Mark Wilson

Rochester, El Shaddai CPP Church Plant – no delegate

Rochester, Heart & Soul Suzanne Rodriguez

Rochester, New Hope Kimberly Barker

Mabel Primus

Rochester, Park Ridge CJ Aspromgos Carolyn Stiffler Yvonne Strong

Rose Wayne Young

Salamanca Jim Leaskey

Sayre PA, Encounter Laura Smith Melanie Sumner

South Dayton Dale Hooker

St. Regis Falls Debbie Fraser

Syracuse African Murishi Etienne Ngendakuriyo Stiven

Syracuse, New Life Sheree Hughes

Syracuse, Prepare the Way of the Lord CPP Church Plant – no delegate

Tonawanda Wayne Nero

Wampsville, New Beginnings Mike Ano

Sandra Lombardi Brenda Southfield

Warsaw, Valley Chapel Rodney Logan Lauren MacConnell

Webster, Crossroads Ruth Freitas

Webster, FreeChurch.net Ron Lyon West Seneca, Living Faith Barb Billittier Yorkshire Carrie Bartoszek ------------------- *indicates 2019 Delegate info not yet received

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Election of

Superintendent Selection Committee

Genesis Annual Conference 12th Session

May 16-17, 2019

The current four-year term of the Superintendent ends in 2020. The process to elect a new Superintendent begins a year ahead at Annual Conference 2019.

A Superintendent Selection Committee (SSC) will be elected at Genesis Annual Conference 2019.

FM Book of Discipline 2015 – ¶5110 – Superintendent ¶ 5110A.1: “When a superintendent is needed for an annual conference, that conference shall designate the Ministerial Education and Guidance Board or a special committee of not less than six plus the bishop of record as chair to serve as the Superintendent Selection Committee. The incumbent superintendent shall not serve on the Selection Committee.” ¶ 5110B.2: “Superintendents must be elected from among the ordained elders of the denomination upon due nominating process.”

From Genesis BOA to Annual Conference 2019: The Genesis BOA recommends that a Superintendent Selection Committee (SSC) be formed according to Book of Discipline, Paragraph 5110.A., that consists of three people each from the MEGB (including 1 MAC member), BOA, and the Conference at-large, and the Bishop of record. The SSC's purpose will be to make a recommendation on Supt. Pam Braman’s continuance as superintendent, or, to conduct a search for a new superintendent if Supt. Braman is elected as a Bishop at General Conference 2019.

Nominees for Genesis SSC: From the BOA: -Dodi McIntyre (Clergy-Jamestown) -Jeremy Kelly (Clergy-Eastside, Fairport) -Pam Kimmel (Lay-Brockport)

From the MEG Board: -Jim LaBarr (Clergy, MAC member-Fredonia, Harvest Chapel) -Cindi Newman (Lay-Sayre, Encounter) -Eric Logan (Lay-Rochester, New Hope)

Names AT-LARGE: -David Prince (Clergy-Palmyra, Cross Creek) -Louis D. Colon (Clergy-Rochester, Heart and Soul Community) -Ruth Logan (Lay-Batavia, Northgate)

The names were recommended by the BOA, MEG Board, and Nominating Committee with a focus on clergy/lay balance and a diversity of people from various contexts across the Conference.

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Board of Administration

Dear Friends,

The Board of Administration’s service to the Genesis Annual Conference has been a joy. Genesis Conference met all its financial obligations and finished fiscal year 2018 with an operating surplus. Fair Share participation by our churches was nearly ninety-nine percent. We also updated our policies related to sexual harassment, emergency response plans, and family leave. All churches are expected to comply with our Genesis Policy Manual and the Conference is working towards resourcing our churches in these areas. I am grateful for the extraordinary devotion and collective wisdom of our team. Due to the faithfulness of our churches, Genesis Conference provides the following:

• The superintendent’s leadership and staff support • The resource team to serve pastors and churches • An office for conference staff, boards, and volunteers • Annual Conference for worship, business, ordination, training, and networking • One Day training events for pastors and lay leaders • Scholarships for pastors, CMCs, and LMCs • Church planting and revitalization • Communications and website • Support for denominational needs and priorities

The Conference has undergone employee transition and is pleased to welcome Honna Curtis as part-time Director of Finance and David Francis as half-time Director of Administrative Services. We thank Randy Freeman for his years of service to Genesis Annual Conference. We are also grateful to Jon Costello who faithfully served for many years as the Genesis Conference Foundation representative on the Board of Administration.

A summary of BOA actions 2018-2019 is on the next page. Each action reflects God’s work in lives, churches, and the Conference. New church plants are progressing in Oneonta (New Life) and Syracuse (Prepare the Way of the Lord). A Church Development Network is in the planning stages to enable non-traditional congregations to connect with us. The BOA has been in dialogue with the Covenant Acres Board regarding the camp’s direction. We value your prayers that we would make wise decisions and carefully steward what God has entrusted to us. We pray that every church and ministry is fruitful. The BOA is committed to providing godly guidance and support, whether a church is thriving or struggling. Those facing unusual or difficult circumstances are encouraged to contact us so that we can provide guidance in a timely way.

We recommend that a Superintendent Selection Committee be formed according to the FM Book of Discipline, ¶5110.A, that consists of three people each from the MEGB, BOA, and the Conference at-large, and the Bishop of record. The committee’s purpose will be to make a recommendation on Supt. Pam Braman’s continuance as superintendent, or to conduct a search for a new superintendent if Supt. Braman is elected as a Bishop at General Conference 2019.

In Christ’s Service,

Rev. Todd W. Daningburg Chairman of the Board of Administration

Genesis Conference

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Summary of Genesis Conference Board of Administration (BOA) Actions Conference Year 2018 – 2019

Meetings were held at the Genesis Center, North Chili, NY.

6.21.18 Meeting: ❖ Elected Todd Daningburg as BOA Chair and Jeremy Kelly as Vice Chair for 2018-19 year. ❖ Approved email vote of 5.12.18 authorizing formation of the Prepare the Way of the Lord Free

Methodist Church, a new church plant in Syracuse. ❖ Expense amount for each Genesis delegate to General Conference 2019 was approved. ❖ Gowanda FMC Application for Sale of Property was approved. ❖ Salamanca FMC Project Application for Parsonage Renovation was approved. ❖ Rome Church Building Lease/Purchase Agreement with Wesleyan congregation was approved.

9.20.18 Meeting: ❖ Brocton, Hope Rising FMC Project Application for Roof Project was approved. ❖ Approved funding request for New Hope FMC Immigration Legal Service. ❖ Policy approved requiring all requests to conference for expense reimbursement be submitted

within 60 days of expense. ❖ GCF—Genesis Conference Foundation—Annual Meeting was held as part of BOA meeting.

11.15.18 Meeting: ❖ Genesis Conference Budget for 2019 was approved. ❖ Franklinville FMC Project Application for Parsonage Tear Down was approved.

1.17.19 Meeting: ❖ Harvest Chapel FMC, Fredonia, Project Application for parking lot improvement was approved. ❖ Harvest Chapel FMC, Fredonia, Application for Sale of Property was approved. ❖ Epic FMC, Buffalo, was approved as a Free Methodist Society. ❖ Approved Carolyn Stiffler as BOA member to fill unexpired term. ❖ Approved Ruth Jones and Eric Logan as Reserve Lay Delegates for GC19 to fill open positions.

2.21.19 Meeting: ❖ Gerry FMC Project Application for Roof Repair was approved.

3.21.19 Meeting: ❖ Valley Chapel, Warsaw, Project Application for Roof Repair was approved. ❖ Encounter FMC, Sayre, PA, Project Application for Purchase of Property was approved. ❖ Nominations for Nominating Committee members were completed.

4.25.19 Meeting: ❖ New Life Oneonta was approved as a new Church Plant Project. ❖ Approved a recommendation to go to AC19 for election of Supt. Selection Committee.

The Genesis Board of Administration (BOA) is the standing Administrative Committee of the Conference elected by you to care for the business of the Conference between Annual Conference sessions. “This Committee gives strategic planning attention to such ministries as world missions, Christian discipleship, church planting, and social action. It may assign individuals, form task forces and create standing committees to carry out the ministries deemed appropriate for the health and growth of the church.” (¶5200 FM Book of Discipline 2015)

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Finance

Report for Fiscal Year 2018

Pastors, Delegates, Colleagues and Friends,

2018 was a year of significant transition. Our longtime Administrator, friend and colleague, Randy Freeman, now works for CompassCare – a Rochester based Crisis Pregnancy Center. We filled his financial and administrative roles with several part-time folks including Honna Curtis (member and Administrator at Pearce FMC) as our part-time Director of Financial Services, and Dave Francis (member at Edgewood FMC) as our part-time Director of Operational Services. These transitions have gone well. There was a lot of institutional knowledge to transfer between personnel, but as we head into annual conference 2019, I am pleased to report that much of that information has in fact been transferred and the transition is “on the home stretch.” The new staff have brought fresh energy and passion to their roles and they are fantastic servant leaders. We are blessed in Genesis Conference to have such depth and talent.

Income Fiscally 2018 was another strong revenue year for Genesis Conference. The faithfulness of churches to contribute through our fair share system is as strong as ever. We completed 2018 at 98.5% of budgeted income – a 1.5% improvement over 2017. The Fair Share collection rate was 98% at year-end. Even churches that have struggled to pay in the past contributed this year meaning that for the first time in many years we had 100% participation. Through the first fiscal quarter of 2019, our fair share collection rate is 99%. Our income from all sources is tracking at 96%.

• In case anyone is wondering, the fair share as set by the Conference will hold steady at 7.5% again this year. There are no conversations to shift this any time soon.

Expense In December the BOA approved a $1.082 million spending plan for 2019, a 3.8% increase from 2018.

• Personnel and Benefits: 33% of our budget - up by 1.5% from 2018. These are not just “institutional” salaries maintaining operations. These are the people casting vision, resourcing our churches and helping grow our effectiveness at the local church level.

• Investments in Growth: 8% of our budget – this represents improvement and development of leaders, and church planting. This is down by about 1%, but most of this decrease is captured in Personnel and Benefits as we hired several more part-time staff to resource our churches.

• Equal Participation Plan (EPP): Our largest investment remains in our denominational commitment at 40%. This held steady as a percentage of our budget year over year.

• Administration: 19% of our budget - Held steady year over year.

The pension is set by the denomination at 13.5% and will remain the same. The denomination manages the pension program and will communicate any changes if necessary. Please contact headquarters with any questions or concerns regarding your pension.

Balance Sheet Items As a Conference we’ve made great strides to fully fund all initiatives. Our goal is that any financial priority we have (e.g. TEAM Plant – church planting) could receive funding upon request because we

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have cash on hand to fund it. While our goal was to be at 100% by end of 2018, we were only able to reach 70%. This means we can fund most special requests, but if all priorities were needed all at once, we couldn’t fund them at 100% (it would be highly unusual for this to happen.)

In case you didn’t know… • You’ll recall that our fiscal year runs according to the calendar year while our Conference Year

runs mid-year to mid-year. All budget numbers are based on calendar year. • For any churches that are in financial difficulty, it is important to know that we offer two ways

to contribute to the Fair Share. o There is the standard existing method, which is based upon 2-year-old income data. This

method is in the best interest of financially stable and/or healthy churches. o For churches in prolonged (e.g. general downward income trend over the last 2 years

with no improvement in sight) financial decline, there is also a “current income” model, based on most recent month data.

▪ Those on the current income model are charged an extra .5% because it is administratively more time consuming to manage.

▪ Why would you switch? If your income has significantly declined in the last 2 years, you might be better suited to paying fair share on current income where the effective rate of the fair share is closer to the goal of 7.5% (8% with the current income). Otherwise your effective contribution may be larger as a percentage of your income today. The conference leaders can help you sort it out.

o You cannot swap between the two models. You must choose one and stick with it. Temporary declines in income will not be considered for the current income model.

• Pastor housing allowances remain safe and will not be impacted by any pending court cases for the near future. You can read details from the FMCUSA website and/or the ECFA websites if you want any background information on the recent ruling.

Accountability We are finalizing an “Agreed Upon Procedures” financial accounting (think audit – though it is not the same as a full audit – just close) of our books for the year 2018. We’re not expecting any major findings and we will submit that report to the Bishop and denomination as soon as it is complete. The financials you see in this report reflect our final 2018 internal un-audited numbers.

The Conference finances and financial procedures have improved after having acted upon several recommendations from our past two Agreed Upon Procedures Reviews. There are good checks and balances and we’ve made them better. The leadership is frugal, and resources are being put to work in proactive and helpful ways. The goal of the Superintendent and BOA is to make sure resources are spent wisely and in a way that truly impacts local pastors and churches. Reports are that pastors and congregations are growing and churches are becoming healthier. If there are ways we can serve you, I do trust that you will let us know. Our staff is called and committed and serves very sacrificially. We exist to serve you!

I’m available for further questions should this report or anything else related to the finances of Genesis Conference raise a question. Thank you for the honor of serving one more year in this role. May we continue to faithfully fulfill our calling to be God’s people wherever we serve.

A Fellow Servant,

Rev. Scott F. Sittig Chair of Finance Committee & Conference Treasurer

Genesis Conference

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Genesis Conference

Foundation

Out of thousands of pictures taken in my lifetime, it is without a doubt my favorite. She looks beautiful in her pink sweater, her shoulder length blond hair held back with a pink butterfly barrette. Her left arm rests on mine, while the tiny fingers of her right hand are entwined with mine. I’m kneeling, holding her tight, while both of us gaze at countless Monarch butterflies in the Strong Museum butterfly exhibit. Her two-year old mind is likely whirling in wonderment as fast as the fluttering wings of the butterflies. My thoughts are much more precise: how I love this beautiful little girl, this beautiful little girl that calls me Grandpa.

Nine years have passed since that picture was taken, and this past Christmas, the same beautiful girl, now eleven, gave me another picture. She wrote her name on the bottom of it as if I might look at it, and forget her name, or forget the person in the picture. I look at this picture nearly every day, since it marks my life’s verse in 1st Corinthians 9, and I cannot help but think how incredibly blessed I am. As I think of this amongst countless other blessings in my life, my mind is drawn to the verses in Psalms 8:3-4, “When I behold Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place, what is man that You are mindful of him, or the son of man that You care for him?” As much as I love Addison, and would do anything for her, it pales in consideration to the love of our Father. How God took His only Son, so greatly loved by Him, and willingly provided Him so that each of us were provided hope, and the promise of something much better, much greater. How greatly loved and blessed are we!

As the Board of Directors for the Genesis Conference Foundation Inc. we are blessed to be able to serve the Genesis Conference by assisting the conference churches with their financial needs as the kingdom here on earth is furthered. While we ultimately serve at the pleasure and direction of the Board of Administration, we are blessed to utilize God given talents and skills in this manner. Loans advanced to conference churches throughout the 2018 fiscal year and fiscal year-end totaled $2,756,293. We are blessed as well with over 101 investors that seek to further the work of the kingdom, not only in supporting the churches directly through tithing, but investing judiciously with the Genesis Conference Foundation. They may be individual churches, church ministries, or individuals but aside from a strong return on their investment, a primary goal of many, if not all, is to invest where the end-result is the enhancement and building of His work. Recognizing that these funds, which at fiscal year-end totaled $2,813,768.51 are in many ways funds for retirement, funds allocated for various ministry projects, or even savings for college, etc. we do recognize and take our job very seriously when evaluating loan requests, offering guidance or direction when necessary or felt pertinent to the performance of the loan and safety and soundness of our Genesis Conference Foundation investors’ funds.

The Board of Directors for the Genesis Conference Foundation Inc. is comprised of volunteers with backgrounds in banking, business operations, and a passion for His church. Jon Costello has been a long-time member of the board, serving as a stalwart advocate for accuracy, maintaining adherence to laws and a contributor to the record of no losses of investor funds in its history. Effective with the new-year Jon has “retired” from his position as treasurer, although is still serving, transitioning and training our new bookkeeper, Pamela Allen. We thank Jon and acknowledge his diligence and efforts, making Genesis Conference Foundation Inc. what it is today.

Whether for investments, or for church and ministry loans, we are available and look forward to working with Genesis Conference church members and churches during the 2019 year. Officers of the Genesis Conference Foundation Inc. Mark Merrill, President, Bill McIntyre, Vice President, and Mark Logan, Secretary/Treasurer.

Mark Merrill President

Genesis Conference Foundation Inc.

16 | P a g e

Delegates

to General Conference 2019

The Genesis GC19 Delegation will be traveling to Orlando, Florida, for FMCUSA General Conference 2019 on July 16-19. The Genesis GC19 Delegates have been meeting together since they were elected to their role at last year’s annual conference.

The GC19 Delegates met six times over the past year to fulfill their responsibilities. They reviewed thirteen possible nominees for Bishop that had been suggested from across the Conference. After a thorough and prayerful process of consideration we narrowed the list to three, all of whom were later nominated at the national level by the Bishop Search Committee: Linda Adams, Pam Braman, and Matthew Whitehead. The GC19 Delegates also processed eleven resolutions that were submitted by members of the Genesis Conference covering numerous topics including the voting process for General Conference Delegates, clarification of the Ritual of Infant Baptism, and identifying the responsibility of hiring pastoral staff assistants as residing with the local pastor and board. The Genesis Delegation has nominated the following people to serve on the National BOA: Eric Logan (Rochester, New Hope) and Mark Merrill (Warsaw, Valley Chapel) as lay representatives and Pam Braman (Superintendent) and Darlene Mieney (Parma, Crosspoint) as clergy representatives. The Delegation team also spent significant time in dialogue and prayer for General Conference, the direction of the denomination, the election of Bishops, and for Genesis Conference.

You are encouraged to pray for the Genesis GC19 Delegates in their final weeks of preparation and while they are in Orlando in July for GC19.

Clergy (Ministerial) Delegates (9): 1) Pam Braman, Superintendent 2) Louis D. Colon 3) Todd Daningburg 4) Darlene Mieney 5) Roger Haskins 6) Jim LaBarr 7) Gloria Roorda 8) Rick Rouse 9) Calvin Smith

Clergy Reserve Delegates (2): 1) Vern Saile 2) Jason Tarnowski

Lay Delegates (9): 1) David Francis 2) Andre Primus 3) Honna Curtis 4) Ron Lyon 5) Mary Jo Calebaugh 6) Sandy Lombardi 7) Kim Hall 8) Cindi Newman 9) Jacob Liddle

Lay Reserve Delegates (2): 1) Ruth Jones 2) Eric Logan

Delegates are listed in order of election

General Conference 2019 FMCUSA