RMCNews – Denver, Colorado … Reporting to the Rocky Mountain Conference Executive Committee, June 26, Darin Gottfried, RMC VP for finance, said that local church giving is up by 28.32% from 2022.
Gottfried also said that the Conference “is currently experiencing a very slight financial gain this year, mostly due to expenses being significantly under budget so far.”
Gross tithe is currently down by 1.66%, a decrease of $126,404 from 2022. If windfall tithe is removed from the calculation, base tithe is up by 7.15% or $500,591 from 2022. The Conference received $626,995 in windfall tithe year-to-date in 2022.
The Mid America Union and the North American Division continue to have a very strong tithe year with the Union being up 3.95% and the Division being up 9.33% this year.
“We praise God for the many ways the Adventist Church is being blessed and pray for guidance as we work through challenges as well. I am so thankful for all of the members of the Rocky Mountain Conference and for all those that support their local Church and Conference,” Gottfried expressed.
In his report, Mic Thurber, RMC president congratulated the educators for another successful end of school year and graduation and wished restful summer break to both students and teachers. With 2023 camp meeting season in progress, he shared his appreciation for interest, energy, and fire to organize them locally. He informed that, at the conclusion of camp meetings, the Conference leaders will participate in Town Hall meetings in several locations.
Doug Inglish, RMC VP for administration, reported on pastoral openings and shared that presently six churches are in the process of pastoral search. He also shared that a new tool from Adventist Risk Management is available, and the Committee voted it to be a regular part of the hiring process allowing the Conference to determine if a candidate is insurable based on their work history.
Inglish also stated that a policy will be presented for a vote that will standardize the process for groups to achieve company status and then church status.
A special presentation was given to the Committee by Ryan Teller, executive director for integrated marketing communications at Union College. He presented plans to change the institution’s name to reflect their status as a university. The college is considering name change to UNION ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY, a leading name. No final choice has yet been made.
The Committee voted to approve Northglenn Hispanic Company’s request to become a church.
Ordination credentials were also voted for Carol Hurley Turk, who has previously been credentialed by the North American Division. She will be eligible to pursue a chaplain position.
It was voted that when the building for the former Holyoke Church is sold, after retiring any debt for that church, funds will be used to retire the Revolving Fund loan for the Sterling Church. Remaining funds will be set aside as per policy.
Doug Peterson from Colorado Springs Central Church was voted to fill the opening position on the K-12 Education Board left when Jason Tuzinkewich stepped down from the Board.
It was voted to decline a request from the North American Division to have access to our e-Adventist records for the purpose of sending gifts to newly baptized members. Instead, we will work with them to find ways of getting those gifts out without granting e-Adventist access.
Mic Thurber presented his vision and priorities for the Conference. The publication of this report will be released in the near future.
The next meeting of the Executive Committee is planned for August 22, 2023.
—RMCNews
