Baptist Sunday School Committee
Conference Call
May 8, 2009
A
conference call was organized on May 8, 2009 for the purpose of discussion
of the purchase of the used press located in Dallas, TX. This is the same
press discussed in the April 2009 meeting of the Baptist Sunday School
Committee.
At
2:00 pm, Bro. Sewell called the roll of the Committee. Ten committeemen
were present. Those absent were Bro. Allen Hagood, Bro. Butch Shipp, Bro.
Jeff Krisell, Bro. Neal Clark, Bro. Ray Meigs, and Bro. Eugene Tarter. Bro.
Larry Clements, Bro. Wayne Sewell, and Bro. Charles Easley were also
present.
Bro.
Sewell reported that he (and others) had seen the press in Dallas – it has
120 million impressions. The Committee is being offered the press after
maintenance done, moved to Texarkana and set up in house for $150,000. The
same company that maintained the press in Dallas would be moving and setting
up the press. About $4,000 will be required to prepare the 12 inch slab in
the warehouse with rebar.
Bro.
Easley indicated that the press should last 25 years. The new press has 6
units for up to six colors or 4 colors and a lacquer coating. There is a 60
day warranty once it is set up, which is a common practice on used printing
equipment.
There is no market for the old Harris press – so it will be sold for scrap
metal. The Harris press was made in the 1960s. Our other press, also a
Speedmaster has over 2 billion impressions.
Total cost by the time everything is set up will be $155 – 160,000. Bro.
Easley reported that the cost of a new Speedmaster like the one we are
purchasing would be $1.8 million.
The
Harris press will continue running while the new press is being set up,
until 2 or 3 days before the switch over. The new press can be delivered
the last week of May and should be set up and running the first week of
June.
Bro.
Easley indicated that there was one problem after another for the old Harris
press. The Committee paid about $15,000 for the used Harris press including
set up several years ago.
Chairman Keeling asked Bro. Sewell to explain how he planned to pay for the
new press. Bro. Sewell reported that the Committee has been approved for a
loan of $155,000 for 5 years at 5.7% annual interest. One of the current
pressmen is planning to retire and the cost of paying the loan will be
covered by the savings realized by this salary. There are no plans to
replace this position.
Bro.
Yoho had to leave the meeting but spoke in favor of the purchase.
There was a question regarding the authority of the BSSC to authorize the
purchase. It was noted that the BSSC has the authority between sessions of
the American Baptist Association to make decisions regarding the business.
A
motion and second was made to proceed with the financing and purchase of the
new press. The motion carried 10-0 counting Bro. Yoho who spoke in favor of
the purchase before leaving the call.
The
following points were made during the discussion that followed.
·
The losses reported in the 2008 audit represented
mostly adjustments in inventory and cash actually increased over the year.
·
The press would necessitate one person being on
the cutter full time. It would make the printing more efficient as it is
much faster than the Harris press and should enhance the quality and
quantity of printed materials.
·
There is a possibility that improved efficiency
could result in reducing the cost of literature.
·
Bro. Sewell was asked to reduce all the
information on the press to one page and make it available to the members of
the Baptist Sunday School Committee.
·
Bro. Sewell indicated that enough cash was on hand
to purchase the press, but the best course of action would be to finance
since it will be paid for by saving one pressman’s salary.
·
Bro. Easley indicated that the press would be
worth $250,000 if we had it.
Bro. Keeling adjourned the meeting at
2:40 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
M.D. Keeling, Chairman
Mike Yoho, Clerk*
*Minutes produced from notes taken by
Bro. Larry Clements
Minutes of the Baptist Sunday School
Committee
April 21, 22, 2009
The
Baptist Sunday School Committee met on Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at 9am.
Chairman Keeling called the meeting to order and noted that all members were
present.
The meeting began with a time of sharing
life happenings and prayer requests.
The Committee was adjourned to the break
room to honor long time employees. Sis. Patsy McClure was honored for 30
years of service, and Bro. Gary Crane with 20 years of service to the
Baptist Sunday School Committee and the churches of the American Baptist
Association.
Following the break, Chairman Keeling
asked Bro. Jeff Krisell bring devotional thoughts. Bro. Krisell read Psalm
46 and commented on the subject “Good Medicine When We are Discouraged.”
God is present, He is powerful, and He has a plan for each one of us. Bro.
Krisell led in prayer.
A motion and second carried to seat
visiting brethren in counsel.
A motion and second carried to adopt the
minutes from the September 2008 meeting.
Chairman Keeling recognized Ms. Renda
Stuart from the firm of Grier, Reeves, and Lawley to review the annual
audit.
Following the discussion, appreciation
was expressed to Ms. Stuart and the staff from the firm of Grier, Reeves,
and Lawley for their work in producing the audit.
Chairman Keeling announced the following
subcommittee meetings:
Salary Review - Ray Meigs, Chairman
Curriculum Development – Steve Butler, Chairman
Equipment Committee – M.D. Keeling, Chairman
Financial Planning and Goals - Wayne
Hunter chairmen.
A motion and second carried to adjourn
until 1 pm. Bro. Randy Cloud led in prayer.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009, 1 pm
Chairman Keeling called the meeting to
order and called for the report of the Business Manager, Bro. Wayne Sewell.
Bro.
Sewell reported the following:
·
Equipment Upgrade – Although unplanned, a
new cutter has been purchased and the warehouse forklift has been replaced.
Computers and printers are always being upgraded. A new van was purchased
last year for the Editorial office. The lighting system in the warehouses
will be replaced over the next two years. The new fixtures will cut the
electrical cost for lighting almost in half and replacement cost should be
recouped in about two years.
·
Store Update – The store has a new manager,
Cindy Elkins, who has been working very hard in this position. It has been
a difficult sales year for the bookstore due mainly to the economy. Store
Sales decreased about 12-13% for the year 2008. Sales have been up slightly
for the first three months of 2009. Sales through mail order are still
down.
·
Literature Update – Sales of literature
have also suffered because of a perceived bad economy. The number of
churches ordering did not decline, but unit sales declined by about four
percent. Unit sales for the first three months were down by about 3%.
Dollar amounts were up due to the price increase given by the messengers in
June 2008. Price increases approved in June do not appear as an increase in
dollars received until mid-November.
·
Discovery – Sales for Discovery were down
slightly for the first three months of 2009. This is not considered unusual
as the amounts from year to year will vary slightly.
·
Bogard Press – Sales for Bogard Press
decreased for the first three months of 2009 by about $5,400.
·
Spanish Literature – Sales of Spanish
Literature followed the same trend and was down by about three thousand
dollars for the first three months of 2009.
·
Vacation Bible School – Sales of VBS
curriculum is up significantly for the first three months of 2009 as
compared to the same time period for 2008.
·
2008 IN REVIEW – The audit will show a loss
of $209,000 for the year. A large contributor to this loss is the write off
in inventory of books given to the Baptist Sunday School Committee in past
years in the amount of $91,000. Cash and cash equivalents increased for the
year in spite of this write off. Excess literature has been donated to
missions around the world through the work of Brother Joel Meredith and his
church. These donations amount to about $100,000.
·
Recommendation – An increase in literature
prices of 5% is recommended so as not to fall behind rising expenses.
A motion and second was made to amend
Bro. Sewell’s recommendation to a 7.5 percent increase in literature prices
(Sunday School and BTC). The motion did not carry.
A motion
and second was made to adopt the report of the Business Manager. The motion
carried.
Chairman
Keeling recognized Bro. Larry Clements to give the report of the
Editor-in-Chief.
Bro.
Clements reported the following:
·
Vacation Bible School 2009-2010-2011
o
VBS 2009 – This VBS study of the life of
Christ with lesson settings at various places in the Promised Land is
getting a good reception. Several new items offered should be popular.
o
VBS 2010 – The title of this study is Soul Survivors on Danger Island and the work is progressing nicely.
This VBS program teaches how God gives victory over obstacles in life. It
is based on Romans 8:37.
o
VBS 2011 – The title of this study is
Treasure Quest – Pursuing the Riches of Christ. The lessons are based
on Paul’s statement about Christ in Colossians 2:2, 3.
·
Sunday School Curriculum
o
Adult Sunday School - Summer and Fall 2009
studies focus on the New Testament with lessons from First and Second Peter.
o
Newly Designed Adult CD – This is a work in
progress. Several new items will be added. Positive advantages of the new
CD are that will enhance the Sunday School Teacher’s presentation, offer new
ways of promoting Sunday School and not add a new item to our curriculum.
o
Revising or Replacing Current Pre-School and
Elementary Sunday School – This has been delayed due to work on other
projects. A meeting is planned of interested and talented teachers and
curriculum planners in the near future.
·
Baptist Training Course Curriculum
o
Fall 2009 – We will study Godly Women
of the Bible, beginning with Eve and other women who honored God
with their lives
o
Winter 2009-10 – We will focus on Identifying God’s People, by studying the names associated with the
people of God.
o
Spring 2010 – We will enjoy learning about
God’s People and the Last Days.
·
Fellowship Bible Study – The newest
thirteen-lesson topical study book, Woman by Design: A Woman and Her
Heart, by Angie Peters, is ready for the press. This is the last
book planned for the Fellowship Bible Study.
·
Teen Discovery and Bible Clubs –
These programs continue to provide good outreach and training for our
churches. Revision of the Bible Club curriculum and format is needed in the
near future, as well as a retooling and leadership for Teen Discovery.
Presently ten teens have qualified for the Discovery Mission Trip set for
this summer in Costa Rica.
·
Spanish Sunday School Curriculum – These
sales have been erratic. Ads have been placed for Spanish curriculum along
with other materials. Sale of Spanish literature in Costa Rica is on the
rise as more brethren become aware of its existence.
·
Bogard Press Books – There are three books
in the process of publication in addition to the Fellowship Bible Study.
o
Landmarks of the Baptist Faith by David
Gonnella
o
Marks of a Worthy Mentor by George Garner
o
The Battle for Baptist History by I.K. Cross
·
The Jerusalem Priority
o
Friends Reaching Friends – This outreach
program was used by several hundred churches last year. It is still
available and is undated material.
o
Get Connected – The Jerusalem Priority
evangelistic outreach emphasis for October, 2009 is entitled Get
Connected. The basic kit comes in an attractive black portfolio
that includes a leader’s manual, four sermon outlines, an resource CD and
other items. This outreach curriculum will enable and encourage average
church members to reach people within their circles of influence and
concern.
·
Chosen – A Seven Week Spiritual Growth
Campaign. Charles Murphy and Larry Jacobs devised and are developing
this special seven week spiritual growth campaign that will be produced and
marketed. The objective is to encourage spiritual growth through the
establishment and development of small groups where people are empowered,
released and equipped to walk their spiritual walk. Plans are to have
Chosen ready for sale by Spring, 2010.
·
Recommendation – A raise is recommended of
10% for Sunday School and BTC writers. There has only been one other raise
for these writers in the past six years.
A motion
and second was made to adopt the report of the Editor in Chief. The motion
carried.
Chairman
Keeling recognized Brother Steve Reeves to give the report of the Director
of Publicity and Public Relations. Brother Reeves reported that the VBS
catalog has been well accepted and is using a different format from past
years. Other catalogs are being planned.
A motion and second was made to adopt
the report. The motion carried.
A motion
and second was made to give a vote of confidence for the harmony that exists
between the office of Business Manager and the Editor in Chief. The motion
carried.
A motion
and second carried to adjourn until 9 am on Wednesday.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009, 9am
Chairman Keeling called the meeting to
order.
The roll was taken; Bro. Carroll Koon and
Bro. Richard Merritt were absent.
Chairman Keeling called upon Bro. David
Johnson to bring the devotion. Brother Johnson read Acts 1:9-11, and
commented on being distracted by personal concerns rather than doing what
God called us to do. Bro. Johnson led in prayer.
Following the devotion, special prayer
requests were received. Bro. David Butimore led in prayer.
Chairman Keeling called for the reports
of the standing committees.
Bro. Ray Meigs gave the report of the
Salary Review Committee. The committee did not recommend a raise in salary
this year for the Business Manager and the Editor-in-Chief, due to the
current economic situation.
A motion was made and seconded to accept
the report of the Salary Review Committee.
An amendment to the motion was made to
raise the salaries of the Business Manager and the Editor-in-Chief by 3%.
The amendment received a second.
The amendment carried.
The motion as amended carried.
Bro. M.D. Keeling gave the report of the
Equipment Committee. The Committee recommends that research be done by Bro.
Sewell and Bro. Charles Easley on press equipment and costs. It is likely
that within the next three years a new press will be needed.
A motion and second was made to accept
the recommendation of the Equipment Committee. The motion carried.
Bro. Wayne Hunter gave the report of the
Financial Planning and Goals Committee. Two items were considered by the
Committee. The first was the budget planning which is still in the process
of formation. The emphasis will be on a budget that shows goals and
trends. The second consideration is the financing of the future purchase of
printing equipment. The committee recommends the establishment of an
equipment acquisition fund by raising the literature prices by 10 cents per
unit across the board. This will be a special fund that will be used for
the purchase of equipment. The money could only be spent on approval by a
majority of the BSSC.
A motion was made to adopt the report of
the Financial Planning and Goals Committee. A motion was made to amend by
exempting the Adult Lesson Commentary. The motion to amend died for lack of
a second.
A motion was made to amend the
recommendation to 5 cents per unit across the board.
The amendment carried.
The motion as amended carried.
Motion and second that the Baptist Sunday
School Committee send a letter of appreciation to the auditors indicating
confidence and appreciation for their many years of service.
A motion was made to adjourn until June
in Springfield, MO. The motion was seconded and carried.
Bro. Butch Shipp offered the closing
prayer.
Respectfully Submitted,
M.D. Keeling, Chairman
Mike Yoho, Clerk
Baptist Sunday School Committee Minutes
September 23, 2008
Chairman Keeling called
the meeting of the Baptist Sunday School Committee to order at 9 am,
September 23, 2008. Following a time of sharing blessings and prayer
requests, the Committee met with the employees to honor long time employee
Bro. Kyle Elkins for 20 years of service.
Chairman
Keeling called upon Bro. Mike Yoho to bring devotional thoughts and lead in
prayer. Bro. Yoho read 1 John 3:1 and shared thoughts on “Behold What
Manner of Love.”
Following
the opening prayer, Chairman Keeling noted that all committee members were
present with the exception of Bro. Carroll Koon. Bro. Koon is expected to
be in the meeting this afternoon.
Chairman
Keeling noted that the minutes of the New BSSC from June 2008 have been
printed and distributed.
Chairman
Keeling recognized the Chairmen of the Standing Committees (printed as
follows):
Standing Committee Chairmen:
Curriculum Development –
Steve Butler
Salary Review – Ray
Meigs
Financial Planning and
Goals – Wayne Hunter
Equipment – M.D. Keeling
Policy Review – Steve
Butler
Honorarium and Memorial
– Wayne Sewell
Bro. Wayne
Hunter announced that the Financial Planning and Goals Standing Committee
would meet before the noon meal.
A motion
and second was made to seat visiting brethren in counsel. The motion
carried
There was a
time of sharing and general discussion with the Business Manager and the
Editor in Chief.
Prayer
requests were received. The Committee stood for prayer offered by Bro.
David Johnson and was dismissed for the lunch break.
September 23, 2008, 1 p.m.
Chairman
Keeling reconvened the meeting and all committeemen were present.
Chairman
Keeling recognized Bro. Wayne Sewell to give the report of the Business
Manager. Bro. Sewell reported the following:
- Instances of weather damage to
the property and the security system.
- The ongoing budget project is
being refined. Yearly reviews and adjustments to the budget process
will be ongoing.
- Store Sales: Retail employees
have changed. Sales are down twenty-two thousand dollars for the same
period last year. Hoping for a better fall and Christmas season. Cindy
Elkins is helping with creative ads for television and radio.
- Literature Sales have decreased
somewhat. The number of orders is about the same, but churches are
ordering less literature.
- Sunday School and BTC unit
sales for Spring are down by 5,200 units, but due to the price increase
there was an increase in total dollars. After expenses there was a
small gain.
- VBS – over all a good year.
Several items did not sell as well this year, but overall VBS did show a
profit. Unit sales have stayed up.
- Discovery Sales are about the
same as last year.
- Bogard Press Sales have already
exceeded last year’s sales.
- Overview: The financial
picture is good. The new price increase for literature will go into
effect with the winter mail out. Money has been set aside for taxes in
a separate account. Vigilance must be maintained in an uncertain
economy.
- No recommendations for
equipment purchases at this time.
A motion
and second was made to adopt the report of the Business Manager. The motion
carried.
Chairman
Keeling called upon Bro. Larry Clements to give the report of the
Editor-in-Chief. Bro. Clements reported the following:
·
Vacation Bible School 2008, 2009, 2010
o
2008 – Very well received, but did not seem as
popular as 2007. Perhaps this was due to Olympics burnout.
o
2009 – Passport to the Promised Land – Following
the Steps of Jesus. This will be a study of the life of Christ with lesson
settings at various places in the Promised Land. It should be the best
yet. Several new items will be offered.
o
2010 – Soul Survivors on Danger Island. This VBS
teaches how God gives victory over obstacles in life. It is based on Romans
8:37.
·
Sunday School Curriculum
o
Adult Sunday School study of John should be very
popular. Newly designed CD has materials to enhance the Sunday School
teacher’s lesson preparation.
o
There will be a meeting called for interested and
talented teachers and curriculum planners to review our present curriculum.
Recommendations will be made about revision or replacement of our current
curriculum. The newest of our current materials is 14 years old. Fully
detailed plans will be available by the Spring meeting of the Baptist
Sunday School Committee.
·
Fellowship Bible Study. The newest book is
The Steward and His Stewardship by Gene Smith and is the tenth in
the series. The manuscript for Angie Peters’ third book, Woman by
Design: A Woman and Her Heart should go to press in a few weeks.
Because of a lack interest in all but Angie Peters’ books, the Fellowship
Bible Study will be discontinued.
·
Teen Discovery and Bible Clubs. A report on the
2008 mission trip to Costa Rica was given.
·
Spanish Sunday School Curriculum. The market
continues to grow. Summer sales were up over 100 units from 2007.
·
Bogard Press Books. Recently published books
are: David Johnson’s twenty-six week study guide of our Doctrinal
Statement: What We Believe….and Why and Roger Copeland’s,
Real Faith – a study of the book of James. Landmarks of
Baptist Faith by David Gonnella is being proofed at this time.
·
Jerusalem Priority – Friends Reaching Friends is
outreach emphasis seems to be meeting a need among Missionary Baptist
Churches.
·
Connect – Planning for outreach in October 2009
will focus on ways churches can connect for Christ with family, friends,
coworkers, and neighbors.
A motion and second was
made to adopt the report of the Editor in Chief. The motion carried.
Following a
break, Chairman Keeling called for the report of the Financial Planning and
Goals Standing Committee. The Committee submitted the following report.
“The
standing committee met on September 23, 2008 with all members present. Bro.
Hunter presented a proposed budget for the BSSC. Bro. Hunter and Bro.
Sewell both spoke as to the means used to arrive at the projected numbers,
and how that per accountants advice only numbers from 2007, 2008 were used.
A motion and second was made to present and recommend the proposed budget to
the full committee. The motion carried.”
Bro. Hunter
was recognized to speak to the report of the Financial Planning and Goals
Standing Committee. The standing committee’s budget projected an increase
of 3.5% in expenses for 2009.
A motion
and second was made to adopt the committee report which included the budget
proposal presented by the Financial Planning and Goals Standing committee
including a 3.5% increase for 2009 over the 2008 expenses.
A motion
and second was made to adjourn until April 21, 22, 2009 beginning at 9am on
Tuesday morning. The motion carried. Closing prayer was offered by Bro.
Carroll Koon.
Respectfully
Submitted,
M.D. Keeling,
Chairman
Mike Yoho, Clerk