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Minutes of the
Baptist Sunday School Committee
September 22, 2009
Texarkana, TX
September 22, 2009 – 9am
The Baptist Sunday School Committee
met in the conference room of the publications building of the Baptist Sunday
School Committee on Tuesday, September 22, 2009 at 9 am. Chairman Keeling called the meeting to
order and noted that all members were present with the exception of Bro.
Koon. Bro. Koon was delayed but
expected to be present
Chairman Keeling led the Committee
in a time of sharing blessings and prayer requests. Brother Butch Shipp shared a devotional from Psalm 126:5,6
on the subject of Sowing in tears; Reaping in joy. Bro. Shipp led in prayer.
The Committee
was dismissed to meet with the employees and to honor long time employees Bonita
McKnight and Gary Harrison. Sister
McKnight has 40 years of service and Brother Harrison has 39 years of
service. Bro. Harrison has
recently retired. Appreciation was
expressed to all the employees for their hard work in serving the Lord and the
churches of the American Baptist Association.
Before returning to the meeting,
the Committee met in the warehouse to see the newly acquired press in
operation.
Upon returning to the conference
room, Chairman Keeling announced that the Financial Planning and Goals
Committee would meet in the afternoon.
Chairman Keeling recognized Brother
Wayne Sewell to give the report of the Business Manager. Brother Sewell reported:
·
Press Update – Several small problems have
been addressed and the press is running well. Two pressmen
have left the print shop, one begin a business and one retired. Another pressman has been hired. The future looks great for this press.
·
Paper & Press Plate Prices – There is
upward pressure for increases in these items but changing products and
competition between manufactures is an ongoing process to keep prices as low as
possible.
·
Store Sales – Store Sales are up about
$5,500 for the year. This is
notable in a down economy and reflects the hard work the store staff is doing
to build the store trade.
·
Literature Sales – Literature dollar sales
are up 6.3% over the same period last year. The cost of production increased 3.7% over the previous
year.
o
Discovery Sales – declined by
approximately $200 over the previous year.
o
Bogard Press –
declined $18,351 over the previous year. However 2008 was an unusual year as sales had spiked over 2007. The 2009 sales are higher than 2007.
o
Vacation Bible School – increased by $186,895
over the 2008 time period. Many of
the supplemental materials are being produced in house. Items that were sold out of the store
in previous years are now being produced and sold as VBS product. This has the effect of increasing VBS
sales and reducing store sales.
A motion and second was made to
adopt the report of the Business Manager. Following discussion, the motion carried.
Chairman Keeling dismissed the
Committee for the lunch break and called upon Bro. Carroll Koon to lead in
prayer.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009, 1 pm
Chairman
Keeling called the meeting to order and called upon Brother Larry Clements to
give the report of the Editor-in-Chief. Brother Clements reported:
- Vacation
Bible School 2009-2010-2011
- VBS
2009 – This series has been the most popular and most profitable of
any VBS. Producing supplements
in house has increased profitability of VBS.
- VBS
2010 – The work is almost done on this series – Soul
Survivors on Danger Island. Sample kits should be ready by December.
- VBS
2011, Treasure Quest – Pursuing the Riches of Christ. Most of the manuscripts have been
received and work will begin in earnest on this series by the end of the
year.
- Sunday
School Curriculum – Adult Sunday School study focuses on the Return
of Jesus Christ during the next three quarters.
- BTC
Curriculum – Great lessons are coming during the Winter Quarter in
the study of Identifying God’s People.
- Teen
Discovery and Bible Clubs – plans to revise Bible Clubs and Teen
Discovery in the future. The
Mission Trip for students from Teen Discovery went well as Steve and Karen
Reeves took six students and sponsors on an eight day trip to Costa Rica.
- Bogard Press Books – Actions of the Early
Churches by James F. Holmes will be published soon.
- The
Jerusalem Priority – the sales of the two published campaigns do not
justify more expenditure into another church growth outreach program. The programs will remain available
as long as supplies last.
- Chosen
– A Seven Week Spiritual Growth Campaign – Sixteen pilot
churches will be completing their study in Chosen before
Thanksgiving. This special
seven-week spiritual growth campaign should be ready for sale during Spring, 2010.
- Curriculum
Replacement & New Quarterly – contact has been made with
talented people to review and make suggestions for replacing the present
elementary Sunday School curriculum. A new quarterly is being
considered specifically aimed at the Young Adults (Ages 19-25).
A motion and second was made to
adopt the report of the Editor-in-Chief. Following discussion, the motion carried.
Chairman Keeling noted that Bro.
Steve Reeves, Director of Publicity and Public Relations is in Ohio representing
the work.
Chairman Keeling dismissed the
Committee until 2:45 pm to allow the Financial Planning and Goals Committee to
meet.
Following the break, Chairman
Keeling called the meeting to order and called for the report of the Financial
Planning and Goals Committee.
The committee reported meeting
with Bro. Sewell and the accounting staff.
The following motion was
made: At the request of our
auditors, the financial projection for 2010 will be a 5% increase in income and
a 4% increase in expenses. The
motion was seconded and carried.
A motion and second was made to
adjourn until April 20, 21, 2010.
Bro. Eugene Tarter was recognized
to give devotional thoughts and lead in closing prayer.
Respectfully
Submitted,
M.D.
Keeling, Chairman
Mike Yoho, Clerk
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
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