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