April 14, 2003

ABC’s ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING:
A TIME FOR VISIONARY DECISIONS

In the Baptist tradition, Altadena Baptist Church is governed by its congregation acting as a democracy. We have no bishops, popes or denominational leaders telling us what to do. The church’s pastors are recognized for their training and experience in teaching God’s Word and directing the spiritual program of the church. The members of the Deacon Board are elected to make specific decisions month by month about the various aspects of the church’s ministry and mission. But it is in the congregational meetings that the will of the Lord for the church is discerned and decided. We believe, as Baptists have always argued, that the entire local body of believers is better able to receive and interpret God’s will than any individual or board.

So our recent Annual Business Meeting was an important moment in the church’s life. The congregation paused to consider where the church should go for the year ahead. Then the congregation made two decisions that are designed to carry out the vision the Lord has given to the church, represented by its new officers and by its budget.

ELECTED OFFICERS – The following officers were elected to lead and to serve during the year ahead:

New Deacons: Shacristala Jackson, Chet Kelsey, Donna Ragsdale
Other Officers:
Moderator - Joyce Spencer
Clerk - Marilyn Webster
Financial Secretary - Peggy Golden
Treasurer - Jill Boekenoogen
Sunday School Superintendent - Jill Zobrist
Hospitality Chair - Diane Lee

The new deacons met with the continuing deacons and came up with the following leadership responsibilities on the Board:
Chair - Chet Kelsey
Vice Chair - Donna Ragsdale

Departments:
Worship Co-Chairs- Sarah Fiala & Shacristala Jackson
Education Chair - Carolyn Oliver
Outreach Chair - Elton Blake
Finance Chair - RLou Norquist
Membership Care Deacons - Donna Ragsdale, Bill Zobrist, Coreen Larson

Meeting Times:
Deacons 3rd Thursday 7:00 PM
Worship 1st Wednesday 8:00 PM
Education 2nd Wednesday 7:00 PM
Outreach 1st Sunday Noon
Finance 2nd Thursday 7:00 PM
Membership Care 3rd Sunday Noon
Missions 2nd Sunday Noon

BUDGET FOR 2003-4 – The new budget includes increased commitments to upgrade salaries of staff:
Cost of Living Increase (2%) $2160
Pastor Connie’s increase, previously voted $2000
Administrative Assistant Alice Blackwood’s salary enhancement $2000
Director of Worship Glenn Molina’s expanded job description $2500
There was also an increase in missions commitment due to Faith Promises made—about $4000. These additions, together with some needed increases in utilities and other fixed costs, require an increase in our overall budget of more than $18,000. This represents an 8% increase needed in our weekly offerings.

This is the congregation’s decision. Now the congregation must meet the challenge it has put before itself by increasing weekly donations by an average of $235. We could do this if each of us were to increase individual giving by 8%. Some are on very limited, fixed incomes and cannot expand their giving that much. That means that others who are blessed with expanding earning power will have to do better than the 8% increase.

You and I are the congregation, so you and I are the ones who will have to meet the increased challenge.

I believe this will be a year of growth in the church and that we will see the challenge as an opportunity to support this growth. It’s great to be part of a church where things are happening and the vision and ministry are expanding. I’m glad the congregation has this same feeling and has expressed optimism and faith in its Annual Business Meeting decisions.

–Pastor George Van Alstine