January 16 Meeting
The MSMC Leadership Board met via conference call on January 16. The Board heard a preliminary financial report for 2016, indicating we had finished the year in the black. They considered the meeting schedule for the year and heard a report from Linford and Mary Etta King, transitional conference ministers.
The Board discussed ideas for future staffing in the conference. One idea is a part time conference minister assisted by two regional pastors. The Board will work on this more at their February meeting and will circulate a proposal after the February meeting.
The Board discussed plans for the Faith and Life Forum which will be April 29 at Beth-El Mennonite in Colorado Springs. Speaker is Drew Hart, author of Trouble I’ve Seen.
The Board discussed plans for Annual Assembly which will be August 4-6 at Ponderosa Retreat and Convention Center near Larkspur. Musician John McCutcheon is lined up for a concert on Friday evening. More info to come.
February 4 Meeting
The Leadership Board met again on February 4 at the home of Maurice and Marilyn Miller in Colorado Springs. They shared a meal together before the meeting.
Conference Treasurer Rita Balzer updated the Board on the finances. When we create a new budget for 2018, we will need to work with a new reality. 2017 is the last year we can draw down on the reserves.
Further planning for Faith and Life Forum and Annual Assembly took place.
Ken updated the Board on the plans underway to bring Fernando and Rebeca back to Mountain States Conference. Various documents are being put together and a plan is being drawn up to provide health insurance. The Leadership Board authorized Ken to write a letter on behalf of Mountain States Conference for Immigration affirming our sponsorship of them.
A good portion of the meeting was spent continuing the discussion about conference structure. The Board explored various options for Board structure as well as what the conference minister position would look like. Job and structure descriptions will be circulated soon.