USA > Indiana > Annual reports to Indiana Yearly Meeting of Friends : [with,] Annual report of the General Superintendent > Part 1
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ANNUAL REPORTS
to INDIANA YEARLY MEETING OF FRIENDS 1968-69
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT
1968-1969
MINUTE No.
Change, Concern and Challenge have marked the activities of the superintendency during the 1968-69 year. With the discon- tinuance of the Quarterly Meetings and the beginning of the Re- gional Plan during the year, the work has been greatly multiplied. However, all time and efforts thus spent should contribute toward greater efficiency and enthusiasm across the Yearly Meeting in the future.
The decision during the 1968 sessions of Indiana Yearly Meeting to make sweeping changes in structure has resulted in the development of patterns of change. Change is not easy and al- ways involves people and their attitudes. Thus we have been carefully following a pattern of orientation to prepare us for this. I am indebted to Harold Tollefson, secretary of the Restructure Committee, for his wise counsel and faithful work in the total task.
Restructure has continued with three extensive planning ses- sions by the committee during November, January and February. From this was developed a Regional orientation plan which Harold Tollefson and I presented in the regions in Indiana and Ohio on Sunday afternoons in January and February. Nominating sessions were then held in all eight regions with successive Regional Meet- ings conducted during the summer months. Attendance and re- sponse indicate a forward move. The 1969 sessions of the Yearly Meeting will conclude the essential steps to effect the change-over. Our new streamlined structure will help us complete our last year prior to the sesquicentennial year in 1970-71. Our emphasis will be on Christian Vocations as the final step of the Building the Kingdom theme.
Concern has marked a valuable section of my work through- out 1968-69. This concern has been with the working relationships between pastors and their people, both in pastoral placement and in pastoral relationships at the local level. We have had a smooth transition to the new time table for the pastoral and church year, July 1 - June 30. Fifteen pastoral changes have been made with ten of these confirmed by the July 1st deadline.
I am hopeful that the proposed Pastoral Contract will be accepted and that we will be able to have cooperation from all
local meetings. We have seen five ministers retire from the active pastoral ministry, one enter semi-retirement, one seek college studies in another state, and three accept pastorates in other Yearly Meet- ings. Five pastors from outside the Yearly Meeting have accepted calls among us.
The Scholarship-Loan Fund has been in operation for one year with seven under-graduate ministerial students in three col- leges having received assistance thus far. There are three more applicants for tuition help for 1969-70, thus requiring additional financial help from local meetings and concerned Friends.
Concern in the spiritual and physical realms has increased the effectiveness of the Quaker Prayer Alert with six general alerts sent to nearly 200 Friends. Their contacts have greatly multiplied the number praying and we have seen miraculous answers to prayer.
Concern has included a week-end evangelistic meeting at Grant City and a week's meeting at Portland. I held three weekly classes on Follow-Up in preparation for the Winchester Crusade. I have also cooperated with the ministerial committees in plans for the annual Pastors Retreat at Yokefellow and Pastors Short Course at Quaker Haven with messages during each of these. Min- isters' Wives had their annual retreat at Yokefellow again this year. Other quarterly, tri-quarterly and Tri-Yearly Ministerial gatherings have been attended and promoted. Plans for the new year include the changeover to eight regional ministerial gatherings. Younger Ministers' Sharing Sessions are being planned quarterly at the Superintendent's Home.
Challenge has included study, dedications of new buildings, assistance in the establishment of a new Meeting, quarterly editing and publication of The Indiana Friend and other opportunities for personal and public sharing. I was privileged to be a student of Dr. D. Elton Trueblood for the Christian Writers Course through the Earlham School of Religion last Fall. Valuable lessons learned there and experience gained in writing, hopefully, will lead me to the publication of my first book. In March, I attended the Church Executive Development Program at Montreat, North Carolina, through the generosity of the Eli Lilly Foundation. These studies are proving to be extremely useful.
Dedications have included the new church at Upland, Chris- tian Education sections at Amboy and Antioch Chapel, parsonages at Peaceful Valley and Walnut Ridge and a mortgage burning at Keystone. West Milton also burned the mortgage on their Christian Education unit and Spiceland dedicated a new Christian Education section.
My other responsibilities have included membership on the Executive Council, Mission Board, and Pension Committee of Friends United Meeting; Board of Trustees of Indiana Sunday School Association, Indiana Pastoral Institute, Indiana Inter-religious Council on Human Equality, Board of Trustees of Indiana Council of Churches and State Pastors Board.
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I have sincerely appreciated the faithful work of my wife, Dorothy, as she serves as Office secretary. Max Huffman's dedica- tion to the total work of evangelism and church extension and the task of establishing Dayspring Friends Meeting and Howard Macy's comprehensive work in Christian Education and guidance in youth activities are deeply appreciated.
Recomendations for the future:
1. That we combine all our efforts through the new structure tc present a unified program of love and outreach at home and abroad. That local meetings help in the development of a Re- newal Program emphasizing dedication to Christ as we prepare for our sesquicentennial year.
2. That all local meetings co-operate fully in using the proposed pastoral contract with a determination to provide more adequate financial support and retirement benefits for our pastors. That the Pension Plan of FUM be thoroughly considered and adopted at the local level.
3. That our Quaker concern for humanity include full participa- tion in united interdenominational efforts to bring about equal opportunities in all human endeavors.
4. That our new Administrative Body begin to formulate long- range goals for Indiana Yearly Meeting during the latter part of this century, with specific goals for the 70's.
"There is nothing love cannot face; there is no limit to its faith, its hope, and its endurance."
1 Corinthians 13:7
WILLIAM A. WAGNER, General Superintendent
BALL STATE COMMITTEE
MINUTE NO.
The year of 1968-69 was marked by student unrest, demon- strations, and even violence in the colleges and universities across our nation. Although Ball State University has fortunately escaped the eruption of violence, these have been troubled and trying times for young people everywhere. More than ever, the "home away from home" offered by the Ball State Fellowship of Friends has had new significance for the students at Ball State, particularly the Freshmen. In their program this past year they have experienced spiritual growth as they considered the problems of the day viewed through the context of the religious faith in which they have con- tinued to grow. They have experienced meaningful dialogue with their peers and their elders; and they have accepted increased op- portunities to share their faith through their participation in deputa- tion teams and through Christian service in community projects.
Statistically, it has been a very good year. Of 212 students designating their religious faith as Quaker at fall enrollment, 55 have attended the Fellowship at least once, and 32 have remained active
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throughout the year. This means that the Fellowship has reached 29% of the Friends students, and 17% are active participants - a very good record when compared with that of other denomina- tions. Average attendance at Sunday School during the year was 19, and 11 deputation teams visited Meetings in Indiana and West- ern Yearly Meetings. Approximately 400 Friday night suppers were served, and four newsletters were published with a circulation of 350. Six members of the Fellowship graduated, and eleven of those remaining were Freshmen. With an equally enthusiastic Freshman group in the fall of 1969, we may soon outgrow 812 Carson Street!
We continue to be thankful for the enthusiastic and inspired leadership of Ruth Day and for her loving concern for each student. We are also glad for the fine work of Max Carter, who assists Ruth, and who ministers to students on the campus in a very ef- fective way. We especially encourage Friends to urge their young people who will be attending Ball State to take part in the program of the Ball State Fellowship. We sincerely believe they will benefit greatly from the spiritual support and fine fellowship which the group can offer them.
The Ball State Committee is also anxious to express their appreciation to Earl Conn, who worked so long and hard in the or- ganization of the committee and the present program. Earl's com- mittee appointment expires this year, but it is the recommendation of the Committee that the Yearly Meeting appoint Earl Conn as an ex-officio member of the Ball State Committee.
We ask your prayers for the Ball State Fellowship, its leadership, and for the young people it seeks to serve.
MARY GROBEY, Chairman
BOOK AND TRACT COMMITTEE
MINUTE No.
As in the past the Book and Tract Committee continued to assist the Yearly Meeting Superintendent in publishing The Indiana Friend.
The two pamphlets, "Revised Handbook For Elders" (25c) and "Foundations For Membership In A Friends Meeting" (50c) continue to be available from the Yearly Meeting office.
A reprinting of Elton Trueblood's "An Introduction to Qua- kers" was undertaken this year. Copies are available from the Superintendent's office at 10ยข each.
The committee met twice this year to carry out the programs already mentioned and to discuss ideas for the work and future publications of the Commission on Communications and Publica- tions by which our committee will be replaced.
GENE A. LONG, Chairman
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CHRISTIAN EDUCATION COMMITTEE
MINUTE No.
With the coming of Howard Macy as part-time Christian Education and Young Friends Activities director the first of Octo- ber and the addition of three members to our committee by action of the Yearly Meeting last year, the work and the activity of our committee has been greatly facilitated.
The first part of the year was devoted to acquainting new committee members and Howard Macy with the objectives, plans and programs of the committee and of setting new aims for the year ahead.
A major task, involving many persons and much time, had to do with the preparation, distribution, completion and compilation of a seven-page questionnaire which was mailed to most of the Meetings in the Yearly Meeting. The questionnaire was followed up by personal visits to many Meetings by members of our commit- tee who sought to interpret the questionnaire and assist local Meet- ing members in answering it. The tabulation of the results of this survey is being made by Howard Macy and should be helpful in ascertaining the strengths and weaknesses of Christian Education in the Yearly Meeting and serve as an aid in developing new programs in the future based on apparent needs.
During the 1968 sessions of Yearly Meeting, our committee made available a packet of materials helpful in teaching Quaker beliefs and testimonies in the local Meeting. Many Meetings have availed themselves of these packets at $1.25 a packet but more are still available.
Two Leadership Conferences were sponsored by our com- mittee this spring under the general theme, "Making the Most of What We Have." The aim was to assist small Meetings realize and utilize their potential resources to improve the Christian Educa- tion ministry in their Meeting. Although attendance was small, in- terest and enthusiasm was high and a general feeling of value of the conferences prevailed.
At the suggestion of Howard Macy and under his editorship, the Kaleidoscope, a monthly newsletter containing teaching tips, and other items of interest started publication in February. This news- letter is being mailed to all Christian Education personnel in every Meeting requesting it. Thus far, the response is enthusiastic.
Anticipating the restructure of the Yearly Meeting, our com- mittee recommended the formation of a Camping Committee com- prised of representatives from the Young Friends Activities Com- mittee and our committee, with the result that such a committee was formed to care for the camping program of the Yearly Meeting this year. Consequently, the funds allocated in our budget for Junior camps were turned over to this committee as well as the responsibility for planning and conducting such camps. It is felt that by having the total camping program under the care of one
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committee, better planning, coordination and utilization of person- nel can be achieved.
Again this year, the chairman of our committee served on the Division of Educational Ministries of the Indiana Council of Churches. This relationship continues to provide an opportunity for exchange of ideas, inspiration and cooperation in the overall task of our committee.
We express great appreciation to Howard Macy for his ex- cellent assistance to our committee and our Monthly Meetings as he has represented us and worked with us during the year. His leadership in the conferences and camps, his editorship of Kaleido- scope, his concerns and suggestions presented to our committee, and his ministry of helpfulness in our Meetings is deeply appreciated We anticipate the continuation of this working relationship through- out the year ahead. At the same time, we must begin looking for someone to take his place since he plans to terminate his services with us in the summer of 1970.
Respectfullly submitted, MERVIN D. KILMER, Chairman
DEVOTIONAL COMMITTEE REPORT FOR 1969
MINUTE No.
Preparing for Indiana Yearly Meeting's 1969 sessions, the Devotional Committee has kept in mind "Christian Vocation", theme for 1969-70.
To implement this theme, it seemed in the right ordering that Dr. Elton Trueblood should be asked to lead devotional periods, preach on Sunday morning and give the Monday evening lecture.
Speakers for Sunday afternoon and evening were also invited to share their insights regarding the theme. For Sunday afternoon we were fortunate to secure Ada Hinds, librarian at Gateway Christian Center, Muncie. David Plotner, cartoonist, will also ap- pear on Sunday afternoon. T. Embury Jones, Christian businessman from Cincinnati, Ohio, is the Sunday evening speaker.
Arthur O. Roberts, dean of the faculty at George Fox College, Newberg, Oregon, is the 1969 Quaker lecturer.
An innovation in this year's program consists of requesting that Young Friends be responsible for leadership at the 6:30 A.M. meetings for worship.
Other leadership provided includes:
(a) 8:15 A.M. WORSHIP - William Guthrie, Samuel Em- erick, Charles Zimmers and Clifford Wolfe.
(b) Sunday Morning Adult Bible Class - Alfred Deutsch.
(c) Kenneth and Ruthanna Pickering are coordinating music arrangements.
Respectively submitted, L ROBERT E. COPE, Chairman
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DISBURSING BOARD
MINUTE NO.
During the past year the Disbursing Board has extended quarterly sustaining grants in the form of quarterly checks to nine- teen eligible recipients with the exception of the last quarter when the number of recipients was reduced to seventeen. In addition, the Disbursing Board approved the payment of $1425 from the Ministers' Fund to the treasurer of Friends Fellowship Community to be allocated and used as supplementary aid for eligible Friends who reside at Friends Fellowship Community.
Funds available to the Disbursing Board for use in granting assistance to retired ministers, missionaries and other needy indi- viduals were derived from income on endowments assigned to the Disbursing Board which have been invested by the Investment Board and the Treasurer of the Indiana Yearly Meeting.
The several endowment funds, accumulated over a period of years from gifts by concerned donors, have been grouped in three areas in accordance with what seemed to be the intent of their orig- inal sources, namely, the Supporting Fund, the Loaning Fund, and the Ministers' Fund.
Amounts distributed from the separate funds as sustaining grants in the form of quarterly checks were as follows:
Supporting Fund $2785
Loaning Fund $2590
Ministers' Fund $4820
Specific information concerning Disbursing Board funds is included in the annual report of the Treasurer of the Indiana Yearly Meeting.
CLYDE HISSONG, Chairman
PEACE AND SERVICE COMMITTEE
MINUTE No.
The Peace and Service Committee has met in six planning sessions including several with the joint Committee on Christian Social Concerns.
The Committee participated in two Yearly Meeting confer- ences. One was a conference on Food, Poverty and Hunger and the other was a conference on Draft Education and Conscription. Four of the five persons appointed by the Yearly Meeting Nomi- nating Committee attended the Conference on the Draft and Con- scription held at Earlham College, October 11-13, 1968.
The Chairman of the Committee also attended two two-day sessions on Draft Consellor Training at the Inter-Church Center in Indianapolis, sponsored by the Indiana Council of Churches; two meetings of the Friends Co-ordinating Committee on Peace; Youth Day at Greenfield Meeting; Quaker Leadership Seminar in
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Washington, D.C .; and the Board on Christian Social Concerns meeting last March.
PAUL McCRACKEN, Chairman
PRINTING COMMITTEE
MINUTE No.
Bids were received from three companies this year. The Printing Committee chose the bid of the Warfel Printing Company to again print the 1969 Minutes. Marie Hamilton has again agreed to edit the Minutes. We will want to give her our full cooperation in order that the printed copies may be available early in the fall. Last year we think it helped to set up a schedule for printers and editor to facilitate the work; copies were, therefore, in the mail be- fore November 15.
Committee reports this year have reached the committee in unusually fine form for the most part carefully worded, typed double space. This is much appreciated because it lessens the work and speeds the finished product - the advance copies of the board reports which are available for distribution at yearly meeting time. Type is held so that these reports are also included in the bound Minutes.
The Treasurer's report is being included in the Advance Board Reports this year for the first time. We are hoping that costs can be reduced to the minimum by this arrangement.
CAROLINE E. GORHAM, Chairman
QUAKER MEN
MINUTE No.
Quaker Men organization has had another good year. Start- ing off with the fall banquet at Whites, the students gave us a very good program.
Our spring banquet was held at the Muncie Friends Meeting with the Executive Committee in charge.
Men from the yearly meeting spent two days getting the camp at Quaker Haven ready for the campers. We are also backing the new retreat house at Quaker Haven camp.
The gospel team visited some thirty churches in four states. This has been a most enjoyable part of our work. Another group who went to Oklahoma had a good time working with the Kickapoo Indians.
Without the help of the other men on the committee we could not have had this good year. THANKS MEN!
JOHN CHEEK, President
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SOCIAL CONCERNS COMMITTEE REPORT
MINUTE No.
The committee wishes first to express appreciation to those people who helped make the workshop at Yearly Meeting last year successful and helpful.
The three committees, social order, morals and peace, met together several times this year and had some joint projects.
The joint committee sent out letters to monthly meetings on issues before the Indiana legislature.
A conference was held in Muncie in November on Poverty and Famine with three leaders who had valuable experiences and ideas to share: Ada Hinds of Gateway Christian Center in Muncie, Fred Reeves, Ball Bros. International Dept., and Milton Coleman, former missionary to India. Fred Reeves referred to Luke 4: 18-19. The scriptures here and elsewhere give clear evidence that Christ was sincerely interested in the physical needs of people, as well as spiritual, and that He intended His followers to be likewise con- cerned and active in feeding, clothing, and otherwise ministering to the poor.
Several attenders of the conference urged the committees en Social Concerns to find a way Friends might help to meet hunger and other needs on a local, national and international level. As a follow-up of this conference some members of the committee com- posed a letter to be sent to monthly meetings asking them to con- sider making a special contribution to a relief organization or some local program, such as the migrant program, Westminster House, etc. Thirteen meetings returned a report on their action. Contribu- tions were given to a variety of programs, ranging from local to international:
CROP, World Vision Relief Work, Haiti, AFSC ( Biafra Re- lief ), Meals for Millions, Relief of Vietnamese Children, White's Institute, Oklahoma Indians, FUM (for Indians' work), Westminster House for Baby Care and Medicine, Henry Co. Migrant Ministry, Meetinghouse for Cuban Families, Delaware County Council of Churches, Roger Huffman School Aid, Kickapoo Indians, Juvenile Aid Assistance, Whitely Community Center, Peace & Social Concerns &Missions, Support of worker at crippled children's camp, Gateway Christian Center work, Foster Parent Plan.
Undoubtedly, other monthly meetings made contributions but did not report. It is helpful for meetings to share what they have done with other meetings; in this way, ideas may grow and spread. The committee felt it possible for us to unite in this area of service on the basis of choice of projects rather than trying to pick out one project agreeable to all. The hope is that more aware- ness has been created among Indiana Friends of the needs and op- portunities to minister to the needs of others: "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these, ye have done it unto Me."
MARGARET BOHNERT
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STEWARDSHIP REPORT 1969
MINUTE No.
This committee again called for a Stewardship emphasis during the month of February. A member of the committee has written a play exhibiting the uses of time, talent and treasure by Christians in all age groups. Many suggestions making it adaptable to a variety of situations were also offered. Some meetings were very pleased with this material and used it effectively. It can be had from the Yearly Meeting office. A packet was mailed to each Monthly Meeting containing literature provided by F.U.M. Film strips, etc., are also available from the Yearly Meeting office. These now include one on Wills.
Of the forty-six local meetings returning the summary cards, 39 meetings noted sermons on Stewardship by the pastor; 11 had Stewardship devotionals at Sunday School; 25 used appropriate lit- erature; 8 used pantomines, plays or programs; 5 had the every member canvas; 22 used the envelope system; 27 have church budgets and 7 have used film strips or films.
Indiana Yearly Meeting has again exceeded its pledged fi- nancial support ( see financial report).
Restructure of our organization should increase efficiency in operation of our accepted obligations. Each Commission will merit the support that all of us are able to give.
We are members of an affluent and technologically advanced society. We are citizens of a nation with powers to destroy much and hopefully to advance in some measure the well being of many. As Christians committed to Jesus as the Christ in a time of world- wide confusion and extensive revolution, may we reexamine our concepts of Stewardship. May His Kingdom come into being.
ADAM FLATTER, Chairman
ANNUAL REPORT OF YOUNG FRIENDS ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE
MINUTE No.
One of the prayers of some in Indiana Yearly Meeting was answered in the coming of Howard Macy to the Yearly Meeting to serve as coordinator and director in both the Young Friends Com- mittee and the Christian Education program, as now handled by these two committees.
Howard has brought the enthusiasm of youth to us, along with a real desire to serve Christ in expanding ways. He will soon be leaving us to further his education, but he has already given to us the knowledge that the position he fills so capably can be a productive one for the Yearly Meeting. We greatly appreciate his contributions.
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Still maintaining the camping and Mid-Year Conference - Yearly Meeting divisions, the Young Friends Committee met regu- larly in both divisional and plenary sessions. An adequate program has been provided with more of the real planning being done by the youth themselves. Another good Mid-Year Conference was held at White's Institute, with Harold Smisor taking a last minute role as leader and doing a great job, with some able assistance from other willing workers who were present. Our most sincere thanks to White's for their wonderful care for our conferees.
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