Regional Board Actions, May 2020

From Rev. Erin Cash, Regional Moderator

A few months ago, I thought I would be reporting to you on the last board meeting I would run as Moderator. It has been an incredible four years serving you, and I am grateful for the trust you have instilled in me. Things have changed, and now the Board is meeting more frequently in order to care for the life of the Region.

We gathered via Zoom on Saturday, May 9, to discuss some important work. We will continue to meet as often as we need, either as a full board or in committees, to make sure the Christian Church in Kentucky is strong and vibrant during this global pandemic.

Paycheck Protection Program

Both the Region and the West Area received funding through the Payroll Protection Program. This significantly impacts cash flow for each.

We do not know yet how the COVID-19 pandemic will affect giving to congregations and to Disciples Mission Fund; however, we anticipate a drop in donations. First, we would like you to maintain your giving to your local congregation and encourage your congregation to keep up their Disciples Mission Fund gifts.

If you have done those two things, you can help by making an additional gift to the ministry of the Region. Every gift matters, and we are grateful for any contribution you can provide. Visit the Donate page to make a gift online or to give by mail.

Regional Assembly

The Board voted unanimously to cancel our in-person gathering in October 2020 at First Christian Church in Owensboro. Given the timeframes for planning such an event, it seemed prudent to allow the Assembly Planning Committee time to work on a virtual gathering. Furthermore, the Daviess County Ministerial Association expressed their concern over bringing hundreds of guests into a county already hard hit by COVID-19; we are being good ecumenical partners in this decision.

Making this decision now also makes us good stewards of the time of the Assembly Planning Committee, as well as prevents the Region losing money on deposits for speakers, housing, and food. Be on the lookout for information on how we will gather this fall!

Executive Search and Dean Phelps

The Regional Board voted in a called meeting in April to extend the contract of Dean Phelps and to change his title to Transitional Regional Minister. Dean has agreed to stay with Kentucky through August, 2021, to ensure a smooth transition to our next Regional Minister.

Dean’s title change was made in order to reflect the transitional work that needs to be done across the Region; he does not plan to seek the settled Regional Minister position. The Executive Search Team brought forth the first draft of the Regional Profile for review by the board; we anticipate a final version being ready for approval at the October virtual Assembly.

Regional Minister’s Report

Read Dean’s report to the Regional Board.

Your Regional Board is a hard-working, diverse group of people who are seeking to keep the Christian Church in Kentucky thriving in this difficult season. Please continue to pray for them. It is my joy to lead them and to serve alongside them. God’s Spirit is alive and at work in the Christian Church In Kentucky; we look forward to how that Spirit will lead us.