Witness Commission Report

Fall 2005

According to the Church Board Functions, the Witness Commission responsibilities include “directing the congregation’s witness to the world through evangelism, church extension, ecumenical relations, missions, social actions, ministry to the needy, and daily vocations.”

Witness Commission members are:  Harry Wray (chairman), Jim Wann (vice chair), Mike Dzierla (secretary), Glenda Wann, and John and Joyce Fruth.  In late 2004 and to date in 2005, the commission has:

·        Delegated leadership of the Master Teacher Tutoring Program to the capable hands of Judy Denniston.  Helped solicit funds and supplies.

·        Organized sending “care” packages to our college students during their final exams in the winter of 2004 and the spring of 2005.

·        Organized the Angel Tree program to provide Christmas gifts to children of incarcerated men.

·        Purchased and distributed magnetic calendars to our members.

·        Selected Christine Phelps as SERRV representative and delegated display of merchandise during the Christmas season.

·        Persuaded HPI leaders John and Joyce Fruth to continue organizing the Hunger Walk.

·        Selected transportation contacts Dean and Myrna Rule, who help to bring several of our members to church each week.

·        Coordinated 2005 pictorial directory layout and distribution.  Decorated the Church Family photo bulleting board.

·        Gathered biographical information and wrote monthly “Spotlight” profiles.

·        Began promoting our church in the weekly Kokomo Tribune Church Directory ad page.

·        Coordinated display of “Jesus Saves” lawn signs.

·        Represented the CoB and secured music leadership from our church for the annual Peace Scholarship Ice Cream Social, held this year at the Parkview Mennonite Church.

·        Made donations to:  Peace Scholarship, Wycliffe Bible Translators, and HPI.

·        Organized Brethren Service Cup donations for:  Church World Services, Peace Scholarship, One Great Hour of Sharing, C.A.M., Rescue Mission, Wycliffe Bible Translators, Mission Work, Family Services Association, Brethren Disaster Relief (Katrina), HPI, Bridges After School Program, and Nesting Doves.

·        Joyce Fruth coordinated the October 30 worship service with our Youth, & with message by Travis Taflinger, leader of the Bridges after school program at Central Middle School.

·        Prepared a proposed budget for 2006.

2006 Goals include:

·        Scheduling a Renewal Service.

·        Working with the Youth to install and decorate a Peace Pole.

·        Organizing a presentation to our Youth (and young people of the Kokomo area) on Conscientious Objection to war.

·        Supporting purchase and installation of a new church sign (with the Stewards Commission).

·        Developing a Welcome brochure or packet for visitors and new members.

·        Coordinating a disaster relief mission and/or assistance with a Habitat for Humanity project.