Witness Commission Report

Fall 2006

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:  Jim Wann (chairman), Harry Wray (vice chair), Glenda Wann (secretary), Mike Dzierla, and John and Joyce Fruth.  In late 2005 and to date in 2006, the commission has:

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

·        Continued to support Harry and Joan Wray as they witness to current and former inmates.

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

·        Organized sending “care” packages to our college students during their final exams in the winter of 2005 and the spring of 2006.

·        Gathered biographical information and continued writing “Spotlight” profiles of our church families.

·        Organized the February Renewal Services.

·        All commission members participated in “Vision 2006 and Beyond” workshops.  Began developing service ministries to support our church’s new Purpose statement.

·        Organized dinner, music, etc. for Peace Scholarship service.

·        Developed layouts for “purpose driven” church brochures for visitors and others uses.

·        Scheduled Boone and Julie Aldridge of Wycliffe Bible Translators for pulpit fill.

·        Distributed free bottled water at the Skate Park.

·        Continued promoting our church in the weekly Kokomo Tribune Church Directory ad page.  Used free feature ads twice in 2006.

·        With the Pathfinder’s SS Class, organized two “Parents’ Night Out” free babysitting events and one free Car Wash.

·        Recognized 2005-06 tutors.  Again delegated leadership of the Master Teacher Tutoring Program to the capable hands of Judy Denniston.

·        Prepared a proposed Commission budget for 2007.

·        Persuaded HPI leaders John Fruth and Steve Phelps to organize the Hunger Walk.

·        Represented the KCoB at the annual Peace Scholarship Ice Cream Social.

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

·        Organized Brethren Service Cup donations for:  Howard Community Chaplaincy, C.A.M., Peace Scholarship, One Great Hour of Sharing, Wycliffe Bible Translators, Rescue Mission, Compañeros, Prison Ministry, Brethren General Board World Missions, HPI, and Bridges After School Program.

2007 Goals include many of the items listed above and:

·        Scheduling a weekend “Pastor’s Anniversary Celebration/Renewal Service” for February or March.

·        Continue to foster service ministries to proclaim Jesus Christ both near and far.  We can do this by showing God’s love in practical ways (with emphasis on projects that serve the needs of families with young children).  Possibilities include:

o       Free gift wrapping at one of the malls.

o       Free pictures with Santa.

o       Free bottled water at the Gus Macker basketball tournament.

o       Free “Parents’ Night Out” babysitting.

o       Free computer training for beginners.

o       Fostering 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th Grade SS Class’ support of a church in a poor area of Colombia, South America.

o       Others – we welcome your suggestions.