The CBC Executive Board met by zoom on February 26 and after opening prayer, minutes, and the treasurer’s report, the Board welcomed 8 new congregations to CBC including Stone Bridge in Maryland and seven congregations in Tanzania. Credentials were approved for four ministers and three people were approved for individual membership. This brings CBC to a total of 130 congregations and 181 individuals have been credentialed to date.
Updates regarding this summer’s Annual Meeting and Worship Conference were shared and registration will soon open for that as information is finalized. The Board also received updates on a Deacon’s Manual as well as a Minister’s Handbook. A $2,500 grant was approved to offset leadership expenses of the Central Allegheny Region.
Those who participated in the recent trips representing CBC in Puerto Rico and Guatemala shared reports on their experiences and both groups returned with excitement to see what God is doing in each of these places! Brother Grover Duling presented the $1,000 gift to the Miracle Fishing CBC Church in Guatemala for their new building which is sorely needed since their current facility cannot accommodate all the worshippers and some are forced to listen from out in the street. Bros Scott Kinnick and John Swonger joined the Puerto Rican regional conference and reported great excitement among our Puerto Rican brothers and sisters. Ordinations were conferred as well as Covenant ceremonies for congregations.
In addition, Bro Kinnick shared an update on what God is doing in our African CBC congregations and some of the special challenges they face. A mission gift of $1,000 was approved for a regional CBC conference in Africa and all CBC members are encouraged to pray for our brothers and sisters in the Democratic Republic of Congo who are being threatened and impacted by war. They are determined to meet regularly for worship in spite of danger and threats.
The Board also heard updates on recent and upcoming visits to various congregations who are considering CBC. Congregations across the US continue to request CBC presentations and the Board is trying to accommodate each of these in a timely manner. After setting the March meeting date, Bro John Swonger adjourned the meeting with prayer.
