Title: BCE board reports $6.1 million in loan requests
Date: March 23, 2000
Disciples News Service
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Contact: news@cm.disciples.org
00b-11
INDIANAPOLIS (DNS) -- The governing body of the Board of Church Extension, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), received reports showing more than $6.1 million in loan requests during its meeting March 14-15.
Loan requests to help finance building expansion, accessibility and improvements for Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) congregations and related institutions came from 15 states plus Puerto Rico. The requests, ranging in size from $6,000 to more than $1.1 million, will finance 23 projects valued at $8.6 million for new construction, remodeling and debt refinancing.
"A careful process occurred during this meeting which led to a culmination of discussion that has provided articulation of BCE core values, mission, vision and priority goals," said the Rev. James L. Powell, BCE president. "We are excited by this new direction."
In other actions, reports showed loan balances of nearly $103 million while the Board's assets stood at $115 million as of Feb. 29. Investments placed with the Board, a primary source of loan funds, stood at nearly $91 million.
Reports showed 568 field visits were made by staff and special consultants to provide services to 367 congregations during 1999. Included were 62 building and combined funds campaigns that produced $12.3 million in pledges. The pledges helped to fund capital expansion projects, and in some instances to underwrite combined capital and operational budgets.
In other board highlights, directors:
* affirmed BCE's ministry planning process and vision statement as long and short term goals are developed and implemented;
* received reports showing 118 visits by staff members to Disciples congregations and organizations during the past three months;
* heard a report from James E. Morey, marketing consultant, on implementing a comprehensive BCE marketing plan this year;
* recognized Robert (Bob) Fiers, Indianapolis, Ind., as new BCE controller; and
* confirmed the schedule for the next board meeting in Los Angeles, June 16-19.
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