Title: 'One Church for All Peoples' theme of BCE board meeting
Date: July 10, 2000
Disciples News Service
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Contact: news@cm.disciples.org
00b-34
LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- The theme of "One Church for All 'Peoples'" was brought to life June 16-19 as Board of Church Extension board of directors and staff visited several Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) congregations in the Los Angeles area.
During the governing board meeting, staff and directors experienced ways in which many cultures and racial ethnic groups interact and participate in the Los Angeles area as members of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Staff and directors also saw examples of how BCE's services have benefitted Disciples congregations in the area.
More than 140 people attended the opening banquet at Wilshire Boulevard Christian Church, here. Speakers included the Rev. Donald Shelton, regional minister, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the Pacific Southwest; Royal Morales, a retired sociologist and leader of the Filipino Christian Church in Los Angeles; and the Rev Jaikwan Ahn, who handles new church development for Asian American Ministries, Pacific Southwest region. Morales and Ahn spoke about cultural changes that have occurred in the Los Angeles area over the past 50 years.
The fruits of BCE's ministry with Disciples congregations in the Pacific Southwest region were experienced firsthand June 18 as groups of directors and staff journeyed to six area Disciples churches. Staff and directors worshiped at Abundant Life, Church of the Valley, Church of the Valley - Korean Ministry, Sun Valley Iglesia Cristiana, Filipino Christian Church and First Christian Church, North Hollywood.
"The genuine hospitality and spirit-filled worship experiences were uplifting to BCE staff and directors," said the Rev. James L. Powell, president of Board of Church Extension.
Staff and directors also toured All Peoples Christian Center and All Peoples Christian Church. The groups witnessed first-hand this important ministry in downtown Los Angeles as All Peoples partners with Homeland Ministries. Other church visits included West Adams, McCarty Memorial and Hollywood-Beverly Christian churches.
During the meeting, Board of Church Extension directors received a report showing approval of more than $7.3 million in loan requests for the quarter to underwrite 29 capital improvement projects. As of May 31, reports showed loan balances of $103.2 million while the board's assets stood at $114.6 million. Investments placed with BCE, a primary source of loan funds, totaled $90.2 million.
Church Extension directors also reviewed the ministry plans to implement goals established for BCE at the March board meeting.
Directors also received reports showing 201 church visits by BCE staff members during February, March and April. During the same three-month period, staff directed 11 fund-raising campaigns that achieved pledges of nearly $4 million.
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