The Ohio Association of Conservative Congregational Christian Churches met October 27, 2007 at First Congregational Church of Lodi, Ohio, Rev. David Dake, Pastor. A very well presented and well received presentation was given by Rev. Howard Sloan of the Allegheny Fellowship of the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference concerning that fellowship recommendation paper addressing English Bible translation matters. This was followed by a brief report by Dr. Franklin Shannon concerning the present status of the seminary project in Russia, which, in short, Dr. Shannon disclosed is being closed with all course materials and lecture notes in the process of being transcribed into electronic media in order to be available as an external education program for the indefinite future.
A wonderful lunch was served all attending the meeting by the host congregation, which was very much appreciated by those attending the meeting.
In the afternoon business meeting the following items were reviewed:
- treasurer’s report; current balance $2,078.66;
- minutes of the Spring 2007 association meeting were read by the secretary and accepted by those in attendance;
- winter banquet: to be held February 29, 2008 at Troyer’s Restaurant; Rev. Ron Hamilton of the CCCC national office to present that evening regarding church planting; the United Church of Huntington, Rev. Stephen Carmany, Pastor, will host the Lord’s Supper in conjunction with the banquet.
- Ohio Moderator John Hood will survey by e mail the Ohio member ministers to ascertain if an overnight retreat and Saturday morning training should be held in conjunction with the banquet. Alternatively, Rev. Pat Street, pastor of Salem Evangelical Church, Marion OH, has advised that Salem will host a training on Saturday in its facility in Marion if a Saturday morning training at the site of the Friday evening banquet does not materialize.
- Ohio Association Officer nominations: Moderator John Hood will solicit nominations from the member ministers via e mail;
- Spring Ohio Association meeting: May 3, 2008 at Emmanual Reformed Church, Marion OH; Rev. David Lippert, Pastor;
- monthly clusters: monthly meetings are currently happening in Cleveland, Marion, and Marietta;
- proposed member minister attendance requirement at CCCC-affiliated regional meetings: this proposal, according to CCCC Conference Minister Stephen Gammon in an e mail to Ohio Association Secretary Pierson, is being considered by the national board of directors along with other proposals intended to enhance participation by the total national membership;
- 2007 CCCC national conference meeting: a report was provided by Rev. Peter Parry, Pastor, Jones Road Congregational Church, Cleveland OH;
- Alternative Basic Ministerial Education: a report was provided, with written documentation, by Rev. David Dake, who is mentoring Mr. Ted Wahl of the Christ Memorial Church, Robertsville, with Rev. Jeff Lord, Pastor of Christ Memorial, providing on-site support of Mr. Wahl’s studies and practicum. Mr. Wahl is reported to be making steady, solid progress towards completion of a basic ministerial education in both the academic and practical aspects;
- Mrs. Janet Seaver provided an update concerning her medical issues as she encouraged us all to “Stay the Course!” for Jesus! Janet continues to be an encouragement to us all!
- Persons in attendance:
- Rev. Pat Street, Salem Evangelical Church, Marion OH
- Rev. David Lippert, Emmanuel Reformed Church, Marion OH
- Dr. Marshall Pierson, Pilgrim Fellowship, Bellefontaine OH
- Mr. Thomas Maurer, St. John’s Evangelical & Reformed, Kenton OH
- Mr. & Mrs. Robert Seaver, First Congregational Church, Lodi OH
- Rev. & Mrs. Timothy Prince, Wildwood Chapel, East Canton OH
- Ms. Vivian Grimes, Wildwood Chapel, East Canton OH
- Ms. Carrie Wyatt, Wildwood Chapel, East Canton OH
- Rev. & Mrs. David Dake, First Congregational Church, Lodi OH
- Dr. John Hood, Moderator, Howard, Ohio
- Mr. & Mrs. Mike Moscol, First Congregational Church, Lodi OH
- Mr. Rick Kyer, First Congregational Church, Lodi OH
- Rev. Rod Edwards, Parkman Congregational Church, Parkman OH
- Mr. Paul Wells, Parkman Congregational Church, Parkman OH
- Dr. Franklin Shannon, Cooperative International Studies, Ravenna OH
- Rev. Harry Knotts, Grace Fellowship, Jackson Twp OH
- Rev. Peter Parry, Jones Road Congregational Church, Cleveland OH
- Rev. Jeff Lord, Christ Memorial Church, Robertsville OH
- Rev. James Mathewson, Church of the Master, Canton OH
- Rev. Stephen Carmany, United Church of Huntington, Wellington OH
- Rev. Howard Sloan, Allegheny Fellowship, Bedord PA
- Rev. Bob Barber, Huntsburg Congregational Church, Huntsburg OH
- Chaplain Gary Eno, Noble Correctional Institution, New Concord OH
- Mr. Ralph Frase, Christ Memorial Church, Robertsville OH
- Rev. Nick Cacciatore, Vermilion Evangelical & Reformed Church, Vermilion OH
Submitted by Marshall Pierson, Secretary, 10/29/2007