The McCullough and Wheeler Scholarship Funds

From the discussion related to the church's two scholarship funds at last night's business meeting, it seems a few clarifications are in order.

These scholarships are endowed, which means that the individuals who contributed the original funds to set up the accounts did so for a specific intention, and with specific instructions as to how they are to be used. The two issues that seemed to center around their use involve whether or not additional contributions can be accepted, and how the money is to be distributed.

The original purpose of the contributors, and the church's acceptance of the funds, centers on financial assistance for students who are pursuing careers in ministry-related vocations. Specifically, that means taking a course of study to prepare for serving as a pastor, church ministerial staff member, missionary, church planter, or other vocation in which the salary is paid by a church or church-related organization, and in which the individual expresses a sense of calling.

Students who feel called to pursue a ministry vocation must attend a private, Christian-related college to get their necessary education in preparation for ministry. State universities do not offer ministry-related courses of study, or the courses in Biblical foundations that churches and church-related agencies require in order to be employed. Therefore, every dollar needed to pay for this education must come from a private source.

Students who attend the public universities funded by the state receive a taxpayer funded subsidy for their education. It is an equal amount of money for each student in the state's system. Comparatively, students in private, Christian universities must find a way to pay for college costs that generally run from 50 to 70% higher than those in state supported schools. Since churches, and other Christians, are the only source of these funds, church-related scholarship money such as we have available in the Wheeler and McCullough scholarship funds help to "equalize" the cost for students pursuing ministry related careers.

If the purpose of these scholarship funds is clear, and remains true to the original wishes of those who gave the money in the first place, the potential for individuals having their feelings hurt because they were denied a scholarship is lessened. Of course, there is nothing that pleases the devil more than for church members to fight about money. Not all of our youth pursue ministry-related careers. Those who are in other fields, say, business for example, have access to scholarship money from a wide variety of sources in the business world. Students pursuing an education in veterenary medicine have access to funds from sources in that field. It is good for the church to provide money for students preparing for a ministry vocation, and to do so is not unfair to the youth from that church who are not pursuing that particular career field.

The second issue relates to contributions from other individuals made into the disbursement accounts of the funds. The problems that arise from that are many. First of all, the contributor must understand the restrictions that apply to the fund. Even though they give money, they must understand that it will have to be disbursed according to the wishes of the original contributor, and not according to their wishes. Second, the point was made, and well taken, that the existing scholarship funds have always provided adequate income for the qualified recipients and that additional contributions to them would only put money into designated accounts that simply sits there and does nothing, while the church may have other financial needs.

Obviously, there are times when individuals make exceptions to policies regarding the distribution of these kinds of funds, especially after the original contributors are gone, which may sidestep the original intent. Then, it becomes diffucult to put things back as they were because everyone feels entitled to the same exception, and the result is hurt feelings. Our stewardship team is simply trying to correct some past errors with regard to these scholarships, and restore the original guidelines.

Random Happenings

Boomerang Express
That's the theme for Vacation Bible School this year. The music was definitely a hit and I must say, I really like to use literature produced by Lifeway, because the mission studies relate to the work that our church financially supports. The mission videos are excellent, the Bible studies were great! Lifeway, I think this one it a hit!

We had a great crowd today, the result of word of mouth, pre-enrolment, the two week notice on the church sign, and 1,300 post cards mailed out a week ago. Full color post cards, I might add. I don't know how many workers we had, but I did notice that when the Kindergarden/First Grade group was in the craft room, everyone's hands were full. I don't know if we got a final tally, but I think we had 140 kids, including the class for preschool children of workers, for which we had to find a cool spot.

We are looking forward to what tomorrow will bring.

Home Fellowship Groups

Our home groups are doing different stuff this summer. Some are meeting monthly, some here and there, but we are hoping for a good fall. Currently, we have six groups meeting, but we would like to expand that to seven or eight by the fall. On the drawing board is a group for the parents of adopted children, something that several families in the church have in common, maybe you? If you are interested, you can let us know in the church office.

Business Meeting Wednesday, July 22

We need a quorum. Several things are coming up that need attention, including an interim agenda team, which will be led by our interim pastor, Dr. Bob Overton. This team will help address some things around the church, and do some "tidying up" with regard to making preparations for the arrival of a new pastor when that decision is made.

Make plans to be at the business meeting. The dinner menu includes sliced beef brisket or sausage, or a loaded baked potato.

Summer Activities Move Along

Fifteen youth returned from Pineywoods Baptist Encampment about three weeks ago after a great experience at youth camp. Included among those who attended were prospective new youth group members. The photos are on the main hallway bulletin board.

A total of 16 GOBC members participated in World Changers 2009 in St. Francois County, Missouri. GOBC participants helped roof 10 houses, put siding on 5, do major paint and repair work on 5, construct a handrail and porch step for a mobile home, and build a wheelchair ramp for another. The participants worked in Bonne Terre, Desloge, Park Hills, Potosi, Bismarck, Irondale, Leadwood and Farmington. A total of 296 participants from 15 churches in 10 states participated, including Alabama, Arkansas, Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, North Carolina, Kentucky, Oklahoma and Texas. Including GOBC, the Texas churches were First Baptist Church of Marshall, and First Korean Baptist Church of Lewisville. Four professions of faith, including one from the GOBC group, were made during the week, and the gospel message was presented 188 times. More than $2,000 was raised for the missions offering, which will go to student ministry in Canada.

Pre-registration has begun for VBS and all indications are that this might be one of our largest in recent years. Following the theme of the Boomerang Express, workers are getting ready for the arrival of the kids.

The Summer Leadership Seminar will continue on Sunday, August 9 at 5:00 in the Library. Don't let the term "leadership" keep you away, we are discussing issues that all church members should be informed about. If you are in a home group, a Bible study class, or you volunteer in any way, this is for you.