On May 8, 2024, Executive Committee members met to discuss membership statistics, financial reports and scholarships, and reports from the field from our conference presidents.
Debbie Michel
May 9, 2024On May 8, 2024, Lake Union executive committee members voted to accept guidelines for the one-million-dollar donation to attract new teachers and pastors to the profession in the Lake Union.
The guidelines were crafted by a committee made up of Andrews University, Lake Union and conference leaders. Lake Union Treasurer Glynn Scott who serves as the committee’s chair presented the criteria and cautioned that these guidelines are a “living document” which can be tweaked based on reality.
Essentially, for theology and education majors to qualify for this new scholarship they must be a member of the Lake Union, show evidence of financial need, satisfy the university’s entrance requirements, be recommended by their conference and be willing to work for at least four years within the Lake Union territory. The student remains eligible for the four-year scholarship as long as they maintain a 3.0 GPA. Individual scholarship amounts are up to $7,500 each semester and $15,000 annually.
Each of the five conferences will recommend two applicants, typically one for a pastor and one for a teacher. The university will work with the conference superintendents and ministerial directors to achieve the goals for their conferences/districts (diversity, a need for a specific area either in ministry or education).
More details on the scholarship requirements are as follows. The student must:
Enroll as a theology or teacher education major and be accepted into those programs. Scholarship discontinued if the student is not formally accepted in either program. Changing major results in ineligibility for the scholarship.
Demonstrate evidence of financial need (ascertained through Student Finance Office).
Be willing to work in the Lake Union Conference territory for at least four years upon graduation. If employed outside of the Lake Union an amortization process will be initiated with the employing organization.
Commit to working each summer (for example summer camp, Barnabas internship). Certain forms of employment may result in additional institutional scholarships. Students should consult department chairs on their specific employment.
Submit to an interview process and meet the criteria (especially if there is more than one applicant).
Maintain a GPA of 3.0. Student performance reviewed each semester by the respective academic department.
Lake Union President Ken Denslow remarked that it's his hope there are so many candidates coming forward to pursue teaching and pastoral careers that it becomes necessary to launch a fundraising initiative. "That's money I'd be happy to raise," he said.
Individuals or organizations wishing to sponsor students are encouraged to reach out to the treasury team by emailing lurf@lakeunion.org or calling 269-473-8200. Students wishing more information should contact Andrews University enrollment.
Tithe $20.7 million, down (8.67%) compared to March YTD 2023. This decrease is primarily due to extraordinary tithe received by Illinois Conference during the first quarter of 2023 in the amount of $2.6 million.
Total income $2.8 million, ahead of budget $121,000 due to actual tithe ahead of our weighted budget at 95%, also investment income is ahead of budget.
Total expenses $2.9 million, under budget by $383,000 due to program expenses, open personnel position (FTE), and travel all lower than budget.
The operating YTD loss for March 2024 was $94,000. We have a full year break-even budget.
Treasurer Glynn Scott remarked, “We are thankful for God’s blessings upon the members of the Lake Union which in turn result in blessings that are applied to mission and ministry that happens across our Union and beyond.”
Lake Union President Ken Denslow pointed out the dips in K-12 enrollment over the last 10 years. There’s a perception that non-Adventist schools can provide a better education but that’s not the case. Research shows Adventist students do better academically on standardized tests.
Our partnership continues with the Peruvian South Union with plans for a mission project there.
Joined large group from Michigan and Indiana churches to dedicate new college in El Salvador.
Andrews University Assistant Vice President for Facilities, Steve Nash reported on the upgrades to the aging facilities. Maranatha International begins renovations to the westside of Lamson Hall May 12 until June 2. Volunteers can sign up at https://maranatha.org/volunteer-opportunities/
Funds are welcomed to help fund these needed upgrades.
Indiana President Vic Van Schaik said God has been blessing, as they have 70 evangelism events scheduled for this year. Fundraising for evangelism went well last year. One donor came in after last camp meeting and gave $100,000.
Conference constituency session is Sept. 29, 2024.
Indiana was in the path of totality on April 18. “It was incredible and shows the magnificence of our creator God who is in control of world events. And, if He can control the sun and the moon and stars, then if He can control our lives and the work of the church.”
Wisconsin President Titus Naftanaila reported last year they had 237 baptisms, which is remarkable for a small conference. Amazed at the high level of engagement among members wanting to contribute and participate in helping with Camp Wakonda projects.
Over 40 lay leaders signed up for conducting evangelistic events.
Working toward opening a Center of Influence in Milwaukee next year.
Michigan President Jim Micheff shared information about two major outreach efforts which happened over the last couple of months. The AMEN Dental clinic was a partnership between Michigan, Lake Region and Lake Union conferences. An estimated $127,000 free medical care was provided. Over a hundred people filled out cards for follow up communication and of that number 20 indicated an interest in Bible study and 17 wanted to join the Adventist church.
A mission trip in Lansing resulted in 44,000 copies of The Great Controversy and signed up 677 for Bible studies. “We cast our net wide and have a follow up program we’re working on.”
Illinois Conference Executive Secretary Michael Campos stated they were excited to welcome a new assistant to the president for communication and also expansion in the youth department.
Recently, they had the opportunity to host training for public campus students around the Lake Union.
Lake Region President Garth Gabriel said they have been blessed. Three new companies were started. They’re putting a lot of money into shoring up the aging infrastructure of their schools and churches. “Part of evangelism is having buildings look respectable so people can say, ‘I’m proud to teach here or have my child here. By the grace of God, we expect to make it.”
Detroit dental clinic was a resounding success. Of the 230 people treated, 82 percent classified as Hispanic; 78% have no dentist.
Save the date for the next clinic scheduled for Sept. 22, 2024, at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.
Official membership in the Lake Union as of March 30, 2024, is 89,655. Baptisms are tracking upward and so far, there have been 330 this year.
The North American Division has set aside funds for every church to conduct evangelism in a campaign billed as “Pentecost 2025.” Every ministerial director in the Lake Union has agreed to support this mission initiative.
Lake Region: Rohn Barnwell, Morgan Park and Gary All Nation churches; Rudy Caldera, Bethel Hispanic (Michiana) church; Paul Retemiah, Idlewild church.
Debbie Michel is Lake Union Herald editor.
