wfn.org | Loan approvals to help build Georgia church, finance

[DISCNEWS.parti@ecunet.org]

Tennessee expansion project
September 13, 1996
Disciples News Service
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Contact: Clifford L. Willis
Cliff_Willis.parti@ecunet.org
     
96b-79      
                                                 
     INDIANAPOLIS (DNS) -- Loan approvals by directors of
Board of Church Extension (BCE) of Disciples of Christ will
help make possible a new church building in Georgia and a
cemetery expansion project in Tennessee. 

     Capital loans to Johns Creek Christian Church,
Technology Park, Ga., and Greenwood Cemetery Company,
Nashville, affiliated with the denomination's National
Christian Missionary Convention, are among the $6.5 million
approved for churches and organizations in 21 states. Loans
will help finance 37 projects valued at $7.5 million,
ranging from property purchases to building renovations.

     The Rev. James L. Powell, president of the
international church planning and financing unit, told
directors that 105 loan actions for the first three quarters
of 1996 reached $21.2 million. "This is the highest loan
approval after three quarters of a year that we have
experienced in our history," Powell said.  He also noted
that outstanding loan balances reached $78.5 million, while
investments placed with BCE totaled nearly $78 million.

     The board approved six interest-free loan requests
totaling $500,000 for projects in Arkansas, Florida,
Georgia, Missouri and New Jersey. This brings to eight the
number of congregations with outstanding interest-free loan
commitments totaling $543,250. 

     Directors also approved reports showing 159 field
visits by staff and special consultants during May, June and
July.  Included were 30 building and combined campaigns
which produced $6.6 million in pledges to help fund capital
expansion projects, and, in some instances, to underwrite
operational budgets.

     In other board action, directors:
     -formed two task forces to review the work and
procedures of the directors and staff, and board meetings.  
     -announced an effort by BCE and Homeland Ministries to
develop a cooperative strategy and resources for
congregational strategic planning.
     
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