wfn.org | BCE board reports $6.1 million in loan requests

["Office of Communications"<wshuffit@oc.disciples.org>]

Date: March 23, 2000
Disciples News Service
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Contact: Clifford L. Willis
E-mail: CWillis@oc.disciples.org
on the Web: http://www.disciples.org

00b-11

	INDIANAPOLIS (DNS) -- The governing body of the Board of Church 
Extension, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), received reports 
showing more than $6.1 million in loan requests during its meeting March 
14-15.

	Loan requests to help finance building expansion, accessibility and 
improvements for Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) congregations and 
related institutions came from 15 states plus Puerto Rico.  The requests, 
ranging in size from $6,000 to more than $1.1 million, will finance 23 
projects valued at $8.6 million for new construction, remodeling and debt 
refinancing.

	"A careful process occurred during this meeting which led to a 
culmination of discussion that has provided articulation of BCE core 
values, mission, vision and priority goals," said the Rev. James L. 
Powell, BCE president. "We are excited by this new direction."

	In other actions, reports showed loan balances of nearly $103 million 
while the Board's assets stood at $115 million as of Feb. 29.  Investments 
placed with the Board, a primary source of loan funds, stood at nearly $91 
million.

	Reports showed 568 field visits were made by staff and special 
consultants to provide services to 367 congregations during 1999.  
Included were 62 building and combined funds campaigns that produced $12.3 
million in pledges.  The pledges helped to fund capital expansion 
projects, and in some instances to underwrite combined capital and 
operational budgets.

	In other board highlights, directors:

	* affirmed BCE's ministry planning process and vision statement as long 
and short term goals are developed and implemented;

	* received reports showing 118 visits by staff members to Disciples 
congregations and organizations during the past three months;

	* heard a report from James E. Morey, marketing consultant, on 
implementing a comprehensive BCE marketing plan this year;

	* recognized Robert (Bob) Fiers, Indianapolis, Ind., as new BCE 
controller; and	
	* confirmed the schedule for the next board meeting in Los Angeles, June 
16-19.

	-- end-- 
 
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