Report of the
Committee on Communications
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable,
whatever is just, whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable
if there be any excellence,
if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Philippians 4:8
The Committee on Communications met several times this year with the purpose of making sure communications continue via the written and printed word (BFC OneVoice, Fellowship News, booklets) as well as the internet (bfc.org) and email (yahoo groups). We strive to fulfill the mandate outlined by the Apostle Paul in his command to the Church at Philippi especially when it comes to “excellence”. Our work is done to bring glory and honor to God, but, at the same time, to be done first-rate. Although one can always improve, we believe our publications are on the right path. Suggestions on how we can improve are always humbly accepted.
Introduced at the 128th BFC Conference was the new look (bulletin insert) Fellowship News as well as the quarterly publication, BFC OneVoice. Both have been received with acclaim. Preprinted Fellowship News color-head, will be available for pick-up during the conference. A charge will be added if we have to ship these to you. The number of bulletin inserts (8½ x 11 ÷ 2-up x 12 months times the number of bulletins printed) should be updated by you at the Communications Table. The amount of BFC OneVoice sent to a church is determined by the number of members (small, minimum or large) – roughly half a churches membership as reported in the Yearbook. Additional copies will be sent ten extra copies at $50 for the year.
Because of the vast changes to the Faith & Order made with the inauguration of the BFC Exec.Brd., the 2006 F&O is woefully out-of-date. It is the recommendation of this committee, that a sub-committee to review the existing F&O and prepare an updated one for the 130th BFC Conference, be determined by the moderator and announced at the 129th BFC Conference. The present two-man committee, under the auspices of Committee on Communication, that has been working with, maintaining and updating the F&O since the new format was installed, in 1996, recommends that we no longer use the binder-concept with yearly updated inserts. Rather, with the advancement of digital printing, whereby the amount of books printed is not a financial consideration, new and updated F&O would be available every year in hard copy (soft cover) and, as has been the case, on the website.
The Committee is excited with some excellent websites and weekly emails being sent out by some of our churches. The Committee is aware of three in particular (Bethlehem, Emmaus, Los Cruces) whose weekly informational emails are top-of-the-line. The Committee would like to see more of these. Communication from church to congregants is very important. Although our message never changes, the methods in which to communication that message does change. Tip-of-the-hat to those who are using the social networks and the internet for this purpose.
We wish to thank those who volunteer, some of which receive a small stipend, to complete the tasks of Committee on Communications. Carolyn Ritter – Fellowship News; Ralph E. Ritter – BFC OneVoice, Donald E. Kuntzman – Webpage & E-groups; Roy A. Hertzog – E-Groups; Byron Barnshaw – design.
Of course this board continues to print the Yearbook, booklets (Articles of Faith and Biblical Principles for Living in both English and Spanish and a number of helpful reports from past Annual Conferences), as well as other supplies. The location of the warehouse where these supplies are housed will change. However, all orders should be either done online (www.bfc.org – store) or sent to the denominational address: 3000 Fellowship Drive, Whitehall, PA, 18052.
The Board of Communications wishes to remind the BFC Conference that we have an excellent and almost instantaneous way of communicating via the Yahoo-Groups. Denomination-wide prayer requests, announcements and important information from Departments is disseminated via this means. We believe that it is imperative that each pastor and delegate, church secretary and administrative assistant be involved by receiving these emails. Donald E. Kuntzman (don@bfcbom.org) is the one who oversees this vital ministry. He is assisted by Roy A. Hertzog (rahertzog@verizon.net). If you have not been receiving these emails, please email brother Kuntzman.
It is important that communication continue between us, therefore the following emails, addresses, and phone numbers are provided.
Bills and orders should be sent to the following address:
BFC Committee on Communications, 3000 Fellowship Drive, Whitehall, PA
Donald E. Kuntzman, don@bfcbom.org
Fellowship News—church information, news, and questions about editorial policy:
Carolyn Ritter, bfc.fellowship.news@gmail.com
BFC OneVoice – articles for publications and questions about editorial policy, distribution:
Ralph E. Ritter, bfc.onevoice@gmail.com
Webservant
Donald E. Kuntzman, PO Box 3555, Allentown, PA 18106-0555; don@bfcbom.org
The Board presents the following for your prayerful consideration:
Resolved, that the cost of the 2012 Yearbook be $ 9.00 per copy.
Committee on Communications: Daniel P. Allen, Chairman; Allan R. Vivona, Secretary; Donald E. Kuntzman, Business Manager & Webservant; Byron Barnshaw, Ralph E. Ritter, Clyde W. Snyder.