First Church Board Meeting Minutes
Johnsonville Central Seventh Day Adventist Church First Church Board Meeting Minutes
Date: April 6, 2025
Location: Johnsonville Central SDA Church
Clerk: Mr. Isaac R. Flanzamaton (Proxy)
1. Opening
The meeting commenced with the reading of the agenda by the Clerk, Mr. Isaac R.
Flanzamaton. A motion was made and passed to adopt the agenda for the meeting's
proceedings.
2. Devotion
Pastor Frederick T. Greaves led the devotion, reading from John 3:16 and speaking on the
theme "The Greatest Love." He emphasized that God's love for us is not a passing emotion
but a deep and enduring love.
3. Attendance
A total of 10 persons were present at the meeting:
1. Elder Allanko Wennie
2. Pastor Frederick T. Greaves
3. Mohammed A. Paasewe
4. Yealeh Menlor
5. Vivian M. Paasewe
6. MG. Augustine Dolo
7. Isaac R. Flanzamaton
8. Junior M. Model
9. Lydia Wennie
10. Janet Wennie
4. Reading of Previous Minutes
The previous minutes, recorded during an emergency meeting, were read by Elder Allanko
Wennie. The emergency meeting covered two key issues:
- Financial support of $5,000 LD each was given to Mrs. Flanzamaton and Mother Flomo
following the loss of their loved ones.
- A $10,000 LD contribution and transport support were provided for the groundbreaking
of the Goshen Church foundation, with Elder Mohammed Paasewe serving as the church
representative.
5. Financial Discussion
Concerns were raised regarding the allocation of church funds towards graduation,
bereavement and wedding, and it was agreed that such matters would be discussed in
future board meetings.
CHURCH BUSINESS MATTERS
1. Departmental Planning & Communication
- The church currently uses the General Conference calendar.
- Departments are required to submit their action plans and budgets ahead of time.
- No department should surprise the board with unannounced programs.
- All departments are to contribute dues to support church operations.
- The church will assist with departmental programs but will not fund them entirely.
2. Financial Transparency
- Department heads are to collect and submit dues to the treasurer with mutual record-
keeping.
- A vote (7 in favor, none against) passed to allow department heads to handle dues until the
finance department is fully trained.
3. Strategic Planning
- Departments must submit their strategic goals by the end of April.
- An emergency board meeting will be convened to review and vote on the submissions.
- Departmental reports for Q1 and Q2 will be presented on the first Sabbath in July.
CHURCH PROCEDURES
- All women are to cover their heads during worship. Head ties will be made available at the
entrance.
- During divine service, no individual is to be elevated above others. All platform members
must be introduced equally.
- Worship times are to be observed: Breakfast Service at 8:00 AM, Sabbath School at 9:00
AM, Divine Service at 11:00 AM.
- Sermons must not exceed 45 minutes. Worship leaders are to manage time effectively.
- Moral standards for preachers were emphasized based on 1 Corinthians 5:9-13.
SABBATH OBSERVANCE
- Concerns were raised regarding Sabbath violations due to a wedding ceremony. Pastor
Greaves clarified that weddings held on the Sabbath are permitted under certain guidelines.
- The church may contribute to events such as weddings, graduations, or funerals on the
Sabbath, but it shall not be officially represented. Individual members may attend such
events.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Local Currency (LRD):
- Opening Balance (Including Conference Debt): $135,609.50
- January Collection: $30,780.50 (No expenses)
- February Collection: $20,690 | Expenses: $26,145
- Tithe: $17,665
- Offering to Conference: $5,525
- Offering to District: $1,445
- Baptism Transportation: $750
- Sabbath School Supplies: $760
- March Collection: $19,860 | Expenses: $20,600
- Bereavement Support: $10,000
- Goshen Contribution: $10,000
- Elder Paasewe Transport: $600
- Total Collection: $206,940 | Total Expenses: $46,745
- Balance: $160,195
- Payables: $6,393 (Conference), $302.50 (District)
- Net Balance: $153,499.50
USD Component:
- Opening Balance: $54.28
- January Collection: $20.00
- February Expense: $5.00 (Media Department Card)
- Net Balance: $39.28 USD
- $20 USD to be sent to the Conference
Other Financial Decisions
- A savings account will be opened in the church's name. Mrs. Wennie will secure
information from Access Bank. Pastor Greaves will obtain required documents from the
Conference. Monthly deposits were approved.
- A vote passed (7 in favor) to allow usage of up to $5,000 LD without board approval.
- $5,000 LD was approved to support the Pathfinder camp in Marshall.
Committee Formation
A committee was formed to evaluate and allocate funds for:
1. Pastor's Stipend
2. Wedding/Childbirth
3. Graduation
4. Bereavement
Members include the Stewardship, Hospitality, and Family Life departments.
Communion Service
A vote (9 in favor) was passed to hold Communion on the 12th week of each quarter.
Next Church at Business
Scheduled for the 3rd Sabbath of this quarter.
Meeting Adjourned....
