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. Minutes of the Committee for Unity
Met in Geneseo, IL,
November 20, 1999
The Association for the Unity of Restoration Saints convened in Geneseo, IL on November 20, 1999. Committee members present were chairman, Joseph F. Smith, Dwight Deitrick, William Whenham, Jack Evans, and Wayne Bartrow. Absent were Peter Gould, Leroy L. Ormsbee and Gary Wheeler. George Rawlins, a committee member since its formation and its treasurer, passed away on October 11, 1999. His contribution to the unity movement will be greatly missed.
The first order of business was the appointment of Wayne Bartrow as acting secretary. Following this, a round of prayer was offered by each man upon his knees in supplication to God.
The chairman read a letter in response to our request to hold unity services in the Kirtland Temple. It was signed by A. Bruce Lindren for the First Presidency of the RLDS church. Approval has been granted for services on Saturday, April 29, 2000, from 6-9 PM and on Sunday, April 30 from 9am to 12 noon. A tentative schedule was set for Saturday's services with Joseph Smith greeting the assemblage, followed by Jack Evans giving a historical explanation of the significance of what the saints accomplished at Kirtland. This will be followed by a service of worship and praise in song led by William Whenham. A prayer service lead by Wayne Bartrow will conclude the evening's offering. Sunday morning's activities will begin with worship and praise, W. Whenham presiding. Dwight Deitrick will be in charge of a prayer service afterward and Joseph Smith will bring closing remarks to the gathered saints.
Next, the chairman introduced the prototype of an official newsletter. It was reviewed an approved for publication. Bro. Evans will investigate the cost of reproduction and coordinate the effort to produce the periodical.
On an informational note, the chairman read to the committee a personal letter he had sent to Gary wheeler regarding his promotion of holding a General Assembly. Bro. Smith indicated that he had received no response, but that we should be aware of concerns in this regard being expressed by saints who may mistakenly believe the committee endorses this method of furthering the cause of unity. Consensus is that this promotion is hindering our effort, not helping.
The unity agenda for year 2000 was the topic under consideration next. The first item is a meeting by the committee with the priesthood of the Church of Christ, Restored in Geneseo on January 15th. In all likelihood, this will take place in the afternoon of Saturday's session. Bro. Bartrow indicated that the men coming would be anticipating a proposal from the committee as to what the next step toward unification should be. On February 20, an all day combind unity worship service was planned at the Oak Grove Civic Center in Missouri. It will begin at 9 am until noon, when a shared pot lunch will be served. Afterward a song and preaching service will be held until approximately 3 pm.
Reunion dates are as follows:
Restoration Saints Family Reunion - at Geneseo from June 17 - 24th, 2000
Restoration Reunion - at Cheboygan, MI from July 22 - 29th, 2000
Youth camp will run from July 8 - 15, 2000 at the Geneseo church campground. The NY retreat will be the weekend of September 2 - 3, 2000 near Albany.
A "Fall Family Conference" will be held on October 7th weekend at Geneseo, IL.
Comments from Alyce Rawlins in a personal note were read to the committee. Discussion concerning the hoped for results from the Kirtland services in April continued. A prayer was called for from Bro. Bartrow to conclude the morning's deliberations and we temporarily adjourned.
The afternoon session was begun with prayer by Jack Evans and discussion centered upon what plan should be followed in our meeting with the conference of C.C.R in January. Bro. Whenham suggested that holding "Restoration Revivals" in different congregations of the saints would be beneficial. It was also noted that interaction between saints is essential to their unification. Finally, it was decided that an attempt to enlist their aid in this effort to unify was the proper approach. A proposal was written by Jack Evans and William Whenham, with the approval of the rest of the committee. It reads as follows:
A PROPOSAL TO THE ELDERS OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST, RESTORED
In order to accomplish the mission of gathering the saints together, the committee feels we must direct our efforts to the local level. (The membership at large)
Although some have organized beyond the branch level, we do not ask that they give up the fellowship which they have obtained, but to be willing to word outside of their organization, through the Unity Committee, to invite all the saints in their respective areas to unite for common fellowship and seek the direction of the Lord, for the accomplishment of His work entrusted to all.
The Unity Movement has adopted the attached working harmony and would ask that you accept this working harmony.
In working through the Unity Committee, we ask that you go as Elders or Aaronic priesthood in agreement with Article #6.
Suggested activities include:
Select a geographic area.
Determine the group, branch, and local denominations of the Restoration.
Make contact wit the leaders of each of these.
Visit the congregation, meet the people.
Give ministry in the congregation if, or as possible.
Promote the idea of fellowship with other believers.
Invite the leaders to come together to plan area fellowship gatherings.
When the meetings are held, use ministers from different groups.
Plan revival meetings every two months in given areas.
Come for all day meetings.
Have local priesthood work to get people to area revivals.
Agree to set aside differences in area fellowship.
We are not trying to convert from one group to another.
Center the meetings on Jesus, on Zion, on the purpose of the Restoration.
Seek to bring united fellowship and respect among the divided parts of the church brought forth on April 6, 1830.
This proposal was designed to solicit a response from the conference which will require greater commitment to the unification movement toward the establishment of Zion. In addition, Bro. Whenham suggested that Joseph contact the restoration pastors personally and attempt to start a dialogue. Bro. Evans thought this might be more successful in the Central Missouri region, than it might be in Independence, and offered his assistance.
The afternoon session was adjourned temporarily for supper and we concluded with prayer by Joseph.
After the evening meal, we reconvened and a prayer was offered by William Whenham. We once again considered the formal proposal to be made at the C.C.R. conference. It will be presented in conjunction with the "Working Harmony for the Unity Movement" for their consideration. It is hoped that it will help take us to the next level in this effort to unify the saints of God. The treasurer's report was brought by Bro. Bartrow with his apology because it was hand written on the bank statement. The balance in the Unity account as of 11-20-99 is $3763.32 .
It was noted that Elders expense is a legitimate cost for which this fund was established and that it should be utilized whenever it is needed for travel by members of this committee. Receipts are requested by the treasurer for reimbursement of funds. General discussion of a variety of topics ensued. No further business was introduced and after a prayer by Bro. Deitrick, the meeting was adjourned.
Wayne Bartrow, Acting Secretary - Committee for Unity.