The Oregon Conference Executive Committee met at the conference office in Gladstone on June 12 for its regularly scheduled committee meeting.
Finance Report
Eric Davis reported on conference finances, based on the April financial statement.
· Tithe was down approximately 2% compared to budget. Two percent equals just over $200,000 at this point in the year. The projected/budgeted tithe for 2025 is based on 100% of last year’s tithe returns.
· While the financial statement shows a $667,000 loss year-to-date, Davis shared that this large number is deceiving. A variety of planned-for income will be realized in May and June. As a result, Davis shared that the “true” impact of operations through April is actually a $6,178 gain.
· While days of cash on hand is still critically low, the conference currently maintains a zero balance on the “cash flow” loan open at the NPUC. It is expected that some short-term borrowing will be necessary in the coming months, yet it’s a blessing that it has been unnecessary as of June.
· While the report noted some strengths and some challenges, the unmistakable trajectory is toward stability.
Communication Department Report
Digital Content Strateist Kaleb Eisele presented a department report on behalf of the communication and media team.
· So far this year, the department has continued its ministry of supporting departments such as Big Lake and administration, while publishing a weekly email newsletter and the 2nd season of the Bridges Over Walls Podcast.
· With Camp Meeting upcoming, the media team is busy adapting and building systems to support the new Gladstone Pavilion.
· The communication team is working with Pacific Union College to continue development of a communication summer internship program. This summer will be the 2nd time a PUC student will work with the Oregon Conference on a multi-disciplinary communication and media internship.
· Last fall, the executive committee voted a budget that included $100,000 in income from media projects funded by other Adventist entities or non-profits. So far, the department is on schedule to meet the goal. More importantly, Oregon Conference media has expanded its impact by working with North American Division entities, and other partners such as the Association of Adventist Colleges and Universities.
Land Parcel Sale on Behalf of PAA
It was reported that Portland Adventist Academy and Adventist Health have come to an agreement in which Adventist Health purchases a parcel of land from PAA. The committee voted in favor of this sale. The proceeds of the sale will help PAA attend to pressing needs to repair and upgrade their current school facility.
Associate Superintendent
The committee voted to hire Stephanie Cooper in the role of Associate Superintendent. This role was vacated when Jeni Schmidt decided to return to the classroom at Columbia Academy full-time.
