Foundation Board Inspired by Partnership with Week of Compassion

The Christian Church Foundation Board of Directors met in Indianapolis, IN, April 23-25 for their spring meeting.

The Board celebrated the Foundation’s $13 million of distributions to ministry in 2022, while also giving thanks to the donors who made these distributions possible with gifts through the Foundation. Additionally, the Board reviewed 2022 results and first quarter 2023 market performance, and received reports from independent investment consultant, Prime Buchholz and the Foundation’s audit firm, Forvis, LLP. As part of their role in overseeing the investment program, the Board also discussed and approved the 2024 defined-Income rates for the Joint Investment Trust. Income rates for 2024 will remain the same as 2023; Common 3.75%, Beasley 4.00%, Campbell 4.25%, Bostick 4.00%, Brown 2.00%.

The highlight of the meeting was a Monday evening presentation by Rev. Vy Nguyen, Executive Director of Week of Compassion. Rev. Nguyen shared stories of his travels with Week of Compassion and the multitude of ministries and missions Week of Compassion works with around the globe. Rev. Nguyen focused his discussion on some of the most vulnerable communities around the world, including women and children and people who have been displaced or otherwise affected by long-term disasters. He shared that the partnership between Week of Compassion and the Christian Church Foundation has a strong, positive impact on these vulnerable communities as a large portion of the Week of Compassion undesignated funds come from gifts given through the Christian Church Foundation. The Board was humbled and inspired by the difference Week of Compassion makes around the world through their partnership with the Christian Church Foundation.

After Rev. Nguyen’s presentation, the Board and staff honored Sue Hansen, Vice President, Gift Administration. Sue will retire August 31, 2023, after 19 years of faithful and dedicated service with the Christian Church Foundation. Christy Stratton, who joined the Foundation staff in 2002 and has been a part of Sue’s team for 19 years, will assume more responsibility in her new position of Manager, Gift Administration. Bobbi Wesner, a member of Sue’s team since 2006, will also be promoted to a new role of Supervisor, Gift Administration and Accounts Payable.

The Board of Directors elected Rev. Kara Foster and Ms. Patice Holland as the newest members of the Board with terms beginning January 1, 2024. Rev. Foster is the Senior Minister of First Christian Church, Madisonville, Kentucky. Ms. Holland is a partner at the law firm Woods Rogers and is a member of Loudon Avenue Christian Church in Roanoke, Virginia. Finally, at President Kidwell’s recommendation, the Board initiated a process that will ultimately lead to the calling of the Foundation’s President-elect.

The Board’s next meeting will be November 10-12, 2023, in Phoenix, Arizona.