Brotherhood/Sisterhood Brochure

The

Brotherhood/Sisterhood

of the Western North Carolina Conference

Affirming Clergy Families and Honoring Our Connection

About Us Organized in 1893 by interested laity and clergy members, the WNCC BH/SH affirms the families of our clergy and honors the connection we share as brothers and sisters in Christ.

As soon as possible after the death of a BH/SH clergy member, we express our compassion to the family and make arrangements for delivering to them our defined financial benefit. BH/SH members are notified so everyone can recall with thanksgiving the life and ministry of our deceased colleague and offer personal and prayerful support for the family.

How We Are Funded As an Affiliate Ministry of the WNCC, the BH/SH is solely responsible for its financial obligations and expenses. Notified of each death, clergy members are assessed a set amount.* Combined with gracious gifts from the laity, this helps determine the amount of the defined death benefit, presently $10,000. (*Presently $15.00)

How We Are Organized Members of the Board of Directors, who oversee the business matters of the BH/SH, are elected at our Annual Meetings. The operating budget, the rates for clergy members’ assessments, and the defined death benefit are also approved at these meetings. BH/SH clergy members and interested laity members of the WNCC are invited to attend our Annual Meetings.

Clergy Membership Membership in the BH/SH is open to all clergy in good standing with the WNCC. To become a beneficiary member, clergy must complete an application form and pay a $10.00 registration fee that is applied to their first assessment. Applicants who are thirty-five or older compensate the BH/SH for assessments issued since their thirty-fifth birthday. A non-interest-bearing promissory note may be signed for this purpose. The promissory note can be paid off partially or completely at any time. Note balances that remain are deducted from the defined benefit.

Laity Support Is Greatly Appreciated The BH/SH is profoundly grateful for the interest, encouragement and support received from local congregations, church groups, and individuals, whose gifts are tax-deductible. Your gifts help determine what we are able to do for our clergy families at this significant time.

How To Contact Us Brotherhood / Sisterhood P.O. Box 1096 Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 825-1333 bhshwncc@bellsouth.net

President of the Board of Directors James T “Chip” Webb, Jr. Laity Director Jatana Royster Executive Director Roland T Barnhardt Administrative Assistant Robbie Carr

Testimonials “Receiving the check at that time as for us receiving a gift of love, concern,

and support from friends and colleagues in ministry, and from the many laity who have become supporters of The Brotherhood/Sisterhood.”

-James L. Pyatt “Thank you so much for your personal attention to us during the time of my father’s death and funeral. It meant a lot that you personally brought The Brotherhood/Sisterhood money for our mom. This was a great help in time of need.”

-The family of Ivan Stephens I cannot tell you how touched we were that you drove here from Belmont to deliver in person that wonderful check to me. I’m still flabbergasted at the huge amount - I truly, truly appreciate it, much more than I can express. The support of Conference cohorts has been tremendous, and I specially thank you for your help.

-Doris McNeely There is no way to let you know what the gift from the Brotherhood/Sisterhood meant to me. It’s not just the money - the timeliness of the gift and the love and consideration that came with it brought comfort from Fletcher’s peers that I shall never forget. I certainly want to be a part of this effort in the future so that I may impart this feeling to others. Thank you so much for your part in this.

-Joan W. Andrews